Official Language:
Greek
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Currency:
EUR
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Population:
Approximately 6800 people call Crete home and appr
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Heraklion Crete Greece: The climate in Crete is typically Mediterranean. There are two main seasons: A dry, hot summer (May-October) and a damp, rainy winter (November-April).
Spring announces its presence with an abundance of magnificent wild flowers. Rainfall is higher on the mountains and snow can be seen on the peaks until June. Temperatures during the summer range from 65-90's °F (18-32°C). Evening and early mornings are cooler, from the 50-60's (10-16°C). Later summer and fall will have slightly cooler temperatures. Crete has more than 300 sunny days a year, the best in Europe.The temperature on the plains seldom falls to freezing point and snow is rare.
The temperature along the shores of the Libyan sea is high in the summer, while the "Meltemia " (prevailing north winds, often strong) make the northern shores pleasantly cool from mid- June to the beginning of September. As a result of the ground structure, there is a great difference in climate between the three main areas: the northern coast, the southern coast and the mountainous area.
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Heraklion, the capital of Crete is located on the north coast. Crete is an island of rugged mountains, olive orchards galore, and many vineyards. You will also find the remains of the Minoans, Europe's earliest civilization. The Minoans flourished from about 2000 BC to 1200 BC. You will find yourself involved with the Greek mythology, the fabulous archaeological museum, as well as the Palace of Knossos, which is home to the legendary Minotaur of Crete.
Crete gave us one of the greatest painters in the world, Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco). This was also the birthplace of Kornaros, Kazantzakis, & Prevelakis as well as other numerous thinkers.
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Attractions |
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Crete
Palace of Knossos
Visit the ruins of the Great Palace of Knossos. There are almost 4000 years of history in this palace. which contains over 1,000 rooms and an extensive network of paved roads. See the amazing reconstruction that has recreated the palace's physical structure and atmosphere.
Archaeological Museum
Located in the Venetian church of San Francesco. Home to exhibits from western Crete and other areas dating from the Neolithic to the Roman era. Iincluding statues, inscriptions, weapons, pottery, coins, & jewellery.
Tomb In Mathioulaki's Plot
This tomb belongs to the cemetery of the Hellenistic city of Kydonia. Large, rock cut family tomb. The long dromos steps leads you to the entrance. Nine burial chambers with doors are arranged within a central space with names of the deceased written above each door. The tomb is preserved under a modern building and can be visited by the public after arrangement with the Ephorate of Antiquities.
Getting around the island
Bus transportation available. Crete has an extensive network of good roads and regularly scheduled buses.
Shopping
Crete’s rich tradition in hand-woven fabrics, embroideries, wood-carvings and jewellery-shopping is popular amongst visitors to the island. Shopping is found within the marketplace of the city as well as within the villages.
HERAKLION
Visitors to Heraklion should go to the archaeological site at Knossos and the Archaelogical Museum of Iraklion that houses most of the Minoan findings in Crete. You should also visit the Historical museum of Iraklion where you will see findings of the early Christian era. Also visit the Museum of Natural History.
You should also see Koubes, a fountain built by the Turks. It is located at the end of the central market. Visitors can walk the old Venetian walls that meet, called "Koules", that dominates the old harbor of the city.
The old town is only a short walk from the pier. Since this was once the Venetian capital of Crete it was surrounded by huge capital of Crete, massive 16th and 17th century city walls surround it. One of the main attractions here is the Knossos Palace, considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time. This palace is partially reconstructed and offers a glimpse into the cultural life of the prehistoric Minoans. Exploring the other regions of Crete you will find beautiful views. The Greek Orthodox monastery of Saint George Selinaris is a romantic setting that caters many weddings. Agios Nikloaos, the most popular island resort, is also known as the Saint Tropez of Crete.
Shopping:
You will find inexpensive reproductions of Minoan artifacts sold here as souvenirs. This is the place to find unique items. There are a number of quaint shops near the harbor and cafes are actually located on some of the boats.
Beaches:
There is a nice sandy beach just east of Heraklion at Amnissos. Although Agios Nikolaos is a popular tourist area, the nearby beaches are overcrowded and poor. The best beaches are to the north at Elounda and along the Sitia road at Ammoudi and Almyros.
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More Information |
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Web: http://www.greektourism.com/travel_guide/regions/crete/index.stm
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