Crete in Greece, an island with sandy beaches and crystal, blue waters. The culture and the nature will surpass all of your expectations. Visit Crete and enjoy a small Paradise. Crete, the biggest island of Greece.
On the southernmost edge of Greece - indeed of all Europe - and in the midst of the eastern Mediterranean, lies Crete, where the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa meet, an island with a population of more than 600,000 and divided for administrative purposes into 4 Prefectures: Hania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi. Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean with an area of 8,335 square kilometers.
The climate of Crete is probably the mildest in Europe. The strong northwesterly wind, the meltemi, moderates even the hottest months of July and August. Rainfall is rare during the summer months. Autumn is Crete's mildest season, when temperatures are often higher than in spring. The mountains that run across the island act as a barrier to the weather, often creating different conditions in northern and southern Crete.
The area has been inhabited since pre-historic times until today without intermission.
• 3000 - 2800 BC Arhaeological artfacts prove the existence of arcient Kydonia.
• 2800 - 1150 BC Minoan civilisation. Ancient Kydonia is one of the most powerful cities in Crete.
• 1st millennium AD Kydonia prevalls until the 7th century AD.
• 823 - 961 AD Occupation by the Arabs
• 961 - 1252 AD Byzantine period
• 1252 - 1645 AD Occupation by the Venetians
• 1645 - 1897 AD Occupation by the turks
• 1898 AD Foundation of the Cretan State. Chania is the capital of Crete
• 1913 AD Unification of Crete with Greece
The first Greek territory to establish an advanced civilization, centered around Minoan Knossos and Faestos, Crete was the last piece of what is today Greece to fall under Ottoman rule, with the conquest of Heraklion in 1669.
Throughout the centuries, Cretan history is an almost never-ending stream of defensive wars and rebellions against the various conquerors the waves of history have washed upon its shores. The island's position, on the shipping routes between Europe, Africa and the Middle East has meant a constant stream of suitors, for the better part of 30 centuries, bent on establishing their control over the Eastern Mediterranean.
An island much celebrated in song, and with a rich history and culture, it was destined 5,000 years ago to become the cradle of the renowned Minoan civilization and the birthplace of Zeus. Here, on Dikti and on forested Psiloritis (Idi), the greatest of the gods was born and raised, whose legend nurtured a rich mythological tradition with illustrious protagonists such as Europa, Minos, Pasiphae, the Minotaur. ..
Unique archaeological sites such as those at Knossos, Phaestos, Mallia and Zakros have come to light, documenting the magnificence of this civilization which shone not only in the Aegean but also throughout the whole of the Mediterranean. It is also a fact without precedent that in this limited geographical space, civilization itself never dimmed over the passage of time. The Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian periods all left their contribution in the most glorious way, forming a landscape of many cultural elements - the grandiose, multicoloured and vibrant scenery of a continuous historical progression which, through the sounds of the lyra, mantinades and the forceful steps of the dance, echoes the passions and spirit of the land to this day. A noble, gallant spirit which grew up alongside the wild mountain peaks, the imposing gorges, and the unexplored caves, blossomed like the olives and the wild flowers found in the most improbable locations, and achieved calm tranquility in the vista of the indented coastlines with their golden sands and blue-green waters. ..
98 beaches in Crete, were awarded with blue flags for 2011
The Highlights
•The old Venetian town of Chania, with footprints of 3 thousand years of history around every corner.
•The old Venetian town of Rethymnon.
•The small fishing village of Zakros, 20 km south of Vai, on the eastern shore, for stunning natural beauty and charming isolation.
•The Gorge of Samaria, in Chania, the largest gorge in Europe.
•The bay of Elounda, home to the country's best luxury resort hotels.
•Cretan traditional food.
•The Hersonisos and Malia region of Heraklion for 24-hour partying.
•Matala.
THINGS TO DO & SEE
CHANIA BEACHES
The prefecture of Chania has more than 350 kilometers of coastline and more than 80 beaches out of which 29 have been awarded with blue flag for 2014.
CHANIA SIGHTS
The most comprehensive guide to the sights in Chania you must visit. Travel with the best guide filled with colorful photos and a detailed description about the attractions in Chania and its hinterland.
LASSITHI BEACHES
The easternmost province of Crete Lassithi prefecture managed again this year 2014 be classified first place in Crete on blue flag beaches, reaching 42 beaches when the other three prefecture (Chania, Rethymno, Heraklio) together they have 63 beaches on blue flag, showing with the best way how clean and organized are Lassithi beaches, since in the total of 70 beaches only 28 failed to be awarded with the blue flag.
HERAKLIO BEACHES
Heraklion has a coastline of over 250 km and more than 70 beaches of which 17 have been awarded the 2014 with Blue Flag. Heraklion has all kinds of beaches, sandy with lots of people in the north with wonderful bays sheltered from winds, and deserted pebble beaches in the south. Discover them.
RETHYMNO BEACHES
The prefecture of Rethymno has some of the most beautiful beaches of Crete, here you will find all the beaches together on a map with information and pictures.
