Crete is
not only the largest island in Greece but also the most fascinating and
diverse. Here, the visitor can admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations,
explore glorious beaches, savour Cretan cuisine and feel the hospitality of
Cretans who maintain their culture and customs.
Mythology
Mythology
has it that it was in a cave of Crete where the goddess Rhea hid the newborn
Zeus. In that cave, Zeus was brought up
by the nymphs while the demonical Kouretes would strike their shields loudly so
that Cronus may not hear the crying of the baby Zeus and eat it. It was also to Crete that Zeus, disguised as
a bull, took Europa so that they may enjoy their love together. Their union produced a son, Minos, who ruled
Crete and turned it into a mighty island empire of the seas. In Minoan times, even Attica would pay a
tribute tax to Crete, until Theseus, the Athenian prince, killed the
Minotaur. The truth behind the myth is
the existence of a mighty and wealthy kingdom and of a civilization that is
considered the most ancient one on the European continent.
Crete is
divided in to four prefectures.
Chania
The region
of Chania (Haniá), on the western side of the island, is dominated by the
impressive White Mountains (in Greek: Lefká Óri) and its famous National Park,
which occupy the largest part of the region.The Prefecture of Chania provides
tourist services and activities of all kinds, satisfying all the choices. The
city of Chania maintains unaltered all of its characteristics, from the time of
the Venetian Rule up until today.
The White
Mountains’ National Park, expanding around Samaria Gorge, is the biggest and
most imposing gorge in Greece. You need about seven hours to cross it but the
rich landscape and rare flora and fauna will definitely reward you. There are
also many other smaller gorges for you to hike (Aradaina, Agia Irini, Imbros
and Polyrhenia) as well as beautiful walking trails (from Hrysoskalitissa to
Elafonissi, from Palaiohóra to Souyiá and from Ayia Rouméli to Hóra Sfakion),
which make Chania a beloved destination among nature enthusiasts from all over
the world. On the edge of a gloriously scenic turquoise lagoon lies the islet
of Elafonissi with its ancient-old Cedar Forest.
Beaches
Hrissi
Akti, Ayia Marina, Áyioi Apóstoloi, Máleme, Kalathás, Stavrós, Plataniás,
Kolympári, Falássarna, Ayia Rouméli, Souyiá, Ammoúdi, Fínikas, Vótsala, Loutró,
Áyios Pávlos, Pahiá Ámmos, Fragokástello and Gávdos are only some of the
beaches where you can bask in the sun. On the islet of Elafonissi, a beach with
crystal clear waters and white sand dunes will take your breath away! The whole
area forms part of the NATURA network.
Religious
and cultural festivals
A plethora
of religious and cultural festivals take place all year long, inviting both
locals and visitors to experience the Cretan way of celebrating. Local products
have their own prominent position in Chania’s cultural life: participate in the
Chestnut Festival in Élos, the Rosewater Festival in Foúrni, or the Wine
Festival in Voúves. In May takes place a glorious commemoration of the Battle
of Crete in all the municipalities of the region. The Agricultural August is an
exhibition of Cretan agricultural products and folklore artefacts. Also,
several festivals, conferences or sport events (Venizeleia athletics
competition) are organised between May and September, most of which are hosted
at a beautiful outdoor theatre located in the east bulwark of the Old Town
(“Anatolikí Táfros").
Rethymno
Rethymno
(Réthymno) region: Crete's smallest prefecture located between White Mountains
and Mt Psilorítis (also called “Ídi”), is synonymous with gorgeous
mountainscapes, marvellous beaches, Cretan lyre melodies, tsikoudiá , legendary
caves, historic monasteries and monuments, traditional mountain villages and
luxurious holiday resorts. Feel the essence of Mythical Crete in this
mountainous, remote and self-sufficient region of the island of Crete.
The city of
Réthymno is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Greece: Venetian
fortification works mingle harmonically with orthodox and catholic churches,
mosques, grand mansions of Venetian architecture, arches and cobblestone
streets they all create a wondrous atmosphere.
Sightseeing
• Lagoon of
Préveli: At the point where river Meyálos Potamós (“Big River”) flows into the
sea and “Kourtaliotis” gorge ends lie the famous Préveli Lagoon and “Palm
beach” (“Fínikas”), a sandy cove with a small date-palm grove. To get there you
have to follow the road to the Monastery of Préveli. Shortly before the
monastery a track on your left leads down to a parking place. From this point
onwards walk down to the sandy beach, where a remarkable, almost tropical
landscape awaits you. The river flowing into the sea combined with the rich
vegetation creates a magnificent sight. Don’t miss it!
