Several hundred years before settlements appeared in any other European area, Crete had a thriving Minoan civilization that left behind impressive traces of their existence. Palaces built by this long ago population still attract a great number of archaeological enthusiasts.

Many of the temples from the period can also be viewed. Begin your journey to this Greek isle in the capital city of Iraklion . Easily accessible by air or sea, Crete has an open and easy connection to many major cities such as Athens .

While on this charming island, plan a visit Knossos to visit spectacular Venetian castles. The mountainous region of Lassithi plateau is beautiful to see as well as the sparkling beaches of Agios Sosti.

On a beautiful bay between the uninhabited peninsula of Gramvousa and Rodopou you'll find the town of Kissamos. Find the perfect sunset as you continue west and travel over majestic mountains that lead to dreamlike beaches of clear seas and fine sand.

When you head south, you'll be mesmerized by the beauty of the high mountain route that winds you through sparse greenery and onward to fields of grazing goats. While many goats are kept by locals, some are wild and roam freely. Look up into the sky and you may spot vultures circling high above.

Take the time to make your way to the south-western tip of Crete and splash around in the tempting waters of Elafonsisi Island .

So what are you waiting for? find your cheap flights to Crete now!

Flights from Atlanta - Georgia, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 5,852 miles (9,417 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 13 hours 30 minutes.

Flights from Los Angeles - California, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 7,103 miles (11,431 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 16 hours 17 minutes.

Flights from Chicago - Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 5,626 miles (9,054 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 13 hours.

Flights from Dallas - Dallas, Texas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 6,420 miles (10,333 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 14 hours 46 minutes.

Flights from Denver - Colorado, Airport - Denver International Airport (DEN) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 6,339 miles (10,202 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 14 hours 35 minutes.

Flights from New York - John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 5,094 miles (8,197 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 11 hours 49 minutes.

Flights from San Francisco - California, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 6,984 miles (11,240 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 16 hours 1 minute.

Flights from Seattle - Airport - Seattle Tacoma International, Washington (SEA) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 6,373 miles (10,257 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 14 hours 39 minutes.

Flights from Las Vegas - Nevada, McCarran International Airport (LAS) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 6,882 miles (11,075 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 15 hours 47 minutes.

Flights from Orlando - Florida, Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 5,934 miles (9,550 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 13 hours 41 minutes.

Flights from Charlotte - North Carolina, Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 5,629 miles (9,058 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 13 hours.

Flights from Phoenix - Arizona, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 6,938 miles (11,165 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 15 hours 55 minutes.

Flights from Houston - Texas, Airport - George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 6,495 miles (10,452 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 14 hours 55 minutes.

Flights from Miami - Florida, Miami International Airport (MIA) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 5,998 miles (9,652 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 13 hours 49 minutes.

Flights from Boston - Massachusetts, Edward L. Logan International Airport (BOS) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 4,909 miles (7,900 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 11 hours 24 minutes.

Flights from Minneapolis - Minnesota, Airport - St. Paul International (MSP) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 5,689 miles (9,156 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 13 hours 8 minutes.

Flights from Fort Lauderdale - Florida, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 5,979 miles (9,622 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 13 hours 47 minutes.

Flights from Detroit - Michigan, Airport - Wayne County International (DTW) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 5,435 miles (8,747 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 12 hours 34 minutes.

Flights from Philadelphia - Pennsylvania, Airport - Philadelphia International (PHL) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 5,187 miles (8,348 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 12 hours 1 minute.

Flights from Baltimore - Maryland, Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 5,277 miles (8,493 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 12 hours 13 minutes.

Flights from Salt Lake City - Utah, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 6,516 miles (10,486 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 14 hours 58 minutes.

Flights from San Diego - California, San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 7,140 miles (11,491 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 16 hours 21 minutes.

Flights from Tampa - Florida, Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 6,012 miles (9,675 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 13 hours 51 minutes.

Flights from Portland - International Airport, Oregon (PDX) to Crete Heraklion (HER) - The flight distance between these airports is 6,495 miles (10,452 kilometres). The direct flight time is roughly 14 hours 55 minutes.