4. [6] This is repeated later in Neo-Assyrian records and the Bible (Caphtor). The diversity of its ecosystem, combined with the islands ancient culture, delivers an experience rivaled by entire countries. Chania and Heraklion have airports that serve international and domestic flights and there is a third, smaller airport in Sitia (in Lassithi) just for domestic flights. Go to crete r/crete by Lazy-Hiker1129. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Excavations in South Crete in 2008-2009 revealed stone tools at least 130,000 years old, including bifacial ones of Acheulean type. It is a small Cretan olive that thrives in the mild, dry climate and rocky terrain. The islands of Corsica, Cyprus, Sicily, and Sardinia are bigger. As a result, the fauna and flora of Crete have many clues to the evolution of species. Learn about the local varieties of wine at the House of Wine. Ruling an island without a navy: A comparative view of Venetian and Ottoman Crete. Pharos 13, 121132. The Nikos Kazantzakis airport at Heraklion and the Daskalogiannis airport at Chania serve international travelers. 2001. Crete is the ideal destination for all kinds of sports and nature activities. Today, the cave is visited by many people for its history and impressive stalactite formats. Athens: Netherlands Institute. In 220 BC the island was tormented by a war between two opposing coalitions of cities. There are only two freshwater lakes in Crete: Lake Kournas and Lake Agia, which are both in Chania regional unit. * Hotels.com Rewards hakknda daha fazla bilgi. Crete is known for its incredible ancient history and mythology, as well as its peoples passion for upholding traditions. According to Greek mythology, the Diktaean Cave at Mount Dikti was the birthplace of the god Zeus. Youll be transported to another time wandering around the castles erected by Venetians and Byzantines. Most of that produce is exported. Cretans are famous for upholding old traditions. There was limited contact with mainland Greece, and Greek historiography shows little interest in Crete, as a result, there are few literary sources. In terms of Mediterranean islands, Crete is actually the fifth-biggest. Hotels.com, bu sitede grnen yazlarn karlnda yazarlar tazmin eder. Not only was the monastery a key centre of resistance during the islands numerous eras of occupation, but it benefits from a gorgeous setting in the foothills of southern Crete. Crete was separated from Cyrenaica c.297. During the Greek war of independence, Sultan Mahmud II granted rule over Crete to Egypt's ruler Muhammad Ali Pasha in exchange for his military support. It is also famous for its mountains. GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power was 17,800 or 59% of the EU27 average in the same year. [85] Moth species include the hummingbird moth. During the 201213 season, OFI Crete, which plays at Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium (Iraklion), and Platanias F.C., which plays at the Perivolia Municipal Stadium, near Chania, are both members of the Greek Superleague. [41][42] They would connect Crete electrically with mainland Greece, ending energy isolation of Crete. Christians and Jews were also able to buy and sell in the real-estate market. Olga is a writer who would always rather be exploring. Ancient sources for the legends of Daedalus give varying accounts of his parentage. Crete is dominated by harsh mountains rising out of the sea. Archaeologists have found evidence of human presence in the cave that dates back to Neolithic times. A number of city states developed in the Archaic period. Among Chanias highlights is the 16th-century lighthouse which stands at the entrance to the harbour. The goddess Athena bathed in Lake Voulismeni. Just above Crete are the Cyclades islands and, to the northeast, the Dodecanese islands. Crete is a region of Greece, it is the biggest island and the most southern one, except for the little island of Gavdos. In fact, little Preveli Beach is one of southern Cretes most beautiful and least crowded stretches of sand. That is where you can properly take in the wilderness of the landscape. Dier tm ticari markalar ve logolar ilgili nc kiilere aittir. Bird species include: the golden eagle, Bonelli's eagle, the bearded vulture or lammergeier, the griffon vulture, Eleonora's falcon, peregrine falcon, lanner falcon, European kestrel, tawny owl, little owl, hooded crow, alpine chough, red-billed chough, and the Eurasian hoopoe. Crete is the region in Greece with the fifth highest GDP per capita.[33]. Families are only too happy to share the islands many specialities a dakos salad, free-flowing raki or the experience of the mantinades, poems often accompanied by a Cretan lyre or lute. From 1212, during Venice's rule, which lasted more than four centuries, a Renaissance swept through the island as is evident from the artistic works dating to that period. 