The Birthplace of the Gods

The hearth of human passion burns strong on a land adored by locals as much as by visitors. If we were to dive into the past of Crete, we would find it difficult to pinpoint where to start. Perhaps with the fossilised footprints left here by our human relatives 5.6 million years ago? Or the goddess clay figurines from 5300 BC brought to light by archaeologists? Or maybe later, when Europe’s most ancient civilisation, the Minoans, blossomed? If you were to ask an Ancient Greek, they’d explain how Crete is the mythical birthplace of Zeus, father of the gods and the humans alike. And this is where he romanced an ethereal nymph called Europe, giving her name to an entire continent. There are myths and legends every step of the way through time and place, with the Minotaur guarding the Minoan Labyrinth and craftsman Daedalus taking flight with wings of his own creation together with his son, Icarus.

But there are even more echoes of dozens of civilisations past, from palaeolithic settlements of the early Mycenean settlements lost in the depths of time to classical antiquity – and through eras past with Greeks, Byzantines, Venetians, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans all passing through this land and claiming it as their own, leaving diverse marks that helped form majestic monuments scattered across the landmass and forging the proud and hardworking nature of Cretans.

Then, there was the modern Cretan State, the Battle of Crete, the Cretan temperament made immortal on the silver screen in the form of Zorba the Greek… Even recent history features Crete in spades. All this and more is reflected in the character of this island as is in the countless worthwhile attractions and landmarks.

Then there’s you. On this island, ready to drink it all in. Looking to experience these for yourself? We have prepared a series of tailor-made activities and excursions to help you on your way.