Crete dimensions in km. Crete (Greece)

High mountains are the hallmark of Cretan landscapes. They form 3 mountain complexes, each with its own "character". Between the mountain ranges there is a hilly area, there are several plains and high plateaus. Mostly mountains and hills.

About 600,000 people live in Crete, half of which live in Heraklion, Chania, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymno. The rest of the island is sparsely populated, there are mostly mountainous areas, into which only shepherds climb.

Crete - areas on the map

Crete is divided into 4 regions (nomes): Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lassithi. Each of them has its own "capital" - the main city of the region: Chania (65,000 inhabitants), Rethymnon (40,000 inhabitants), Heraklion (160,000 inhabitants) and Agios Nicholas (18,000).

Crete is also conditionally divided into 3 regions: West, Central and East Crete. Each of the regions is unlike its neighbors. And so that you have a more complete picture of Crete, I will tell you about both the areas of Crete and the regions.

Regions of Crete: description

West Crete

Western Crete is the greenest and most mountainous region of Crete. Majestic white mountains (Lefka Ori - Lefka Ori) rise above the area at 2500 meters. In the south, they abruptly break into the Libyan Sea. Lake Ori is dotted along and across with deep gorges, the most famous of which is Samaria.

The north is dominated by hilly areas, there are grape and olive plantations. There are many good beaches and tourist sites on the north coast.

Central Crete

Most of the tourists come to Heraklion, the capital of central Crete. Here and on the entire northern coast, the active life of the island is concentrated. This city is the main economic center in Crete. It is well known for its rolling hills and vineyards.

Central Crete is of great archaeological value, and not only because of the Minoan palace at Knossos. In the eastern part of the region are mountains Ida (Ida) and Dikti (Dikti). To the south is the plain of Messara, an important center of agricultural production.

East Crete

The eastern part of the island is the driest, despite the fact that there are olive plantations. Here is the Thripti mountain range, which is only 1500 m high, but at the same time very wild.

The area around Agios Nikolaos and Mirambello Bay is a local magnet for tourists. The rest of the eastern region of Crete is considered backward and unpopular.

Areas of Crete: description

We will also consider the areas of Crete from west to east.

Chania Region, Crete

Chania is the westernmost region of Crete. Here are the white mountains, and the famous National Park, which occupies the lion's share of the region.

Chania is famous for its beaches. The best of them: Balos (Balos) and Elafonissi (Elafonissi). The capital of the region - the city of Chania is very similar to Venice with its medieval architecture. If you are in Chania, be sure to visit the Venetian port.

Crete in general, and Chania in particular, is a paradise for gourmets and wine lovers. There are many wineries that you can visit on a tour.

Crete, Rethymno area

The smallest region of Crete. Rethymno is located between two mountain ranges. This is a very calm and cozy place, even in the high tourist season you can enjoy peace and quiet here.

Rethymnon is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery, the Venetian architecture of the capital of the region - the city of Rethymnon, traditional Greek villages such as Anogia and Spili, good beaches.

Heraklion Region, Crete

Heraklion is the most popular and largest region of Crete. It is also located between 2 mountain ranges: Idi and Dikti. Heraklion has the most archaeological sites, one palace of Knossos is worth something.

The northern coast of Heraklion is famous for its beaches, while the southern coast is calm and more suitable for families. The city has many museums, good restaurants and hotels. There are many picturesque mountain villages around. It is logical that Heraklion has the most developed tourist infrastructure on the island.

Lassithi

The easternmost region of Crete. There are the least mountains here, but this does not make the region less beautiful. Perhaps, it is in Lassithi that the power of the cultural traditions of Greece is most clearly felt.

There are many beautiful beaches, monasteries and seaside villages. The mythical palm forest, Mirabello Bay, windmills on the Lassithi Plateau, azure beaches and luxurious tourist resorts - that's what Lassithi is all about.

Which regions in Crete have an airport?

Center - Heraklion, west - Chania, east - Lassithi, the city of Sitia.

Which area of ​​Crete has the calmest sea?

On the east coast in the Lassithi area and in the bays.

The best area of ​​Crete for families with children?

Each area is good in its own way and there are suitable beaches and resorts for families with children.

