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.

Towns in Crete

Coast of Crete
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kueste_Kreta.jpg
Author: Ingo Wölbern
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
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lighthouse_at_night,_Chania.jpg
Author: Martin Belam


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
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Moni_Asomaton_07.JPG
Author: Olaf Tausch

Major Cities and Towns of Crete

Prefectures of Crete

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