Date:
24 June 2008
Although Crete is the largest of all the Greek Islands it is only the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. Certainly of all islands which make up Greece this is one that has visitors returning year after year to explore its 8,000 square kilometers. It is very easy to see why so many people choose to rent one of the many Crete holiday homes available here.
Actually getting to Crete is easy as the island has three airports and two harbors. The airports into which one will fly when visiting this island are the Heraklion Airport, The Akrotiri Airport and the Sitia Airport. All of which provide you with easy access to the major tourist resorts on it.
But as well as have over 1,000km of coastline for you to explore there is so much more that can one see and do on a holiday to this Greek island. Compared to some other islands in the Mediterranean Crete is extremely mountainous.
To the west of the island you will find the White Mountain (Lefka Ori) which reaches to a height of 2,453m. Then in the center of the island is Mount Idi (Psiloritis) which reaches a height of 2,456m and is the tallest of all the islands mountains. Then on the eastern end of the island you will find Mount Dikti which reaches a height of 2,148m. It is these mountains along with the Cretan Mountains which run from one end of the island to the other make it look much larger than it really is.
If you want to spend time away from the coastal resorts then head up to Lake Kournas which although small is very beautiful. Here you can while away an afternoon or day at one of the many taverns that are located around its shores.
Most people will tend to visit the island during the summer months, but be aware that it can get extremely hot especially between July and August. During these two months the temperatures can get well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Centigrade). However you should find that many Crete holiday villas have modern air conditioning so you can sleep comfortable at night.
Really if you want to avoid all the hustle and bustle and still enjoy great weather the ideal time to visit Crete is in October. You will still be blessed with plenty of sunshine but also the temperatures at this time of year are a little more agreeable as well.
But as well as spending time relaxing on Crete’s beaches there are plenty of historical sites that one can visit as well. The main ones that many tourists visit when they come to Crete are Knossos Palace and Phaestos Palace. Both of which provide you with a clear insight in the kinds of people the Minoans were who originally inhabited this beautiful Greek island.
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