Once the cradle of the great Bronze Age Minoan civilization, Crete is more than historic, it’s simply mythical. This Island paradise, birthplace of Zeus so they say, is one of the Mediterranean’s most idyllic destinations. From the wondrous Palace at Knossos, to the White Mountains’ spleandor, right down to her azure seaside, Crete will mystify and sedate you. Old Zorbas the Greek had it so good.
Whether it’s windsurfing or sunbathing you seek, the beaches and friendly waters of Crete are some of the most welcoming anywhere in the world. Not so noted for seaside frivolity, the Island is, never the less, a playground for those who love sugar fine sand and clear waters. Kommos Bay’s naturalists, or surfers Mecca Kouremenos, there’s hundreds of places in Crete to play and rest by the sea. Find yourself a secluded lagoon, or party down with the masses at a beach resort.
Join the Crete Lifestyle
Suntan oil and beach blankets are not the only tools you’ll need to enjoy Crete’s hospitality. You had better bring a mighty hunger and thirst along. People on the Island take life by the horns, quite literally, and your hosts will expect you to keep up. Traditional cuisines, superb Crete wines, the laughter, the music, you’ll miss this kind of Greek cheer and hospitality when you’re gone. And the food? Some say it is the healthiest and most nutritious in the world.
For taking it on into the night, there’s also no shortage of places to sit and sip wine, or dance til dawn, if that’s your bag. When you’ve done downing the best kalamari in the world, the finest olives, some of the best local favorites, you’ll have to join in on one of Crete’s biggest sports – living it up. After your traditional sip of Raki at your restaurant, head off into the night and some of Crete’s disco action or folk music festivals. As you can tell, the diversity of entertainment here has no bounds. Luxury hotel, or hostel, you won’t get bored day or night here.
Antiquity Is Just Yesterday Here
Not many are familiar with the Minoans somehow. Anyone who does know has to wonder why. When mainland Greeks were herding sheep in animal skins, Minoan citizens paraded about their Island kingdom in fantastic chariots – the Minoans invented them, you know? Bronze Age masters that they were, the Minoans ruled over a vast maritime empire, a peaceful one at that. So superior were their ideas and refinements, the Minoans had no need of an official army. How superior is that?
For visitors to Crete, no trip would be complete without visiting the ancient city of Knossos. The remains of the palace there, its murals, mysteries, unlike any you ever saw or heard of. Other historic sites await too, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a must see, along with fascinating Rethymnon – a Venetian marvel. Then there is the calm mountain air, villages like Anogia, Amari and Neapolis which bring to mind a time gone by, yet still here. Only in such places of rare antiquity will you find people so calm, laid back, understanding even. Crete’s agrarian soul is in the countryside, and in the palatial walls.
The Nature of Crete
The grandeur of Knossos, the famous Bull Dance Fresco, Minoan dynasties, all point to something far simpler to understand than archaeological evidence. Crete is about the land, the sea, the elements. When you see the splash of wildflowers in the mountains here, snow capped peaks, ancient trails leading to secret lagoons, the Aegean – you’ll understand. Travel to Dikteon Cave , the birthplace of great Zeus, and discover what makes this Island so special. Hiking, biking, walking, or via scooter, Crete’s great outdoors are her greatest treasure.
Beaches to mystic and reclusive respites, the halls of Knossos to the Gorge of Samaria, your visit to Crete will be an unforgettable life moment, a picture postcard of epic travel adventure. Crete is an adventure too, whether you stay in 5 star luxury, or let a room with a local innkeeper. You’ll take a part of the Minoan’s 5,000 year old culture home. Not many places can give you that.
Main attractions: Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Maritime Museum of Crete, Museum of Visual Arts, beach of Vai, Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, Island of Elafonisi, Island of Chrysi, and many more.
Currency: Euro (€) (EUR)
Official language: Greek
Area: 8,336 km² (3,219 sq.mi.)
Population: 623,666
Electricity:
- Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
- Primary Socket Type: Europlug, Schuko
- Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug adapter
- 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
- Hair dryers, curling irons, etc.: Plug adapter + voltage converter
Other places to see & things to do: Historical and Folklore Museum of Gavalochori, Gouverneto Monastery, Agios Nikolaos' port, and others.
Images courtesy: Wikipedia
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