Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and is the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, with a population of approximately 627,000 people. There are many tourist attractions, including archaeological sites at Knossos, Phaistos, Gortys (as well as other places), the castle in Rethymno, and the Samaria Gorge. Crete was the location of the Minoan civilization, one of the first civilizations in Europe. Crete is the second biggest city (after Cyprus) of the East Mediterranean. It is elongated from west to east; at its widest, it's 60km. Crete is defined by three different mountain groups. The mountains are a source of fertile plateaus, caves, and gorges, all of which are worth seeing. The best time to visit is in the spring and fall, as summer temperatures are can range from 20-30 degrees Cesius, and snowfall is common in some areas. Interestingly, the island has three airports. Crete is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. More than 2,000,000 visit Crete each year. There are accommodations and sights for everyone of every budget, and visitors can enter via airports or ship