1. There Is Something For Everyone
Crete is a particularly attractive destination for family holidays, and one of the key reasons behind this is the sheer variety of things to do there. It is often put that Crete is a miniature version of the Greek mainland, and that rings true in many ways. There are three larger cities on the island, as well as number of relatively remote villages that also offer a variety of activities and accommodation options.
Pithoi pottery in front of Koule fortress in Heraklion, Crete, Greece – Source: stock.xchng
2. A Historical Centre
Crete is home to the ancient Minoan culture, and for many years was a central hub of Greek civilisation, being strategically positioned as it is in the Southern Mediterranean. The thriving culture of this island was wiped out by the huge volcanic eruption at Santorini approximately four thousand years ago.
Whether it is the Palace of Knossos on the outskirts of the capital, Heraklion, or one of the many ancient ruins scattered throughout the island, Crete’s rich history is on display wherever one looks.
3. Getting Around
Although Crete is huge in comparison to some of the other Greek islands, it is relatively easy to fit in sightseeing across the whole island during your stay. This is especially true if you base yourself in a central location, for example Heraklion, and plan out where to visit on each day. Car hire is relatively cheap, too, and driving around the beautiful landscape offers a serene experience.
4. Cultural Experiences
From the European climate in the north to the near African conditions in the south, the weather plays just a small part in the overall charm of Crete. As the largest of the Greek islands, many natives of Crete never left for the mainland in search of fortune and riches. This means that Crete has some of the very best entertainment, food, and drinks to enjoy in the entire area, making the cultural opportunities on this island unlike any other.
5. Making Future Plans
If you visit Crete this summer and enjoy it as many thousands do each year, you can easily plan there and then to return next summer. Even better, you could consider investing in or buying your own holiday villa on the island, perhaps in your favourite town or tourist resort.
The reasons and benefits of a trip to Crete are many, and we have picked out five of the very best ones to make your trip memorable and enjoyable, although no doubt you will come up with some of your own, too!
A word about the contributor: Touristorama is one of Europe’s leading travel websites focussing specifically on Greece, the Greek islands, and holidays in Crete.
