If you’re interested in a quiet, relaxing, leisurely and scenic holiday experience on your visit to the island of Crete in Greece, the village and resort of Kalo Chorio may be just what you’re looking for. If you want a smaller, intimate resort on the nor

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Agia Fotia, Crete

Agia Fotia is a small beach town situated in the South East region of Crete, and is very popular with visitors from all over the world. Although the area is far quieter than other popular resorts in Crete this area offers a totally different type of holiday. The whole area surrounding Agia Fotia is very picturesque, and is positioned comfortably in between the stunning mountains. The main attraction for this small village is the stunning beach which is ideal for families, and sun worshippers.

The beach in Agia Fotia is one of the most beautiful on the whole island, and offers some of the cleanest water in the world. The beaches are perfect for spending long lazy days on, as well as joining in the water sports on offer. There are sun loungers, and parasols to rent, or many trees to nestle under when the sun becomes too intense. The beach is only 200 meters long, and can become quite crowded when the locals decide to visit.
The village itself is very traditional, and offers a small selection of bars, restaurants and a shop. The church is positioned in the center of the village, and makes a striking impression on visitors. The mountains that surround the village make it a very picturesque place to be. Although there is very little to do in Agia Fotia this suits many different types of people looking for a relaxing vacation.

If you want to explore further afield a car is highly recommended, however, for many people there is no need to ever leave the village. The restaurant in Agia Fotia is very popular, and is situated directly on the beach. Many locals from the neighboring villages come into Agia Fotia to dine in this great restaurant. There are many different types of food on offer including local specialties, and excellent fish dishes. All of the olive oil is produced locally, and can be bought to take home with you.

You can also get snacks, and drinks to take to the beach with you from very early until the time the sun sets. The restaurant is only open during the busy summer months, and closes from November until April. As well as the restaurant there is also a beach bar that offers a fantastic relaxed atmosphere. You can sit back and enjoy the fantastic live music whilst watching the sun set, and drinking your favorite cocktails. The beach bar is very popular, and can become very busy during the summer months.

The apartments to rent in Agia Fotia are located a perfect distance from the beach, and the water. They are adequately furnished, and offer you a comfortable place to relax, and sleep. However, you will spend very little time in them due to the stunning surroundings, and amazing beach to enjoy. Although this small village seems to have very little to offer the average tourist, you will be surprised how many people visit every year. If you are looking for your own piece of paradise, in a fantastic setting Agia Fotia is the perfect vacation destination.


Agia-GaliniThe village of Agia Galini already has a head start as a holiday destination; it is located on the south coast of Crete, and is ideally situated as a base for exploring the beautiful south coast. Its name means ‘Saint Serenity’ or ‘Holy Peace’, which suits it very well. The white painted houses are arranged in an ‘amphitheatre’ shape, opening out onto the harbour. It is surrounded by three mountains: Asideroto, Kedros and Psiloritis , and has, despite being popular with tourists, retained its essential Cretan character.

The village, though small, has everything a visitor might need. There are supermarkets, and plenty of shops where you can buy something typically Cretan to take home. Ceramics, jewellery and items of clothing are available to buy. Although Agia Galini has money changing facilities and an ATM (taking all the usual credit and debit cards) where you will have your money dispensed in Euros, it doesn’t have a bank yet, so be well prepared before you arrive. If bank services are needed Spilli is only 16 km away.

If you fancy going further afield, the transport services are excellent, with connections to Rethymno, Chania and Iraklion. Be prepared for great views on your way to these places. All of them have museums and harbour areas, but Iraklion is sure to be a favourite, as that is where you can see the ancient Palace of Knossos, evidence of Cretan civilisation long ago.

If you don’t wish to go that far, there is lots to do in Agia Galini. The beach even has a special watersports section, where water skiing, parascending and jet skiing can be tried, not forgetting the famous banana boat rides. You may even just want a relaxing walk along the beach. Boat trips to other beaches are available too, as well as fishing trips.
One thing that Agia Galini is not short of is good places to eat. Cretan food is delicious anyway, and eating in the open air at a taverna along the harbour side is one of life’s pleasures. Try some of the locally caught seafood – it comes no fresher than this!

After your meal, another stroll will always be welcome; this time in the evening, browsing the local shops, and enjoying the warm night air. If you’re still not sleepy after that, there are bars which stay open most of the night, where you can enjoy a drink while listening to lively music.

A good way to get around independently is to hire a car, so that you can explore the beaches, and get to the famous Gorge of Samaria, at your leisure.

