ISLAND OVERVIEW

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, at over eight thousand square kilometres, and is tucked away in the deep south of the Agean.  It is strategically positioned between Africa, Europe and Asia Minor.  The Cyclades sit to the North and the Dodecanese to the North East. 

Crete and a number of islands and islets that surround it constitute the region of Crete.

Crete’s elongated shape is defined by a high mountain range crossing from East to West; six different mountain groups form it.  The island has a number of impressive gorges, rivers and lakes and a large number of islets and rocks hug the coastline.

Straddling two climatic zones, the Mediterranean and the North African the atmosphere can be quite humid depending on how close you are to the sea and winters are mild. Snowfall is common on the mountaintops but rare at low levels, as it is primarily a Mediterranean climate. The southern coast falls into the North African climate zone so enjoys more sunshine and higher temperatures.

Crete is divided into four regions: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion (the capital) and Lassithi.

Crete is one of the few islands that can support itself independently via agriculture without depending on tourism; however, the economy is mainly based on this. It has the highest production of Olive Oil in the world according to its size, and produces most of Greece’s export. It also produces wine, vinegar, oranges, lemons, avocadoes, bananas and speciality cheeses, which are said to be some of the healthiest produce in the world!

There are many religious festivals celebrated every year on the island, most notable are Easter Sunday and the day of Panagia (virgin Mary)  On Easter Sunday red eggs are cracked against each other and the person with the last remaining egg is supposed to have good luck.

There are two international airports, in Chania and Heraklion, with a small domestic (summer only) airport in Sitia, Lassithi.