Cretan towns and villages form a magic kaleidoscope for all tastes

Crete’s diverseness is one of the island’s biggest assets. The first thing one notices when arriving in Crete is that the island’s towns and villages have a character of their own. From quaint mountain villages, laid back coastal fishing resorts, seaside beach towns to vibrant, modern cities.

From the aristocratic Venetian architecture of Chania and Rethymno in the west, to the bustling metropolis of Heraklion, the island’s largest town, and the sub-tropical beach paradises of Lasithi in the east,Crete’s communities have managed to preserve their unique identities through the ages.

Different styles merge harmoniously, from Anogia, an authentic Cretan mountain village in the prefecture of Rethymnon, to the Minoan village of Zakros in the Lassithi region.

However it is the inland villages of Crete, untouched by mass tourism, that are the essence of Crete, where travellers and visitors get to feel the true Cretan hospitality, a trait deeply ingrained in the Cretan way of life. When looking for accommodation, keep in mind that most areas of Crete offer beautiful villas for rent, offering high end amenities.