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History of Crete
The people of Crete unfortunately make morehistory than they can consume locally
The discovery of the Minoan civilization has landed to overshadow every other aspect of Cretan history. And indeed it would be hard for any other period to rival what was, in effect, the first truly European civilization.
It was in Crete that the developed societies of the east met influences from the west and north, and here that "Western culture", as synthesized in Classical Greece and Rome, first developed. Yet this was no accident or freak one-off: Crete's position as a meeting place of east and west, and its strategic setting in the middle of the Mediterranean, has thrust the island to the centre-stage of world history more often than seems comfortable.
Long before Arthur Evans arrived to unearth Knossos, and for some time after, the island's struggle for freedom, and the great powers' inactivity, was the subject of Europe-wide scandal.
The battle for the island when the Turks arrived had similarly aroused worldwide interest, and represented al the time a significant change in the balance of power between Islam and Christianity. In fact from Minoan times to World War II, there has rarely been sustained period when Crete didn’t have some role to play in world affairs.
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Platanias village it lays beside river Iardanos (which means holy water according to Homer) or Platania. It has been named after the sycamores that were in the riverbank.The old village of Platanias is situated at the top of the hill. The old village of Platanias is situated at the top of the hill, it was there that the inhabitants of Platanias found refuge from pirates and other invaders over the centuries.
There is a beautiful 7 kilometer beach with all the standard facilities.The thin golden pink sand of this beach and the trees along the seafront create an exotic setting.You can find water sports. Bus service from Chania every 15minutes. There are plenty of bars and restaurants next to the sea but if you want a quiet beach just go to Gerani or Maleme.The beach in Platanias area is awarded with the Blue Flag award from the E.U. for several years. There are lifeguards in the most busy areas.
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General Info About Chania The city of Chania The most poetic city of Crete when you walk through it leaves you with a pleasant taste of beauty. Built on the ruins of ancient Kidonia it has seen and survived many invaders, but has also tasted civilizations that left their marks on building faces, castles, walls, antiquities, monasteries and churches. Read more...
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HISTORY OF CRETE
‘In the middle of the wine dark sea is a country called Crete, lovely and prosperous and surrounded by water’ Homer, The Odyssey. Crete is the most southerly and largest of all the Greek islands. It is rich in scenic variety and steeped in history and legend. It’s splendid climate is matched by the warmth of it’s people who offer generous hospitality to any foreigners. Read more...
Crete hosts more species of wild flower than the whole of the europian Isles, including around 150 endemic plants. Without doubt the best time to see the profusion of flowers is in the month of May.
Some of the flowers are linked to mythology, such as the scarlet buttercups. According to legend, Smyrna’s son, Adonis, was so dangerously handsome, Aphrodite sealed him in a chest and placed him under the guard of Persephone, Queen of the underworld. Curiosity got the better of her and Persephone opened the chest and immediately took Adonis as her lover. Read more...
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