Crete

Crete is the fifth-biggest Mediterranean island and the biggest island of Greece. The dominating position between the three continents Europe, Asia and Africa, almost in the middle of the eastern Mediterranean Sea , has played an determinate role for the history of the Island from the Ancient Age until today. The surface of the long but narrow island has 8241 m ² . It has 200 km length and width between 60 kms and 12 kms. Crete is surrounded by the Sea of Crete in the North and in the South the Lybian Sea. The landscape’s contrasts are huge in Crete. The Lefka Ori (white mountains) are covered till June with snow, while the thermometer measures on the coast 30 ° Celsius. In the inner land grows chestnuts, oaks and cypress forests. Uncountable olive trees, some hundred years old, mark the landscape. Lonely chapels and commemorative places of the resistance may be found in the most further valleys. Crete is divided in 4 Provinces: Heraklion, Rethymnon, Chania and Lassithi.

Heraklion is the largest city in Crete and the capital of the island. Heraklion a busy town, a communications hub that receive and distribute most tourism traffic arriving on the island, but light industry and Agriculture in the periphery, also affect the life. Iraklio is located in the middle of the north beach, really close to Knossos and has one of the most interesting archaeological museums of the world. The city of Heraklion still enjoys its reputation as one of the most attractive Mediterranean capitals. It has enough to offer that the cultural tastes and shopping needs of both the visitors and the residents are fully catered for. It is no accident that it has always been the business and social centre of Crete throughout the ages and that status is maintained today. It plays host to many interests and activities as well as providing a very pleasant way of life. The variety and extent of Cretes coastline make it possible for bathers to enjoy an infinite number of different places to swim, all of them lapped by warm, crystal clear water. Heraklion has an impressive variety of goods to offer shoppers, from top designer labels and exquisite jewellery to fine antiques and high quality leather goods. To spend an evening the way most Iraklians themselves do, stroll about (the famous Mediterranean volta), then sit in a cafe and watch others stroll by. The prime locations for the latter have been Plateia Eleftheria (Liberty Square) or Fountain Square, but the packed-in atmosphere of these places-and the overly aggressive solicitation of your presence by some waiters-has considerably reduced their charm. Crete has one of the oldest and most tasty gastronomic traditions in the world, a tradition of tastes, aromas, ingredients and skills which begin from the prehistoric years and continue until today. Heraklion has numerous restaurants and taverns that cater for all tastes

Rethymnon, one of the four provinces of Crete, is a town that has retained its traditional look. You can confirm this as you stroll through its old, narrow lanes with the wooden balconies, the tall minarets and the Venetian mansions. Rethymnon is divided into the old and the new town. The new one is built in a comfortable spacious and planned manner and with plenty of green spots, but as usual, the best strolls are made in the old towns little alleys. The city-limits are defined by Fortetza the well-preserved, huge Venetian fortress which imposingly overlooks the city. Right opposite is the endless sandy beach of Rethymnon which starts from the town and stretches all the way to the holiday centres. Among the districts most known beaches are Preveli and Plakias with other smaller ones nearby. To reach Preveli we pass the impressive Kourtaliotiko Faragi, a gorge that starts from the village of Koxare and continues for about 2 km. Little churches have found shelter by its sides. The shaded narrow paths have been fertile ground for many legends, told by the elders in the area. The gorge is crossed by the River Kourtaliotis, which ends at Preveli beach with its very exotic scenery. A minor deviation before we come to the beach will take us to the Monastery of Preveli perched on a bare hill. The monastery which only allows men to enter is dedicated to Agios loarmis the Theologian. About 2 km after the monastery the road ends at a sea-stones and clean waters. Caiques depart from Plakia, making excursions to Frangokastello, Preveli, Agia Gallini and Hora of Sfakia. A road which leads to the Libyan coast crosses the green village of Spyli on the mountainside of Psiloritis. It continues its way down to Agia Gallini, a former fishing village which has been transformed into a tourist resort, thanks to its fantastic beaches

	Contact Hellas Tourist Services Mr. Theodoros Milonakis 122, Ethnikis Antistaseos 71306  Heraklion Phone: + 30 2810 33 59 71 Fax: + 30 2810 33 59 43 Mail: milonakis@hts.gr