It is the largest and many diverse of all the Greek islands, a multi-layered heritage cake inhabited in turn with Minoans, the Greeks, the ottoman Turks and also the venetians- who liked it so much they remained for centuries.

Here is a couple of reasons why.

A few of Crete's attractions

Almyrida beach beauty.

There is an excellent sandy swathe at Almirida,one of the more idyllic and unspoiled resorts within the island.

The village, on Cretes northwest coast, is packed with fish tavernas, some upon the beach itself which is certainly useful for families- parents can linger over mezes and retsina while their kids make sandcastles and bathe inside the sheltered bay.

The area is great for walking, having the main towns of Chania and Rethymnon just in reach for shopping, sightseeing and nightlife.

Perched on a low clifftop close to the village of Aspro, overlooking a valley of olive groves and out over souda bay is Sophias house, the villa sleeps 6 as well as being exceptionally well equipped with full air-con, satelite TV and a private garden and infinity pool.

For more information http://www.sophiashouse.co.uk

Chania. toast of the town

The town of "jasmine" is one of Chania's titles - and backed by towering white mountains, snowcapped for part of the entire year, and flanked by a number of the islands best beaches, this previous Venetian strongholdis quite possibly the most addicting harbour towns throughout the med.

It is just a wonderful hotch-potch of minarets and ottoman balconies and bazaars, greek domes, buzzing waterfront, cafe's and tavernas. alleys crammed with fashionable boutiques and souvenir shops. if you happen to get lost, simply ask someone to point you for the sea and start again.

Don't try to pack the whole lot in too quickly. Chania has been around a long time when you chooseto stay at Sophias house your simply a short drive or bus trip away!

Rethymno. Venetian splendour

Rethymno stands out as the third biggest town in Crete it is a fascinating and traditional town , visitors to Rethymno are in awe of the rare nature of the town. The turkish and Venetian monuments, the original old houses and neighborhoods, everything indicates about the long history of Rethymno. from many aspectsRethymno is quite a modern town which offers modern conveniences mixing together with the atmosphere of many years ago. take a stroll round the Fortezza along with other Venetian monuments. Visit the excellent Byzantine churches of Maria Magdalini, Agia Barbara, and Agios Fragiskos, the port as well as the Mastaba part of the town can be a breath of air from yet another era, lost some centuries ago.

The beaches close by- are superb! The beach of Rethymno and Episkopi west to the town are really worth a visit, and finally Rethymno is popular because of its nightlife. Tavernas with live cretan music and an abundance of cafe's and bars, the decision is yours...