• Hot tours to Greece

Crete is the largest Greek island, the birthplace of Zeus and the tourist center of the Mediterranean. It was here that one of the oldest civilizations, the Minoan, was born. While archaeologists are excavating palaces built under King Minos, tourists are visiting the ruins of the Knossos labyrinth, where, according to legend, the ancient Greek monster Minotaur lived. Turks, Venetians, Arabs lived in these places: mosques, fortresses and monasteries of different eras peacefully coexist with each other.

The southernmost island of the archipelago is surrounded by three seas: the Aegean, Libyan and Ionian.

In Crete, lovers of sightseeing holidays will feel equally comfortable, and those who come to the sunny island to recharge their batteries and just lie on the sand. There is a magical blue-green sea, bright sun and excellent beaches. There are palm trees, mountains and gorges. The inhabitants of Crete are always friendly and hospitable. With pleasure they will feed you to satiety, teach you how to dance sirtaki and live correctly - measuredly and leisurely.

Search for flights to the city of Heraklion (the nearest airport to Crete)

Districts of Crete

• Which cities in Crete have the best markets with fresh fish and food

What to try

First, of course, Greek salad - just out of curiosity. Try and find 10 differences with the "Greek" that is served in Russian restaurants. Second, Greek yogurt. Same story as the salad.

It is said that the Greeks live long thanks to a diet based on fresh vegetables and the best seafood. Both can be found at the nearest open market. Among seafood, by the way, the local grape snails are especially valued - a source of protein and a powerful aphrodisiac.

Be sure to try the famous Cretan tiny snacks "mezedes" and local sweets, Greek buns and pies.

"Dakos" is the grandmother of Italian bruschetta, something between a sandwich and a salad. Made from barley bread with garlic and olive oil, tomatoes, olives, sheep's cheese and basil.

"Bugatsa" - puff pastry pie and greetings from Turkey. If the Turks make it with yogurt or cheese and call it “pogacha”, then here this pie is considered a dessert and is cooked with custard. Much less often - with spinach or minced meat.

The most popular food on the island is rice and lamb ribs and the "psitos" roast, which is called Greek barbecue.

Meat is no less popular here than seafood. In each restaurant you will be offered kleftiko baked lamb.

Traditional street food - "suvlaki" (kebabs on skewers) and "gyros" - Greek shawarma.

Cafes and restaurants in Crete

The most common type of eatery in Crete is the family tavern with colorful shutters, checkered tablecloths and exclusively homemade food. Here you will be offered a simple but very tasty meal, a glass of wine or a traditional Greek coffee on the sand. They don’t think about beautiful presentation and exquisite serving in family restaurants, but they never get greedy: the portion is enough for two. Usually taverns are open until the last customer. Live music plays until late at night, and everyone dances sirtaki. Those who do not know how, will be taught in a matter of minutes. The fun is enlivened by the traditional throwing of inexpensive glass plates at the feet of the dancers. Dinner in a tavern will cost an average of 35-60 EUR for two. There is usually a menu at the entrance, so you can estimate the cost of your dinner even before you go inside.

In addition to taverns, English pubs are popular. The menu in beer restaurants is quite simple: steaks, grilled meat and fish, battered appetizers and beer itself. As a compliment from the institution, each guest will be sure to bring fresh rolls with butter. In pubs, rock and roll is usually played, sports matches are shown on TV.

In large cities and resort towns, you can find coffee shops of world chains. In addition to the usual espresso and cappuccino, the local coffee shop offers traditional Greek coffee brewed on the sand.

The best photos of Crete

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attractions: fortresses, monasteries and palaces, caves, bays and parks.

One of the most famous monasteries of the island is Arcadia. It is located on the slope of Ida, 25 km from Rethymno. According to one version, the monastery walls were erected in the 5th century, and the baroque church - in the 16th century. Despite the fact that the monastery was destroyed several times by the Turks, it was always rebuilt again and did not stop its activities. In the 19th century, an uprising against the Ottoman yoke began from the Arcadia Monastery. Today the monastery is a symbol of fearlessness and independence of the Greeks.

The ancient monument and the city of Falasarna were supposedly founded in the 8th century BC. e. It was a powerful city, where at one time they even minted their own coins. Archaeologists managed to find burials carved into the rocks, the ruins of residential buildings and pottery workshops, and the remains of fortress walls.

