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In middle of the
sable sea there lies
An isle call’d Crete, a ravisher of eyes,
Fruitful, and mann’d with many an infinite store.
Where ninety cities crown the famous shore,
Mix’d with all- languag’d men.
Homer, Odyssey
There is no place
on earth like Crete!!
If you’re looking for a Greek island full of fun,
warmth, hospitality and vitality, then look no further than enticing Crete.
Crete is the largest and most southerly Greek island and the
fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
It is divided into four prefectures, each with its own
capital - Chania (Hania), Rethymnon (Rethimno), Iraklion (Herakleon), and Agios
Nikolaos. It is the favourite isle for many Europeans and Americans and it is
easy to see why.
 
Traditional Houses
For nature lovers, there’s snow
-capped Mount Ida and the gorges of West CCrete which are a place of considerable
interest. The most famous is the Samaria Gorge in the White mountains. It is 18
km long and 3,4 metres wide. In places it is as much as 600 metres deep.
And there’s a multitude of picturesque villages and lovely
coastal resorts, like Kalives, Ag. Galini, Chora Sfakion, and many - many others
that are well worth a visit. The entire island is surrounded by golden sandy
beaches, rugged by the sun.
The untamed rugged southern coast stretches along the Libyan
Sea, facing the tropical coast of Africa .
For the historically minded, the variety of archaeological
treasures from the Minoan civilisation will delight even visitors bored with
"old stones".
The great palaces at Knossos, (palace of King Minos - home of
the legendary Minotaur) Malia, and Phestos are only the first step of a
historical odyssey that starts from the minoan era ans leads to the Byzantin
civilisation passing through the Turkish Occupation and the Venitian
regime.
 
Satelite Pictures
History
Because of its geographical position
in the Mediterranean, Crete has been home to beginning or genesis of various
distinct kinds, whose special characteristics have prompted the fantasy
of writers from antiquity to the present day.
Crete’s history combines mythological and historical trauma,
glory and mediocrity.According to the legend,
this island was the birthplace of Zeus, and home of the Minotaur, the
monstrous eating miscreation which dwelled at Knossos.
Archaeologists claim that the island’s golden days began
when the Minoans arrived from Asia Minor around 2800 BC, but the island was
inhabited as far back as 6000 BC (Neolithic Period). Arriving from Asia Minor,
these earliest inhabitants dwelled in caves open settlements. Among the
artifacts found from this time are stone and bone tools and female figurines
signifying a cult of the Mother Goddess.
This period lasted until 3000 BC, when the great Minoan
civilisation commenced on the island of Crete. The Minoans also known from Asia
Minor, established a rich civilisation now known for its sophisticated art and
embellished architecture. In 1700 BC an earthquake devastated the entire island.
The Minoans, subsequently began rebuilding vast, elaborate villas and formidable
palaces, which show the intricate and expert work of this time.
Following the reconstruction and revival, Crete entered its most
glorious days. The buildings that we find standing today date from this period.
Prosperity, stemming from newly established trade with other countries, lasted
until an unknown catastrophe, either invading Myceneans or more natural
disasters (possibly the eruption of Thira), destryed the island’s cities once
again in 1450 BC.
After this second obliteration, Crete played a less influential
role in world affairs, but remained at the forefront in the world of art and
culture. By the 8th century BC Dorians were occupying the island. At this time,
arts were flourishing, especially jewellery - fabrication, sculpture and
pottery.
During the period from the 5th century BC to the Roman conquest in
67 BC the island was in the throes
of instability, with aristocratic families dominant and warfare between cities was frequent. Crete, in the Medieval
and Modern periods, has been ruled in succession by the Byzantine Empire,the
Arabs, Genovese, Venetians, and Turks and
in 1898, Crete became an English protectorate. Finally, after the Balkan War of
1913, Crete joined the Republic of Greece.
Geography
The geological composition of the island and the sismic upheavals
it has suffered over the ages have caused it to be honeycombed with many
hundreds of caves and rock - shelters, some of them small, others vast, not a
few of major archaeological and religious importance. In recent times, as so
often in the past, caves have been used by
Cretans as places of refuge and focal points of survival and resistance.
Many have been associated with the Christian religion; and even today there are
said to be over a hundred churches in Cretan caves.
Roughly two - thirds of the whole
surface of the island consists of the mountainous regions now so conspicuously
rugged and barren; nowadays nearly half the land area is only suitable for
romantic walks. The island has no navigable rivers, for the streams which can be
called rivers are too swallow and rocky.
The Chania district is undoubtedly,
not only a place with exquisite natural beauties but also an archaeological and
historical place. Its capital, Chania, is one of the most attractive cities of
Greece, with its Venetian castle, its museums and the beautiful beaches.
We hope that you will enjoy your staying in Crete and
especially in Chania. Just follow us...
CRETE MAPS
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