Crete, the largest in size island of Greece and the fifth in the Mediterranean, rooted in the midst of sea, is a place that combines many contrasts. It is characterized by frequent changes in the landscape, by different kinds of climate, by fertile grounds densely inhabited especially along the northern coastline and by quite developed small businesses and developing industries.

Since very early it became a kind of bridge at the crossroad of the three continents but at the same time a ring in the chain of civilizations that developed in the area.

The beginning of its history is lost right at the point where reality becomes one with the myths. It begins with the development of a far-reaching civilization, that of the Minoans which began in the middle of the 2nd millennium BC and had as central character the powerful and wise King and Legislator, King Minos. The name of the founder of this mighty sea power was linked with the myths of Daedal and Icarus, of the maze and the Minotaur and of Theseus.

The numerous cities with the epoch-making architecture along with the unique treasures that were brought to light through the excavations carried out in the area, brought into being mythological memories about the uniqueness, power and wealth of the Minoan society. This civilization, which during its last stages appears as an amalgam of Cretan and Mycenaean elements from the continental part of Greece, played a major role in the development of classical Hellenism, especially as far as its mythological and religious aspect is concerned. According to tradition, Zeus, the father of all people and gods, was born in one of the caves on Crete, at 'Ideon antro' or 'Diktaion antro' as it is called, a place known also as a place of Minoan worship.

Moving on in history, the island changes repeatedly lords and oppressors. At first it became an envied Roman province, then a Byzantine domain with a short interval under the Saracen pirates’ rule, ending up being sold after 1204, during the Frankish rule, to the Venetians. The period of the Venetian occupation, however, which lasted until the mid of the 17th century, is considered to be a time of renaissance as the well-rooted Byzantine tradition of the island was enriched positively by the Italian models of expressions. Productive results of this unification are the artistic, theatrical and literary treasures as they were depicted on the works of Theotokopoulos (El Greco), of Kornaros and of Hortatsis.

This period, in particular after 1669 when the Turks dominated, was superseded by a period of oppression, economic degradation and spiritual dryness.

The residents' unfailing concern for their uprising-that was attempted and stifled for more than 400 times-that could lead to their freedom was the only thing positive at the time. Their endless encouragement came through their language and religion that remained unchanged throughout the period of the Turkish occupation.

During the more recent years, Crete's unification with Greece was realized in 1912 after a short period of home-rule that followed the definite separation from Turkey at the end of the 19th century.

Today Crete is separated into 4 counties (the county of Heraklion, of Lassithi, of Rethymnon and of Hania) and constitutes one of Greece's districts in which some smaller islands, such as Gavdos, Elafonisi, Dia, Spinalonga and Dionisades, are included, too.

A visitor here may become confused, though only for a while, by this intense sense of the Minoan civilization mixed with the Medieval Renaissance and the Turkish presence that the island breathes out. However, thereafter he will be charmed by the dense historical sequence of events about which he will develop an urge to find out more as his look will fall on the ruins of the Minoan palaces, the superhuman Venetian castles and fortifications and the Turkish lighthouses and mosques.

Furthermore, walking through the narrow streets and the old neighborhoods of many of the isle's cities initially reminds someone of the city of Naples with its distinct architecture, an impression that disappears as soon as the visitor comes across the ruins of the Turkish mosques.

The walk around the Minoan palaces, down the gorge of Samaria, along the beach where the palm-tree forest of Vai is and inside Arkadi is also worthwhile. But, no matter where he is on Crete, the visitor has always this sense that the island has a separate personality, one with traits arising from the personalities of Minos, Erotokritos, Captain Michalis and Zorbas.