The Minoan palace of Knossos justly asserts Crete's proud claim as the cradle of European civilisation. Some 4,000 years after its creation, the good times are still rolling at the beach resorts of Agios Nikolaos or Elounda to the east or in the Venetian elegance of Rethimnon and Chania to the west. The interior offers the challenge of a ramble through Samaria Gorge or a visit to the village weavers of Kritsa or Anogia. This Way Crete give a lively and uniquely compact introduction to the island's rich culture and beauty.