Crete Hotels

The sun-drenched cradle of Minoan civilisation oozes history from every pore, from Knossos' 3500-year-old frescoes to Heraklion's Venetian fort. Crete thrives on contradiction – mountain solitude and Malia's parties, sugar-sand beaches and dramatic ravines – a beach paradise with cultural clout.

Bathe in warm waters and bask on powder-fine sands at Elafonissi Lagoon, or relax in the shade of the palm forest fringing Vai's crescent-shaped bay. Find the sound of silence on Xerokambos, framed by olive groves. Share the sand with bronzed partygoers in Malia and Hersonissos, or follow the footsteps of the 1960s hippy generation to the limestone cliff caves backing Matala beach.

Trace Minoan civilisation at the awe-inspiring Palace of Knossos, where the fabled Minotaur lived. Discover more about Cretan viniculture with a tour of the Boutari Winery, with tasting included. Hemmed in by olive groves, Fodele is El Greco's birthplace – explore the museum dedicated to his art. For a taste of Cretan village life, sip raki in Anogia's square, squatting in the shadow of Mount Psiloritis.

Trek Europe's longest gorge, an 18-km-long crevasse slicing through the Samaria National Park in the White Mountains. Spy a trio of 2,000-metre peaks from the giddy heights of Omalos Plateau and enjoy pin-drop peace surrounded by stalactites in St Sophia and Kamares caves. Seek shade below the Lebanon cedar trees on the uninhabited islet of Hrissi (aka Gaidouronisi) or take a daytrip by boat to Spinalonga, a tiny fortress island once used as a leper colony.

Trek the dramatic, 18-km-long Samaria Gorge, the longest in Europe, to descend all the way from the White Mountains down to the Libyan Sea. Or try canyoning and rock climbing in the Ha Gorge to the east, where vertical cliff faces and 300-metre boulders make for a jaw-dropping experience. Mountain bike through rural villages on Crete's wild west coast and scale mountains in the island's centre. Parasail, wakeboard and waterski in Malia, Hersonissos and Chania.

Feast on flavoursome marathopita (fennel pie) and fresh seafood in harbourside restaurants. Visit one of several agrotourism centres in the rural interior to eat as the locals do, relishing wholesome organic fare. Savour North African fusion cuisine in Chania's mythical Well of the Turk, or creative flavours such as smoked aubergines with myzithra cheese and mountain goat with honey and thyme on Avli's vine-clad courtyard in Rethymno.

Loud and fun-fuelled Malia and Hersonissos keep the party-hungry happy with all-night clubbing, drinking races and a karaoke overdose. Cram into the ever-popular Corkers to dance until dawn. Pull up a chair in see-and-be-seen Rethymno's Old Harbour to sip creative cocktails or join the celebrities dodging the paparazzi in discreet luxury at Elounda.

Fill your bags with olive oil, wine, cheese, raki , honey, herbs and nuts at Heraklion Central Market. Find handcrafted leather boots, bags and blue pottery in Chania, and cavernous cellars stocking Greek wines in Rethymno.