Who owns the island of Crete? Crete

Due to its large size (260 km long and 50 km wide), the island of Crete is usually divided into 4 regions: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Lassithi. Each region is interesting in its own way and is famous for its attractions.

Sights of the island of Crete

Attractions in the Heraklion region in central Crete

  • Excavations of the Minoan cities of Malia, Festos and Gortys;
  • House-museum of the famous Renaissance artist El Greco;
  • Lake Zaros;
  • Matala Beach;
  • Farm "Ipicos Omilos" is a real holiday for children;
  • Cretan Aquarium;
  • Styronas Winery;
  • Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa - Monastery of Our Lady of the Heart;
  • Lychnostatic Museum - Museum of Cretan Folk Life.

Attractions in the Lassithi region in eastern Crete

  • The island of Spinalonga is a fortress-fort (excursion boats depart to the island from the port of Elounda every hour);
  • Valley of a Thousand Windmills;
  • Cave of Zeus - Dicteon Andron, rich in stalactites and stalagmites;
  • Medieval monastery of Toplou with frescoes from the 14th century;
  • Palm forest and Vai beach or “Palm Bay” with white sand;
  • Mirabello Bay;
  • Vidyani Monastery - Monastery of the life-giving spring Vidyani;
  • The villages of Sisi, Psychro, Vai.

Attractions in the Rethymno region on the island of Crete

  • Archaeological Museum;
  • Venetian fortress Fortezza in Rethymno;
  • Arkadi Monastery;
  • City of Rethymnon;
  • Preveli Monastery;
  • Patsos Gorge;
  • Diskouri Monastery;
  • Plakias beach in the south of Crete, Libyan Sea.

Attractions in the Chania region in western Crete

  • The ancient city of Aptera, built in the 7th century BC;
  • Roman theater in honor of the goddess Demeter;
  • Fortress of Gramvousa;
  • Samaria Gorge, in the gorge there is the Church of St. Mary;
  • Archaeological Museum in the Church of St. Francis;
  • Pink sand beach in Elafonisi area;
  • The small island of Agria Gramvousa with the ruins of the medieval Venetian fortress of Frangokastello (1371);
  • Ancient convent;
  • Docaris Winery;
  • Venizelos Park.

Sights of the southwestern part of Crete:

  • Genya Monastery;
  • The sandy beach of Agia Marina and the islet of Agia Theodori;
  • Lefka Ori National Park;
  • Ruin ancient city Falasarna;
  • The town of Castellion - western point islands of Crete;
  • the town of Paleochora and its two unique beaches;
  • Deserted beach of Souya village.

Sights of the northwestern part of the island of Crete:

  • Village of Georgioupolis;
  • Lake Kournas;
  • Vamos;
  • Argyroupoli Springs;
  • Glass workshop in Kokkino Horje;
  • Ancient Aptera.
Sfakia - attraction South West Coast island of Crete

The northern coast of Crete is crowded and suitable for young people and those travelers who love comfort.

Southwestern Crete is a little different: slightly different honey, coastal villages, landscape and especially the air. A light breeze, which seems to be the breath of nature itself, waking up after a sultry midday sleep, brings refreshing coolness.

Sfakia Beach, which few people know about, is located near the picturesque village of Sfakia. It is suitable for snorkelers and those tourists who value peace and quiet. Sfakia Beach is a small pebble beach in a small cove, surrounded by wild landscapes and small hotels. The water in this place is very clean. The peculiarity of Sfakia beach is that here fresh water flows from the mountains. cold water, so the water temperature is several degrees lower than in the southern part of Crete. You can also get to Sfakia beach by car (there is a parking lot above the beach).

Samaria Gorge– the longest gorge in Europe. The Samaria Gorge is the main natural and second most visited attraction of the island of Crete (500 thousand tourists per year). The starting point of this walking tour is the village of Omalos. You can get here from the Chania bus station at regular bus. Most the 17 km journey involves an amazing descent beautiful places. The highlight of the entire tourist voyage is the Iron Gate of Sidiroportes.

