Crete, the island of miracles

Crete, land of Daidalos and Ikaros, is the largest island of Greece, separating the Aegean from the Libyan Sea and marking the boundary between Europe and Africa. On Crete, the scenery is constantly changing.

Majestic mountains rise in its centre –the Lefka Ori, Psiloritis, Dikti– full of legends and history, while its plateaus are split by deep gorges, ending up in lush valleys.

This island’s fertile soil and towering peaks witnessed the development of one of the most important civilizations on earth, the Minoan (2800-1150 B.C.).

With its clear, warm sea, boundless beaches lined with tamarisks and mild starry nights, Crete is an idyllic place for vacation but for living as well, in bustling Iraklio, cosmopolitan Aghios Nikolaos, picturesque Rethymno or enchanting Chania.

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)

Trekking in Greece: Cretan Routes

 (GREEK NEWS AGENDA)  Crete is a large island, which combines snow-capped mountains, rolling hills covered with olive trees and over 1000 km of varied coastline with astonishing beaches. By going off the beaten track, trekkers discover the rugged splendour of the south-western part of the island behind the Lefka Ori (White Mountains). The village of Paleochora, a resort perched on a peninsula, is the starting point of a beautiful coastal route leading to a lush, green region built on the remains of ancient Lissos.  The route passes through a small gorge and ends in Sougia, a settlement located on the site of ancient Syia. Along their route from Paleochora to Sfakia, trekkers come upon some of the most impressive sections of the E4 European path as it moves along the steep slopes of Lefka Ori and offers a view to the Libyan Sea.  The total length of the E4 European path is 6,300 km of which 1,600 km belong to Greece.  Agrotravel routes: Palaeochora to Sougia Map; Weather: Current Conditions at Paleochora; Agrotravel directories: Paths in Greece-Crete; West Crete webguide: www.west-crete.com