RAP 2025

CRETE

Crete is the largest (8,450 km²) and most populous (650,000 inhabitants) of the Greek islands, and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. It is relatively long and narrow, stretching for 260 km on its east-west axis and varying in width from 12 to 60 km; the length of a coastline is 1,046 km. It is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea separating the Aegean from the Libyan Sea. The Dodecanese are located to the northeast of Crete, Cyclades are situated to the north, while the Peloponnese is to the island's northwest.

Crete is dominated by harsh mountains rising out of the sea. The island’s east-west mountainous range consists of four main groups that rise to the island’s highest point, Ídi mountain, 2,456 m in elevation. To the west the Lefká (“White”) Mountains reach 2,452 m, and to the east the Díkti Mountains extend to 2,148 m in elevation. Those mountains rise above the high upland plains of Nída, Omalós, and Lasíthi and are marked by several gorges, the best known of which is the Samariá Gorge. The gradually sloping northern coast provides several natural harbours and coastal plains, where such major towns as Chaniá, Réthymno and Heraklion are located. The Mesara (Messára) Plain extends along the south-central part of the island for about 29 km and is Crete’s major expanse of flatlands. Sandy and pebble-strewn beaches dot the coastline.

Crete’s climate varies between temperate and subtropical, with an annual average precipitation of about 640 mm and hot dry summers. Winter temperatures are relatively mild. The air in the mountains is temperate and cool. Precipitation in that region is much higher than elsewhere on the island, and the mountains are often covered with snow from November to May, which may remain on the highest peaks throughout much of the year.

In terms of history, Crete has a fascinating past, with all the major powers throughout the last 4 000 years having had an impact on the place. The result is a depth of culture and wealth of landmarks like in onlz the few other places in the world. From Minoan times and the Mycenaean civilisation and classical periods, right through Roman, Arab, Byzantian, Venetian and Ottoman rule – there’s so much to see, learn about and experience across Crete that tells the story of this remarkable past.

Towns and main attractions in Crete

The largest towns in Crete are Heraklion (144,422 inhabitants), Chania (88,525), Rethymno (34,300), Ierapetra (23,707), Agios Nikolaos (20,679) and Sitia (14,338).

Heraklion, sometimes Iraklion, the capital of Crete from 1971, is the fourth largest city in Greece. The greater area of Heraklion has been continuously inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, making it one of the oldest inhabited regions in Europe. It is also home to the ancient Knossos Palace, a major center of the Minoan civilization dating back to approximately 2000-1350 BCE, often considered Europe's oldest city. The palace is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, second only to the Parthenon in terms of visitor numbers.

Chania -The city of Chania is built on the area of Minoan Kidonia, at the end of the homonym gulf between Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. It was the former capital city of Crete (from 1847 until 1971). Nowadays, it is the second largest city of Crete after Heraklion and capital of the homonym prefecture.

Rethymno is a city with many faces. Rethymno or Rithymna as it was once called has been inhabited since the Later Minoan III period. Nowadays, it keeps the elements inherited by its history (from antiquity up to now), preserving at the same time the characteristics of a modern city.

Agios Nikolaos is the capital town of Lassithi prefecture. Here, the bottomless salt lake Voulismeni dominates the area. A narrow channel of water connects the lake with the sea, while an imposing backdrop of red rock and trees adds to the natural beauty of the scenery. A small pine tree park lies above the lake, and a stone path leads to its southern section to a cute small harbour for fishing boats. The city boasts interesting Archaeological, Folklore, and Natural History museums, Byzantine churches, a well-organised marina, bustling pedestrian streets (ideal for leisurely walks), and traditional squares with buzzing cafés and restaurants.

There are many attractive sites in Crete, some of them are listed here:

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Knossos Palace

Old Venetian Port of Chania

Elafonissi Beach

Samaria National Park

Balos Beach

Arkadi Monastery

Rocca a Mare Fortress

Falasarna beach

Lake Kournas

Matala beach