2007. The labyrinth of the Palace of Knossos was the setting for the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur in which the Minotaur was slain by Theseus. They are not officially recorded so, their only way of living on is by word-of-mouth. Contemporary Cretans distinguish between highlanders and lowlanders; the former often claim to reside in places affording a higher/better climatic and moral environment. Vai has a palm beach and is the largest natural palm forest in Europe. He is the brother of another famous lyre player, Nikos Xylouris, and his younger brother, Yiannis, is also a popular musician. Hundreds of migratory bird species visit Crete, and there are some small wild animals. The air in the mountains is temperate and cool. In September 1898 the Candia massacre in Candia, modern Heraklion, left over 500 Cretan Christians and 14 British servicemen dead at the hands of Muslim irregulars. As one would expect from the countrys largest island, Crete has a lot to offer. Beginning at the mountain trailhead of Xylskalo and ending in the seaside village of Agia Roumeli, the trail takes in a variety of landscapes including steep rocky terrain and lush green forests. Wise old men recount memories of Crete'srich,and often troubled, past or tales of the vendettas between feuding families. Sandy and pebble-strewn beaches dot the coastline. The Greeks used the verb cretize as a synonym for lie. The rise of DSE numbers compounded with crop failure on the island created serious logistical issues for the insurgents. Crete (Greek: , Modern: Krti [kriti], Ancient: Krt [krt]) is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the 88th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. Tortoises can be seen throughout the island. Heraklion is the largest city and capital of Crete, holding more than a fourth of the island's population. Pictures of heavenly Balos Lagoon in Chania have featured in travel guides and glossies all over the world, as have those of the eternally beautiful Falarsana, one of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. Palm trees are intermittent along the coasts, and cedars can be found in the east. They are 15-syllable rhyming couplets, i.e. The Cretan landscape is dominated by characteristic Mediterranean scrub (maquis or garigue). It remained a province within the eastern half of the Roman Empire, usually referred to as the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire after the establishment of a second capital in Constantinople by Constantine in 330. The blend of dramatic historical architecture and turquoise waters have made Frangokastello a fast-growing favourite among both locals and tourists in Crete. [66], The Lefka Ori region in the west offered more favourable conditions for DSE's insurgency. The Peloponnese is to the region's northwest. Thankfully, these days it is very rare that a vendetta will result in blood spilling. Name : nisos Kriti = island of Crete. Crete became part of Greece in December 1913. Crete has three airports. The tiny island has a long (if rather unsavory) history since it used to be the place that lepers from all over Greece were sent to isolate essentially, an old-time Covid quarantine hotel! When Diocletian redivided the Empire, Crete was placed, along with Cyrene, under the diocese of Moesia, and later by Constantine I to the diocese of Macedonia. Crystal blue waters, rich golden or white gold sand are everywhere to be found and enjoyed. The GDP per employee was 68% of the EU average. 1hr30mins. On the south side of Crete is the gulf of Messaras and Cape Lithinon. At that point, the abbot of the monastery set fire to the gunpowder stored in the monastery's vaults, causing the death of most of the rebels and the women and children sheltered there. In addition to vegetables and fruits, the island produces nuts, herbs, and honey, and for decades Cretans have prospered by using plastic hothouses to grow vegetables and flowers for the winter market in Europe. Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra, Malia, Hersonissos, Sitia, Sfakia wherever you visit, its an island of thousands of vibrant images, filled with an open-hearted and vivacious spirit, rich history, world-famous cuisine and hospitable people. Men often grow large mustaches as a mark of masculinity. The phenomenon was actually a mirage, reflections created by the overheating of the soil around the castle. The story of Theseus defeating the Minotaur and managing to exit the labyrinth with the help of a thread is one of the most famous ones in Greek mythology. Nearly every rural household on Crete has at least one unregistered gun. Building works include construction of three road tunnels, five bridges and three junctions. Since the 1980s and certainly in the 1990s onwards there has been a proliferation of Cultural Associations that teach dancing (in Western Crete where many focus on rizitiko singing). Luckily, it is almost always served with appetizers, so you dont have to drink it on an empty stomach. Frangokastello is a beach on Cretes southern coast that's best known as the home of a ruined 14th-century Venetian castle. NovemberApril: daily 8 am to 4 pm. By the following month only 34 DSE fighters remained active in Lefka Ori. Highlights include the Cup Bearer Fresco, the Prince of the Lilies Fresco and, most famous of all, the Charging Bull Fresco. About 80% of the extra virgin olive oil on the island is from the koroneiki variety. Other fortifications include the Kazarma fortress at Sitia. During the initial and subsequent occupation, German firing squads routinely executed male civilians in reprisal for the death of German soldiers; civilians were rounded up randomly in local villages for the mass killings, such as at the Massacre of Kondomari and the Viannos massacres. Crete was subjected to an attack by Vandals in 467, the great earthquakes of 365 and 415, a raid by Slavs in 623, Arab raids in 654 and the 670s, and again in the 8th century. The capital of Lassithi (the easternmost prefecture) is Agios Nikolaos. Leave time for the fascinating museums, particularly the Museum of Natural History and the Historical Museum of Crete. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The initial 11-day battle was bloody and left more than 11,000 soldiers and civilians killed or wounded. [102] Heracles, in one of his labors, took the Cretan bull to the Peloponnese. In the late 4th century BC, the aristocratic order began to collapse due to endemic infighting among the elite, and Crete's economy was weakened by prolonged wars between city states. Daha fazla bilgi iin siteyi ziyaret edin. very short folk songs. [104] Guns are subject to strict regulation from the Greek government, and in recent years an effort to control firearms in Crete has been undertaken by the Greek police, but with limited success. It bounds the southern border of the Aegean Sea, with the Sea of Crete (or North Cretan Sea) to the north and the Libyan Sea (or South Cretan Sea) to the south. [96][97], The Minoans contributed to the deforestation of Crete. Apart from the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, which lives in almost all the coasts of the country, Greece hosts whales, sperm whales, dolphins and porpoises. It's also stuffed full of world-famous archaeological sites and museums, wildlife-rich ecosystems, pretty towns and secluded beaches. And as for exotic Elafonisi, on the southwestern tip of Chania seeing is believing. Minoan remains and sites are found at Knossos (Knoss or Cnossus), Phaestus (Phaestos), and numerous other locations throughout the island. In the Hebrew Bible, Crete is referred to as () "kretim". There are more ferry connections in the summer months, including ferries from Rafina to Heraklion, in eastern Attica (around 45minsfrom the centre of Athens). Chania becomes extremely crowded during the summer months. However, agriculture also plays an important role and Crete is one of the few Greek islands that can support itself without a tourism industry. Butterfly species include the swallowtail butterfly. Where to Stay in Crete This was not recognised internationally until 1 December 1913.[64]. This makes their preservation a particularly important task for the people of Crete. Post a silly video. Even though Matala was once a Minoan port town, it is more famous for becoming the ultimate hippy destination in the 1960s and 1970s. Excavations by archaeologists in 1900 revealed the remains of a palace, surrounded by a sophisticated urban complex. It lies approximately 160km (99mi) south of the Greek mainland. While some mountain tops are snow-capped for most of the year, near the coast snow stays on the ground for a few minutes or hours. [58] Marco Foscarini was the Doge of Venice during this time. Crete, Modern Greek Krti, Ancient Greek Crete or Krete, Latin Creta, Turkish Girit, Venetian Candia, island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea that is one of 13 administrative regions ( perifreies) of Greece. The construction sector in Crete responded well during the pandemic and has come out strong in the post-recession recovery period. