annotation always attracted tourists with its unique contrasts. In this article you will find a general description of the island. Here you will learn some of the necessary nuances that will allow you to form an opinion whether to choose the island of Crete or something else for your vacation.
So, through the eyes of a tourist, or the minimum necessary knowledge about the island: territory, mountain systems, coast, flora and fauna, typical weather, information about local cuisine and eating habits.
Crete - some information from geography (territory, length)
The island of Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, covering an area of 8’336 sq. km. Crete is divided into 4 parts-districts, which follow in the direction from west to east in the following order: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Lassithi. The island of Crete is 260 km long and 12 to 60 km wide (from north to south).
Crete island - mountains
Thanks to the four mountain ranges, which are located on the island in its different parts, there are excellent prerequisites for mountain tourism and interesting excursions to the mountains in the “hiking” style. The Ida Mountains (2456 m) are located in the center, the Sitian (1456 m) and Dikti Mountains (2148 m) are in the east, Lefka Ori (they are the White Mountains, 2453 m) are in the west.
The mountains have a lot of exciting sights in store for tourists. One of them is the Samaria Gorge (Chania region), which is 16 km long and is the longest in Europe. Another feature is a large number of caves in the mountains (about 3000), the most picturesque and famous of which are the cave on Mount Ida and Mount Dikta (where, according to legend, Zeus, the supreme god in ancient Greek mythology, was born).
Crete island - picturesque coasts, beaches and bays
Crete has a beautiful indented coastline. Its length is 1046 km, of which 155 km are beaches. Most of the beaches are concentrated in the northern part of the island, however, in the south you will find small bays with good sandy beaches, which are ideal for a relaxing holiday away from the bustle.
In the north of the island there are beautiful bays - Souda, Malia, Almiros, Kissamos, Mirabello, Sitia. Thus, Souda Bay is the largest natural bay in the Mediterranean (another record of Crete, created by the hands of nature).
Crete - flora and fauna
You can tell a lot about the unusually diverse nature of the island. Over millions of years, the climate has changed a lot here, which has left its mark on representatives of flora and fauna, so that some species of plants and animals can only be found here.
Crete - weather
You will be interested to know what is the southernmost part of Europe. Sunny weather prevails here for 300 days a year, including sunny here in winter. Summer is the hottest time, but you don’t feel “hot” due to the fact that a light breeze constantly blows from the sea (called “meltemi”). Therefore, even at a temperature of 30-33 degrees Celsius, you feel quite comfortable.
Employment
Local residents (slightly more than half of them) are engaged in agriculture (plant growing, animal husbandry). However, the most profitable for the island is still the tourism business, where the rest of the population and visitors are employed. There is no industry on the island, which guarantees an absolutely clean environment for tourists.
Crete - national cuisine and food preferences
The basis of the diet of the inhabitants of Crete is olive oil, legumes, meat, fish, bread, fruits, various herbs, cheeses, wine and spices. This selection of ingredients has ensured that their diet is recognized as the healthiest and safest in the world.
Based on these and other ingredients, Cretan cuisine is extremely tasty and healthy. From 1960 to 1986, a study was conducted on the effects of such a diet on the body. It was found that the inhabitants of Crete suffer much less from diseases of the cardiovascular system, less likely to fall ill with various forms of cancer and other diseases.
Well, choosing the island of Crete for your tourist trip, you will feel the beneficial effects of the local healthy climate and taste delicious local dishes from the diet of the inhabitants of Crete.
