Crete: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 9, 2026

News •

Death toll from migrant boat found with bodies on board south of Greece increases to 14 • Nov. 9, 2026, 1:01 PM ET (AP)

Photos and Videos

Gonia Monastery, a white Orthodox monastery with domed and bell towers, stands among green trees and hills in the Chania region of Crete, Greece.

Crete, Greece: Ídiean cave

Crete, Greece: flowers and cacti

Chaniá, Crete, Greece

Réthymno, Crete, Greece

Minoan spouted jar

Antique map of Crete, also labeled as Candia, showing the island's mountainous terrain, coastal cities, and towns with detailed place names. The map, bordered in pink, is oriented horizontally and includes maritime routes radiating from major ports. From the 1902 Encyclopaedia Britannica atlas.

Crete: Chóra Sfakíon

How underwater cables connect the world's continents

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

Corfu Cyclades Dodecanese Taiwan Iceland Puerto Rico Ireland Sri Lanka Greenland Cuba

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

Island, New Caledonia.

Islands and Archipelagos