The Historical Village of Agia Pelagia, Crete

agia-pelagia-creteAgia Pelagia is a small quaint fishing village situated approximately 23 KM from the capital city of Heraklion in Crete. This fantastic holiday destination is also a short distance from the airport, and ferry port. This makes it the ideal place for visitors from all over the world to enjoy the golden beaches, and crystal clear waters. There is so much to see and do in Agia Pelagia it is no surprise that it is so popular with both families, and sightseeing enthusiasts.
The Monastery of the Sebbathians is where the village takes its name from, and is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The ruins of this amazing historical monastery are situated a short distance away from the actual village. You can spend many hours wandering through the ruins experiencing the emotional feelings that they inspire. As well as the monastery you may also want to take a journey to the post-minioan graves which support the long standing belief that Agia Pelagia was the original site of Apollonia.

As well as the incredible history that surrounds the village of Agia Pelagia there is also stunning scenery, and fantastic beaches to enjoy. The mountains and hills that surround the fishing village make it the perfect shape to catch the daily sunshine. Many of the tourists who visit Agia Pelagia have no reason to do anything but lay on the hot beach all day. On the central beach in the bay there are many water sports, and diving centers to explore.
Although the bay does deepen a great deal in the center there is a narrow stretch ideal for children. As well as the large beach there are also approximately nine other smaller beaches and coves that offer more privacy. These can be reached by foot, peddle boat, or swimming around the coast. Due to the design of the bay the wave creating north winds are not present in Agia Pelagia, making it the perfect environment for families. You can travel by car to other areas that offer harsher waves that are ideal for water sports.

Although the village has many different bars, restaurants, and quaint cafes on offer there is no night life to speak of. If you are looking for a lively resort to visit you may want to consider one of the other many great resorts in Crete. Agai Pelagia is ideal for people looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation mixing with the locals, and enjoying the incredible cuisine. There are supermarkets, and local shops that entice you in with the smell of freshly baking bread every morning. These are alongside a pharmacy, doctors, and car rental office.

The village of Agia Pelagia has everything you could want on a vacation, and is situated in the ideal location to explore further afield. There are daily buses to the capital city to enable you to visit with ease, and experience more that Crete has to offer. Visiting Agia Pelagia during the summer months are when it is at its busiest, however, it becomes far quieter in the winter months, and is the perfect place to avoid the crowds. Whether you want a vacation packed full of fascinating sightseeing, or a relaxing beach vacation Agia Pelagia has it all.
Situated in the northern part of the island, about 40 miles south east of Chania, the small village of Agia Triada, lying at the foot of Mt. Psiloritis appeals to nature lovers, amateur archaeologists - and those just looking for solitude. This part of

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Agios Nikolaos, is the capital of the Prefecture of Lasithi, is one of the most highly developed tourist cities in the whole of Greece. Lying along the west of Mirabello Bay, Agios Nikolaos lies right along the primary road axis of Crete, which

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Akrotiri is not just a beautiful place to visit, is is an incredibly beautiful piece of history, with excavations of what is lovingly called the “Greek Pompeii” taking center stage in the unearthing of a piece of history. These beautifu

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The tiny fishing village of Almeritha is situated on the northern coast of the island, about a 40 minute drive from the town of Chania, and faces the Cape of Akrotiri. The village nestles in a traditional Cretan landscape of wooded hills, cypress trees a

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The Historical, Natural Beauty of Almirida

Have you already been on holiday to the popular holiday destinations, such as Spain, Hawaii, the Bahamas? Are you looking for a new, serene, beautiful destination for your next vacation? Do you want to escape the stresses of your daily life? If so, you will want to consider traveling to Almirida, Crete. Almarida is not your typical flamboyant holiday destination, but it makes up for that with its great, natural beauty and serenity. In the last eight years, Almirida has been developed as a tourism spot in a careful way as to preserve the traditional, authentic characteristics.

Well, where exactly is this small village located? It resides 25km from Chania by the Bay of Souda with a great view of the White Mountains and a unique, crescent-shaped, sandy beach with shallow water. Historically, the area was an ancient Foinikes, an area called Finika exists there, where some of the ancient tombs and ruins have been unearthed. In addition, archaeologists have discovered mosaics and tombs, which belonged to the Royal Church during the fifth century A.D. Adding to the great history of Almirida Crete, the last battle fought between the Turks and Greek revolutionaries took place here in 1896.

A few sights to be seen in the area are the Diktamo Gorge, Gorge of Saint Nikolas, 215 scattered caves, and the islet Karga. The islet Karga lies in the beautiful Bay of Almirida. Karga is ideal for fishing, a small sea trip, or just relaxing. If you visit Karga, you will see different sorts of birds, because it is a refuge for migratory and endemic birds. Some remnants of tunnels from WW II and ancient walls can be found here.

No holiday is complete without going on a shopping trip to collect souvenirs as memories of the time spent there and for gifts. Almirida has a collection of handmade items, such as leather shoes, knives, table cloths, recycled glassworks, and jewelry. When going on holiday, food is almost as important as shopping and relaxing. To some, food is actually more important. In Almirida, no matter what you order, it is guaranteed to be fresh. Popular food offered is fresh fish and octoupus. If you want to eat the most delectable fish and meat, Erotokritos, located right in the middle of Almirida bayside, is the restaurant you will want to go to. Erotokritos is well-known all over Greece, not just in the village of Almirida. If you are in the mood for finger food and traditional dishes, go to Aposperitis. If you are a hearty meat eater, you will want to consider dining at Mythos, a restaurant that specializes in meat. Regardless of what you are craving, almost any tavern or restaurant you go to in Almirida is guaranteed to have fresh, delectable food.If great food, serenity, and experiencing new cultures sound appealing to you, don't hesitate to make plans to visit the historical village of Almirida, Crete. Just imagine reclining on a pleasantly warm, sandy, crescent-shaped beach with the pleasant smell of the unpolluted ocean air mixed with scents of traditional Cretan food. You can make that thought come true. In fact, it will be even better than you can imagine.
Apokoronas, can be found in the north-east corner of the Chania prefecture, is on the northern coast of the island of Crete. It is situated between Hania and Rethymnon. Found in the shadow of the majestic White Mountains (Lefka Ori), Apokoronas can defini

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Bali Crete: The Perfect Resort Getaway



bali-creteAre you looking for the perfect vacation getaway? If so, then you should definitely consider Bali, Crete.

Crete itself is the largest island (in terms of land and population) in Greece, and also the fifth biggest island located in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete's culture is similar to Greece's, but remains distinctly unique. Interestingly, Crete contained the first civilization and palace in Europe.

Bali is a small yet beautiful resort village located on Crete's north coast. In fact, it's the primary tourist resort in the Rethymo region. Bali's name in Turkish means  honey. That's because the village produced much honey during Turkey's occupation of Crete. According to ancient legends, the mountain south of Bali is Talos, a giant mechanic. He was a gift from the god Jupiter, to help safeguard Crete.

While Bali once existed as a small fishing village, it has become one of the top vacation destinations on Crete. However, part of the charm of Bali is that it hasn't completely modernized. For instance, you can still see Bali homes that are adorned in breathtakingly beautiful pink flowers. Such features help to make Bali one of the perfect getaways if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Bali is easily accessible from the nearby highway. It's about 40 kilometers east of the city Rethymnon, and approximately 50 kilometers west of the city of Heraklion (the capital of Crete).A lovely beach comprised of sand and pebbles is located in the heart of Bali. Small coves with sand and clear waters surround the central beach.

You could enjoy one of several recreational activities while staying in Bali. Some of the most popular outdoor sports include, scuba-diving, water-biking, canoeing, sailing, and fishing. Various accommodations also offer facilities for swimming, tennis, billiards, table tennis, and so on. If you're really adventurous, then you enjoy mountain biking, or jeep safaris through the Idi Mountains. Even the strategic placement of beach chairs on the waterfront can provides an excellent means of leaning back and taking in the scenery.

Visitors should certainly consider including various nearby monasteries. For instance, there's the Monastery of St. Ioannis. Features of the monastery include beautiful frescoes in the church, and a garden in the courtyard. Another popular monastery is the Atalis Monastery, which honors St. John the Baptist.

You'll likely need to do some eating and drinking while at Bali. Due to its proximity to the water, you can find several outstanding seafood restaurants in the center of Bali. Some of the specialties include several types of fish, shrimp, and octopus. The restaurants prepare the seafood by using several cooking methods. There are also some cafes and taverns located in Bali, including some conveniently located on the waterfront. Besides fresh seafood dishes, local olive oil, cheeses, and wine can help to make your meals in Bali magnificent. In fact, some Cretan cheeses aren't produced anywhere else in Greece!