Iron gate of Sidiroportes- this is a passage in the rock, where the width of the gorge is three meters, and the height above your head is about 300 meters!

The walk ends with access to the town of Ayia Roumeli and a descent to the sea. From here you can quickly take a boat to the seaside village of Chora Sfakion.

Pink beaches of Elafonisi island

The Greek island of Elafonisi is located in the southwest region of Crete near the cities of Chania (75 km), Kastellion (40 km) and Kissamos.

The Elafonisi islands are separated from Crete by a narrow strait several hundred meters long, and in some places it can be forded.

You can get to the Pink Beaches of Elafonisi from May to October on your own, or on a one-day trip sightseeing tour. A narrow mountain serpentine, which allows you to admire wonderful views of the sea, bus stops in convenient places for viewing, and finally the beaches of Elafonisi, as a reward for the journey, bring all tourists into indescribable delight! This is where the Libyan Sea begins!

The picturesque coastline of Elafonisi Island is famous for its colorful sandy beaches: from purple to pale pink. This color of sand is the result of mixing ground corals and fragments of small shells.

Beaches on Elafonisi- just a paradise for family vacation with small children, because they have a gentle entrance to the sea and parents can relax without worrying about the safety of the kids swimming in the crystal clear water. The shallow depth makes the water warmer and allows you to swim even in a storm, because there is no big waves. You can walk for a long time in knee-deep water or lie in shallow water for hours, which is what many do!

On this small island elongated into the sea, there is a lighthouse built in 1939 and the chapel of Agia Irini (St. Irene).

Elafonisi Island is a protected area, where there are sand dunes, lilies, the endangered Caretta Carriage turtles and rare species birds.

To the west of the island of Elafonisi there is a place Kedrodasos (cedar forest).

Five kilometers north of Elafonisi rises Chrysoskalytissa Monastery, similar to a fortress, and below lies a village of the same name.

Venetian fortress Frangokastello

Frangokastello- a fortress dating back to 1371, within the walls of which the Venetians defended themselves against pirate raids and raids of the highlanders for more than 100 years. The main gate is decorated with Venetian coats of arms and the symbol of the Venetian Republic - the winged lion of St. Marcus. On May 17, 1828, the Cretan rebels fought a fierce battle with the Turks and lost, with losses of 400 people. Every year in May, on the anniversary of the defeat, mysterious shadows and lights. Scientists explain this phenomenon by the refraction of the sun's rays, as in the phenomenon of a mirage, but the Cretans believe that these are the souls of the dead, and since this phenomenon occurs at dawn, mirages are called “ dew people».

Archaeological excavations of the Minoan cities of Malia, Festos and Gortyna

Excavations of the city of Gortyn (Gortys) island of Crete

The pride of the city Gortyna (Gortys) - the Roman capital of Crete, was Odeon, in the portico surrounding it, the builders walled up Doric tablets with a code of laws dating back to 450 BC. These are believed to be the oldest documents of this type in Western world. In the works of Plato, the city of Gortyn and its structure are mentioned. Just as interesting Basilica of Saint Titus, built in honor of the first Archbishop of Crete; Temple of Apollo Pythian and many other excavations ancient city. On the mountain ridge above the Messer valley stood the second largest Minoan Palace - Phaistos. It was built around 1900 BC and destroyed by an earthquake, despite this, Mycenaean Greeks and Dorians continued to live around the ruins of the palace. The most intriguing find is the disk - round clay slab 16 cm in diameter with mysterious writing. They were stamped on wet clay; some historians believe it first in human history printed document. It has not yet been possible to decipher the meaning of the Cretan inscription. The ruins of the palace in Phaistos are revealed to tourists in their original form, unlike the Knossos Palace, which was partially reconstructed.

