The Mycenaean Civilization predated Classical Ancient Greece and Rome and was an era of heroes and gold. The fortified city of Mycenae in the Peloponnesus peninsula gave its name to the period from 1600 BC to 1100 BC, known as the Mycenaean civilization.

The Minoan civilization was a Bronze Age Aegean civilization on the island of Crete and other Aegean Islands, flourishing from c. 3000 BC to c. 1450 BC and, after a late period of decline, finally ending around 1100 BC, during the early Greek Dark Ages.

Minoan civilization

The Minoan civilization began to weaken around 1450 BC. Archeologists think this might have been due to a natural disaster such as an earthquake. The Mycenaeans took over the islands of the Minoans and adopted much of the Minoan culture. They adapted the writing of the Minoans to their own language.

Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea separating the Aegean from the Libyan Sea.

Some people mix up calling someone a “cretin” with calling him a “Cretan.” A Cretan is simply someone from Crete. However, in antiquity to be identified as a Cretan was to be linked with the moral decadence the ancient world associated with the people of Crete.

5 Most Picturesque Places to See in Crete

1. The best beach in Crete, Balos lagoon. No beach in Crete is as visually stunning and unique as Balos lagoon.
2. One of the best places to see in Crete, Samaria Gorge.
3. The must-see sight of Spinalonga.
4. The best beach in eastern Crete, Voulisma.
5. The best place to visit in Crete, Agios Nikolaos.

No shark attacks have ever been reported in Crete. There are sharks in the Mediterranean but they do not approach the shore. You are safe from jellyfish stings on most Cretan beaches, as the currents keep them away from the shore. Jellyfish stings are painful but harmless to humans.

The total cost of living is around $972 in Crete. The average rent in Crete for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is approximately $461 per month, and utilities cost around $171 a month. Other costs will be around $682 including markets, transportation, restaurants, and sports and leisure for one-person.

Don’t flush toilet paper in Greece There’s a very simple explanation: Greek sewage pipes are approximately 2 inches (50mm) in diameter. American and British plumbing is twice as large (4 inches/100mm). The Greek pipes just get clogged. They don’t call them ‘modern conveniences’ for nothing.

Drinking and tap water Crete has very good tap water in most areas, especially outside the larger towns. In some areas the water has a bit mineral taste. The water is normally clean and drinkable. If you do not want to drink the water where you are staying, you can buy bottled water in all supermarkets and kiosks.

Retire in Crete Crete makes an excellent retirement choice for many reasons. While it offers many of the attractions that go with island living, including world-class beaches, seaside tavernas, and a relaxed vibe, it also has an effective, functional medical infrastructure.

Corfu is much greener and subsequently wetter! Crete is huge and varies dramatically from region to region. Try them both and make your own mind up. With two weeks at your disposal I would opt for Crete as this would enable you to get a good feel for the island, especially if you rented a car.

Living in Crete and perhaps buying a property in Crete is a dream shared by many. Long lazy days spent by the seashore. Unlike smaller Greek islands, Crete doesn’t depend solely on tourism, and many people now choose to live in Crete all year round, as many restaurants, shops and bars stay open throughout the winter.

Apokoronas

Corfu

Prices start from around 300€ per month for an unfurnished one-bedroomed property in a village. A three-bedroomed house or apartment in town or a popular area is likely to cost anywhere between 450€ per month (older property and unfurnished) to 800€ + per month (newer property/villa).

Santorini

Living in Greece – Real Estate and Cost of Living Prices in Crete, Rhodes, and Santorini are very similar. To live in Kalamata of the Peloponnese Peninsula, prices are much cheaper, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing less than $300/month to rent.

Cost of Living Greece is super-affordable, especially when compared to North America and much of the rest of Europe. Prices for daily essentials (food, transport, etc.) are at least 20% cheaper than in the U.S., and costs to rent an apartment can be as much as 70% less.