The Colors of Crete: A Travel Enthusiast’s Dream

“There is a kind of flame in Crete – let us call it “soul” – something more powerful than either life or death. There is pride, obstinacy, valor, and together with these something else inexpressible and imponderable, something which makes you rejoice that you are a human being, and at the same time tremble.”

N. Kazantzakis

We were continuously fascinated and in awe of this incredible country during our recent travels to Greece. Athens, Santorini, Delphi, and Meteora were everything we imagined. Crete, the birthplace of the mythological Greek God Zeus, went beyond all our expectations. If its beautiful cities, fertile landscape, majestic mountain ranges, deep gorges, and gorgeous beaches weren’t enough, the striking colors give even more to love. Oh, the colors……..

Our ferry from Santorini arrived late, leaving us with a lengthy two-hour drive through the night. We finally arrived in Chania around 11 p.m., feeling hungry and exhausted. To our surprise, we soon discovered that cars are not allowed in Old Town Chania; somehow, we had overlooked that important detail. With our hotel still many blocks away, the thought of dragging our luggage down uneven cobblestone streets at that hour didn’t exactly lift our spirits. However, as soon as we stepped into Old Town, we found ourselves captivated by its charm. Our exhaustion quickly transformed into awe and excitement—it was love at first sight. Even at that late hour, the colors were striking, and the character and authenticity of the place blew us away. We soon learned that this enchanting quality is a signature of all of Crete.

10 Fun Facts About Crete, Greece

Crete isn’t just Greece’s largest island; it’s a place brimming with culture, mythology, and natural wonders. Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious, here are ten fascinating facts about Crete:

1. Birthplace of Zeus
   According to Greek mythology, the king of the gods, Zeus, was born in a cave on Mount Ida in Crete.
2. Home to the Oldest City in Europe
   The ancient city of Knossos, near Heraklion, is Europe’s oldest city and was the center of the Minoan civilization, dating back over 4,000 years.
3. Cretan Diet = Longevity
   The traditional Cretan diet, rich in olive oil, fresh vegetables, and local herbs, is considered one of the healthiest in the world and linked to long life.
4. You Can Ski and Swim on the Same Day
   In winter, it’s possible to ski in the mountains and swim in the sea — all in one day, thanks to Crete’s unique geography.
5. Over 300 Days of Sunshine a Year
   Crete enjoys more than 300 sunny days annually, making it one of the sunniest places in Europe.
6. Unique Species
   Crete is home to rare wildlife, including the kri-kri, a wild goat found only on the island.
7. It Has Its Own Language Dialect
   The Cretan dialect of Greek is distinct and preserves many ancient Greek words and expressions.
8. World’s Oldest Olive Tree
   The Vouves olive tree, estimated to be over 3,000 years old, still produces olives and is one of the oldest living trees on Earth.
9. A Fortress Island
   The island has a rich history of battles and invasions, with dozens of Venetian castles, fortresses, and ancient ruins scattered throughout.
10. A Labyrinth of Legends
    The myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth is believed to be inspired by the layout of the Palace of Knossos, with its maze-like corridors.

A Short History

Crete, the largest island in Greece, has one of the richest and most layered histories in Europe — a place where myth and reality blend.

The island was the heart of the Minoan civilization (c. 3000–1450 BCE), considered Europe’s earliest advanced society. The Minoans built palatial cities like Knossos, developed sophisticated art and writing systems (like Linear A), and maintained extensive trade networks across the Mediterranean. Their mysterious collapse around 1450 BCE is still debated, with theories ranging from natural disasters to foreign invasions.

After the Minoans, Crete was ruled successively by Mycenaeans, Dorians, and Romans, and later became part of the Byzantine Empire. In the 13th century, it fell under Venetian control, a period that left a strong architectural and cultural mark, especially in cities like Chania and Rethymno.

