The Largest of Greece's Islands The Largest of Greece's Islands The Largest of Greece's Islands But size doesn't always matter when it comes to Greek islands Karpathos. Nancy Ayers, used by permission By deTraci Regula Updated August 15, 2016. Greece boasts thousands of islands - but only about 200 of them are inhabited or visited by tourists. The biggest Greek islands have the advantage - most of them have been inhabited and developed since ancient times. If you fear ever getting claustrophobic on a Greek island, here are the ones likely to give you some room to wander without ever getting on a ferry.

Top 20 Largest Greek Islands 1 75 195 And, since it missed the "Top 20" list by only a square kilometer, we're adding one more as a "special bonus island" : continue reading below our video Before Your Road Trip, Watch This 21 75 square miles 194 square km The largest Greek island group is the Cyclades or Cycladic islands , also spelled Kyklades, with about two hundred small islands circling the twenty or so larger, better-known islands such as Mykonos and Santorini . Then there is the Dodecanese Island group, with twelve main islands (dodeka means twelve) and many islets, followed by the Ionian Islands , the Aegean Islands , and the Sporades . The Ionians are few in number but consist of several of the largest islands in Greece. The big island of Crete is not part of any island group, though it does have a number of satellite islands including Gavdos , which is considered to be the southernmost point of Europe. What's the Smallest Greek Island? This is much harder to determine.

There are many rocky outcroppings in Greece which don't logically count as "islands" but may show up on some lists. Even "smallest inhabited" is hard to determine since privately-owned islands can be minuscule, with just a single family residence. One island that would show up on most "smallest" lists of visitable islands would be little Levitha , inhabited by a single family who runs the sole taverna, but it is visited during the summer by yachters as it offers safe harbors in all four directions. The tiny islet of Rho off the coast of Turkey was inhabited by a bold Greek woman nicknamed "The Lady of Rho" who used to vigorously raise the Greek flag every morning until she finally passed away at an advanced age. What is the largest island in Greece? | Reference.com What is the largest island in Greece? A: Quick Answer The largest island in Greece is Crete. It stretches about 160 miles from east to west and covers approximately 3,235 square miles. Crete is also the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.

Full Answer As of 2005, the population of Crete was approximately 630,000, making it the most populous Greek island as well. Heraklion is the largest city on the island and its capital. Crete and its surrounding islands make up one of the 13 regions of Greece. Agriculture and tourism are its economic mainstays. The island of Crete was the center of the Minoan civilization, one of the world's earliest-known civilizations. What is the name of the biggest Greek island? | Reference.com What is the name of the biggest Greek island? A: Quick Answer Crete is the largest island of Greece. Crete has a long and narrow shape, spanning a total distance of 160 miles across the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of 13 islands comprising the nation of Greece, and goes by other names, including Krete, Kriti, Creta, Kirid and Candia. Full Answer Crete classifies as the largest island forming Greece, and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It contains a diverse topography, including tall mountains, low-lying plains, rivers and flatlands. Several mountain ranges form the backbone of Crete.

The longest mountain range runs from east to west, and divides into four groups. That range contains Mount Idi, which rises over 8,000 feet and takes the title of the tallest mountain in Greece. Tall, jagged peaks in the northern region give way to flat grassy plains in the south. Crete's southern region contains small rivers, ponds and natural and artificial lakes. Palm trees and bushes dominate the landscape of southern Crete, while conifers and cedar trees prevail in the east. Crete contains two distinct climates: a temperate area and subtropical zone. It supports a variety of plant and animal life, including numerous wildflowers, small mammals, wild goats and migratory birds. Crete's citizens live in and around the island's three major cities. They welcome visitors, and speak Greek, English, French and German. 10 Most Popular Greek Islands - 10 Most Today 10 Most Popular Greek Islands Leisure & Travel Greece has more than 200 inhabited islands, many of which are huge attractions for tourists. The beautiful landscapes and beaches along with the clear blue water can explain easily why the tourists skip the mainland and head to the small islands.

