Crete (pronounced “Kree-tee” in Greek) is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the most southerly of the Greek islands in the Aegean and is formed of limestone. It is quite mountainous for an island, with several mountain ranges. The highest point is Mount Ida at 2,456 meters. The combination of rugged, mountainous terrain with extensive views of the bright blue Mediterranean Sea make it the perfect place to explore by car. Check out your various Crete car hire options before you get there, and get ready for a breathtaking ride!
Crete has the mildest climate in Europe, or at least ties for that position. The fairly strong northwest wind, known as Meltemi, brings in a bit of cool air to counteract the otherwise hot days in July and August. There is very little rain in the summer. Spring starts in early April, with wildflowers dotting all the fields, and the air becomes saturated with the luscious scent of oranges and lemons. When you travel on your own with Crete car hire, you will be able to admire all these colorful fields and orchards. The winters on the island are quite mild, and they make Crete a tourist favorite throughout the year.
The island has an area of 8,336 square kilometers and a mainly Greek population of approximately 650,000 people. The island is divided into four administrative prefectures: Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno and Lasithi. There are two major airports: Nikos Kazantzakis in the island’s capital of Heraklion and Daskalogiannis near the town of Chania. The University of Crete is located partly in Rethymno and partly in Heraklion. With Crete car hire, you can get to know all these places well and experience the island as though you’ve lived there for years!
Crete is the location of many famous Greek legends. According to Greek mythology, it is the birthplace of the supreme god, Zeus. It was also the place of residence of the frightful Minotaur, to whom young men and women would be sacrificed annually until the hero Theseus navigated the beast’s labyrinthine home and killed it. The inventor Daedalus and his son Icarus escaped from the island by creating wings made of wax; unfortunately, Icarus flew too close to the sun and fell to his death after the wax in his wings melted away. Although these legends have left no physical trace, you can explore the island with Crete car hire and guess at the exact location of the Minotaur’s maze and other legendary places!
Explore this luscious and scenic island in the comfort of your own vehicle with Crete car hire! Click Here to see a variety of Crete car hire options today.
