Crete: The Birthplace of Hospitality!

General

Crete is the largest of all the Greek islands. With a total surface of 8,336 sq m it has 1,100 km of coastline and approximately 600,000 inhabitants. Crete is also considered to be one of the most prosperous areas in Greece. Development on the island has been favoured by its geographical location, climate and diverse natural beauty, as well as, its unique cultural and historical heritage. Crete is renowned for its breath-taking mountain ranges and long sandy beaches that take you right down to its deep-blue seas.
The climate and geography of Crete provide for many different species of wild-life. Over 100 different sorts of flowers and plants can be found: in the high mountains and the thirteen deep gorges on the island (the best known of which is Samaria gorge). Visitors may encounter interesting flora and fauna in its valleys and semi-maountainous areas, including the rare species of wild goat called the kri - kri, unique to this area. Crete is noted for its geographical diversity, which ranges from numerous small surrounding islands to splendid plateaus like Lassithi, with its eye-catching windmills.

History

The history of Crete dates from the pre-historic era. Millions of years ago, Aegis, the land that joined Greece to Asia Minor, sank into the Mediterranean Sea and only the peaks of its mountains remained above the surface of the waters to form Crete and its surrounding islands.

Its location, has meant that Crete has been a crossroads for several civilizations. From 2000 BC onwards, the unique Minoan Civilization built 100 cities and the island also boasts remains dating back to the Ancient Greek and Roman periods, the early Christian era, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian rule, and the Ottoman occupation, as well as, the trappings of modern Greek civilization.
Venetian fortresses can be found in its harbours and beautifully preserved old towns and a multitude of monasteries and Byzantine churches are scattered throughout the island. The plethora of sights on offer attracts many visitors today.

Contemporary Crete and Iraklio (Heraklion) - Travel Tips!

The current population of Crete is approximately 600,000 people. The majority of its inhabitants live in the four main towns on the island, Hania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos and Iraklio (Heraklion), which is the biggest of the towns. The remainder of the population is located in the smaller towns and scattered fishing villages. For administrative purposes, the island was divided into four prefectures.
All three Aldemar hotels are situated on the northern coast of the island, 25 km from  the town of Iraklio (Heraklion) and its international airport. The famous tourist resort of Hersonissos is within walking distance of the hotels.
Iraklio (Heraklion), which has been a settlement from as far back as the Neolithic era, served as the port of Knossos under the Venetian rule in the 13th century and became known as Candia, the capital of Aegean Territories. Today the island's capital harbour is a wealth of Venetian architecture, including its city walls and Fortress (Koule). The Archaeological Museum holds the largest collection of Minoan Art in the world and access to the sites of the Minoan Palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Gortyna and Malia, which are not far from Iraklio (Heraklion).
We highly recommend a visit to both Knossos and Phaistos. Knossos is the site of the ruins of the largest and most luxurious Minoan palace, originally built in the middle of a glorious town. The first palace was built around 2000 BC and destroyed around 1700 BC. The second, which was built immediately afterwards, was also destroyed around 1450 BC, most probably by the effects of the violent eruption of the volcano of Santorini.
Phaistos is best Known as the site of the mythical palace of Radamanthys, the brother of Minos. As this palace was also built twice, it is mainly the ruins of the second palace that visitor can still see today.
The city of Iraklio (Heraklion) has a number of other museums in addition to the Archaeological Museum. The Historical Museum traces the history of Crete from early Christian times and the 16th century Venetian church of Aghia Irini, famous as a centre of Art and Literature, now houses the Museum of Religious Art, and houses a magnificent collection of Byzantine icons. Traditional Cretan life is recreated at the open-air museum at Lychnostatis in Hersonissos - the most popular holiday resort in the Iraklio (Heraklion) region where exhibits include a windmill, a stone house and a gallery. In this village visitors can also explore the fascinating Museum of Cretan Ethnology.
In the heart of Iraklio (Heraklion) the ornate 17th century Morozini Fountain, the 17th century Loggia, the 16th century church of Aghios Titos and the town's Aghios Minas cathedral should not be missed. Apart from this, the region around Iraklio (Heraklion) is blessed with a beautiful surrounding countryside. Places to visit are Zaros, a surprisingly green oasis famous for its clear spring water and Matala, an idyllic sweeping bay with pitted sandstone cliffs looming dramatically over the beach. 
Along the coast north of Iraklio (Heraklion) is Fodele, a small village at the top of a steep cliff which claims to be the birthplace of the world famous painter El Greco. His house lies above the village's Byzantine church. For visitors looking for livelier holiday, Hersonissos, Gouves and Malia on the northeast coast are the ideal places for exciting nightlife. Visit the centre of European civilization, Visit Iraklio (Heraklion)!!!
Wherever you are on Crete you will be able to enjoy Crete's history, admire its beauty and, of course, meet Cretan people. 
The people of Crete have safeguarded their traditions carefully. Their traditions have been kept alive and expressed in many forms right up to modern times. They are also people with a strong religious awareness, as well as being direct, honest and extremely hospitable. This is the glorious island of Crete, the island of a proud and friendly people.