In addition to the food, the beaches of the area are famously good and offer opportunities for laying out on golden sands, paddling, swimming, windsurfing and more.

Particularly delicious locals dishes include omaties (or omathies), a type of pork chitterling stuffed with rice, chopped liver, sultanas and spices, a creamy cheese called xygalo and their lauded sweet cakes.

The food of Sitia is famously good, as is their raki and enjoying mezedes in the little tavernas that dot the town, with some of the raki, wine, beer or ouzo is a must. Surrounding villages like, Zou, Ziros, Handras and more, meanwhile, have great archaeological and historical interest. There are also museums in town that reimagine and celebrate the storied past of the area, including the Folk Museum and Archaeological Museum. I know Exactly how you are going to feel (yes, I had 2 September babies), and MIkes is right for this time.Some historic landmarks do remain, including the old Venetian Fort – glittery for its recent restoration – and the ruined remains of Ancient Roman fish tanks. I think it would be perfect for you in early June. Everyone who's gone there on GB's tip has come back exclaiming. You can do self-catering (supermarket right there) and do meals out when you dont feel like it. It's a village called Anissaras, 15 km East of Airport, and Nobody Knows About It (sshhh!) THe link = THere are shops, tavernas & cafes, but no wild night life. in a hidden little niche east of Heraklion, but NOT in the awful package-holiday hell. The place he always visits at least 1 x a year is Mike's Beach Apts/rooms.

They are independent travelers, avoid the lager louts and A-I and all that, and don't rent cars constantly, and watch their budget. in fact, maybe more than that, because GB & wife have conscientiously explored all over crete in their many trips. There's a chap on these forums, GB of Devises, from UK, who probably knows more about Crete than any contributor who doesn't live there fulltime.

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