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
Avrora villa
Avrora villa is a new three-bedroom villa with private pool located in a picturesque seaside village on Akrotiri near Chania just 1200 meters away from a wonderful sandy, organized beach.
Greece / Crete / Rethymno
Bali Deluxe villas
Bali deluxe villas are a complex of two villas located in Rethymno, Crete at the resort village Bali. Each villa has 3 bedrooms beautiful gardens, patios, and terraces & private swimming pool.
Each Bali deluxe villa has 3 bedrooms and accommodates up to 6 persons.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Beachfront villas
Beachfront villas complex consists of beautiful four bedroom villas each with private pool located in the beautiful green tourist village Agia Marina, just a few steps from one of the most beautiful sandy beaches of the north- western Crete, at Chania.
Greece / Crete / Heraklion
Blue villa
Blue Villa, six bedrooms, private pool, belongs to the category of elite, luxury villas. The villa is located on a small picturesque peninsula, at a distance of 20 minutes drive from the major tourist center of the city of Heraklion. The villa is part of a complex of private residences with private beach, located at a distance of 300 meters from the complex.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Canela villa
Canela villa, three bedroom villa with private pool, located on the island of Crete, at Chania. This luxury sea view villa is perfect for a romantic getaway or for families with children.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Chania Luxury villas
Chania Luxury villas complex, consists of two entirely new, three bedroom, modern villas with fantastic sea views and private pool, located just 100 m. from a beautiful sandy beach at Chania.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Chania villa
Chania Villa complex consists of two new luxury individual villas each one of them with private pool and total privacy. The complex is located in a beautiful green area in Chania, Crete, on a beautiful hillside, which offers a mouthwatering beautiful view of the sea and the surrounding countryside.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Chasi villa
The new luxury stone villa Chasi with the private swimming pool and the 3 bedroom offers maximum privacy in an olive grove that surrounds the villa in western Crete. The villa has living space of 183 sq. m in a plot of 2000 sq. m. with olive trees, local herbs and fruit trees.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Christi Villa
Villa Christi is a Luxury five bedroom villa, located in the district of Chania, in the beautiful and green countryside with breathtaking landscape, surrounded by many famous beaches of the region.
Greece / Crete / Rethymno
Clio Villas
Clio Villas is a complex of two-bedroom villas, each with private pool and a spacious green area, located in a calm and quiet district of the picturesque region of Rethymno and surrounded by the unique natural landscape.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Despina Villa
Despina Villa is a wonderful new three bedroom luxury villa with private pool and landscaped green area. The villa is located in a small complex of three buildings, at a scenic, picturesque area of Chania on Crete.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Diana villa
Villa Diana is a magnificent three-bedroom villa with private pool, surrounded by a lush green area with fantastic sea views, situated on the island of Crete, near the historic city of Chania.
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 / Chania
Dolche villa
Dolce villas is a cozy, comfortable complex located in a green and picturesque area in Chania, Crete, close to the best beaches of the north-western Crete.
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 / Chania
Domino villa
Domino villa is a five bedroom house, located in an ancient aristocratic seaside district of Chania, surrounded by Venetian villas and palaces of the former nobility. The historic building, built in 1900, τoday completely renovated and refurbished, it opens its doors, offering a wonderful holiday in an atmosphere of luxury and relaxation.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Edem Villa
Edem Villa is a new luxury five bedroom villa with private pool and beautiful panoramic views located in the district of Chania, on the western coast of the island, famous for its unique beaches.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Elefteria Villa
Elefteria Villa is a brand new, four bedroom villa with private pool, panoramic sea views and a huge, lush green area, located on the northwest coast of Crete, Chania, Crete, just 1km away from sandy organized beach.
Greece / Crete / Rethymno
Eleon villas
Eleon villas are the ensemble of two modern 3-bedroom individual villas built in the traditional Cretan style. Both villas are in complete harmony with the unspoiled, pristine environment of one of the most picturesque villages of the district of Rethymnon. At a distance of 900 meters is found a beautiful sandy organized beach.
Each villa has 3 bedrooms, which can comfortably accommodate up to 6 people.