The following is a list of the most popular islands in Greece 1. Crete – The largest and most populous of the Greek islands. It forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece while retaining its own local cultural traits. Crete was once the center of the Minoan civilization (2700–1420 BC), which is currently regarded as the earliest recorded civilization in Europe. From a touristic point of view, you can find touristy resorts, wonderful old towns like Chania and Rethymno, amazing deserted beaches (if you look hard enough), quiet mountain villages, and wonderful local food Most Popular Greek Islands: Crete 2. Santorini – Located about 200 km (120 mi) southeast from Greece’s mainland, Santorini has breathtaking volcanic views, amazing beaches and beautiful sunsets. Fira, the capital of Santorini, is located on the edge of the 400 meter (1,300 ft) high sea cliffs offering fantastic views. The island attracts tourists all year long but especially in the summer Most Popular Greek Islands: Santorini 3. Rhodes – Rhodes is one of the earliest holiday destinations in Greece.

It was once the home to one of the seven wonders of the world – the ‘Colossus’. The island is named after the wonderful Medieval old town that was built on it – which is a UNESCO world heritage site. There is plenty of sightseeing to do such as The Acropolis of Lindos and the Ruins of Kameiros. The city of Rhodes also offers a lively night life Most Popular Greek Islands: Rhodes 4. Mykonos – There are around 10,000 inhabitants in the island, most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, which lies on the west coast. Tourism is a major industry for those inhabitants, and Mykonos is particularly renowned for its cosmopolitan nightlife and beautiful beaches. Many international celebrities visit the island every summer Most Popular Greek Islands: Mykonos 5. Corfu – The second largest of the Ionian Islands. The old town with the two fortresses is an UNESCO world cultural heritage site. The island is also known for its beautiful natural landscape and fine beaches Most Popular Greek Islands: Corfu 6. Zakynthos – Also known as Zante, this island lies in the Ionian Sea. It is the third largest of the Ionian Islands.

The island is named after Zakynthos, the son of a legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus. Zakynthos has a thriving tourism industry Most Popular Greek Islands: Zakynthos 7. Hydra – Just an hour and fifteen minutes from Piraeus, Hydra has a unique beautiful architecture. There is one main town, known simply as “Hydra port” with a population of less than 2,000 people. It consists of a crescent-shaped harbor, around which is centered a strand of restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries that cater to tourists and locals. Steep stone streets lead up and outwards from the harbor area and most of the residents’ houses and hotels are located on these streets. All motor vehicles are banned from this island with the exception of Rubbish trucks. Donkeys, bicycles, and water taxis provide public transportation Most Popular Greek Islands: Hydra (source: Herbert Ortner , Vienna) 8. Paros – Historically, Paros was known for its fine white marble. Today, abandoned marble quarries and mines can be found on the island, but Paros is primarily known as a popular tourist spot.

The beaches, the nightlife and the accommodation are known world wide and many tourists return year after year. Parikia is the capital and the port of Paros, but most nightlife is concentrated in Naousa Most Popular Greek Islands: Paros 9. Skiathos – The island of Skiathos is filled with pine trees that reach the sea and surround its numerous sandy beaches, like the famous Koukounaries beach. The capital of the island is Skiathos, a village with red-roofed white houses built on a hillside around the harbor. Skiathos is ideal for a nice relaxed vacation Most Popular Greek Islands: Skiathos 10. Ios – A hilly island with cliffs down to the sea on most sides, situated halfway between Naxos and Santorini. It is about 18 km (11 mi) long and 10 km (6 mi) wide. The capital of the island is Chora, a white and very picturesque cycladic village, full of stairs and narrow paths that make it inaccessible for cars of any kind. Today, the main path through this village is completely taken over by tourism in terms of restaurants, boutiques, bars and clubs.

Apart from the port and the village of Chora, Ios has only a few small settlements, just a group of spread out houses in the background of major beaches Most Popular Greek Islands: Ios What is the Largest Greek Island What is the Largest Greek Island 23 Sep, 2012 what is 0 Greece is a country located in Southern Europe that shares a border with Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey. The country also features approximately 1,400 islands (about 230 are inhabited), which means that this relatively small country in terms of area has one of the largest coastlines in the world. These islands have long been popular with tourists because of their beauty and warm climate, but they have also long been inhabited by local people. Let’s find out which of these 1,400 islands is the largest in area and population. What is the largest Greek island? The largest island in Greece is the island of Crete, which is one of the southernmost islands in the country. It is located in the Aegean Sea to the south-east of Athens, the capital of Greece.

