CRETE

Crete is the largest and most populous island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus and Corsica.

The capital and the largest city is Heraklion.

Crete was the center of the Minoan civilization, from 2600-1150 B.C. Evidence about their existence can be seen in the form of palaces, tombs and sacred sites that they left behind them.

This civilization was so sophisticated that they even had a large navy.

The Minoans were affected significantly by tsunami waves from the eruption of a huge volcano in Santorini, Greece in 1450 B.C. Towards the end of the Late Bronze Age, the Minoans were superseded by Mycenaeans from the Greek mainland. Crete was invaded by Romans from 69-330 A.D. and this period of time, as well as the Byzantine era, actually brought much wealth to the Island. The beauty and wealth of this time can still be seen today by mosaics and monuments around the island.

Crete suffered the invasion by German troops during the 1941 Nazi invasion of Greece. During this invasion, many Cretans were executed for resisting the Germans and the cities of Chania and Heraklio were bombed so heavily that you may still see the destruction even today.

Crete history is very much related to famous myths like when the King of Crete, Minos, refused to sacrifice a bull to the Greek gods. Poseidon in turn forced Minos's wife to fall in love with a bull which created the mythical beast, the Minotaur.                                                                                                      

Crete is steeped in history and the ruins of the palaces from its unique Minoan civilization are one of the most wonderful attractions. Apart from well known Knossos the most significant Minoan sites are the places of Phaestos in the south, Malia in the northeast and Zakros on the southeastern coast.

Most of the finds of excavations are in the outstanding collection of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

 

However, Crete is not only a historical place but also the place with stunning beaches and resorts that attract a lot of tourists during summer. There is something for everyone with wonderful landscapes, mountains and beaches. Crete offers tourists various facilities: walking, biking, hiking, water sports and diving, lying on the beach or drinking coffee at the beach bar.