• The Nída
Plateau is located 79km far from Réthymno, on Mount Psilorítis. Here, major
attractions are “mitáta", vaulted stone huts where the shepherds live. The
Plateau provides also skiing facilities during wintertime.
•
Argyroúpoli: 27km far from Réthymno you will find Argyroúpoli, a village built
on the remnants of the ancient city of Láppas. Numerous springs, the cave and
the chapel bearing the same name are all well worth a visit.
• Gorges of
extraordinary beauty traverse the mountains of the region: the ravine of
Kourtaliótis, 3km long, ends at the famous Lagoon of Préveli; the ravine of
Kotsifoú starts from the village of Kánevos and ends near the village of
Sellía; the gorge of Patsós, in the Amári district; the gorge of Prassés, which
ends at the village of Plataniás at the north coast east of the town of
Réthymno; finally, the gorge of Arkádi and a number of smaller ones.
• The
mountains of the region are exceptionally rich in caves. The most famous caves
are those of Geráni, Simonélli west of the town of Réthymno, Áyios Antónios in
the district of Amári, Melidóni, Moúgri Sissón and Sfendóni near the village of
Zonianá. The cave of Idéon Ándron, in which Zeus was raised according to
mythology, represented an important place of worship in both the Minoan and the
Roman periods.
Beaches
• Réthymno
Beach: Organised sandy beach more than 20 km long, stretching from Réthymno
town across the east side of the area.
• Pánormos:
This coastal village is situated 20 km east of Réthymno. It boasts an organised
beach with many tavérnas and hotels.
• Bali:
Nestling in the surrounding mountains of the Bali bay you will find the coastal
village of Bali, 34 km east of Réthymno. Choose one of the small islets and
enjoy sun bathing at organised beaches.
• Plakiás:
The village of Plakiás is situated 40 km south of Réthymno. This resort boasts
a superb sandy beach and a well-organised tourist infrastructure including
water sport facilities.
• Ayía
Galíni: situated 58km south of Réthymno, the resort offers a well-organised
tourist infrastructure and crystal clear beaches hidden on the surrounding
islets.
• Préveli
beach: The beach of Préveli or “Palm Beach” (Fínikas) is situated at the
southern coast of Crete, 40 km far from Réthymno. The palm-tree background and
the small lagoon turn this smooth sandy beach into a truly unique exotic place!
Heraklion
The largest
and most densely populated region on the island of Crete is Heraklion
(Iráklion). Nestling picturesquely among two imposing mountain ranges – Ídi (Mt
Psiloritis) to the west and Dikti (Lasithiótika mountains) to the east– Heraklion
boasts exceptional archaeological treasures, significant coastal settlements, a
series of picturesque villages, vast valleys with olive groves and vineyards as
well as the best organized tourist infrastructure in Crete. A unique
combination of urban scenery and natural wealth makes the region of Heraklion
an appealing all-year-round destination.
Crete’s
capital, the city of Heraklion presents a unique mixture of civilizations where
Byzantine remnants stand side by side with Venetian constructions and Ottoman
buildings.
The city is
also renowned for the medieval fortress of Koulés overlooking the Venetian
harbour and the Venetian walls that still surround a part of the city. At the
southernmost bastion of the fortress, Martinengo Bastion, lies the tomb of
Nikos Kazantzakis, the famous Cretan author, whose epitaph reads: “I hope for nothing,
I fear nothing, I am free”. Morosini Fountain, adorned with four lions, is one
of the best known sights in the city. Built by the Venetian governor Francesco
Morosini in the 17th century used to supply the fortified city with water.
Admire a
plethora of old churches decorating the streets of the city, like Áyios Títos,
San Marco Basilica and Ayía Ekateríni. Stroll down the pedestrian streets of
the old town with its hive cafés and restaurants and amble around its squares
(Lion, Eleftheríou Venizélou and Kornárou squares) to soak up the city’s
buzzing atmosphere!
Archaeological
sites
• The archaeological
site of Knossos, where one of the most glorious civilizations of humanity, the
Minoan civilization, flourished. Situated among olive trees, vineyards and
cypresses on the hill of Kefálas, the Palace of Knossos was not only the royal
family's residence but also the administrative and religious centre of the
whole region. The Throne Room is situated in the west wing. The eastern wing
incorporates the royal chambers, the double axes room, the Queen's Suite with
the celebrated dolphin fresco, the workshop areas – where the stone carver's
workshop holds an eminent position – and the storage rooms.
• In close
proximity to Knossos, in the area of Arhánes, you can visit the palace complex
at the district where the Turks lived, the cemetery at Fourní, the largest
prehistoric cemetery in the Aegean Sea, the Minoan mansion with the famous wine
press at Vathýpetros and the Sanctuary of Anemospiliá.
