The largest of the Greek islands is more like a country in its own right. It has a diverse landscape, a long history of intertwined cultures, strong traditions are practiced to this day and its tourism industry allows it to thrive, year after year.
Crete receives over a quarter of all of Greece’s tourists and if you head to the island’s north-coast resorts during July and August you will see a large proportion of these tourists. However, if you want a more refined, relaxing slice of luxury you don’t need to look elsewhere. Crete has something for everyone and its all-inclusive luxury market is actually on the rise.

Crete is well endowed in terms of history and beauty. It boasts several high-altitude mountain ranges, deep gorges, rocky cliffs, sweeping bays, cute coves, fertile plains, gushing rivers, vast plateaus and labyrinth-like cave networks.
Its history and legends date back millennia. The Ancient Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Turks, but most notably the Minoans who built huge palaces, large settlements and intricate works of pottery and silverware were at various times the powerhouses of the island of Crete. Together, this extraordinary history and its remnants and ruins that stand today and the amazing beauty of the landscape as well as the fantastic weather, sumptuous and delectable cuisine make Crete a perfect holiday location for pretty much everyone.

There are certain things on this Mediterranean island you simply cannot miss. The first is Knossos. This now ruined palace was once the capital of Crete. This palace was where King Minos governed the Minoans and it’s also where he kept his mythical beast, the Minotaur. The palace was rebuilt several times and the more recent parts date back 4,000 years but the oldest remains are more than 7000 years old The Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe.

It runs from the Omalos Plateau for 16km where it finally meets the sea. At its deepest point the sheer walls reach 500 metres and gorge varies in width from just 3 metres right up to 150 metres. During the spring months the gorge is full of colourful wildflowers, many are unique to Crete. Chania is a charming Venetian-Turkish blend of a city. It has a twisting and turning Venetian quarter that flows down to a charming Turkish inspired harbour complete with old mosque and artisan houses. The city gives off an air of exotic but regal charm and it also happens to boast some of the island’s finest restaurants.

If you want some all-inclusive holidays filled with luxury on this sun-drenched island, check out the latest offers from Thomas Cook

Cretan Malia Park hotel
From the moment you encounter the 35 palm trees that frame the entrance to Cretan Malia Park, you know that you’ve entered one of the romantic hideaways in Greece. The style is refined, the pace casual: Wrap yourself in cool cottons and the finest linens, lose yourself in the award-winning gardens, and enjoy the exceptional cuisine

Kristalli Hotel  
Kristalli Apartments offers modern and stylish accommodation in walking distance from the sea and a 10-minute walk from the bars and clubs of Malia holiday resort. Local amenities including a supermarket and bakery are located close to the Kristalli Apartments. In the evening, enjoy short walk to Malias lively centre. Wi-fi access available

Malia Mare Hotel  
This 3-star family run hotel, built in accordance with the local architecture, is conveniently located on the Malia Beach Road. The elegant interior, furnished in the simple, traditional style of the island, gives it an air of Cretan authenticity, yet at the same time offers all comforts of a modern hotel. Its 35 spacious and comfortable rooms have an air-condition