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Where can you touch the leisurely life and the clean, transparent sea, get closer to antiquity and the ancient gods? Of course, on the island of Crete. This place seems to be created for a peaceful holiday and active sightseeing. From the characteristic name it is not difficult to guess where the island of Crete is located. This is a country where Antiquity and the Middle Ages are perfectly intertwined - Greece.

Where is the island of Crete?

Greece is a small but very famous state in Southern Europe, washed by the Mediterranean Sea. This is a popular holiday destination for all Europeans and has an ancient history. Therefore, few people do not know where the island of Crete is located, in which country. After all, this corner has preserved many attractions since antiquity.

The island is located in the Mediterranean Sea south of Greece and is the country's tourism hub. The area of Crete is 8,000 square kilometers. It is the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. The capital of the island is Heraklion. Crete is washed by three seas: Cretan in the north, Libyan in the south and Ionian in the west.

Briefly about the island

Crete is the center of tourism in Greece, the place where its main attractions and resort towns are located. This is the sunniest place where it rains very rarely. A very mild climate, an abundance of beaches and developed infrastructure attract many tourists here.

So, we have dealt with the question of where the island of Crete is located. Now about its relief. There are three mountain systems: the White Mountains, or Lefka Ori; Ida, or Psilorit; Diktean or Lasithian mountains. The rivers here are not large. Fresh water is obtained from lakes. The largest of them - Kourna - is one of the main natural attractions of the island.

Ancient legends associated with the island

Judging by the myths, it was here that Zeus was born. Already his son Minos became the greatest king on a par with the Egyptian pharaohs. Zeus fell in love with Europa, stole her, and they went to Crete. Today you can visit the ruins of Ancient Gortyna, the palace of King Minos in Heraklion.

Another popular hero of ancient myths associated with the island of Crete is Theseus. He became the liberator of the island from the terrible tax. When he lost his son at the games in Athens, he ordered that 12 boys and girls be sent from there to be devoured by the legendary Minotaur. Theseus dared to fight the monster. The daughter of King Minos Ariadne came to his aid, giving the young man a ball of thread, thanks to which the hero defeated the Minotaur and got out of the ill-fated labyrinth.

Medieval history of the island

Man set foot on the island of Crete around 8000-7000 BC. This is the Neolithic period. And by the beginning of the 2nd century BC, 4 kingdoms were formed on Crete: Knossos, Festa, Malia and Kato Zakro. Over time, the island became dominant in the field of maritime communication and trade. Then all the surrounding lands knew where the island of Crete was located. But at the height of its heyday, a large and destructive earthquake occurred on the nearby island of Santorini, and from there came a tidal wave that destroyed Knossos and nearby settlements. A couple of centuries later, another devastating earthquake occurred, completely destroying the Minoan civilization, turning the Knossos Palace into ruins. There are facts that after that the islanders engaged in pirate raids and participated in the Trojan War.

The Arabs arrived there, where the island of Crete is located, back in 824 AD. A century later, this place was conquered by the Byzantines. The island became impoverished and was completely devastated. Already at the beginning of the 13th century it came under the rule of Venice. The golden period in the history of the island of Crete is considered to be the 15th-17th centuries, when Italian culture, education and the Church reigned there. The level of artistic literacy of the islanders has increased. Churches and cathedrals of various periods and reigns have been preserved on the island: Agios Titos, Agios Mark, Agios Minas and Pantanassa, Agios Aikaterini, the Monastery of St. Peter and Paul, the Cathedral. All these are monuments and striking examples of architecture from the times of Byzantine and Venetian rule.

Popular attractions of the island

Those who are interested in the history of Antiquity and the Middle Ages know where the island of Crete is located. Greece is famous for its ancient sights no less than its mild climate and warm sea. That's why many people come here to visit interesting places.

The Venetians set a task for Crete: to build a defensive wall across the entire island. The wall has survived to this day. The building is amazing, reaching a width of 60 meters in some places.
Some of the most remarkable exhibits of the historical museum are the works of icon painters of Crete: El Greco, Michael Damaskinos, Theofanis and Georgios Klontzas.
Some islanders have elevated the family hearth and surname to a cult. The family houses of Miliara, Tshahaki should be visited. The style of the houses is neoclassicism and all its splendor in the most striking design.
The system of fountains from different eras is very developed on the island of Crete. Some of them are still working.
It is worth visiting the fortress in the city of Rethymnon. It is believed that there was a temple of Apollo.
On the Lasithi plateau you can visit the Cave of Zeus.

