“If you’re unsure which Greek island is best for you – perhaps you’re a group with varying needs – Crete is your best bet. It’s year-round sun makes it an ideal destination no matter the time of year – mountaintops aside, the coolest weather in Crete still comes in at around 12-15ºC, even in the coldest months.” Katie Silcox
The largest of all the Greek islands covering more than 3,000 square miles, you’ll find plenty of picture-perfect beaches but also ancient sites, pretty old towns, wild canyons, Venetian architecture and plenty of child-friendly attractions. This is also one of the best islands for food, with fertile plains and year-round sun providing the ideal conditions for local agri- and horticulture, like the wild greens (horta) grown across mountainsides, oranges and lemons cultivated in the northwest’s lowlands, and olives and olive oil produced from tip to tip. Must-try Cretan speciality dishes include dakos, a rusk salad; kalitsounia, a sweet or savoury pie; kleftiko, a slow-cooked lamb; and, like other Greek islands, fresh seafood. Walk into any local taverna to try them or, for something more high-end, visit Elounda where global restaurants are making their mark, including sushi at Sumosan, Tuscan dishes at Il Borro, and Greek flavours with a modern spin at Makris by Domes – the creativity of patron chef Petros Dimas has been recognised at Makris’ Athenian sister where he was recently awarded a Michelin star. While here, it’s worth a boat ride out towards the nearby Spinalonga island, a Venetian-fortress-turned-leper-colony honoured in Victoria Hislop’s 2005 novel, The Island.
Crete is also a fantastic island to see by foot. Start in Chania, where cobbled streets lead to a 700-year-old Venetian Harbour; browse the local markets before taking the 15-or-so-minute walk out towards the lighthouse. Another walk out to sea awaits in the island’s capital, Heraklion, this time towards the two-floored Koules Fortress, another Venetian masterpiece. Beware the Meltemi winds as you stroll, they can whip up the wind in seconds and you may – like me – find yourself arriving soaked from head to toe from a rogue wave. From here, it’s a 20-minute drive towards the Palace of Knossos, a remarkably well-preserved Minoan palace dating back almost 4,000 years. Once you’re done with sightseeing and it’s time to flop, head south – some of the best beaches in Crete are dotted along this coastline, including Sougia (southwest),Fotia (southeast) and Kommos (central-south).
Where to stay on Crete:
See our Crete hotels guide for more.