Facts about Crete
Traveling through Crete, you’re likely to start at one of the island’s four main cities: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon, or Agios Nikolaos. Each city has its own personality and historical significance. Heraklion boasts the renowned archaeological site of Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, which is considered Europe’s oldest city. Meanwhile, Chania and Rethymnon charm visitors with their Venetian harbors and quaint old towns, where narrow, winding streets lead to hidden squares and ancient buildings.
Beyond the cities, Crete’s landscape unfolds in spectacular variety. The island is a haven for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with trails that traverse through scenic gorges like the famous Samaria Gorge, a 16 km trek through one of Europe’s longest canyons. This path offers not only breathtaking views but also encounters with endemic flora and fauna. Crete’s mountain ranges, including the White Mountains, are ideal for both beginner and experienced hikers seeking solitude and scenic beauty.
Crete’s beaches are equally alluring and varied. From the exotic Elafonissi Beach with its pink sand and clear waters to the more secluded Triopetra in the south, the island caters to every preference, whether you’re looking for well-organized resorts or untouched natural environments. Balos Lagoon and Falassarna beach are also must-visits for their stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters.
Cretan cuisine is another cornerstone of the travel experience, with a culinary tradition that emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients like olive oil, wild herbs, vegetables, and cheeses. Dishes such as Dakos, a traditional meal made of soaked dried bread topped with tomato and mizithra cheese, and Moussaka, a rich oven-baked dish layered with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce, are staples. The island’s vineyards produce unique local wines that perfectly complement the savory dishes.
Cultural experiences in Crete are deeply immersive, reflecting the island’s rich history and resilient spirit. Throughout the year, numerous festivals and events take place, celebrating everything from local saints to ancient customs like the Renaissance Festival in Rethymnon, which brings the town’s Venetian past to life with music, theater, and dance.
Accessibility to Crete is facilitated by two international airports, in Heraklion and Chania, which offer frequent flights to and from Athens as well as direct connections to several European cities during the summer months. Additionally, ferries run regularly from Piraeus port in Athens to both Heraklion and Chania, offering a scenic entry to the island.
Traveling around Crete requires some planning, as the island is vast. Renting a car is highly recommended for convenience and flexibility, allowing you to explore small villages and remote attractions at your own pace. Local buses also serve the main towns and key tourist areas but may have limited schedules, especially in less touristy regions.
Crete offers a dynamic mix of adventures, historical exploration, and leisure. It’s a destination where the past and present merge seamlessly, inviting travelers to lose themselves in its timeless beauty and vibrant culture. Whether you’re wandering through the ruins of ancient civilizations, enjoying the sun on a sandy beach, or tasting the richness of Cretan olive oil, Crete promises a journey filled with discovery and delight.
Crete is located at the southernmost tip of Europe, between the crossroads of three continents and five seas. It is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. Around Crete there are almost 105 small islands, islets, most of them uninhabited. The best known are Gavdos, Gramvousa, Thodorou, Koufonisi (Lefki), Dia, Paximadia, Spinalonga and Chrysi. Its size and the variety of its landscapes deceive the visitor who often loses the feeling of being on an island.
The history of Crete is alive through the bows of the lyre and the violin, to the sound of the lute and the ascomandura. Here at the crossroads of cultures, many memories are alive and many elements of other cultures are still part of the daily life of Cretans.
It is undoubtedly one of the most blessed places in the country and one of the most popular destinations worldwide. From Chania to Lasithi – each prefecture with its own history and personality – offer unique experiences to their visitors. Crete has many beautiful and picturesque villages that keep traditions and hide treasures. Its hinterland reveals the most authentic aspects of the genuine Cretan character. Discover the secrets of the Cretan diet, the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, through local recipes.
Lovers of history and ancient culture will find their paradise in Crete, as they will have the opportunity to visit wonderful archaeological sites and historical monuments scattered throughout the island. Crete has been the cradle of Orthodoxy since the early Christian years and is clearly visible from the hundreds of religious monuments on the island.
