Crete

Largest of the Greek islands, 160 miles long and up to 38 miles wide, Crete was the cradle of early Mediterranean civilisation and is now an island of unique fascination. Lying further south than Algiers, the little island of Gavdhos, just off Crete’s south coast, is the southernmost point of Europe. No other Greek island has such a unique combination of spectacular and varied landscapes, a distinctive character of the islanders and impressive archaeological remains, which date from different periods of Crete’s history: Minoan palaces, Byzantine churches, Venetian castles and Turkish minarets.