4 Nights in crete
Crete simply has it all! Crete is the largest island in Greece, and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete is more like a small country than another Greek island. It’s not just Greece’s largest island, but arguably its most fascinating and diverse. Its remarkable history is evident across the island. Here, the visitor can admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountainscapes, fertile valleys and steep gorges, and become part of the island’s rich gastronomic culture. has a magic radiance, there is the supreme quality of the light here, the sharp rugged mountains meeting openly with clear seas. There is an abundance of wildlife, plants & flowers that are unique to the island. Breath in the ever-present scents of wild herbs, taste fresh fruit, the best of the world's olive oil and healthy, delicious cheeses. Enjoy the delight of sipping a Greek coffee at the roadside in a mountain village, the excitement and spill over of weddings and occasions, the history, and the people. It is also a historian's and archaeologist's paradise. Because Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, it offers developed tourist areas with large resort hotels, small intimate hotels, quiet coves, hidden beaches, invigorating mountain villages and plateaus that reward the discerning traveller. Crete is, after all, a small universe teeming with beauties and treasures that you will probably need a lifetime to uncover! Cretans are proud and hospitable people who maintain their culture and customs, particularly their strong musical tradition. Throughout the island you will come across traditional mountain villages and agricultural settlements unaffected by tourism. The young might drive four-wheel-drives but you will still pass shepherds tending their flocks and come across men in traditional dress. An abundance of fresh produce and the distinct Cretan cuisine – renowned for its culinary dimension.
Crete is divided into 4 provinces or more correctly prefectures, Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lassithi.
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 inhabited islands of Gavdos and Gavdopoula, which are located at a distance of 20 miles south from Chania, in Liviko Sea, also come under Chania. The region of Chania is dominated by the impressive White Mountains and its famous National Park,. The major cities of the prefecture are Chania, the capital of the prefecture, and Kastelli in Kisamos. Among the most important villages are Paleochora and Kantanos in Selino, the Chora of Sfakion in Sfakia. Turquoise waters lap against the white sandy beaches, that lie to the west of the city: 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. |
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 spirit served with “oftó”, 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. Steep gorges, leafy valleys, small rivers cutting through the mountains, wild life refuges and forty canyons complete the picture. Unique wonders of nature will take your breath away. Here you can taste delicious local culinary delights, like goat cooked with tomatoes, hilopítes (home made pasta) and snails with vegetables –always accompanied with a shot of local tsikoudiá! Magnificent sandy beaches await the beachgoers on the north coast (at the Cretan Sea) as well as on the south coast of the island. Rethymno combines the conveniences of a large city with the beauty of an old town. Both elements will mesmerize you. |
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– Iráklion boasts exceptional archaeological treasures, significant coastal settlements, a series of picturesque villages, vast valleys with olive groves and vineyards as well as the best organised tourist infrastructure in Crete. A unique combination of urban scenery and natural wealth makes the region of Iráklion 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. Built by the Venetian governor Francesco Morosini in the 17th century used to supply the fortified city with water. The reconstructed Lóggia across the fountain housed the Venetian headquarters. Today it houses the Town Hall. 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! Discover the natural wealth of Heráklion in its stunning gorges. A dense network of archaeological sites shows the region’s importance in the past, which was continuously inhabited since the Neolithic Era. |
Lasithi
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 Lassíthi (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 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. Áyios Nikolaos or Pláka. Neápoli, located 15km northwest. 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. he 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. Once you’ve reached the waterfront in Sitía you'll spot the long sandy beach curving around the bay to the east. Don’t hesitate to dive –the waters are clean! Sitía boasts also a beautiful harbour full of colourful small fishing boats, tavernas and cafés. 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. Ierápetra, 35km south of Áyios Nikolaos, is the largest city in Lassíthi region and the sunniest city in Europe! |