Car Hire in Crete Island, Greece

Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and has coastlines on the Libyan and Aegean Seas. It is Europe's southernmost point, and a gateway between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Its geographic location has given it a great strategic significance which has seen most of Europe's great empire competing for it at some stage its rich and turbulent history.

Crete was home to Europe's first civilization, the Minoans, who mysteriously disappeared around 1500 BC and were replaced by the Mycenaeans from the Greek mainland. One theory is that a huge volcanic eruption on a nearby island destroyed the island's coastal defences, leaving it prone to invasion. From then on, the island was a cradle of classic civilization, taking part in the wars of the Greek city-states that characterized the geopolitics of that period. The Romans conquered Crete in 69BC. It was then claimed by the Byzantines, then Venetians, then Ottomans, and finally became part of the Greek state in 1908. In 1941, Nazi paratroopers overwhelmed the British contingent on the island and occupied it for much of the Second World War.

It is remarkable that throughout this exhausting and violent history, the Cretan people never lost their identity and character, and remain welcoming and hospitable. It is fitting that Zeus, the god of hospitality, was born on Crete.

Attractions

Knossos was the seat of Europe's first organized civilization, the Minoans. The City was founded around 7000 AD, and grew to a population of about 8,000, which is exceptionally large for that period. The palace was excavated in 1900 by the British archaeologist Arthur Evans, who also decided to rebuild the structure with the original materials. Although it is hard to tell exactly how much of today's palace came from the original design and how much came from Evan's imagination, it is an extremely popular tourist attraction. Many of the original frescoes have been restored, and there are exhibitions detailing the intricacies of the advanced sewage and lighting systems the Minoans had installed. The site is close to the capital city of Heraklion, and there are facilities for parking and refreshments.

If you are still thirsty for archaeology, schedule a visit to The Heraklion Museum of Archaeology. The collection is housed in a modern building on Xanthoudidou Street, a fairly central area. The exhibitions are arranged chronologically, starting with the earliest evidence of Minoan civilization, moving through the Neolithic period up until the decline of the Roman Empire in the 4th century AD. Some of the museum's most prized items are Minoan sculptures of snake-goddesses, which show are believed to have had great religious significance.

As well as the great wealth of archaeological and architectural sites of interest that is the legacy of the island's historical tapestry, Crete has some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful beaches, and one could easily spend one's time in Crete enjoyably idling on the beach oblivious to the island's history. Matala is one of Crete's most popular beaches. As well as the clean soft sand and the clear tropical water, Matala has a set of caves which can be explored in safety, and were inhabited during Roman times.

Crete is distinguished from other Greek islands geographically by its dramatic mountain range. Part of this is The Samaria Gorge, which is Europe's longest gorge at 18km. When the weather is good (which is most of the year) hiking down the gorge is a great way to experience the stunning Cretan countryside. There is plenty of shade and you can cool your feet down with a paddle in the stream.

Shopping

Crete offers a range of indigenous arts, crafts and delicacies which make excellent souvenirs. If you would like to take a taste of the island home with you, then the sweet and aromatic Cretan honey or rich creamy cheeses would be ideal. Local artisans produce beautifully made traditional jewellery, woodcarvings and terracotta items that make ideal souvenirs.

Opening hours vary according to the type of shop, and often on the whim of the shopkeeper. Generally speaking;

• Supermarkets open at 08.00 and close at 20.00 or 21.00.
• Most independent shops open around 09.00 and close at 13.30 or 14.00. However, many tourist shops will stay open later. Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays often have late openings from around 18.00 until 21.00.
• Post offices are open from 08.00 until 20.00, closing between 14.30 and 18.00.
• Kiosks are found on street corners in towns and stock everything from foreign newspapers to toiletries to snacks and drinks. They rarely take siestas and some stay open all through the night.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Crete has evolved a cuisine somewhat distinct from the rest of Greece, there are many delicacies here that you won't find easily elsewhere. Also, many popular ingredients in Greece, Feta cheese for example, are absent in Crete. Cretans have the lowest rate of mortality from cardiovascular diseases in the world. This can be attributed in part to the wonderfully healthy diet of Crete, which is full of homegrown fresh fruit and vegetables, with meat eaten traditionally only on festival days. Everything is prepared in pure olive oil and harvested from the fertile Cretan soil. Despite these perceived restrictions on cuisine, dishes on the island are extremely diverse; there are over 40 different ways of preparing snails and nearly a hundred different cheeses.

There are clubs in all of Crete's large towns. Mylos club in Chania is one of the biggest, and attracts the local youth as well as tourists. Amnesia club in Hersinisos is home to the island's trance and techno scene. It holds huge nights and attracts many of Europe's biggest trance DJ�s.

Tourist Information

Greek Tourist Office:

• +30 210 3310392
• www.gnto.gr

Airport

Crete's main airport is in the capital Iraklio, which flies to many European destinations. For half a Euro you can take the bus into the city.