The island of Crete is the largest Greek island and physically separates Libyan and Aegean Sea and marks the boundary between Europe and Africa.
The island of Crete was the centre of the Minoan civilization, which was the greatest and oldest Greek civilization. Crete was granted to the Ottoman Empire by the London Protocol of 1840, in 1898 was declared autonomous and in 1913 was joined with Greece.
The remarkable history of the island, provides popular modern day tourism destinations, like the Minoan palaces in Knossos and Phaistos, the classical site of Gortys, the Venetian old city and port of Chania, the Venetial castle at Rethymno, the old mosques and Byzantine Monasteries, the Samaria Gorge as well as the very famous cave “Diktaeon Andron” in which according to Greek mythology Rea gave birth to Zeus.
At the time of the Minoan civilization, in successive phases, the Minoans built palace-states, the famous palatial centers of Knossos, Phaistos, Zakros and Malia, which today are great tourist destinations.
The eruption of the volcano in the island of Santorini in 1450 resulted to a geological catastrophe and discontinued the Minoan civilization.
The Capital of the island is Heraklion, which is also the fifth largest city in Greece. Other main cities of Crete are Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia and Ierapetra.
The island of Crete, is also well known for the diversity of its flora and fauna: Chestnut trees, oak trees and cypress forests. There is also a palm trees forest unique in Europe (Vai – Preveli).
In the mainland, there are spectacular Mountain ranges with caves and gorges, amongst them the most famous Gorge of Samaria. In the south part of the island, the visitor can enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches and caves. The north part of the island is the most touristic and well organized part with lots of high standards hotel chains. Every year, Crete is hosting nearly a quarter of Greece’s tourists.
The Cretans are proud and hospitable people, who honor their traditions and culture. The Cretan cuisine is one of the healthier cuisines and well known for its life prolonging benefits.
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