Crete Island

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and was the center of Europe's first advanced civilization. Already a civilization for 5000 years, the island is full of archaeological sites from the Minoan times (Knossos) and offers a rich range of towns, castles churches and villages from the Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish periods.

Our agency will book your hotel rooms in all best Crete's hotels in the regions of Chania, Heraklion, Lassithi & Rethymnon

Crete has an elongated shape: it spans 260 km (160 mi) from east to west, is 60 km (37 mi) at its widest point, and narrows to as little as 12 km (7.5 mi) (close to Ierapetra).
Crete covers an area of 8,336 km2 (3,219 sq mi), with a coastline of 1,046 km (650 mi); to the north, it broaches the Sea of Crete; to the south, the Libyan Sea in the west, the Myrtoan Sea, and toward the east the Karpathion Sea. It lies approximately 160 km (99 mi) south of the Greek mainland.
The island of Crete is a Region of Greece, consisting of four prefectures: Chania, Heraklion, Lassithi & Rethymnon

Crete has been able to preserve much of its culture. Cretan Greek has been maintained as the spoken dialect, and Cretan wine and tsikoudia, a potent distillate, are the traditional drinks. The island is known for its music (typically performed with the lyre) and has many indigenous dances, the most noted of which is probably the Pentozali.
Cretan authors have made important contributions to Greek Literature throughout the modern period; major names include Vikentios Kornaros, creator of the 17th century epic romance Erotokritos, and in the 20th century Nikos Kazantzakis. In the Renaissance, Crete was the home of the Cretan School of icon painting, which influenced El Greco and through him subsequent European painting.
Cretans are fiercely proud of their island and customs, and men often don elements of their traditional dress in everyday life: knee-high black riding boots, black shirts and black headdress consisting of a fishnet-weave kerchief worn wrapped around the head or draped on the shoulders. On festive occasions all that is normally worn black is then worn white.
Some of the most famous tourist attractions include the Minoan sites of Knossos and Phaistos, the classical site of Gortys, the Venetian old city and port of Chania, the Venetian castle at Rethymno and the Samaria Gorge.

Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. Fifteen percent of all arrivals in Greece come through the city of Heraklion (port and airport), while charter journeys to Heraklion last year made up 20% of all charter flights in Greece.
Overall, more than two million tourists visited Crete last year, and this increase in tourism is reflected on the number of hotel beds, rising by 53% in the period between 1986 and 1991, when the rest of Greece saw increases of only 25%. Today, the island's tourism infrastructure caters to all tastes, including a very wide range of accommodation; the island's facilities take in large luxury hotels with their complete facilities, swimming pools, sports and recreation, smaller family-owned apartments, camping facilities and others.
Visitors reach the island via two international airports in Heraklion and Chania, or by boat to the main ports of Heraklion, Chania, Rethimno and Agios Nikolaos.

CHANIA  Chania is the westernmost prefecture of Crete. It has an area of 2,376 km and approximately 134,000 residents, the second largest population in Crete, after Heraklion. The town of Chania, which is also the prefecture's capital, has obtained a great reputation throughout history. Walking on narrow streets of the Old Town you taste the historical atmosphere, meeting the ornaments of Chania, the Venetian harbour and castle . The old town is also the centre of night life. While visiting Chania, you have the chance to visit many archaeological sites which still bring memories of the foreign occupation. Arabs, Venetians and Turks left their marks in the town of Chania.You will be really enchanted by its picturesque houses, churches and its special architecture. click here to enlarge Chania prefecture includes several interesting districts such as Apokoronas, mountainous Sfakia, and Selino in the far South West corner. Some other notable towns in the Chania prefecture are: Hóra Sfakíon, Kastelli-Kissamos, Paleochora, Maleme, Vrisses, Vamos, Georgioupolis and Kalives.

Furthermore, the prefecture of Chania has the greatest beaches in Crete! Sandy beaches getting wet by the crystal light-blue waters of Libyan Sea creating an unforgettable landscape. The islets and the mountainous villages give an exotic image to this part of Crete! If you love unspoiled beautiful nature, you should visit the famous natural park of Samaria Gorge, a major tourist attraction and a refuge for the rare Cretan wild goat or kri kri, is in the South of the prefecture of Chania. The White Mountains or Lefka Ori, through which the Samaria, Aradena, Imbros and other gorges run, are the limestone peaks topped by snow until May that occupy much of Chania prefecture. They contain more than 40 peaks over 2,000 meters high. The highest peak in this area is Pahnes, at 2,453 meters above sea level. Chania is the ideal vacations destination. Luxury hotels, villas or apartments are waiting for you so as to experience what you will never forget!

