Crete the magnificent island!

Description: Crete is 260 km (160 miles) long and 56 km (35 miles) at it's widest point. The area is 8,260 sq km (3,190 sq mi).

Population: The population of Crete currently is approximately 600.000 people.The majority of inhabitants live in the four main towns of the island, Hania, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion, the capital. The remainder of the population is spread in smaller towns and scattered fishing and mountain villages.

Language: Greek

Religion: Greek Orthodox

Currency: Euro is the new currency of Greece since 2001.

Climate: Crete enjoys perhaps one of the best subtropical Mediterranean climates with over 300 days and more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. The light rainy season is normally confined to the period between November and March. Mild temperatures prevail year round.

Airports: There are five airports in Crete but only three of them are used for passenger flights: the Heraklion airport, the Akrotiri airport close to Chania and the Sitia airport. The airports of Kastelli and Timbaki are military airports.

Harbours: In Crete there are two main harbours: the Heraklion harbour and the Souda Bay harbour. The harbours in Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia are much smaller. Along the south coast there are various fishing ports.

Main Cities and Towns:

North coast: Heraklion (200,000), Chania (80,000), Rethymnon (30,000), Agios Nikolaos, Sitia.

South coast: Ierapetra, Mires, Timbaki, Paleochora.

Mountains: Crete is a mountainous island and the island's history, as well as the personality of its inhabitants was greatly affected by these mountains. In the west there are Lefka Ori (White Mountains): 2453m, in the center there is Mt Idi (Psiloritis): 2456m and in the east there is Mt Dikti: 2148m. Cretan mountains form a continuous chain from one end of the island to the other and they make Crete look much larger than it really is.

Rivers: Rivers in Crete are short and they dry up in the summer months. Rivers which flows year-round are the river at Preveli in southern Rethymnon district and the river at Vrisses in Chania district.

Lakes: the lake of Kournas, a small but beautiful lake with many taverns around it.

Economy: The main sources of wealth in Crete are agriculture and tourism. The cultivation of the olive tree is very important in Crete and excellent virgin olive oil is produced here. Other important products include oranges, grapes and vegetables from greenhouses. Honey, cheese and herbs are of excellent quality also. Finally, big numbers of sheep and goats are raised in Crete.

Islands: There are several small islands very close to Crete: Gavdos island is the southest border of Europe and it is populated. The islands of Hrissi or Gaidouronissi, Koufonisia, Dia, Paximadia, Gramvoussa are much smaller and not populated. Most of them are popular destinations for one-day cruises from Crete.

The Cyclades island of Santorini or Thira is close to Crete also and there are daily cruises to it too.

Administration. Crete is one of the 13 administrative divisions of Greece. In Crete there are 4 Nomoi or Prefectures and many Dimoi (Municipalities). Each Dimos is consisted of various towns and villages.

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, situated in the center of the north coast of the island, is a place with a vivid past and a forceful present, which together have shaped the character of the city. Its history of this town is among the most glorious of all Greece and the Mediterranean. As far back as 2.000 BC, Crete was importing copper from the Orient, ivory from Syria, gold from Egypt and even amber from England. The traders brought with them new ideas, knowledge and crafts, which were subsequently adopted and developed by the Minoan civilization, that flourished in Knossos, the greater area of Heraklion.

History and Culture of Heraklion: Iraklio is a vibrant urban center that throbs with energy lacking in most other Greek provincial cities. Its population is swelled by university students, who add to the cosmopolitan atmosphere created by the steady stream of tourists. Known since antiquity, when it served as the harbor of the Knossos Palace, Iraklio came into its own in the 15th and 16th centuries when it was developed by the Venetians as Crete's commercial center.

It's impossible to visit Iraklio without touring the Palace of Knossos, the preeminent Minoan settlement and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Discovered in the late 1870s by Minos Kalokerinos, it was excavated by Sir Arthur Evans over a period spanning three decades and is linked through Cretan myths with King Minos, son of Zeus and Europa. Minos may have ruled in legend, but it now seems more likely 'Minos' was not a single king but the title given to the rulers of Knossos.

The palace is massive, spread over 20,000 square meters. It is about 150 meters long on each side with a central court that measures 50 meters long and 27 meters wide. It's so large and its layout so complex that scholars believe it inspired the myth of the labyrinth and the Minotaur. And while Evans has been criticized for going too far in his restorations, Knossos is one of the most visually arresting archaeological sites in Greece with pillars painted in what is believed to be their original colors and copies of frescoes replaced on palace walls.