Its peculiar geophysical form creates contradictory performances, as it includes forests, seas and endless beautiful beaches, mountains with high altitude and snow, but also rocky and dry terrain. The main mountain masses of Crete are suitable for climbing, for exhausting walking routes, for confrontation with the elements of nature. The canyons are an integral part of the island and it could well be called the island of canyons. Crete has more than 400 larger and smaller gorges. In the strong relief of Crete, the rivers along their course encounter large cracks and steep descents, creating hundreds of small and large waterfalls.
The flora of the island includes 2,108 species of indigenous plants of which 302 are endemic. A large number of rare animals and birds live in the fauna of the island. The seas of Crete are the richest and most pristine marine habitat in the Aegean that even has corals and extensive meadows.
The world-famous beaches, sometimes rocky and wild and somewhere tame and sandy, have crystal clear waters alternating with the most brilliant shades of blue. Crete has endless beaches, over 1,000 kilometers of coastline that satisfy every taste.
From the NATURA protected areas, the hundreds of caves of speleological and archaeological interest, the underwater archaeological sites and shipwrecks, the unique palm forests next to beautiful beaches, the beautiful forest habitats with cedars, palm trees, privet etc., Crete is the paradise for lovers of exploration, nature, biodiversity, naturalistic activities, mountain and sea.
Culinary tourism in Crete is an important part of the island’s economy. Crete, with its rich relief and altitude differences, has an enormous wealth of raw materials, with Cretan olive oil predominating.
History
The first evidence of human settlement on Crete dates back to around 7000 BC. The island was home to the Minoan civilization, which emerged around 2700 BC and is considered one of the earliest advanced civilizations in Europe. The Minoans were skilled traders and seafarers who built impressive palaces such as Knossos, Phaistos, and Malia.
In addition to their architectural achievements, the Minoans also had a sophisticated writing system known as Linear A – although its meaning is still largely unknown – and produced beautiful art, including frescoes and pottery. However, their civilization began to decline after a series of earthquakes and invasions from mainland Greece during the late Bronze Age.
After the fall of the Minoans, Crete came under Mycenaean rule in 1450 BC. This period saw an influx of Greek culture into the island with new forms of art, architecture, language, and religion emerging. However, this rule was short-lived as Crete experienced several centuries of instability due to invasions from various powers such as Rome, Byzantium,and Arabs.
During medieval times (9th-13th century), Crete was conquered by Byzantine forces led by Emperor Nikiforos Fokas. Christianity became dominant on the island during this time with many churches being built across Crete. In 1204 AD,the Fourth Crusade caused great turmoil in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) leading many people from there to flee to Crete along with their cultural influences.
In 1669 AD,Crete fell under Ottoman rule for almost three centuries until it was ceded to Britain after World War I. The British occupation marked a period of modernization and development on the island with significant improvements in infrastructure, education, and trade.
In 1913 AD,Crete officially became part of Greece after gaining independence from the Ottomans. The island faced struggles during World War II but managed to rebuild itself post-war with the help of tourism and agriculture.
Today, Crete is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine,and hospitable people. Its history can still be seen in the ruins of ancient civilizations that dot the island, making it an ideal destination for those interested in culture and heritage. From ancient wonders to modern marvels, Crete continues to captivate visitors with its intriguing past and vibrant present.
Geography
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is situated at the southern end of the Aegean Sea, covering an area of approximately 8,336 square kilometers. The island has a unique geographical layout, divided into four distinct regions – the rugged White Mountains in the west, fertile plateaus and valleys in central Crete, rolling hills and gorges in the east, and sandy beaches along its extensive coastline.
The White Mountains (Lefka Ori) dominate the western part of Crete with their majestic peaks rising up to 2,453 meters above sea level. Not only do they offer breathtaking views from their summits but are also home to rare flora and fauna species found nowhere else on earth.
