| Crete ((el)Κρήτη ) | |
 | |
| Landscape of Inner Crete in the vicinity of Anogia | |
| Information | |
| Country |  Greece |
|---|---|
| Area | 8 336 km² |
| Population | 621 340 hab. (2011) |
| Density | 74,54 inhab./km² |
| Spindle | UTC 02:00, UTC 03:00 |
| Location | |
 35 ° 12 ′ 0 ″ N 25 ° 0 ′ 0 ″ E | |
| Official site | |
The Crete is an island Greek.
Understand
Crete is the largest island in Greece and the 5e of the Mediterranean Sea in area after Sicily, the Sardinia, the Corsica and Cyprus. Its particular topography, all in length and in the very mountainous relief, makes that the major part of its population is concentrated on its north coast. Almost all of the shores are surrounded by sandy or pebble beaches. It is an ideal destination out of season since its southern position gives it a very mild climate conducive to stays in spring and particularly in autumn. October is still warm and offers a pleasant sea without the crowds of tourists in the middle of summer.
Regions
Cities
- 1 Heraklion (Ηράκλειον) – The current capital of the island, since 1971.
- 2 Chania (Chania, Χανιά) – Both names are found in most guides. On site, the Greek name is used. Capital of the island until 1971, occupied successively, like the rest of the island, by Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks, it keeps the imprint of its past through its alleys.
- 3 Rethymno (Rethymno, Ρέθυμνο)
- 4 Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος)
- 5 Sitia (Σητεία)
Other destinations
- Knossos, supposed to be the former palace of King Minos, located about 4 km Heraklion. Discovered and partly reconstructed by Evans at the beginning of the last century, it is one of the greatest sites of the Minoan era. In high season, arrive early, otherwise the visit will quickly become unbearable due to the multitude of guided tours.
- Malia, one of the largest cities of the Minoan civilization, Phaestos, one of the oldest Minoan palaces, Aghia Triada, contemporary site of Phaestos, Gortyne, Roman ruins and early Christian basilica of Aghios Titos (Saint Titus)
- Samaria Gorge, ideal for hiking lovers (18 km). After a slightly steep descent, the path (very busy in high season) joins the sea through the sideroportes or "iron gates", immense cliffs of 300 m of height which tighten on the path to leave only a passage of 3 m. Arrival is in the small village of Aghia Roumeli where the beach is welcome after the hike. The gorges are a national park, open from 6 h - 15 h, from May 1 to October 31. Admission is chargeable. Please note: the village of Agia Roumeli is a dead end. The only way to leave is by boat. Coming by car to the gorges is not the ideal solution: you have to turn back once you have reached the end of the route (and the ascent is tough!). The ideal is to use the services of a travel agency (many offers in most cities of the island) which offers the coach trip to the entrance of the gorges, the boat to the neighboring village. and the return, always by coach. Some agencies can pick up clients in front of their hotel. Moreover, most hotels have agreements with agencies and it is possible to book directly with the hotel.
- Moni Preveli, in the south of the island. Charming Orthodox monastery with a superb view overlooking the Libyan Sea. Below the monastery, a beautiful sandy beach, very pleasant, lined with many palm trees that run along the small river that flows into the sea here. Access to the beach is from the monastery by stairs hanging from the cliff.
- Matala, in the south of the island. Seaside resort and cliffs dotted with artificial caves used as burial vaults during antiquity. This small village was a favorite destination for hippies (like Bob Dylan or the Cat Stevens) at the time of the "Flower Power", who settled in the caves of the cliff, which can still be visited. Today, the place is very touristy but you can still see the vestiges of this beatnik atmosphere, even if they are somewhat used for commercial activity.
Carved tree, one of the remains of the hippie times of Matala.
- Paleochora, a small fishing town in the southwest of the island that has become a seaside resort. The place is touristy but less populated and quieter than the cities of the north.
To go
By plane
Two main airports serve Crete from mainland Greece and several major European cities: Heraklion and Hania (Chania). There is also a regional airport in Sitia.
For tickets and accommodation for the trip to Crete go: Beeinnet.com- Travel to Crete
To rent an apartment, a villa or a charming house in Crete, consult the site of Greece Sur Mesure, a Greek agency specializing in Crete Travel to Crete
On a boat
Regular connections connect Crete to Piraeus (port ofAthens), several ports in the Peloponnese and the Cyclades. The main ports are in Heraklion, Hania (Souda port), Kasteli (Kissamos), Rethimnon and Agios Nikolaos.
Circulate
Overall, the road network is of decent quality, like that of the Greece continental. The main road, which links the four prefectures and runs along the north coast of the island, is in fairly good condition. The driving rules are the same as on the mainland, namely that the shoulder can be used as an additional traffic lane (even recommended if you want to drive slowly). The mountain roads are narrow and winding.
If you need to rent a car during your visit go: CarRentalGreece.gr - Car rental in Crete or Autopappas or Budget Rent a Car - Car Rentals in Crete or Imperial Car Rental - Car rental Crete Greece
Speak
The language of the island is Greek. TheEnglish, theGerman, theSpanish and, to a lesser extent, French is understood at the main sites. In small remote villages, on the other hand, only Greek is spoken.
Buy
Eat
The "dakos" is a Cretan specialty: it is a slice of dry and thick whole wheat bread called "paximadi", on which we spread tomato puree, olive oil, herbs and cheese. "mitzithra".
If you visit the Cycladic Islands in September, you will have the option of renting small hotels when you arrive on each island. A crowd of people are waiting for the ferries with very cheap hotel offers (25-50 €). This advice may not hold true for Santorini ... But for Mykonos, Paros, Amorgos, Naxos and the others, it's good ...
Learn
Communicate
security
Health
Respect
As elsewhere in Greece, it is important to respect a few rules of conduct. One should not enter churches or monasteries in a longshoreman and shorts. It is imperative for both men and women to have their shoulders covered. Long Bermuda shorts can be tolerated.
In addition, one must be very careful with the hand signals. You should never present the palm of your hand with the five fingers apart: this means that you curse your interlocutor over five generations.
The topless may interfere but does not seem to elicit too many hostile reactions. Naturism, for its part, is not tolerated on Cretan beaches, apart from hotels reserved for naturists.
