Facts about Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece. Its mountain ranges extend from the White Mountains in the west to Dikti and the Sitia Mountains in the east, with Mount Psiloritis in the centre. Between the ranges lie plateaus and valleys planted with olive groves and vineyards. Many gorges run from the interior to the coast, opening onto small coves that shelter some of Crete’s most secluded beaches.

The landscape changes over short distances. Woodland gives way to low scrub on the slopes, and the island’s limestone is riddled with caves. Lakes and rivers show a different side of the island, especially in winter and spring, when many of its waterfalls are flowing.

The history of Crete can be traced through its archaeological sites, fortresses, monasteries and chapels. The Minoan palaces at Knossos and Phaistos reflect the island’s importance in the Bronze Age. Old harbours, fortifications and historic quarters remain part of daily life in Crete’s towns and cities, just as village squares and coffeehouses do inland.

Olive oil, vegetables, pulses and seasonal produce are central to Cretan cooking. Local recipes and customs are part of the island’s living traditions. Crete’s weather and climate vary with the season and altitude, particularly between the coast and the mountains.

Crete's Climate and Weather

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.67 (6 Votes)

Crete falls into two climatic zones, with the largest part of the island falling into the Mediterranean and the south coasts and Gavdos island falling to the North African. It has one of the healthiest climates for humans to live as it is quite humid near the sea, with short mild winters and cool summers. While the far south has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the three major massifs can be as cold as -10°C (14°F) in winter, most of the inhabited areas lie close to the coast, which means mild temperatures.

Crete's Geology: How was it formed?

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.43 (14 Votes)

Gray limestone atop mountain peaks and vertical cliffs, deep and narrow dark canyons, steep shores, shiny greenish schist, pale phyllite, light limestone eroded by rain and wind, fertile yellowish marlstone - it’s all here. No wonder Crete is a multicolour island.

Greece's Currency

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 4.00 (15 Votes)

Greece is a Eurozone member, therefore the unit of currency is the Euro (EURΟ €). All major credit cards can be used in Crete, with Visa and MasterCard accepted most widely. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of Crete. However, every person who carries more than €10,000 in cash in or out of Greece must declare it to the customs authorities.

Driving in Crete: Some tips

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 2.82 (37 Votes)

Crete is a wonderful place to drive or ride - there is no more varied or scenic set of routes and roads than those traversing the island. Do not let these tips put you off driving here - they are designed to condition you and show you how to drive in a more relaxed and of course, safe, manner.

Luxury Services

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 5.00 (2 Votes)

Crete is full of dramatic landscapes and constant changes of scenery. Guests have the opportunity to explore nature, history and cultural wealth of the island, while they can enjoy services of the highest quality standards.

Crete's Geography

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 3.67 (3 Votes)

Crete, with a population of 650.000 in the prefectures of Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lassithi, is one of the 13 regions into which Greece is divided. It is the largest island in Greece and the second largest (after Cyprus) in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Healing and tourism

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 4.00 (2 Votes)

The Mediterranean climate of Crete, the modern health structures and the innovative services that are offered, make the island a competitive destination, combining vacations and treatment harmonically. Medical tourism has been an upcoming power over the last few years.