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Konum: Old National Road, Chanion-Kissamou, Sfakia, Crete 730 05, Greece, fotoraf: Lapplaender (CC BY-SA 3.0) deitirildi. [104][105] Cretans also have a tradition of keeping firearms at home, stemming from the era of resistance against the Ottoman Empire. On the island of Crete, the most popular olive variety is Koroneiki. The Kri-kri (the Cretan ibex) lives in protected natural parks at the gorge of Samaria and the island of Agios Theodoros. Bus routes and timetables can be found on KTEL website. Not only is it home to several picturesque villages, but it features gorges and caves that were used as a refuge by Greek fighters in their bid for freedom from occupiers. [65], In the aftermath of the Dekemvriana in Athens, Cretan leftists were targeted by the right-wing paramilitary organization National Organization of Rethymno (EOR), which engaged in attacks in the villages of Koxare and Melampes, as well as Rethymno in January 1945. For other uses, see. Toads and frogs reveal themselves when it rains. [69], Crete's mild climate attracts interest from northern Europeans who want a holiday home or residence on the island. The region's governor is, since 1 January 2011, Stavros Arnaoutakis, who was elected in the November 2010 local administration elections for the Panhellenic Socialist Movement. [36], Also, during the 1930s there was a narrow-gauge industrial railway in Heraklion, from Giofyros in the west side of the city to the port. Today, the 10-kilometer-long island is a favorite for travelers who are into alternative, off-the-beaten track locations. Most Cretan Muslims were local Greek converts who spoke Cretan Greek, but in the island's 19th-century political context they came to be viewed by the Christian population as Turks. Traffic speeds on the new road will increase by 19km/hour (from 29km/hour to 48km/hour), which should reduce journey times between Messara and Heraklion by 55 minutes. During World War II, the island was the scene of the Battle of Crete in May 1941. This includes Gavdos, a tiny island 22 nautical miles away from Sfakia. Crete forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece, while retaining its own local cultural traits (such as its own poetry and music). Disgusting Pig Liars ALL. An overcrowded fishing boat carrying migrants capsized and sank off the coast of Greece, leaving at least 79 people dead and many more missing in one of the worst disasters of its kind this year. [44] Settlements dating to the aceramic Neolithic in the 7th millennium BC, used cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and dogs as well as domesticated cereals and legumes; ancient Knossos was the site of one of these major Neolithic (then later Minoan) sites. Psarantonis is a famous Cretan composer and singer. Some scholars have speculated that legends such as that of the minotaur have a historical basis in Minoan times. The Paximadia islands were the birthplace of the goddess Artemis and the god Apollo. As a result, the Macedonian king Philip V gained hegemony over Crete which lasted to the end of the Cretan War (205200 BC), when the Rhodians opposed the rise of Macedon and the Romans started to interfere in Cretan affairs. As you might expect from an island blessed with such a rich history and natural beauty, locals in Crete are fiercely proud of their homeland and their hospitality is impeccable. Even if you are not a huge mythology fan, you will have definitely heard of the Minotaur. [51][52] The reconquest of Crete was a major achievement for the Byzantines, as it restored Byzantine control over the Aegean littoral and diminished the threat of Saracen pirates, for which Crete had provided a base of operations. Signature dishes are kalitsounia (sweet cheese pastries), savoury cheese pies, egg-lemon lamb with artichoke hearts, fried snails and the famous gamopilafo (wedding pilaf). [47] In the 2nd century AD, at least three cities in Crete (Lyttos, Gortyn, Hierapytna) joined the Panhellenion, a league of Greek cities founded by the emperor Hadrian. Nevertheless, a ferocious three-year campaign soon followed under Quintus Caecilius Metellus, equipped with three legions. Crete was initially granted to leading Crusader Boniface of Montferrat[50] in the partition of spoils that followed. Ag Nik as the locals know it benefits from 3 separate seafronts: a lake and port, a beach and a marina. Some of the most famous ones are at Elafonissi- a small part of the Caribbean that exists in Crete instead! Also known as the Cretan biscuit, Kritiko paximadi is a bread product made with either wholemeal barley flour or a combination of barley, wheat, and oat flour. By 1900, 11% of the population was Muslim. The atmosphere can be quite humid, depending on the proximity to the sea, while winter is fairly mild. View community ranking In the Top 10% of largest