Crete Map

Description: This map shows islands, regional units, regional unit seats, cities, towns, villages, airport, highways, main roads, and secondary roads on Crete.

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Crete is the largest and most populous Greek island, located in the southern Aegean Sea. The island extends 160 miles from east to west, covers 3,260 square miles, and has a population of approximately 635,000 residents. Heraklion serves as the capital and largest city, with other major urban centers including Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, and Ierapetra.

Crete was the center of the Minoan civilization, Europe's first advanced civilization, which flourished from approximately 2700 to 1450 BCE. The Palace of Knossos near Heraklion, partially reconstructed by archaeologist Arthur Evans, stands as the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. Other significant Minoan sites include the palaces of Phaistos, Malia, and Zakros. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion houses the world's finest collection of Minoan artifacts. The island contains numerous archaeological sites from subsequent periods, including Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian monuments.

The island features diverse geography, with three main mountain ranges: the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in the west, Mount Ida (Psiloritis) in the center reaching 8,058 feet as the island's highest peak, and the Dikti Mountains in the east. The Samaria Gorge in the White Mountains, part of the Samaria National Park, is one of Europe's longest gorges at 10 miles. The Dictaean Cave and the Idaean Cave are both associated with the mythological birthplace of Zeus.

Crete has a rich history of resistance, including the Cretan Revolt of 1866-1869 and significant involvement in World War II, including the Battle of Crete in 1941. The island's culture maintains distinct traditions, including unique musical traditions featuring the lyra, traditional dances, and distinctive cuisine. Major monasteries include Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of resistance against Ottoman rule, and Preveli Monastery. The Venetian harbors of Chania and Rethymno, with their lighthouses and fortifications, remain major tourist attractions. Crete's economy is based on agriculture (particularly olive oil production), tourism, and services, with two international airports serving the island at Heraklion and Chania.

The Facts:
Region: Crete.
Capital: Heraklion.
Cities: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Ierapetra, Agios Nikolaos, Malia, Sitia.
Population: ~ 635,000.
Area: 3,260 sq mi (8,450 sq km).

Main sights on Crete