About Crete - The spirit of an unforgettable island.

The scents and colours of Crete continue to bring travellers back year after year. Hibiscus, oleander and jasmine; terracotta, ochre and red, sea in every shade of blue, white snow on the mountains in May, blossom in the orchards in spring. The fact that my mother hails from this island is what brings me back along with its beauty, variety and friendliness.

Half way between mainland Greece and Africa, Crete has one of the most ancient histories in the world and some of the most fascinating wildlife in Europe. But Crete is the largest of Greek islands, almost a small country in itself: from the dramatic green gorges of the Western Coast to the rugged dry landscapes of the far east. My mother was born in Heraklion, a city best known for its proximity home to the mysterious and extensive ruined palace of Knossos. The wonderful Heraklion museum contains potteries and other artefacts dating back more than 3000 years.

In the dramatic white mountains of the west many villages follow a traditional life. Here you will witness a proud people, where women bake bread the old way with their traditional oven and old men sip ouzo in the local cafeteria and argue amongst each other – usually over politics.

A drive or walk through these mountains provides the traveller with the most breathtaking views and the possibility to explore the island’s dramatic gorges: wonderfully wild places and the habitat of eagles and wild goats. Samaria gorge is the longest ravine in Europe and it takes at least five hours trekking to reach the Libyan sea.

Crete has only been a part of modern Greece since 1913, you have to go back to classical times before you can find the previous union. Since then Crete has been fought over by numerous invaders, from the Romans, Byzantines and Venetians to the Turks. This rich history is reflected in the island’s architecture, none more so than the towns of Chania and Rethymnon, with their  narrow alleyways and traditional wooden Ottoman balconies. The Turkish Mosque still stands on the waterfront in Chania surrounded by the tall, elegant Venetian houses.

The countryside has its wealth of unexpected history too. Small white-washed churches can be seen perched on seemingly impregnable cliffs and the ruins of Venetian and Turkish castles continue to surprise travellers.