It covers an area of 8,336 km2 (3,219 sq mi), which makes it more than two times larger than the next largest island in Greece. It is also the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and within the top 100 largest islands in the world. Crete is a long, but narrow, island stretching about 260 km (160 mi) from east to west. The widest point is about 60 km (37 mi) and the narrowest is just 12 km (7.5 mi). Crete has a population of approximately 620,000 people, which means that it has the largest population of any Greek island. Crete has a long history that can be traced back many thousands of years. Crete was home to the Minoan civilization, which was the first civilization in Europe. The island has been ruled by many empires/countries throughout history before joining Greece in 1913. This means that Crete has developed its own unique culture alongside traditional Greek culture. Did you know?

The second largest Greek island is Euboea, which is located close enough to the mainland to be connected by two bridges. Related Articles Visit Greece | Crete Crete simply has it all! Crete is the largest island in Greece, and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you 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. Crete is, after all, a small universe teeming with beauties and treasures that you will probably need a lifetime to uncover! Chania The region of Chania (Haniá), on the western side of the island, is dominated by the impressive White Mountains (in Greek: Lefká Óri) and its famous National Park, which occupy the largest part of the region.The Prefecture of Chania provides tourist services and activities of all kinds, satisfying all the choices. The city of Chania maintains unaltered all of its characteristics, from the time of the Venetian Rule up until today.

Wandering around the Old Town’s maze-like alleys with the beautiful Venetian mansions, the fountains and the elaborate churches will help you discover well-preserved historical monuments. Get familiar with the city of Chania by wandering around in its streets, visiting its museums and admiring the different architectural styles presenting the historical route of the city. Chania is a paradise for food and wine lovers. Here you can taste the famous Cretan cuisine with a glass of excellent Cretan wine . Don't miss the opportunity to visit many wineries, where you will get to know the varieties of the Cretan terrain, the special local gastronomy and – let’s not forget – the outstanding Cretan hospitality! Rethymno Rethymno (Réthymno) region: Crete's smallest prefecture located between White Mountains and Mt Psilorítis (also called “Ídi”), is synonymous with gorgeous mountainscapes, marvellous beaches, Cretan lyre melodies, tsikoudiá spirit served with “oftó”, legendary caves, historic monasteries and monuments, traditional mountain villages and luxurious holiday resorts.

Feel the essence of Incredible Crete in this mountainous, remote and self-sufficient region of the island of Crete. Heraklion The largest and most densely populate region on the island of Crete is Heraklion (Iráklion). Nestling picturesquely among two imposing mountain ranges – Ídi (Mt Psiloritis) to the west and Dikti (Lasithiótika mountains) to the east– Iráklion boasts exceptional archaeological treasures, significant coastal settlements, a series of picturesque villages, vast valleys with olive groves and vineyards as well as the best organised tourist infrastructure in Crete. A unique combination of urban scenery and natural wealth makes the region of Iráklion an appealing all-year-round destination. Lasithi Lasithi (Lassíthi) region. Welcome to the easternmost and least mountainous region of Crete, where the population resides in four semi-urban centers: Áyios Nikólaos, Ierápetra, Sitía and Neápoli.

The mythical palm tree forest of Váï , the Gulf of Mirabello, the windmills on the Plateau of Lassíthi (the largest in Crete), beaches lapped by crystalline water, beautiful cities and luxurious hotel resorts all make up a rather fascinating world. Due to its geographical position between Africa, Europe, and Asia Minor and due to its mild climate, Crete became a center of culture as early as Neolithic times. The first prehistoric settlements appeared in Crete around 6000 BC while in 2600 BC settlers who knew how to craft bronze arrived in Crete. It was then that the illustrious course of the Minoan Civilization began, reaching its peak around 1950 BC with the erection of the imposing palaces in Knossos , Faistos, and Malia. History Mythology has it that it was in a cave of Crete where the goddess Rhea hid the newborn Zeus. In that cave, Zeus was brought up by the nymphs while the demonical Kouretes would strike their shields loudly so that Cronus may not hear the crying of the baby Zeus and eat it.

