Crete is the biggest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. It has an area of 8,300 sq. km, a coastline of 1,040 km and a population of 500,000. It lies at the Southern Aegean Sea and at the crossroads of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. Administratively the island is divided into four prefectures: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lassithi (Agios Nikolaos). The island is a very popular tourist destination and its attractions include the Minoan cities of Knossos and Phaistos, the classical site of Gortys, the Venetian castle at Rethymno, and the Samaria Gorge, as well as many other natural sites, monuments, and beaches. There are 3475 Hotels in Crete. See also: Crete villas.