Location: situated in the southeastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, Greece;
Capital: Heraklion;
Area: 8 336 km²;
Population: 623 666 (2005);
Official language: Greek;
Currency: Euro;
Local time: GMT + 2;

Climate: North African climate and Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers (during summer temperatures can reach 40º C);

Nature: the coastline measures approximately 1046 kilometres; Crete is a mountainous island with the highest mountain measuring 2456 m (mount Psiloritis); the most important river is Ieropotamos, in the southern part of the island;

Famous beaches: Elafonisi, Falassarna, Gramvousna, Frangokastello, Paleohora, Loutro, Georgioupolis, Agia – Marina, Hora Sfakion, Sougia (CHANIA), Preveli, Bali, Palakias, Triopetra, Rodakino (RETHYMNO), Agia – Galini, Matala, Kalamaki, Gouves, Malia, Hersonissos, Stalis (HERAKLIO), Iarapetra, Kato Zakros, Makri Gialos, Vai, Hrysi Islet (AGIOS NIKOLAOS);  

Famous Resorts: Platanias – Agia Marina, Stalos, Kalives, Almirida, Georgioupolis – Kavros, Paleochora, Bali, Plakias, Agia Galini, Matala, Chersonisos, Malia, Elounda, Ierapetra, Makrigialos, Siteia;

What to visit: the national park Samaria Gorge, the Palace of Knossos, the Monastery of Touplou, The Fortetza Fortress, Ibrahim Han mosque, The Venetian harbour, The Loggia, The Rimondi Fountain, Saint Franciscus Church, the Kara Mousa and the Veli Pasa Mosque, Iraklion Archaeological Museum;

Shopping: you can buy souvenirs and traditional products everywhere in Crete and the capital of the island offers many alternatives for shopping.