Start your visit from the South Propylon, a long corridor supported on five-meter high columns with thick bases and walls decorated with the famed Cup Bearer fresco. The Minoans did everything on grand scale: even the palace symbol, the sacral horns on the terrace are massive. The king received guests in the Piano Nobile, but his quarters—and the queen's—are on the far side of the central court, where bull sports were held. Peer into the throne room for a peek at the alabaster throne, then gape at the beautiful dolphin frescoes in the queen's quarters. Leaving, you pass the Royal Way—a stone-paved path Evans claimed was Europe's oldest road.

• The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses archaeological findings from all over Crete (pottery, stone carvings, sealstones, statuettes etc). Pride of place goes to the treasures of the Minoan era, which can be admired in all its historical continuity.
• The Natural History Museum of Crete, within the University of Crete, was established in 1980, and since 1994 it is intensively active. The permanent exhibition of the Natural History Museum of Crete opened in June of 1998. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to encounter the diverse nature through the ecologically and culturally complex environment of Eastern Mediterranean.
• The Historical Museum has exhibits from the Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish periods and historical documents of more recent Cretan history. Also a rich collection of folk art consisting of local costumes, textiles, wood carvings and embroidery as well as a representation of a typical Cretan house.

Facilities

Iraklion today, has extensive facilities that cater for all needs of its visitors.There are numerous hotels ranging from Luxury class to small rent-a-room and youth hostels.

Greeks are a people that enjoy going out a lot, either for lunch or a drink or both (the weather helps a lot..). So Iraklion has numerous restaurants and tavernas that cater for all tastes (and pockets). As far as night life goes there is a big number of bars and nightclubs, open throughout the year, with the number doubling during the high season.

The schedule kept by every shop is fairly flexible, but generally cafes are open from around 10 in the morning to late evening (11-12 p.m.) , restaurants open at noon for lunch and ,after a small break, open again around 8 p.m. and stay open untill late at night, and bars and pubs open around 10 p.m (although the action really starts after 11 p.m.)

Iraklion, being the business center of the area, has plenty of stores selling clothes, shoes, jewellery etc. Stores are open in the morning (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and in the evening (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) with the exception of the evenings of Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Airport Authority: +30-2810-228402

Port Authority: +30-2810-244956

National Tourist Organization: +30-2810-228203,244462, 244633,& 228225, opposite the entrance to the Archaeological Museum

Tourist Police: +30-2810-283190

Police: 100

Ambulance: 166

Chania

Built on the ruins of ancient Kidonia it has seen and survived many invaders, but has also tasted civilizations that left their marks on building faces, castles, walls, antiquities, monasteries and churches.

The city has two entrances: the airport of Akrotiri, and the port of Souda (the largest in the Mediterranean). The public market holds a master place in the center of the city, a brilliant cross-shaped building that was completed in 1913, and in proportion with the one in Marseilles.

Near the city center the Public Garden awaits you next to the "Peace and Friendship of the people" park. The gardens are the prettiest in Crete, and also the public garden offers a small zoo with animals from Cretan fauna.

The Venetian port picturesque any time and season is attractive to visitors and locals, for it's beauty and for it's choices of entertainment for all tastes and demands. The old city "intramural" districts preserve their Venetian nobility. Narrow paved alleys are surrounded with tasteful renewed houses, from various ages, are offered for a pleasant walk. Many neoclassic houses are also saved in districts which "neighbor" with the city of Chania, like Halepa.

History and Culture of Chania: Scholars have been trying for years to analyse the etymology of the name "Hania," and to decide on the time when the name was changed from "Kythonia" to "Hania". The new name is first met as "Cania" in the document "Sexteriorum Cretensiu in Militias divisio" in 1211. Then the name "Canea" is mentioned in the document which relinquishes the Hania area to the Venicians in 1252. As for the change of the name from "Kythonia" to "Hania", the most convincing point of view is that of Prof. N. Platonas, who associates it with the existence of a big village "Alhania", named after the God "Valhanos" (Vulcan). The Sarasin Arabs found this name easier to use but confused it with their own word "Al Hanim" (the Inn). After the departure of the Arabs, the syllable "Al", probably taken to be the Arab article "Al" (the), was dropped when the name was translated into the Greek "Hania" and the Latin "Canea".

