The Greek Island Crete - Essay Example

The Greek Island Crete The island of Crete located at the of eastern Mediterranean is the largest of Greek islands measuring about 260 km length and a width of 60km. It is located at the crossroads of three continents; Africa, Asia and Europe and lies at the Southern Aegean Sea. The Island covers eight square kilometers and contains a high mountain range formed by three mountains relating to; the White Mountains to the west, mountain of Idi at the center and Dikti Mountain to the east (Willett, pg.89). The island covers a population of six hundred and thirty thousand inhabitants who are mainly concentrated in the major cities of Iraklion, Hani and Rethymnon.

The Islands contains rich folk traditions and cultural heritage despite economic growth, globalization and tourism. The famous dances are still conducted at every opportunity in most celebrations.Crete boasts of exceptional artistic phenomena such as poetry, embroidery, jewelry and Cretan music which are played with the violin, lyre and laouto (Duke, pg.89). The major diet consists of cuisine made of extra virgin olive oil, vegetables and legumes.The economic state of the island mainly depended on farming and stock breeding but has changed to incorporate tourism.

Most of the agricultural goods produced include potatoes, grapes, oranges and olives. Other forms of industry active in the island include packaging and shipping industries as well as real estate. The region boasts of temperate climatic conditions with snow on the mountains thus making visits better in autumn and spring (Georgiou, pg.56). The flora is rich in herbs and pharmaceutical plants like thyme and labdanum and a variety of flowers like tulips and orchids. It also has varied fauna like wild goats, tree frogs and birds.

Works citedDuke, P. G. The tourists gaze, the Cretans glance archaeology and tourism on a Greek island.Walnut Creek, CA. Left Coast Press. 2007. Print.Georgiou, Alexia. Greek Islands. Singapore. APA Publications. 2010. Print.Willett, David. Greek Islands. Footscray, Australia. Lonely Planet. 2004. Print.