It was also to Crete that Zeus, disguised as a bull, took Europa so that they may enjoy their love together. Their union produced a son, Minos, who ruled Crete and turned it into a mighty island empire of the seas. In Minoan times, even Attica would pay a tribute tax to Crete, until Theseus, the Athenian prince, killed the Minotaur. The truth behind the myth is the existence of a mighty and wealthy kingdom and of a civilisation that is considered the most ancient one on the European continent. In 1450 BC and again in 1400 BC the Minoan Civilization was successively devastated possibly due to the eruption of the volcano of Thera and was eventually led to its decline. In the wake of the devastation the Dorians arrived to settle on the island. They were later followed by the Romans. After the Roman rule, Crete becomes a province of Byzantium until the arrival of the Arabs who occupied the island for an entire century (824-961 BC). During the Arab domination, Crete became the lair of pirates who were based out of Chandakas, present day Heraklion .

Next, Crete fell under Byzantine rule again until the arrival of the Venetians who occupied the island for approximately 5 centuries leaving their stamp on the island’s culture. After the fall of Chandakas in 1669, the Turkish Occupation began marked by ferocious and bloody uprisings. At the end of the 19th century Turkish rule came to an end. The Cretan State was created with the King of Greece as the island’s High Commissioner. In 1913, Crete was finally joined officially with Greece. Related Links Visit Greece | Greek islands Greek islands The Greek Archipelago! The islands are the main characteristic of Greece’s morphology and an integral part of the country’s culture and tradition. Greek sovereign land includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited. This is a truly unique phenomenon for the European continent.

The Greek Archipelago takes up 7,500 km of the country’s total 16,000 km coastline, offering a highly diversified landscape: beaches stretching over many kilometers, sheltered bays and coves, sandy beaches with sand-dunes, pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks and dark colored sand typical of volcanic soil and coastal wetlands. Many of these Greek beaches have been awarded the blue flag under the Blue Flags of Europe Program, providing not only swimming, but also scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, sailing and windsurfing. Some of the oldest European civilizations developed on the Greek islands (Cycladic, Minoan civilizations, etc.), so therefore the islands have unique archeological sites , a distinctive architectural heritage and the fascinating local traditions of a centuries-old and multifaceted civilization. The ideal climate, safe waters and small distances between ports and coasts, have made the Greek islands extremely popular among Greek and foreign visitors. Most of the islands are found in the Aegean Sea and are divided into seven groups (from north to south): Crete is divided in to four prefectures. From west to east: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi.

The Ionian Sea has only one island complex: Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefallonia, Lefkada, Paxi, and Kythira which is situated opposite the southern Peloponnese (Laconia). These islands, which are the biggest of the Ionian Sea, constitute the famous Eptanissa (meaning seven islands; epta in Greek means seven). Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Kalamos, Kastos, Mathraki, Meganissi, Othoni, Skorpios, Strofades are smaller islands of the Ionian Sea. The islands of Gavdos (situated south of Crete), Elafonissos (in the Gulf of Laconia) and Trizonis (in the Gulf of Corinth), do not forme a group but are still of unparalleled natural beauty.

Crete | island, Greece | Britannica.com island, Greece Alternative Titles: Candia, Creta, Kirid, Krete, Kríti Related Topics Crete, Modern Greek Kríti, Ancient Greek Crete or Krete, Latin Creta, Turkish Kirid, Venetian Candia, island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea that is one of 13 administrative regions (periféreies) of Greece . Crete, Greece. Arne Nordmann Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and the largest of the islands forming part of modern Greece. It is relatively long and narrow, stretching for 160 miles (260 km) on its east-west axis and varying in width from 7.5 to 37 miles (12 to 60 km). The administrative centre is Irákleio ( Heraklion ; historically Candia), on the north coast. Area 3,218 square miles (8,336 square km). Pop. (2001) 594,368; (2011) 623,065. Land Crete is dominated by harsh mountains rising out of the sea.

