Why Crete?

Crete is a truly idyllic island the largest of the Greek islands, some 250km long with enough natural variety, history and activities to tempt anyone and everyone. In fact, it is one of the most popular Mediterranean destinations today and it has been so for over thirty consecutive years. The people have a reputation for being open and friendly which dates back through their remarkable history.

Crete dates back to the Minoan civilization some 2500 B.C.E and can record the journey of St.Paul, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman footsteps across her landscape. The Minoan civilization has left us Knossos the largest palace on Crete as well as Phastos, Gortys, Malia and Zakros which are all worth visiting. Trade was devoted to olives, pottery and gold work in the past and now concentrates on tourism and agriculture. In 1910, Eleftherios Venizelos, from Chania, a fact the local people are extremely proud about, became the first Modern Greek prime minister and helped to create the Modern Greek state. I highly recommend visiting Venizelos resting place, as there is an amazing view over the Suda harbour at Chania, and you can try the amazing cakes in the nearby cafes.

You probably know Crete and Greece through the postcard of old men drinking coffee out of small white cups in the kafenio (traditional cafe). Well, there are supposedly 30 different types of Greek coffee, all served with the coffee grounds inside the cup, which supposedly for the gifted can allow you to have your fortune told. Although, it is much safer than the famous Cretan 'Raki", which should only tried on Stag or Hen nights!

If you are keen bird watcher you can glimpse the Spring and Autumn migrations when you will see egrets, herons, buzzards, alpine swifts, fan-tailed warblers and pipits. Although you should not confuse all of this life with the hordes of guests you choose to bring with you descending upon your wedding cake or rushing the dance floor to join in with your local Cretan dancers!

If you plan your wedding for between April and October you will find that this very warm Mediterranean climate stays between 55 to 85 F making the island a very relaxed place due to the heat! It is arguably the sunniest island in the Mediterranean and of course if you are trying to recover from the reception and the 'Raki', then what could be better than relaxing on Matala beach during honeymoon! Of course you could try to read up on Greek mythology and the legend of Zeus coming from a Cretan cave next to the Lasithi plateau, but I think it's best if we leave you to create your own mythology.