HOLIDAY IN CRETE   >   GREECE   


Prefectures Crete : Chania, Lasithi, Heraklion and Rethymno.

Sea side resorts North Coast West Crete from west to east : Sfinari, Falasarna, Kastelli, Kolymbari, Maleme, Gerani, Platanias, Agia Marina, Stalos, Kalamaki, Galatas / Daratso, Agios Apostoli / Hrissi Akti (Golden Beach), Chania (Hania), Kalathas, Stavros, Kalives, Almirida and Georgioupolis.

Sea side resorts South Coast West Crete from west to east : Paleochora (Paleohora), Sougia, Agia Roumeli, Lykos, Finix, Loutro, Hora Sfakion (Chora Sfakion), Frangokastello, Rodakino and Plakias.

Greece's southernmost point, offers some of Europe's most spectacular scenery. Sandy beaches and rocky coves give way to dramatic mountains, so high that snow frequently caps the peaks in winter. There is a palpable sense of history and tradition here, with ancient Minoan ruins, Byzantine chapels and historic villages.

Capital City Crete : Heraklion.


car hire, holiday rentals, hotels, tour operators, travel guides, travelling to crete

links


Camp sites Crete

  Eurocampings   -   ACSI International Camping Guide

Car Hire   -   Motorbike Rentals

Car and Bike Rental stations you will find in all tourist areas of Crete (Chania, Rethimno, Iraklio, Agios Nikolaos, Platanias, Paleochora, Agia Galini, Bali, Agia Pelagia, Hersonissos, Malia, Ierapetra, Sitia etc), as well as in the Airports of Chania and Iraklio.



  Sixt   -     -   Hotels in Greece

National Parks Crete

  Samaria National Park   -   Department of Forestry
The gorge of Samaria is situated in the National park of Samaria, in the White Mountains in West Crete.
The park is generally open only from the beginning of May to the end of October. In winter, high water makes the gorge dangerous and impassable. It will also be closed on rainy days [ too dangerous because of rocks falling ]. See West-crete.com and Dilos - Samaria Gorge

Travel Agents / Tour Operator

 
Hike through rugged forest, kayak to picturesque fishing villages and uncover the natural beauty of Crete on this compact trip jam-packed with adventure. Trek along trails deep into Samaria Gorge and witness the views at Agia Irini. Paddling your kayak past magnificent scenery to secluded beaches, you'll have plenty of chances to dive in and savour the turquoise waters.

     -   Crete Holidays

  
Thomas Cook destinations in Crete : Aghios Nikolaos, Elounda, Gouves, Hersonissos, Kokini Hani, Malia, Panormo, Rethymnon, Sissi, Stalis.

  [ ATOL 230 ]   -   Flexible Luxury Holidays Crete
Sovereign is a specialist tour operator with more than 30 years experience.

   



     -   Mediterranean cruises
o   Greek Odyssey & Three Continents Cruise
Explore the highlights of mainland Greece before taking in Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Crete on an exciting Three Continents Cruise.

  
Create your perfect trip to Crete   -   Flight, Hotel and Car



  Amathus Holidays
  Andante Travels   -   Archaeology and Ancient History Tours  -  Crete: Minoan Civilisation
  Freelance Holidays   -   West Crete villa holidays
Villas with pools, apartment with shared pool, village houses, harbourside apartments, hideaway cottages
  Greek Sun Holidays   -   Makri Yialos and Sitia
  Inntravel Holidays   -   walking holidays Crete
  Remembrance Travel
Crete has always been a place apart, especially in May - an extraordinary landscape of unspoilt beaches and rolling hills dotted with olive trees, thyme and wild flowers, and backed by snow capped mountains. It looked rather different on 20th May 1941 when German airborne forces descended on Crete.

  Crete Travel Services

Travel Guides Crete / Related books

  Dorling Kindersley   -   

Travel Guides Crete [ amazon ]

Transport / How do I travel to Crete

  Chania Airport [ Daskalogiannis Airport ]
  Heraklion Airport  [ Kazantzakis Airport ]

  Airline Tickets Crete / Bargain Flights 
Cheap flight tickets Crete, Price comparison

Crete is linked coastally with all big cities through the harbor of Piraeus with daily trips, while there is also a link from Heraklion to Thessalonica and in many Aegean islands.
The major naval companies of Greece, which also are major in the whole Mediterranean:

  ANEK Lines
  Blue Star Ferries
  Minoan Lines
  L.A.N.E.

From Crete you can also travel daily to other islands. From Heraklion to Santorini, Mikonos, Paros, Skyros, Skiathos, from Kastelli to Kithira and Peloponissos, from Agios Nikolaos and Sitia to the Dodekanisos Islands and in the south from Paleochora and Sfakia to Gavdos.

The in Crete Transportations are served by intercity busses, through many routes to main towns and villages. For more information about these time-tables you can visit the local web site of  Ktel  -  coach line.


Links

  Government of Crete   -   Prefecture of Crete

  Crete TOURnet   -   Plan your holidays in Crete
Agrotourism in Crete [ learn about alternative tourism and agrotourism in Crete ],  Activities in Crete [ discover the gorges, mountains, beaches and the sea as well as the hospitality of the locals ],  Cretan Diet [ learn about the famous traditional cuisine and nutrition of Crete ],  Transportation in Crete [ learn everything about flights, ship routes and buses on the island ].
Sites | Crete Guide | Harbours & Anchorages | Maps

  Heraklion City   -   Municipality of Heraklion  -  largest city and the capital of Crete
Heraklion is the largest urban centre in Crete, the capital of the region and the economic centre of the island. The first European civilization, the Minoan civilisation, flourished on this land 5000 years ago.

  Chania   -   Chaniacrete.gr  -  The prefecture of Chania covers the western part of Crete.
Platania, Georgioupoli, Paleochora, Agia Marina, Sfakia, Fragokastelo, Kissamos, Elafonisi and other regions where you will discover unique beauties of the cretan countryside.
  Lasithi   -   Lassithi Prefecture
Municipalities : Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Itanos, Lefki, Makrys Gialos, Neapoli, Oropedio Lasithiou, Sitia.
  Heraklion
Municipalities : Agia Varvara, Archanes, Arkalochori, Asterousia, Chersonissos, Episkopi, Gazi, Gorgolainis, Gortyna, Gouves, Heraklion, Kasteli, Kofinas, Krousonas, Malia, Moires, Nea Alikarnassos, Nikos Kazantzakis, Paliani, Rouvas, Temenos, Thrapsano, Tylisos, Tympaki, Viannos, Zaros
  Rethymno   -   Rethymnon Prefecture
The town of Rethymno on the island of Crete represents a place of contrasts, boasting a long and remarkable history as well as untouched places of natural beauty and living traditions. This small Mediterranean town will enchant you with its centre dating from the period of the Renaissance, its fortress and museums as well as its beaches, not to mention a visit to the wider area of the Prefecture.
Municipalities : Anogeia, Arkadi, Foinikas, Geropotamos, Kouloukonas, Kourites, Lampi, Lappa, Nikiforos Fokas, Rethymno, Syvritos.

