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
Elia villa
Elia villa is a new, unique design villa with private pool, located in the district of Chania. The four bedroom luxury villa is found in a quiet location, surrounded by green olive groves and fruit trees and it is undoubtedly the best choice for those who want to spend a family vacation, or relax with friends in an atmosphere of comfort, privacy and luxury.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Elounda Diamond villa
Elounda Diamond villa, luxury four bedroom villa with private pool, located in the exclusive, world-famous resort area of Elounda, at Lassithi, Crete. This modern villa in an atmosphere of luxury and relaxation can enjoy the unique beauty of the panoramic views of the bay and the island of Spinalonga and Mirabelo gulf.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Elounda Dream villa
Elounda Dream villa, is a luxury Villa with three bedrooms and private pool, located in the exclusive, world-famous resort area of Elounda, Lassithi, Crete.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Elounda Grand villa
Elounda Grand Villa is a unique 8 bedroom residence, plus two guest rooms, located at the popular, elite, Elounda resort area, at Lassithi.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Elounda Hill villa
Elounda Hill villa is a four bedroom luxury, private property with amazing sea view over Mirabelo bay at Elounda, Lassithi, Crete.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Elounda Island villa
Elounda Island villa is a three bedroom villa with private beach at famous Elite Elounda resort area at Lassithi.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Elounda Palace Villa
Elounda Palace Villa, five bedroom, with private pool, designed for high-end exquisite relaxation, is located in the resort village of Elounda, commonly known as a place of elite rest of world celebrities, with plenty of luxury hotels and unique view of the mysterious, the historic island of Spinalonga and its Venetian fortress.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Elounda Presidential Villa
Exclusive three-bedroom Presidential Spa Pool Villa with private pool part of one of the finest complexes, offering luxury holidays on luxury villas in the glamorous resort area of Elounda.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Elounda villa
Elounda Villa is a beach front full sea view luxury villa in Elounda, Crete, located two steps from the sea shore with its private beach and the exquisite and invigorating sea view of Mirabello Gulf. Elounda Villa offers a true feeling of serenity, privacy and exclusivity in one of the most cosmopolitan and world-wide famous places, Elounda of Crete.
Greece / Crete / Lassithi / Elounda
Elounda villas
Elounda Villas, is a complex of three villas with private swimming pools and garden, located in Crete, in the luxury resort area of Elounda, Lassithi. The amphitheater placing, at the foot of a green hill and surrounded by magnificent nature and picturesque landscape, these luxury villas allow the guests to enjoy the unique beauty of the endless views of the sea surface of Mirabello Gulf.
Greece / Crete / Heraklion
Emerald villa
Emerald villa, offered for rent on the island of Crete, is located in the famous, glamorous resort in the district of Heraklion, three hundred meters from the beautiful sandy beach. The villa provides three bedrooms.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Eria villa
Eria villa is a brand new, seafront villa with six bedrooms, at Akrotiri famous resort area, Chania prefecture. This stunning, luxury villa offers breathtaking sea view and it is located just 1km away from a wonderful sandy organized beach and restaurants and 16km away from Chania picturesque town.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Fenia Villa
Fenia Villa is a Luxury 7 bedroom villa for privileged holiday located in a quiet, picturesque area in Chania, Crete, only 13km away from the beautiful Venetian port of Chania at Akrotiri region.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Francheska Villa
Francheska is a beautiful, three-bedroom villa with private pool and green landscaped area located in the district of Chania, Crete, at a distance of 400 meters from a wonderful sandy organized beach and crystal sea.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Gerani villa
Gerani Luxury villa, offered for rent, is located on the island of Crete, in the tourist area of the coastal village of Gerani, Chania.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Grand villa
Grand villa is a majestic building in classical style is located in the district of Chania, in Maleme village, in a vast area (4000 square meters) with private pool 100sqm. The villa is immersed in the green with well-tended garden and lawn, trees and hedges give protection from prying eyes.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Great Palace villa
Great Palace is a unique, private, Luxury, holiday villa in Chania, Crete. The villa has two floors and accommodates up to 12 persons in 6 bedrooms with private bathrooms with hydro massage.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Green Villa
Green Villa is a new, luxurious six bedroom villa with private pool, a large green area and fantastic views to the sea. The villa is located in one of the most popular seaside resorts in Chania, Crete just 500meters away from a wonderful sandy beach and only 8km west from Chania town.
Greece / Crete / Chania
Gulf villa
Gulf villa is a four bedroom villa and it is located at a wonderful and very quiet green area, at a cozy coastal village at Akrotiri on the coast of north-western Crete (Chania).
Greece / Crete / Heraklion
Heraklio villa 2
Villa Heraklion 2, four bedroom villa, with private pool located in a new complex of three independent, spacious buildings. The ensemble of villas is located in a beautiful, quiet, picturesque resort near the capital of Crete, Heraklion.