An interesting attraction that has been preserved since the time of Byzantine rule is the Frangokastello fortress, 85 km from the city of Chania. In the 14th century, it was built to protect the city from pirates and maintain order in Sfakia, which at that time was considered a very troubled area.

Mount Dikti is located in the east of the island, in the cave of which Zeus himself was born. In the center of Heraklion is one of the largest museums in Greece - the Archaeological Museum. Not far from the capital, the House-Museum of the artist El Greco was opened.

As for the Cretan natural treasures, in addition to numerous amazing beaches, bays and lagoons, there is also the famous Samaria Gorge

6 things to do in Crete

1. Go to Balos Bay and see the kiss of the three seas.
2. Go to the beach "Vai" and feel like a hippie.
3. Visit Santorini and be amazed.
4. Go down to the seabed with scuba gear, or at least explore it with a snorkel and mask.
5. Buy local shawarma on the street and eat right there.
6. Learn to dance sirtaki.

Crete for children

Despite the abundance of attractions, there are not so many "specialized" children's entertainment in Crete. But this does not mean at all that children will be bored here.

Marine aquariums operate on the island. The most important - CRETAquarium - is part of the Greek Marine Research Center and is considered one of the largest in the country and throughout the Mediterranean. CRETAquarium is located east of Heraklion. More than 2,500 fish, mollusks and other organisms live here. The design of glass containers maximally repeats the sea relief, their inhabitants dart back and forth a few meters from visitors - even the most skeptical guest will have the feeling that he is deep under water.

The terrarium aquarium called Aquaworld is a private initiative. Its good-natured owners accept all aquatic animals and reptiles abandoned by the owners. In order to have enough money to maintain the shelter, they made an aquarium out of it and opened it for tourists. The owners of Aquaworld personally conduct excursions for children and adults, they talk about each of their pets with great love and tenderness.

The favorite place of rest for all children is water parks. The largest water park on the island is Watercity. It lies between Heraklion and Hersonissos near the village of Kokkini Hani. It has 13 pools, 23 slides, a couple of waterfalls, lots of playgrounds and entertainment for kids.

Other water parks in Crete: Acqua Plus, Limnoupolis Water Park, Star Beach Water Park, Petra Mare.

In the vicinity of Hersonissos, the Labyrinth family park is located. Its area is 1300 sq. m, in addition to the labyrinth itself, there is an attraction with ATVs, a cinema, a garden, a large excursion program and a themed cafe reminiscent of an ancient Greek city.

When is the best time to visit Crete?

Holidays on the Greek island of Crete will not leave anyone indifferent. So say all the tourists who have visited Crete at least once, and every year there are more and more of them. Crete attracts with its warm sea, the cleanest picturesque beaches and relatively inexpensive holidays. Below we will find out what is the best time of the year to go to Crete?

This summer we rested in Crete not far from the city of Chania. I liked everything, and the hotel and Crete and everything else. One day at the hotel reception, I found a small pamphlet in English, which said that everyone can drive real karts on the track, such as "formula 1". I read it carefully and showed my son, he is 12 years old. I look, and his eyes already lit up, so I wanted to drive a real kart on my own.

If you don't know what it is, then I pity you. This village is especially popular with our tourists and it is located about forty kilometers from the capital of the island of Crete, the city of Heraklion. The peculiarity of this village is that there are the most peaceful beaches, on which there are almost never waves.

H Yes, unfortunately, in Crete at the beginning and end of the season, and the season in Crete begins in May and ends in October, mosquitoes bite a lot. More precisely, these are not mosquitoes, but mosquitoes, such small flies invisible to a simple glance, in Greek “kuvupi”. Moreover, they bite, as is customary with them, precisely in the dark, especially when you go to bed.

Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. There is an opinion that if you have ever visited Crete, then you will be drawn here all your life. Amazing nature, bizarre rocks and warm gentle sea attract tourists from all over the world. Almost every hotel, in every town in the resort area has a beach where tourists actually relax. In the high season, finding a free sunbed with an umbrella to hide from the scorching sun on these beaches is a whole problem.

Crete for a beach holiday is considered the most suitable and comfortable place compared to other European resorts. Firstly, tours to Crete are not expensive, secondly, it is not far to fly, only some 3.5 hours from the central strip of Russia and, thirdly, and most importantly, Crete has a magnificent sea and gorgeous sandy beaches. And on Crete there are many interesting and familiar historical sights, for example, the palace of the Minotaur and the cave of Zeus.

