Although it could be more Greek,Crete is really a country within a country, with it' s own history, folklore and traditions, (so rent a car in Crete is a must do).It was the birthplace of Europe's oldest civilization, the enigmatic Minoan culture which flourished over 4000 years ago. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Venetians and Turks also left their mark.This rich human heritage is set against the backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery and beaches lapped by a deep blue sea. By renting a car in Crete you are a real traveller ready to explore this magnificent island.

1. Ancient Knossos. Knossos is among the most impressive relics of the ancient Mediterranean world.The Minoan palace was imaginatively reconstructed in the early 20th century.
2. Heraklion.A good place to see a slice of everyday Greek street life, Crete's capital is an electric mix of medieval Venetian fortifications, bustling markets and modern streets.
3. Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Crete's leading museum houses amazing finds from Knossos and other great archaeological sites.
4. Chania.Once the island's capital, this pretty little harbor town, with great beaches nearby and lots of open-air shops, makes a great base for exploring Crete's wild west.
5. Phaestos. One of the most important Minoan palace sites in Crete, Phaestos is a fascinating maze of walls, stairways and courtyards on a hillside overlooking the Messara plain and the Libyan sea.
6. Rethymno.Crete's third largest city is packed with reminders of a multi-layered history.A huge castle Turkish mosques,Venetian town houses and bustling markets are part of the charm, along with a beach esplanade.
7. Gortys. The bases of toppled Roman columns, the ruins of a Byzantine basilica, post- Minoan fortifications, an agora, acropolis and remains of temples to Athena and Apollo all hint at the chequered past of Gortys
8. Samariag Gorge.The ''White Mountains'' of the Sfakia region dominate southwest Crete.This rugged massif, most of which can only be explored on foot, as there are few roads, is cloaked in pine trees and traversed by the lovely Samaria Gorge.
9. The Amari Valley & Mt Idi.Old-fashioned villages, empty mountain panoramas and legend laden caves seem like part of a different world, and can easily be explored with a rented car.
10. Gournia.The best preserved Minoan town on Crete, has a honeycomb-like labyrinth of tiny houses and narrow lanes surrounding a small palace overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello.