| AREA |
8.259 sq. kms |
 |
| POPULATION |
650.000 inhabitants |
|
| CAPITAL |
Heraklion |
|
DIVISIONS
ADMINISTRATIVE |
4 Prefectures:
Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Lassithi. |
|
| RELIGION |
Mostly Greek Orthodox |
|
| LANGUAGE |
Modern Greek.
English is widely spoken and French can be used in most hotels |
|
| CURRENCY |
The euro (€) |
|
| LOCAL TIME |
+1 hour later than Central European Time, in
summer and winter. GMT +2 |
|
| CLIMATE |
Mediterranean, with mild winters (11°- 15°C)
and hot summers (25°-35°C). Generous sunlight accounts for a tourist season
that extends from mid-March to late October. |
|
| GEOGRAPHY |
The 5th largest island in the Mediterranean,
Crete is 255 km. long, with a width ranging from 12 to 61 km. Its terrain is
quite mountainous, dominated by three massive mountain ranges. Its four
biggest cities are to be found on the northern coast, which is also its
most developed area, whereas the rocky southern coast is generally not
easily accessible. |
|
| FAUNA & FLORA |
A number of rare animal species survive on or
around the island, most notably the Monachus monachus seal, the Caretta
caretta sea turtle, the small Mediterranean whale, the wild ibex (kri-kri),
which only lives in the Samaria gorge, as well as numerous endemic species
and a large variety of birds. Plant species amount to about 1,450, with 220
found solely on Crete. |
|
| ENTERING COUNTRY |
The Citizens of E.U. states only need a valid
identity card. |
|
| VACCINATION |
None required. |
|
| AIRPORTS |
There are two international airports on the
island: Heraklion " Nikos Kazantzakis airport" Chania " Yannis Daskaloyannis
airport". |
|
| PORTS |
The four main cities are actually ports, with
daily boat connections to Piraeus. |
|
| PUBLIC TRANSPORT |
Two kinds of buses operate on the island: blue
ones (urban lines) and green ones (intercity lines). |
|
| ELECTRICITY |
Current: 220 A.
You can use all electrical and audiovisual equipment during your stay. |
|
| OPENING HOURS |
Banks are open Monday through Friday from 8 am
to 2 pm. Shops are open Monday, Wednesday Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm,
Tuesday. Thursday, Friday from 8 am to 9 pm, with a 3-hour afternoon break. |
|
| MUSEUMS |
You can find archaeological, folklore,
historical etc. museums in all four prefectures, among which the most
prominent is the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, the 2nd most important
in Greece (after the one in Athens). |
|
| GASTRONOMY |
Avoiding animal fat. Cretan cuisine
essentially uses olive oil, fresh vegetables and wild herbs abundant in the
countryside. Meat (lamb, rabbit, poultry) is of excellent quality and is
generally served grilled or roasted. Fish, seafood, cheese, yoghurt and
honey contribute to a diet which ensures good health and longevity. |
|
| CRETAN LIFE |
The Cretans' best-known attribute is their
pride, stemming from their mythic origins: a race pure and dignified, having
already revolted a thousand times against numerous would-be conquerors, but
also tender and sweet, like the love verses known as mantinades. For the
Cretans, life is a carnival, a chance to enjoy a good meal flavoured with
the rhythms of their traditional music (lyre, violin, flute) and dances,
always having a warm welcome in store for you! |
|