There are so many interesting and unusual things in Crete that even the most inveterate Crete lovers manage to find something new and unknown on this island every time they travel. Interesting and unusual sights lurk in almost every remote corner or village of Crete. If you decide to drive your rented car to the mountains, you will certainly meet locals on the roads selling the most popular commodity in Greece: olive oil, honey and local raki grape vodka.

For those tourists who are going to go on vacation to Greece, I advise you to pay attention to the largest of the Greek islands, which in terms of tourism is one of the most popular resorts not only in Greece itself, but throughout Europe. Of course, we are talking about Crete, an island with a long history and which was repeatedly mentioned in the myths of Ancient Greece. It is Crete that is considered the birthplace of the greatest and most revered of the gods - Zeus. And the myth of the Minotaur, with its slightly sad ending, or the legend of Daedalus and Icarus, which are also associated with this island, are probably known to everyone since childhood.

The popularity of the island is evidenced by the fact that every year Crete is visited by more than two and a half million tourists from around the world. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that in addition to historical monuments, and there are many of them, since the settlement of Crete began more than nine thousand years ago, here you can choose a vacation for every taste, from active and entertaining on the north side of the island, to secluded and calm on its south. Being the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and with a coastline of more than a thousand kilometers, it is rich in a large number of beaches that differ in relief and even in the color of the sand. For example, on perhaps the most popular Elafonisi beach, which is located in the southwestern part of the island, the sand has a shade of light pink, read more

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Weather in Crete by months:

Month	Temperature		Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Water temperature in the sea	Number of solar hours per day
	Happy	At night
January	13.3°C	9.5°C	44.2%	6 days (97.8 mm.)	16.6°C	10 a.m. 5m.
February	14.3°C	9.4°C	43.9%	6 days (116.0 mm.)	15.9°C	10 a.m. 55m.
March	15.8°C	9.6°C	37.5%	4 days (59.3 mm.)	15.9°C	11h. 59m.
April	18.2°C	10.7°C	29.8%	2 days (36.9 mm.)	17.0°C	13h. 6m.
May	22.1°C	14.3°C	20.6%	3 days (35.1 mm.)	19.7°C	14h. 2m.
June	26.3°C	18.1°C	12.6%	3 days (46.3 mm.)	23.2°C	14h. 30m.
July	29.7°C	20.7°C	4.1%	1 day (13.6 mm.)	25.7°C	14h. 16m.
August	29.6°C	22.0°C	7.9%	2 days (26.0 mm.)	26.4°C	13h. 27m.
September	27.7°C	21.0°C	14.9%	2 days (43.5 mm.)	25.5°C	12h. 23m.
October	23.2°C	17.8°C	27.0%	3 days (50.6 mm.)	23.2°C	11h. 17m.
November	19.1°C	14.8°C	35.1%	3 days (54.4 mm.)	20.8°C	10 a.m. 19m.
December	14.8°C	10.9°C	43.6%	7 days (80.0 mm.)	18.3°C	9 a.m. 49m.

* This table shows average weather data collected over more than three years

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The cost of holidays in Crete. October 2018.

tour cost

My husband and I decided to celebrate my birthday in Greece. Vouchers were purchased from October 26 to November 2. We chose the Creta Star 4 * hotel, according to the all-inclusive system. Vouchers were purchased a week before departure, the cost was 1580 euros. We arrived at the hotel at 6 am, we were immediately settled in the central building, the room was on the 4th floor, overlooking the sea, on Crete around the mountains and the enchanting sea. The hotel is not very big, the main vacationers are foreigners, mostly Germans. For children there is one slide and a small pool. There were practically no married couples with children.

The excursions that were offered by our tour operator are very expensive. We left the hotel and at the nearest travel agency we took an excursion containing a visit to two places Elafinisi beach, Balos bay through the island of Gramvousa. We paid 100 euros for two. In the morning we left the hotel for the port of Kissamos, where we transferred to the ship, lunch cost us 25 euros. We saw pink sand, the confluence of three seas. We also decided to take a walk around the town of Rethymnon. We visited the fortress 4 euros per person, the temple, walked along the embankment.