Toplou Monastery

In the east of the island of Crete, near Sitia, located Toplou Monastery, which means “cannon” in Turkish. The monastery was founded during the time of the Venetians to protect against pirates and is famous for its icons and frescoes from the 14th century. We can confidently say that the monastery is one of the most beautiful buildings in Crete: shady arches, a picturesque courtyard and greenery everywhere. Toplow charms with its rural atmosphere. Large flowers bloom on the lands belonging to the monastery. olive trees. There are about 30 million of them in Crete and the owners of olive groves are confident in the future.

Fountain in Rethymno city

Rethymno - means flow; ancient inhabitants drinking water gave Venetian Remondi well, into which it fell from the sources of Agriroupolis. The well, dating back 4 centuries, is a mixture of styles: lion heads are a typical Venetian decoration, Roman columns date back to Greek antiquity, and the upper part with a roof was built by the Turks.

Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi Monastery The 16th century is a national monument of special significance to most Cretans. In 1866, during a Turkish attack, about 1,000 residents took refuge in the monastery. Seeing a hopeless situation, they gathered inside the gunpowder warehouse, where they lit the fuse, thereby choosing death rather than Turkish captivity.
I am amazed by the immensity and beauty of the northwest coast of Crete!
In the Gulf of Almyros, where the land embraces the sea, next to the picturesque fishing village of Georgioupolis, located 42 km from Chania airport, lies unique place, which is considered one of the best for a holiday on the island of Crete. It is this place of stories and legends that is chosen by myths as birthplace of Zeus- God of Hospitality.

From here you have a breathtaking view of the Levka Ori mountain range and magnificent sandy beach of Georgioupolis, uniting 6 km of coastline.

He was awarded the European Union PrizeNatura 2000, and part of its territory is a protected area.

Discovering the sights of the island of Crete will allow you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the world of “mirages”. An unforgettable combination of endless sandy beaches, majestic White Mountains, green valleys and crystal clean water Aegean Sea you will remember forever!

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Crete is the largest greek island, birthplace of Zeus and tourist centre Mediterranean. It was here that one of the ancient civilizations- Minoan. While archaeologists are excavating palaces built during the reign of King Minos, tourists are visiting the ruins of the Knossos labyrinth, where, according to legend, the ancient Greek monster Minotaur lived. Turks, Venetians, and Arabs lived in these places: mosques, fortresses and monasteries from different eras peacefully coexist with each other.

The southernmost island of the archipelago is surrounded by three seas: the Aegean, Libyan and Ionian.

In Crete, both lovers of excursion holidays and those who come on holiday will feel equally comfortable. sunny island recharge your batteries and just lie on the sand. There is a magical blue-green sea, bright sun and great beaches. There are palm trees, mountains and gorges. The people of Crete are always friendly and hospitable. They will be happy to feed you to your heart's content, teach you how to dance sirtaki and live correctly - measuredly and leisurely.

Warm summer in popular resorts: Crete and Rhodes from a travel agency Pegas Touristik LLC "TsMT" online 24/7. Installment plan at 0%.

How to get to Crete

Search for air tickets to Heraklion (the closest airport to Crete)

Areas of Crete

  • Which cities in Crete have the best markets for fresh fish and food?

What to try

First, of course, the Greek salad is just out of curiosity. Try it and find 10 differences with the “Greek” that is served in Russian restaurants. Secondly, Greek yogurt. Same story as with the salad.

They say that Greeks live long thanks to a diet based on fresh vegetables and the best seafood. Both can be found at your nearest open market. Among seafood, by the way, the local grape snails are especially valued - a source of protein and a powerful aphrodisiac.

Be sure to try the famous Cretan tiny snacks "mezedes" and local sweets, Greek buns and pies.

“Dakos” is the grandmother of Italian bruschetta, something between a sandwich and a salad. Made from barley bread with garlic and olive oil, tomatoes, olives, sheep's cheese and basil.

