Quickly they established colonies on the nearby islands of the Aegean... the Cyclades, as well as beginning trade-exchanges with Egypt and Syria/the Levant. It is believed that eventually they reached Sicily and beyond to Sardinia perhaps. The rewards of trade and the experiences gained overseas in conducting trade enabled them to create large harbours, organize water-management and build the impressive Palaces.
Even the self-orientated Egyptians admired Minoan sea-faring activity. On several Egyptian tombs are scenes of some Aegeans (the Keftiu are likely to be Cretans) bearing ‘gifts’ to Pharaoh.