In history, few places are as important as the island of Crete. This island sitting in the middle of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea is the meeting point for the East and West. Over many centuries this island came under successive rules of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks. All of these rulers have contributed to the rich, colourful and diverse culture of which the island is composed today.
Long before the existence of classical Greece, Crete and the surrounding islands were home to the advanced and highly cultured society of the Minoans. These were the first civilisation ever to set foot on European soil. Legend has it that Crete was also the first home and birthplace of Zeus, thus bequeathing to Greece its oldest myths.
For three thousand years the Minoan civilisation lived on the islands; the most famous village of all being Knossos; here the beautiful palace can be savoured in all its glory. However, the most picturesque place has got to be Aptera, this was the most important city on Crete from the fifth century BC through to early Christian times. Here you find much splendour, a Greek classical temple, Roman cisterns, an amphitheatre, a Turkish fort and some simply breathtaking views.
A visit to the archaeological and naval museums in Chania is also highly recommended. There are also the war cemeteries at Souda and Maleme, two reminders of the Second World War at its worst. The islands really do have so much history to offer and can be explored with ease.