Full of surprises for first time visitors, Crete has a fascinating history that begins with the Minoans, Classical Greeks and Romans – plus a traditional rural life that plods on much as it has done for centuries.
Head into the hills, awash with wildflowers in spring, to discover monasteries run by bee-keeping monks and small communities producing their own olive oil (there are around 40 million olive trees on the island).
Shepherding remains a common occupation, and you’ll hear the tinkle of goat and sheep bells long before you see them.
Beach resorts vary greatly from swanky Elounda (where the likes of Lady Gaga go) to cheap-as-chips party central Malia (as featured in The Inbetweeners movie).
The island’s major archaeological site, the Palace of Knossos, was excavated between 1900 and 1930 by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans.
FOR… £540 A NIGHT
On a hillside between Hersonissos and Malia sits the Nana Princess, one of the island’s most luxurious hotels: imagine 107 jet black stone, sea-view suites and villas topped with verdant living roofs.
Spend days lounging by the pool or at the spa (widely accepted as one of the island’s best), or go by private transfer for tastings at nearby wineries.
Crete has a fascinating history that begins with the Minoans, Classical Greeks and Romans – plus a traditional rural life that plods on much as it has done for centuries
Nana Princess, one of Crete’s most luxurious hotels, sits on a hillside between Hersonissos and Malia
Spend days lounging by the pool or the sea, or sample the hotel spa – which is widely accepted at the island’s best
Rooms are generous and brightened by eye-catching original artworks.
Techies will love all the clever gadgets (the mirror concealed TVs are inspired).
There are two classy restaurants, one focusing on meat and the other on seafood, where you can dine on catch of the day with a side of ‘wild greens’ such as fennel and asparagus (proving that even the poshest places are keeping the island’s tradition for foraging alive).
OR… £221 A NIGHT
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the sprawling, family-owned, five-star resort of Creta Maris (with 600-plus rooms), sits on the outskirts of Hersonissos and resembles a traditional Cretan village of whitewashed buildings dripping with bougainvillea.
New for this season is an adult-only outside area that offers a beach bar, vast sea-view pool and three hot pools set in pretty gardens with sun loungers, beach cabanas, and a spa pavilion.
All public areas, including the spa, which offers olive oil massages, have been recently upgraded.
For sundowners and a bird’s eye view of the bay, nab a swing-chair at Adama cocktail bar.
The five-star resort of Creta Maris celebrates its 50th anniversary this year
New for this season is an adult-only outside area that offers a beach bar, vast sea-view pool and three hot pools set in pretty gardens with sun loungers, beach cabanas, and a spa pavilion
Dining is exceptional with seven speciality restaurants alongside a standard buffet.
Pithos serves farm-to-table fare from local producers, while fish restaurant Alatsi has candle-lit tables by the sea.
At the breakfast buffet, try a Greek pie (the aubergine with feta is delicious), and yoghurt topped with honey made from wildflower-sipping bees.
Rooms at the front of the hotel enjoy Med views; at the back, it’s mountains that star.
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