General Information in Crete

Crete is the biggest island in Greece and the second biggest (after Cyprus) of the East Mediterranean. It lies at the Southern Aegean Sea and at the crossroads of three continents Europe, Asia and Africa. Crete covers an area of 8.336 sq.kms. The length of the island is 260 km, but the shore-length is 1.046 km. The biggest width is 60 km while the smallest is 12 km.

A high mountain range crosses the island from West to East, formed by three different groups of mountains.

The island of Crete lies in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Crete is a blessed land that for thousands of years has been the cultural and commercial crossroads of three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa.

In the birthplace of Zeus, bloomed the glorious Minoan civilization and lived great personalities of culture such as the great painter Domenicos Theotokopoulos, (called "El Greco") and Nikos Kazantzakis the author known for his Zorba the Greek.

Crete is a spirited and enchanting place with a wonderful climate. Ravishing scenery, picturesque harbours, ancient Minoan palaces and Byzantine churches are but a few of Crete's pleasures. Add to that the friendliness of the Cretan people and one has the setting for a memorable conference destination. Crete demands to be explored by car or by jeep and there are several interesting excursions that may be organized.

Crete Greece has four prefectures: Chania (Hania), Rethymnon (Rethymno or Rethimnon), Heraklion (Iraklio) and Lassithi (Agios Nikolaos). Each is unique and has several very impressive natural and historical sites, as well as an abundance of charming villages where visitors are greeted with a warm smile and treated as a member of the community.

Heraklion, the capital of the island with its world class Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos dating back to 1500BC, the town of Rethymno with its Venetian Fortress and the old Turkish quarter with mosques and minarets, the town of Chania, a typical Venetian town with a small secluded harbour with picturesque houses and cafes and last but not least, the port of Agios Nikolaos and the village of Elounda around the Bay of Mirabello are all visiting points. Trekking through the Samaria Gorge, mountain biking on the Lassithi Plateau with its countless windmills, listening to traditional Cretan music played by the lyra during one of the Cretan nights and shopping for handicrafts and local wines can be a part of interesting activities.

View luxury holiday villas in Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Lassithi !