communities on Reddit. (2001) 594,368; (2011) 623,065. fotoraf: Jimzoun (CC BY-SA 4.0) deitirildi. In 1908, taking advantage of domestic turmoil in Turkey as well as the timing of Zaimis's vacation away from the island, the Cretan deputies unilaterally declared union with Greece. A small sample of the islands includes: Off the south coast, the island of Gavdos is located 26 nautical miles (48km) south of Hora Sfakion and is the southernmost point of Europe. [34] In addition, a European Union study has been devised to promote a modern highway to connect the northern and southern parts of the island via a tunnel. Despite its inefficient agriculture, Crete is one of Greeces leading regions for producing olives and olive oil, grapes, vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and zucchini), fruits (oranges), and carob beans (the flour made from which is used in a variety of foods). ): you will be served the drink absolutely everywhere. [45] Other neolithic settlements include those at Kephala, Magasa, and Trapeza. Many people come here for the sun, sea and sand yet the best things to do in include much more than the standard package holiday. fotoraf: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR) (CC BY 3.0) deitirildi. It is a relic species of the Crocidura shrews of which fossils have been found that can be dated to the Pleistocene era. Crete has the honor of being Greece's biggest island, a key reason why it remains so popular with tourists and locals alike. Legend has it that this half-human/half-bull creature lived in the labyrinth of the palace of Knossos. During this first period, tourism was a largely positive force, pushing modern developments like running water and electricity onto the largely rural countryside. Immigration and Assimilation in the Jewish Community of Late Venetian Crete (15th17th centuries). Konum: Xanthoudidou, Chatzidaki, Heraklion, Crete 712 02, Greece, Ak olduu saatler: AprilOctober: daily 8 am to 8 pm. The original Arabic name of Crete was Iqri (Arabic: < () ), but after the Emirate of Crete's establishment of its new capital at Rab al-andaq (modern Heraklion; Greek: , Irkleio), both the city and the island became known as (Chandax) or (Chandakas), which gave Latin, Italian, and Venetian Candia, from which were derived French Candie and English Candy or Candia. Crete is famous as the birthplace of the legislator Minos; and in the Bible, for its connection with the voyage of Paul to Rome, Acts 27:1-44. [35], Total investment for the project "Completion of construction of the section of Ag. Book 14, line 199; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, Edwin L. Brown, "Linear A on Trojan Spindlewhorls, Luvian-Based at Cnossus", in, .. Just beware of the (many) nudists there looking to do the same! Endemic species of wild plants are especially plentiful in and around the Samari Gorge, the centrepiece of Samari National Park, in the southern part of the island in Omals about 26 miles (42 km) south of Chani. Amid the thousands of artefacts on show, the Minoan collection is one the finest. The flight time to Athens is around 55mins and to Thessaloniki is approx. The event occurred in November 1866, as a large Ottoman force besieged the Arkadi Monastery, which served as the headquarters of the rebellion. One of the most famous beaches in Crete, Elafonisi is renowned for its unique beauty. The temperatures can vary by 5-10 degrees from coastal to mountainous regions throughout the year. It includes Crete's highest point, Mount Ida, and the range of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) with 30 summits above 2,000 metres (6,600ft) in altitude and the Samaria Gorge, a World Biosphere Reserve. [1] Prehistoric Crete Goddess clay figurine. The island has a per capita income much higher than the Greek average, whereas unemployment is at approximately 4%, one-sixth of that of the country overall. That is when free-spirited people from all over the world moved into the impressive man-made caves built into Matalas sandstone cliffs. An array of plant species (notably flowers) thrive in the moderate climate, many of them native to the island. 