Welcome to Crete. Do you want to come for a relaxing holiday or to go crazy clubbing all night. You can do both on this island, but if you dont want drunken teenagers at all hours disturbing you do not go to Malia or some other areas where Club 18-30 or equivalent teenage holidays operate. Check with your tour operator first before your book. Also, if you have walking problems or small children, check that the hotels are not stuck up a hill as some in Hersonissos area are and pulling a pram up steps in heat is not much fun.

The centre of Crete is Heraklion, which is a modern town with a maze of streets with various little shops. Big names like Zara are in one street and a small market off this for souvenirs and eating places. However, the best bargains are found on a Saturday when the large outside market is held. This is located just outside the centre, in walking distance, but if you do not know the town better to take a taxi there. There you will find shoes for 3 Euro and copy T shirts and jeans for 5-10 Euro. A paradise of bargains, including fruit and vegetables and certainly cheaper than the local souvenir shops.

If you want full on nightlife for young people, then Malia is the place to go, but beware as it is not for the faint hearted! The Greeks say that even dogs sniff each other before they have sex! Wild times and unfortunately the spirits are offered cheaply and known locally as 'bombs' as the content is cheap and gets people drunk very quickly to the point that they do not remember what they are doing or done.

If you are involved in illness in Crete and have travel insurance you will more than likely be moved to the centre, Heraklion for treatment. The private hospitals are very clean and food good. They say the Greek doctors are some of the best in Europe, but do no expect nursing care like the UK as mostly they depend on family to provide such things as water and washing facilities and even to provide personal hygience care during your stay. Most doctors speak English, but nursing staff is basic so you may find it difficult to get information on your treatment from them. The State hospitals if you are using your EU card are more grim I am afraid. The treatment is still good, but you will be put into a shared ward, usually full of relatives caring for others and mainly all Greek speaking. Make sure you have friends to bring you change of clothing, etc as this will not be provided.

Weather is like a good UK summer during April/May/Sept/October, so if you dont like it really hot and want to go out walking these are the best months to do so. Peak summer is hot! So, take your sunscreen and stay out of the midday sun for sure or you will be like all the lobster Brits that visit.

If you are driving in Crete, I would recommend one of the larger reputable hire companies. You can get cheaper local rates, but check the small print to ensure you are convered for everything. Beware of the Greek drivers - they go fast! No patience and of course holidaymakers are unsure of the driving on the other side of the road and tend to hug the middle lane, which the locals do not appreciate. You will have somebody speeding up behind you flashing their lights and that is an indication to move over and quick about it! Unfortunately Greece has one of the highest road accident levels in Europe and you also have to account for the village attitude sometimes as they will just pull out as and when they wish, park the same and will quickly shout abuse at you (Malaka) - women included - if they think you are in the wrong. Quick bursts of road rage, but I have never seen fights. The main highways are clearly signposted and different areas of the island easily accessible. Some of the village roads are very narrow and bumpy and it is in these areas you will see the traditional lifestyle - lazy afternoons and lots of dogs sleeping in the sun.