“Bugatsa” is a puff pastry pie and greetings from Turkey. If the Turks make it with yogurt or cheese and call it “pogaca”, here this pie is considered a dessert and is prepared with custard. Much less often - with spinach or minced meat.

The most popular food on the island is rice and lamb ribs and grilled "psitos", which is called Greek barbecue.

Meat is no less popular here than seafood. Every restaurant will offer you baked lamb kleftiko.

Traditional street food- “souvlaki” (kebabs on skewers) and “gyros” - Greek shawarma.

Cafes and restaurants in Crete

The most common type of eatery in Crete is the family tavern with colored shutters, checkered tablecloths and exclusively homemade food. Here you will be offered simple but very tasty food, a glass of wine or traditional Greek coffee on the sand. In family restaurants they don’t think about beautiful presentation and exquisite serving, but they are never greedy: the portion is enough for two. Usually taverns are open until the last customer. Live music plays until late at night and everyone dances sirtaki. Those who don’t know how will be taught in a matter of minutes. The fun is enlivened by the traditional throwing of inexpensive glass plates at the feet of the dancers. Dinner in a tavern will cost an average of 35-60 EUR for two. There is usually a menu at the entrance, so you can estimate the cost of your dinner before you even go inside.

In addition to taverns, English pubs are popular. The menu in beer restaurants is quite simple: steaks, grilled meat and fish, appetizers in batter and beer itself. Each guest will be given fresh rolls with butter as a compliment from the establishment. Rock and roll is usually played in pubs, and sports matches are shown on TV.

IN major cities And resort villages You can find coffee shops from global chains. In addition to the usual espresso and cappuccino, the local coffee shop will offer you traditional Greek coffee brewed on sand.

The best photos of Crete

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Labyrinth of the Minotaur.

One of the most famous monasteries of the island is Arcadia. It is located on the slope of Ida, 25 km from Rethymno. According to one version, the monastery walls were erected in the 5th century, and the baroque church in the 16th century. Despite the fact that the monastery was destroyed by the Turks several times, it was always rebuilt and did not stop its activities. The uprising against the Ottoman yoke began with the Arcadia Monastery in the 19th century. Today the monastery is a symbol of the fearlessness and independence of the Greeks.

The ancient monument and city of Falasarna were founded presumably in the 8th century BC. e. It was a powerful city that at one time even minted its own coins. Archaeologists managed to find burials carved into the rocks, ruins of residential buildings and pottery workshops, and the remains of fortress walls.

An interesting landmark preserved from the time of Byzantine rule is the Frangokastello fortress, 85 km from the city of Chania. In the 14th century, it was erected to protect the city from pirates and maintain order in Sfakia, which at that time was considered a very troubled area.

In the east of the island there is Mount Dikti, in the cave of which Zeus himself was born. In the center of Heraklion there is one of the largest museums in Greece - the Archaeological Museum. Not far from the capital, the House-Museum of the artist El Greco has been opened.

As for Cretan natural treasures, in addition to numerous amazing beaches, bays and lagoons, there is also the famous Samaria Gorge - the largest in Europe, and Lake Voulizmeni, which creates the appearance of the city of Agios Nikolaos and is depicted on every second postcard from Greece.

One of the newest attractions - Botanical Park near the city of Chania. It appeared on the island in 2009. The park is home to hundreds of species of butterflies and wild birds, and there are vineyards, orange trees and date palms.

  • Buy local shawarma on the street and eat it right there.
  • Learn to dance sirtaki.

    • Crete for children

    Despite the abundance of attractions, there are not many “specialized” children's entertainment in Crete. But this does not mean at all that children will be bored here.

    There are marine aquariums on the island. The most important one - CRETAquarium - is part of the Center for Marine Research of Greece and is considered one of the largest in the country and throughout the Mediterranean. CRETAquarium is located east of Heraklion. More than 2,500 fish, shellfish and other organisms live here. The design of the glass containers closely follows the sea relief; their inhabitants dart back and forth a few meters from the visitors - even the most skeptical guest will have the feeling that he is deep underwater.