The island’s east-west mountainous range consists of four main groups that rise to the island’s highest point, Ídi mountain, 8,058 feet (2,456 metres) in elevation. To the west the Lefká (“White”) Mountains reach 8,045 feet (2,452 metres), and to the east the Díkti Mountains extend to 7,047 feet (2,148 metres) in elevation. Those mountains rise above the high upland plains of Nída, Omalós, and Lasíthi and are marked by several gorges, the best known of which is the Samariá Gorge. The gradually sloping northern coast provides several natural harbours and coastal plains, where such major towns as Chaniá (Khaniá; historically Canea), Réthymno (Réthimnon; historically Rhithymna), and Irákleio are located. The Mesara (Messára) Plain extends along the south-central part of the island for about 18 miles (29 km) and is Crete’s major expanse of flatlands.

Sandy and pebble-strewn beaches dot the coastline. Crete has six small rivers as well as springs, seasonal watercourses and ponds, one natural freshwater lake (Lake Kournás), and several artificial lakes. Entrance to the Ídiean cave in Ídi mountain, Crete, Greece. Henry Hartley Greenland Crete’s climate varies between temperate and subtropical, with an annual average precipitation of about 25 inches (640 mm) and hot dry summers. Winter temperatures are relatively mild. The air in the mountains is temperate and cool. Precipitation in that region is much higher than elsewhere on the island, and the mountains are often covered with snow in the winter (November to May), which may remain on the highest peaks throughout much of the year. The Cretan landscape is dominated by characteristic Mediterranean scrub ( maquis or garigue). Palm trees are intermittent along the coasts, and cedars can be found in the east. An array of plant species (notably flowers) thrive in the moderate climate, many of them native to the island. Hundreds of migratory bird species visit Crete, and there are some small wild animals.

The agrími, or wild goat, is found in remote mountainous areas and on offshore islands, where it finds protection in wildlife reserves. Endemic species of wild plants are especially plentiful in and around the Samariá Gorge, the centrepiece of Samariá National Park, in the southern part of the island in Omalós about 26 miles (42 km) south of Chaniá. Flowers and cacti on a hill in Crete, Greece. © Index Open People The population consists almost entirely of Cretans who speak Greek and belong to the Greek Orthodox Church . English , German , or French are also spoken by many of the younger and urban Cretans. Since the 1970s the population has been shifting from rural areas to the three main cities—Irákleio, Chaniá, and Réthymno—where nearly half of the island’s population now resides (with nearly one-fourth in the Greater Irákleio area alone). Cretans are known for their hospitality and vitality, and much emphasis is placed on bonds between family members. Chaniá (Khaniá), on the Gulf of Khaniá, Crete, Greece.

Lapplaender World Tour Unemployment is relatively low on Crete, with a large proportion of its labour force employed in the services sector, notably in occupations related to tourism. Tourism has replaced agriculture as the economic mainstay of the island and contributes a large proportion of the gross domestic product. Since the 1970s—when the number of tourists visiting the island increased dramatically—much of the traffic has come in the form of package tours for people who prefer to enjoy the sunshine and amenities of hotels along the coast rather than trekking in the mountains and staying in the smaller towns and villages. Cruise ships also provide a large proportion of tourists, while large numbers of summer residents and retirees from northern Europe also add to the population. Britannica Stories Ringling Bros. Folds Its Tent Only about one-third of Crete’s total area can be cultivated , and its farmers have traditionally worked small patches of land with little help from mechanization. The one exception is the Mesara Plain, which is relatively well watered and is one of the few areas that can be farmed efficiently using large machinery, but even there the grain crops are for domestic consumption only.

