Travel and leisure
Destinations
Island tour of Crete
Combining rich history with spectacular vistas and sunny climes, Crete - the largest of the Greek islands - is the place to go this summer, says Nicola Iseard, who gives you the lowdown on how best to spend your time
Go exploring...
With soaring mountains, dramatic gorges and golden sands, Crete is renowned for its natural beauty. Put on your walking shoes and head inland to the stunning Samaria Gorge.
Cutting its way through the ruggedly beautiful White Mountains, the gorge is one of the most striking areas of natural beauty in Greece. After a rather steep descent from the Omalos plateau, you'll pass through shady pine woods, meadows carpeted in wild flowers and ancient villages, before emerging at the coast near to the village of Agia Roumeli.
Hit the beach...
Crete's coastline is awash with some wonderfully beautiful beaches. One of the most exotic is Preveli beach, on the south coast. Fringed with oleander bushes and palm trees and with fine soft sand, the beach is located at the mouth of the Kourtaliotis river, which, just before flowing into the sea forms a small lagoon - perfect for a midday dip.
Tastes of the island...
Just south of Knossos is the luscious wine-producing area of Peza. Stop by the charming Minos winery on the main street, whose wines are the top sellers on the island. As well as tastings, if you time your visit right, you'll get to go on a tour of the wine-making plant. Hungry? For some of the best home-style cooking in town head to Chania, Crete's prettiest town, which rings a sheltered harbour and is brimming with charming family-run eateries.
Don't miss...
Step back in time with a visit to the remarkable ruins of Knossos, also known as the Palace of Minos. Steeped in mystery, British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans excavated the ruins in the early 1900s and uncovered evidence of a sophisticated Bronze Age civilisation.
Highlights include the Throne Room, supposedly that of the mighty King Minos, and the intricate frescoes of leaping dolphins which line the walls of what would have been the queen's lavishly decorated private rooms.
Day trip...
There's a fantastic daily cruise which departs from Kissamos port and takes you to the remarkable island of Gramvousa, where you can either have a swim in the cobalt-blue waters or take a walk to the top of the island, where there's an old Venetian castle. You'll also visit the Balos lagoon, home to one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, with stunning pinkish-white sands.
* Nicola Iseard is the deputy travel editor of the Daily Express.