CRETE

Our Greek Course in Crete
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Hania la Khania

537 000 inhabitants

National Anthem 

The Minoan Civilization of Crete was one of the world's most ancient, reaching a peak around 1600 B.C. The island was conquered by the Romans in 67 B.C., and was later held by Byzantium, except for a period of Arab occupation from 823-961. It was taken by Venice in 1204 and Turkey in 1669. Crete was contested between Turkey and Greece until union with Greece was proclaimed in 1908. During the Second World War, Crete was the scene of the first large-scale invasion by air when German paratroopers took the island.

Greece's climate varies according to region.
The southern and central portions of the country experience the traditional Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The continental climate of northern Greece is marked by colder winters.
There is also considerable regional variation in annual rainfall, with areas to the west of the Pindus Mountains receiving far more rain than those to the east. The Ionian island of Corfu (Kérkira), located off the mainland's north-western coast, receives an average of 1,000 mm (40 in) of rain per year,
whereas the average annual rainfall in Athens in central Greece is 400 mm (16 in). Snow is common in the mountains.
The average January temperature in Athens is 10° C /50° F the July average is 28° C/ 82° F.

Greek

Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz
Weights & measures: metric

 Euro 

• For Canadians, please visit this web site. Travel information and advisory reports

• For others nationalities, please check with the Consulate or the embassy of the country you want to visit.

In Crete the earth and its crops have been concurrent with mythology and the ancient gods. The purity of the products, their rich in vitamins content, and their spectacular taste, have been and are for the lovers of healthy food, the subject of study for the scientific community, while their beneficial qualities for the avoidance of heart disease has been proven. The geologic conditions, the cultivating care, and mainly the love for tradition and quality, are the reasons for which the Cretan goods have recognized quality

Chicken Braised in Walnut Sauce

Categories: Ethnic, Poultry, Sauces Yield: 4 servings 1 Frying or roasting chicken* 1 Sprig of fresh thyme Salt & freshly ground pepper 1 c Milk 1 Large onion; sliced 2 Egg yolks 4 tb Butter 1 ts Grated nutmeg 1 Bay leaf 1 c Shelled walnuts; crushed ** *Note: Chicken should be about 2-1/2 to 3 pounds, and cut into serving pieces. **Walnuts may be crushed in a mortar, blender or food processor. Wash and dry the chicken parts and season lightly with salt and pepper. In a heavy frying pan, saute the onion in butter until soft, then add the chicken parts after a few minutes. Sauté on all sides, then add the bay leaf, thyme, and enough hot water to almost cover. Tighty cover the pan and simmer the chicken until tender (approximately 1 hour). Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken to a warm platter and keep warm while you prepare the sauce. Strain the remaining pan liquid into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, whisk the milk with the egg yolks, then add, slowly, to the strained pan liquid and cook over very low heat until the sauce boils, stirring constantly. Sprinkle in the nutmeg, then stir in the crushed walnuts. Simmer another minute and pour over the chicken. Serve warm.

Heraklion

Heraklion the largest and busiest town on the island, has a variety of nightlife and sightseeing to offer. In the prefecture of Heraklion are three of the most important Minoan centers – Knossos, Phaestos and Malia. Crete is well known as the setting for the battle between Theseus and the Minotaur, and the ruins of Knossos are popularly held to be the site of the labyrinth.

With full of tropical beaches, traditional villages, everyone with a different history, a huge variety of gorgeous landscapes, remains from ancient civilizations, you've got people here writing history for the last five thousand years. N. Kazantzakis was inspired and wrote his famous book " Zorba the Greek" in Crete. Crete is the one for those who want it all.

Location

Crete Greece's largest island has the dubious distinction of playing host to a quarter of all visitors to Greece.
It's still possible to find some peace by visiting the undeveloped west coast, the rugged mountainous interior and the villages of the Lassithi plateau. Crete was the centre of the Minoan culture, Europe's first advanced civilization, which flourished from 2800 to 1450 BC. The palace of Knossos, just outside Crete's largest city, Iraklio, is the most magnificent of Crete's Minoan sites. While Iraklio is a hell-hole, the other large towns,
Hania and Rethymno, are packed with beautiful Venetian buildings. Paleohora, on the southwest coast, was discovered by hippies in the 1960s and from then on its days as a quiet fishing village were numbered, but it remains a relaxing place favored by backpackers. Many travelers spend a day trekking though the 18km-long Samaria Gorge to get to Agia Roumeli on the southwest coast. Further along the south coast, which is too precipitous to support large settlements, are the villages of Loutro and Hora Sfakion, linked by boat.
The climate on the south coast is so mild that swimming is possible from April to November.