Crete

Chania

The western region of Crete is beautiful and unspoilt, and is very popular with hikers, birdwatchers and flower lovers who flock there during spring. Chania Town has a lovely Old Town with Venetian fortifications and is a busy place with plenty to see and do. The region also boasts Samaria Gorge, the White Mountains and Lake Kournas as well as numerous other villages such as Hóra Sfakíon and Kastelli-Kissamos , each with their own historic ruins.

Heraklion

The capital city of Heraklion has been settled by a variety of rulers, each leaving their architectural marks on the city, and the new town is now the centre for great nightlife on the island. There are numerous picturesque villages in the mountains such as Ano Vianos and Epano Arhanes, and the beaches in this region are lovely too. Knossos is just outside the capital and is a great place to go to see what the area used to be like in the times of Greek Mythology.

Lasinthi

The eastern region of the island has a huge number of stunning beaches which make it a popular area for Crete holidays. One of the most famous beaches is Vai Beach because of its pink sand. The island of Spinalonga lies just off the coast here and can be reached from Elounda. The area is fairly mountainous and at the foot of Mount Dikti lies the Lasithi Plateau, famous for its windmills. Ancient settlements abound both from the Minoan and the Doric ages. The capital, Agios Nikolaos is known for its beautiful lagoon and flower shows whilst Malia has the reputation for being the party capital of the island.

Rethymno

The area surrounding Rethymno is mainly agricultural and the town itself is the hub of most of the tourist activity here. The town has a very well-preserved Old Town and is known for its nightlife, particularly live music. Nearby beaches of Rethymno and Episkopi are famed for their beauty. The Monastery of Arcadi is on a plateau near Mount Ida and is an interesting mix of architectural styles including some aspects of fortresses.