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Crete:
Described as the cradle of Europe, it lies between Europe, Asia and Africa, and at 257km long (159 miles) the island offers holidaymaker's a variety of scenery and things to do. There are clean seas for water sports enthusiasts, traditional villages to explore and some awe-inspiring natural wonders like fascinating grottoes and steep gorges.

It's an extremely independent island and the Cretans are proud of their home and the hospitality they offer to visitors. Crete boasts a marvelous climate, excellent thriving resorts, unspoiled beaches, areas of stunning natural beauty and a history steeped in mythology and great feats of ancient civilisations.

For those who want to enjoy a beach holiday Crete is bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year and offers the dedicated sun worshipper hidden coves and beautiful sandy beaches. The island is broken up by four mountain ranges with the highest remaining snow-capped until June. In the south the mountains plunge dramatically into the sea while in the north they slope gently through the coastal plains into the water.

The undisputed natural wonder of the island is the Samaria Gorge, which is Europe's longest at 18 kilometres, with rugged slopes plunging 600 metres to the valley floor. As well as offering hikers views to die for it is also the last natural habitat of the threatened Cretan wild goat (also known as the kri kri) and home to a variety of orchid.

Crete is a Greek island offering a wonderful variety of resorts and landscapes. You'll find rocky coves and sandy beaches dotted around the coast, and verdant mountains and flower-filled valleys inland, with a fine selection of breathtaking historical sites to explore by day, and an excellent choice of restaurants and bars to relax in by night.