07.28.2013
A lot has already been said about Crete in guidebooks. Mentioning the name of this island, it is certainly associated with the ancient the Minoan civilization, the best Greek olives and wines, legendary monuments of architecture and beach resorts, known far beyond the borders of Greece. But the best way to make sure unlimited tourist opportunities of Crete – see it with your own eyes.
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Geography of Crete and how to get to it
Crete is the southernmost and largest island of Greece, surrounded by the Libyan, Ionian and Cretan seas. His landscapes mostly mountainous, but are replaced by fertile valleys, orange and olive groves. The mountains of Crete penetrated numerous caves that in ancient times were places cult. Administratively Crete is divided into Nomes Chania, Heraklion, Lasithi and Rethymnon.
Getting to Crete during the high season will not be labor – from May to October, the island is connected by direct air service with many cities of Russia and the world. Tourists take mostly Heraklion International Airport. Sometimes they launch charters before Chania. In the low season will have to fly with a transfer in Athens. Also the island is connected by ferry to the port of Piraeus and the Greek islands.
History of Crete
It is known that people lived on Crete during the Neolithic period. Co II millennium BC on the island 4 kingdoms were formed with centers in Zakros, Knossos, Malia and Feste. The main population of Crete were Kidons, Minoans, as well as Phoenicians and Pelasgians. By the I millennium before AD Dorians appeared on the island, forming dozens policies. The further history of Crete is a series of conquests, during which the island passed from one invader to another. On his territories at various times ruled by Muslims and Catholics, Crete several centuries was under the control of the Venetians and the Ottoman empire. Finally, in 1913, he reunited with Greece, becoming The largest and most southerly island of the country. The whole history of Crete closely intertwined with mythology. According to legends, Zeus was born here, the Minotaur dwelt, King Minos reigned, and brave exploits accomplished Theseus.
Climate and swimming season in Crete
On the island, as well as throughout Greece, reigns Mediterranean climate. Season on Crete more 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 С °, the sea – to +27 С °. Those who do not loves the heat, it is worth planning a vacation in June or September. In these months, the air is heated to +29 ° C, water – to +25 ° C.
Crete resorts
Each of the areas of Crete has an administrative center and a whole placer resorts. The center of the island is Heraklion – a city with developed infrastructure, large aquarium and water parks. Among popular holiday villages: Amoudara, Kokkini Hani, Agia Pelagia, Chersonissos, Stalida, Gouves, Malia. Lasithi – the area that attracts with its natural beauty. It includes resorts of Elounda. and Agios Nikolaos.
The region of Rethymnon – the leader in the number of tourists. Tourists love picturesque Rethymno with its Venetian streets and plenty attractions. This includes popular resorts. Bali, Panormo, Adele, Platanias. Chania area attracts not less. On its territory are the brightest sights and beaches of Crete. This includes resorts. Agia Marina, Georgioupolis, Stalos, Kalives, Paleochora, Agia Rumel.
What to visit in Crete
Crete is deservedly loved by tourists from all over the world. AND One of the reasons – the abundance of attractions, visits to which will allow you to learn the culture of Greece. Each of the nomov The island boasts interesting places to visit:
- Heraklion Here is the famous Knossos the palace is a giant castle consisting of labyrinths of rooms and transitions. This archaeological site has been partially restored. The main findings of the Minoan era, found in Knossos, today exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Not far from the capital Islands are the ruins of Phaistos, works one of the largest in Europe Aquariums and is a picturesque lake Zaros. In Heraklion itself It is worth seeing the Venetian Loggia, the Cathedral of St. Titus, the Koules Fortress and Fountain Morosini on Lviv Square;
- Lassithi This area, first of all, famous for its nature. In Lassithi is the cave of Zeus, adorned with stalactites and shimmering underground lake. Most A famous landmark of the area is Spinalonga Island. Venetian fortress, which has long served as leprosorium;
- Rethymnon. A special region popular with tourists. Here is the architectural Pearl of Crete – Arkadi Monastery. Also worth visiting caves Melidoni, Ideon Andron and Sfedoni, and in Rethymno itself – Venetian the harbor, the fortress of Fortezza and the Museum of Archeology;
- Chania The most western region of the island is famous luxury beaches. Among them are the famous Elafonisi, Balos, Falasarna. People come here to walk through the Samaria Gorge, see the ancient Apter and Gramvousa fortress. Chania itself is beautiful Venetian city, where you should visit the Cathedral, the Marine museum and fortress Firka.
Crete’s Kitchen
Local cuisine is the calling card of Crete and its intangible landmark. Traditionally on the table at the Cretan You can see olive oil, cheeses, herb salads. And although the kitchen The island is in many ways similar to the traditions of common Greek gastronomy, it has its own characteristics. Must try pies calzunya, ofto (coarsely chopped pieces of meat roasted on charcoal), dakos appetizer, graver and cheeses cheeses and a typical drink cycudia. The cuisine of Crete does not do without seafood: squid, fish and octopus.
Crete – one of the most valuable wealth of Greece. Island fit on its territory majestic mountains, monuments of the ancients civilizations, charming cities of the Venetian era and modern resorts ready to show tourists the real Cretan hospitality.
