Crete is the largest of the Greek
islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean
Sea). Crete is one of the 13 peripheries of Greece and covers the same
area as the Greek region of Crete from before the 1987
administrative reform.It forms a significant part of the economy and cultural
heritage of Greece; while it retains its own local cultural traits (such as its own
music and dialect), Cretans identify themselves as Greeks. Heraklion is
the largest city and capital of Crete.

Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. Fifteen
percent of all arrivals in Greece
come through the city of Heraklion (port and airport). Today, the island's tourism
infrastructure caters to all tastes, including a very wide range of
accommodation; the island's facilities take in large luxury hotels with their
complete facilities, swimming pools, sports and recreation, smaller
family-owned apartments, camping facilities and others. Visitors reach the
island via two international airports in Heraklion and Chania, or by boat
to the main ports of Heraklion, Chania, Rethimno and Agios
Nikolaos.