Crete is the largest island of Greece and is divides the Cretan Sea from Libyan Sea.
The island is 260km wide and 60km high, and offer enormous varietiesof landscapes between the south coast, difficult to reach, and the northern one, with a fast freeway and many touristic facilities; in addition, the interior part is entirely mountainous with quite high peaks; in winter there is snow.
At the economic level, Crete is based mainly on agriculture and tourism, that nowadays has became essential to the local wealth, even if at detriment of local small activities.

Creta

Photo flickr.com - Palazio

CRETE: A BIT OF HISTORY
Crete is the cradle of Minoan civilization, that lived in the island during the Bronze Age, in 3000 BC. The strategic priviledged location has fostered trades and made Crete one of the most important maritime empires of the Mediterranean Sea. His fortune declined immedialtely after the beginning of a chain of earthquakes that started with the explosion of a nearby volcano of Santorini.

To this, it must be added the invasion by the Mycenaeans and the Dorians, who made Crete a simple Greek province, from where came only mercenaries or pirates.
Piracy led Crete to face the Romans, who finally conquered the island around 68a.C.; then it passed under the dominion of the Byzantine Empire, Venetian Republic, Ottomans and finally Egypt.
Only in 1913, after the end of the Balkan wars, Crete was given to Greece by the Treaty of London.


WHAT TO SEE  IN CRETE
The capital and largest urban center of the island, is Heraklion, where you can see several rests of the period of Venetian rule, plus a museum with several exhibits coming from the Minoan era.

A few kilometers from the capital there is the village of Cnosso, that hosts the legendary palace of Minos, which brings to mind the famous legend of the Minotaur, Theseus and Ariadne's thread. Excavations began in 1878 and were then carried out and funded personally by Arthur Evans, which led to the partial reconstruction of the building (action much discussed and little appreciated).

Other relevant archaeological sites are Festo, located in the south of the island especially important for the discovery of two stacked buildings, and Agia Tr, only two minutes from the first.
Amongst the places to visit, we must remember Aghios Nikolaos, an ancient port on the Gulf of Mirabello dating back to the Byzantine period, with the small chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas of the same period.
It is now a modern tourist center that has  developed around a salt lake of volcanic origin. In the town is also worth visiting the archaeological museum which displays artifacts dating from the Neolithic to Roman times.

Another city quite important is Gortina, where was found the statute with the same name dating from the fifth century BC which represents the earliest evidence for written law in Europe. Also here you can visit the agora, a small amphitheater, acropolis with the remains of a theater, thermae and some temples.

Another very important center is Hania, where all the rulers os the island have succeded and then have left many traces and influences. Worth mentioning are the Venetian church of the sixteenth century within which there is a small museum that presents the various findings of the neighborhood, a mosque, the ancient lighthouse Firka and the Venetian fortress, which now houses a hotel.

Within the island, specifically on the slopes of Mount Dikti, there is the characteristic village of Kritsa with whitewashed houses, narrow streets and staircases where you have a wonderful view over the coast and in particular of Aghios Nikolaos.
The city is famous for local handicrafts and in its surroundings you can visit a Byzantine church of the thirteenth century and the remnants of a Doric town of the eighth century BC completely immersed in the greenery and nature.

As seaside resorts are noteworthy Malia and Rethymnon, both rich in history, as well as beautiful beaches. Other popular beaches and famous for their natural beauty are Analipsi, Kato Gouves, Elafonissi, Balos, Amoudara and Falasarna.


OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT CRETE
The island of Crete is a quiet and easily accessible place where to spend a holiday in company of children. If you want to avoid overcrowded period of summer and enjoy the local traditions and the various archaeological sites in peace, the season of choice is surely the spring.

The language spoken is Greek, but English is also widely used, particularly in touristic areas.
To reach the city you can take the ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion, while in summer there are connections with Rhodes and Karphatos Githio.
For air travel in Crete there are three airports, the most important is obviously in Heraklion, reachable by direct flights from Italy with the greek company Neos.

You can go to explore Crete or renting a car, or using the bus service, more active in summer.
 

Photo gallery