Crete: More Information
Crete, with a population of 600,000 inhabitants, is the largest and most southerly of the Greek islands, full of historical interest and where it is as easy to get away from it all, as it is to be in the centre of the many facilities and amenities available all over the country.
There are two international Airports, one at Herkalion, the capital of Crete, and the other at Chania in North West Crete. Additionally, at Sitia in North East Crete there is a small airport, presently dealing with only local island flights, but which is being expanded and due to be open for international charter flights in 1998. The large ports at Heraklion, Chania, Rethminon, Ierapetra, Sitia and also to a lesser degree, Aghios Nikolaos, bustle with ferry boats sailing to many exciting destinations, as well as daily to Pireus, the port of Athens.
The National Highway, which is the main road in Crete, follows the north coast of the island from the East to the West. It is mostly a good road, handling most of the island's traffic and makes travelling from one side of the island to the other fairly easy. Other good asphalt roads cross the country from the North to South as well as plenty of minor roads ranging in quality from asphalt to little more than dirt tracks.
There are no train lines, but a good bus service exists which covers Crete with the main Bus Terminals centrally situated in Heraklion (two), Aghios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, Rethminon and Chania. From these terminals busses can be taken to all parts of Crete. Taxis are licensed with meters and available almost everywhere.
The island is about 260 kms long by 60 kms wide and the terrain varies in the most exciting and unpredictable ways. A continuous chain of snow-capped mountains cross Crete from the west with the White Mountains, though Mount Ida (Psiloritis) and which is the highest mountain and to the east with the Dhikti and Siia ranges. Enjoy total freedom climbing these mountains or roam the hills, gorges, valleys and lush plains, explore sleepy villages and picturesque harbours, stroll along sandy beaches, swim in clear seas and visit the many archaeological sites, monasteries and churches. The air and the seas of Crete are pollution free, as the island has no heavy industry, existing on a flourishing agricultural economy and a growing tourist industry.
As the southernmost of the Greek island, Crete has long, warm summers. Spring is the most beautiful time, when the wild flowers such as orchids, anenomaes, poppies and daisies riot in a profusion of colour competing with the pink and white almond blossom. Summer is hot, but cooling northern breezes and the famous Meltemi wind keep the sun worshippers from overheating. Autumn is cooler and although the land is dry, hardy plants and thistles still add colour and variety. By winter, hopefully some heavy rain has fallen and almost immediately the land begins to turn green and new plant life springs up. Days of heavy rain will be interspersed with weeks of warm sunshine and mild weather. Snaps of icy cold weather occur rarely and frost is not common, but the mountains with their fresh coating of snow proudly stand out against a clear blue sky.
There are hundreds of sports facilities existing throughout Crete, including tennis courts, private flying clubs, climbing, sailing, water sports, horse riding, golf courses and private gym clubs. Additionally, there is the opportunity to travel across the countryside by walking or cycling and thereby really enjoying at close hand the prolific wild flowers and fauna which attract tourists, botanists, birdwatchers, painters, walkers and cyclists.
And still there is something else.... a strong but less tangible feeling. Crete has a very special atmosphere which is completely individual and unique, perhaps because of the varied and chequered history of invasion and resistance, supplying the extra space of history and intrigue that less sophisticated islands lack.
Crete is an island for everyone, from the very young to the older person seeking to retire in a safe and warm environment, as well as those looking for a second or a holiday home within easy access to the rest of Europe on a virtually crime free island and to be among some of the most hospitable and friendly people one could hope to meet anywhere in the world.