Crete is the biggest island of Greece, the biggest island in the Mediterranean and lies on the southest part of Europe. It covers an area of 8.336 square kilometers and its population is approximately 537.000. It has the Cretan Sea on the north, the Libyan Sea on the south, the south Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean on the west and the Karpathian Sea on the east. It is surrounded by three continents and its distance from them is: 100 kilometers away from Europe, 180 kilometers away from Asia and 270 kilometers away from Africa.

Crete is divided in 4 prefectures. The prefecture of Chania with the capital city of Chania, the prefecture of Rethymnon with the capital city of Rethymnon, the prefecture of Herakleion with the capital city of Herakleion and the prefecture of Lassithi with the capital city of Agios Nikolaos. All around there are smaller islands which are all uninhabited with the exception of Gavdos island which lies on the south. The Cretan land is mostly mountainous.

On the eastern side of the island, in Vai, one can see the unique forest of palm trees. Because of its ground morphology, Crete has many impressive gorges and picturesque plateaus as well as caves that have a major archaeological and historical interest.
Crete with its fertile land and its superb climate (cool summer and normal winter), is one of the biggest producers in goods such as olive oil, raisins, wine, fruit and vegetables. Crete is also famous for some specific qualities of cheese, which are also quite famous abroad. In general its products are famous for their quality and great taste even since the ancient times.

The cities of Crete are Herakleion, Chania, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sfakia, Siteia, Tympaki, Kissamos.
Crete also has two of the biggest industrial centers of Greece. Mostly there are factories for the process of agricultural goods, and workshops of sewing, knitting weaving and many others.

The history of Crete has it’s origins on the Neolithic Ages, according to the findings. But it seems that it rapidly developed during the Copper Ages. It’s that period of the Minoan civilization, during when the monumental palace of Knossos is built and Crete evolves as one of the greatest naval powers. On the 11th c. BC the Dorians invade the island and the palace is ruined. During the Classical times, Crete shows no significant signs of cultural incline, while during the Roman and Byzantine times it is tormented by the numerous invasions of the pirates. After the fall of Constantinople, Crete becomes part of Venice and blossoms as a great economic and spiritual center.

After years of fighting, the Turks managed to take over the island in 1669. However during the Revolution of 1821, the Cretans actively participated on the fights against the Turks. They managed to reunite with the rest of Greece on 1913.