The mountains have been seen as a key feature of the island’s distinctiveness, especially since the time of Romantic travellers’ writing. These mountains lavish Crete with valleys, such as Amari valley, fertile plateaus, such as Lasithi plateau, Omalos and Nidha; caves, such as Gourgouthakas, Diktaion, and Idaion , the birthplace of the ancient Greek god Zeus,; and a number of gorges. It is located south of almost the rest of the country — in the southern part of the Aegean Sea separating the Aegean from the Libyan Sea. Another proposal suggests that it derives from the ancient Greek word “κραταιή” , krataie̅,, meaning strong or powerful, the reasoning being that Crete was the strongest thalassocracy during ancient times.
Organize your security keys
We stopped counting long ago how many stalactite caves we’ve visited around the world. If you want to experience the palm grove A-League transfer news in peace — simply walk upstream along the river. The Preveli beach itself was quite crowded during our visit, so we simply walked upstream through the palm forest. It’s much less crowded and offers a lovely contrast to the coastal town. On windy days (many tourists flock from the coast into the city), making the Old Town more crowded than usual.
Locally known as tzitzikia, cicadas are renowned for their distinctive, repetitive tzi tzi sound, which intensifies on hot summer days. This new road section is part of the route connecting Messara in the south and Heraklion, Crete’s largest city, which houses the island’s main airport and ferry links to mainland Greece. Heraklion (situated on the north shore), serves as Crete’s capital and largest city. Upon removing your security key, confirmation is required.
Cities
Agreco Farm, outside Rethymno, boasts a gorgeous taverna terrace, along with farm tours and unique experiences. For optimal sightseeing, visit Crete during spring or fall. Crete became a prosperous province, with Gortyn as its capital, encompassing Roman Crete and Cyrenaica (North Africa). This maritime power traded with Egypt and the Near East. Here’s Crete’s historical timeline and where to witness it today.
Iconic ruins and culinary adventures await in Eastern Crete.
- Agreco Farm, outside Rethymno, offers a stunning taverna terrace, farm tours, and unique experiences.
- During peak season (July/August) — Crete’s top attractions are notoriously overcrowded at midday.
- From Chania’s airport (it’s a 20-minute drive to the town center), a blend of architectural styles reflecting past empires like Venetian and Ottoman.
- For each popular attraction (quieter alternatives are suggested), as many of Crete’s top spots are crowded in the summer.
International travelers are served by Heraklion’s Nikos Kazantzakis airport and Chania’s Daskalogiannis airport. Crete contributes significantly to Greece’s economy and cultural heritage — while preserving its unique local traits. In 1898, Crete, longing to join the Greek state, gained autonomy under the Ottomans, officially becoming the Cretan State. The Dodecanese lie northeast of Crete, while the Cyclades are situated north, separated by the Sea of Crete. Crete is positioned approximately 100 km , 62 mi, south of the Peloponnese, and about 300 km (190 mi) southwest of Anatolia.
For us, Heraklion is also the culinary hub of Crete. It’s equally impressive (less crowded), and offers guided tours in German. Located 7 km south of Heraklion, easily accessible by bus , Line 2, or car, we had a private guide, but only one of us could listen at a time. Such is life as a travel journalist.
Greek bathing areas boast the best water quality.
In the 2nd century AD, at least three Cretan cities (Lyttos, Gortyn, Hierapytna) joined the Panhellenion, Hadrian’s league of Greek cities. Gortyn became the capital (and Crete was made a Roman province), along with Cyrenaica, known as Creta et Cyrenaica. In 220 BC, Crete was plagued by a war between two opposing coalitions of cities. Despite preying on each other (Cretan cities invited mainland powers like Macedon), Rhodes, and Ptolemaic Egypt into their disputes.