Greece's largest isle is your one-stop shop for everything you’ve dreamt of experiencing while island hopping: history, gastronomy, the traditional and the contemporary… all amid a stunning scenery of mountains, olive groves, and beaches. It's easy to stray off the beaten path here, to visit the cave where Zeus was born, or mingle across fishing villages and hillside towns. Gorgeously diverse, Crete hides many treasures bound to surprise and enchant.
Crete travel guide
Destination facts
Language
Greek
What to bring back
A bottle of Cretan oil, a bottle of the popular local spirit Tsikoudia (a type of raki), mountain herbs, thyme honey, and handmade crafts like embroidered clothing or colourful ceramics.
What to eat
Dakos (like a bruschetta, but with fresh cheese and served on rusk instead of bread), a variety of Cretan cheeses (from soft goat cheeses like tyrozouli or harder ones like graviera), fried snails, lamb (usually cooked with local vegetables and herbs), Sfakian pies (stuffed with cheese), and all the Greek classics!
Fun fact
If one were to believe in myths (why not!), the island of Crete played a role in the shaping of the entire European continent! They claim that this is where Zeus was born, either in the Diktaean or Idaean caves. Later, disguised as a white bull, he kidnapped a nymph named Europa (after whom the continent is named) and brought her to Crete where she later gave birth to Minos. He created the first important civilization in Europe: the Minoans.
Important info
For more information on all necessary travel documents and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page and the Government of Canada’s Travel and Tourism website.
