The Greek island of Crete lies in the Mediterranean Sea, separating the Aegean Sea in the north from the Libyan Sea in the south.
Crete is one of the most sought tourist destinations, featuring significant archaeological sites as well as marvellous landscapes. The region of Crete includes the large island of Crete and its nearby islands.
Crete was the main place of the earliest civilisation known in Europe, the Minoan civilisation. In the capital, the port city of Heraklion, you will find Knossos, the largest archaeological site of the Minoan civilisation, other sites are found around the island. Crete is mountainous, with numerous gorges, valleys, caves including Idaion, the birthplace of the mythical Greek god Zeus, and delightful beaches.
Other islands are worth a visit in Crete region such as Spinalonga and Elafonisi.
Population: over 620 thousand inhabitants
Capital: Heraklion
Other major cities: Chania, Rethymno, Ierapetra, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia
Main attractions: Palace of Knossos, Phaestos archaeological Site, Palace of Malia, Old Venetian Harbour, CretAquarium, Arkadi Monastery, Morosini Fountain, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Hania Archaeological Museum, White Mountains Protected Forest
Nearest Airports: Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (HER - Διεθνής Αερολιμένας Ηρακλείου "Νίκος Καζαντζάκης"), Chania International Airport "Daskalogiannis" (CHQ - Κρατικός Αερολιμένας Χανίων, "Δασκαλογιάννης")
