The largest of the Greek islands, separating the Aegean from the Libyan sea, marking a boundary between Europe and Africa.

A constant change in scenery can be depicted, where in one place steep rocks impose a feeling of wild nature and in another, the landscape is green, wooded and gentle. The main cities-ports of Crete all have grown on the northern part of the island, towards the mainland of Greece. Only one port (Ierapetra) is at the southern part, on the shores of the Libyan sea, facing Africa.

The islands fertile soil and towering peaks witnessed the development of one of the most important civilizations on earth, the Minoan (2800 - 1150 BC). In successive phases, the Minoans built palace-states, the famous Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Zakros (1700 - 1450 BC). Their painters and ceramists showed us the limits the refinement of art can reach. Their frescoes bring us close to the sole of their world, peace-loving, light-hearted but also powerful. They bring us close to the sea and its wealth.

A geological catastrophe (the eruption of the volcano of Santorini in 1450 BC) halted the Minoan miracle at its peak. Life however continued. Through shipping, commerce and trade with other people (Phoenicians, Syrians, Egyptians) opened up new horizons. With the invasion of the Achaians and the Dorians on the island, the new cities of Lato and Aptera were founded and Lato became the most important city of Crete during the 7th Century BC. Then there was the Roman occupation between 69 and 330 AD. These days the most distinguished center is Gortyn.

Christianity came to the island early. During the Byzantine period, the wealth of Crete was represented by the mosaic floors of its "Basilica" churches as well as in half of the churches around Greece.

Later, and for one and half century (824 - 961 AD) Crete fell in the hands of Arabs. It was then when the city Handak, the Heraklion of today was founded. At 1204 the island was taken by the Venetians. They fortified the old castles in Handak and built new ones at Gramvoussa, Spinalonga, Frangokastello (photo on the right), Ierapetra, Paleohora. They laid the foundations for new cities (Hania and Rethimno) and built the fortifications necessary for their defense. Inside the walls, the cities were developed with narrow, convoluted alleyways and small residential blocks, interspread with decorative piazzas, fountains and churches, remains of which can still be seen today.

The island continued to develop despite the fact it was shacked from time to time from the rebellious populace. Painting and literature were distinguished. Domenicos Theotokopoulos (known as El Greco), Damaskinos and other iconographers painted exquisite portraits of the Virgin and the Christ.

In 1645 the Moslem conquerors set foot on Crete for the first time. In 1669 the whole island was conquered by the Turks. It was not earlier than 1913 when the island was reunited with the rest of Greece.