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
Mare Gold villa
Mare Gold villa is located in one of the most beautiful places in West Crete, Chania, Crete.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Margo villa
Margo Luxury villa with five bedrooms and private pool is located in the amazing beauty of the region north-west of Crete, in the prefecture of Chania, close to Platanias resort area.
Greece / Crete / Rethymno
Marina villa
Marina Villa, three-bedroom villa, with private pool, located in a small traditional, very beautiful village of the district of Rethymnon on the island of Crete. Built in the island-style building with all modern amenities, offers comfortable accommodation for up to 6 people.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Marita Villa
Marita 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 / Lassithi / Elounda
Mediterranean Superior Villa
Mediterranean Superior Villa is a luxury two bedroom villa with private heated pool, located in one of the elite complex at Lassithi resort area, providing its guests all the services of a five star hotel.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Mediterranean Villa
Mediterranean Villa, villa with two bedrooms private swimming pool, located in one of the elite complex at Lassithi resort area, providing its guests all the services of a five star hotel.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Mediterranean Villa 3
Mediterranean Villa 3, is a luxury, three bedroom villa with private pool, located in one of the elite complexes at Lassithi, Crete, just 4km away from the center of the popular, elite resort area Elounda and only 1.5km away from a wonderful sandy organized beach.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Melodia villas
Melodia Villas, a new complex of luxury three-bedroom villas, each with private pool, located in Crete, on the eastern coast, in the district of Lassithi at the famous resort area of Elounda. He location of the buildings on a high hill offer breathtaking views of the Mirabello Bay and the Aegean Sea.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Mike villa
Mike villa is a modern, comfortable villa with private pool and stunning views of the sea and the famous Mirabello Bay, it is located in the exclusive resort area of Elounda.
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
Nancy Villa
Nancy Villa is a beautiful and luxurious two-floored four bedroom villa, located in Apokoronas, near Vamos village. The village is graphical and has a traditional character, which is ideal for privacy and peace. Only 6km away is found the sandy beach of Almirida and 28km east the picturesque venetian town of Chania.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Nestor villa
Nestor villa is a four bedroom property located on the picturesque peninsula of Akrotiri northwest of Crete. It is surrounded by the unique natural beauty of the landscape and beautiful beaches.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Nikos Villas
Nikos villas, is a beautiful complex consisted of individual houses each one with three bedrooms, next to the beach. Each villa has a private pool and they are located in the district of Kissamos. Each villa can comfortably accommodate up to 7 people. Just a few steps from the villa lies a beautiful sandy organized beach, equipped with all the amenities.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Nina villa
Villa Nina is a new (built 2015) luxury villa with 4 bedrooms and private pool located in a picturesque village, in the district of Chania, at a distance of only 10-minute drive from the city center.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Norma Villa
Norma Villa is a beautiful and comfortable three-bedroom villa with a green area and a private swimming pool located in the famous resort area of Almyrida, Chania, Crete. The villa is found in a beautiful and peaceful place, perfect to relax, ideal for families with children and for groups of friends.
Greece / Crete / Heraklion
Ocean villa
Ocean villa is a beautiful new Luxury villa located on the waterfront next to the sea and offers wonderful views of the Aegean Sea and is situated at a distance of 20 minutes from the city of Heraklion at Crete.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Palm villa
The three bedroom Villa Palm is located in Crete, 17 km. west of Chania, near a resort village, in a short distance from the historic city center and the golden sandy beaches of the north-western coast of the island.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Panorama villa
Panorama luxurious villa is ideal for lovers of high-end, private rest. Five bedroom villa with private pool, located in one of the most picturesque places of Crete, on a peninsula near Chania, Crete.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Pela villa
Pela villa. This new comfortable villa with two bedrooms, located directly on the golden, stretching, sandy beach in the district of Chania.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Platanias villas
Platanias villas is an elite complex offering accommodation in villas from one to four bedrooms, each villa offers a private pool. The complex is located in one of the most popular resort areas of Chania at Platanias West of the beautiful town and only 500meters away from the beautiful organized beach.