An island in the southeast of the Mediterranean, the southernmost tip of the European Union. Crete owes a lot of its historical and cultural attributes to its geographical position.
According to mythology the word “Europe” was heard here for the first time, the name that was later given to the whole continent. From the Minoan times until today Crete has always been a place of outwardness, characterized by features such as the open society, the intense disposition for hospitality as well as the reception and acceptance of “different”.
Values that you can feel only when you come in contact with its inhabitants. But “the hidden treasures” of Crete are those hidden in the flavors, in the local cuisine, in the famous Cretan products. These are the outcome of enduring blends, climate conditions, cultural exchanges and human creativity.
Endowed with countless natural beauties, Crete rewards its visitors, since it is right here where age-long histories and traditions come alive.
Hospitality is the key element of our national and local identity, turning the island into a friendly and familiar place,for all foreign guests.
In recent years, many tourists from all over Europe visit Crete, people who choose the island to spend their holidays. For all these people Crete remains a hospitable destination, a destination that will offer them unique opportunities for quality vacations.
Within this framework, the Cretan culture remains the main pillar upon which the Region of Crete shall implement its strategic planning. A culture that holds a primary position in Europe and the Mediterranean.
It is the intangible and eternal richness of this land that the heavy industry of Crete, tourism, is based on. We live in an island where monuments from the Minoan times until the late Byzantine period attract thousands of visitors every year. We have a dual duty to our cultural past as well as to our future.
First and foremost as the Regional Authority we ought to coordinate and support all those worthwhile initiatives that promote our cultural heritage and we ought to create all prerequisites for the optimal capitalization of our cultural wealth, with due respect to the benefit of our homeland.
Stavros Arnaoutakis
Crete Regional Governor
MINOAN, THE FIRST EUROPEAN CIVILIZATION
Crete is the birthplace of the first European civilization, the Minoan, which flourished between 3000 BC and 1200 BC mainly in Central and Eastern Crete.
The Minoan fleet, the strongest of its era, as evidenced by several findings in the Mediterranean, brought wealth to Crete from the trade of the famous Cretan cypress and agricultural products.
Women were equal to men and took part in all religious ceremonies, in sports, hunting, theater, dance, etc. Even today, the Disc of Phaestus is one of the most famous mysteries of archeology and deciphering of its symbols remains a riddle.
In Crete, Rhea gave birth to Zeus, the most important god of antiquity, father of the gods, people and hospitality.
Cretans are the genuine descendants of the Cretan-born Zeus, the god of gods, humans and hospitality. Indeed, Cretans are famous for their hospitality, induced solely by respect for their fellow men.
Tip: MOST LOCALS WILL OFFER YOU A SHOT OF RAKI WHEN YOU ASK FOR DIRECTIONS AT ANY VILLAGE.
Breaking the Waves
Kouremenos bay, next to Palekastro, is definitely the king of windsurfing resorts in Crete and one of the most famous spots in Greece. Here, lovers of surfing and kite-surf will find all they need; strong winds and equipment to rent. A little northern, at the base of Cape Sidero, you will find the most talented athletes of the sport at the secluded beach of Tenta.
Diving
Under the sea level there are gorges, rocks, vertical walls, plains, caves and ship wrecks, hidden under the quiet surface. Numerous shipwrecks and airplane carcasses are scattered around Crete, a reminder of the island’s history. However, apart from these sunken cities, the ordinary swimmer can easily discover the beauty of the seabed and the rich marine life in most of the beaches of Crete.
Conquering Deep Blue
There are daily boat services to many of the most famous remote beaches, such as Balos, Preveli and Agia Roumeli. Visitors can also take trips to the islands of Chrissi, Gavdos, Dia and Koufonisi. Those looking for more options or seclusion could rent a motor or sailing vessel from the marinas of Lasithi, Heraklion, Rethymnon and Chania and at almost all smaller harbors of the island. Indeed, there are many people combining vacation in Crete with a trip to the magical island of Santorini.
Trekking
The best way to explore Crete is to walk beyond the places reached by car, follow ancient paths, discover the exquisite scents of herbs in the canyons, climb on the tops of the highest mountains and enjoy the view of the deep blue Cretan and Libyan Sea on the horizon.
Region of Crete
