Crete, Greece's largest island, is known for a varied terrain ranging from fine-sand beaches at Elafonisi, long, deep gorges and the White Mountains.

Mount Ida, the tallest of the range, has the Ideon Cave which, according to Greek mythology, is the birthplace of Zeus and there is the chance to hike to it through the Samaria Gorge National Park.

Another walk goes through a deep fissure of rock from Omalso to Aghia Roumeli is an 11 mile challenge for experienced hikers.

The lush landscape of Richtis Gorge is forested, cool and green, with a waterfall and the chance to swim from a pebble beach.

Weather in the north of Crete is typically Mediterranean, in the south it's almost subtropical.

Spring comes early in March/April and summers are hot and dry with strong sea breezes. July andAugust are the hottest.

Crete is the birthplace of the Minoans, who ruled 4,000 years ago, and a visit to the island can include a visit to the Palace of Knossos, south of the capital Heraklion.

Heraklion also has an archaeological museum and the Ottoman, Minoan and Roman influences on Chania, a city of Venetian architecture and a 14th century harbour.

Many rural tavernas on Crete produce their own cheese, meat and olive oil and sample village recipes.

There are several vineyards to visit that also have olive groves alongside the vines, making and bottling their own oils.

Olympic Holidays

Olympic Holidays, has 40 islands and mainland Greece, in their portfolio.

This includes Aegina, the island closest to Athens, Rhodes and the tiny island of Tilos, which is Greece's greenest island and the last place in Europe where elephants lived.

Useful links

www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/crete