Car Hire Crete - Mini guide to Crete

Crete is one of Greece’s largest and most popular islands. It also has one of the most impressive histories.

Iraklio (Heraklion) is the main point of entry, often dismissed by sun and sea-hungry tourists. Its two main squares; Plateia Venizelou and Plateia Eleftherias are lovely. Venizelou is site of the famous Morosini Fountain, and heart of the city. There is also an outstanding Archaeological Museum, Historical Museum of Crete and remains of the city walls and fortress of Rocca al Mare. The Palace of Knossos, southeast of Iraklio, is the most magnificent, intricate and evocative of Crete's Minoan sites, with notable re-created frescoes.

East of Iraklio is Agios Nikolaos, one of the island’s best-known holiday resorts which overlooks the Gulf of Mirambello and several fine beaches. East from here stands Sitia, another popular resort with bars, restaurants, hotels and a Venetian fortress.

Hania, on the west, is swamped with beautiful Venetian and Turkish buildings and has a pretty harbourside setting with white onion-domed churches and winding paved laneways. Check out the Venetian quarter of town and the massive fortifications and lighthouse, as well as the Archeological, Naval and Folklore museums. From Plateia 1866, the main city square, it's a short walk northward to the Venetian port and Nea Hora quarter with its crowded beach. Zambeliou is now a winding street lined with craft shops, hotels and tavernas.

By car you can explore Zakros, Paeohora, the Samaria Gorge, Lasithi plateau and many charming fishing villages.