Food and products

There are a lot of small cafes in Rethymno, in the afternoon in one of the cafes they ordered 2 coffees and 2 cheesecakes, paid 12 euros. In another cafe in the evening, we ordered 1 beer and a dish of fried mussels, paid 18 euros.

Souvenirs and other goods

In the shop of sweets and nuts, we bought pistachios 1 kg. price 13 euros, 0.5 water for 1 euro. In the Reebok sports store, we bought sneakers for our daughter for 25 euros, in the Mothercare store we bought 3 sweatshirts, we spent 30 euros. Soap and magnets for all relatives for 1 euro, decorative plates for 6 euros. On the way back to Duty Free, my daughter bought a large box of M&M's for 10 euros, chocolate 5 euros. Sitting in one place in Crete is stupid. Every summer, the island is filled with colorful rented cars of tourists heading to the most diverse places on the island.

Having opened the map of Crete, you are amazed that historical places are here at almost every step, you want to visit as many as possible.

Many ignore Heraklion, the capital of the island, and completely undeservedly. It is worth paying attention to this city. Upon arrival, we devoted 1.5 days to Heraklion. And we visited the Palace of Knossos, walked around the city center, we were covered with a wave on its embankment near the walls of the fortress, and we also looked into the historical museum.

Near Bali is the Atali Monastery, you can walk: there is an indescribable atmosphere here, it seems that you are in the Middle Ages.

Be sure to visit Rethymnon and Chania. Near Chania, you should look at one of the most inaccessible, but definitely the most beautiful beach of Shaitan Limanya. You might want to get to Matala with its residents pretending to be hippies. If yes, then do not pass by the town of Kales Limenes. Not only has this place been known since biblical times, because it was here that the Apostle Paul waited out the bad weather, but there is also a secret beach - Stena Beach. Here you can even stay with tents for a couple of days.

On Crete you can find both absolutely wild beaches and those where there will be a developed infrastructure. It all depends on your taste.

As for the beaches of Bali. We look at the sea from the shore and begin to list them on the right. The first beach - Livadi - is the largest. There are several taverns here and if you buy something in the tavern, you will get an umbrella and sun loungers free of charge. However, waves are frequent here. The second beach, Varkotopos, is very small, there are practically no waves and black sand, you can snorkel here, but it is always crowded and there will be nowhere to stick your own umbrella. The third beach - Limani - we did not really like, as there is a pier here. The fourth beach, Evita, is the most beautiful and farthest, you can snorkel here, the water is amazingly clear, there are no waves here. But we often took our umbrella, towels and went to the rocks. You can go there if, after going down to the first beach, go left. Among the rocks, there are often sandy areas where you can settle down, and then swim with a mask and fins.

Where can you eat?

In Bali, most often we dined at the Galina tavern on the second beach.

In general, each tavern has its own peculiarity. Tasty everywhere. For us, the main thing was that there were not many people.

About the quality of food and service

The portions are very large. It’s hard to get used to this, and at first we overate and took what we didn’t eat to our apartments.

How much does it cost to eat? About food prices.

On average, the bill for three for a dinner with wine was from 30 to 40 euros.

Entertainment

In addition to excursions in Crete, you can go diving. In the same Bali there is one dive center, absolutely amazing. Friendly guys who help to get ready, help on the boat, and after diving, like real guides, they talk about what we saw underwater. The equipment is in excellent condition. We have not had such soulful diving as with them for a long time.

Pros of holidays in Crete

Crete will not leave anyone indifferent. For everyone here there is exactly what attracts him. Aromas of flowers and honey in the air, bright sunsets and sunrises, history that you feel at every step, and a wind filled with myths and legends - this is how I will remember Crete.

Delicious food, friendly people, amazing coffee, homemade wine - all this is available to everyone in Crete.

Is it worth vacationing in Crete?

Definitely worth visiting Crete at least once. Once you get here, you will want to come back.

Crete. General information

Title: Nisos Kriti - the island of Crete.

Crete is the administrative and territorial unit of Greece, as well as the largest of the Greek islands and the southernmost of them, with the exception of the small island of Gavdos.

Description : The length of the island is 260 km, width

(at its widest point) 56 km, area 8260 sq. km.

Population: Approximately 600,000 Greek population 10,665,989 (as of 2003).

Language : Greek.

Religion: Christianity, Greek Orthodox Church.