• At
Kastélli Pediádos visit the ruins of Lýttos (or Lýctos), one of the most
powerful cities of ancient Crete, which was a Spartan colony.
• The
archaeological site of Phaestos (Festós), which was the second most important
administrative, economic and religious centre in Minoan Crete after Knossos.
The Minoan Palace was built around 1900 B.C. and extends over an area of
18,000m2 (the second largest after Knossos Palace).
• In the
area of Messará pay a visit at the ancient Górtyna whose regime gained Plato’s
admiration. It is not only the archaeological site but also the old churches
that attract visitors’ interest.
• Wander
among the remains of the Palace of Mália, which resembles the palaces of
Knossos and Phaestos. One of the most significant finds is the well-known gold
pendant of two bees (which can be seen in the Heráklion Archaeological Museum).
The palace was built during the same period as the Knossos and Phaestos palaces
and follows the pattern of Minoan palaces, with a west and a central court,
storage rooms, workshop areas, ceremonial halls, chambers, holy crypts, etc.
Museums
• Heráklion
Archaeological Museum exhibits significant findings of the Minoan Civilisation
and is considered to be one of the most important museums of its kind in the
world. Thousands excavation finds, from the Disc of Phaestos to the gold
pendant of Mália and the clay dancers from Kamilári reveal an ancient-old
illustrious past.
• Heráklion
Historical Museum presents the evolution of the city during the centuries;
among the exhibits stand out three paintings by El Greco and manuscripts of the
famous author Nikos Kazantzakis.
• Cretan
Ethnology Museum at Vóri reveals the island’s folk life.
• Natural
History Museum at Dermatás Bay promotes the unique habitats in Crete and the
Mediterranean.
Beaches
Beaches
Beaches
• Amnissós
(a beautiful long sandy beach, 7km east of Heráklion),
• Ayía
Pelayía, Kalí Liménes (a long sandy beach), the beach of Mália (a crowded resort
with thin, white sand, 36km east of Heráklion),
• the beach
of Cháni Kokkíni (a wonderful beach with thin, white sand, 13km east of
Heráklion known for its north-west winds, which make the place ideal for
wind-surfing),
• the beach
of Liménas Hersoníssou (a beautiful sandy beach along a small peninsula 27km
east of Heráklion, one of the most crowded in Crete),
• the beach
of Mátala (a beautiful beach with crystal waters 70km south-west of Heráklion,
famous for the caves carved into the rocks, “discovered” by the hippies in the
70's), and
• the beach
of Ammoudára (an organised large sandy beach with crystalline waters, 6km west
of Heráklion).
Lasithi
Lasithi
(Lassíthi) region. Welcome to the easternmost and least mountainous region of
Crete, where the population resides in four semi-urban centers: Áyios Nikólaos,
Ierápetra, Sitía and Neápoli. The mythical palm tree forest of Váï, the Gulf of
Mirabello, the windmills on the Plateau of Lasithi (the largest in Crete), beaches
lapped by crystalline water, beautiful cities and luxurious hotel resorts all
make up a rather fascinating world.
10 km north
of Áyios Nikólaos you will find a jet-setter haven, Eloúnda, a famous
cosmopolitan resort with luxury accommodation facilities. The village is built
on the southern coast of the Gulf of Eloúnda, 1km east of the ancient
settlement of Oloúnda. The four villages of Eloúnda spread all across the lower
slopes of the massif: Páno and Káto Eloúnda, Mavrikianó and the new settlement
of Skisma.
Close to
Eloúnda lies the island of Spinalónga (meaning long thorn), which you may
access by boat from Eloúnda, Áyios Nikolaos or Pláka. Boat trips from Eloúnda
take approximately fifteen minutes while trips departing from Áyios Nikolaos
take almost an hour. The former leper colony is today an unoccupied island and
one of the main tourist attractions in Crete due to its historical and significance.
In addition to the abandoned leper colony, where the lepers’ houses still
stand, you can admire its fortress and swim at its small pebble beaches. Note
that there are no accommodation facilities on the island; therefore the visit
here can last only a few hours.
Neápoli,
located 15km northwest of Áyios Nikolaos, was the region’s capital until 1904.
Today it is a small town nestled picturesquely on an olive grove valley. It is
distinguished by its excellent urban planning and well-preserved neoclassical
buildings. The town boasts among others an interesting archaeological
collection, a Folklore Museum, Byzantine monasteries (don’t miss the 15th
century Monastery of Kremastá), the picturesque traditional villages of Síssi,
Nikithianós, Houmeriákos, Límnes, Latsída, Vrýses and Vrahássi and the Mílatos
Cave.