    The aquarium-terrarium called Aquaworld is a private initiative. Its good-natured owners accept all aquatic animals and reptiles abandoned by their owners. In order to have enough money to maintain the shelter, they turned it into an aquarium and opened it for tourists. The owners of Aquaworld personally conduct excursions for children and adults, and talk about each of their pets with great love and tenderness.

    All children's favorite vacation spot is water parks. The largest on the island water park-Watercity. It is located between Heraklion and Hersonissos, near the village of Kokkini Hani. It has 13 pools, 23 slides, a couple of waterfalls, and plenty of playgrounds and activities for kids.

    Other water parks in Crete: Acqua Plus, Limnoupolis Water Park, Star Beach Water Park, Petra Mare.

    In the vicinity of Hersonissos lies the Labyrinth family park. Its area is 1300 sq. m, in addition to the labyrinth itself, there is an attraction with ATVs, a cinema, a garden, a large excursion program and a themed cafe reminiscent of an ancient Greek city.

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    Crete has a mild subtropical climate with optimal humidity within 50%. More than 300 days a year are sunny here, and swimming season lasts from mid-April to mid-November. A unique combination of sunlight, sea ​​breeze and mountain air makes a holiday on the island a real gift for the Russian traveler’s body, tired of the middle zone. To those who don't love extreme heat, it is better to vacation in Crete in June or September.

    The city of Gournia was built around 1600 BC. About 150 years later, in 1450 BC, it was destroyed by a volcanic eruption on the island of Santorini, which did not spare other Minoan palaces and settlements. Unlike many other cities of Crete, Gournia did not recover from the destruction. Now a settlement with the same name exists somewhat away from the hill in the form of a completely modern village. Despite what happened to Gurnia natural disaster, it is well preserved. It is sometimes called "Pompeii" Minoan Crete"Like many other monuments in Crete, Gournia was excavated by foreigners. American archaeologists began excavations at the beginning of the 20th century. At the very top of a gentle hill, in the center of the ancient city, stood a small palace. In the southern part of the palace, before the destruction, there was a portico, which most likely served as a place for performing religious rites, serving as a small temple.In the same part of the palace there is a staircase, very reminiscent of the monumental staircases of the large palaces of Crete, such as Phaistos - these stairs usually served as a “parterre” in ancient theaters, more precisely, in the squares of the palace, where various rituals and celebrations took place. The palace as such is poorly preserved, it is difficult to determine where the living quarters were and where the workshops were. The combination of living and working premises is typical for all palaces of Crete, including the Knossos and Phaistos palaces. But in Gournia this neighborhood is somewhat more cramped, since the palace itself is more modest and cannot boast of large dimensions.To the north of the palace was the sanctuary of the Minoan “snake goddess”. On the territory of this sanctuary, carefully crafted objects were found that archaeologists attribute to the “post-palatial” period. Most of the objects that belonged to the temple were sculptures of a goddess with her arms raised up, similar to the famous “goddess with snakes” from Knossos, or “tubular” vases in the form of snakes. In Gurnia, not only the palace is interesting, but also the buildings surrounding it. Residential buildings in Gurnia were two-story and formed a kind of “blocks” - blocks. They partially formed the outer walls of the city. Mostly the warehouses and workrooms of the workshops on the first floors of the buildings have been preserved. According to archaeologists, the living quarters were located on the second floor; many buildings still have staircases leading upstairs. The houses are so small and the staircases are so narrow that Gournia gives the impression of a toy town. Archaeologists regard Gurnia as a craft city, as many workshops have been discovered there. Judging by the discovered household items, the residents were not rich - all the houses are approximately the same level, there are no clearly defined neighborhoods of the rich and the poor. But, nevertheless, the finds are of great value, as they allow us to penetrate deeper into the mysteries of the everyday life of the ancient Cretans, who did not belong to the upper class of the Minoan nobility who inhabited the palaces of Crete.

