ABOUT: VPG-DVD-115 - KRETA Crete is an island of light, the 'cradle of Zeus', with sun-drenched coastlines, picturesque villages and majestic mountains. No wonder that even the gods felt comfortable in this wonderful region of Greece. Heraklion is the capital of the largest and most southerly Greek islands, on which a highly developed culture has existed for 4000 years. The Venetians built massive fortresses to defend the island against the Turks The Gortys Ruins are reminders of the moving history of an old town that was prosperous in the 5th century B.C. when Gortys became the most powerful town of the Messara Plain and throughout the olive groves between the hills can be found the scattered remnants of its past cultural riches. With its beautiful sandy beaches, Matala is a popular coastal resort to which many come simply to experience the glorious sunsets in addition to the rich archaeological discoveries of the Phaistos Palace. Agia Galini is a quiet fishing village that, during the summer months, is a lively bathing resort on Crete's south coast. However, it has managed to maintain its original atmosphere with fishing boats in the harbour and crystal clear water lapping the shoreline, plus the allure of its tavernas and restaurants. The precipitous rocky coastline of Agia Roumeli is also the starting point of the Samaria Gorge that is regarded as the largest in Europe. Eighteen kilometres long and in places up to a hundred and fifty kilometres wide, the gorge stretches from the Libyan Sea right up to the heights of Lefka Ori. Picturesque harbours, ancient treasures, lost legends and Greek hospitality: who could possibly ask for more?