Crete

Author: null
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features:
I. The Lonely Planet Regional Guides are the complete guides for independent travelers. They feature inspirational colour highlights sections, tailored itineraries, insider tips and opinionated reviews from authors with intimate ties to the region.
II. Crete, 3rd edition, presents in-depth coverage of Minoan, Greek, Byzantine and Venetian highlights with detailed itineraries to help travelers make the most of their time. An outdoor activities chapter will appeal to those looking to do more than soak up the sun. This edition also includes a 12-page colour introductory section with lavish colour highlights of the island.
1. Opinionated coverage for an authentic travel experience
2. Tailored itinerary routes, regional highlights, and diverting detours
3. Children's activity chapters and family-friendly listings
4. Locals-only tips from authors with intimate ties to each destination
III. Dramatic mountains and sparkling seas, bustling cities and secluded olive groves, ancient ruins and sleek resorts—Crete is an island of irresistible contrasts. Whether you're gorge walking or Minotaur hunting, celebrating Orthodox Easter or simply sun seeking, our definitive guide gives you detailed regional coverage for the perfect getaway.
1. EXPERT ADVICE – insider tips help you escape the crowds and discover unspoiled hideaways
2. HIT THE HILLS – detailed walks guide you through Crete's spectacular gorges and coastal scenery
3. DISCERNING DINING – our refined eating reviews ensure you'll find a slice of authentic Cretan cuisine
4. GET UNDER THE SKIN with our in-depth history and culture coverage, including an informed guide to the Minoan civilization
5. PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE with comprehensive itineraries and extensive grid-referenced maps
Crete Island (pop., 2001: 601,159) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and an administrative region of Greece. It stretches for 152 mi (245 km) and varies in width from 7.5 to 35 mi (12 to 56 km), with a total area of 3,218 sq mi (8,336 sq km). Dominated by mountains, it was home to the Minoan civilization from c. 3000 BC and was known for its palaces at Knossos, Phaestus, and Mallia; it reached its peak in the 16th century BC. A major earthquake c. 1450 BC marked the end of the Minoan era. In 67 BC, Rome annexed Crete; in AD 395, it passed to Byzantium. In 1204, Crusaders sold the island to Venice, from which it was wrested by the Ottoman Turks in 1669 after one of history's longest sieges. Taken by Greece in 1898, it was autonomous until its union with Greece in 1913. Agriculture is the economic mainstay, and the island is one of Greece's leading producers of olives, olive oil, and grapes; tourism is also important. The museum at Iráklion houses a fine collection of Minoan art.