
19/03/2025
Did You Know That Crete…?
🌍 …is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean, covering 8,336 sq. km with a coastline of 1,046 km?
🏛 …is home to the oldest civilization in Europe, the Minoan civilization, with the Palace of Knossos being one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world?
⛰ …boasts three major mountain ranges—the White Mountains, Mount Psiloritis, and the Dikti Mountains, with Psiloritis reaching 2,456 meters in altitude?
🏞 …has over 200 gorges, including the Samaria Gorge, which at 18 km is the largest gorge in Europe?
🕳 …contains more than 5,000 caves, with Gourgouthakas Cave in the White Mountains being the deepest in Greece, reaching 1,208 meters?
🌿 …hosts over 1,750 species of plants, 160 of which are endemic, meaning they exist only on Crete?
🌳 …has more than 30 million olive trees, producing one of the world’s finest olive oils?
🌊 …has the clearest seawater in Europe, with visibility exceeding 40 meters?
🌬 …grows 1 centimeter every 1,000 years, thanks to Saharan dust carried by southern winds?
🏝 …is surrounded by 34 islands, each larger than 100 acres?
🐦 …is home to swallows in southern Crete that stay year-round instead of migrating?
📍 …is almost equidistant from Africa and mainland Europe?
🌍 …was lifted by up to 9 meters in its western part due to a devastating earthquake in 365 AD?
✨ Crete is an island full of surprises, blending rich history, breathtaking nature, and warm hospitality!