ISLAND

Crete is the biggest island of Greece and the fifth in Mediterranean. It is the home of culture, arts and philosophy, the home of Dias, Minoa, Kazantzaki and of the great politician Venizelo. It combines all the aspects of Greek nature, given its big size, the graphic landscapes and the cosmopolitan life, and for this reason is pole of attraction for thousands of tourists each year. It is also the crossroad between the east and the west, Africa and Europe, something that influenced the enormous culture of the island.

Crete is separated in 4 prefectures: Chania, Rethimno, Heraklion and Lasithi. All the prefectures have their own history and the important archaeological spaces certify the big historical basis of the island. Minoan civilization constituted a model for the ancient world and its course marked the world history. The capital of island is Heraklion, which is one from the bigger cities of Greece that provides anything that a megalopolis can offer. Furthermore, it is not occasional that there are a lot of visitors that lead to become permanent residents of the island.

The city of Chania has been built in the place of ancient Kydonias. The old city is surrounded from eminent Venetian walls of the 15th century. Many Venetian buildings send you back in the magic of that era. Narrow roads lead you between the Venetian and Turkish fortresses declaring the passage of conquerors from here, Byzantine churches challenge you to visit them, all together compose a wonderful cultural mosaic. The incredible beaches of Chania enchant you from the first moment, big immense sandy beaches with blue sea waters, and hospitable habitats  invite you to experience their tradition.

In Rethimno, you will see the Venetian castle “Fortetza” in the old city and the Turkish panes that give and go with the christian Churches. In the old city of Rethimno there are a lot of sightseeing built hundreds of years ago, for example the old venetian mansions that are saved until today. Rethimno maintains its medieval character and the old city surprises everyone that visits it. Beautiful paths, idyllic landscapes, blue waters and amusement in each corner compose a unique setting for your summer holidays.

The history of city of Heraklion begins the 824 p.Ch. with the occupation of Crete from the Arabs. They fortified it and opened round its walls a big ditch. Here you will meet also the eminent Knosos that is visited by thousands of people from all over the world each year, as well as the palaces of Faistos, where you will see ruins of Minoan villa, vaulted graves and many other things. Impressive caverns, small hamlets and unique beaches are found in the most over-populated prefecture of Crete.

The prefecture of Lasithi is found in the eastern point of island. Capital of the prefecture is Saint Nikolaos with the characteristic small harbor.It is full of big sandy beaches, small islets scattered in light blue waters and green plains with smooth colors.  The prefecture of Lasithi assembles all the elements that a visitor wants to find during his holidays. Apart from its sightseeing and the astonishing beaches, Crete is also famous for its cooking. The Cretan olives, the oil generally, and the dairy products have a top place in their recipes in combination with the incredibly tasteful local meat. Moreover, taste the classic ntakos, but also the pasty of Chania, cuttlefishes with fennel and green olives, lamb cake and many others, flavors that will make you fly.

Crete provoke you to explore it inch by inch and for this reason try to have enough days in your disposal so that you can travel around in a many parts of the island. It will enchant you with the splendid landscapes, the exotic beaches, the beautiful graphic hamlets, its history within the centuries, its chosen food but also its hospitable residents.

Επιμέλεια Άρθρου: Άννα Αποστολίδη