
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, lying in the southern Aegean between mainland Greece and the North African coast.
Ringed by the Mediterranean and split lengthwise by mountain ranges rising to Mount Ida, Crete was the seat of the Minoan civilisation. Visitors tour the restored palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, walk the Samaria Gorge in the White Mountains, and explore the Venetian-era harbours of Chania and Rethymno.