Crete is Greece's largest and most southerly island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea.
Crete separates the Aegean from the Libyan Sea and marks the boundary between Europe and Africa. The island is mostly mountainous, with a large mountain chain running east to west. Majestic mountains rise in its center, and its plateaus are split by deep gorges which end up in fertile valleys.
The scenery is constantly changing. In one place harsh and barren, in another wooded and gentle. Its villages are smothered in greenery: Olive trees, orange groves, vineyards, and vegetable market gardens. Old stone farmhouses, monasteries, and villages perched on mountain ridges, castles, and chapels were forgotten on steep slopes. Shores lined with forbidding rocks, often inaccessible, but also lots of endless sandy or pebbly beaches!
Crete is divided into four administrative areas: Chania and Rethymno in the west and Iraklion and Lassithi in the east, with the four major towns, being located on the north coast. The capital is Heraklion.
The North coast of Crete is more developed and populated than the South coast which is un-disturbed and more popular for independent travelers. The mountains drop sleepy into the Libyan Sea creating many small clear beaches and a lacy coastline.
Crete island is an attractive and fascinating holiday destination with indefinite variety which offers vivid tourist resorts, wonderful unspoiled beaches, varied landscapes, historical ancient ruins, rural villages with traditional lifestyles wonderful sea-side towns.
Crete will satisfy even the most demanding visitor with its natural beauty, healthy climate, crystal clear seawater, and countless tourist facilities.
