Crete (Greek: Κρήτη) is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands. Crete and a number of surrounding islands and islets constitute the region of Crete. The capital and the largest city is Heraklion. Crete forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece, while retaining its own local cultural traits. It was once the centre of the Minoan civilization (c. 2700–1420 BC), which is currently regarded as the earliest recorded civilization in Europe.
- - Sights: The archaeological sites of the Minoan civilisation, the Venetian old city and port of Chania, the Venetian castle at Rethymno, the gorge of Samaria, the islands of Chrysi, Elafonisi, Gramvousa, and Spinalonga and the Palm Beach of Vai, which is the largest natural palm forest in Europe.
- - Gastronomy: Local specialties are Dakos Salad, Chochlioi boubouristi (Fried snails), Kaltsounia (Cretan Cheese Pies), Lamb with stamnagathi, Gamopilafo, Sfakianopita (pie), apaki (Smoked Pork) and Raki or Tsikoudia (Cretan Brandy).