Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and the 2nd largest island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea (after Cyprus). Heraklion is the largest city and capital of Crete with other principal cities being Chania, Rethymno, Aghios Nikolaos, Sitia and Lerapetra. With 650 miles of amazing coastline, long stretches of sandy beaches, crystal clear azure waters, dramatic mountain ranges and tiny traditional villages, it is no wonder that

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this beautiful island attracts so many tourists throughout the year. Whether you are looking for great beaches, some quiet rest and relaxation, a romantic break inspired by myths and legends or some culture, Crete has it all. Click here for a great offer we have found from holidays4travel.co.uk to Daios Cove which is less than 5 miles from Aghios Nikolaos – save up to 40% on this luxury holiday to Crete. Read more »

Whilst on your holidays to the island of Crete, why not take a hike along the Samaria Gorge, you won’t be disappointed!

Samaria Gorge

Also known as the Farangas or Great Gorge, the Samaria Gorge is located in West Creete, in the White Mountains and was declared a national park in 1962.
The Gorge starts at Xyloskalo and runs down for 16 kilometres to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli on the south coast of Crete. The walk the Samaria National Park is actually only 13 kilometres but you have to walk a further 3 kilometres to Agia Roumeli.

The most famous part of the gorge is the ‘Iron Gates’ where the gorge narrows to a width of just four metres, rising to a height of 500 metres.

Iron Gates

When the gorge was declared a national park, the inhabitants of Samaria Village were relocated. However old tradition houses still stand here. A short distance from the village is the church of Osia Maria (Holy Mary), from which the name Samaria was taken.

The plants and animals in the park are protected by International law, flowers must not be picked!

Cretian Wild Goat

Whilst hiking the gorge you will see magnificent plant species (about 450), pine trees and the huge cypress trees. You will also see the Cretian wild goats, known as ‘kri-kri’ by tourists and ‘agrimia’ by locals.

The best time to visit the gorge is during the spring when the weather is cooler, th worse time is during the summer in a heat wave!
The gorge is usually open from May to October but is closed on rainy days as the rain can cause rock falls.

Crete is a very popular destination, with many cheap holidays to the island advertised throughout the internet.

Crete

Crete is the most southern and the largest of the Greek Islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean.
The island has over 600 miles of coastline, complete with coves, bays and beautiful sandy beaches.

BEACHES

Crete has many beautiful beaches, some of the best in the world, too many to mention, but here are just a few

Elafonissi and Falasarna at Chania.

Chania

Georgioupolis, which is located on the north coast between Chania and Rethymno.
Vai in the northeast of the island.
Matala beach, located south of Heraklion.
Red beach is a naturist beach and is located in the south of the island.
 
THINGS TO DO

Sightseeing

Crete is steeped in history and has many museums, the most important being the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. There are also many historical sites to visit, including the Minoan Palaces of Knossos and Phaestos, Malia, Gortyn and Zakros.

Walking and Riding

During the spring months Crete is perfect for walking, hiking and rambling. The island has a vast network of both country and coastal trails and ancient paths. The most popular walk on Crete is the Samaria Gorge which is both challenging and rewarding.

A great way to explore the beautiful island of Crete is to go on horseback. This way you can discover the ancient donkey trails, deserted beaches, quaint unspoilt villages, olive groves and vineyards.

Crete mountains

Mountains

The rugged mountains on Crete offer rock climbing, caving, mountain biking and even jeep tours.

Diving

There are plenty of places around the island for scuba diving and snorkelling, with several diving schools which provide courses for both beginners and experienced divers, and excursions.

Watersports

Because of the summer sunshine, constant wind and great beaches, Crete is ideal for jet skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, pedalos and banana boat rides.

CLIMATE

Crete has a Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and mild winters.
In April temperatures reach 18C, with over 8 hours of sunshine a day, making the weather perfect for outdoor pursuits.
During May temperatures reach 20C, 22-24C in June, and peak at 27C in August with 13 hours of sunshine a day, making this the best time for beach holidays.
During September and October the temperature stays above 20C, with about 10 hours of sunshine a day.

January and February are the wettest months, with temperatures dropping to 12C and 4 hours of sunshine a day.