Crete

Crete – this land mass, an 11-hour ferry ride from Athens/Piraeus (or a 50-minute flight from Athens) is the largest of the Greek islands, and the fifth largest in the entire Mediterranean Sea. Minoan Lines and Anek-Superfast Consortium ferry lines transport travelers from Piraeus to Crete. Here, one can admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountainscapes, fertile valleys and steep gorges, and become part of the island’s rich gastronomic culture.

Centuries before the rise of Alexander the Great in the Greek mainland, Crete has its own distinct, thriving culture (the Minoan civilization, which existed from 3,000 BC to 1,100 BC – the Bronze Age). That civilization is still evident in a number of local archaeological sites, in particular the Palace of Knossos (which is now a major tourist attraction). Knossos was also the capital of ancient Crete and home of the legendary local king Minos. It is also considered Europe’s oldest city. Knossos is located just 10 minutes south of the island’s main town (Heraklion) – located on the north coast of Crete.