The battle of Crete historical tour

General Description

On this special historical tour, we will explore and learn how the most devastating war of modern history, World War II, affected Southern-Southeastern Europe, Greece, and the island of Crete. Starting from Chania Town, we will visit all the main locations of the legendary Battle of Crete, with our first stops being Maleme, Tavronitis, and Galatas.

Maleme was the first spot that the German Axis power soldiers landed in Crete, while Tavronitis and Galatas were focal points of the Battle of Crete (also known as “Operation Mercury”). Our guide will detail historical facts about the battle’s sheltering, tactics, and all the events that unfolded and led to an Axis victory on June 1st, 1941.

We will see the airfield of Maleme from above, as well as the bridge of Tavronitis, where a crucial battle took place in late May of 1941 between German paratroopers and the Allies. Additionally, we will learn more about the life circumstances of Cretans under occupation, and get informed of Cretan partisan fighters and their tactics during the war, from the days of “Operation Marita” until the end of 1945.