Crete Holidays in 2013

For traditional Cretan delicacies and dishes head to a local taverna or eastatria, these are the bar/restaurants where the locals eat. If looking to sample the local seafood dishes which are freshly caught then have lunch or dinner in a psarotaverna. For the local sweet delicacy of cakes and coffee try out the zacharoplasitos found in most Cretan towns.

Knossos, home of the famous Labyrinth that once held the Minotaur of legend is a Minoan palace whose ruins are one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The Basilica of Ayios Titos in the Cretan city of Gortys is an important Christain monument, it is the first church founded on the island.

Ayios Nikolaos Archaeological and folklore museums are home to the thousands of archaeological discoveries that have been made on the island over the centuries, many date back three or more millennia. Iraklion has 2 museums one houses the artefacts from excavations on the island, the other is a historic museum displaying the historic art and culture of Crete.

Malia is packed with bars, pubs and clubs, most open well into the early hours, perfect for dancing the night away. Dimokratias Street is the main strip where most of the bars are situated, the roads are closed to traffic at night and most of the partying happens in the street.

Water sports are the perfect way to spend the day when on a group holiday to Crete, most of the beaches have water skiing, banana boating, paddle boats and other similar water sports available. Boat trips go from most of the major towns on the island and make a great change from the beach.

If you’re feeling adventurous head to a local Tavern or an Estiatria to sample some of the local Cretan food. If an English breakfast is more to your liking then the towns such as Malia and Hersonissos have plenty of English and Irish style pubs and cafes serving up fish and chips and other British classics.

If you want to get away from the beach and explore the island there are plenty beautiful views and historic ruins scattered all over the island. Be sure to check out the ancient city Knossos, the ruins of the palace and the Labyrinth that once held the mythical Minotaur.

For traditional Cretan food head to a local taverna or estiatoria, where the locals and tourists go to eat, examples of traditional dishes are moussaka and kleftico. If looking to sample some traditional dishes try Psarotaverna, a restaurant specialising in fresh fish dishes, for cakes and coffee try visiting Zacharoplasito for a Cretan treat.

Samaria Gorge is a national park on the south side of the island and is a beautiful place to spend a day exploring the gorge. If you are interested in wildlife, AquaWorldis Crete’s aquarium that displays local and worldwide marine life and reptiles. A boat trip is a great way to explore and discover some of the most beautiful parts of the island, discovering all its hidden coves and bays.