Despite its inefficient agriculture, Crete is one of Greece’s leading regions for producing olives and olive oil, grapes , vegetables ( tomatoes , potatoes , cucumbers , peppers, and zucchini ), fruits ( oranges ), and carob beans (the flour made from which is used in a variety of foods). Most of that produce is exported. Grapes are used for both wines and raisins and as table grapes, and Crete’s olive trees provide more than one-third of the total national olive crop. In addition to vegetables and fruits, the island produces nuts , herbs, and honey , and for decades Cretans have prospered by using plastic hothouses to grow vegetables and flowers for the winter market in Europe. Stock breeding of sheep and goats is widespread, providing the island’s greatly esteemed yogurt as well as edible meat. Because the Mediterranean has been overfished since the 1960s, fishing does not significantly contribute to the island’s economic prosperity, but it satisfies local needs.

Crete’s industry is largely confined to food-processing equipment (grape and olive presses), building materials (quarried stone and marble, processed lime, and building blocks), and a few ceramics, textiles, soap, leather, and beverage-bottling enterprises. Crete has to import all but the most basic items, including fuels. Connect with Britannica Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest Crete has a good road network. There are two international airports, one in Irákleio and the other in Chaniá, the cities where the island’s principal seaports are also located. A smaller airport in Siteía handles domestic flights. Smaller ports are in Réthymno and Áyios Nikólaos. Ferries operate between Crete and mainland Greece as well as other islands in the Aegean . Government and society For a more-detailed discussion of administration and social conditions in Crete, see Greece: Government and society . The administrative region of Crete is divided into four perifereiakés enótites (regional units)—Chaniá, Réthymno, Irákleio, and Lasíthi—each of which is administered by a prefect appointed by the central government.

The regional units are divided into dímoi (municipalities) for local government purposes; each has its own mayor and council, elected by popular vote. Crete also sends deputies to the Greek parliament. Primary and secondary schooling is mandatory and free for all children on the island. Students attend a lyceum, a university, or polytechnical school after completing high school (gymnasium). Many Cretans study in Athens or abroad in Europe ; others attend the University of Crete in Irákleio or in Réthymno, the Technical University of Crete in Chaniá, or the Technological Education Institute. Virtually the entire population is literate. Cultural life A melting pot of cultures from Europe , Asia , and Africa , Crete is where the first European civilization—the Minoan —thrived. Minoan remains and sites are found at Knossos (Knosós or Cnossus), Phaestus (Phaestos), and numerous other locations throughout the island.

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion (Irákleio) contains a collection of most of the Minoan civilization’s major artifacts; other Minoan remains are housed in regional museums, whereas remnants of Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine , Venetian, and Turkish structures found virtually everywhere are reminders of other periods of Crete’s rich history. Spouted jar in the polychrome Kamáres style, Middle Minoan, c. 1900–1700 bce; … Hirmer Fotoarchiv, Munich Traditional folk culture survives to some degree in villages and small towns. Song forms such as rizitika and mandinades are accompanied by such traditional instruments as the lyre and lute , and dances include the pentozalis, which is traditionally performed by men; the chaniotikos (sirtos); and the faster, livelier maleviziotikos, sousta, and sitiakos. Pottery making, weaving and needle crafts of all kinds, wood carving, and leatherwork are still widely practiced. Britannica Lists & Quizzes Editor Picks: Exploring 10 Types of Basketball Movies Cretan cuisine has become internationally renowned for its healthfulness.

It is based on the use of fresh vegetables and fruits, olive oil, freshly caught fish that is either grilled or baked, and such local cheeses as graviera and myzithra. Meals typically are accompanied by homemade wine and such desserts as patouda (a nut-filled tart) and yogurt made from sheep’s milk with honey. Rural life remains based on the Cretan traditions of farming, stock breeding, fishing, and handicrafts, while urban life blends traditional culture with elements more characteristic of modern cities—boutiques, coffeehouses, cybercafes, cinemas, popular music clubs, and fast-food restaurants. Adult city dwellers frequently spend leisure time in cafés drinking coffee and playing card and board games and, in the evening, lingering over restaurant dinners or attending movies. Thus, a more cosmopolitan culture is increasingly replacing a traditional one, although many young urban dwellers do carry on the traditional music and dances when they return to their ancestral villages. City streets designed for donkeys now carry automobiles, and traffic and air pollution are growing problems. Multistoried urban apartments made of whitewashed concrete blocks contrast with the small houses in the rural villages. Water sports are popular among Cretans, as they are with tourists.

