Our portfolio of crete accommodation including crete hotels, villas in crete, studios and apartments are dotted throughout the island and offer a choice of styles, locations and budgets for whichever holiday you prefer. Our resident expert, Jane Freeman, knows all the properties first hand and is on hand to offer impartial advice and to share her decade or more of experience of this wonderful island with you. Don't miss your opportunity to spend time in a villa in beautiful Crete.
Crete in more detail
Home to Europe's first known civilisation, the Minoans, evidence of its ancient occupants was unearthed in the early twentieth century revealing remains of a hugely sophisticated society. More recently, the island has been occupied by the Romans and the Venetians, whose architectural heritage remains elegantly evident in Rethymnon and Chania. A period of oppression by the Ottoman Turks from 1669 to 1898 encouraged a strong independence movement which led finally to the integration of Crete as part of Greece in 1913. The island was again occupied from 1941 to 1945 by the German forces during World War II.
Crete is an island rich in scenic beauty too, with soaring mountains, scenic gorges, spectacular coastlines, vibrant spring flowers and aromatic herbs that attract botanists from around the world, and fertile valleys of olive, orange and lemon groves. Its position between North Africa and the Greek mainland also makes it a key staging post for migrating birds in spring and autumn, attracting a wide range of species.
For those wishing to do very little, Crete's superb climate, wonderful beaches, hospitable people and excellent range of tavernas and traditional kafenions never fail to delight. For those wanting a more active holiday there are a host of activities available. Walkers are spoilt for choice with several excellent long distance trails including the spectacular 18 km Samaria Gorge and a host of shorter footpaths best explored in spring when the floral display is stunning. The glorious light makes it a superb destination for artists too, and the flora and fauna is a wonderful source of inspiration. Those in search of history and culture will not be disappointed either, with the islands wealth of historic buildings, archaeological remains and excellent museums.
The size and geological makeup of the island provides diverse and contrasting scenery that changes dramatically from east to west and north to south. To give you more insight into what different parts of the island offer and to help you choose a location, to best suit your interests, we describe here in more detail what each area offers.
More information on the regions of Crete
To read more information on the Southern, Northern, Eastern and Western areas within Crete, please click here.
Car hire
For more information about car hire in Crete, please see our info page here.
Crete Flights
you'll find lots of information on flights options for travelling to Crete here.
Crete - External Links
Below are some links which may be useful in finding out more about your holiday to Crete.
Wikipedia - About Crete
The Lonely Planet - Crete
Ministry of Tourism - Greek National Tourism Organisation, Greek Islands
Travel Guide Crete
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