The plateau
of Lassíthi is the largest plateau in Greece (covering a surface of
approximately 50 sq km) and one of the most fertile valleys in Greece. Located
at an altitude of 817-850m on the NW edge of Mt. Dhikti, its fertile soil
produces fruit and vegetables of the highest quality. In the plateau's wider
region you can choose to stay in one of the plenty agrotourism lodging
facilities. Tzermiádo, located at a distance of 49km west of Áyios Nikolaos, is
the largest of the area’s 16 villages. Thousands of white-cloth—sailed
windmills are the plateau's trademark. They don’t operate anymore but many of
them are under restoration.
A less
explored region of Crete is Sitía, a busy port of the northeastern Crete, the
sea gate from Crete to the Dodecanese and the birthplace of the poet
Vintsentzos Kornaros, author of "Erotokritos". Getting to this more
isolated region, located 70 km east of Áyios Nikolaos, takes you on a journey
through magnificent countryside generously adorned with dramatic gorges (Áyion
Pánton gorge and the Richti gorge), intriguing villages hanging onto inland
peninsulas or steep hillsides. Sitía is also home to notable monasteries (like
Toploú), archaeological sites, palm-forested beaches, sparkling bays and
fascinating routes across the mountains.
Váï,
located 24km east of Sitía, is the only palm forest in Europe consisting of
more than 5,000 trees and extending for about 250 hectares. There are many
legends concerning the creation of this palm forest. It is said that it dates
back to medieval times when the Arabs conquered Crete and planted those trees;
others say that the trees were planted by Saracens pirates who used to hide in
the area. In front of the forest lies a long sandy beach, which combined with
the lush vegetation forms an impressive desert-like landscape. This superb
beach was discovered by a few hippies during the 70s, but by the early 1980s
Váï had become a campground. The beach is now clean and has been declared as a
protected area with rare flora and fauna. If you don’t have a car, a public
bus, that departs from Sitía (trip duration: 25 min.), will take you there.
Ierápetra,
35km south of Áyios Nikolaos, is the largest city in Lassíthi region and the
sunniest city in Europe! The most interesting sightseeings here are the 19th
century mosque in the old town, the 13th century Kalés Venetian fortress at the
port entrance, the Archaeological Collection housed in the building of the
former Ottoman School at the City Hall square, and a plethora of old churches.
In the surrounding area, visit also the Folklore museum at Vainiá (3.5 km
northeast of Ierápetra), the artificial lake Bramianón, the Minoan settlements
at Mýrtos and the volcanic islet Hryssí (or Yaidouroníssi) where you can bask
in an amazing white sandy beach, one of the best in Greece, under the natural
shade of cedars!
Accommodation
in Crete
Crete has a
wide variety of accommodation options. Crete's infrastructure has come a long way from the early days of
simple 'Rent rooms'. There are small hostels with a traditional atmosphere,
modern large hotel units and elegant medium-capacity hotels all over the
island, in harmony with the Cretan landscape.
The high
standard services provided by very educated staff, in combination with the
tradition of hospitality, ensure a comfortable and satisfactory stay.
How to get
in Crete
By plane
The island
has two significant airports:
*Nikos
Kazantzakis at Heraklion.
*the
military airport Daskalogiannis at Chania.
By boat
Ferry
services from Piraeus to Heraklion, Rethimno and Chania and from Thessaloniki
and the Cyclades to Heraklion.
The port of
Heraklion serves regular itineraries to Rhodes and Santorini, two of the most
popular destinations in Greece while from Kissamos port in Chania there are
ferry connections to Kythira, Antikythira and Gythio Peloponnese.
The port of
Sitia is also connected with Kasos and Karpathos and a few local ferries to
Dodecanese leave from Agios Nikolaos.
Music
The island
is primarily known for its musical tradition, which is inspired by their
emotions and passion for life. The most famous instruments that the great
masters of Cretan music use are lyra and lute. Lyra is played with a bow like a
violin while lute is played like a guitar.
Local
products
Cretans are
known for their pottery art and embroidery that you can see in many of their
clothes, traditional pieces of weaving used to embellish their household and
other beautiful items made by the local women.
Crete is
blessed with a wonderful nature, a mild climate and a fertile land. The
gastronomical heritage of the island originates from antiquity and the Minoan times.
The Cretan diet is based on the olive oil, fresh local products, fish, cheese
and a great variety of fruits and vegetables. It is an integral part of
Mediterranean diet and it offers longevity and good health. Meals are always
accompanied by the unique Cretan wine or tsikoudia (the local drink).
The island
is also known for the honey production and wine tradition. It is worth
mentioned that the oldest glass of wine was found in Crete and dates back for
3,500 years. Crete products are particularly famous for the excellent quality.
The Cretan olive oil is actually the best in the world.
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