Crete

Crete has four provinces – Iraklion, Lasithi, Rethymnon and Hania – each with its own clutch of attractions. Iraklion is the island’s, as well as the provincial, capital. Large and crowded, it's hardly what you imagine when thinking of an island town. However, despite the hustle and bustle, it's still worthy of some attention, if not only for its archaeological museum (on Xanthoudidou Street, just off Plateia Eleftherias), home to some of the most impressive Minoan antiquities in the world. A visit here may provide some context for an essential trip 5km south, to the monumental site of Knossos, the largest of the Minoan palaces and a must-see on any Crete itinerary.

Boisterous nightlife and some good beaches lie east of Iraklion city at and near Hersonisos and Malia, mostly catering to the package holiday crowd.

Picturesque Ayios Nikolaos, the provincial capital of Lasithi, is also much venerated for its nightlife. On its eastern shores, sun-worshippers flock to Vai Beach (best avoided in the high season), famed primarily for its exotic grove of palm trees. A popular Lasithi excursion is a trip out to the islet of Spinalonga, site of a Venetian fortress and later a leper colony, reached by boat from Elounda.

Rethymnon's capital of the same name is an enjoyable place to stay a while and appreciate the beachfront promenade and quaint old streets, made more enticing by a number of quality eateries and bars. A day trip to the Monastery of Arkadhi, 25km southeast of the city, is a worthy diversion for its historical significance in Crete's battle for independence as well as its fine structure and arresting location.

Hania, capital of Crete's westernmost province and commonly thought to be the island's prettiest city, is an excellent base to voyage further inland to the impressive White Mountains and the famous Samaria Gorge, Europe's longest.

Local history

Being home to the first European civilisation is a huge aspect of Crete’s history and much of the island’s attractions attest to this. But, apart from the Minoan sites and antiquities, there are other obvious reminders of periods of Crete’s past, namely the many Venetian forts and castles still standing, the island's numerous Ottoman relics, and the Byzantine churches and monasteries containing some incredible medieval frescos and wall paintings.

Local politics

Crete’s violent history, rebelling against Turkish forces until the official union of Greece and Crete in 1913, is well-documented. Part of the EU since 1986, those difficult times are long past. These days the island is prosperous and peaceful. Tourism continues to be a major source of economy, although Crete is one of the few Greek islands not to be reliant on it.