Hotels in Crete, Greece

Crete is Greece's largest island, lying in the Mediterranean Sea with a climate of hot, dry summers averaging 30°C (86°F) and mild, rainy winters around 15°C (59°F). Famous for its Minoan ruins like the Palace of Knossos from 2000 BC, you can hike the 16-km Samaria Gorge in spring when wildflowers bloom, or swim at Elafonisi's pink-sand beaches during summer. For a budget-friendly winter trip, explore the Venetian harbor in Chania and the lesser-known ancient site of Phaistos without crowds.