Crete is the southernmost and largest
of the Greek islands. Situated to the north of the continent of Africa,
the island is easily reached via the many ferries that ply their trade
around the Greek islands. There are two main airports on the island, both
on the north coast. one is located at Heraklion, to the east of the
island, and the other to the west just outside Chania.
Aghios
Nikolaos is one of the most popular resorts on the island, so as you would
expect there is a
wide variety of water sports on offer.
Popularity can result in the town becoming very busy during the high
season, but despite the crowds and the vibrant nightlife, the town has
managed to retain a degree of Greek charm.
Rethymnon
located on the north coast near the centre if the island. It has a
picturesque harbour and good beaches to the east of the town. One of
Rethymnon's main attractions, apart from the harbour itself, is the old
Venetian quarter with its narrow streets, and sits on the headland
overlooked by the remains of a Venetian fortress.
Chania
is a picturesque city, and is the main town in the west of Crete. It was
the capital of Crete until 1972, when Heraklion took over the role. Chania
consists of the New Town, where the day to day business goes on, and the
Old Town, built around the Venetian harbour consisting of numerous narrow
streets, and architecture displaying the influence of many years of
foreign domination.
5
kilometres from the centre of Heraklion can be found the ruined remains of
the Minoan palace of Knossos. This is a large archaeological site which
was first discovered by Minos Kalokairinos in 1878, but It was not until
the arrival of British archaeologist, Arthur Evans in 1900 that major
excavation work was carried out. Badly damaged murals that decorated the
plastered walls, were discovered, reconstructed and placed into rooms. The
centrepiece of the palace is a room known as the Throne Room.
The
Samaria gorge is a National park situated in in the White Mountains in
Western Crete. Walking the gorge is very popular. The best time to visit
the gorge is in the Spring, the weather is cool and the vegetation at that
time of the year is at its best. Nearing the end of the walk, you will
come to the narrowest part of the Samaria gorge known as the "Iron Gates",
from here you are about 3 kilometres from the village of Agia Roumei, and
the end of the walk. Stout shoes or walking boots are advised, also ensure
that you take some drinking water with you, a snack to eat, and in hot
weather, a hat to protect you from the sun.
The
islands history is a long and fascinating one stretching back many
thousands of years. This plus a dramatically mountainous interior, and
superb, long, sandy beaches, makes Crete one of the most popular tourist
destinations in Greece.
Rethymnon
located on the north coast near the centre if the island. It has a
picturesque harbour and good beaches to the east of the town. One of
Rethymnon's main attractions, apart from the harbour itself, is the old
Venetian quarter with its narrow streets, and sits on the headland
overlooked by the remains of a Venetian fortress.
Chania
is a picturesque city, and is the main town in the west of Crete. It was
the capital of Crete until 1972, when Heraklion took over the role. Chania
consists of the New Town, where the day to day business goes on, and the
Old Town, built around the Venetian harbour consisting of numerous narrow
streets, and architecture displaying the influence of many years of
foreign domination.
5
kilometres from the centre of Heraklion can be found the ruined remains of
the Minoan palace of Knossos. This is a large archaeological site which
was first discovered by Minos Kalokairinos in 1878, but It was not until
the arrival of British archaeologist, Arthur Evans in 1900 that major
excavation work was carried out. Badly damaged murals that decorated the
plastered walls, were discovered, reconstructed and placed into rooms. The
centrepiece of the palace is a room known as the Throne Room.
The
Samaria gorge is a National park situated in in the White Mountains in
Western Crete. Walking the gorge is very popular. The best time to visit
the gorge is in the Spring, the weather is cool and the vegetation at that
time of the year is at its best. Nearing the end of the walk, you will
come to the narrowest part of the Samaria gorge known as the "Iron Gates",
from here you are about 3 kilometres from the village of Agia Roumei, and
the end of the walk. Stout shoes or walking boots are advised, also ensure
that you take some drinking water with you, a snack to eat, and in hot
weather, a hat to protect you from the sun.
The
islands history is a long and fascinating one stretching back many
thousands of years. This plus a dramatically mountainous interior, and
superb, long, sandy beaches, makes Crete one of the most popular tourist
destinations in Greece.