RETHYMNON  Rethymnon, the capital of the prefecture of the same name. It is located on the north Mediterranean coast, between the prefectures of Chania and Heraklion. The town of Rethymnon still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, small Venetian harbour and narrow streets. click here to enlarge The Venetian Loggia and the municipal gardens are also some sites that you don't want to miss. Arcadi monastery is a place which reminds to all Cretans and any visitor the struggle for freedom against Turkish conqueror. It is a historical monument which attracts many visitors every year. The town of Rethymnon offers great amusements as small bars near the seaside, clubs, restaurants and many small picturesque taverns. People of Rethymnon as all Cretans, are very hospitable people and they will try to make you feel like your home. You will also have the chance to taste the delicious local products! There is a mountainous area in the centre of the prefecture, from where you have access to the highest peak of the mountain Psiloritis . Wonderful exotic beaches decorate the prefecture, where you can forget your worries and relax in a luxurious hotel or any accommodation of your taste

HERAKLION  The prefecture of Heraklion lies between the prefectures of Rethymnon and Lasithi. Its capital is also Heraklion and the biggest town of Crete. It has approximately 150,000 inhabitants. It concentrates the biggest economical activity of the island and attracts many tourists every year. There are so many sites which worth visiting that you can't decide where to go first. Within the Heraklion Prefecture's boundaries are a number of significant Neolithic and Minoan settlements, most notably the ancient palace complexes of Knossos and Phaistos. While both archaeological sites evince Neolithic habitation, it is the rich finds of Minoan civilisation, which flourished approximately 2000 to 1600 BC, that command the greatest scholarly attention. click here to enlarge The Venetian monuments spread all over the town give Heraklion a charming image. Should you come to Heraklion, you mustn't miss visiting the archaeological museum. Heraklion is a very active city, where you can enjoy anything which comes into your mind. The best night life, cinemas, restaurants, luxury hotels, bungalows and anything that you will need to have wonderful vacations.In prefecture of  Heraklion is also located the CretAquarium which is part of the "THALASSOCOSMOS" complex, the largest research, technology and entertainment centre in the Mediterranean. Thalassocosmos covers an area of 60 hectares in the northwest shoreward section of the former American Base at Gournes, Heraklion Prefecture. It includes the Central Building (approx. 5,500 m2). CretAquarium, aspires to be a unique venue for discovering, learning and promoting awareness of Mediterranean marine life. In its depths, the Mediterranean Sea hides a world little known to most people, with a wide biodiversity of species and habitats that are now under threat more than at any other historical time. As an enclosed sea featuring both steep, rocky shores plunging to great depths and indented shores with translucent waters, more than any other sea it has determined the course of human history and culture. The prefecture of Heraklion has the highest number of hotels compared with the rest of Cretan prefectures and attracts an even higher number of visitors every year and aims at the expansion of tourism, especially that of eco and agro-tourism, including promotion of winter holidays, further development of infrastructure and new forms of activities such as sailing, yachting, hiking, etc. Due to its geographic position, mild climate, unique natural environment, archaeological cites, museums, and vibrant night life, prefecture of Heraklion is well positioned in becoming a high quality all year holiday destination.

LASSITHI
Lassithi Prefecture is the easternmost prefecture on the island of Crete, to the east of the prefecture of Heraklion. Its capital is Agios Nikolaos, the other major towns being Ierapetra, Sitia and Neapoli. The mountains include the Dikte to the west and the Sitia Mountains to the east. The Sea of Crete lies to the north and the Libyan Sea to the south.	click here to enlarge

Its capital, Agios Nikolaos, is a colourful, picturesque town. The gulf of Mirabello with countless rowboats lined up next to each other is a fabulous landscape that you mustn't miss visiting. In the north of Agios Nikolaos, a beautiful place, Elounda , hosts the most luxurious hotels of Greece and many gourmet restaurants that will fascinate you. The other major towns of Lassithi are Ierapetra, Sitia and Neapoli.

To the east of the village of Elounda lies the island of Spinalonga, formerly a Venetian fortress and a leper colony. On the foot of Mount Dikti lies the Lasithi Plateau, famous for its windmills. Vai is well-known for its datepalm forest.

Thanks to stunning beaches and its mild climate year-long, Lasithi attracts many tourists. Mass tourism is served by places like Vai, Agios Nikolaos and the island of Chrissi. More off-beat tourism can be found in villages on the south coast like Myrtos, Makrys Gialos or Makrigialos, Xerokambos and Koutsouras. In the north of the prefecture fabulous small and large beaches covering 65 km. will complete your dream vacations. The prefecture is home to a number of ancient remains. Vasiliki, Fournou Korifi, Pyrgos, Zakros and Gournia are ruins of Minoan date, Lato and Itanos were Doric towns.

Other areas in Crete

Our agency helps book rooms in all the best of Crete's hotels, whether in Heraklio town: Astoria Capsis,
or the Hersonissos district beach hotels: Creta Maris, Royal Mare village, Silva Maris, 
or around Agios Nikolaos: Minos Beach Bungalows, St.Nicolas Bay.
Also at all luxury resorts in Elounda: Elounda Bay Palace, Porto Elounda Mare, & Elounda Mare.
The old and charming town of Chania offers superb historical lodgings as: Minoa, Casa Leone, Doma, Halepa, Porto del Colombo..
The old part of Rethymno offers hotels such as : Mythos Suites, Palazzo Rimondi, Fortezza, Veneto and Palazzo Vecchio...
For your reservation contact us now.

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reservations by,
MYKONOS ACCOMMODATION CENTER
e-mail: crete@mykonos-accommodation.com
Address: Enoplon Dynameon 10 (upper floor)
(end Matoyianni Street: main street)
Postal Address: P.O. Box 58 - 84600 Mykonos - GREECE
Tel: +30-22890-23160 / 2289023408 / 2289028160 & Fax: 22890-24137

last update September 10th. 2010