Information about Crete
“We the Cretans love our island passionately and follow the spirit, which arose from the epoch of the lovers in the Minoan times and developed over the centuries under the eternal influence of other peoples, like Dorians, Egyptians, Byzantinians, Arabs, Venetians, Turks… This spirit goes beyond the boundaries of the term “culture”. You can find it in the sound of our folk song “Rizitiko”, in the motive of an antique pottery, in the movements of a shepherd tending his herd in the mountains, in the smell of the herb “Diktamos”, in the eyes of a priest, who holds a service alone in his chapel with a gun in his belt…”
(Translation. after Nikos Karellis in “Kreta” in 1994)
Geographical situation:
5th largest island in the Mediterranean sea, most southern point of Europe.
Political situation:
The largest of the Greek Aegean islands, divided into 4 prefectures: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lassithi (with Agios Nikolaos as capital).
Economy:
Agriculture: Olives and olive oil, wine and raisins, fruits and vegetables, animal breeding, especially sheep and goats.
Tourism:
Tourism is the most important industry in Greece and on Crete. Individual and mass tourism are fully developed. Everything from 5 star luxury hotels to rental rooms and camping sites is available. The season lasts from April to October.
Traffic and Transport:
The island is reachable by ferry-boat and plane. In summer and winter there are daily several boat and plane connections from and to different destinations on Crete.
The main airports are situated at Heraklion and Chania, there are ferries for Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos,
Roads:
National highway goes along the northern coast of Crete from Chania to Heraklion. From Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos the national road leads through several villages.
From the northern coast to the southern parts of the island there are several roads. No continuous road along all the south coast, but from Agia Galini to Pirgos.
Travel on the island:
The backbone of all passenger transportation on Crete are the public bus lines of KTEL. There are coach services, taxi-cabs and cars. Rental cars and motorcycles everywhere available. Transport of goods on the island is done by truck.
