Crete

Crete. Located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, Crete is the largest island of Greece, with a population of over 623,000 people, according to the 2011 census. The island is home to the University of Crete, a prestigious institution that attracts students from all over Europe, including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Crete is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with its rugged mountains, scenic Gorges of Crete, and beautiful beaches, such as Elafonisi and Balos.

Geography

Crete is situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, southeast of the Peloponnese peninsula, and is separated from the Greek mainland by the Myrtoan Sea to the west and the Karpathian Sea to the east. The island is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with the White Mountains and the Psiloritis mountain range being the most prominent features. The Kourtaliotiko Gorge and the Agia Irini Gorge are two of the most notable gorges on the island, while the Lake Kournas and the Lake Agias are the only two natural lakes on Crete. The island's geography has been shaped by the Alpine orogeny, a mountain-building event that occurred during the Paleogene and Neogene periods, and has been influenced by the Hellenic Arc, a volcanic arc that stretches from the Ionian Sea to the Aegean Sea.

History

The history of Crete dates back to the Minoan civilization, which flourished on the island from around 2600 to 1100 BC. The Minoan palace of Knossos is one of the most famous archaeological sites on the island, and is associated with the legend of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth. Crete was later conquered by the Mycenaeans, and then by the Dorians, who established the city-state of Gortyn. The island was also an important center of the Byzantine Empire, and was the seat of the Archdiocese of Crete. During the Cretan War (1645-1669), Crete was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, and remained under Ottoman rule until the Cretan State was established in 1898. The island was finally unified with Greece in 1913, following the Balkan Wars. Notable figures from Crete include the Nikos Kazantzakis, author of Zorba the Greek, and El Greco, a famous painter who was born in Fodele.

Climate

Crete has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, dry summers. The island is influenced by the North Atlantic Oscillation, which brings cold air from the north, and the Azores High, which brings warm air from the west. The Sierra Nevada mountain range in Spain and the Apennine Mountains in Italy also have an impact on the climate of Crete. The island's climate is also affected by the Etesian winds, which blow from the north during the summer months, and the Sirocco, a warm wind that blows from the south. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provide weather forecasts for the island.

Economy

The economy of Crete is primarily based on agriculture, with the island being a major producer of olive oil, grapes, and tomatoes. The island is also home to a number of wineries, including the Winery of Crete and the Winery of Peza. The Port of Heraklion and the Port of Chania are the two main ports on the island, and handle a significant amount of cargo and passenger traffic. The Chania International Airport and the Heraklion International Airport are the two main airports on the island, and offer flights to destinations in Europe, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and Istanbul. The European Union and the International Monetary Fund have provided financial support to the island's economy, particularly during the Greek debt crisis.

Culture

The culture of Crete is rich and diverse, with a strong emphasis on music, dance, and folklore. The island is home to a number of museums, including the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Cretan Ethnology. The Cretan lyra is a traditional instrument that is played on the island, and is often accompanied by the mandolin and the bouzouki. The Cretan cuisine is known for its use of olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes, and features dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and spanakopita. The island is also home to a number of festivals, including the Cretan Festival and the Heraklion Carnival. Notable cultural figures from Crete include the Nikos Xylouris, a famous singer and songwriter, and the Georgios Markopoulos, a renowned painter.

Tourism

Tourism is an important sector of the economy of Crete, with the island attracting millions of visitors each year. The island's beautiful beaches, such as Elafonisi and Balos, are a major draw for tourists, as are its historic sites, such as the Palace of Knossos and the Fortezza of Rethymnon. The Old Town of Chania and the Heraklion Old Town are also popular destinations, with their narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife. The Samaria Gorge and the Richtis Gorge are two of the most popular hiking trails on the island, and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The European Tourism Association and the World Tourism Organization have recognized Crete as one of the top tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Category:Greek islands