Crete

Photo by flickr user bazylek100

Some of the most luxurious hotels in the Med nestle in the exclusive enclaves of Crete's north coast, incongruously close to resorts notorious for sun, sand, sex and cheap booze. But there are other, more affordable aspects of Greece's largest and most fascinating island. Head west for stylish and affordable boutique hotels in the historic Venetian centres of Rethymnon and Chania; go bush in the mountain forests of the far west; or make for the south coast, where a certain post-hippy, New Age vibe still permeates and where you can stay in traditional hamlets retro-fitted with en-suite facilities and constant hot water, courtesy of the sun. The White Mountains - tipped with snow until May - beckon walkers; the blue Libyan Sea seduces swimmers and those seeking an all-over tan; and the ghosts of Minoans, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Venetians and Turks haunt medieval fortresses, ancient sites and mountain passes.

The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference. They all close from November to Greek Easter.

Written by Robin Gauldie