Crete is a very beautiful island and you should spend at least two weeks exploring it in order to get a good feel for it. The west, in my opinion is the most scenic and least spoiled. The south, away from the main transit lines, is less spoiled than the North as well. (I.e. the south west is the least touristy and the north east the most.) Of the "must see "site of the island you should not miss the Samarian Gorge. This gorge is cut through the beautiful White Mountains. It is extremely scenic with crisp blue water running through it. Chania, the capital of the west and the traditional capital of the island has a very photogenic Venetian quarter and a lively public market. It is scenically set by the White Mountains and there are numerous day trips. Rythemnon is the third largest city and has some impressive buildings. Its downfall is only a few day trips are possible when you use Rythemnon. Knossos is the greatest of the Minoan palaces and the one that has been rebuilt (with much debate). Irakilon is the modern capital and the largest city. However, it houses many of the Minoan ruins that were found on the island.

    The following outline is to give you an idea of this great island. Note, this is a brief outline. Most books on the island's history are over 400 pages long. To keep down load times down, I have created a separate history page.

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