Luxury Crete Holidays

Crete is not just Greece’s largest island but arguably its most diverse. Its remarkable history is evident across the island, from the ruins of the Minoan palace of Knossos to the Venetian fortresses of Rethymo; from old mosques and Byzantine monasteries to the cave that is the legendary birthplace of Zeus. Spectacular mountain ranges dotted with caves are sliced by dramatic gorges that spill out to sea, while the rugged interior is interspersed with vast plateaus and fertile plains.

The island is big enough for independent travellers to venture away from the package tourism trails and find quiet beaches and mountain villages to explore. The lower coast of Crete with its lovely beaches and isolated coves is where you can sense an older, truer, more timeless Crete, whilst the east boasts Europe’s only palm-tree forest beach. Cretans are proud and hospitable people who maintain their culture and customs, particularly their strong musical tradition, and throughout the island you will come across traditional settlements unaffected by tourism, plus the odd flock of sheep with a shepherd in tow.