Ruins of Ancient Knossos Palace at Crete island, Greece
Destination Heraklion
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TIME
GMT +2 hours / Athens Time
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Language
Greek. Most of the locals speak English too.
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Card payments accepted almost everywhere
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The biggest island of Greece is surrounded by beautiful beaches and some of the most important archaeological sites of Europe. The heart of the Minoan civilization and the land of heroes with picturesque port-cities and important monasteries on the mysterious landscape of Zorba the Greek..  Read more...

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Heraklion

‘THE LAND OF KING MINOS’

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is a significant part of the Greek cultural heritage as well as an amalgam of traditions, food and music. Its large size helps to maintain unexplored parts and unique hidden paradises along with world renowned monuments such as the Palace of Knossos and leper island of Spinalonga. Crete is mountainous, having even snow on its highest peaks, but also houses some of the largest plains and agricultural areas in Greece. With a mild climate and a unique microclimate in different areas, Crete is famous for its natural products. Heraklion is the largest city and the capital of the region, as well as the host for most of the administrative authorities. The multiple cultures and rulers over the years, as with many other Greek areas, left many marks on the destination that are obvious to the present traveler. To name a few civilizations that started on Crete, we start with the Minoan, the oldest known in Europe, continuing with several other Greek civilizations, passing to the Roman rule then to the Byzantine Empire and ending up with Ottoman rule just after the of Venetian one. The island then passed from semi autonomous state before joining with mother Greece in 1908. Crete presently hosts some of the most extraordinary hotels in Greece and together with its culture, heritage and historic importance as well as its natural beauty, is for sure one of the most important tourism destinations in the world.

 

WHAT TO EXPLORE

Starting from the world-renowned Minotaur’s maze in the ancient city of Knossos to the famous beaches of the South of Crete, the island is full of experiences and things to do. One of the richest places in Europe in history, the island offers everything from gastronomy to adrenaline rush and relaxing holidays. Knossos palace is a must as well as the island of Spinalonga, once a leprosy colony, located in the beautiful bay of Elounda that is easily visited daily. Chryssi island on the south of the island is home to the oldest cedar tree forest in Europe and its magical golden sand will amaze any visitor