Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and delivers everything you might want from a Greek holiday, from remote secluded beaches to a busy night life. Areas of the island are quite built up and it feels like it could be a country in itself. In fact, it is one of the only islands that could probably survive without tourism, thanks to its farming industry. Crete has the longest summer in Greece and you can expect to enjoy warm sunshine from early May until late October. However, the famous northerly wind is particularly strong here in August.
Crete is famed for being the home of Europe’s earliest advanced society, the Minoans, who ruled over the Aegean 4000 years ago. Throughout the course of the country’s history, it has been occupied and ruled by many civilisations from both Europe and Asia and so history lovers will enjoy exploring the Island.Irakilon is probably the most developed and most densely populated area of the island, with the greatest tourist infrastructure.
Hania, on the western side of the island is famous for its white mountains and national park. It is less built up than Irakilon but oozes style and tradition. Beautiful boutique hotels can be found in this area and its mountainous regions are unspoilt by tourism. East you will find the region of Lasithi, which includes Agios Nikolaos, a spot well loved by tourists but with a more relaxed feel than other areas. Lasithi has some fantastic restaurants and accommodation and the region has plenty of history as well as outdoor adventure to explore. Finally, Rethymnon has a beautiful and well preserved old town, whilst the region has some specatular scenery to explore, including great beaches, caves, gorges and Crete’s highest peak.
Renowned back in the 60s for its bohemian vibes and as a premier destination for gay travellers, Mykonos has seen somewhat of a revival in recent years, re-inventing itself to suit a wider, jet set audience and consequently becoming a firm favourite with the rich and famous.
Take that as a hint, it can be an expensive place to holiday, particularly during the peak summer months. Mykonos offers glamour and sophistication as well as a roaring nightlife. However, it also offers some seriously stunning scenery comprising rolling hills dotted with white country chapels, white sandy beaches and authentic Cycladic architecture. You can also explore the uninhabited island of Delos from here; today the island is a fascinating UNESCO world heritage site, but as the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, Delos was sacred to the Ancient Greeks.
Be warned that during the summer, visitor numbers to Mykonos can reach 15,000 a day as the cruise ships call in to Mykonos town to let people off, making it feel very crowded.
A violent volcanic eruption way back in 1620 BC caused the centre of Santorini to collapse, in turn creating the crescent shape of the island we know today. Now, as the multi-coloured layers of the Santorini Cliffs stand tall against the turquoise water of the Aegean, with traditional white villages dotted across the hill tops, Santorini epitomizes the Greek island of your imagination. You can fly from the UK to Santorini, but to get the full impact of the island’s beauty, approach by water. Full of romance and beautiful sunsets over the Caldera waters, Santorini lives up to every hope and expectation you might have of a Greek island experience. Fira is the capital and its small winding streets are lined with an array of shops, restaurants and bars.
Oia on the north coast is smaller than Fira but is full of boutique hotels, beautiful shops and sophisticated nightlife and boasts some of the best views of sunset on the island.
Meanwhile the village of Akrotiri on the south-west tip of the island is the most remote but still offers plenty of hotels and tavernas for those looking for a bit more peace and tranquillity.
Pyrgos, Megalohori, Firostefani and Imerovigli, are all worth a visit. They’re usually quieter than the main villages but still well connected and equally beautiful in terms of scenery and views. Bear in mind though, unfortunately we’re not the only ones to know that Santorini is one of the most special places in the Mediterranean and therefore visitor numbers can be high in peak season.