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Crete is the largest in area among all the Greek islands. It is situated towards the southeastern edge of Greece. This picturesque Mediterranean island is 260 km in length and 12 to 60 km in width. The island sits cozily between Africa, Europe and Asia. You can book flights to Crete to enjoy the antiquity in form of its churches, palaces and museums as well as the modern locations such as its vast golf courses.

Cretan people are extremely friendly and will always greet you enthusiastically, however most of them will be seen following age old traditions and customs of old time Crete. This shows in their music generated through their traditional lyra as well as in their dances such as pendozalis. One of the most interesting places in Crete happens to be its Minoan palace named Knossos located around 5 km from Heraklion. It is nestled comfortably along the valley of river called Kairatos.

The river begins at Archanes crosses through Knossos and marries up with the ocean in Katsabas. Katsabas is the harbor at Knossos. In the Minoan age the river was perennial. When you explore the hills surrounding the palace you will find only olives and vines. Earlier the trees on the hills were mainly cypress and oak. The archaeological site of the palace has some pine trees too and they are said to have been planted and grown by Evans.

The Knossos palace is considered to be the grandest out of the 4 Minoan palaces that were uncovered in Crete. Its mesmerizing architecture brings a rush of enthusiasm that is often indicative of the legendary Labyrinth. The palace was identified as being quite full of flamboyance and splendor. If you plan spending your vacation at Crete you should visit the palace without fail as it gives a glimpse of the prehistoric Crete along with the influence of the western culture on Crete.

The initial settlement was founded around circa 7000 BC in the Knossos region in the Neolithic age. The settlement developed socially, economically and politically, the result of which was the first magnificent palace of Knossos built during the second millennium. The palace is called Minoan because of the legendary King of Crete named Minos, who was the authoritative figure during that time.

The first Palace was devastated during circa 1700 BC and was constructed again but collapsed again due to a huge fire that occurred during 1350 BC. The region around the Palace was converted into a sacred dwelling of the goddess Rhea and was not occupied ever again. It truly represents the grandeur of the Minoan civilization and takes you back into their interesting history.