Enjoying the Delights of a Holiday in Crete

Crete is the home of Europe's first genuine civilization. The origin of the Minoan civilization is still debated but it certainly goes back thousands of years BCE and was well known to the ancient Egyptians. Based very much around a 'palace culture' in places such as Knossos, the Minoans became important in early Greek culture through legend and, to some extent, legacy.

If you visit the palace and Knossos, legendary home to the Minotaur and the labyrinth, an interesting fact to note is that it was considered largely a mythical site until discovered by archaeologists in the late 19th century. It's a fascinating place to visit with lots to see - including the first ever road built anywhere in Europe, on which modern Heraklion airport transfers travel today.

Culture
Cretan culture isn't quite the same as that of mainland Greece, though it's similar.
There's no really easy way to describe this - it's just something you have to experience.
Whether it's the distinct evolutionary heritage or just geography is unclear - but the difference is there. You'll see and experience it immediately your Heraklion airport transfers drop you off.

Beaches and mountains
Crete has some great beaches and also some very high and extremely beautiful mountains. It isn't a huge island and that means you can easily spend a morning on the beach and the afternoon high up in the mountains. It's ideal for those who like a change of scenery from 24x7 sand and sea - great as that may be!

Language and friendliness
The relationship between Crete and the UK goes back a long way and many of the tourists on the Heraklion airport transfers are British. It came to the fore in the heroic, if ultimately unsuccessful, joint Greek, Cretan and British attempt to defend the island from the Nazis in 1941. English is widely spoken in most of the main towns and tourist centres.

Cuisine
Many people would argue that Greek cuisine is hugely underrated and all too often overshadowed by the better-known French, Italian and even Spanish culinary traditions in the Mediterranean. Try, as an example, the local lamb cake or "Katimeria". They're delicious and there are many more specifically Cretan dishes to sample while you're there.

If you're feeling really brave, you could try the local distilled spirit called Tsikoudia, or perhaps more commonly by tourists, Raki. It's made from the residue of local grape processing for wine. You can get good or bad Raki and its strength can vary hugely, but you can be sure that it's always going to have a high alcohol content. Drink it in moderation if you'd like to avoid getting very drunk, very quickly and then spending the next day deeply wishing that you'd abstained altogether.


The convenient Heraklion Airport transfers will deliver you to any one of the many fabulous destinations around the island. It's hen up to you just how far you explore.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you're looking for Heraklion airport transfers, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don't miss your car on your holiday abroad.

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