Crete, Greece Area Information
Boasting over 1000km of coastline and a sunshine record that extends to over 300 days per year Crete, the largest and most southerly Greek island, is a destination that truly has it all!
Steeped in history, rooted in tradition and rich in folklore Crete was the home of Europe's first great civilization and is today populated by a relaxed and friendly local people, equally as proud of their unique ancestry as they are of their reputation for warm hospitality.
Our hand-picked portfolio incorporates traditional stone-fronted houses in spectacular country and village locations alongside more contemporary villas with stunning sea and rural views.
All are very well equipped, have their own private pool and are within easy reach of the coast, indeed several lie within walking distance of lovely sandy beaches and charming local tavernas.
Local Cuisine
Crete is extremely rich in local produce and especially well known for its tasty seafood, wide variety of locally grown vegetables and fresh fruit.
Justifiably proud of their naturally fresh cuisine, more and more of which is being organically cultivated, Cretans have one of the longest life expectancies in the Mediterranean and this is widely believed to be due to their healthy and nutritional diet.
Cretan cuisine makes full use of the island's many fresh, seasonal herbs to add rich and vibrant flavour to dishes.
Desserts, sweets and cakes tend to be made with natural sweeteners such as honey and grape-juice syrup, while the excellent and chemical free Cretan wine is considered an 'indispensable' accompaniment to many meals.
Saints' days
Crete, the largest of all the Greek islands has countless hamlets, villages and towns where the local church is named after a famous saint.
All churches in Greece, acknowledge the anniversary day of their saint with many organising colourful processions and celebrations. Indeed, so widespread and popular are these events that it is more than likely you will witness one during your visit.
Crete also claims its very own ancient hero, Zeus, who aspired to become the King of all Greek gods.
According to mythology, Zeus dethroned his own father, the then King of the Titans and began the task of dividing the world. He pronounced his brothers, Hades and Poseidon Kings of the Underworld and the Seas respectively, while Zeus himself kept the title King of the Heavens and the Universe.
Climate
Being the most southerly island in Greece, Crete enjoys a delightfully warm and sunny climate. The early summer and autumn months will be comfortably warm with temperatures gradually rising to a peak in July and August that can sometimes reach as high as 40°C.
At all times of the year there will often be a refreshing breeze which is particularly cooling the closer to the coast you are.
Generally speaking sea temperatures, even in early and late season, always remain pleasant enough to swim.
The magnificent and easily accessible White Mountains (Lefka Ori), which create a mesmerising backdrop to most of our Cretan properties, offer a cooler (and wonderfully scenic) retreat during the summer months.
Getting there
There is a good choice of direct charter flights to both Heraklion and Chania airports from many UK airports, including:
Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Stansted, Bournemouth, Glasgow, Cardiff and Newcastle.
Regular scheduled flights into Heraklion airport are also operated by Easyjet from both Gatwick and Manchester.