Reputedly the birthplace of Zeus, Crete is the largest and most populated of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. A huge European tourism hotspot, popular destinations include the Palm Beach of Vai which is the biggest natural palm forest in Europe.
You can also explore the famous archaeological sites of the Minoans at Knossos and Phaistos, the ancient Venetian port of Chania and the castle at Rethymno. Car hire in Crete allows for a short drive to the coast whenever you choose, where you can try your hand at water sports including diving and snorkelling.
Visit Crete and You'll find a number of festivals celebrating the island's greatest traditions. Every October, the village of Elos holds their Chestnut Festival, where the villagers create dishes based around the chestnuts which are grown on their plentiful trees, amid much celebration. The island is also famous for its vineyards and outstanding food which includes olives and many cheeses, all of which are produced locally.
If you rent a car in Crete you can take a leisurely drive along the coast to the Cretaquarium near Gournes or the Aquaworld Aquarium at Hersonissos and come face to face with hundreds of species that live in the Mediterranean Sea.