20% of Greek wine is produced in Crete, mostly in the region of Peza [32], The Gross domestic product (GDP) of the region was 9.4 billion in 2018, accounting for 5.1% of Greek economic output. It was occupied by Nazi Germany during the Second World War. It would be almost criminal to visit Crete without sampling raki, the islands traditional alcoholic drink made of twice-distilled grapes. [100][101] and ironwort, Sideritis syriaca, known as Malotira (). The Psiloritis mountain range extends from Rethymno to Heraklion. In addition to its 259 defenders, over 700 women and children had taken refuge in the monastery. Through traders and artists, Minoan cultural influence reached beyond Crete to the Cyclades, the Old Kingdom of Egypt, copper-bearing Cyprus, Canaan and the Levantine coast and Anatolia. Entry to the attraction costs about 15 per person, with Knossos served by its own bus (City bus 2 to Knossos) that leaves every 10 to 30 minutes from Heraklions long-distance bus station. Looking for great ideas to build your holiday around? Vais claim to fame is that it is the largest palm forest in Europe. Chania, Heraklion and Rethymno are also the names of the cities in these prefectures. In fact, the island boasts over 30 million olive trees. Crete rests about 160km (99mi) south of the Greek mainland, and about 100km (62mi) southwest of Anatolia. This started with it being the place exiled Greek freedom fighters were sent to. Discover the secrets of a Cretan diet, considered one of the healthiest in the world. The surname Cree is a topographic surname, which was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. Zeus, the king of gods and men, was born in a cave in Greece and was raised by a goat, Amalthea. Crete is famous for being the birthplace of the leader of the Greek gods, Zeus. Try the Koreneiki variety and I guarantee you will agree that Cretan olive oil is the best! During the 6th to 4th centuries BC, Crete was comparatively free from warfare. Make sure to bring a good pair of walking boots and, for those with weak knees or ankles, a set of hiking poles. M. Greene. Seeing a photo of Vai, you could easily be fooled into thinking youre looking at a tropical Caribbean location! According to Molly Greene (2001) there were numerous records of real-estate transactions during the Ottoman rule. In Myrtia, there is also the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum and in Fodele youll find the El Greco Museum. Since the 1970s the population has been shifting from rural areas to the three main citiesIrkleio, Chani, and Rthymnowhere nearly half of the islands population now resides (with nearly one-fourth in the Greater Irkleio area alone). A smaller airport in Sitea handles domestic flights. If youre lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a long-eared bat there! Meanwhile, endless kilometres of golden coastline surround Ierapetra, in the Lassithi prefecture to the east. Starr, J. Cretan Hound or Kritikos Lagonikos, one of Europe's oldest hunting dog breeds, Varieties of birds include eagles (can be seen in Lasithi), swallows (throughout Crete in the summer and year-round in the south of the island), pelicans (along the coast), and common cranes (including Gavdos and Gavdopoula). Many Greek Cretans fled to other regions of the Republic of Venice after the OttomanVenetian Wars, some even prospering such as the family of Simone Stratigo (c. 1733 c. 1824) who migrated to Dalmatia from Crete in 1669. Archaeological remains suggest that Crete under Roman rule witnessed prosperity and increased connectivity with other parts of the Empire. Those remaining were relocated in the 1924 population exchange between Greece and Turkey.[62]. Dwarf elephants, dwarf hippopotamus, dwarf mammoths, dwarf deer, and giant flightless owls were native to Pleistocene Crete. Work falls under the priority "Road Transport trans-European and trans-regional route network of the regions on the Convergence objective". In March 1898 the Powers decreed, with the reluctant consent of the Sultan, that the island would be granted autonomy under Ottoman suzerainty in the near future.[63]. The island has many natural features, and human-made edifices that have formed parts of the must-visit sections. The Operational Programme works to link Greece's more prosperous and less developed regions, and thus help to promote greater territorial cohesion. The Cretan mountains and gorges are refuges for the endangered lammergeier vulture. [56] The three main forts were located at Gramvousa, Spinalonga, and Fortezza at Rethymnon. While it is undeniably beautiful, there is a lot more to it. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. | - | | ", "Buying a Property in Crete as a Foreigner", Archaeological sites and Museums in Crete, "Crete: Endowed by Nature, Privileged by Geography, Threatened by Tourism? Dakos is the second most famous salad in Greece (after the OG Greek salad, of course!). [82], The Cretan shrew, a type of white-toothed shrew is considered endemic to the island of Crete because this species of shrew is unknown elsewhere. On 1 July 1947, the surviving 55 fighters of DSE were ambushed south of Psilorites, the few surviving members of the unit managed to join the rest of DSE in Lefka Ori.
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