In the 17th century, Crete was conquered by the Ottoman Empire after decades of resistance. The struggle for independence continued for centuries, and the island finally joined modern Greece in 1913.

During World War II, Crete was the site of the famous Battle of Crete in 1941. This was when Allied and local forces mounted a fierce resistance against the German invasion.

Today, Crete is known not only for its ancient heritage but also for its vibrant traditions, warm hospitality, and cultural resilience, a living testament to thousands of years of history.

Top 12 Things to Do in Crete, Greece

1. Explore the Palace of Knossos
   Step into ancient history at Europe’s oldest city. This sprawling Minoan palace is linked to the legend of the Minotaur and showcases stunning frescoes and complex architecture.
2. Hike the Samaria Gorge
   One of Europe’s longest gorges, this 16-km hike through dramatic cliffs and pine forests ends at the Libyan Sea. A must-do for nature and adventure lovers.
3. Relax on Elafonissi Beach
   Famous for its pink-hued sand and shallow turquoise waters, Elafonissi feels like a tropical paradise tucked into Crete’s southwest coast.
4. Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
   This world-class museum houses the largest collection of Minoan artifacts, including the iconic Phaistos Disc and colorful frescoes.
5. Stroll Through Chania’s Old Town & Venetian Harbor
   Chania’s charming streets blend Venetian, Turkish, and Greek influences. The waterfront is perfect for a romantic walk, coffee, or fresh seafood. We fell in love with Chania.
6. Discover Balos Lagoon
   A stunning blend of white sand and blue-green waters, Balos is accessible by boat or hike and offers one of Crete’s most photogenic beaches.
7. Tour the Caves of Zeus (Dikteon Cave)
   Visit the mythical birthplace of Zeus in the Lasithi Plateau. The cave features impressive stalactites and a sacred atmosphere.
8. Wander Rethymno’s Old Town
   This well-preserved town is full of Renaissance architecture, narrow alleys, and local artisan shops. The Venetian Fortress above offers panoramic views.
9. Taste Local Food & Wine in a Mountain Village
   Head inland to villages like Archanes or Anogeia to enjoy traditional Cretan dishes, homemade raki, and warm hospitality.
10. Sail to Spinalonga Island
    Once a Venetian fortress and later a leper colony, Spinalonga is a hauntingly beautiful island with deep historical significance and sweeping sea views.
11. Take a Cretan Cooking Class
    Learn the secrets of Cretan cuisine by preparing classic dishes like dakos, moussaka, or kalitsounia in a hands-on workshop led by local cooks.
12. Swim in Seitan Limania Cove
    This hidden gem near Chania features a dramatic, narrow cove with turquoise water and towering cliffs — perfect for adventurous swimmers and photographers.

Captivated by this Greek Isle

The Colors of Crete continually captivated us as we journeyed across this vast and diverse island. From town to coast to countryside, everything seemed more vibrant. The mountains are more defined, the farmland richer in tone and texture. Even the natural light felt different, casting a clarity that made each scene feel almost surreal. There’s a unique beauty in Crete, one that doesn’t just catch your eye but fully engages all your senses. There is calmness and serenity in Crete, both in the land and in its people. Work hard, but rest well. They are proudly Cretans first and Greeks second. They are so very welcoming, engaging, warm, and kind, especially kind.

This beautiful island, which we felt we barely touched the surface of, was a joy to photograph. The Colors of Crete and the dramatic landscape deserve a gallery to showcase their uniqueness. The photographs themselves tell a story. We hope you enjoy the Colors of Crete as much as we did.

Our Colors of Crete Gallery

Interested in visiting? We recommend the Crete Official Tourism website for detailed information on planning a trip to Crete.

Map of the Island of Crete

Where to Stay When

Keep in mind, this is a vast island. To stay on one side will make it difficult to see the side and come back the same day. We can not recommend Old Town Chania enough. It was incredible!

It is important to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.

© 2025 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved

Traveling to Greece? Check out our Greece Travel Guide

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