Crete, The Site Of Europe's Oldest Urban Civilisation

Stuart Forster explores this beautiful island famous for its history and warm hospitality.

Rugged and rich in history, Crete is a Greek island getaway with much to offer beyond sandy beaches and poolside loungers. If you enjoy walking and urban heritage you’ll love exploring Cretan gorges and old towns of Chania and Rethymnon.

In fact, this island is the site of Europe’s oldest urban civilisation. The Minoans were building palaces, decorating pottery and creating colourful frescoes from around 5,500 years ago until the 15th century B.C. - long before the Ancient Greeks came to dominate the islands of the Aegean Sea. Excavations have been undertaken at sites across the island, including Phaistos and Malia, yet the most celebrated is at Knossos. Now regarded a ‘must visit’ site for any visitor to Crete, excavations of the Palace of Knossos by Sir Arthur Evans yielded a wealth of finds, including amphorae and intricately worked gold jewellery. Many of the artefacts can be seen within the Cretan capital, at Heraklion Archaeological Museum. If, while you’re there, you manage to decipher the mysterious ancient script known as Linear A, you’ll ensure your own name is written into history of this island.