Crete
Crete is located in the south-eastern Mediterranean. It is the largest Greek island and the 5th largest in the Mediterranean Sea. The origin of the name of the island is believed to come from the wife of King Minos, “Crete”.
The island’s capital is the city of Heraklion and it is divided into 4 regional sections, Heraklion, Lasithi, Rethymno and Chania. The size of Crete and the diversity of its landscapes fascinate every visitor. Some major cities to visit are Ierapetra, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia and the Neapoli.
Endless routes, beautiful little villages, canyons, mountain peaks, and stunning beaches suitable for water sports. Visit the museums and archaeological sites, spend a pleasant day in Crete Aquarium “Thalassocosmos”, one of the largest aquariums in the south-eastern Mediterranean.
The hospitality of its people, the clean seas, the endless options and contradictions, the good weather and great food of Crete are so unique that approximately three million tourists visit each year. It is an island for all ages and for all tastes, as you can go camping or stay in a luxury hotel. Certain areas, such as Paliochora, Bali, Agia Galini, Myrtos, Makrygialos and Zakros offer a low cost vacation and relaxation.
Crete has one of the oldest and tastiest cuisines in the world! There are many local specialties. Try the pies of Sfakia, the Cretan “apaki”, an ideal snack for wine or raki, the Cretan dakos with barley bread, the Kakkavia, the Cretan village sausages, the hare in wine sauce, the lamb fricasse and many more.
Crete is also famous for its dairy products, such as the Cretan Graviera, which has become the queen of the greek cheese Graviera and has conquered the European and international market. The sweet delights that stand out are the “kalotsounia” and the crispy “xerotigana” with aromatic honey and sprinkled with walnuts.