Even those who know well where the island of Crete is located are unfamiliar with its features and habits of the local residents. Meanwhile, many of them are quite interesting.

The main symbol of the island of Crete is the bee. Once upon a time, outside the city, in the ruins of the Knossos Palace, a magnificent decoration with her image was found. To this day, the bee is the most popular element in the work of jewelers.
It is interesting that many organizations on the island have a schedule that is unusual for a European: usually until one or two in the afternoon. But gas stations close at 10 pm.
The most reliable and favorite way to travel between the islands, both tourists and locals, is ferries. It is also cheaper than by plane.
An inexperienced tourist traveling in a rented car will have to deal with a strange feature. The names of cities on signs can be written in completely different ways: Heraklion - Iraklio, Irakleon, Heraklion.
It is worth remembering a certain dress code when visiting temples and cathedrals. No bikinis, shorts or sleeveless tops!
Locals have a special love for firearms, especially those who live in mountainous areas.
Oddly enough, freshly caught fish is rare on the island. And in restaurants it is extremely overpriced.
Since there are three mountain ranges on the island, it is not surprising that mountain herbs are held in high esteem here. These are sage and thyme. They are used to make tea, seasonings, cosmetics and medicines.
Tourists can come to celebrate local Valentine's Day in July. Yaquinthos Saint is the Saint Valentine we are used to. He is the patron saint of all lovers in Crete.

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Crete is the largest Greek island, the birthplace of Zeus and the tourist center of the Mediterranean. It was here that one of the most ancient civilizations, the Minoan, was born. While archaeologists are excavating palaces built during the reign of King Minos, tourists are visiting the ruins of the Knossos labyrinth, where, according to legend, the ancient Greek monster Minotaur lived. Turks, Venetians, and Arabs lived in these places: mosques, fortresses and monasteries from different eras peacefully coexist with each other.

The southernmost island of the archipelago is surrounded by three seas: the Aegean, Libyan and Ionian.

In Crete, both lovers of excursion holidays and those who came to the sunny island to recharge their batteries and just lie on the sand will feel equally comfortable. There is a magical blue-green sea, bright sun and excellent beaches. There are palm trees, mountains and gorges. The people of Crete are always friendly and hospitable. They will be happy to feed you to your heart's content, teach you how to dance sirtaki and live correctly - measuredly and leisurely.

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How to get to Crete

Search for air tickets to Heraklion (the closest airport to Crete)

Areas of Crete

Which cities in Crete have the best markets for fresh fish and food?

What to try

First, of course, the Greek salad is just out of curiosity. Try it and find 10 differences with the “Greek” that is served in Russian restaurants. Secondly, Greek yogurt. Same story as with the salad.

They say that Greeks live long thanks to a diet based on fresh vegetables and the best seafood. Both can be found at your local open market. Among seafood, by the way, local grape snails are especially valued - a source of protein and a powerful aphrodisiac.

Be sure to try the famous Cretan tiny snacks "mezedes" and local sweets, Greek buns and pies.

“Dakos” is the grandmother of Italian bruschetta, something between a sandwich and a salad. Made from barley bread with garlic and olive oil, tomatoes, olives, sheep's cheese and basil.

“Bugatsa” is a puff pastry pie and greetings from Turkey. If the Turks make it with yogurt or cheese and call it “pogaca”, here this pie is considered a dessert and is prepared with custard. Much less often - with spinach or minced meat.

The most popular food on the island is rice and lamb ribs and grilled "psitos", which is called Greek barbecue.

Meat is no less popular here than seafood. Every restaurant will offer you baked lamb kleftiko.

Traditional street food is souvlaki (kebabs on skewers) and gyros - Greek shawarma.

Cafes and restaurants in Crete

The most common type of eatery in Crete is the family tavern with colored shutters, checkered tablecloths and exclusively homemade food. Here you will be offered simple but very tasty food, a glass of wine or traditional Greek coffee on the sand. In family restaurants they don’t think about beautiful presentation and exquisite serving, but they are never greedy: the portion is enough for two. Usually taverns are open until the last customer. Live music plays until late at night and everyone dances sirtaki. Those who don’t know how will be taught in a matter of minutes. The fun is enlivened by the traditional throwing of inexpensive glass plates at the feet of the dancers. Dinner in a tavern will cost an average of 35-60 EUR for two. There is usually a menu at the entrance, so you can estimate the cost of your dinner before you even go inside.

