Crete island in Greece

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The southern and largest Greek island, Crete, is mountainous and the island's history, as well as the personality of its inhabitants was greatly affected by these mountains. The main sources of wealth in Crete are agriculture and tourism. The cultivation of the olive tree is very important in Crete and excellent virgin olive oil is produced here.

In Crete there are two main harbours: the Heraklion harbour and the Souda Bay harbour. The harbours in Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia are much smaller. Along the south coast there are various fishing ports.

There are three airports in Crete: the Heraklion airport, the Akrotiri airport close to Chania and the Sitia airport.

Several small islands surrounds Crete: Gavdos island is the southest border of Europe and it is populated. The islands of Hrissi or Gaidouronissi, Koufonisia, Dia, Paximadia, Gramvoussa are much smaller and not populated. Most of them are popular destinations for one-day cruises from Crete.

Ancient history

In these years the island met the most significant development becoming a marine, trade and art creation center. The people were farmers, shepherds and mainly marines, with notable merchant relations with Asia, Africa and the Cyclades. The civilization that was developed was named Minoan, after the legendary King Minos, by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, during his excavations at the Palace of Knossos. There is no evidence that the Minoans were a military people; they thrived instead, it seems, on their remarkable mercantile abilities. This lack of a military culture, however, may have spelled their final downfall.

The Roman Period and the first Byzantine Years 69 BC-824 AC

The Romans lost the war against Crete in 71 BC, but 2 years later they came back with more army and navy. The island was occupied after three years resistance, with the Romans accomplishing their desire to conquer the famous birthplace of Zeus.

During the period of Pax Romana the island prospers and develops with trade. It's capital became Gortys.

Around 63-66 AC, Christianity comes to Crete and the first Christian church is being established in Crete, at Gortys, by bishop Titos.

After the Romans, the island came under the Arab rule in 824, then the Byzantium, the Venetians and Ottoman Turks took over. Finally Crete reunited with the modern Greek state in 1913.

source and more history: www.explorecrete.com

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Crete Island today

The southernmost sizeable island in Europe has “everything”! Its bountiful variety of features includes mountain villages, long sandy beaches, rocky bays, beach-bar-boogie & nightlife. There are magnificent mountain ranges, water-sports, tranquil locations and clean swimmable seas. Bathed in clear sunlight much of the year, the climate is one of the best in Europe. It is understandably a most popular travel and vacation destination.

Crete also has a magic radiance – truly! There is the supreme quality of the light here, the sharp rugged mountains meeting openly with clear seas. There is an abundance of wildlife, plants & flowers that are unique to the island. Breath in the ever-present scents of wild herbs, taste fresh fruit, the best of the world’s olive oil and healthy, delicious cheeses. Enjoy the delight of sipping a Greek coffee at the roadside in a mountain village, the excitement and spill-over of weddings and occasions, the history, the people and the world-sourced visitors. It is also a historian's and archaeologist's paradise.

Heraklion has the major archaeological museum, smart & trendy cafes and shops and a noisy business bustle – it also offers many hidden treasures.
Chania has much of the Venetian part of its history intact. Luxury in Venetian Villas converted to hotels, the ever impressive Venetian Harbour, narrow shop and restaurant-lined pedestrian streets, small hotels contained in buildings that once were home to expatriate merchants and a wide range of places to stay.
Rethymno has the old section - the castle and a long sandy beach, cafes and restaurants with local and visiting customers.

Many smaller places, provide a sense that tourism has not got here yet – but you have! Amongst these Chora Sfakia, Rogdia, Monastiraki, Keratokambos, Makrigialos, Anogia, Zaros, Axos all offer something of Crete that is truly special and a treat for any human in need of the healing power of charm and character in unique climes.

If you like me to assist you with your holiday choice in Crete, please send me an e-mail with your questions and enquiries. I will be glad to reply and assist you, wherever I possibly can.