  Agios Galini
Agia-Galini is only one and a half hour drive from Iraklion and one hour from Rethymnon. The village is a family friendly place. Apart from one main road the entire village is free of cars. Visit the nearby ancient Greek sites like Phaestos, Aghia Triada, Gortys or take an exciting boattrip to Preveli or a fishing trip to Agios Georgos! See Agia-galini.com.
  Agios Nikolaos   -   Municipality of Aghios Nikolaos  -  East Crete
Aghios Nikolaos, Elounda, Kritsa, Kalo Chorio, Villages, Marina of Aghios Nikolaos, Port of Aghios Nikolaos, Museums, Archaeological Sites, Churches & Religion, Culture & Tradition, Beaches, Nature, Lato 2004, Easter, Walking & Cycling, Diving, Cretan Cuisine, Maps, Flights Boat & Ferries Buses, Digital Gifts, Municipal Tourist Info Office, Useful Info.
  Agios Nikolaos   -   Marina of Aghios Nikolaos
Welcome to the crystal clear waters of the Mirabello Gulf…!
  Agia Roumeli
Agia Roumeli is a very special and unique place with its genuine cretan background. It has strong character and soul surrounded by breath taking, wild mountains and a long beach of fine pebble by the clear Libyan sea.
The village is remote and a little isolated. You can only reach it on foot or by boat. There is no road.
  Elounda   -   tv series 'Who pays the Ferryman'
World renowned tourism resort located to the north of Aghios Nikolaos, having an indented coastline, shaded beaches, crystal clear seas, and a tranquil and heavenly environment.
  Festos   -   ancient city on the island
In this area the Phaistos disc was found [ 1908 ], a clay disk, dated to between 1950 BC and 1400 BC, impressed with a unique hieroglyphic script. See Wikipedia and World Mysteries.
Festos is located in the south-central portion of the island, about 6 km from the Mediterranean Sea.
  Gortys
Gortys is located at the Messara Valley, near the village of Agioi Deka.
Gortys was one of the oldest and strongest cities in Crete during the prehistoric and historic period. The population of ancient Gortys is believed to be 300.000 people. See Interkriti.org.
  Gournia
Gournia is the site of a Minoan palace complex excavated in the early 20th century by the American archaeologist, Harriet Boyd-Hawes. See University of Pennsylvania.
  Hania / Chania   -   Municipality of Chania
Chania is a city of unique beauty, filled with an abundance of fragrant flowers, and boasting a rich cultural heritage. In a tradition of hospitality, we welcome you to our website. Ancient and modern monuments, the Venician Harbour and the Old Town, colourful neighbourhoods, a traditional lifestyle and the friendly inhabitants warmly invite you on a step by step journey to become acquainted with the city, promising you unforgettable moments.
  Irapetra   -   Municipality of Ierapetra
The municipality consists of the town of Ierapetra, several villages and hamlets and the island of Chrissi. The new extended municipality of Ierapetra, is located on the southeast coastline of Crete. It has been known since the antiquity under the names Kirva, Pytna, Kamiros and Ierapytna. The most famous scene in Zorba the Greek in which Anthony Quinn dances the Sirtaki on the beach was shot on Ierapetra Beach.
Monastery of Arkadi - monument of freedom
The Monastery played an all-important role in the fight against the Turks: when the Turkish Army [ 15,000 men ] surrounded the monastery in November 1866, 300 fighting men and 600 hundred women and children had taken refuge in it ....
  Knossos   -   palace labyrinth of King Minos, son of Zeus and Europe
Probably the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and culture. See Wikipedia
  Mallia   -   tourist attraction for its archeological site and nightlife
The palace of Malia was excavated in 1915 by Hadzidakis, a Greek archaeologist.
  Matala   -   located 4 km south-west of the village of Pitsidia and 75 km from Iraklion
Matala is one of the most beautiful places the southern Crete coast has to offer. Former hippies destination. It's built on the coast line of the Messara Bay inside a small and picturesque inlet. Matala was the port of Phaistos during the Minoan period. See We love Crete - Matala.
  Paleochora   -   at the southwest coastline of Crete and it's built on a small peninsula
In the early 70's it was a famous hippies' center. Paleochora is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Kalamydi. See Paleochora.com and Paleochora-holidays.gr.
  Plakias
Plakias is the perfect holiday spot, located on the south coast of Crete. It is not too large, and so retains the traditional Cretan friendliness, but it is big enough to have a good range of accommodation, tavernas, shops etc. The beautiful south facing curved bay in which it sits is ideal for swimming and sunbathing (nudists / naturists are catered for at the far end of the bay). The hills behind provide wonderful walks, on trails through the olive groves and beyond. See Plakias.co.uk.
  Rethimnon / Rethymnon   -   Rethymnon Prefecture
The town of Rethymno on the island of Crete represents a place of contrasts, boasting a long and remarkable history as well as untouched places of natural beauty and living traditions. This small Mediterranean town will enchant you with its centre dating from the period of the Renaissance, its fortress and museums as well as its beaches.
  Samaria
See Great adventures - Samaria
  Sfakia
Sfakia is part of Chania province, and for Crete is quite unique as an area that is still untouched by mass tourism . It mainly consists of mountains up to 2453 metres high, fertile planes and small villages along the coast and in the mountains in traditional Cretan style. Its small capital Chora Sfakion, also called Sfakia, has 400 inhabitants, and a small harbour where the ferries to other villages dock. See Sfakia-crete.com, Wolfgang Kistler's Sfakia and Crete Photos Pages
  Sitia   -   in the far east of Crete   -   see Eastcrete.com [ the region of Palekastro ]
  Sougia   -   Village of Sougia
The small village of Sougia in the south-west of Crete has managed to remain unaffected by the growth of tourism in Crete. It is still a peaceful haven, with a long beach, plenty of good accommodation and great places to eat, all at prices below those found in most of the island. Sougia is perfect spot for quiet holidays in South Crete.
  Spinalonga Island   -   one of the last active leper colonies in Europe
Today one of the main tourist attractions in Crete, located in the eastern part of Crete, near the town of Elounda.
See Interkriti - Elouda.
  Vai  -  Palm beach
The palm beach of Vai is one of the largest attractions of the Mediterranean island of Crete. It features the largest natural palm forest in Europe. Vai lies close to Palekastro and Sitia. See Eastcrete.com.