In addition to taverns, English pubs are popular. The menu in beer restaurants is quite simple: steaks, grilled meat and fish, appetizers in batter and beer itself. Each guest will be given fresh rolls with butter as a compliment from the establishment. Rock and roll is usually played in pubs, and sports matches are shown on TV.

In large cities and resort towns you can find coffee shops of global chains. In addition to the usual espresso and cappuccino, the local coffee shop will offer you traditional Greek coffee brewed on sand.

The best photos of Crete

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Labyrinth of the Minotaur.

One of the most famous monasteries of the island is Arcadia. It is located on the slope of Ida, 25 km from Rethymno. According to one version, the monastery walls were erected in the 5th century, and the baroque church in the 16th century. Despite the fact that the monastery was destroyed by the Turks several times, it was always rebuilt and did not stop its activities. The uprising against the Ottoman yoke began with the Arcadia Monastery in the 19th century. Today the monastery is a symbol of the fearlessness and independence of the Greeks.

The ancient monument and city of Falasarna were founded presumably in the 8th century BC. e. It was a powerful city that at one time even minted its own coins. Archaeologists managed to find burials carved into the rocks, ruins of residential buildings and pottery workshops, and the remains of fortress walls.

An interesting landmark preserved from the time of Byzantine rule is the Frangokastello fortress, 85 km from the city of Chania. In the 14th century, it was erected to protect the city from pirates and maintain order in Sfakia, which at that time was considered a very troubled area.

In the east of the island there is Mount Dikti, in the cave of which Zeus himself was born. In the center of Heraklion there is one of the largest museums in Greece - the Archaeological Museum. Not far from the capital, the House-Museum of the artist El Greco has been opened.

As for Cretan natural treasures, in addition to the many amazing beaches, bays and lagoons, there is also the famous Samaria Gorge - the largest in Europe, and Lake Voulizmeni, which creates the image of the city of Agios Nikolaos and is depicted on every second postcard from Greece.

One of the newest attractions is the Botanical Park near the city of Chania. It appeared on the island in 2009. The park is home to hundreds of species of butterflies and wild birds, and there are vineyards, orange trees and date palms.

Buy local shawarma on the street and eat it right there.

Learn to dance sirtaki.

Crete for children

Despite the abundance of attractions, there are not many “specialized” children's entertainment in Crete. But this does not mean at all that children will be bored here.

There are marine aquariums on the island. The most important one - CRETAquarium - is part of the Center for Marine Research of Greece and is considered one of the largest in the country and throughout the Mediterranean. CRETAquarium is located east of Heraklion. More than 2,500 fish, shellfish and other organisms live here. The design of the glass containers closely follows the sea relief; their inhabitants dart back and forth a few meters from the visitors - even the most skeptical guest will have the feeling that he is deep underwater.

The aquarium-terrarium called Aquaworld is a private initiative. Its good-natured owners accept all aquatic animals and reptiles abandoned by their owners. In order to have enough money to maintain the shelter, they turned it into an aquarium and opened it for tourists. The owners of Aquaworld personally conduct excursions for children and adults, and talk about each of their pets with great love and tenderness.

All children's favorite vacation spot is water parks. The largest water park on the island is Watercity. It is located between Heraklion and Hersonissos, near the village of Kokkini Hani. It has 13 pools, 23 slides, a couple of waterfalls, and plenty of playgrounds and activities for kids.

Other water parks in Crete: Acqua Plus, Limnoupolis Water Park, Star Beach Water Park, Petra Mare.

In the vicinity of Hersonissos lies the Labyrinth family park. Its area is 1300 sq. m, in addition to the labyrinth itself, there is an attraction with ATVs, a cinema, a garden, a large excursion program and a themed cafe reminiscent of an ancient Greek city.

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Crete has a mild subtropical climate with optimal humidity within 50%. More than 300 days a year are sunny here, and the swimming season lasts from mid-April to mid-November. The unique combination of sunlight, sea breeze and mountain air makes a holiday on the island a real gift for the Russian traveler who is tired of the middle zone. For those who do not like extreme heat, it is better to vacation in Crete in June or September.