ELOUNDA
Elounda is a world renowned tourism resort located to the north of Aghios Nikolaos, having an indented coastline, sandy beaches, crystal clear seas, and a tranquil and heavenly environment, it’s certain that it will fascinate you.
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Greece / Crete / Chania
Stalos top Hill
Stalos Top Hill is a complex of two new, modern three-bedroom villas, each with private pool, located west of Chania, in the midst of drowning in the green hills.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Stalos villa
Stalos villa is a brand new two bedroom villa with a small private pool, located on the beautiful, long stretch of the coast of the county of Chania, in a beautiful resort area, only 150 meters from the beach.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Sunset Villa
Sunset Villa, is a four bedroom luxury resident, with private pool, one of the most stylish and beautiful luxury buildings in the district of Chania. The villa has a private access to the sea and offers fantastic panoramic sea views.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Tasos villa
Tasos villa. New comfortable three-bedroom villa with private pool is located directly on the beautiful, extended, equipped sandy beach in Chania, Crete. One of the few sea front villas in Crete!
Greece / Crete / Chania
Tersanas Villas
Tersanas luxury villas, offered for rent on the island of Crete, in the district of Chania, is a complex of three modern buildings with beautiful panoramic sea views, only 1km away from a wonderful, sandy organized beach.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Tropical Villa
Tropical Villa is a magnificent three bedroom villa with private pool and stunning sea views, located in the exclusive resort area of Elounda, Crete, only one kilometre away from a wonderful organized beach.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Valentina Villa
Valentina Villa is a modern, three bedroom villa with private pool, located on the island of Crete, in a traditional, historic resort village of the district of Chania, just 800 meters away from the beach.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Verekynthos villa
The traditional villa Verekynthos is located in the small village of Gerolakos, in Chania, Crete. This is your choice to enjoy the Cretan nature in a pure traditional environment.
Greece / Crete / Chania
View villa
View villa is a modern design villa with four bedrooms and a private pool on spacious grounds, is situated in the amazing beautiful area, Chania, Crete.
Greece / Crete / Chania
White Residence
White Residence, luxury villa with private pool, ideal for lovers of quiet relaxation and comfort. The four bedroom villa is located on the picturesque peninsula of north-western Crete, at Chania, offering fantastic panoramic views of the sea space and its surroundings.
Greece / Crete / Chania
White Residence 2
White Residence 2, is a luxury villa with private pool, ideal for lovers of quiet relaxation and comfort. The four bedroom villa is located on the picturesque peninsula of Akrotiri, north-western Crete, at Chania, offering fantastic panoramic views of the sea space and its surroundings.
Greece / Crete / Heraklion
Abaton Island Resort & Spa
Abaton Island Resort & Spa is the new five-star hotel in Hersonissos Crete. A unit with 152 elegant rooms, suites & villas with 71 pools that ensures total relaxation and privacy in a unique landscape facing east and west! With four high-end themed restaurants that stand out among them is the Cretan, which is perfectly established with tradition and pure Cretan products!Fulfil your emotions with Greece's blue colour.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Ammos villa
Ammos Villa is a luxury three-bedroom villa with private pool, located just a stone's throw from the sea, in one of the fashionable tourist district towns of Chania, Crete.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Divine villas
Divine villas is a complex of magnificent four bedroom villas with private pool each, with unique design and set on the picturesque peninsula Akrotiri, close to Chania town. Due to its location, the villas give their guests a fantastic panorama overview with sea views.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Domes Aulūs Elounda
Domes Aulūs Elounda hotel is a romantic 5-star adults-only all-inclusive getaway built amphitheatrically overlooking stunning Elounda bay and the castle on Spinalonga Island in Lassithi Crete.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Domes of Elounda Autograph Collection
From magnificent views of the historic island of Spinalonga to award-winning services, Domes of Elounda redefines Greek hospitality. Offering suites and villas only, the hotel sets new standards in luxury. The architecture blends seamlessly with the beautiful Cretan land, while visitors are constantly close to water: the beach, pools, and spa are all just a few steps away.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi
Lassithi Villas
Lassithi Villas is a complex of. three and four- bedroom of five wonderful villas nestled in the picturesque hills near the sea at the famous resort area of Aghios Nikolaos. The unique beauty of the view opens to the endless azure sea, while the beach with fine white sand is only 200 meters away.
Greece / Crete / Heraklion
Nana Princess Hotel
Nana Princess, a brand new exclusive, beachfront 5 star All suites and private villas resort hotel, with private beach in Hersonissos overlooking the spectacular Cretan Sea. Nana Princess hotel is a heaven of luxury and high-end services which will appeal to all those who desire discretion and privacy during their stay. The private Helipad welcomes the most demanding customers.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Seafront villa
Chania Seafront is a Luxurious, four bedroom villa with private pool - a beautiful, modern building, ideal for holidays in Chania, Crete at Akrotiri peninsula. The villa can comfortably accommodate 8 to 10 people.