Where can you touch the leisurely life and clean transparent sea, get closer to antiquity and ancient gods? Of course, on the island of Crete. This place seems to be created for a peaceful rest and active sightseeing. From the characteristic name it is easy to guess where the island of Crete is. This is a country where Antiquity and the Middle Ages are perfectly intertwined - Greece.
Where is Crete Island
Greece is a small but very famous state in Southern Europe, washed by Mediterranean Sea... This is a popular holiday destination for all Europeans, which has ancient history... Therefore, few people do not know where the island of Crete is located, in which country. After all, this corner has preserved many attractions since antiquity.
The island is located in the Mediterranean Sea south of Greece and is the country's tourism center. Crete's area is 8,000 square kilometers. It is the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. The capital of the island is Heraklion. Crete is washed by three seas: Cretan in the north, Libyan in the south, and Ionian in the west.
Briefly about the island
Crete is the center of Greece's tourism, home to its main attractions and resort towns... This is the sunniest place where it rarely rains. A very mild climate, an abundance of beaches and a well-developed infrastructure attract many tourists here.
Iak, we figured out the question of where the island of Crete is. Now about its relief. There are three mountain systems: White Mountains, or Lefka Ori; Ida, or Psilorite; Dikteyskie, or Lasithian mountains. The rivers are not large here. Fresh water mined from lakes. The largest of them - Kurna - is one of the main natural attractions of the island.
Ancient legends associated with the island
Judging by the myths, this is where Zeus was born. Already his son Minos became the greatest king on a par with Egyptian pharaohs... Zeus fell in love with Europe, stole her, and they went to Crete. Today you can visit the ruins of Ancient Gortyna, the palace of King Minos in Heraklion.
Another popular hero of ancient myths associated with the island of Crete is Theseus. He became the liberator of the island from the terrible tax. When he lost his son at the games in Athens, he ordered from there to send 12 boys and girls to be eaten by the legendary Minotaur. Theseus dared to fight the monster. The daughter of King Minos Ariadne came to his aid, giving the young man a ball of thread, thanks to which the hero defeated the Minotaur and got out of the ill-fated labyrinth.
Medieval history of the island
Man set foot on the land of Crete around 8000-7000 BC. This is the Neolithic period. And by the beginning of the 2nd century BC, 4 kingdoms were formed in Crete: Knossos, Festa, Malia and Kato Zakro. Over time, the island became dominant in the field of sea traffic and trade. Then in all the surrounding lands they knew where the island of Crete was. But at its peak, there was a large and devastating earthquake on the nearby island of Santorini, and from there came a tidal wave that destroyed Knossos and nearby settlements. A couple of centuries later, another devastating earthquake occurred, which completely destroyed the Minoan civilization, turning the Palace of Knossos into ruins. There are facts that after the islanders were engaged in pirate raids and participated in the Trojan War.
There, where the island of Crete is located, the Arabs arrived in the distant 824 AD. A century later, this place was conquered by the Byzantines. The island was impoverished and completely devastated. Already at the beginning of the 13th century, it came under the rule of Venice. The golden period in the history of the island of Crete is considered to be the 15-17th century, when Italian culture, education and the Church reigned there. The level of artistic literacy of the islanders has increased. Churches and cathedrals of different periods and reigns have survived on the island: Agios Titos, Agios Mark, Agios Minas and Pantanassa, Agios Aikaterini, the monastery of St. Peter and Paul, Cathedral... All these are monuments and vivid examples of architecture from the times of Byzantine and Venetian rule.
Popular attractions of the island
Those who are interested in the history of Antiquity and the Middle Ages know where the island of Crete is. Greece is famous for its ancient sights no less than its mild climate and warm sea... Therefore, many people come here to visit interesting places.
- The Venetians set a task for Crete: to build a defensive wall across the entire island. The wall has survived to this day. The building is striking, reaching 60 meters in width in some places.
- Some of the most notable exhibits of the historical museum are the works of the icon painters of Crete: El Greco, Mikhail Damaskinos, Theophanis and Georgios Klontzas.
- Some islanders have erected a family hearth and a family name in a cult. The family houses Miliara, Tshahaki should be visited. The style of the houses is neoclassicism and all its splendor in the most striking performance.
- The system of fountains of different eras is very developed on the island of Crete. Some of them still work.
- The fortress in the city of Rethymno is worth visiting. It is believed that the temple of Apollo was located there.