Association football (soccer), basketball , and volleyball are also widely played. History Stone tools found on Crete and dated to some 130,000 years ago have led to the claim that early hominids must have at least briefly settled on Crete, but the true human settlement of the island began not much before 6500 bce. By 3000 bce the Minoan civilization—a Bronze Age culture named for the legendary ruler Minos —was emerging. In its first centuries that culture produced little more than circular vaulted tombs and some fine carved stone vases, but by about 2000 bce the Minoans had begun to build “palaces” on the sites of Knossos (Knosós) , Phaestus , and Mallia (Mália). The Minoan civilization was centred at Knossós and reached its peak in the 16th century bce, trading widely in the eastern Mediterranean. The Minoans produced striking sculpture, frescoes, pottery, jewelry, and metalwork.

Trending Topics Eyjafjallajökull volcano By about 1500 bce Greek mainlanders from Mycenae had assumed an influential role in Minoan affairs. Those Mycenaeans introduced a form of writing known as Linear B , used largely for record keeping. After Crete suffered a major earthquake that destroyed Knossós and other centres about 1450 bce, power in the region passed decisively to the Mycenaeans, with whom Crete was closely associated until the commencement of the Iron Age in 1200 bce. About that time the Dorians , another Greek-speaking people, moved in and organized the island. Crete played a supporting role in the revival of Greek civilization that began in the 9th century bce, and during Athens’s heyday in the 5th century bce Crete fascinated the Greeks as a source of myths , legends , and laws. By 67 bce the Romans appeared and completed their conquest of Crete by converting it into Cyrenaica , a province linked with North Africa .

In 395 ce the island passed to Byzantium (the Eastern Roman Empire); the Arabs gained control over parts of Crete after 824 but lost them back to the Byzantines in 961. In 1204, in the aftermath of the Fourth Crusade, Crusaders sold the island to Venice , which fitted Crete into its growing commercial empire. The native Cretans, however, never abandoned their Orthodox religion, Greek language, and popular lore. The Ottoman Turks , who were already in control of parts of Crete, wrested the capital city of Candia (now Irákleio) from the Venetians in 1669 after one of the longest sieges in history. Crete stagnated under Turkish rule, and native uprisings were always foiled, including those in 1821 and 1866. The Turks were finally expelled by Greece in 1898, after which the island held autonomous status until its union with Greece in 1913. Inset map of Crete (Candia), Greece, from the 10th edition of the Encyclopædia … Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Crete - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up) The rugged island of Crete (or Kriti) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea is the largest of the islands of Greece. It forms one of the country’s 13 administrative regions. In ancient times, Crete was the seat of Minoan culture. The island was one of the stepping-stones by which the arts and sciences of ancient Egypt and Asia passed over to Europe. Beginning in 1900, an English archaeologist, Sir Arthur Evans, uncovered ruins that told the story of the rich, powerful, and highly developed civilization that arose there some 5,000 years ago. At the ancient capital city of Knossos (also spelled Knosos or Cnossus), he laid bare the remains of a great palace. Article Contributors Greek islands GREEK ISLANDS Listening to the words Greek islands, which questions run into your mind... How may are the Greek islands? How come the Greek islands are famous? Do all the Greek islands have the tiny cube-shaped white houses with blue windows? How do I get to the Greek islands? Which one of the Greek islands should I visit?

I'll try in this guide to give answers to all possible questions of those who have never been to the Greek islands or never heard of them. So let's start from the fact that there are various island complexes, which differ a lot from each other. Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Northeast Aegean Islands, the Argo-Saronic Islands, the Sporades and the Ionian Islands. To these island complexes we should add also the islands of Crete & Evia. This is a complex of 220 islands out of which just around 40 are inhabited. Cyclades are located in the middle of the Aegean Sea, which makes access to them from Athens easy. Their name comes form the Greek word "kiklos", meaning circle, as this island complex has a circular formation. To Cyclades belong some of the most visited Greek islands, Mykonos and Santorini. The famous scenery of cube shaped, white-washed houses with blue windows can be found mainly at the Greek islands of this complex.

