Crete, the largest Greek island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean, the birthplace of El Greco and Kazantzakis, has an area of 8,330 sq. km, a variety of beautiful landscapes, over 1,000 km of coastline, and is ready to amaze you!
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The Island is divided into four prefectures, Heraklion, Chania, Lasithi and Rethymno, and its capital and largest city is Heraklion.The island, which is a destination for three million tourists every year, has three major airports: airport Nikos Kazantzakis (Heraklion), the airport Daskalogiannis (Chania) and a new airport in Sitia. It is also connected to Piraeus by ferry that departs daily from the ports of Suda and Heraklion.
Cretan Mythology
The Cretan mythology, the oldest in Europe, was the one that provided the bases for the rich Greek mythology. According to tradition, Zeus, father of gods and men, was born in Crete, where his mother, Rhea, fled in order to save the unborn baby from her husband, Kronos. It was there that hero Theseus met Ariadne, who helped him to traverse the maze of the famous architect Daedalus and defeat the beast Minotaur, a mythical creature with a human body and bull’s head.
Also, Zeus brought the beautiful Europe in Crete, who had kidnapped from the coast of Phoenicia, today’ s Lebanon. From their union are born three sons, one of who, according to the myth was the famous King Minos. King Minos gives his name to one of the first civilizations in Europe, the Minoan civilization, which flourished in Crete from about 3000 BC to 1400 BC.
Culture, Monuments and Sights
The Minoan civilization dominated throughout the Mediterranean, was peaceable, cheerful and powerful. The inhabitants were engaged in shipping and trade, mainly with Phoenicians, Syrians and Egyptians, which entail a major economic development of the island. During this period the palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros, were built, Today these palaces are most interest archaeological sites which you can visit today.
Frescoes, jewelry, artwork, pottery, tableware and figurines of that period steal the show in the archaeological museums of Heraklion, Chania, Sitia and Agios Nikolaos. The most important finding of this period is probably the Disc of Phaistos (1700-1600 BC). The deciphering of the symbols that are etched on the disc is an unsolved mystery for archaeologists. Also interesting is the Maritime Museum of Crete in Chania and the Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion.
Because of its strategic location, Crete was the apple of discord for the strongest and most powerful of the Mediterranean tribes over the centuries. Before its union with Greece in 1913, the island was conquered by the Romans, besieged by Saracen pirates, settled by Arabs, came under the rule of Genoese, Venetians and Turks.
These civilizations left their mark on many monuments that can be admired today. The mosaic of attractions includes numerous Byzantine churches, the Venetian fortresses of Fortezza in Rethymno, Koules in Heraklion and Kazarma in Sitia, the Venetian shipyards Neoria and the Lighthouse of Chania, Gortyn , the Roman capital of Crete, ancient Lissos, the island of Spinalonga, ancient Falassarna, the Minoan settlements in Myrtos etc.
Excursions in nature and other activities
Crete is an extremely mountainous island, where high peaks alternate with fertile plains, wild gorges and beautiful beaches. In Crete you can find forests full of chestnut and oak trees, as well as vineyards, olive groves, barren hills and exotic palm groves. Climb the impressive White Mountains, go hiking, visit the beautiful plateau of Omalos, the caves Dikteon and Ideon Andron and the gorge of Samaria and take time to enjoy the sea in over 100 beaches.
Explore sandy long beaches, small deserted bays that provide an excellent “virgin” landscape or well organized luxurious beaches, the most cosmopolitan in Greece. You should also not miss a walk through the picturesque old towns of Rethymnon and Chania.
Also interesting are the seaside village of Elounda, preferred by many celebrities, the Vai palm beach, the notorious island Elafonisi with its lagoon and exotic beaches, the coves in Xersonisos, the beach in Stalis, the vivid village Malia and the beaches in Ierapetra and Castelli.
Finally, you will be amazed by the plateau of Katharos, located high in the mountains of Lassithi, the gorge of Pefkon, the plateau of Askifos in Sfakia, the lagoon of Balos in Gramvoussa cape and the seaside village Frangokastello with its castle and beautiful beaches.
What matters the most is that this island is ideal for everyone, regardless of age, tastes and habits. In Crete, hundreds of villages follow a different lifestyle, preserving the traditions, language and customs of their island, and can be a haven of tranquility and serenity.
But at the same time and at a very short distance, you will find modern facilities that offer moments of fun and entertainment all day and night! It is well known for example that the coastal area of Platanias, near Chania, as well as and Malia in Heraklion are offered for exciting nightlife in Crete.