Product Description

Crete, the 'Great Island' of Greece, has been home to such figures as the legendary King Minos, El Greco and Nikos Kazantzakis. In myth, it is associated with Daedalus and Icarus and the story of Theseus and the Minotaur. Today it is one of the most popular destinations in Greece, its visitors lured by the promise of spectacular beaches and the remains of some of the most influential and ancient civilisations in Europe. Part history, part guide, "Crete" includes comprehensive and detailed itineraries, covering the cities of Iraklion, Rethymnon and Chania; the great Minoan palaces at Knossos, Phaestos and Ayia Triadha plus Graeco-Roman ruins, Byzantine churches and Venetian churches. Scattered throughout are the myths, legends and folklore of the island, as well as notes on its hidden gems: scenic stopping-off points, untouched beaches, mountain villages and tavernas, where the ancient ritual songs and dances of Crete are still performed.'In the middle of the sable sea, there lies an isle called Crete, a ravisher of eyes...' - Homer, "The Odyssey".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #349983 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Review
PRAISE FOR JOHN FREELY'S OTHER WORKSThe Cyclades: Discovering the Greek Islands of the Aegean'A charming and informative companion for anyone exploring these enchanting islands.'Andrew Steed, Stanfords Maps and Travel BooksThe Western Shores of Turkey: Discovering the Aegean and Mediterranean Coasts'...Enchanting guide...a work of genuine scholarship, lightly worn and charmingly conveyed. I fell in love with the book and stayed enamoured until the final page.' Paul Bailey, The Sunday Times'...the record of a journey undertaken by a man effortlessly able to convey in depth the meaning of what he sees.' Marlena Frick, Scotsman, EdinburghStrolling Through Athens'...John Freely's magnificent walking guide to the city.'Anthony Sattin, Book of the Week, Sunday TimesStrolling Through Istanbul'...a classic. The best travel guide to Istanbul' The Times

About the Author
John Freely was born in New York and joined the US Navy at the age of seventeen, serving with a commando unit in Burma and China during the last years of World War II. He has lived in New York, Boston, London, Athens and Istanbul and has written over thirty travel books and guides, most of them about Greece and Turkey. He is author of The Cyclades (I.B.Tauris), The Western Shores of Turkey (Tauris Parke Paperbacks), Strolling Through Athens (also Tauris Parke Paperbacks) and the bestselling Strolling Through Istanbul.

Customer Reviews

Too much detail
This is undoubtedly a great guide to the "Great Island". It's not particularly tourist-friendly and perhaps more appropriate for a historian visiting the island and wanting a travel guide covering the history rather than the current features of the island?