Crete, the largest and most populated of the Greek islands, is the 88th largest island in the world and the 5th largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It's about 99 miles south of the Greek mainland, has an area of 3,260 square miles, and a coastline spanning 650 miles. It's capital and largest city is Heraklion, and as of 2024 Crete has a population of around 670,000. The island is mostly mountainous and it's defined by a high mountain range crossing east to west. It includes Crete's highest point, Mount Ida, the range of the White Mountains, and the Samaria Gorge.
Crete was the center of Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoan's, from 2700 to 1420 BC. The Minoan civilization was overrun by the Mycenean Civilization coming from mainland Greece, and later on Crete came under Roman control. It also became ruled by the Byzantine Empire, Andalusiun Arabs, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Republic. Because of this, Crete has tons of abandoned ruins that are open for tourists to walk through and explore. After the people of Crete had wanted to join the Greek state for a while now, the Greek state received indepence from the Ottomans, and formally became the Cretan State, in 1898 and in December of 1913 it became a part of Greece.
Crete is a beautiful island and a great tourist location to visit with the family or just as a couple. With tons of beautiful views, 5 star quality lodging, and tons of activities to get into, this is the perfect vacation location to consider for your next travels. Click through the website in order to learn more about what Crete has to offer.