The Latest Breaking News from Crete

The Minoan culture was the first highly complex society on modern European soil, with palaces, writing, stunning art – and even flushing toilets. The Minoans lived in the bronze age (circa 3000-1200BC) on the Mediterranean island of Crete, which served as a stepping stone between Europe, Africa and Asia.

Last month, the Crown Iris left the Greek island of Syros early without its passengers disembarking after more than 150 protesters demonstrated at the island's port. There have been similar protests in Rhodes and Crete.

Riot police kept the crowd away from the pier where the cruise ship was docked, while scuffles broke out between demonstrators and police.

Local media said police used pepper spray and detained four people

From fly-and-flop resorts to activity-packed hotels, here’s where to check in on Greece’s largest island

Greek Coast Guard rescued 74 migrants on Crete, part of hundreds of arrivals over the weekend, as traffickers shift to longer Mediterranean routes from North Africa.

The suspension passed by a vote of 177-74 despite fierce opposition from left-wing parties, which unsuccessfully challenged the amendment as unconstitutional.

The expulsion of EU diplomats risks complicating efforts to prevent a wave of irregular migration from Libya to Europe this summer.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Wednesday that Greece would suspend asylum processing for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa for three months.

More than 500 migrants arrived at the port of Lavrio near Athens on Thursday after being intercepted south of the island of Crete, after a surge of arrivals from Libya.

Greek authorities have transported more than 500 migrants to a port on the mainland in an effort to relieve strain on the island of Crete after a surge in arrivals from Libya