Started to know Crete - the largest one of the Greek islands

A brief history of Crete

In history, Crete was the centre of Europe's most ancient civilization, the Minoans (2600-1150 BC), the first advanced and most important civilization in Europe and the first, in Europe, which builds a palace. They left behind massive building complexes, tools, stunning artwork, writing systems, and a massive network of trade. Then was Thera eruption on Crete (one of the largest volcanic events on Earth in recorded history!).

The island successively became part of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian Republic, the Ottoman Empire, an autonomous state, and the modern state of Greece.

There appear to be four major palaces on the island: Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, and Kato Zakros. Smaller palaces have been found elsewhere on the island. Mythology According to Greek mythology, the first queen of Crete was Europa. Later on, Crete island became the land of King Minos about whom are legends from the Greek mythology which maybe some of us remember of history taught at school. (Poseidon, Minotaur, Labyrinth..) If you are interested in these legends you can visit for example this site https://www.greeka.com/crete/history/ Greece and Crete are rich in history and beyond it there is a wonderful nature, beaches and sea as well. The capital city of Crete region is Herákleion (Irákleio). Nearby is located the palace Knossos, also known as the Palace of Minos. The legends are connected with this palace. In Greek mythology, King Minos dwelt in a palace at Knossos. This palace is the place which definitely worth to see on Crete island.

Other interesting places to visit in Crete:

• Santorini: Nowadays it´s a group of islands but before it was a volcanic island, which was, after the explosion (Thera eruption) scattered into smaller parts, in the middle of which a lagoon was formed. The landscape is very romantic. Lava sand making  the clearest water in all of Greece.  Sparkling white façades and blue dome roofs, with azure sea and romantic sunset. This is Santorini. The place that had been called Kallisti in ancient history, or "the most beautiful". • Matala: It´s a fishing village situated in southern Crete in Heraklion, about 70 km from the city.

In 1960 a community of hippies had settled in Matala, where most locals had never seen a tourist before their arrival! The caves are there which had originally housed lepers at the end of the Stone Age and then the Romans used them as burial crypts. Then the hippies used them as a shelter.

More about hippies in Matala on this site: https://www.messynessychic.com/2015/04/21/the-hippie-caves-of-matala-that-housed-joni-mitchell/ • Chania: It´s the second largest city of Crete where you can admire the old town, the Venetian harbour with the old lighthouse, Mediterranean Architecture, The castle of Chania and many more. Chania is considered for many Greeks the most beautiful city in Greece. There are many interesting places which Crete island offers. I chose these three because I´d like at least one of them to visit in the future and see beauties of these places on my own. Now I visited the beach Amoudara, which is one of the most popular north coast resorts some 5 km west of Heraklion. Amoudara features the longest beach (5 km) in the prefecture and is perfect for sun-seekers and sports enthusiasts. This vacation was really amazing and beautiful as you can see from the photos. Beautiful flowers, the sea, the hotel complexes. If you want to have a nice vacation in Greece or in Crete, I recommend this beach. σας ευχαριστώ για την ανάγνωση.  Thank you for reading.

Photos: My own