One of the best known holiday destinations of Greece is the island of Crete. Its tourist infrastructure is constantly developing to keep up with the demanding needs of its clients. Still, the island respects and appreciates its authenticity, doing its best to keep it intact.

Its traditional character lays in its natural beauty, its food, its architecture and, most of all, in its local people, who stubbornly refuse to give in to modern characteristics.

Being in the southernmost part of Greece, its climate is moderate, with quite warm winters and hot summers. Being a mountainous island makes its climate differ from place to place. Along the coastline, temperatures present milder fluctuations while in its inner settlements winter can sometimes get a bit harsh.

Its tourist season starts as early as April, unlike most other Greek islands that accept tourists from the middle of May. The long tourist season has helped in establishing a strong economy for Crete and enable a large percentage of the population to get involved in tourism enterprises.

Cretan food has been known worldwide as being the best sample of the Mediterranean cuisine. It is mostly based in great quality local produce, in which Crete is abundant. Olives, grapes and other fruit, tomatoes, milk, meat and aromatic herbs form the basis of Cretan cooking. From these, they produce and export excellent quality olive oil, wine, vegetables, cheese, meat, rusks, oregano, thyme, … the list is endless.

Holidays in Crete includes many activities and this shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you really want to endorse in the Cretan life, you will need many days, a car and an open mind. Your experience can be life-changing. Just as Nikos Kazantzakis, the famous Cretan writter  said:

I am a mariner of Odysseus with heart of fire but with mind ruthless and clear.

… which clearly depicts the spirit and the soul of his fellow Cretans.