Archaeologically significant, Greece‘s largest island, Crete, is where you’ll find remains of an ancient Minoan palace in Knossos, what many believe to be Europe’s oldest city. The island’s location just south of the Aegean Sea sets it aside from the rest of the country, a reason why it has developed a distinct character of its own. Soaked in Greek mythology, it was in the Ideon Cave of Mt. Ida, located in central Crete, that nymph Adamanthea raised a newly born Zeus. Whether you are here to learn the history, lounge on the beach, go diving in the sea, or hike Samaria Gorge – there’s something in Crete for every type of traveler. Taking a ferry to Crete is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Although the island has an airport, ferry tickets to Crete are more popular. Last-minute bookings through Ferryscanner allow travelers to island-hop at a more leisurely pace and change their itinerary as per their mood and preference. Crete’s fame lies in the fact that it has a mix of both touristy and traditional towns. Sitia in the east is a quiet, affordable escape and more of a commercial center. It does come alive with events, theatrical performances, and folk dances in the summer during Kornaria Festival celebrated in honor of the Greek poet Vintsentzos Kornaros.

Cretan cuisine is a savoring affair, and the best place to experience it is in Chania. Since over a million olive trees grace the island, olive oil is an integral part of the local foods. Emphasis is given to fresh homegrown ingredients with delicacies ranging from fried snails and dakos (tomatoes and feta on rusk bread) to the local alcoholic drink raki. Heraklion is the capital city, and a party destination worth exploring for its history, cathedrals, shopping, and Cretaquarium – an educational excursion that kids will especially enjoy.

Ferry tickets to Crete are available from Athens, Cyclades, and the Dodecanese Islands. Staying for more than just a few days is necessary and presents visitors with the opportunity to see some of its lesser-known villages. The romantically named Kissamos, for instance, is a cute port town in the west with a lovely beach. Rethymno, has a scenic 1830s lighthouse and a captivating Old Town with winding streets, Venetian houses, tiny squares, and fountains. Beautiful, diverse, and very unique – Crete is the complete Greek island package rolled into one large destination.