CRETE

Crete, a place blessed in every aspect. Blessed with rich history and culture, dynamic economy, and outstanding natural beauty. The largest island of Greece situated in a strategic position in the Mediterranean, the southernmost point of Europe.

Crossroads of different cultures, since according to historical records, the island has been inhabited by generations of Minoans, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Turks, Jews, Egyptians. According to mythology, Crete-born Zeus was born and raised in Crete. Furthermore, Minos has been referred to Greek Mythology as the son of Zeus and Europe. Homer, in his Iliad refers also to Minoan Crete and its ninety countries with the brave young men.

The island has remained under Turkish occupation for nearly 250 years and was united with Greece in 1913. Today Crete is a contemporary and cosmopolitan island, maintaining however its traditional features which are further developed, contributing thus to the development of tourism, consisting a "heavy industry" sector and one of the island’s main wealth resources.

Summer in Crete lasts eight months ... favouring both tourism and the production of goods from Crete’s fertile soils, as well as the development of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy.

Tourism is the fastest growing sector of the island, whereas demand has motivated significant investment in hotels, resulting in quantitative and qualitative upgrading of hotel infrastructure and accommodation.

The island has numerous and excellent beaches which have won international awards and can satisfy even the most demanding tastes, either for cosmopolitan or for secluded beaches.

In recent years certain operators have attempted an additional "opening" to new markets in order to attract tourism and channel the outstanding products of Cretan land. Crete produces excellent oil, raisins, whereas early vegetables are cultivated and exported throughout Europe, whereas many herbs and native plants are grown in Cretan mountains.

In the mountainous parts of the island both nature tourism and livestock farming are developed, producing this high quality milk and dairy products. Furthermore, Cretan diet is prominent, offering benefits linking tourism with the primary sector. This diet has classified Cretan to be the longest living people on the planet, but unfortunately Cretan diet tends to be abandoned in recent years because of the modern lifestyle.

Finally, renewable energy sources are growing rapidly within the last years on the island, offering thus a different perspective on the economy of Crete.