- On the Lassithi plateau, you can visit the Zeus Cave.
Even those who know well where Crete is located are unfamiliar with its peculiarities and the habits of the locals. Meanwhile, many of them are quite interesting.
- The main symbol of Crete is the bee. Once outside the city, in the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, a magnificent decoration with her image was found. To this day, the bee is the most popular element in the work of jewelers.
- It is interesting that many organizations on the island have a regime that is unusual for a European: mainly up to one or two in the afternoon. But gas stations close at 10 pm.
- The most reliable and favorite way of travel between the islands by both tourists and locals is by ferry. It's also cheaper than flying.
- An inexperienced tourist traveling in a rented car will have to deal with a strange peculiarity. The names of cities on the signs can be written in completely different ways: Heraklion - Iraklio, Irakleon, Heraklion.
- It is worth remembering a certain dress code when visiting temples and cathedrals. No bikinis, shorts, or sleeveless tops!
- Locals have a special love for firearms, especially those who live in the highlands.
- Oddly enough, freshly caught fish on the island is a rarity. And in restaurants the price for it is extremely overpriced.
- Since the island has three mountain ranges, it is not surprising that mountain herbs are held in high esteem here. These are sage and thyme. They are used to make tea, spices, cosmetics and medicines.
- Tourists can get into the local Valentine's Day celebrations in July. Saint Yakintos is the Saint Valentine we are used to. He is the patron saint of all lovers in Crete.
Crete is famous for its landmarks, ancient sculptures and historical sites. Tourists come here to enjoy the picturesque landscapes and swim in the clear sea. Numerous travelers are attracted by beautiful beaches, quirky little historic cities, delicious food and wine as well as friendly, welcoming locals... Those who are interested in where Crete is should take a close look at the map of Europe.
Crete island on the map of Europe
It is important to note that Crete is not a state, but the most big Island Greece and the second largest (after Cyprus) Eastern Mediterranean. It is located in the Aegean Sea, in close proximity to three continents - Europe, Asia and Africa. Crete covers an area of 8336 sq. km. The island is 260 km long and the coastline is 1,046 km. The largest width is 60 km, and the smallest is 12 km.
A high mountain range crosses the island from west to east. It is formed by three different groups of mountains. In the West are the White Mountains (2453 m), in the center - Mount Idi (Psilorit - 2456 m), and in the east - Mount Dikti (2148 m). These mountains have endowed Crete with fertile plateaus such as Lassithi, Omalos and Nida. There are caves like Diktion and Idayon, as well as gorges like the famous Samaria.
The magnificent landscapes of the island
Before planning a trip to Greece, inexperienced travelers wonder where Crete is and how you can get to it. It should be noted that this is a very popular holiday destination among tourists. different countries, the Russian language is not uncommon here. History buffs come here to explore historical monuments, ancient cities and rich museums. For supporters active rest local travel agencies offer excursions to the mountains and gorges. Those who prefer a beach holiday will find a wonderful coastline and warm water. After all, the island is washed by three seas - Libyan in the south, Ionian in the west and Cretan in the north.
O. Crete on the political map
Tourists often wonder where Crete is located, in which country and with whom it borders. On the world map, Crete is located between three continents and borders with countries such as Italy and Turkey. It is one of the periphery of Greece. Today Crete consists of four nomes (regions): Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno and Lassithi. The most popular resorts located in Lassithi and Heraklion. These are the cities of Agios, Elounda, Nikolaos, Malia, Hersonissos.
Island Map
Living conditions in the resorts of Crete
The prices for hostels in the summer season are as follows: the average cost of a bed per night is about 10-25 euros. * You can come in the autumn or winter months and book a room for more low prices(plus fewer people).
Budget prices for hotel rooms can be found in 2 star hotels, prices start at € 25 * per night. Rooms at this price point have a private bathroom, mini fridge, air conditioning, TV, and many offer free breakfast to their guests. During the summer, prices rise steadily as Crete is a very popular holiday destination, especially in July and August.
On a note! The alternative to hotels is Airbnb. Price common rooms starts from 10 euros, and some guest houses(including studio apartments) can be rented for as little as EUR 40 per night. *
The average cost of a good dinner in a restaurant in Cyprus is about 20 euros even in the tourist area. Lunch at a luxurious restaurant will cost between 30 and 150 euros *. In order to save on food, you can buy sandwiches and kebabs. Seafood is sold at a price of 35-45 euros *.
