Incredible Crete
The largest Greek island of Crete with an exquisite 1,000 kilometer-long coastline features the crystal-clear sea, majestic mountains, ancient towns and unique museums, spectacular caves and ravines, mild climate , beautiful beaches, modern hotels , charming villages, strong traditions, warm hospitality and excellent cuisine.
From Myth to History
According to Greek mythology, Rhea hid her newborn son Zeus in a Cretan cave. There he was reared by the nymphs, while the demons Kurites were banging on their shields to drown out the cries of the child and save him from Kronos. Subsequently it was Crete where Zeus, disguised as a bull, brought Europe. Years later, their common son Minos turned Crete into the great maritime empire. In those days even Attica paid tribute to Crete, until the Athenian prince Theseus killed the famous Minotaur.
A Bit of History
The location of Crete between Africa, Europe and Asia Minor and its mild climate have secured for it the title of the cultural center since the Neolithic times. About 2600 BC craftsmen, who worked on copper arrived to the island. From that time begins the glorious history of the Minoan civilization, which left the rich heritage: the magnificent palaces in Knossos, Phaistos and Malia.
The Dorians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks, who dominated the island in different periods left deep imprints in the culture and art of Crete.
Heraklion
The largest and the most populous region of the island, surrounded by two mountain ranges - Ida ( Psiloretis ) to the west and Diktis ( Lassithi Mountains ) to the east. Heraklion boasts the most important archaeological sites of the island, beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, caves and canyons, plateaus and valleys with lush olive groves and vineyards and a well-developed tourist infrastructure. You can admire Venetian and Turkish fountains, scattered all around the city of Heraklion.
Cretan cuisine
The unique Cretan cuisine is a healthy and tasty diet with dishes cooked according to centuries-old recipes, using top quality natural products of the blessed Cretan earth. This diet is not just a variety of dishes; it embodies the whole philosophy of life of the Cretan people.
