English 
History
Crete is the southernmost tip of Europe located at the crossroads of three continents and five seas. It has always been a meeting point for different people. The island has a history of at least 9000 years (there evidence of human activity on the island since then).
Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and the southern border of Europe. It combines the ancient and contemporary history.
Due to its geographical strategic location, Crete, except the crossroads of three continents, it has been since the beginning of the history, the apple of discord for each occupier. The ancestors of Cretans are the Minoans. But the island was colonized by Achaeans, Dorians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians and Turks. Also, for a long time the Mediterranean pirates roamed its shores. The cultural tradition of Crete comes within the general tradition of the Aegean, with many common or similar items, such as clothing, gastronomy, music, language, manners and customs, impromptu serenades, proverbs and fables. Also the creation of traditional folk art, folk architecture, sculpture, ceramics – pottery, painting and arts of female character, such as knitting, embroidery and weaving.
Crete has more than 100 beaches to enjoy the sun and sea. Whether you are looking for beautiful sandy beaches, small bays, beaches with shallow water suitable for small children or secluded beaches for nudists you will find everything on Crete.
It also has snow capped peaks that reach a height of 2.5 km. There you can see beautiful plateaus others inhabited and others not. Crete is a mountainous island and that means thousands of paths for those who like hiking, mountaineering and climbing.
History and modern infrastructure
You can see the remaining of Minoan palaces that were built 3500 years ago, walk on Roman paved streets, admire Byzantine churches, explore Venetian and Turkish fortresses all of which compose a unique mosaic in the history and culture of Crete that has the oldest European culture.
In Crete you will find the most fashionable resorts that offer hospitality and entertainment day and night to thousands of visitors. On the other hand, a few kilometers further, you can see dozens of villages follow a different lifestyle preserving tradition, language, customs and traditions of their homeland.
The large and beautiful island
Wherever you finally find yourself in Crete, remember that the different routes that you can follow if you want to get to know the island are inexhaustible and each one of them still holds different surprises and images that alternate constantly in front of your eyes. Enjoy car rides along the coast of Crete, or the narrow streets of the beautiful small villages in the inner land. Walk through canyons or climb to the top of the mountains. Swim in the beaches, do water sports, wear a mask and discover the magic of the seabed or enjoy the heat of the sun lying on the sand. Visit museums and archaeological sites, spend an educational and enjoyable breakfast in Thalassocosmos in Heraklion, one of the largest aquariums in southeast Mediterranean, play golf with your friends or have fun with your children in one of the five waterparks in Crete.
Whatever you wish for, Crete can offer it, because Crete is large, beautiful and always takes care of its visitors in the best possible way.
