Greece: BRIEFLY ABOUT CRETE

Cradle of European civilization: Crete

Crete is the cradle of European civilization, the Motherland of Zeus, the major Ancient Greek god, and just a wonderful island full of olive trees and friendly locals.

view from the hotel Altis, Malia, Crete

Briefly about Crete

Crete is free from heavy industry. People produce olive oil and other olive goods, grow fruit and vegetables and raise cattle. Mountains, surrounding seas and fresh air make the island a convenient place for a living. No wonder, Cretan people are famous for their longevity.

Crete, the Cretan Sea

Tourist Information

In comparison to some other islands, the highways are poorly lightened. Due to mountainous relief the speed restriction is usually 70 km/h. As the island is comparatively small, driving a car is the best way to travel around. It is easy to rent a car, quad or motor bike on Crete. The currency is Euro. English, German and Russian are the most popular languages at the tourist areas. It is moderately not expensive to have lunch or dinner at a “Taverna”. Taverna stands for “restaurant” on Crete. Almost every restaurant has its own garden nearby. Fruit and vegetables are much bigger than those ones in continental Europe. 

Crete, Greece, Taverna - Restaurant

Cretan Food 

As for traditional food, the Greek salad is named "Χωριάτικη". Olive oil of different levels of acidity is added to various dishes. Fish is always fresh. You wouldn’t find Cretan tinned fish. The wine is young, no more than 3 years old, otherwise they consider it spoilt. Raki, grape-based alcohol beverage, is a Cretan drink of 40-70% by volume. Ouzo is another drink which you can bring with you as a souvenir. Frozen yoghurt, honey and pastry based on honey are the common dessert on the island. Cretan coffee and dairy products are very tasty and can be consumed without any fear to get food poisoning. 

near the hotel Altis, Crete, Greece

Numerous sights, including ancient ruins of palaces and old fortresses, more than 3000 caves, in one of which pirate Barbarossa hid his treasure, and marvelous landscapes make Crete unforgettable. 

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