Currency unit: Since 2001, the currency has been the Euro, replacing the Greek Drachma completely in 2002. The name "euro" is derived from the word "europa", which, in turn, comes from the Greek word "europi".

Cities and administrative centers:

North coast: Heraklion (the capital of the island, 200 thousand inhabitants),

Chania (80 thousand inhabitants), Rethymno (30 thousand inhabitants),

Agios Nikolaos, Sitia.

South coast: Ierapetra, Mires, Timbaki, Paleochora.

Airports: Crete has 5 airports. But only the airports of Heraklion, Chania and Sitia serve passenger flights. There are military airfields in Kasteli and Timbaki.

Seaports: The 2 main ports are Heraklion and Souda Bay. The ports of Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia are not so significant. Numerous fishing harbors are located on the south coast.

Mountains: Crete is a mountainous island. The mountains had a great influence on the course of historical events and on the formation of the character of local residents. In the west of the island rise Lefka Ori (White Mountains) with the highest point of 2453 meters. There is a mountain in the central part of the island. Go or Psiloritis 2456 meters high. In the east, Mount Dikti rises to a height of 2418 meters. The Cretan mountains stretch across the entire island, making Crete look much larger than its natural size.

Rivers and Lakes: Cretan rivers are short and usually dry up during the summer months. Only the flow of the rivers in Preveli, in the south of Rethymno prefecture, and near Vrises, in Chania prefecture, is not interrupted all year round.

A small picturesque lake Kournas, on the banks of which there are many taverns, is located near the town of Girgopoulis, Chania prefecture. Kournas is the only natural fresh water lake in Crete.

The artificial lake Agia is located in the Kydonia valley. A small lake Voulismeni (although many do not consider it a lake) is in the center of the city of Agios Nikolaos.

Islands: The nearby islands of Chrissi, Koufonisi, Dia, Paximadia, Gramvoussa are uninhabited, but day cruises are organized for tourists. The island of Gavdos is inhabited and is located in the very south of Europe. Santorini (or Thira) is part of the Cyclades archipelago. Regular sea and air connections allow you to visit Santorini and return to Crete within one day.

Economy: Extra virgin olive oil, first-class honey and cheeses, oranges, grapes, various types of vegetables, and a large number of sheep and goats are the basis of agriculture, which, together with tourism, provides the main income for the island's economy.

History: The history of Crete dates back to the 6th millennium BC, when the island was first inhabited by humans. Minoan civilization, relating to the Bronze Age, is the most famous period of its history. Then palaces were built on the island in Knossos, Phaestos and Zakros and the islands of the Cyclades archipelago were settled.

Unlike the Egyptians, the Minoans were brave sailors. On their ships they traded throughout the Mediterranean. The influence of the cultures of other peoples with whom the Minoans came into contact contributed to the emergence of what we still admire and believe today the first highly developed civilization in Europe.

On the coast and in the mountains: The tourism industry is concentrated on the northern coast, where all the largest cities are located. For those who are looking for a secluded beach - the south coast will be the perfect place. But, unfortunately, every year it becomes more and more difficult to find such beaches where naturism is a common occurrence, because information is spreading faster and faster these days. The south is also suitable for you if you want to practice driving on narrow and very winding roads.

The mountainous areas further from the coast are less known. The roads here are such that you can only drive a jeep, and roadside signs can be useless.

In the villages, almost no one speaks English, and you will not see the familiar signs “Room for Rent” or “Restaurant”. But here you will meet real Cretans - proud and friendly people, with a great sense of humor. They will always help and even offer a glass of raki (local grape moonshine). When you meet, just smile and say “calimera” = “good morning”, “calispera” = “good evening” or “yasas” = “hello”. As a token of gratitude, it is customary to say “efharisto” = “thank you”.

People: The following is a quote from Theocharis Detorakis's book "History of Crete"

(ISBN 960-220-712-4)

::These people are admirable. 40 restless centuries have taught them to show restraint and stubbornness, thanks to which they have retained their language and identity.

Their character miraculously combines courage and independence, often on the verge of complete disobedience, love of adventure, wit and resourcefulness, a tireless desire for freedom and incredible boastfulness. Their speech is unconstrained and full of metaphors: A fertile land that has always given birth to the most worthy figures of state and church, science and culture, army and economy.