Cruises from Crete

Crete is the largest Greek Island and the largest island south of the Aegean Sea. Crete is one of thirteen administrative divisions of Greece and is a dominant player in its economy and culture. The main sources of wealth in Crete are agriculture and tourism. Chania, Heraklion, Lassithi and Rethymno are four prefectures of Crete. Although Crete has its own music, dialect and cultural traits, the people claim to be Greeks.

The 1000km Mediterranean coastline of Crete is one of coves, peninsulas, bays and sandy beaches. Crete has mountainous landscapes surrounded by lovely towns and villages. Remnants of the former Minoan Civilization, begun in 2600BC, are everywhere. Crete has a population of 600,000, three passenger airports and two main harbours.

Among the tourist attractions in Crete are the ancient history and relics of Knosses, Gortys, Chania, Tethymnon, the Samaria Gorge and Samaria. In addition, the Venetian harbour reveals a mixture of Minoan, Venetian and Turkish architecture. The castle Rethymnon in the old town is among the best, preserved buildings in Crete. It took 107,142 Cretans with 40,205 pack animals to build the Fortezza Fortress in Rethymnon, between 1573 and 1580. This fortress with its bastion fortification system is a display of architectural genius.

Crete has become one of the favourite tourist destinations for Europeans. There is pleasant and comfortable accommodation in Crete and the little villages around Crete. Choices include luxury villas and houses, apartments and studios, large and small hotels and inns. There is additional accommodation in the mountain, rural and inland hotels located in Chania, Heraklion and Rethymno.

Throughout Crete, tourists discover markets, shops, taverns and bars bathed in the history and culture of Crete. In markets and restaurants, the scent of wild fennel, basil, wild flowers and aromatic herbs tickle your nose. Nightlife fills the evening air at the Synagogi roofless bar. The Fortezza bar and the Portes are among the places to eat and drink the native wines. Crete is a land of myths and legends often retold in the bars and restaurants by friendly locals. In Crete and the little towns and villages nearby, tourists discover how the past and present meet in the culture and customs of the Cretan people.

Crete has an ideal year round climate for tourists. From April-October is the official tourist season when it is always warm and sometimes hot. Between October and March, there are many sunny days, with mild to cold temperatures. Sometimes especially at night there is need for a heavy sweater or jacket. This time of the year it is far less crowded, and tourists enjoy not being in the summer crowds.

The people of Crete are among the healthiest people on earth due to a low incidence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. They eat very little meat and drink wine daily. The only oil they use is olive oil, one of their main products. Crete has olive trees, from which comes the purest virgin oil in the world. Oranges, grapes, greenhouse vegetables, honey, cheese, artichokes and herbs are some main crops. The Cretans raise sheep and goats called Kri-Kri.