Western Crete
The most mountainous and largest part of the island. The Lefka Ori (White Mountains) dominate the landscape. Their bare rocky peaks rise to almost 2,500 metres. Towards the south coast, they are broken up by huge gorges – the Samaria Gorge and its neighbouring gorges are among the most impressive phenomena on the island. Today, only a few mountain passes lead through the lonely heights down to the small villages on the Libyan Sea.

Central Crete
The hinterland of Heraklion is one large vineyard. The endless hilly landscape forms the largest contiguous wine-growing region in Greece. The sun-scorched region is flanked to the west by the mighty Ida Mountains. At 2,456 metres, Timios Stavros is the highest peak on the island. The most popular destination is Anoghia – the centre of high mountain pastures for a good hundred thousand sheep. Mountain hikers continue on to the Nida plateau and the famous Zeus Cave. The Dikti massif in eastern central Crete is easily accessible from the north coast and Agios Nikolaos. The magnificent drive up ends in the completely flat and almost circular plateau of Lassithi – this is where Zeus was born! The south is characterised by the wide Messara plain, one of the most fertile regions on the island. The legendary cave dwellings of Matala are one of the many attractions in the region.

Eastern Crete
The east of Crete is largely barren, dry and rocky. It is dominated by the grey Sitia Mountains, which are only about 1,500 metres high but wild and largely undeveloped. Agios Nikolaos has established itself as a lively tourist town that still manages to convey a certain atmosphere despite all the hustle and bustle. The huge Mirabellou Bay, the legendary palm beach of Vai and the Minoan palace of Kato Zakros are further highlights. At Ierapetra, endless grey pebble beaches invite you to take a dip.