Crete
The Land of the Gods

Crete is the largest and most beautiful of all the Mediterranean islands, with a history that goes back to antiquity. At the crossroads of three continents, it has an unspoilt tranquillity with a gentle temperate climate and yearlong sunshine.

The history of Crete stretches back many centuries to the very beginnings of modern western civilisation. Over the years it was coveted and conquered by the Romans, the Ottoman Turks and the Venetians. All drawn by the island’s strategic location, natural resources and immense beauty.

Today, Crete is a part of Greece and a stable member of the European Union. Emerging into the 21st century, it is uniquely able to meet the diverse leisure needs of visitors.

The majestic beauty of the snow capped White Mountains, the thriving ecology of Lake Kournas, providing a habitat for birds, animals and plants unique to the area, the awesome natural splendour of the great Samaria Gorge. And, of course, the endless sands of the Blue Flag beach of Georgioupolis, which is the longest in Europe.

Crete is easily reached from the UK, and offers the perfect environment with a way of life that is unmatched by anywhere else in Europe.

Amongst other things, the many great attractions of Crete include a low crime rate, a healthy lifestyle, 310 days of annual sunshine and the cleanest waters in the Med. The Cretan people are warm and hospitable – and perhaps not surprisingly, enjoy the longest life expectancy in Europe.

The island itself measures some 260kms by 56kms, and it has a relatively small population of around 650,000 – so it’s far from crowded. The currency is the Euro, the language Greek, and the religion Greek Orthodox.

It is only four hours flight time from the UK, and there are major airports at Heraklion and Chania, with a third due soon. From April to October, there are regular daily flights from all UK International and Regional airports – chartered and scheduled – and all European and worldwide airports. There are direct year-round flights from London, and flights via Athens all other times.

Chania has two major harbours, Souda and Kissamos. From each, there are daily ferries to Athens, Piraeus, Peloponnesus and some other Greek islands.