CRETE

Crete is a colourful puzzle of Mythology, History, proud people, mountains, gorges and seashores. The pieces of that puzzle form a magical and unique picture of this large Greek island. You will get to know the "unknown" Crete, which is hidden in its gorges, remote mountain summits, steep slopes, and in the deep sea which surrounds it. Crete is divided into four prefectures—Chania, Iraklion, Lasithi, and Rethymno—the territorial divisions do not undermine the feeling of unity. According to a Greek saying, a Cretan’s first loyalty is to his island, his second to his country. Crete’s sense of identity, however, also expresses itself in an overwhelming hospitality, as natives strive to show visitors why their island is so exceptional. The capital and main port, Heraklion (Iraklio), offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, nightlife and sightseeing opportunities. The old town lies within the 16th-century Venetian city walls, while the harbor is protected by Koules, an imposing Venetian Fortress. The National Archaeological Museum is one of the country’s top museums, displaying finds from the Minoan era, and the History Museum tells the island’s story from Byzantine times up to the present day. The palace at Knossos, founded in 2000 BC, was a vast city of 50,000 inhabitants, destroyed around 1600 BC by earth movements provoked by the volcanic eruption on Santorini. Agios Nikolaos, the capital of the prefecture of Lassithi, is a picturesque and popular resort town on the bay of Mirabelo with a harbour area pulsating with activity and restaurants and cafes providing a cosmopolitan atmosphere, though the town itself has maintained its traditional style. East from here stands Sitia, another popular resort with bars, restaurants, hotels and a Venetian fortress. West of Heraklion, the well-preserved port town of Rethimno is made up of narrow winding alleys conserving a number of 16th-century Venetian stone buildings and 19th-century Turkish houses with traditional wooden balconies. Rethymnon is the third largest city of Crete. It is the capital of the Prefecture of Rethymnon with a population of around 30,000 people. It is reached from Chania by the National Road in about an hour and from Iraklion in about 60 minutes as well. Arrivals and departures are commenced via Souda in Chania (40 minutes) or Iraklion (1hr). Chania is an ideal alternative to Iraklion for accessing and exploring the island of Crete. The city is not as busy as Iraklion and has direct access to the other major cities via the highway on the north side of the island. The modern city of Chania stands on the site of ancient "Kydonia". According to legend, King Minos' grandson, Kydon, founded the city. No spectacular Minoan palaces, such as at Knossos, remain. South of Hania, the beautiful Samaria Gorge, declared a National Park, is the longest gorge in Europe. Keen hikers will be able to walk the 18km (11.2 miles) length in a day, while the less sporting can join an organized tour, departing from Hania. Crete can be reached by ferry from Piraeus. There are airports at Hania, Iraklio and Sitia, with regular flights to Athens and several other Greek islands, plus a number of European cities.