    Much has already been said about Crete in guidebooks. Mentioning the name of this island, it is certainly associated with the ancient Minoan civilization, the best Greek olives and wines, legendary architectural monuments and beach resorts, known far beyond the borders of Greece. But The best way make sure of the limitless tourism opportunities of Crete - see it with your own eyes.

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    Geography of Crete and how to get there

    Crete- the southernmost and large island Greece, surrounded by the Libyan, Ionian and Cretan seas. Its landscapes are predominantly mountainous, but give way to fertile valleys, orange and olive groves. The mountains of Crete are riddled with numerous caves, which in ancient times were places of worship. Administratively, Crete is divided into nomes Chania, Heraklion, Lassithi And Rethymno.

    Getting to Crete V high season will not be difficult - from May to October the island is connected by direct air links with many cities in Russia and the world. Tourists are received mainly internationally. Sometimes charters are launched to Chania. In the low season you will have to fly with a transfer in Athens. Also the island is connected ferry service to the port of Piraeus and the Greek islands.

    History of Crete

    It is known that people lived on Crete back in the Neolithic period. By the 2nd millennium BC. 4 kingdoms were formed on the island with centers in Zakros, Knossos, Malia and Phaistos. The main population of Crete were the Kydonians, Minoans, as well as Phoenicians and Pelasgians. By the 1st millennium BC. The Dorians appeared on the island, forming dozens of policies here. The further history of Crete is a series of conquests, during which the island passed from one invader to another. On its territory in different time ruled by Muslims and Catholics, Crete was under the control of the Venetians for several centuries and Ottoman Empire. Finally, in 1913, it reunited with Greece, becoming the largest and most southern island countries. The entire history of Crete is closely intertwined with mythology. According to legend, Zeus was born here, the Minotaur lived here, King Minos ruled and the brave Theseus performed exploits.


    Climate and swimming season in Crete

    On the island, as throughout Greece, reigns Mediterranean climate. The season in Crete is longer than in the northern regions. You can swim from May to October. The hottest months on the island are July-August, when the air warms up to +37 C°, the sea - up to +27 C°. Those who do not like the heat should plan a vacation for June or September. During these months, the air is heated to +29 C°, the water - to +25 C°.


    Resorts of Crete

    Each of the regions of Crete has administrative center and a whole scattering of resorts. The center of the island is Heraklion - a city with developed infrastructure, a large aquarium and water parks. Among the popular resort villages are: Amoudara, Kokkini Hani, Agia Pelagia, Hersonissos, Stalida, Gouves, Malia. Lasithi is an area that attracts with its natural beauty. It includes the resorts of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.

    The region of Rethymnon is the leader in the number of vacationers. Tourists love picturesque Rethymnon with its Venetian streets and abundance of attractions. This region includes the popular resorts of Bali, Panormo, Adele, and Platanias. The Chania region is no less attractive. The most striking sights and beaches of Crete are located on its territory. This region includes the resorts of Agia Marina, Georgioupolis, Stalos, Kalyves, Paleochora, Agia Roumeli.


    What to visit in Crete

    Crete deservedly enjoys the love of tourists from all over the world. And one of the reasons is the abundance of attractions, visiting which will allow you to get to know the culture of Greece as much as possible. Each of the island's nomes can boast interesting places for visiting:

