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Crete is the lowest edge of Europe at the crossroad of three continents and five seas. It has always been a meeting point of various peoples, melting pot of age-old and heterogeneous cultures. Crete is a unique amalgam of elements from the creative assimilation of the various cultural forms in a natural framework of exceptional beauty. Natural and human elements in an original harmony create a vivid legend.
The island of Crete, the lower edge of Europe and of Greece has always been a homeland of civilization for the entire world. Despite the wars and the continuous occupations the Cretan civilization has never stopped flourishing: from the marvelous achievements of the Minoan civilization to the Byzantine churches of Crete with the magnificent hagiographies, which established the Cretan school and from the great Cretan painter Dominicos Theotocopoulos (EI Greco) to the literature men Georgios Hortatzis and Vitsentzos Cornaros Crete still gives birth to men who honor their island.
Crete is characterized by the big variety and the alternations of the landscape. High mountains with fertile valleys among them, big and smaller tablelands, canyons with wild beauty - the most famous among which is the canyon of Samaria - Crete fascinates with its multiformity every visitor.
The same goes for the Cretans who are authentic and simple in their lives, with their intense sense of hospitality; with love for the tradition and the traditional customs of their land they become popular to whoever meets them. Administratively, the island is divided in the prefectures of Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi. Around Crete, there are tens of islands and islets four of which are inhabited.
The island has daily coastal and air connection with Piraeus and Athens. Crete is also connected with Thessalonica, Peloponnesus and Cyclades by coastal and air connection.
Heraklion is the biggest city of the island with its own international airport, the activity of which is increased especially during the summer. The entire north area of Heraklion up to Agios Nicolaos - the city in the east - is the most touristic area of the island and one of the most popular touristic places in Greece.
The other big city in the west of Crete, Chania, also has its fans, while many people place it among the most beautiful cities of Greece. The city itself offers many choices, however the prefecture of Chania with its lovely beaches and its picturesque mountainous landscapes is an inviting choice.
If you want to relax by listening to the sounds of nature, come in touch with the traditional way of life of the village residents by participating in agricultural or cattle-breeding works, taste the authentic Cretan cuisine by helping at the same time in its preparation or ride on the mountains and the plains of Crete, then the rural touristic and ecotouristic units are the most appropriate solution.
The number of the traditional lodgments in Crete increases constantly. In many areas of the island there are hotels and residence units with particular characteristics, adjusted to the natural environment and to the traditional architecture of the Cretan countryside. The residence in traditional lodgments made of stone and wood will certainly fill you with enthusiasm and it will give a different color in your vacations.
And of course you will have the chance to experience in person the authentic Cretan hospitality that only the residents of the villages of Crete can offer.
During the last years there have been lots of references to the Cretan cuisine (Mediterranean diet). So, it is now well known that the Cretan diet is not only savorous and tasty, but also exceptionally healthy. So, food has taken its right place in the culture of the island, a place equally important for its identity as the ancient monuments, the sun, and the sea.
The most important of the products responsible for the glory of the Cretan diet is the virgin olive oil. The contribution of the local wine, the vegetables, the meat and the cheese products (feta cheese, gruyere) are also very important, of course.
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