Information about the Island of Crete The main mountain range of Crete is Lefka Ori (which means: White Mountains) which stretches for 45 km from East to West and for 35 km from North to South. This mountain complex has 111 peaks ranging in height from 2,000 m to 2,453 m. The central part of these mountains ends up into the Libyan Sea to the South and is split by deep gorges and ravines (one of them is the famous Samaria Gorge). Also the coasts of the region are of great tourist interest with large bays and endless sandy beaches.

The island of Crete (which covers an area of 8,261 sq. km and has a shoreline of almost 1,050 km) is the largest Greek island and the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean. It is divided in four counties (Hania, Rethimno, Iraklio and Lasithi) and has approximately 600,000 residents. It is located in a significant geographical position between Europe, Asia and Africa.

The county of Hania lies on the West end of Crete. It is surrounded by the Cretan sea on the North, the Ionian sea on the West, and the Libyan sea on the South, while on the east it has a common border with the county of Rethimno. Its area is 2,376 sq. km and has a mountainous terrain.

The town of Hania is the capital of the county and the second largest in population town (population 70,000) of the island after Heraklion. It is located on the north side of the county and is divided into the New Town and the Old Town. The New Town has an excellent city-plan with wide streets, fine buildings, an indoor market located in the center of the city, many squares and parks.

Learn more:   Short introduction on Hania
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