The Greek island of Crete is a mythical paradise made real. The middle of the island is rugged and wild, with wonderful hiking terrain in the White Mountains and every area has something striking to recommend it – definitely don’t miss the famous windmills on the Lassithi plateau.
With a chequered and fascinating history taking in the Minoans’ culture as well as Venetian rule, there is plenty for culture vultures to soak up whilst on a luxury villa holiday here, from ruined palaces to 14th-century churches. The Heraklion Museum has also recently been refitted and holds the largest and most impressive collection of Minoan artefacts in existence.
For a stroll along the waterfront, you will find a rainbow of traditional fishing boats scattered along the edge of Elounda. Or for a leisurely lunch by the lake, the choice is bountiful in Agios Nikolaos, a characterful town where the lake meets the sea.
However, if you want nothing more from your break than to lie on beautiful beaches soaking up the sun and wandering to a pretty bar for early evening drinks and then back to your luxury villa in Crete for a fine meal, you’ve also come to the right place. We recommend hiring a car to explore the abundance of sandy beaches, from the crystal clear waters of Seitan Limania Beach to the lagoons of Balos Beach.
When to Visit Crete
Warm weather without the crowds can be best enjoyed in the months of June and September, whilst those who love the top temperatures would be best to visit in July and August when the sea is thoroughly warmed up. Being the most southern Greek island, even in October you can enjoy pleasant days at the beach.
What We Love About Crete
We love a trip to the uninhabited island of Spinalonga for a trip back in time. Once a leper colony, you can now explore the ruins and remnants beheld inside the old fortress walls. Delve into a historical tour or simply to relax on the pretty, pebbly beaches and abandoned streets that wind across the island. You can catch a boat here from Elounda. Ten out of 10 for atmosphere!
Getting There
The principal international airports in Crete are Heraklion in the northeast and Chania in the northwest of the island.
The Best Places To Eat and Drink in Crete
You’ll obviously enjoy plenty of all the things the Greek islands are famous for – Feta, olives, honey and sweet and sticky desserts. However, Crete has many specialities specific to certain areas of the island – from lemony biscuits to deep-fried savoury pastries and much more that you’ll discover in your own time on your luxury villa holiday.
Locals and those in the know head away from the tourist hotspots and seek out little gems such as The Old Phoenix in the southwest of the island on the Bay of Finix. This wonderfully charming seaside taverna is accessible only by boat or foot.
When dining out of your luxury villa try Cretan cooking with a modern twist at Ela & Diosmos, (Olive & Mint). Located just south of Heraklion in Skalani, the restaurant uses only the freshest local ingredients and has won awards for its food.
For something more upmarket and formal, head to the Elounda Peninsula’s All Suite Hotel’s Old Mill restaurant, where for over 30 years the restaurant set around an ancient millstone has wowed people with its fine dining fare.
If you’d rather have all that great food brought to you, so you can spend your time elsewhere, we recommend a catered luxury villa. World class chefs will cook the best Greek gourmet dishes, which you can then enjoy in the privacy and comfort of your Greek palace, overlooking the powerful yet serene Aegean Sea.
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