Exploring Crete, Greece’s Biggest Island

Europe / Greece / Southern Europe
19 Aug, 2016
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Crete Island Greece

Crete is the largest and most populous of the islands in Greece and is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus and Corsica. Crete is an important part of the economic and cultural heritage of Greece while maintaining local cultural traits such as poetry and music, has also become the center of the Minoan civilization (c. 2700-1420 BC), which is currently considered as the beginning of European civilization.

Crete covers an area of 8,336 km2, has an elongated shape covering 260 km (160 miles) from east to west, 60 km (37 miles) at its widest point and narrowed as much as 12 km (7.5 miles). Crete across two climatic zones, the Mediterranean and North Africa with a fairly humid climate while fairly mild in winter. Snow will fall between the months of November and May. However, the snow rarely falls occur in the lowlands. While the average temperature reaches 20° C to 30° C.

With the backdrop of historical and cultural heritage is very rich, Crete is a very interesting place to explore. The place can be regarded as a haven for sun worshipers. Everything is complete. Complete with a variety of beaches away from the crowds, water games, as well as a wide variety of places to eat, this place deserve this title. So many things can be done.

Crete Island Greece View From The Air

Many cities and buildings were built, including the Palace of Knossos, Palace of Phaestos, Zakros and many others. A water transportation system with many decorations are also developing in the era. The Minoan civilization was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Thera (Santorini) around the year 1650 BC.

Crete Island heyday began to decline when controlled by the Art of the plain Greek civilization up to the Roman era, when Gortyn make the capital island of Crete as a Roman province.

Crete has four prefectures visited by many tourists, namely Chania (Hania), Rethymno, Heraklion and Lassithi. Rows of beautiful beaches with blue sea water became the main attraction of this island.

To reach it, you can use the plane from Athens or ferry operates daily. Well, if you want to venture into the main towns on the island of Crete, you can also rely on land transport modes, namely KTEL bus fleet. Rent a bike or a car can be another alternative. When traveling in Crete, comfortable accommodations you can get in Samaria Hotel, Canea Mare Hotel & Apartments, or Ionas Hotel. When to Greece, Central Market Greece, Sparti and Gazi District is another tourist destination that you should not to miss.