The island of Crete

For centuries Crete continues to be one of the most mysterious places in Europe. Such a reputation it has established an ancient civilization whose origin dates back to the legend of King Minos. It is hard to tell how the Minoan culture was reached such a high level, but do know that it served as the development of many other nations. For this reason, Crete is also considered the cradle of European civilization. To the ancient inhabitants of Crete considerable importance was the fact that their island was born the greatest of the gods of Greek mythology, Zeus - God of Thunder. Myths and legends of ancient Greece Crete consider a place where there were many other important events. Here there are images of gods (Poseidon), heroes (Heracles) and the mere mortals (such as the grandfather). It is hard to be surprised that the gods have chosen this island's beauty can be called heaven. Washing Crete blue waters of the seas pouring into rocky coves, buying them a sapphire hue. Cloudless sky aquamarine dissolves into the horizon and the sun casts a shadow on the hills. Majestic mountains tower over Idi vast plains. Vineyards and the evergreen olive groves give abundant fruit, and golden olive oil and white wine flow freely. Even a crowd of many thousands of tourists arriving on white beaches, to partake of this earthly paradise, can not violate the peaceful rhythm of life on the island. Perhaps because in my veins flows the Minoan Cretans blood. On the power of their ancestors of archeological excavations, especially the large: at Knossos and Phaistos. The ruins of magnificent palaces still admire the skill and knowledge held by their builders. The later history of the Cretans are not so beautiful as the legendary ancient times. After the heyday of the time against ordinary aggressors-island tempted by their benefits, and strategic location on the way to Africa. Romans, Venetians and Turks in turn in a hard struggle captured those territories belonging to the descendants of King Minos. Hence, a Cretan, and continued attachment to old traditions and a dislike of change. Today, after centuries of occupation, the Cretans, finally, can live as they want, and be masters of their own land. Crete, the largest Greek island located in southern Aegean Sea, and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean basin. The coastline of Crete has more than one thousand kilometers. Area of ??8.3 km2 occupy 629,000 people, but at the peak of tourist season on the island comes up to two million vacationers from around the world. In the mountainous part of Crete is allocated a number of mountain ranges: the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), Mount Idi (Idi Oros) with the highest peak in Crete-Psiloritis mountain (2456 m) mountains dictate Kedros and Triptych. Western hills of the island are a continuation of Dinaric mountains in mainland Europe, the former one whole 15 million years ago. The administrative center of Crete and at the same time, the largest city of Heraklion. Here are the main ports, both air and sea.