KNOSSOS

Knossos was undeniably the capital of Minoan Crete. It is grander, more complex, and more flamboyant than any of the other palaces known to us, and it is located about twenty minutes south of the modern port town of Iraklio. Knossos was inhabited for several thousand years, beginning with a neolithic settlement sometime in the seventh millennium BC, and was abandoned after its destruction in 1375 BC which marked the end of Minoan civilization....

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THE PEOPLE OF CRETE

There is a very good description of the people of Crete by the Frankish Bishop of Athens, L.Petit: They are a truly admirable people who learnt to hold on stubbornly throughout the tumultuous events of forty centuries to their native character and local speech. Courage, mingled with an independent spirit that is often close to downright disobedience, a lively wit, vivid imagination, and a language full of images, spontaneous and unaffected,...

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND MUSEUMS IN CRETE

Chania Entrance ApteraOne of the most important cities of ancient (7th c. B.C.) western Crete. Aptera was built on a site 15 km. from Chania, south of Souda bay, near the village of Megala Horafia, which had a view of the whole plain of Chania. The city walls still standing today are reminiscent of the Cyclopean walls of Tiryns and Mycenae. One can also see the remains of a small 1st c. B.C. temple of Demeter, a Roman theatre and the enormous vaulted cisterns of the Roman period – according to one source they were used for grain storage –...

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MUSEUMS IN CRETE

Museums in Chania Chania Archaeological Museum Tel.: (28210) 90.334 Housed in the Venetian church of San Francesco. Its exhibits from western Crete and other areas date from the Neolithic to the Roman era, and include idols, statues, inscriptions, weapons, pottery, seal stones, coins, jewellery, etc. Historical Archives of Crete Tel.: (28210) 52.606 (open daily 8-13.00 except Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). A rich collection of folklore and material related to the history of the island. The archives are among the largest in...

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MAP OF CRETE

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GASTRONOMY

Greek gastronomy has recorded a history of around 4,000 years, with especial characteristics based on pure and unique quality goods produced on Greek land. In fact, it was Archestratos who wrote the first cookbook in history (330 B.C.). In Greek nutritional tradition the gustative result blends harmonically with the high nutritional value. Dozens of scientific studies have shown the positive effect of a balanced Greek diet on a person’s health,...

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SOUDA ISLAND

Watch out not to mix up Soudas! There are two of them, one at the Prefecture of Chania and one just 3 km at the eastern side of Plakias. The crystal clear cool water and coarse sand beach lead to a small river flowing into the sea. It is worth exploring the area since there, you will findTheofrasto’s Cretan palms, an endemic variety met in very few places in Crete (Vai, Preveli, Agios Nikitas). Souda is a beautiful place... as long as it is not...

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SPINALONGA

The island was a refuge to Christians under threat from Saracens. During the latter days of Turkish domination, it also became a secure place for Turks in fear of reprisals from Christians. The Turks tried to attack the Greek rebels (unsuccessfully ) on the 'mainland.' Turks from Mirabello, Sitia and Iearapetra went to the island. Most of the Turkish residents left the island by 1903, when Crete united with Greece. That year lepers were relocated...

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CHRISSI ISLAND

Everything you have heard or imagined, about that magic island are few in front of the real paradise which you'll meet after the one hour trip by boat from lerapetra. Chrissi, as the smallest in population island of the world with a 75 years unique resident, only 14 km away from the coast, it travels you in unusual summer experiences, in exotic and virgin places that few have dreamed. Widely known, thanks to the golden beach, the various kinds...

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JUMP TO CITIES

Heraklion has the major archaeological museum, smart & trendy cafes and shops and a noisy business bustle – it also offers many hidden treasures, which we happily reveal. Heraclion is the most important & biggest town of the island, moreover it's a capital of Crete and economical centre. This wonderful town has a lot of archeological sights which attract the visitors. The most famous is Knossos Palace. You will find all amenities for nightlife, as there is a variety of bars & disco where you can enjoy Greek music. Chania has...

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HISTORY

Crete is an island with an exquisite 1,000 kilometer-long coastline dotted with numerous coves, bays and peninsulas, which afford a multitude of soft, sandy beaches along the beautifully blue Mediterranean Sea. After all, it's among the finest in the world and has established Crete as one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations. Known history in Crete starts during the Neolithic ages. Recent excavations (especially in Eleftherna) have demonstrated the existence of various small communities during that period. The Minoan civilisation is...

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