The most popular island in Greece among tourists.

For history buffs, it is interesting for its centuries-old heritage: ancient cities, Venetian monuments, rich museums.

Beach lovers will find hundreds of spacious beaches and secluded coves here. And supporters of active recreation explore the mountains and gorges of Crete. On the island, traditional customs and modern infrastructure coexist better than anywhere else.

History of Crete

Historians date the first appearance of man on Crete to the Neolithic era. It was then that the first settlements were formed on the island. First of all, the Cretan civilization was maritime - waterways and access to nearby regions made it highly developed and self-sufficient. The islanders had their own written language, but their language and ethnicity have not yet been established.

The Bronze Age was a time of prosperity for the Minoan civilization. The development of culture was facilitated by the palaces that became the center of the island: Zakros, Knossos and Phaistos. The Minoan kings had a powerful fleet at their disposal. Coupled with the favorable location of Crete, it allowed the island to control all trade in the Mediterranean.

This way of life came to an unexpected decline - as a result of the earthquake in Santorini, a powerful wave brought a powerful wave to the shores of Crete. She destroyed several cities and palaces in an instant. But the island flourished for some time, and its inhabitants took part in wars.

In Antiquity, Crete remained the center of Mediterranean trade. But then it was attacked by the Dorians, who formed city-states organized according to the Greek type. Constant clashes and attacks by external aggressors weakened the island. And the Romans had a good opportunity to conquer it. Until 330 they ruled Crete, and the city of Gortyn served as the capital.

During the reign of the Romans, the Greek language, inherited from the Dorians, did not disappear from use. At the same time, the first Christian communities appeared.

In ancient times, myths were born, the events of which developed in Crete. According to legends, it was on this island that Zeus was born and later brought the kidnapped Europa here. And here there was a labyrinth of King Minos, in which the Minotaur lived.

Since 330 - one of the Byzantine provinces. Until 824, basilicas were actively built on the island and Christianity was established, the development of which was accompanied by the general prosperity of Crete. But then the Saracens came, who built a powerful fortress on the site of modern Heraklion. For the inhabitants of the island, an era of persecution and deprivation began. Arab invaders stole the island's treasures and engaged in the slave trade.

Finally, a powerful Byzantine army landed on the shores of Crete, and after the liberation, the Greek presence here was strengthened by settlers. The period of Byzantine rule was interrupted in 1210, when the Venetians established dominance on the island. Crete was settled by soldiers and nobles, the architecture began to transform. And now Venetian monuments, monasteries, squares and old towns are well preserved on the island.

In the 17th century, the Turks made several attempts to take possession of the island. As a result, they settled in Crete for a long time (until the end of the 19th century), and this period became one of the bloodiest in history for the local residents. Periodically, the Cretans rebelled, and only by 1896 the rebel army managed to liberate several provinces. Crete was declared an independent autonomy.

In 1908, with the help of world powers, reunification with Greece was proclaimed. But it was not until 1913, after the withdrawal of foreign troops, the Balkan Wars and the signing of a treaty, that Crete finally became Greek.

The 20th century still did not become less tense for the island. During the World War, Crete was the scene of confrontation between anti-Hitler countries and the German-Italian occupiers. Only in 1945 did peaceful life begin on the island, which, however, did not last long. From 1946 to 1949, civil war raged in Greece...

Geography of Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. Its area exceeds 8300 km, and the length of the coastline is 1050 km. The island is located in the south of the Aegean Sea, 300 km from the coast of Africa.

Most of Crete is characterized by mountainous terrain, formed by three large mountain systems: Lefka Ori, Psiloritis and the Dictaean Mountains. The island has many fertile plateaus and valleys that allow the cultivation of grapes, fruits and vegetables all year round.

The nature of the island is rich in endemic plants. The most famous is the dictamos, which is not found anywhere else.

The sea has always played a special role in the development of Crete. More precisely, several seas. There are differences of opinion about how many seas actually surround Crete. First of all, its shores are washed by the Mediterranean Sea, which is divided into water areas. It turns out that in the north of the island you can swim in the Aegean and Cretan seas, in the west - in the Ionian. In the south - in Libyan, and in the east - in Carpathian. The last two names are rarely used: the first has fallen out of use and is found only on ancient maps, and the second can often be heard from local residents.