Famous Cycladic Islands Mykonos with its vivid nightlife and traditional architecture Santorini for its breathtaking natural beauty owed to the volcano and the caldera The name of this island complex come from the Greek word "dodeka" (meaning twelve), as the major islands of the Dodecanese complex are twelve. In total though this island complex consists of around 150 islands, most of them uninhabited. The Dodecanese islands are in the southeastern of the Aegean Sea, neighboring to Turkey. Ferry connection to these islands is not that frequent and the trip may last longer, but they can be reached by plane. Not to mention that at the two major and most famous of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes and Kos islands arrive many charter flights daily. The influence from the Venetians can be seen at all Dodecanese islands as they have been under Italian government until 1947. Famous Dodecanese Islands Rhodes with its Medieval Town, which is under the protection of UNESCO Patmos where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation Just right next to Athens and Piraeus, you can find a small island complex with 7 inhabited islands.

The Argo-Saronic islands are named after the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs, in which they are located. In great proximity to Athens, no more than 10min by ferry you can find Salamina island and more to the south of this complex the island of Spetses. Some of the Argo-Saronic islands like Spetses and Hydra have maintained their traditional architecture and style and have prohibited vehicles. Famous Argosaronic Islands Salamina for the Battle of Salamis between the ancient Greek cities and Persia that has taken place there Aegina for the famous Temple of Aphaia In the northern part of the Aegean Sea there is another small island complex, known as Sporades. Out of the 24 islands of the complex only four of them are inhabited, Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros. These islands are famous for the natural beauty and green forests that cover them.

Famous Sporades Islands Alonissos the natural habitat of Mediterranean Monk Seal Skiathos for the beach Koukounadies and the nudist Banana beach In the Ionian Sea, which is at the western side of Greece, neighboring to Italy, there is another island complex with its own characteristics. In Greek it is also known as Eptanisa, meaning the seven islands, because guess what.it consists of 7 main islands. With the exception of Paxoi islands, the Ionian islands are much bigger than those you will find at the Aegean Sea. These islands have been under Venetian rule for centuries, therefore one can see up to today the influence of the Italians in the architecture and local's culture. Characteristic of the Ionian islands is their natural beauty. In contrast to the Cycladic islands which are barren, the Ionian islands are covered by green forests that end at the golden beaches and turquoise waters. Port Katsiki beach of Lefkada and the Navagio Bay in Zante are some of the most photographed beaches of Greece.

Famous Ionian Islands Corfu with the vivid traditions and the Ithaca the homeland of Odysseys The rest of the Aegean Sea islands that do not belong to one of the typical complexes mentioned above are named after their location. They do not have much in common with the small and barren Cycladic islands nor do they resemble much to the Dodecanese. Each one of these islands is unique; Lesvos, Samos, Chios, Ikaria are all large islands of great natural beauty, history and with strong traditions. Famous Northeast Aegean Islands Lesvos homeland of ancient poet Sapho and land where ouzo is produced Chios the only islands producing the famous mastic gum Crete is an island lying at the south of the Aegean. As it is the biggest island of Greece and the 5th largest island of the Mediterranean it cannot be categorized into any other island complex. Its main four cities are Agios Nikolaos, Rethymno, Chania and Heraklio, which is also the Crete's capital. For more information on Crete find a detailed guide. Evia cannot also fit in any island complex.

Many forget it is an island (the second largest in Greece) due to its proximity to the mainland of Greece. Access to Evia is easy as the island is connected with a modern bridge with mainland. A small island of just 4 square miles is called Megisti , meaning Biggest Greek islands, like Aghios Efstratios and Giaros, were used as an internal exile for political prisoners until the early 70's Mykonos island has a mascot 5 decades now, which is a pelican called Peter The island of Kythira is geographically, culturally and historically belongs (is closer) to the Ionian islands, but administratively Kythira belongs to the prefecture of Piraeus. Despite all these, the closer ties and some service provision by the nearby mainland prefecture of Lakonia. Cycladic Islands

Question: What is the largest island in Greece?
Answer: Crete