Iraklion, the capital of the island, will probably be your point of entry. It is connected to many European capitals by direct flights and boats leave to Athens and Santorini on a regular basis.

Sights you will have on your to do list include Hania the second town of the island, the Knossos a visit to some of the Venetian castles ( Imeri Gramvousa, Frangocastello e.g.), the Lassithi plateau, and the town of Agios sostis/lithakia with its great beaches nearby.

The least messed up part is the south coast in the western half of the island. There is a marvellous pink beach at the south-western edge, the town of Paleochora must be one of the most relaxing places in the world and you shouldn't miss the Samaria gorge.