The island of Crete is equipped with more tourist facilities
than any other Greek island, which is fair enough because it is the
largest. The reason why thousands of foreigners visit Crete each
year, however, is not so much for the traditional Greek island
experience, as for investigating the remains of the archaic Minoan
culture that flourished here thousands of years before Christ. Some
parts of the island have been overpowered by tourist resorts and
massive hotels, but fortunately Crete does still allow for
exploring endless beaches, numerous villages, remote mountains and
some natural curiosities like caves and gorges for those who take
pains to avoid the 'madding crowds'.
The famed Minoan archaeological sites, particularly the palace
of Knossos and Phaistos, are vast and can take a great deal of time
and effort to fully explore and appreciate. There are numerous
other sites of interest as well, and not all related to the Minoan
era. Crete has experienced thousands of years of habitation and has
a complicated and diverse heritage, including years of Roman,
Venetian and Turkish rule, that have all left their mark.
As one experienced traveller reportedly said: 'there is lots to
see on Crete, and a lot not to see.' The best of Crete for those
who do not want an in-and-out package style visit can be found on
the east and west tips of the island, areas that have retained most
of the island's traditions and natural beauty, as opposed to the
northern coast that has been harshly overdeveloped. Gateway to the
island is the large, modern city of Heraklion, which is anything
but an island idyll, but a vital commercial centre.
