Crete, Greece Guide

Encircled by a dazzling fringe of turquoise flecked with darkest blue, you’ll soon see why the mighty Minoans, Europe’s first great civilisation, laid claim to this fabled land. Step back in time through Crete’s many treasures, traces of bygone societies who sought after the island. Take in the grandeur of the Minoan Palace at Knossos or stroll the Venetian streets of picturesque Chania harbour, peppered with pretty boutiques.

From the seclusion of your luxury villa, you’ll get a taste of timeless Crete. Choose from properties perched above the fine-sand beaches and glittering lagoons that dot the northern coast, or opt for the rugged cliffs and hidden pink coves of the southern shores. Either way you’ll enjoy a backdrop of the lofty White Mountains at the island’s centre, snow-capped peaks soaring in the distance.

Lose yourself in lazy villages, white houses clustered at the water’s edge or spend long days gazing out into the mesmerising blue from the comfort of your infinity pool. By night, your chef will whip up Cretan cuisine - thick crumbly cheeses drizzled in local olive oil and honey, washed down with a glass of home-grown wine. Breathe in the fragrant mountain breeze, laced with wild thyme and rosemary, as you look down on the twinkling lights of the harbour below.

Crete, the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, has a long and fascinating history that spans over 5,000 years. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa has made it a coveted territory for numerous civilizations, leaving behind a rich and diverse cultural heritage.

The earliest evidence of human presence on Crete dates back to the Neolithic period, around 7000 BC. The island was initially inhabited by the Minoans, a sophisticated Bronze Age civilization that flourished from 2700 BC to 1450 BC. The Minoans, known for their advanced architecture, art, and trading networks, left behind impressive ruins such as the Palace of Knossos, which still stands today.

In the 15th century BC, the Minoan civilization was abruptly ended by a catastrophic eruption of the Thera volcano, causing massive destruction and leading to the decline of the Minoans. This opened the door for the Mycenaeans, a Greek-speaking tribe, to conquer and rule Crete for the next several centuries.

Around 1400 BC, the island faced a series of invasions and occupations by different powers, including the Dorians, the Romans, and the Byzantines. In 824 AD, Crete was conquered by the Arabs and remained under Islamic rule for the next 137 years, until it was recaptured by the Byzantines in 961 AD.

In the 13th century, Crete became a Venetian colony and thrived under Venetian rule for over four centuries. The Venetians heavily fortified the island, building impressive castles, such as the famous Fortezza in Rethymno, to protect it from invaders. During this time, Crete also saw a flourishing of the arts, with the emergence of the Cretan School, which produced renowned artists and masterpieces of religious iconography.

In 1669, the Ottomans conquered Crete, ending the Venetian rule and ushering in a period of oppression and resistance. The Cretan people fiercely fought against the Ottoman occupation, with several rebellions and revolutions taking place over the next two centuries.

In 1898, Crete finally gained autonomy and became a semi-independent state under the protection of the Great Powers. However, it wasn’t until 1913 that Crete officially joined Greece and became an integral part of the modern Greek state.

Today, Crete continues to be a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. The island’s past can still be seen and felt in its ancient ruins, medieval towns, and traditional villages, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in delving into the fascinating history of Greece.