Crete

The island retains its unique and distinctive local cultural traits, such as its own gastronomy, poetry and music.

Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Its terrain is mountainous and its character is defined by a high mountain range crossing from west to east. These mountains lavish Crete with valleys, rivers and gorges. Agriculture has always played an important role, allowing the island to fully support itself despite the fact that the economy is nowadays predominantly based on the tourism industry. Crete was once the home of the Minoan civilisation, which is the earliest known civilisation in Europe. The island has always been an integral part of the overall political, economic and cultural heritage of Greece, while retaining its unique and distinctive local cultural traits, such as its own gastronomy, poetry and music. Overall, Crete is an extraordinary mosaic of wonderful beaches, ancient masterpieces and wild landscapes surrounding dreamlike villages and lively cities.