Beaches on the island
Crete has a well-developed bus system. In addition, bus travel is quite inexpensive. In the main cities a bus ticket costs EUR 1.80 * There is also a ferry service. The best way movement around the island - car rental. It should be noted that the island is quite large and there are no buses to some places. Car rental prices will differ depending on the car brand and the booking season. vehicle... In terms of air travel, the island has three airports.
Important! Daily flights operate from Crete to Athens. The cost of the flight is 30 euros *.
Flora and fauna of the island
The Apokoronas region extends from the foothills of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). The area is green and fertile, which is unusual for a rocky region. Apokoronas is a rich agricultural region with numerous vineyards, olive and orange groves. There are also many cypresses, oaks, lemon and avocado trees. One of the best gifts of nature is the wildflowers of the Apokoronas region. Landscape decorate mountain ranges covered with snow until May.
It should be said that 55 unique ecotypes have been found in Crete, 160 plant species are not found anywhere else in the world. Endemic plants grow high in the mountains. Among them is a rare and endangered dwarf tree - the Cretan Zelkva (Latin designation - Zelkova cretica).
Flora of the island
The most famous of the Cretan animals is the Kri-Kri wild mountain goat. These goats were introduced from Persia thousands of years ago. Now their main area of residence is the Samaria Gorge. It was for the protection of goats that the Kri-Kri was created in 1962. National park gorges of Samaria. The island's mammals also include such interesting animals as the barbed rat, the Cretan wild cat, the Cretan badger and the Cretan marten. There are also many reptiles, frogs, insects and molluscs. Many birds nest in the wild ravines of Crete and on the marshy plains. Among them, the rarest vulture is the bearded vulture.
Note! There are no venomous snakes in Crete, but there are scorpions, although their bite is not fatal.
Holidays in Crete
Holidays in Crete will delight people of all ages. People come here with friends and family. Everyone on the island has something to do. Here you can lie on the beach all day, or you can take a car and go to an amusing trip, so that later the question never arises: "What kind of country is Crete?"
* Prices are valid for September 2018 *
Crete is an island where legends and myths are interspersed with modern reality, where there are wonderful palaces that have seen millennia and fashionable, comfortable resorts and hotels. These are cities, large and small, these are villages where the national Greek flavor has been preserved. Holidays in the cities of Crete are a holiday, a continuous series of pleasures, luxury and comfort.
The cities of Crete - you can count them, as they say on the fingers. Each of them has its own unique look, disposition, traditions and customs, their unique story dating back centuries and millennia. Crete is divided into four nomes: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno and Lassithi with the administrative center of Agios Nikolaos. Everything big cities Crete is mainly located on the north coast of the island. Most of them are located there. best resorts Crete.
The main city of Crete is the city of Heraklion - the capital of Crete. It is home to about a third of the population of the entire island. The most popular resorts of Crete are located in its area.
The second largest and no less significant city in Crete is Chania. The city has perfectly preserved its historical appearance - the old part, represented by Venetian and Turkish buildings, mosques, evokes the constant delight of tourists.
The resort town of Rethymno is the third largest city on the island. Like the rest of the city, it is located on the seafront, and is famous for the longest beach in the city. Reviews of tourists about the resort are ambiguous, but one thing is certain that it is the most common resort in Crete among those who like to relax without losing all the benefits of civilization.
The fourth largest and one of the most beautiful cities Crete - Agios Nikolaos. It is also the administrative center of the Lassithi Ag nome. Nikolaos, located in the northeastern part of Crete, on the shores of the picturesque Mirabello Bay.
Crete photo
Crete: where are
Crete is the largest Greek island, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. Located 110 km from Europe, 175 km from Asia and 300 km from Africa. Geographically belongs to Europe. Crete is washed by three seas - Cretan in the north, Libyan in the south and Ionian in the west. The administrative center is the city of Heraklion.
The area of the island is 8261 km² (together with the islands of Gavdos and Dia - 8336 km²), the length of the coastline is 1046 km.
Modern Crete constitutes one of the thirteen periphery (regions) of the Hellenic Republic and is one of the largest economic and cultural centers country.