Historically and Archaelogically, the hill of Kasteli is one of the most significant parts of the city, as it has been inhabited since Neolithic times. The factors which contributed to the uninterrupted use of Kasteli as a residential area were : its geographic position and the fertile plain on the south, both of which contributed to making the district an important commercial and transport junction. Excavations have brought to light remains dating from the first Minoan period (2800-2000 B.C.). The houses of that period are large with well constructed rooms. The walls and floors are painted with a bright red colour. The Kasteli area was also inhabited in the Post-Minoan period (1580/1550 - 1100 B.C.).

According to the evidence offered by the clay tablets in Linear A scripture found on the hill, the area was reserved for royal use. Between 1380 and 1100 B.C. it developed into a commercial centre which was in constant communication with the rest of Crete and Greece.A historically significant ceramics workshop, known as "the Kythonia Workshop" has also been found in the Hania area. It now belongs to the post-royal period.

Beaches

• Kalives Chania: Kalyves is the name of a picturesque village located about 20 kilometres east of Chania, in one of the greenest areas of Greece, from where the silhouette of the White Mountains can be seen. The village is surrounded by wonderful sandy beaches with crystalline waters; among those beaches the eastern one is the most popular because it is located right in the village. In the village visitors will find a friendly and authentic atmosphere and a good choice of small taverns, accommodations and bars.
• Drapanias:Pebbled beach located in the famous area of Kissamos on the west part of the prefecture of Chania. Location: 30 Km west of the town of Chania, Nearest village: Kissamos
• Georgioupoli:It is a coastal village on the Armyros plain. It used to be called Almyros or Armyroupoli, but was renamed in honour of Prince George, High Commissioner of Crete. Location: 39 Km east of Chania, Nearest village: Georgioupoli
• Germaniko Pouli:A large sandy beach with beautiful waters. Location: 2 km west of Chania town , Nearest village: Chania Town
• Kalatha:A beautiful and popular beach with soft sand and beautiful waters. Location: Couple of Km east from Chania Town, on the peninsula, Nearest village: Chania Town
• Kiani Akti:Long sandy beach and only organised in some parts. Location: 10 Km east from Chania Town, Nearest village: Kalives
• Golden Beach Chania: Chrissi Akti means Golden Beach due to the incredible colour of the sand on this beautiful beach. It is located at a walking distance from the city of Chania and offers plenty of accommodations which are surrounding it. Chrissi Akti consists in three soft sandy beaches with clear and shallow waters particularly safe for children. One of the beaches has a children play area and all have various touristy facilities such as umbrellas and sun beds rentals and sea sports.
• Agia Marina:Agia Marina is very much a tourist resort and gets busy with visitors who are mainly on package tours. Location: 10 Km away from Chania town, Nearest village: Agia Marina

Information

Municipal Tourist Information Office: Kydonias 29 , Chania - Telephone: (2821) 036155 , 36204 , fax 36205

National Tourist Organization: 1866 Square - Megaro Pantheon , Chania - Telephone: (2821) 092943

Tourist Police: Leoforos Irakliou 23 , Chania - Telephone: (2821)0 73333

Airport Police: Chania Airport , Akrotiri - Telephone: (2821)0 63033

Fire Department: Grigoriou E' & Karaiskaki , Chania - Telephone: (2821) 090433

Police Station: Leoforos Irakliou 23 , Chania - Telephone: (2821)0 28744

Clinic of Chronic Disease: Voithitiki Parodos Soudas , Souda - Telephone: (2821)0 81611-19

EKAV (Ambulance service): 22, Em. Mountaki Str. , Chania - Telephone: 166, (2821)028667

General Hospital Agios Georgios: Mournies Chania , Mournies Chania - Telephone: (2821)0 22000 fax (2821) 071112

TAXI Service ERMIS: Koroneou 1 , Chania - Telephone: (2821) 098700, 098770

TAXI Service KYDON: Nik.Skoula 80 , Chania - Telephone: (2821) 094300, 087700

Rethymno is one of the four prefectures of Crete. It is situated between Chania to the west and Heraklio to the east. The prefecture of Lasithi is situated at the eastern-most part of the island. Crete is covered with a dense network of roads with the National Road being its main artery, which follows the northern coastal line from west to east.

History and Culture of Rethymno: Rethymnon, on the north coast of Crete, lies on the island's longest sandy beach and is known by visitors as the "hidden jewel" of Crete. Since 1400 BC the Minoans, Venetians, Turks and Cretans have built their ancient cities, minarets, citadels, the hilltop Fortezza, winding narrow streets, fishing harbour and lighthouse which create an old-world charm. Situated midway between Heraklion and Chania, Rethymnon is also only a short distance from the most spectacular countryside making it an ideal centre to explore the island. Rethymnon, the only well-preserved Renaissance town in Greece, is famous for its literature & arts.