In contrast to its mountainous west, central Crete is characterized by vast plains such as Messara and Omalos Valley. These fertile lands support a wide range of agricultural activities including olive groves, vineyards and orchards. The Amari Valley is another prominent region known for its picturesque villages nestled amid rolling hills adorned with wildflowers during springtime.
The eastern part of Crete boasts scenic landscapes consisting of hillsides covered with greenery dotted with traditional villages that have preserved their Cretan heritage over centuries. This region is also renowned for its deep gorges such as Richtis Gorge which offers stunning hiking trails leading down to secluded waterfalls.
Climate
Crete’s climate can be described as Mediterranean with hot summers and mild winters. The island experiences long periods of sunshine throughout the year with average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) during winter months to 29°C (84°F) in summer.
The coastal areas enjoy a more temperate climate due to sea breezes while inland regions tend to have warmer temperatures during summer months. This makes Crete an ideal destination for beach lovers who can soak up some sun on the island’s numerous sandy beaches, including the popular Elafonisi and Balos Beach.
The island also experiences a rainy season from November to March, with occasional thunderstorms during this time. However, these rains bring much-needed water to the fertile plains of central Crete, making it an ideal time for agricultural activities.
The diverse geography and pleasant climate of Crete make it a paradise for nature lovers and holidaymakers alike. From stunning mountain ranges to picturesque valleys and beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone on this magnificent Greek island.
Attractions
Crete boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. The crystal clear waters and golden sands make them an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. One of the most popular beaches on the island is Elafonisi beach, located on the southwest coast. This beach is known for its pink sand and turquoise waters that create a stunning contrast against the surrounding landscape. Another must-visit beach is Balos lagoon, accessible by boat or hiking trail from Kissamos town. With its shallow waters and beautiful rock formations, it’s no wonder why this beach is often considered one of the best in Europe.
In addition to its natural beauty, Crete also has a rich history waiting to be explored through its landmarks and historical sites. The Palace of Knossos is one such site that should not be missed. Located near Heraklion city, this ancient palace was once home to King Minos and holds significant importance in Greek mythology as well as being one of Europe’s oldest cities. Another prominent landmark worth visiting is the Venetian Fortress at Rethymnon town which offers panoramic views of the city and sea below.
For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Crete offers several gorges that are perfect for hiking and exploring. Samaria Gorge is perhaps the most famous among them all with its 16-kilometer-long trail ending at Agia Roumeli village where visitors can relax on a secluded beach or take a dip in the Libyan Sea. Imbros Gorge is another popular option with its picturesque landscapes and easier hiking route suitable for families and beginners.
Cities and Villages
Crete is home to several charming cities and villages that offer a glimpse into the island’s culture and local way of life. Chania, the second-largest city on the island, boasts a beautiful Venetian harbor lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. The Old Town of Rethymnon is another must-see with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and traditional architecture. For a more authentic experience, head to one of Crete’s many villages such as Vamos or Makrigialos where you can immerse yourself in rural life and sample delicious local cuisine.
Crete has an abundance of attractions that are sure to captivate any traveler. Whether you’re seeking relaxation at the beach or adventure in nature, this island has it all. So don’t forget to include these must-see attractions in your itinerary for an unforgettable trip to Crete.
Facts about Crete
Size: 8259 sq. km
International code: 0030
Population: about 500 000
Local code: Heraklion:2810 Chania: 28210, Rethymno:28310
Cash machines: Yes (in all big towns)
Hospitals: Heraklion: 269111, 237502
Port Police: Rethymno: 22276
Highest Mountain: Psiloritis
Tourist Information: Heraklion: 222487
Chania:92943
Airport: 3 airports in Heraklion, Chania and Sitia
Bus company: Heraklion: 245017
Tourist Police: Her: 283190 Cha:73333, R:28156
Hotel Association:
Ferries: Heraklion: 244603, Chania:27500
Airport: Heraklion: 245644, Chania: 63264