Crete enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August range from 86ºF (30ºC) during the day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night. Rainfall is almost non-existent in summer but showers can be expected between October and April.

Cretan foodis known for relying on fresh, healthy ingredients. While you won't find the famous Greek feta cheese in great quantity, you can sample the region's own Graviera, Myzitra, or Anthotiros cheeses. Other traditional dishes include snails, cretan pilaf (chicken and lamb risotto served with goat's butter), and kotosoupa, a chicken soup with lemon sauce.

Dinner is a late affair in Crete, and locals don't eat until 10 or 11pm, and tend to frequent the many tavernas in the towns. While you will find international restaurants in the resorts and near hotels, these tend to be more expensive and of lesser quality. When dining out in Crete, by all means take a look at the menu, but be sure to ask the waiter for the specials, which tend to have much more local flavour. It is customary to dine 'family style' with everyone sharing from each dish.

A comprehensive bus system makes Crete easy to travel around, with frequent services along the north coast, and less frequent buses servicing places of interest on the south coast via the mountainous interior. There are also many tour companies in the towns and resorts that offer excursions to all the major sites around the island. Ferries link the towns along the south coast and the islands, but many only operate during summer. Taxis can be hired to all sites and are reasonable especially if shared with two or three people; travel agents can find drivers that speak English to act as a guide as well. For those with limited time on the island, hiring a car is the most flexible way to get around outside the cities and towns, although travellers should be warned that Crete has an exceptionally high road fatality rate due to rough surfaces and curving mountain roads, particularly in the south. It does however allow one to leave the overdeveloped tourist trail and explore the real Crete, and there is no shortage of car rental companies in all the main towns and at the airports. Mopeds and motorbikes can also be hired, but again can be dangerous on winding, potholed roads.

With beautiful sandy beaches and miles of coastline, don't be fooled into thinking the beach is all there is for kids on holiday in Crete, look a little further and you'll find there is plenty to keep the children entertained. Kids and adults alike will love taking a pirate ship cruise for the day from Rethymno, enjoy splashing around in the Limnoupolis Water Park in Chania, or take part in some traditional water activities like jet skiing, snorkelling, waterskiing and banana boat rides at Star Beach Water Park in Hersonissos. A day-trip to the small island of Spinalonga, just north of Crete, to explore the fortress of the former leper colony, the spooky streets and empty buildings are fascinating. Kids might not be interested in the historical sites, but tell them the story of the labyrinth and legendary Minotaur who is said to have lived in Knossos Palace, and they'll be captivated by this majestic attraction for hours. A day-trip to the small island of Spinalonga, just north of Crete, to explore the fortress of the former leper colony, the spooky streets and empty buildings are fascinating to explore. When the weather is grey and outdoor activities with the children are not an option, parents staying in some of the larger hotels can make use of the kid's clubs which offer mini discos, indoor playgrounds, scavenger hunts and more.

Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken.

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, divided into 100 cents. Banks and bureaux de change are widely available and travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining euros.

Crete is not as well-known for its nightlife as some of the other Ionian Islands, but it has its fair share within the busy resort towns of Heraklion and Limenas Hersonissou. Head to Heraklion Town, Iraklio, Hania, Rethymno and Agios Nikloas where bars, clubs, discos, lounges and pubs abound. The towns of Malia, Chania and Hersonissos are also worth a visit but these are mostly hot spots for package holiday tourists with bars and clubs catering to a younger crowd, intent on a lively night out.

Older revellers will enjoy the fantastic restaurants, pubs, lounges and tavernas with live music in Chania, which are great venues for a pleasant evening out. Other options while in Chania include joining the locals for their 'volta', a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or ride in a horse-drawn carriage before settling down to a sundowner or dinner.

October is a great month for bargains as the end of tourist season approaches and shopkeepers are eager to sell their wares. Kiosks selling everything from food and snacks to cigarettes and postcards abound on Crete and many of these are open 24 hours a day. The best shopping areas are the Kasavetis shopping centre in Hersonissos, the market on 1866 Street in Heraklion, and Chania's covered Market, or Agora on Odos Hatzi Michali Yannari, where local produce such as chestnuts, bread, olives and honey are sold. Popular souvenirs include embroideries, hand carved wooden items, jewellery, and leather goods. If travelling within Europe, other good buys include Cretan honey, wine, or some delicious local cheeses, which are renowned all over Greece.

Steeped in mythology, legends and a fascinating history and boasting more attractions than any other Greek Island, sightseeing in Crete takes travellers through the ages.

With so many places of historical interest, highlights include the impressive Palace of Knossos, the Cave of Zeus, located on the slopes of Mount Ida where Rhea hid baby Zeus from Cronos, the Monastery of Arkadi just south of Rethymno, the remains of Gortyna 28 miles (45km) from Heraklion, and the Palace complex of Phaistos in the south, which was destroyed by an earthquake in the late Bronze Age and later rebuilt. The Archaeological Museum and Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion are also worth a visit - the artefacts will astound you.

The sun-drenched sandy beaches on Crete aren't too shabby either and the surrounding scenery is breathtaking with beautiful mountains and gorges in the Samaria Gorge National Park in Chania that any hiker will simply adore. On the east of the island, the tiny town of Sitia is worth a peek for its picturesque port, making a great place to stop for a lunch.