The must-see on Crete is Knossos, the ruins of the main settlement of the 4,000-year old Minoan civilisation, rediscovered in the late 19th century by Sir Arthur Evans, a British archaeologist. The site is inextricably bound up with ancient Greek myths, legends and heroes, including the famous Minotaur tale. Crete’s beautiful countryside hides charming coastal villages, rural idylls in the interior and the towering White Mountains, the island’s highest massif.

Knossos was the legendary seat of the powerful Minoan king Minos, with its underground labyrinth the site of the battle between Greek hero Theseus and the half-man, half-bull Minotaur. The site was first settled around 7,000 BC and subsequently by the Minoans, which became the most important civilisation in the Mediterranean until it fell after the massive volcanic eruption on the nearby island of Thera, now Santorini.  

Crete’s tiny towns and villages offer an escape from the crowded tourist scene and a glimpse into everyday life on the island. Myrtos is a traditional village set west of Ierapetra, with endless deserted beaches, archeological sites and trails leading to hill villages. Lasithi has sacred sites, mysterious caves, Minoan ruins and picturesque windmills.

The Samaria Gorge is one of the most dramatic natural formations on the island, and perfect for trekking and getting close to stunning nature. Sapimanos, the rugged grey mountain at the start of the gorge, was Crete’s legendary throne of Zeus, and the gorge itself held an oracle. Elounda Lake holds the remains of Olos, a lost city which is clearly visible beneath the waves on calm days. Diving trips to the underwater ruins can be arranged.

The magnificent White Mountains massif is the tallest on the island, with its bare peaks snow-covered in winter and gleaming white in the summer sun. Although access is tricky, it’s possible to take a guided trek over the rocky, rugged slopes and through the heart of the range during the summer months.  

Most of the island’s top landmarks are historical, with Crete having such a rich history. Yet this is not a destination where heritage can only be soaked up in museums, as Crete features numerous archeological ruins which can be toured for insight into the island’s past.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum holds the premier finds from the excavations at Knossos and the other Minoan sites on Crete. Highlights include the Bull-Leaping Fresco, images of the Snake Goddess, Minoan seals and exquisite gold and silver jewellery, and the enigmatic Phaistos Disk. It’s one of the world’s great museums for its coverage of this magnificent culture, now lost in the mists of time.

The Venetian fortress of Koules has guarded Heraklion since its construction in the early 16th century, and is now the city’s symbol. Its massive walls are nine metres thick and the Venetian Winged Lion is found above two of its gates. Nowadays, the imposing building is used for concerts and art exhibitions. The remains of the Venetian walls around the old city are also well worth a visit.

The ancient ruined city of Gortyna was Crete’s capital during the Roman era,  and holds Roman temples, an amphitheatre, a sacred spot where the simulated flooding of the Nile was enacted for worshippers of the Egyptian deities Serapis and Isis, and the ancient plane tree under which Zeus and Europa allegedly made love. The magnificent Roman statuary found at the site is set in the Iraklion Museum.

Chania Old Town and Harbour is one of the loveliest spots on the island, with the white-painted houses and shops curved along the harbour wall and the pretty beach, backed by rocky slopes. Its Venetian heritage shows in its architecture and there are many secluded beaches running from the town along the coast.

Greek Orthodox monasteries are traditionally located on towering rock formations or ledges with magnificent views across unspoilt scenery, and 16th century Moni Arkadiou north of Rethymno is no exception. Mired in the history of Crete and towering over the surrounding mountainsides, the monastery is a haven of peace and spirituality. Rethymno town is famed for its ornate Baroque-style church, built by the Venetians, as was the town’s impressive fortress.

Imposing Mount Psilitoris dominates the surrounding lands at 2,500m tall, and the Nidi Plateau at its base is encircled by a ring of smaller mountains. The peak’s Ideon Cave was the reputed home of the god Zeus during his childhood and the views from here are breathtaking. 

Crete’s nightlife and entertainment experience is in line with its popularity as a holiday island. Cretans like to eat out en famille from 22:00 until late, meaning most bars and restaurants stay open until the early hours. The scene in the major tourist towns and resorts caters for all ages and budgets, and in the smaller towns and villages it’s quieter but just as enjoyable.

Heraklion offers a variety of bars, pubs and clubs, most of which are set along the beach and harbour. Beach bars set almost on the sands are the most popular and regularly feature traditional Greek music and dance, as well as rock and pop. Others offer entertainment such as karaoke, comedy and live music nights, and interesting bars are also found in the back streets.

Chania is possibly the most popular tourist area on the island and a hub for hot nightclubs where the young set can dance until dawn. Kissamos district offers a good choice, and the music bars around the harbour are crowded with revellers every night during the high season. Dance club parties open around 23:00, with at least six to choose from in and around Platanias district.

The attractive town of Rethymno has enough nightlife spots to satisfy most night owls, and Aghios Nikolaos, Ierapetra and Elounda also boast a selection of lively bars. For a quieter night out, beachside tavernas in the less nuzzling districts are perfect, where traditional dishes, local wines and spirits, and Cretan hospitality come as standard. Festivals are fun here, and an evening at an open-air cinema perfumed with jasmine flowers is as good as it gets.

Greek cuisine is much-loved outside its country of origin and is even more delicious when eaten under the Greek sun or moon. Cretan cuisine is one of the most highly regarded versions of the health-giving Mediterranean diet for its rich olive oil, crunchy salads with goats’ cheese toppings, grilled fish and meat, and locally grown vegetables. The myzithra and graviera cheeses are island specialities, with the former mild and creamy, and the latter Crete’s answer to Swiss gruyere.

Tavernas and restaurants are everywhere on Crete, with international foods and even English breakfasts available in the tourist hotspots. A typical Cretan meal begins with mezes, small dishes of hummus (chickpea dip), tsatziki (yoghurt, cucumber and mint dip), olives and pickled and grilled vegetables served with warmed, flat pitta bread.

Typical main dishes here are snails with a rich tomato sauce, grilled lamb, kouneli me yiaourti (rabbit in a yoghurt sauce) and grilled fish served with a lemon and oil dressing. Roast chicken slow-roasted with potatoes in olive oil and lemon juice, and smothered in fresh oregano is a rare treat, served with glassfuls of the rich Cretan red wines.

Desserts are a high-calories delight involving filo pastry, dried fruits and lashing of the delicious Cretan honey, used instead of sugar in most recipes.

Although there are upscale eateries in the main tourist towns serving international dishes, steaks and fusion cuisine, the gastronomic joy of a Cretan holiday is its unsophisticated local dishes, prepared with ultra-fresh, healthy ingredients and cooked with love and pride.