Crete
-- OK! Magazine
One of the most popular of the Greek islands, Crete continues to draw fun-and-sun worshippers in vast numbers, as well as offering a paradise of flora, hillside terraces, and coastal plains in the less-commercialized areas. Cadogan's new entertaining guide to Greece's largest and most fiercely independent island delves into every aspect of its unique attractions. Engaging commentary on the fabled Minoan sites evoking Europe's earliest civilization, frescoed Byzantine monasteries, and Venetian city-quarters will give readers a singular insight into Crete's wealth of history. A special nature section illuminates the stunning landscape and carpets of spring flowers, and the guide takes travelers to the island's beauty spots--from the turquoise lagoon of Elafonísi to the butterfly-filled gorges by the Libyan sea. Ancient Cretan culture is explored in the Labyrinth at Knossós and the Diktean cave, birthplace of Zeus. If visitors' tastebuds are tempted by the abundance of Cretan produce, the listings will give them the best places to feast on fresh lobster and indulge in specialty cakes and pastries. Packed full of inspirational ideas, Cadogan will help them create their very own Crete. This guide provides: *Detailed practical information every step of the way from getting there and traveling around to local festivals and shopping areas *Independent views on where to stay, eat, and drink for all budgets *Advice on when and where to go if you want to avoid the crowds
Extract: The Elixir of Life
In the Second World War, Greece suffered a higher percentage of civilian casulties than any other country; in 1941-42 up to half a million people starved to death, and some 25,000 were killed in the resistance, often in the horrific reprisals taken by the Nazis. Crete, in particular, saw some of the fiercest resistance and suffered some of the worst deprivations, yet in 1947, when researchers for the Rockefeller Foundation arrived on the island to study the health of the population, they were astonished. In spite of the privations of the war and their ‘primitive’ life, men in their 90s were still climbing mountains.
In 1956, the Foundation launched a 15-year study in seven countries (Japan, Finland, Yugoslavia, the USA, Holland, Italy, and the Greek islands of Corfu and Crete) to compare diet and the incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer. ...click here to read the rest
Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls can be reached at: michel.pauls@wanadoo.fr
