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 / Heraklion
More villa
More Villa is a seafront 4 bedroom holiday house, located on the island of Crete, in a picturesque seaside resort surrounded by greenery, in the district of Heraklion.
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
Aggelos villa
Aggelos villa is a magnificent, modern, 4 bedroom villa with a large green area with lawn, private pool and panoramic sea views, located near the coastline, in one of the best areas of Chania, Crete.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi
Aghios Nikolaos villas
Aghios Nikolaos villas. The high quality and design block of villas in Aghios Nikolaos, Crete, consists of four deluxe villas with four independent pools and parking. It lays at a slope of a mountain with an excellent view of the bay of Mirambello to Sitia and it is only four kilometers away from Agios Nikolaos city and the sea.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Alex villa
Alex villa is a luxury, new five bedroom seafront villa, located in the amazing beauty of the countryside, at Akrotiri region, Chania, western of Crete and offers vacationers unique panoramic views over the expanse of the Aegean Sea, in a unique natural landscape and scenic surroundings.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Allegro Villa
Allegro Villa is a fashionable, new, four bedroom villa with private pool in the district of Chania, Crete. The location, of the villa on a hill, only 800 meters away from the sea, surrounded by green areas and amazing Cretan nature, allow travellers to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the sea, the top of the mountain ranges and the picturesque traditional settlements.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Almyra villa
Almyra 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
Amaltheia villa
Amaltheia villa- new three-bedroom villa with private pool. It is located in a small complex of villas, right on the beachfront, just a few steps away from the long beach in the beautiful region of the northwest coast of Crete, in the district of Chania.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Amanda Villa
Amanda Villa - A unique three-bedroom villa with private pool and panoramic views, is designed for high-end accommodation, located on the island of Crete, in the world famous resort of Elounda, on the Gulf of Mirabello. The villa is only 1km away from a beautiful organized beach.
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
Anemos villa
Anemos 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 / Heraklion
Angie villa
Angie Villa is a luxury four bedroom villa with spectacular panoramic views of the Cretan Sea, spectacular garden and a spacious private pool located in the resort area in the district of Heraklion.
Greece / Crete / Heraklion
Antigoni villa
Antigoni villa is a new, luxury, seafront, three-bedroom villa overlooking the Cretan sea and the town of Heraklion. Antigoni villa offers private swimming pool, private area and excellent sea view. This luxury villa is located in the district of Heraklion on Crete Island in Greece.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Apokoronas villa
Apokoronas villa is a new luxury three bedroom villa with private pool and a full range of modern facilities built in the area of Chania, Crete at the district of Apokoronas.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Apokoronas villa 3
Apokoronas villa 3 is a new luxury three bedroom villa with private pool and a full range of modern facilities built in the area of Chania, Crete at the district of Apokoronas.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Apokoronas villa 4
Apokoronas villa 4 is a new luxury four bedroom, sea view villa, with a full range of modern facilities built in the area of Chania, Crete at the district of Apokoronas.
Greece / Crete / Rethymno
Argo Villa
Argo Villa, is a four bedroom villa of traditional construction, with private swimming pool and a lush green area, located in Crete, 14 km. east of the city of Rethymno, near the village of Stavromenos.
The villa is located in a beautiful location at the foot of a hill, surrounded by olive groves, offering wonderful unobstructed views of the sea and the surrounding area up to Rethymnon.
Greece / Crete / Rethymno
Astro Villa
Astro Villa is a four bedroom private, traditional villa, with private swimming pool and a lush green area, located in Crete, 15 km away. east of the town of Rethymno. At a distance of 2,5 km. from the villa extend some of the best sandy beaches on the island. .
Greece / Crete / Chania
Athena Seafront villas
Athena Seafront villas belong to the luxury complex Divine villas. These villas enjoy unobstructed sea view and wonderful views of Chania Venetian town.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Athena villa
Athena villas belong to the luxury complex Divine villas. Magnificent four bedroom villas with private pool each, with unique design and set on the picturesque peninsula Akrotiri, close to Chania town.