Crete island on world map
How to get to Crete
You can fly to Crete by plane. On this Greek island 5 airports, and only 3 of them are civil: Heraklion (Nikos Kazantzakis airport), Chania and Sitia. The rest 2: Kasteli and Timbaki are military airfields. The main tourist flights go to Heraklion airport.
The duration of the flight from Moscow to Heraklion is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Crete: video
Walk in Crete
Crete life and traditions
Crete is the oldest and largest island in Greece. There is a healing climate, beautiful beaches in warm, cozy bays, luxurious resorts, generous nature, life-giving air, cypress and yew alleys, flower beds, alpine lakes, fabulous waterfalls, olive trees and vineyards. Oh oldest buildings, which are found here literally at every step, we know from school textbooks.
The island is covered with ancient legends, literally all places here are famous for their stories.
Thirty centuries ago, according to legend, in the dungeon of the Palace of Knossos, King Minos lived a cannibalistic monster Minotaur, who ate beautiful girls and young men.
Hero Theseus dealt with the monster, and the ancient state perished after the eruption of the Santorini volcano.
The best sights of Heraklion and other cities of Crete
You can write a lot about Cretan sights, because the island has seen prehistoric Dorian times, the Minoan civilization, witnessed Byzantine rule, survived the Venetian era and the seizure of the Ottoman Empire.
The town of Gortyna is located 46 km from Heraklion. It's almost the only one ancient city, which has been partially preserved.
In the city entwined different eras and styles. The ancient Greek amphitheater and the Temple of Apollo in the olive grove are adjacent to the Egyptian sanctuary of the gods Isis and Serapis.
Excavations of Gortyna continue, and perhaps in a few years it will appear in a completely different form.
The city of Aptera was mentioned in clay tablets found in the Palace of Knossos, dating back over 33 centuries. He had 2 seaports, was famous for trade, crafts, navigation, minted 76 types of coins. It is located at the top of a hill. The name stands for "wingless".
According to legend, the Sirens lived here, whom Zeus deprived of their wings. The shape of the city resembles a bird in flight. Huge cisterns are well preserved here for storing either water, or grains, kernels and drawings of the catapult. Aptera is located 15 km from the city of Chanea.
Where to go and what to see in Crete with children?
Crete is a very good choice for families with children.
Here clean beaches, healthy climate and tasty and similar food.
Greeks are very well-mannered, they love small children. It is best to rest in May or September-October. There are two types of recreation with children in Crete - a hotel or an apartment.
Usually, hotels provide baby cots, menus, playgrounds, and a mini-club. Per 10 euros per hour a nanny can sit with the child.
Supermarkets sell children food in cans, formula, milk and other necessary goods for children. So if you live in an apartment, you can buy it at your local store.
A stay for three in a decent hotel with meals costs on average 60-70 thousand "wooden" in 2 weeks... Resorts for family vacation with children a lot.
It's pretty quiet places, there is all the necessary infrastructure, sandy beaches with a smooth entrance to the sea, for kids there are pools with sea water.
It is interesting to visit such attractions with children:
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Marine aquarium in Gouves near Heraklion will delight you with colorful fish and huge sharks.
It works all year round, in the summer season from half past nine in the morning to nine in the evening, and in the winter - until five in the evening. Admission fee for adults 8 euros, for children - 6, for kids up to 5 years old - is free... There is also a cafe here. -
V water park "Aqua Plus" near Hersonissos there are entertainment for adults and children, swimming pools with slides for toddlers. It works during the summer season from ten in the morning to seven in the evening.
A visit to it will cost adults 20 euros, and for children over five years old - 12. There is ice cream in the cafe. You can also take photos there.
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The largest in Crete is considered water park "Water City" next to the resort of Kokkini Hani. There is everything for the little ones - pools with slides, fountains, bridges.
It works from ten in the morning until half past six in the evening. The ticket costs 22 euros and 16 euros. E-tickets 10-15% cheaper. The cafe has everything you need to have a good meal.
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Water Park "Star Beach"- the only one located on the seashore.
Admission is free, but you have to pay for the sun lounger 3 euros... There are several pools with slides for children and adults.
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Lake Kurna near Gergioupolis west of Rethymno quiet, calm a nice place with small fish near the shore.
The restaurants have playgrounds, and there are many ducks and geese around, who gladly take food from their hands. Catamarans rental costs 7 euros per hour... You can sunbathe on the shore.
