DISCOVER CRETE
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One of the fastest growing markets in Luxury Tourism due to new infrastructure and emerging markets
The largest island in Greece
Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth in size in the entire Mediterranean with an area covering 8,303 square kilometres.
The current population of Crete is 700,000 residents with statistical research indicating that in the next decade it will double due to the increasing interest of European retirees settling permanently on the island. In addition, there is a remarkable influx of other labour forces and other settlers from both northern Greece and other countries.
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Future Growth & Development of Crete
Currently housing two of the largest ports in the Mediterranean and two international airports, in Heraklion and Chania, Crete is acclaimed for its healthcare infrastructure due to the university hospitals and medical research centers.
Crete is expected to play a significant role in the development of Greece in the near future because, in addition to favourable demographics and excellent climate, there are significant public and private investments that are already underway.
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Terrain
High mountains (2.5K m high) with snow during the winter months; tracking routes and rich forests only one hour away from globally awarded sandy beaches; and peninsulas with extreme natural beauty.
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Beaches
The beaches in Crete are ranked among the top beaches in Europe.
Soft, golden sands; and crystal-clear waters create the idyllic settings drawing many vacationers to the island.
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Food
Cretan cuisine is renowned, both in Greece and internationally, for its unique flavours based on simple techniques and local produce of excellent quality: mountain herbs and wild greens; bulbs; unique cheeses and cured meats; fresh fish and seafood; and of course the famous Cretan oil and raki, a bracing grape brandy.
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Culture
Crete's strong local culture plays an instrumental role in the daily lives of the people. Music, dance, food; traditional weddings and festivals, are all part of this integral and deeply intimate cultural heritage.
Cretans are world-famous for their hospitality and the warm way in which they treat guests. Welcoming and caring for the traveller are both literally in the nature of the Cretan people.
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History
During the 7th millennium BC Crete lived in the period of the Minoan civilization; the oldest civilization in Europe and the first, in Europe to having built a palace.
Since then the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Turks and Modern Greeks have left their mark on the island.
