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ABC of Crete – Geography
Name: Nisus Kriti = island of Crete. Crete is a region of Greece, is the largest island and the southernmost, except the small island of Gavdos.
Description: Crete is 260 km (160 miles) long and 56 kilometers (35 miles) at it's widest point. The area is 8260 square kilometers (3,190 square miles).
Population: about 600,000. The population of Greece is 10,665,989 (2003 estimate).
Language: Greek
Religion: Greek Orthodox
Currency: Euro is the new currency of Greece since 2001.
Major Cities:
North coast: Heraklion (200,000), Chania (80,000) Rethymnon (30,000), Agios Nikolaos, Sitia.
South coast: Ierapetra, Mires, Timbaki, Paleochora.
Airports: There are five airports in Crete, but only three of them are used for passenger flights: the Heraklion Airport, the closure of the airport of Chania Akrotiri and Sitia airport. The airports of Kastelli and airports are Timbaki military.
Ports: In Crete there are two major ports: the port of Heraklion and the port of Souda Bay. Ports in Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia are much more small. Along the south coast there are several fishing ports.
Mountains: Crete is a mountainous island and the island's history and personality of its inhabitants was greatly affected by these mountains. In the west there Lefka Ori (White Mountains): 2453m, in the center is Mt Idi (Psiloritis): 2456m and east is Mt Dikti: 2148m. Cretan mountains form a continuous chain from one end of the island to the other and make it seem much bigger than it really is Crete.
Rivers: The rivers are short Crete and dry in the summer months. The rivers that flows all year round are the river Preveli district in southern Rethymnon and Vrisses river in the district of Chania.
Lagos: Kournas Lake, a small lake, but beautiful with many taverns around it.
Islands: There are several small islands close to Crete island is the most Gavdos southern border of Europe and it is populated. Hrissi islands or Gaidouronissi, Koufonisia, Dia, Paximadia, Gramvoussa are much smaller and not populated. More they are popular destinations for day cruises from Crete.
The Cycladic island of Santorini or Thira is also near Crete, and there are daily cruises to him too.
Administration. Crete is one of 13 administrative divisions of Greece. In Crete there are 4 Nomoi or prefectures and many Dimoi (municipalities). Dimos Each consists of several towns and villages.
– Nomoi or prefectures in Crete –
Economy: The main sources of wealth in Crete are agriculture and tourism. The olive tree is very important in Crete and excellent virgin olive oil is produced here. Other important products include oranges, grapes and vegetables in greenhouses. Honey, cheese and herbs are of excellent quality as well. Finally, large numbers of sheep and goats are raised in Crete.
History. The story begins in Crete 6000 BC, when the island was inhabited by first time. The best known period is the Bronze Age (2600-1100 BC), the period of the Minoan civilization. During that period Cretans colonized Cyclades Islands and in Crete the palaces of Knossos, Phaistos and Zakros were built.
While Egyptians were afraid of the big "Blue", Minoan ships used to travel and trade across the Mediterranean Sea. The cultural influence of the various nations Cretans came in contact with, gave birth to this civilization still admire and which is considered as the first high-level civilization in Europe.
Earth: The northern coast is the main tourist area of Crete and all cities are located there. The south coast is the ideal place for tourists who are looking for a secluded beach. Unfortunately with each passing year and his whereabouts are known, beaches, become a little harder to find. Naturism is a common practice in many secluded beaches. The south is also a good place if you want to train on driving in the narrow and very winding roads.
Away from coastal regions, the interior is a much less known in Crete. This is the mountainous area of Crete, the roads can be very bad, traffic signals are helpful and is difficult to find an English speaking person. Here is the place to look for small villages without the familiar "Rent a Room" or "signs Restaurant ". It is the place to meet the real Cretans: proud and friendly people with a great sense of humor, willing to help in any way they can and offer you a glass of "Raki" (the locally produced colorless drink). When we find them on the road just smile and say "good yasas kalimera =" tomorrow " kalispera night = good "or" = hello. If you request some information and want to thank them, then "efharisto = thank you 'is the Greek word right.
About the Author
University of Manchester Geography students, Crete 2008