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Very interesting excursions on trains in Rethymno and many other resorts. On such trips, you can learn a lot of interesting things about the crafts of the island - pottery, olive oil production, growing vegetables.
In cafes and restaurants located on tourist routes, there is a separate children's menu.
Self-drive routes
Renting a car in Crete is not a problem, there are many small firms engaged in this business.
It is more economical to choose a small car, the roads are excellent, the traffic is not very intense.
Although there are a lot of "daredevils". Speeding fines are significant. Parking is very difficult to find. Traffic jams often occur due to goats scurrying everywhere.
Gas stations do not work around the clock, few of them work until 11 pm.
It is worth choosing routes for excursions based on what you want to see.
Crete monasteries- this is what you need to see. This is a special national flavor, calmness, restraint and pacification, they all stand on the hills, from where a beautiful panoramic view opens up. Many legends and stories are associated with them.
On the mountains of the Akrotiri peninsula, in a deep gorge, there is the amazing rocky monastery of Katoliko. This truly secluded spot is away from the busy routes - the oldest Orthodox monastery in Crete, dating back to the 5th century. Hermits lived here.
You can get to the monastery along a rocky path, bypassing bear cave... According to legend, there was a healing spring in this cave, which a bear got in the habit of walking, picking up people. Virgin Mary turned her to stone.
Indeed, the large stalactite in the cave resembles a bear. From the cave you can get to the monastery along the stone bridge. You can reach it from the city (20 km), and then go down on foot.
If you are planning to go around several interesting places, then approximate route could be like that. Visit first Sfendoni cave(Sentony, Sendney). There is a tavern near it, where they sell tickets for 4 euros with a diagram of the cave in Russian. At the same time, you can have breakfast here and admire the view of the valley.
Then you can inspect old church Axos, climb the path to the remains of a fortress dating back to 30 centuries and admire the panorama of the sea from here. The nearest village on the coast is Panormos. Here you can dine and sunbathe and swim on the beach.
Then continue the route to Arkadi monastery- the symbol of the struggle for the independence of Crete. The territory of the monastery is buried in flowers. You can attend the evening service. Ancient legend says that the monk Arcadius saw the glow of an ancient icon at this place, and a monastery was built here.
It is famous for the art of gold embroidery, which can be viewed in the monastery museum. At the end of the 19th century, the rebels, surrounded by Turkish invaders, blew up the gunpowder stored in the pantry of Arkadi, and died themselves, destroying half of the enemy army.
The monastery was rebuilt, keeping the memory of the heroes.
That's all. The day is over and it is time to return to the hotel. Rethymno is just a stone's throw away.
Detailed map of Crete in Russian. Map of roads, cities and regions on the map of Crete. Show on the map Crete.
Where is Crete on the world map?
Crete is the largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. On the world map, it is located between three continents: one hundred kilometers from Europe, one hundred seventy kilometers from Asia and three hundred kilometers from Africa. The island is one of popular places for beach holiday in Europe. Geographical coordinates Crete: 35 ° 18'35 ″ N sh .. and 24 ° 53'36 ″ in. etc.
Where is Crete on the map of Greece and Europe?
The island is located almost in the very center of the Mediterranean, and geographically it is ranked among Europe. The nearest European countries are Italy, Turkey and Cyprus.
Currently, Crete forms one of the 13 regions of Greece and ranks among the most economically and culturally developed centers country. In addition, the island is the most southern resort Greece.
Resorts in Crete
There are several tourist areas, into which the island is conventionally divided. So, the most popular resort areas are: Lassithi region: (the cities of Agios, Elounda and Nikolaos), Heraklion region (Malia, Hersonissos, Stalida and Gouves cities), Rethymno region (Rethymno, Bali and Panormo cities) and Chania region (Agia Marina , Georgioupolis and Platanias).
Interactive map of Crete with resorts and cities
Millions of tourists visit the island every year to enjoy the clear sea and beautiful beaches, picturesque nature and impressive ancient monuments of palace cities. On the interactive map You can find various tourist sites: cities and resorts, hotels and restaurants, temples and other attractions. For convenience, the map can be enlarged or opened in a new window.
Geographical location of Crete
Crete is located in southern Europe and is washed by three seas (Cretan, Libyan and Ionian). The island has a mountainous surface, which makes it sometimes seem larger than it is in reality. More than half of the area rises more than 200 meters above sea level. Coastline cut, here you can meet a large number of capes and bays.
