Crete, a place full of contrasts. Nothing is similar to anything else. The landscapes continuously change. Mountains, fields, seas, all side by side. One moment you are on the snow-covered Psiloritis, at the Madara, in the Lasithi plateau, and the next you face the scorching Libyan Sea. The barren landscape is followed by lush plantations of olives, vineyards, and fruit trees.

In the rocky wildness of the southwestern coastline, small beautiful lace-like beaches penetrate the rocks offering tranquility. And in the middle, humanity. With a continuous presence on the island from the Neolithic era to our days, humans have been the creators of the great history of the island. The periods of great upsurge (Minoan civilization, Cretan Renaissance, struggles for freedom) were followed by dark, harsh, and painful times. Nevertheless, its people always found the strength to persist...

How can Crete fit into a book! Through rich material, the life and activities of the inhabitants of Crete are captured. Specifically, the book includes:

• Rich photographic material
• Information about customs, traditions, flora, fauna, nutrition, mythology, archaeological finds, and the history of Crete, as well as texts concerning notable figures from Crete who have made their mark in history
• Texts by writers, travelers, and visitors
• Poems, songs, and mantinades