DK Travel : Crete

Although it could not be more Greek, Crete is really a country within a country, with its own history, folklore and traditions. It was the birthplace of Europe’s oldest civilization, the enigmatic Minoan culture which flourished over 4,000 years ago. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Venetians and Turks also left their mark. This rich human heritage is set against the backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery and beaches lapped by a deep blue sea.

Idaian Cave

This enormous cavern on the slopes of Mount Idi was Zeus’s childhood hideout.
Ierapetra

It is a 45-minute drive to Ierapetra, the largest town on the southeast coast, passing rank on rank of greenhouses, which produce bumper crops of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Ierapetra – originally named Ierapytna – was Crete’s most important Dorian Greek city in the 2nd century BC (see Ierapetra). Unlike most Cretan towns, Ierapetra is still more interested in farming than in the package holiday business and is a good place to glimpse everyday life on Crete. From here, it’s a 32-km (20-mile) evening drive back to Agios Nikolaos.
Ierapetra

Ierapetra is the largest town on the southeast coast. Its buildings are rather dull, but it has a good, long beach of grey sand and the distinction of receiving more hours of sunshine per year than anywhere else in Europe. Huge crops of tomatoes are raised all year round in the surrounding farmlands. Ierapetra became an important Dorian Greek settlement as early as the 8th century BC, and by the 2nd century BC it was the largest city-state on the island after defeating its Eteocretan neighbours, Praisos and Itanos. Under the Romans it was an important seaport; the Venetians built a fortress to defend the harbour.
Ierapetra Archaeological Museum

Exhibits include huge clay storage jars (pithoi ), Minoan sarcophagi made of clay (larnakes ) statues, and bronze weapons and tools dating from the time of the Dorian city-states, when Ierapetra became one of the most powerful cities in eastern Crete.
Ilithia

Archaic stone figures of pregnant women have been found in this cave, birthplace of the goddess Ilithia.
Imbros Gorge

The gorge, which cuts through the western fringes of the White Mountains, is a slightly shorter hike than the better known and much busier Samaria Gorge, but is almost as spectacular and – especially in spring and autumnallows you to escape from the crowds of day visitors.
Imbros Gorge

Not as long as the spectacular Samaria Gorge, the Imbros Gorge extends between the villages of Komitades and Imbros. Its narrowest point is only 2 m (6 ft) wide. It can be walked in three to four hours.
Imeri Gramvousa

This island crag just off the Gramvousa peninsula is crowned by a dramatic, crumbling castle. There are several boat trips each week from Kastelli, and excursions through tour agencies in Chania and Rethymno.
Inatos

The goddess Ilithia, daughter of Zeus and Hera, was worshipped in this grotto, which delves into the sea-cliff above Tsoutsouros.
Independence Day/Feast of the Annunciation, 25 Mar

A national festival commemorating the beginning of Greece’s final struggle for independence in 1821. It is combined with the celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation, and so religious processions are followed by military parades in major towns, along with music and dancing all the way.