Crete
Europe's first civilization, pink sand beaches, the best food in Greece, and free raki at the end of every meal
About Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island and the one that behaves least like an island. It has its own mountain range (the White Mountains, 2,453m), its own cuisine (distinct from mainland Greek food), its own dialect, and an attitude toward Athens that ranges from polite indifference to cheerful defiance. The Minoans built Europe's first civilization here 4,000 years ago, and the Palace of Knossos (EUR 15, 20 min from Heraklion) is the archaeological evidence: a labyrinth of rooms, corridors, and frescoes that may have inspired the myth of the Minotaur.
The beaches are the other reason. Elafonisi on the southwest coast has pink sand from crushed seashells and water so shallow and warm that you wade 50 metres before it reaches your waist. Balos lagoon in the northwest requires a 20-minute scramble down a rocky path (or a boat from Kissamos, EUR 25 return) and rewards you with turquoise water that looks photoshopped but is not. Vai on the east coast has Europe's largest natural palm forest backing onto a sandy cove. These beaches compete with any in the Mediterranean, and unlike Santorini, they are actual swimming beaches with actual sand.
The food is the best in Greece and the Cretans know it. Dakos (barley rusk topped with crushed tomato, mizithra cheese, olives, and olive oil, EUR 6-8) is the island's signature dish and the snack that replaces bread at every table. Kalitsounia (small cheese or herb pies, EUR 1.50-2 each) are sold at bakeries across the island. Lamb and goat are cooked slowly in wood ovens, the olive oil is heavier and fruitier than anywhere on the mainland, and the tsikoudia (Cretan raki) arrives free at the end of every meal whether you ask for it or not. A full taverna dinner with wine costs EUR 15-25 per person, which makes Crete one of the best food destinations in Europe for the price.
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Stay in Crete
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Things to do in Crete
Experiences worth booking ahead
Vetted tours and tickets we'd send a friend to. The ones worth reserving before you arrive.
