| s the Aegean there are many dream holiday | | | | Crete. Once you get beyond the hustle and bustle |
| islands to choose from, but for many | | | | of the airport, this wonderful island will reward you |
| holidaymakers the largest of the Greek islands, | | | | with its treasures. |
| Crete, still retains unique factors that set it apart | | | | Crete is a large island and you are unlikely to be |
| from the others. As you examine the vacation | | | | able to take in all of its wonderful offerings in one |
| possibilities on Crete you will be spoilt for choice | | | | visit. Here are some of the more beautiful bays |
| with a vast selection of luxury hotels and villas. | | | | and coves across the island. |
| Secluded coves, breathtaking bays, golden sandy | | | | At Elounda you will be greeted by the almost |
| beaches and dramatic countryside backdrops | | | | perfect bay, home to a selection of some of the |
| make the island a very special place. It’s | | | | island’s most luxurious hotels. Luxury villas |
| no wonder that the island has attracted the rich | | | | are also a feature of the area and recent |
| and famous including celebrities, royalty, world | | | | constructions exhibit state of the art |
| leaders and stars of film and music over the | | | | contemporary design with stunning balconies and |
| years. | | | | infinity pools carved into the hillside around the |
| In terms of history Crete can rank with the best | | | | bay. |
| of other islands and locations in the Aegean. Some | | | | For people who want to get away from the |
| of the earliest European human settlements from | | | | mass crowds the bay at Loutro may have |
| the Minoan era have been found on Crete but for | | | | everything you need. It’s a small stony |
| most visitors the island’s main attraction | | | | seaside village on the south coast of the island |
| are its weather and holiday options. | | | | and is fairly inaccessible making it amazingly quiet. |
| The size of the island (almost 250 kilometres | | | | There are a few local developments so you will |
| from east to west) provides it with around 1000 | | | | not be totally cut off, but peaceful beaches and |
| kilometres of wonderful coastline to enjoy. | | | | gentle swims in crystal clear waters may be all |
| Daytime average temperatures rarely drop below | | | | you need for the perfect day. |
| 15 degrees Celsius, even in winter, and during the | | | | Remember the advertising slogan “a taste |
| months May to October temperatures are always | | | | of paradise”? The beach at Vai, |
| warm and pleasant. Rainfall is also negligible during | | | | surrounded by palm trees, was made famous in |
| June, July and August. | | | | one of the Bounty commercials and is still called |
| Crete ranks alongside Lanzarote in terms of | | | | the Bounty beach by some. It is a popular spot |
| visitor numbers, with around 2 million visitors | | | | with a lovely sandy beach and plenty of |
| coming to the island every year. Much of the | | | | sunshades to shelter beneath, but can become |
| growth in Crete’s popularity came in the | | | | crowded during high season. |
| late 1980’s when visitors numbers jumped | | | | Finally you may be tempted by a visit to the |
| by 50 per cent. | | | | beach at Matala. Despite having one of the best |
| The capital of the island, Heraklion, is also the main | | | | beaches on the island, with soft golden sand |
| transport hub, providing a port for cruise ship | | | | leading down to wonderful waters for swimming, |
| arrivals and an international airport which is | | | | this location retains some of its original relaxed |
| currently quite stretched and in need of | | | | atmosphere. It is here, in the caves near the |
| expansion. The airport is the second busiest in | | | | beach, that German and English hippies made their |
| Greece and handles around 5 million passengers | | | | home during the 1960’s. The village itself |
| per year. Six years ago the Greek government | | | | now makes the most of its attraction to tourists. |
| announced plans for a new airport that should | | | | It is mainly made up of hotels and rooms for |
| become operation by 2014. Reading the reviews, | | | | rental and can become very busy during the |
| few people have a good word to say about the | | | | summer, so perhaps the best time to go there |
| current airport, especially during busy periods, but | | | | would be out of the main season. |
| don’t let that put you off from visiting | | | | |