CRETE ISLAND GENERAL
The wild and tall mountains of Crete have brought up big effect in the temperament of its residents. For centuries, isolated the Cretans, developed a proud and independent character. A lot of conquerors passed and left, but the Cretan passion for independence and freedom remained inalterable. Crete is the more southern Greek island. It has spotless light blue seas, sandy beaches and hospitable persons. The northern beaches have known resorts and historical cities, such as Rethimno and Chania. The light cobbled southern beaches and specifically south-western beaches are less developed, but more graphic. Four big mountain ranges are extended from Eastern to the westerners, shaping the backbone of island that has a length of 250 kilometers. Crete is offered for walks. Heraklion, the capital, have a very rich archaeological Museum and is the ideal starting line for the visit of the most important palaces of Minoan Crete, which is the Palace of Knosos.

Chania - Crete

With the imposing mountains behind and the light blue sea in front, Chania is one of the most attractive cities of island and starting line for the exploration of western Crete. The neoclassical mansions and the venetioan fortresses certify the turbulent past of the island. The city of Chania is built above the ruins of ancient Kidonia, which according to mythology, were founded from Kwdwna, son of Hermes and Mjnwa's doughter. The 7th century a.c, the city was destroyed and in the means of 13th century rebuilt it from Enetous. In 1850 Chania became the capital of Crete. The city is separated in old city and in new city, with epicenter the old city kastelli.
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Rethymno - Crete

The ancient Rithimna , the current Rethimno, was inhabited during Minoan years and flourished between 4th and 3rd century pre Christ. While Enetoi occupied the island, a lot of centuries later, the city were evolved in philological and artistic centre, shelter of intellectuals from Istamboul. Despite its current growth and the touristic aspect, Rethimno maintains its charm and constitutes cultural centre of Crete. The old district has well maintained venetianan mansions, with blazons, but also elegant Turkish buildings, with the characteristics wooden covered balconies. The enormous fortress, the Forte'za, a building of the 16th century was built for the defense of residents from the pirates.This Fortress looks at the harbor, where is found the beautiful Lighthouse of the 13th century.
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Heraklio - Crete

The first settlements are placed in Neolothic era, while Stravon delivers Heraklion city as a seaport of Knosos. During 724 a.c. the Saricans gave Heraklion the name of Handax after they opened up a ditch around the city, but Enetoi changed later the name in Candia, and rendering the city capital of their possessions in the Aegean. The current aspect of Heraklion, with the crowded streets and the blocks of flats, abstains a lot from its old charm. If however somebody throws a second glance, it will see enough buildings that remind the historical way of the city, such as the ancient walls and the Castle. In the archaeological Museum is accommodated the bigger collection of discoveries of Minoan culture. Near Heraklion are found also the palaces of Knosos.
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Worth to see in Crete (Most Important Sights in Crete Island)

 The Abbey of Virgin Mary (the guider)
This Abbey is built the 17th century and allocates a beautiful collection from icons. Each year on 29 August (feast of Saint Ioannis of Baptizer), hundreds pilgrims walk 3 hours up to the Church of Saint Ioannis in Rodopo Village where they become mass baptizings of boys with the name Yannis.
 In the harbor of Chania the most important sightseeing's are found in the old city and round the harbor. You can visit the Naval Museum.There you can admire a collection of models of old boats In the other end of the harbour you will find the Turkish temenos (pane of Hasan Pasa), that was built in 1645 and it is the older Ottoman building in the island, the municipal market, the archaeological Museum etc.
 Samaria Gorge
The most impressive landscape of Crete is the gorge of Samaria. It is the biggest in Europe and was nominated National oak forest in 1962.The wal through the gorge lasts from five until seven hours and exists enough points for relax as well as a lot of springs for water.
 Faistos (Festos)
Above in the top hill with view the plain of Mesaras we can see Faistos. Faistos was one from the most important Minoan Palaces of Crete. Enery visitor should not lose a visit in the palaces of Faistos and admire there very closely the big stairwell and the Central courtyard.
 Knossos Palace
5 kilometres southernly from Heraklion we find the palace of Knosos. The first Palaces of Knosos were built in 1900 b.c. and were destroyed by earthquake roughly in 1700 while also during that year were rebuilt. The restored ruins that we see today emanate also entirely from these halves palaces. There, the visitor should not lose certain from main sightseeing's which are: The famous Prince of lilies ,the room of throne, the gigantic jars and naturally the royal apartments..