Geography

Crete is the largest island in the Greek archipelago with an area of 8355 kilometres. It includes the island of Gavdos, the most southerly point of Europe, just 300km from Africa.

Crete is 250 km long, and 600km at its widest point and 12km at it’s narrowest. The coastline is measures 1046km. The major mountains are the Lefki Ori (the White Mountain) in the west; Mount Psiloris which lies in the centre of the island, and on the eastern side of the island lays the Lasithi Mountains.

Mount Psiloris with a height of 2447m is the highest mountain on the island. The interior of the island is mountainous, where olive trees and shrubs grow along with wild herbs.

The Mesara Plain with a length of 40 km and 20km wide is the most fertile and cultivated area on Crete. Lake Kournas just outside Chania is the only lake on the island.

<<Back to General info