The largest of all the Greek Islands, Crete offers a mountainous interior and many coastal beaches with rocky coves, charming villages and harbors. It is known not only for exciting nightlife, but for its intriguing ruins from the Minoan civilization. The island capital, Heraklion, is its economic center, but you'll also find many archaeological sites here. Crete's beaches here can be bustling, with sun beds and umbrellas for rent and watersports to enjoy, or totally secluded, for private oceanside strolls.