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Crete simply has it all !
Crete is the largest island in Greece,and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea. Here, the visitor can admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountainscapes, fertile valleys and steep gorges, and become part of the island’s rich gastronomic culture. Crete is, after all, a small universe teeming with beauties and treasures that you will probably need a lifetime to uncover!
Crete is divided in to four prefectures.
Chania
The region of Chania (Hania), on the western side of the island, is dominated by the impressive White Mountains (in Greek: Lefka Óri) and its famous National Park, which occupy the largest part of the region.The Prefecture of Chania provides tourist services and activities of all kinds, satisfying all the choices.
The city of Chania maintains unaltered all of its characteristics, from the time of the Venetian Rule up until today.
Rethymno
Rethymno (Réthymno) region: Cretes smallest prefecture located between White Mountains and Mt Psilorítis (also called - Ídi), is synonymous with gorgeous mountainscapes, marvellous beaches, Cretan lyre melodies, tsikoudia spirit served with “oftó”, legendary caves, historic monasteries and monuments, traditional mountain villages and luxurious holiday resorts. Feel the essence of Mythical Crete in this mountainous, remote and self-sufficient region of the island of Crete.
Heraklion
The largest and most densely populated region on the island of Crete is Heraklion (Iraklion). Nestling picturesquely among two imposing mountain ranges – ldi (Mt Psiloritis) to the west and Dikti (Lasithiotika mountains) to the east– Iraklion boasts exceptional archaeological treasures, significant coastal settlements, a series of picturesque villages, vast valleys with olive groves and vineyards as well as the best organised tourist infrastructure in Crete. A unique combination of urban scenery and natural wealth makes the region of Iráklion an appealing all-year-round destination.
Lasithi
Lasithi (Lassithi) region. Welcome to the easternmost and least mountainous region of Crete, where the population resides in four semi-urban centers: Ayios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia and Neapoli. The mythical palm tree forest of Vaï, the Gulf of Mirabello, the windmills on the Plateau of Lassíthi (the largest in Crete), beaches lapped by crystalline water, beautiful cities and luxurious hotel resorts all make up a rather fascinating world.
Their union produced a son, Minos, who ruled Crete and turned it into a mighty island empire of the seas. In Minoan times, even Attica would pay a tribute tax to Crete, until Theseus, the Athenian prince, killed the Minotaur. The truth behind the myth is the existence of a mighty and wealthy kingdom and of a civilisation that is considered the most ancient one on the European continent.