Crete - Greece
Crete is the largest Greek island and it is southernmost point of Europe. It is situated on the border of Mediterranean Sea and Sea of Crete. Area of island, which is over 8 thousands km2 , is inhabited with over 600 thousands citizens. The capital city of Crete and at the same time the biggest town is Heraklion. Lowlands with olive groves, vineyards, fields of corn, 4 large mountain ranges, rocky coast, sandy beaches – all of that makes landscape of Crete exceptionally diversified and attractive in terms of tourist value. Climate of island is a mixture of different climates such as: Mediterranean, continental and African. That is why it is believed to be the healthiest climate in the whole Europe.
Tourist attractions:
If you are looking for adorable villages with narrow streets and large number of shops with souvenirs and many restaurants - Crete is a place where you will for sure find all of that, for instance towns like: Chania, Rethimnon, Agios Nicolaos, Sitia. In terms of easy travelling (124,27 miles length and few dozen of width), Crete is a dreamt place to visit. You can find there e.g. monuments created by Minoan civilization, remains of palaces and mansion in Knossos, Phaistos and Agia Triada.Obligatory point of every tourist’s schedule should be legendary king Minos’s palace in Knossos. This place, until recently known only from mythology, was reconstructed thanks to sir Arthur Evans’s great imagination and commitment. In the palace’s neighborhood there are reconstructed Minoan mansions, house of Great Priest, Small Palace and situated in the middle of garden Royal Residence.
If you are interested in encountering island’s folklore you have to witness Cretan evening. For the whole evening dancers in national dresses will be showing their talents with an accompaniment of lyre and bouzouki. You will be able to take part in a fantastic play (guests are invited on scene), try local cuisine and taste gourmet vine.
In Xylosko you can start your travel through the longest Europe’s ravine which name is Samaria. First two kilometers of this voyage might be difficult because the difference of levels on this short distance is 1000 meters and uneven trail requires sturdy boots. Covering whole trail takes from 5 to 6 hours but it is possible to take shorter trip which leads through the part of ravine which is about 1,86 miles.
Entertainment: Many festivals and fetes, connected with local holidays take place in Crete, for instance: Raisins Festival in Sitia, Vine Festival in Rethymnon, Iraklion Festival, Chestnut-picking Festival in Elos. Furthermore, in summer there are many cultural events such as: opera, ballet, jazz and classic music, classic and modern theatre. Discos situated in towns, resorts can be also attraction. They are easy to be found because they attract our attention with loud music and neon signs. Every year in Hersonissos festival of techno music, Crete Arena, takes place. It is well known in the whole world. In every leisure place on the island it is possible to do variety of water sports for example: driving a personal water craft, water skiing, parachuting and windsurfing but peaceful sea and no wind make windsurfing harder. Very popular among tourists is swimming on a blown banana. The best place for children is water park, Aqua Splash, which is situated 6,21 miles south of Hersonissos. The best beaches are: Matala, Kali Limenes, Lourdes, Kokini Hani, Bali, Agia Pelagia, Paleochora, Georgiopulis, Akrotiri, Agia Marina, Platnias, Kissamos, Lutra.
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