    • Heraklion. The famous giant castle is located here, consisting of labyrinths of rooms and passages. This archaeological site was partially restored. Key Findings Minoan era, found in Knossos, are today exhibited in Archaeological Museum Heraklion. Not far from the capital of the island lie the ruins of Festos, one of the largest aquariums in Europe operates and is located picturesque lake Overgrown In Heraklion itself, it is worth seeing the Venetian Loggia, the Cathedral of St. Titus, the Koules Fortress and the Morosini Fountain in the Lions Square;
    • Lassithi. This area is primarily famous for its nature. In Lassithi there is the Cave of Zeus, decorated with stalactites and shimmering underground lake. The most famous landmark of the area is the Venetian fortress, which long served as a leper colony;
    • Rethymno. A region that is especially popular among tourists. Here is located architectural gem Krita - Arkadi monastery. It is also worth visiting the caves of Melidoni, Ideon Andron and Sfedoni, and in Rethymno itself - the Venetian harbor, the Fortezza fortress and the Museum of Archaeology;
    • Chania. The westernmost region of the island is famous for its luxurious beaches. Among them are the famous Elafonisi, Balos, Falasarna. People come here to walk along the Samaria Gorge, see the ancient Aptera and the Gramvousa fortress. Chania itself is a beautiful Venetian city where it is worth visiting the Cathedral, Maritime Museum and the Firkas fortress.


    Cuisine of Crete

    Local cuisine is the hallmark of Crete and its intangible attraction. Traditionally, on the Cretan table you can see olive oil, cheeses, and herbal salads. And although the island’s cuisine is in many ways similar to the traditions of pan-Greek gastronomy, it has its own characteristics. You should definitely try the calcunya pies, the ofto (coarsely chopped pieces of meat grilled over charcoal), the dakos appetizer, the graviera and mizifra cheeses and the typical tsikoudia drink. The cuisine of Crete is not complete without seafood: squid, fish and octopus.

    Crete is one of the most valuable assets of Greece. The island accommodated on its territory majestic mountains, monuments of ancient civilizations, charming cities Venetian era and modern resorts, ready to show tourists true Cretan hospitality.

    Where can you touch the leisurely life and the clean, transparent sea, get closer to antiquity and the ancient gods? Of course, on the island of Crete. This place seems to be created for a peaceful holiday and active sightseeing. From the characteristic name it is not difficult to guess where the island of Crete is located. This is a country where Antiquity and the Middle Ages are perfectly intertwined - Greece.

    Where is the island of Crete?

    Greece is a small but very famous state in Southern Europe, washed Mediterranean Sea. This popular place holiday for all Europeans, having ancient history. Therefore, few people do not know where the island of Crete is located, in which country. After all, this corner has preserved many attractions since antiquity.

    The island is located in the Mediterranean Sea south of Greece and is the country's tourism hub. The area of ​​Crete is 8,000 square kilometers. It is the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. The capital of the island is Heraklion. Crete is washed by three seas: Cretan in the north, Libyan in the south and Ionian in the west.

    Briefly about the island

    Crete is the center of tourism in Greece, the place where its main attractions and resort towns. This is the sunniest place where it rains very rarely. A very mild climate, an abundance of beaches and developed infrastructure attract many tourists here.

    So, we have dealt with the question of where the island of Crete is located. Now about its relief. There are three here mountain systems: White Mountains, or Lefka Ori; Ida, or Psilorit; Diktean or Lasithian mountains. The rivers here are not large. Fresh water extracted from lakes. The largest of them - Kourna - is one of the main natural attractions of the island.

    Ancient legends associated with the island

    Judging by the myths, it was here that Zeus was born. Already his son Minos became the greatest king along with Egyptian pharaohs. Zeus fell in love with Europa, stole her, and they went to Crete. Today you can visit the ruins of Ancient Gortyna, the palace of King Minos in Heraklion.

    Another popular hero of ancient myths associated with the island of Crete is Theseus. He became the liberator of the island from the terrible tax. When he lost his son at the games in Athens, he ordered that 12 boys and girls be sent from there to be devoured by the legendary Minotaur. Theseus dared to fight the monster. The daughter of King Minos Ariadne came to his aid, giving the young man a ball of thread, thanks to which the hero defeated the Minotaur and got out of the ill-fated labyrinth.