Administrative divisions of Crete

Crete is divided into prefectures, or nomes. There are four in total:

Heraklion is the first area visited by newly arrived tourists. It is here that the capital of Crete of the same name is located and a large international airport is located. The city of Heraklion does not charm tourists with its beauty. During wartime it was badly damaged, although it retained several valuable monuments from different eras.

The region of Heraklion is replete with archaeological finds - almost all the main palaces of the Minoan era are located here. This prefecture differs from the rest in having the highest population density.

The island of Crete (Κρήτη) is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations among tourists from many European countries. It is the largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete is the southernmost of the large islands of Greece. The distance from the island to the Greek mainland is approximately 110 kilometers, up to 175 kilometers, to Africa 300 kilometers. The administrative center of the island is the city of Heraklion.

Crete has a well-developed tourism infrastructure. The island has comfortable hotels offering the best accommodation, small budget hotels, as well as rental apartments. Wealthy residents of some European countries buy property here to live during their holidays and after retirement. The largest number of tourists come to Crete between April and October.

Dimensions of the island of Crete

The area of the island is 8261 km².
Length from west to east – 260 km.
The maximum width from north to south is 60 km.
The length of the coastline is 1046 km.
Highest point 2456 m.

General information about the island of Crete

Crete has a mountainous terrain. The island has many gorges, caves, mountain plateaus and few plains. The island has a Mediterranean climate. The weather on the island is characterized by moderate, rainy winters and dry, hot summers. Snow falls very rarely in the lowlands. In summer, the average temperature ranges between 25 and 30 degrees. The south coast has higher summer temperatures and milder winters. The western part of the island is greener. There are more trees here.

Crete has a developed road network and regular city and intercity bus services. The main highway of Crete runs through the entire island along the northern coast and connects the main cities from Kissamos in the west to Vaia in the east.

The island of Crete has a rocky coastline. Therefore, most of the beaches here are relatively small. The longest beach on the island is located near the town of Rethymno.

The photo shows one of the beaches near the city of Chania.

There are three airports on the island(two of them are international, one serves local lines).

Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis).
Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis.
Sitia Airport (serves local flights).

Most tourists arrive in Crete through the airports in the cities of Heraklion and Chania. Some tourists use sea transport, which arrives at the ports of Heraklion, Chania, Rethimno, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia.

Most popular tourist attractions: Archaeological excavations in Knossos, Malia, Festos, Gortyn and other cities; monuments of the Minoan civilization.
Venetian Fortezza Castle in Rethymni, the port of Chania and other monuments of Venetian rule.
Samaria Gorge, Lassithi Plateau, Cave of Zeus, Palm Beach, protected natural areas.

The most famous cities in Crete

The island is home to approximately 623 thousand people. Most of the settlements are located on the northern coast of the island. The largest cities on the island of Crete: Heraklion (population 275 thousand people), Chania (59.9 thousand people), Rethymnon, Ierapetra, Agios Nikolaos (19.7 thousand people), Sitia (9 thousand people). ).

Try a tour in Crete.

Heraklion city

The city of Heraklion is the largest settlement on the island of Crete and the administrative center of the island. Heraklion is located on the northern coast, in the central part of the island. More than 170 thousand people live in the city. Near the city (about 5 kilometers east of the city) is the Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport. Heraklion Airport serves a large number of tourists arriving on the island. The port of Heraklion has ferry connections with some islands and cities on the mainland (Santorini, Ios Island, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodes, Athens).

The photo shows an ancient fortress in Heraklion.

In the city and its surroundings there are a large number of interesting places for tourists: the Palace of Knossos, the Venetian fortress (Rocca al Mare), the old harbor, the archaeological museum, churches built at different times, a mosque.

Chania city

The city of Chania is the second largest city on the island of Crete. The city is located on the northern coast of the island, approximately 145 kilometers west of the city of Heraklion. The distance from the city to the western tip of the island is about 40 kilometers. The history of the city goes back more than three thousand years. The old town, promenade and harbor are considered the main tourist attractions of Chania. The central part of the old city is called Kasteli. Nearby is the popular tourist square Eleftherios Venizelos. About 45 kilometers south of the city are the Samakria Gorge and Lefka Ori National Park. More than 55 thousand people live in the city. There is an international airport near the city. Not far from the city (7 km), in the town of Souda, there is a passenger port.

View of the embankment in the city of Chania.