The region of Rethymnon is rich in archaeological sites.

The prefecture of Rethymnon features unique natural beauty. It has the highest mountain range in Crete, Mount Idi (Psiloritis), home to many sanctuaries including the famous Ideon Andron, the cave where Zeus was born.

Beaches

The Prefecture of Rethymno is ideal for summer holidays since it boasts a large number of beautiful and clean beaches. Magnificent sandy beaches can be visited on the north coast, at the Cretan Sea as well as on the south coast of the island, at the Libyan Sea.

We would like to detail below some of the more characteristic beaches:

• Episkopi Beach: Large sandy beach west of Rethymno, partly organised
• Panormo: This coastal village is situated 20 km east of Rethymno. It boasts an organised beach as well as a variety of tavernas, hotels and rooms right by the sea.
• Bali: Nestling in the surrounding mountains of the bay of Bali you will find the coastal village of the same name 34 km east of Rethymno. Visitors may choose from which of the small inlets to enjoy bathing at organised beaches. The area offers a large number of tavernas, hotels and rooms.
• Plakias: The village of Plakias is situated 40 km south of Rethymno. This resort boasts a superb sandy beach, and the well-organised infrastructure includes hotels, rooms, tavernas and restaurants. The organised beach offers both bathing and various water sports.
• Souda Plakias: Organised, sandy beach west of the village of Plakias. A few tavernas are situated close to the beach, where rooms are also available.
• Damnoni: Organised sandy beach west of the village of Plakias and south of the town of Rethymno. It offers a few tavernas and rooms are also available.
• Ammoudi: Small sandy beach near Damnoni not organised and fairly isolated.
• Preveli Lagoon: 38km south of Rethymno, shortly before you arrive at the historic Monastery of Preveli, a track on the left hand side leads downhill to a parking place. After approximately 15-minutes downhill walk you arrive at the beautiful sandy beach with palm trees, where the River Kourtaliotis empties into the sea.
• Triopetra: The beach of Triopetra, which was named after the three distinctive rocks in the sea, is situated approximately 50 km south of Rethymno. Follow the road to Aghia Galini and turn left after 40 km in the direction of Akoumia. Continue until you arrive at the huge sandy beach, which is not organised and fairly isolated.
• Aghios Pavlos: The magnificent sandy beach of Aghios Pavlos is found 58km south of Rethymno. Follow the road to Aghia Galini and after 46km turn right at the crossroads of the village of Kria Vrissi. Continue until you arrive at the seaside. Bathing in one of the isolated inlets, which have formed between the rocks, and seeing the sand dunes will be an unforgettable experience. In the village of the same name you will find rooms and tavernas.
• Aghia Galini: This resort is situated 58km south of Rethymno. Apart from the plentiful tourist infrastructure the village also boasts beautiful and clean beaches, which are situated in various picturesque inlets in the area.
• Korakas: This beach is also situated on the south coast, more precisely south of the village of Rodakino, 42km from Rethymno. The sandy beach of Korakas is organised and the area offers hotels, as well as a large variety of rooms and tavernas.
• Rethymno Beach: Organised sandy beach more than 20 km long, stretching from the town of Rethymno in an easterly direction towards the areas of Perivolia, Platanes, Adelianos Kampos, Skaleta

Information

Prefectural Committee for the Promotion of Tourism: 28310 25012, 28310 25571,2 Fax: 28310 25064

Police: 100

Tourist Police: 28310 25247

EOT (Greek Tourism Organisation): 28310 29148 - 28310 56350

Rethymno Town Hall: 28310 22245

Fire Brigade: 199

Hospital: 28310 27491

Post Office: 28310 22303

Taxi: 28310 24316 - 28310 25000

Olympic Airways:28310 22257

ANEK Ferry Lines: 28310 29221

Minoan Ferry Lines: 28310 22941

KTEL (Buses): 28310 22212

Organisation of Hotel owners in the Prefecture of Rethymno: 28310 55873

Organisation of Hotel owners in Aghia Galini: 28320 91380, 28320 91333

Organisation of Hotel owners in Plakias: 28320 31280

Organisation of Mountaineering: 28310 57766

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno: 28310 54668

Folklore Museum of Rethymno: 28310 23398

Centre of Contemporary Art of Rethymno:28310 52530 - 28310 52689