    Medieval history of the island

    Man set foot on the island of Crete around 8000-7000 BC. This is the Neolithic period. And by the beginning of the 2nd century BC, 4 kingdoms were formed on Crete: Knossos, Festa, Malia and Kato Zakro. Over time, the island became dominant in the field of maritime communication and trade. Then all the surrounding lands knew where the island of Crete was located. But at the height of its heyday, a large and destructive earthquake occurred on the nearby island of Santorini, and from there came a tidal wave that destroyed Knossos and nearby settlements. A couple of centuries later, another devastating earthquake occurred, completely destroying the Minoan civilization, turning the Knossos Palace into ruins. There are facts that after that the islanders engaged in pirate raids and participated in the Trojan War.

    The Arabs arrived there, where the island of Crete is located, back in 824 AD. A century later, this place was conquered by the Byzantines. The island became impoverished and was completely devastated. Already at the beginning of the 13th century it came under the rule of Venice. The golden period in the history of the island of Crete is considered to be the 15th-17th centuries, when Italian culture, education and the Church reigned there. The level of artistic literacy of the islanders has increased. Churches and cathedrals of various periods and reigns have been preserved on the island: Agios Titos, Agios Mark, Agios Minas and Pantanassa, Agios Aikaterini, the monastery of St. Peter and Paul, Cathedral. All these are monuments and striking examples of architecture from the times of Byzantine and Venetian rule.

    Popular attractions of the island

    Those who are interested in the history of Antiquity and the Middle Ages know where the island of Crete is located. Greece is famous for its ancient sights no less than its mild climate and warm sea. That's why many people come here to visit interesting places.

    • The Venetians set a task for Crete: to build a defensive wall across the entire island. The wall has survived to this day. The building is amazing, reaching a width of 60 meters in some places.
    • Some of the most remarkable exhibits historical museum- these are the works of icon painters of Crete: El Greco, Michael Damaskinos, Theofanis and Georgios Klontzas.
    • Some islanders have elevated the family hearth and surname to a cult. The family houses of Miliara, Tshahaki should be visited. The style of the houses is neoclassicism and all its splendor in the most striking design.
    • The system of fountains from different eras is very developed on the island of Crete. Some of them are still working.
    • It is worth visiting the fortress in the city of Rethymno. It is believed that there was a temple of Apollo.
    • On the Lasithi plateau you can visit the Cave of Zeus.

    Even those who know well where the island of Crete is located are unfamiliar with its features and habits of the local residents. Meanwhile, many of them are quite interesting.

    • The main symbol of the island of Crete is the bee. Once upon a time, outside the city, in the ruins of the Knossos Palace, a magnificent decoration with her image was found. To this day, the bee is the most popular element in the work of jewelers.
    • It is interesting that many organizations on the island have a schedule that is unusual for a European: usually until one or two in the afternoon. But gas stations close at 10 pm.
    • The most reliable and loved by both tourists and local residents The way to travel between the islands is by ferries. It is also cheaper than by plane.
    • An inexperienced tourist traveling in a rented car will have to deal with a strange feature. The names of cities on signs can be written in completely different ways: Heraklion - Iraklio, Irakleon, Heraklion.
    • It is worth remembering a certain dress code when visiting temples and cathedrals. No bikinis, shorts or sleeveless tops!
    • Locals have a special love for firearms, especially those who live in mountainous areas.
    • Oddly enough, freshly caught fish is rare on the island. And in restaurants it is extremely overpriced.
    • Since there are three mountain ranges on the island, it is not surprising that mountain herbs are held in high esteem here. These are sage and thyme. They are used to make tea, seasonings, cosmetics and medicines.
    • Tourists can come to celebrate local Valentine's Day in July. Yaquinthos Saint is the Saint Valentine we are used to. He is the patron saint of all lovers in Crete.
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