Rethymno city

The city of Rethymnon (Ρέθυμνο) is located on the northern coast of the island of Crete, about 70 kilometers west of the city of Heraklion. Currently, Rethymnon is a popular tourist destination. There are many beaches and hotels near the city. Near the embankment and the old town there are many cafes and a pedestrian area. The main attraction of Rethymno is the Venetian fortress.

City of Ierapetra

The city of Ierapetra is the southernmost city in Greece. It is located on the south coast of Crete, in the eastern part of the island. This is the only large settlement on the southern coast of the island. The average annual air temperature in the city is 20.1 °C (one of the warmest cities in Greece). The distance from the city of Heraklion is approximately 100 kilometers.

Ierapetra was included in the catalog "50 most beautiful places in Southern Europe". The old town and the embankment are popular places among tourists. The main shopping street is Koundouriotou. There are several beautiful mountain gorges near the city. The nearby island has a popular conservation area. The beaches located near the city are some of the best in Europe. In 2012, the city was among the winners of the Gold QualityCoast award.

For history buffs

The island of Crete attracts not only beach lovers. The island left a noticeable mark on the history of Europe. More than 4 thousand years ago, the first Minoan civilization in Europe arose on the island. It is believed that the palace in the ancient city of Knossos was the first such structure in Europe. For the first time in the history of mankind, such engineering and architectural solutions as multi-storey buildings, natural and artificial lighting, water supply and sewerage, ventilation, heating, and paved roads were used in the Palace of Knossos.

The island of Crete also left its mark in Greek myths. According to legend, here in the city of Knossos, the Minotaur lived in the palace of King Minos. The heroes of Hellas Hercules and Theseus came here. The term Ariadne's Thread originated on this island. This island is the birthplace of the ancient Greek god Zeus. But, if these words don’t mean anything to you, come to Crete just to sunbathe and swim.

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The city of Gournia was built around 1600 BC. About 150 years later, in 1450 BC, it was destroyed by a volcanic eruption on the island of Santorini, which did not spare other Minoan palaces and settlements. Unlike many other cities of Crete, Gournia did not recover from the destruction. Now a settlement with the same name exists somewhat away from the hill in the form of a completely modern village. Despite the natural disaster that befell Gurnia, it was well preserved. She is sometimes called the "Pompeii of Minoan Crete." Like many other monuments in Crete, Gournia was excavated by foreigners. American archaeologists began excavations at the beginning of the 20th century. At the very top of a gentle hill, in the center of the ancient city, stood a small palace. Before the destruction, in the southern part of the palace there was a portico, which most likely served as a place for religious rites, performing the functions of a small temple. In the same part of the palace there is a staircase that is very reminiscent of the monumental staircases of the large palaces of Crete, such as Phaistos - these stairs usually served as “parterres” in ancient theaters, or rather, in the palace squares, where various rituals and celebrations took place. The palace itself is poorly preserved; it is difficult to determine where the living quarters were and where the workshops were. The combination of living and working spaces is characteristic of all the palaces of Crete, including the Knossos and Phaistos palaces. But in Gurnia this neighborhood is somewhat closer, since the palace itself is more modest and cannot boast of large sizes. To the north of the palace was a sanctuary of the Minoan "snake goddess". On the territory of this sanctuary, carefully crafted objects were found that archaeologists attribute to the “post-palatial” period. Most of the objects that belonged to the temple were sculptures of a goddess with her arms raised up, similar to the famous “goddess with snakes” from Knossos, or “tubular” vases in the form of snakes. In Gurnia, not only the palace is interesting, but also the buildings surrounding it. Residential buildings in Gurnia were two-story and formed a kind of “blocks” - blocks. They partially formed the outer walls of the city. Mostly the warehouses and workrooms of the workshops on the first floors of the buildings have been preserved. According to archaeologists, the living quarters were located on the second floor; many buildings still have staircases leading upstairs. The houses are so small and the staircases are so narrow that Gournia gives the impression of a toy town. Archaeologists regard Gurnia as a craft city, as many workshops have been discovered there. Judging by the discovered household items, the residents were not rich - all the houses are approximately the same level, there are no clearly defined neighborhoods of the rich and the poor. But, nevertheless, the finds are of great value, as they allow us to penetrate deeper into the mysteries of the everyday life of the ancient Cretans, who did not belong to the upper class of the Minoan nobility who inhabited the palaces of Crete.