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Crete History
By Katia Luz
Stories woven with the threads of time
Crete History - "the history is as colourful and enigmatic as the modern island today..."
From the Minoans of ancient times, through the miraculous discoveries of archaeology, such as linear scripts, revealing layer upon layer of civilisation, dynasties, rulers, monarchs, despots, pirates, traders, goddess worshippers, plunderers, creators, liberators, heroes and in between the stories, the pages, we find the soul of the people of Crete.
From 7000-3700 BC
From 3700-600 BC
Ancient ruins to visit all over the island.
Knossos Palace
62 km from Heraklion in central Crete.
40 km from Heraklion in central Crete
140 km from Heraklion is located in eastern Crete
The creative mind behind Knossos Palace
The mythological King of Crete.
Dotted all around the island
Books and resources about Cretan history
The Frescoes of Knossos
A story of rebellion
A historic monastery in eastern Crete
Ruins of a Roman town 50 km south of Heraklion.
How to see the collections including the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion which houses artifacts from Knossos.
The Historical Museum of Crete houses modern interactive displays covering 17 centuries of stories from 330 AD to modern times.
Beneath the waters of Elounda Bay, snorkel to discover hidden remains of an ancient town.
History and myth - how to get to this cave on the slopes of Mt Ida or Psiloritis.
Crete History
Griffin Fresco from Knossos Palace
The ancient history of Crete from the pre-palatial period to the Twilight of the Goddess circa 1400 BC is rich with research riddles, conflicting theories and exquisite archaeological finds.
Stories tell us of the ancient Minoan period from 2600 to 1100 BC, the Geometric and Daedalian period 1100-620 BC, the Classical 500-330 BC and Hellenistic 330-67 BC periods and Greco-Roman period 67 BC -323 AD.
After the First Byzantine period 330-824 came the years of Arab rule between 824-961, after liberation the Second Byzantine period 961-1210 after which came Venetian and Genoan rule then Turkish rule for 400 years. Liberation came again in 1898 after many terrible and rebellious years. Unification with the modern state of Greece came in 1913.
Minoan Fresco of Women in Blue from Knossos Palace
The pantheon of Greek Gods and Goddesses weave their plots and
stories over Kriti. Crete is home to many tales of strife, love, war and
bloodshed. The myths, some of the earliest story-telling are still relevant and saucy today.
Travellers have long been drawn to the ancient sites and archaeological digs in Crete. Sir Arthur Evans, with his well publicised love affair with Knossos, has created a unique reconstruction of the palace, still debated by historians and locals alike.
The Minoan palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros draw thousands of curious visitors every year. Other extraordinary sites include Gortyna, Lato and Polyrinia.
Visit our dedicated pages about the ancient sites of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros.
Crete is home to extraordinary historic collections in world class museums.
The Castles of Crete
The stories of Crete history are told by our beautiful and haunting castles such as
Frangokastello. Dotted around the island in strategic locations that sometimes
today are very isolated, the castles are in various states of ruin.
Intrigue whispers from every stone of the Castles of Crete.
The Kazarma in SitiaMinoan Palaces
Knossos Palace Site
Phaistos Palace Site
Malia Palace Site
Zakros Palace SiteHistoric Hotels in Crete
Casa Delfino - this former mansion dates from 17th century. It has
been restored and converted into an exclusive hotel with exquisite
taste. From the mosaic in the courtyard, to the rooftop terrace with
beautiful view over Chania harbour, everything is quality at Casa
Delfino.
Tucked in behind the harbour amongst the narrow streets of old
Chania, the Delfino is only a twist and a turn from the harbour with its
endless ribbon of cafes and tavernas by the waterfront. With only 24
rooms and suites, this really is a peaceful piece of paradise, so
stylish it has been visited by royalty such as Queen Sofia of Spain.
Theofanous 9,
Chania, Crete
Serenissima Boutique Hotel - soak up the atmosphere of the old town of Chania, eat dinner by the reflected waters of the Venetian harbour, stay in a restored boutique hotel.
This is one of our most romantic favourite
places in Crete. We love the atmosphere, the character of the old
streets and mosaic of architecture all cobbled together around the
harbour side.
Skoufon 4, Chania, Crete
Avli Lounge Apartments combine culinary excellence with ambience, a stunning enoteca and baraki. This exquisite combination of offerings shows the style of modern Kriti and her wondrous opulence, grounded by tastes and aesthetics centuries old. Do you want to experience the real Crete as the Goddess she is?
Avli, meaning courtyard, offers the best of Cretan and Greek hospitality and the sheer love and appreciation of life. Fresh local produce, traditional food and quality service in a breath-taking location.
Cnr 22 Xanthoudidou & Radamanthios, Rethymnon
Kapsaliana Village Hotel is very central in the Rethymnon region. A magical, charming beautiful place - live the authentic traditional village experience. Stylish and modern, convenient as a base for walking, birding or sightseeing. Choose from a variety of accommodation options. Views to the sea, lovely local breakfasts and warm friendly service.
"An exquisite renovation of a piece of history! Beautifully restored.
Each team member were so endearing and clearly really enjoyed their job.
We felt very special and looked after at all times. An extremely
charming experience."
Archontiko Villa - this traditional 19th century mansion in the centre of the village of Archanes, dating from 1893, has been lovingly restored and created into the Arhontiko villa for guests. There are two studios sleeping four visitors each. This building is declared a 'Protected Historical Building'.
With every detail of the restoration attended to, from the stone work to the furniture and decoration. The result is comfortable, authentic and cozy. We often recommend this accommodation for those flying into Heraklion airport, it is close without the need to go into busy downtown Heraklion.
Videos of the Rich History of Crete
The video below features a modern woman who reminds us of the beautiful 'Women in Blue' Fresco and takes us on a lyrical journey through Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, showing some of the most precious artifacts from all of Crete.
The video below is entitled "Unravelling Ariadne's Thread Ξετυλίγοντας το μίτο της Αριάδνης…" and takes us on a magical journey through the historic wonders of Heraklion... featuring the old harbour, the fortress, the Liondaria Fountain, the Venetian Loggia, Agios Titos, and many other features of this beautiful city, lead by an entrancing beauty 'Ariadne' and her string...into the Crete history Labyrinth we willingly follow.
On the Map
See the location of historic points of interest in Crete on the interactive map below.
Getting Here
Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.
Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.
More on flights and ferries below.
Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.
When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.
We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us Contact Us Kaló taxídi!
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About the Team
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us
