 Crete (Κρήτη), Greece
Crete, or Κρήτη in Greek, is the biggest and most populous of the Greek Islands. Covering 8,336 sq km (2,456 sq mi), it is also the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It has a population of about 650,000 (2011 estimate). Its capital and largest city is Heraklion.
Coast of Crete
Author: Ingo Wölbern (public domain)
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More on Crete
While a fragment of the Greek fabric, Crete maintains its own cultural traits. It was the center of the Minoan civilization which flourished from ca. 2,700 to 1,420 BC. That was the first civilization on European soil, and the first European country with a palace.
Crete is 160 km (99 mi) to the south of the Greek mainland. It measures 260 km (160 mi) from east to west, and 60 km (37 mi) at its widest point. Surrounding it is the Sea of Crete to the north, the Libyan Sea to the south, the Karpathion Sea to the east, and the Myrtoan Sea to the west.
Lighthouse in Chania
Author: Martin Belam (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)
Crete is a mountainous island. The highest peak is Lefka Ori, standing at 2,452m (8,045ft) above sea level. Between the mountain ranges of Crete are verdant plateaus, gorges and caves. The island experiences a Mediterranean climate that is primarily temperate.
Going to Crete
By Plane
The main airport on Crete is at Heraklion. It is a small airport with a limited number of flights. There are plans to eventually relocate the airport with a new one further inland at Kasteli, as the present airport is too close to the city.
By Boat
There are ferry boats connecting Heraklion with Piraeus and the Greek Islands.
Moni Asomaton Monastery, Crete
Author: Olaf Tausch (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)
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Major Cities and Towns of Crete
- Heraklion - regional capital
- Agios Nikolaos
- Chania
- Chersonissos
- Elounda
- Hora Sfakion
- Ierapetra
- Malia
- Rethymno
- Sitia
Prefectures of Crete
- Chania Prefecture
- Heraklion Prefecture
- Lasithi Prefecture
- Rethymno Prefecture
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