`CRETE in brief`

Crete is the largest Greek island. Its Length is 257 kilometers an its total surface 8620 cubic kilometers. The island is the border between the Aegean and the Libyan seas, and between Europe and Africa. Its distance from Europe is 100 kilometers, from Asia 172 and from Africa 300 km. This typical geographical position, combined with its climate conditions, played an important role in the islands growth and developement since the ancient years.

Especially, three thousand (3,000) years BC, the Minoan Cretans, created relations with several other civilizations of that era, by travelling out of their island. The Minoan culture, which represents an exremely high level of living can even been seen today. The discoveries at Knosos and Festos, surprise their visitors with their technique, considering the ages when they were built. Two thousand (2,000) years BC, the Minoan architects managed to built houses of four or five floors hight. Moreover, the Arts at that time were reaching a peak point, The decline of the Minoan civilization starts in the mid 15th century BC. Since then, Crete has met may dominants and revolutions and other difficult sutuations. During the Turkish domination of Greece, the Cretans were distinguished for their patriotism and grave and their contribution to the liberation of Greece is widely recognised.

Since 1912, when Crete was liberated, constitutes one of the most beautiful places to visit. First of all the climate is considered on of the mildest and healthiest in Europe. Exept that, the island has many natural "beautys". It has three huge mountains, Lefka Ori, Psiloritis and Dikti, which are leading to fertile valleys and more than 3,000 large and small caves, several of them with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, The seaside is defined by vast sandy beaches and pebbled-shores. Dry-stone farm buildings, villages perching on high plateasus, monasteris, isolated castles and chapels dot the countryside. The villages at Crete, maintain the traditional Cretan rhythms of living which have not changed in centureis: Traditional fiesta of marriages that are lasting two and three days, traditional dances like sousta and pentozali to the sound of Cretan lyre accompanied by old Cretan wine.

The main cities - ports are Chania, which is built on top of ancient Kydonia, Rethimno, Iraklio and Agios Nikolaos. There is also Sitia which is grew up on the north side of the island and Ierapetra that is on the shores of the Libyan sea, facing Africa. All these cities are living the fast pace of modern life, developing day by day. There are ships selling folk art, textiles, potetery, leather goods and department stores with luxury items. Moreover green grocers bring the rich porducts of the fertile valleys and greenhouses to the growing market places. The characteristics that make Crete unique is the local food specialists and the astonishing hospitality that is offered to all the visitors of the island.

CRETE in brief