At 160 miles long and 37 miles across at the widest point, this is the largest of the Greek islands.
It sits at the southern border of the Aegean Sea and of the European continent, about 100 miles south of Athens.
Many of our published Greece tours visit this island, either on a cruise or an island-hopper program.
The ancient city of Knossos on the north side of the island was the center of the sophisticated Minoan civilization which thrived for about 1,500 years until it vanished around 1,500 BCE.
The ruins of Phaistos and Aigia Triada on the island were also Minoan cities. Artefacts from the Minoan cities can be seen at the world-class Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, the island’s largest city.
In the picturesque city of Chania, colorful buildings frame the old Venetian Harbor.
In Elounda, you’ll find luxury beach resorts. Serious trekkers can spend weeks exploring the island’s mountainous interior but there are plenty of day hikes too.
Two of our Greece tours that visit this island: Gaia and Artemis.
Can you name that island?
Leave a Reply