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26 EXPLORE / CRETE EXPLORE / CRETE 27

CRETE

THE ISLAND

OF THE GODS

A glistening jewel of an island floats
between three continents and two mythical seas.

BY SOPHIA McCONNELL

ALMOST A COUNTRY of its Casa Cook Chania, Domes of
own thanks to its distinctive Elounda, Sentido Elounda Blu,
character, history and passion, and Pleiades Luxurious Villas
Crete – Greece’s largest island in beautiful Agios Nikolaos.
– is distinct in every way. A The basis of the Mediterra-
dazzling landscape made up nean diet, the Cretan diet and
of mountains, valleys, fertile products are often considered
plains, sun kissed beaches, one of the healthiest in the
a cliff-lined coastline and rug- world. Visit any rural taverna
ged canyons make for natural to be spoiled with organically
beauty that is beyond compari- grown meats, cheeses, olive oil,
son, matched only by the rich- fiery raki and wine in age-old
ness of Crete's history. The is- recipes and dishes that you’ll
land hosted the first advanced only find on the island.
European civilization in his-
tory, the Minoans, who ruled But it is perhaps Crete’s spir-
some 4000 years ago. Stand- ited people who will take your
ing at the crossroads of three breath away the most. Proud,
continents, the island went on free and generous, they uphold
to be ruled by Romans, Byzan- their unique culture and cus-
tines, Arabs, Venetians, Egyp- toms, through their music, cel-
tians and Ottomans. Today, ebrations and time-honored re-
it's a popular vacation desti- gional dances – for this is an
nation that remains authentic island where, despite the dif-
and unique as ever, and the ficulties of the past, life is truly
site of Domes Noruz Chania, celebrated.

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