Crete Island,Greece

Out in the dark blue sea there lies a land called Crete, a rich and lovely land, washed by the waves on every side...". This quote from Odyssey truly magnifies the

real beauty of the Crete Island. The contrast of the terrains besides the ideal location, has contributed to its popularity for being a major tourist destination in the world. Replete with rich fertile plains in the coastal areas and craggy barren mountainous range, there is so much to see that a single tryst with the Crete Island is not enough! The Crete Island is one of the largest of the Greek Islands that reveals diversity at its best. From the old stone houses to modern structures, from the laid back small villages to the trendy bustling capital, Crete has everything for an awe-inspiring experience.

While the human population amounts to about 650,000, there are several millions of olive trees which has contributed in keeping Crete in the embrace of greenery. No wonder, the island is a popular choice for many visitors from northern Europe and also from across the globe. The Island of Crete has four prefectures, namely, Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lasithi.

The charm of Crete is different when compared to the other parts of Greece. The known history of Crete Island can be traced back to the Neolithic ages. Some records also show that Crete was occupied by the Romans in 67 BC. It also became a part of the Byzantine Empire from the period between 325 AD to 824 AD. Riding on the wings of time, Crete experienced the best and worst of many historical events to reach to the present state. Crete remained autonomous until its final unification with Greece in 1913. In spite of the historical scars being evident on the face of Crete, the locals take enough pride for their Cretan origin.

From the mountain villages to the coastal towns on the eastern and the western fringes of the island, nature has managed to keep its traditional beauty almost intact. However, some of the beach towns of Crete got influenced by the package tour and gigantic hotel business. Those desiring for a club styled vacation will find immense pleasure here. For those interested to find the real spectacular Crete, it is best to explore the place with enough time in hand.

At present, Crete has a flourishing economy which is dependent on the tourism industry. The plethora of giant hotels and resorts armed with splendid facilities is a great turn on for travelers on a holiday hideout. The southern part of the Island comprise crowded and isolated beaches. Popular all over the world for its fruit and vegetable production, Crete deserves a visit at least once in lifetime!

Holidayshub.com provides detailed online information on Crete Islands in Greece.