  News from Crete   -   Crete Gazette
  Thalassocosmos   -   Cretaquarium
Experience the Mediterranean marine world, on a journey of discovery beginning here. Hundreds of species and thousands of organisms will come face to face, fascinating you with their behavior and revealing the wide variety of shapes, colors, habits and needs of their own world. Learn about them and reflect on what our common future may be.
  University of Crete
The University of Crete, is multi-disciplinary, research- oriented Institution, situated in the cities of Rethymnon and Heraklion.
  University of Crete   -   Technical University of Crete

Cuisine -  Cretan Foods / Recipes

For the Cretans, the secret of good health and long living is very simple. They eat all that their rich solid gives them. Many fruits, vegetables, groceries, legumes, varieties of cheese, olive oil and bread. They scent the taste with marvelous herbs like oregano, they make desserts with natural sweetening materials, honey and molasses, and accompany their meal with excellent local wine.

So don't miss, during your stay in Crete, to taste all the island's traditional recipes. Appetizers and dishes like rusks, honey and cheese, pies from Sfakia, grass pies, cream cheese, boiled snails, staka, stuffed vine leaves, rabbit casserole, patty, Sfakian casserole and many more are tastes you will remember for ever.

Cretan cooking   -   Maria and Nikos Psilakis - 260 traditional recipes of Crete
ISBN 9607448111

History of Crete

  Crete's history   -   see Wikipedia
Prehistoric Crete, Minoan-Mycenaean Crete, Classical / Hellenistic / Roman and Byzantine Crete, Venetian and Ottoman Crete, Modern Crete.

  Minoan_civilization
The Minoan Civilization was a pre-Hellenic Bronze Age civilization which arose on Crete. The Minoan culture flourished from approximately 2700 to 1450 BC when it is superceded by the Mycenaean culture on the island...
  Mycenaean_civilization
Mycenaean Greece, the last phase of the Bronze Age in ancient Greece, is the historical setting of the epics of Homer and much other Greek mythology...
  Historical Museum of Crete

  Ancient Greece  -  history, mythology, art, culture and architecture

Music, Art & Culture, Events

  Cretan Music
  Grecian.net   -   Internet only station playing Cretan music
Live streaming Cretan music.

  Cretan Greek   -   dialect of the Greek language
  Cretan Folk Art
Basket weaving, Ceramics, Knife making, Traditional textiles, Wood sculpture.
  Library University of Crete 


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