1- The Cretan Minoan civilization, often called "The Cradle of Western Civilization", flourished 4 to 5,000 years ago and is the earliest recognised civilization in Europe and second only to the Egyptian in the Western World.

2- Crete was an autonomous state (self-governing) for a few years in the late 19th and beginning of the 20th century, until Eleftherios Venizelos secured "enosis" (union) with Greece for protection against Turkey.

3- Chania was the capital of Crete from about 1250 until 1971, when Heraklion was proclaimed the capital due to its larger population and industry.

4- Crete has always been of huge strategic significance and continuous to be. The last two remaining American Military Bases in Greece are located in Akrotiri, (Chania) and Heraklion, Crete. There are also NATO bases stationed in Crete.

5- Crete has the largest natural harbour, Souda Bay (Chania), in Europe.

6- Crete has the largest natural gorge, Samaria Gorge (Chania region), in Europe.

7- Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.

8- Crete has been rocked by at least 3 devastating earthquakes in the last millennium, which have killed more than 50,000 people each time.

9- Crete's population today numbers at just over half a million people.