Crete – The scale of Europe

Crete is the southest end of Europe and the fifth largest island of the Mediterranean Sea following Sicely, Sardenia, Cyprus and Corsica. It has an area of 8.261 sp. M and the beaches alone extend to 1045 Kms from one side of the island to the other. Spend 315 days out of the year with sunshine. An island with alternating scenery. Some places are rough and bare and others are full of trees and bushy. Villages among olive trees, orange trees, vineyards and garden produce. Monasteries and villages in plateaus and castles. Country chapels lying on steep cliffs. Crete is very famous for its flora and fauna. Chestnut forests, oak and cypress trees. Palm trees in Vai and Preveli as well as cedar trees in Gavdos and Chrissi. Medicinal herbs and scented bushes are found on the steep summits. Finally, the famous ‘’Kri - Kri’’ (the Cretan goat) - an animal under extinction - is found on the mountains, a symbol of freedom for the proud Cretans.

Crete is proud to present a 500 year old civilization, beginning from Minoan times 2800 – 1150 B.C. with the Knossos, Festos and Mallia palaces. Furthermore, shipping and trading with other tripes such as Phoenicians, Syrians and Egyptians. With the descent of the Dorians and Achaeans comes the construction of very important new cities such as Lato and Aptera 7th century A.C. until the Roman invasion (69 – 330 A.C.) Gortyna is the center of the time. However, Christianity arrives in the island at a fast pace. During Byzantine time Crete demonstates its prosperity through the mosaic floors of the palaces and more than half of the Greek Churches.

Besides having a very impressive history, astonishing gorges, unconquered mountains, sunshine and the sea, Crete is continuously developing. Crete is divided into four countries. Chania, Rethymno, Heraclio and Lassith. The biggest city is Heraclio and then Chania, Rethymno and Ag. Nikolaos.