Crete, the largest island in Greece and the Mediterranean Sea’s fifth largest island, is known for its natural beauty and its long history, and because of it’s great climate it is a great place to visit year-round. The island abounds in beautiful beaches, and magnificent mountains and gorges. Many gorges feature hiking paths within protected landscapes,beneath seemingly endless azure skies. Some of the finest food in Greece can be found in Crete, thanks to the abundant produce and fish sourced from local farms and neighborhood fisherman, and to the mix of cultures that have occupied the island throughout its long history.
The island is the birthplace of one of Europe’s oldest cultures. The Minoans, regarded by some as the first civilization in Europe, thrived in Crete from about 3000 to 1450 BC. Many Bronze Age sites survive across the island, the most famous being the 4000-year-old Palace of Knossos.
Over the centuries, control of Crete passed among Greece, Rome, the Arabs, the Byzantines, the Venetians, and the Ottomans. Crete was briefly an independent state before its final union with Greece.
The Venetians, who ruled Crete from the 13th through 17th Centuries, constructed ports, fortresses, and dramatic palaces. Some of the best surviving examples are located in Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno.
Whether you are enticed here by its beaches, its ancient sites with art and architecture, or the delicious cuisine, Crete offers something for every visitor. A road trip will be the best way to enjoy the gorges and the steep, rocky interior.
Dring our visit, we stayed in a renovated villa in the old town of Rethymno, a city located on the north coast and a perfect location to explore the island. Parking can be a challenge in old European cities, but nearby the villa was an inexpensive lot. The space was immaculate with a fine selection of Greek wine and has an astonishing roof top terrace. The Stephani Home was perfect. The host Mano was very kind and helpful, and met us at the parking lot.
Rethymno’s old town is a tangle of ancient stone paths that make up its Venetian quarter. The harbor is full of fishing boats and lined with atmospheric tavernas. The lighthouse dates from the 1830s, and the Fortezza is a 16th Century citadel. Rethymno is a central place to stay and allowed us to explore the island without changing lodging.
Here are some of the best things to see in Crete:
Heraklion
Heraklion is Crete’s governmental capital and principal city, known for its vivacious urban ambiance, waterfront cafes, and its archaeological museum.
Close to the city, standing on a hill, is the Knossos Palace, the principal center of the Minoan civilization and home of the mythologic King Minos. It may also be the site of the Labyrinth, which held the murderous beast, The Minotaur, ( a mythical beast with a human body and bulls head) though all scholars do not agree on its location. Nothing of the Labyrinth is known to survive. The palace’s ancient frescos are full of nature and light and have been well renovated.
Phaestos
Phaestos, another Minoan palace-city, is located in central southern Crete. Its impressive setting has scenic views of the Messara Plain and Mount Psiloriti.
Elafonisi
Elafonisi is an island with a small islet filled with white and pink sandy beaches. It is full of sand dunes with sea flora including daffodils, seagrasses and juniper trees. The area also includes the endangered loggerhead sea turtles, and some more rare animals and plants. At low tide, the island can be reached by foot.
Monastery of Arkadi
The Monastery of Arkadi is built on the edge of a high plateau, near the Arkadi Gorge, 23 km (14 miles) southeast of Rethymno. It is believed to be founded in the 11th Century. The monk Arkadios dedicated it to Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena. The site played an important role in the 1866 revolt against the Ottomans.
Moni Preveli
Further south from Rethymno is Moni Preveli, a Medieval monastery perched high above the Libyan Sea. It consists of two separate building complexes and includes a small museum, and is well worth the 37 km (22 mile) scenic drive from Rethymno.
Lasithi Plateau
Lasithi Plateau, a center of the Minoan culture, has been inhabited since Neolithic times. It is well known for its ancient windmills and beautiful landscape.
The Church of Panagia Kera
The Church of Panagia Kera, located close to the village of Kritsa, is known for its well-preserved Byzantine frescos.
Samaria Gorge is the most dramatic of Crete’s many gorges and one of longest canyons in Europe.
Chania
Chania (also spelled Hania) is Crete’s most beautiful city. The old town is Venetian with its maze of cobbled streets and a magnificent harbor. 
Traces of Venetian and Ottoman architecture are all around, with old townhouses now repurposed into harborside restaurants and boutique hotels.
Crete is a fusion of extraordinary beaches, ancient treasures and stunning landscapes. From the well-known spots along the north coast to small villages and canyons of the mountainous heart, you will not soon forget this gorgeous, varied land with its mythical legends, delicious food and welcoming people.