While staying in Crete, you should certainly consider including Bali on your itinerary. If you do, then the expression It's Greek to me will take on an entirely new and exciting meaning.
For Chania this is true in the 21st Century. This island destination is fraught with a history of conquerors and occupations. From history in the Byzantine era to occupations by both Arabs and Turks, Chania has remained somewhat of an island crown jewel f

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Elounda is located on the northwestern part of Crete, and was built with the luxury-loving tourist in mind. Amenities of every sort are available from scuba diving and sunbathing to tennis and shopping. The lagoon of Elounda rests nestled within Mirabel

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The Beautiful Tranquil Village Of Georgioupolis, Crete

Crete Georgioupolis BeachGeorgioupolis is a tranquil quaint village situated on the Northern coast of the stunning island of Crete. Although this village is very compact there is still plenty to attract the tourists every year. One of the biggest attractions is the stunning 9km of golden sand that dominates the area in Georgioupolis. There are many great places to relax along the beach as well as enjoying the water sports that happen daily.  The village is situated on the main road, and can be reached easily from both Hania and Rethimnon.

The rivers that flow freely through Georgioupolis from the sweet water lake of Kournas travel over 5km to reach their destination. These rivers are very attractive, and can be followed all the way down to the shore. Although this village was once a thriving fishing village it is now more focused on tourism. However, it has been able to keep a majority of its charm, and some of the older village features are still present.  The stunning eucalyptus trees that can be found throughout the village are a great feature that many tourists love to see.

Georgioupolis is a charming place to spend your vacation, however, if you are looking for a lively resort you will be better going to one of the others in Crete. This small fishing village caters perfectly for families, and people who are looking for a quieter vacation. Although there are bars, and restaurant in Georgioupolis they cater for the daytime, and early evening trade that passes by. Along the beach you will find several small beach bars that serve snacks, drinks, and ice creams for you to enjoy on the beach.

There are many new hotels along the beach that have been built in recent years to cater for the tourists, however, you may also book into one of the smaller apartments situated within the village. These are far more personal, and allow you to come and go as you please experiencing the local hospitality, and cuisine on offer.  There are two supermarkets within the village for you to buy your essential items, and a local bakery that bakes fresh bread daily.  You can also wander through the quaint shops selling locally made products for you to take home with you.

The scenery in Georgioupolis is stunning, and the amazing mountains that overlook the village can easily be explored. You may also want to join one of the many boat excursions that travel around the amazing coastline. If you want to travel out of the village a hire car is advised, and these can easily be acquired from the car hire place in the village. You can hire them daily, or for longer periods if you want to see what else Crete has to offer.

Whether you are travelling to Georgioupolis for the stunning scenery, incredible cuisine, or simply for hours laid on the golden sand there is something for everyone.  You will never tire of walking along the amazing golden sand as the sun sets on another perfect day in Georgioupolis. You can enjoy cocktails in the local taverns, whilst listening to the tales from the old fisherman that have come back from the harbour. Every element of your vacation in Georgioupolis will leave you feeling refreshed, and ready to go back to your hectic life.

More than eight millennia have passed since civilization came to the island of Crete. The history of the island is long and venerable. The rich culture of Crete draws on the beauty of the sea, the mountains that blanket the Grecian island, the tradition o

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Greece is comprised of many beautiful islands. Crete is probably the most well known, with sandy beaches on the northern and southern sides, date trees, windmills, Byzantine frescos, and ancient Minoan history. Island sites unique to Greek mythology inc

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Heraklion Hotels, Crete

Heraklion_port_smallIf you are lucky enough to be holidaying in a resort near Heraklion, make sure that you visit this historic city. Most people travel here to visit the famous Palace of Knossos (more of which later), but also to explore the town, its harbour, and the Koules Venetian fortress on the harbour walls.

Some history

5000 years ago, Crete was home to the Minoan civilisation. In 1204 Constantinople was conquered by the Franks, leaving Crete to be ruled by the Venetians, whose sovereignty ended in 1669. Crete was known during this time as the ‘Regno di Candia’ (Kingdom of Candia) and became culturally very important. When Crete was invaded by the Turks, this all ended. In 1897 Crete became self governing, but that came to an end too when in 1913 it was united with Greece. It is in an interesting strategic location, in the southeast basin of the Mediterranean between three continents, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Modern times

Heraklion now has a population of 150,000 which increases with the influx of many visitors to the town, there to enjoy everything it has to offer.  Heraklion is also a place of innovation, with much progress being made in technology and academia.

Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the many cultural events held here, including art exhibitions, musical nights, theatrical events and festivals. There is also a lively night time culture of clubbing and other modern forms of entertainment.

It’s a great tourist destination, its topography making it ideal for a broad range of tourists, offering both sea and mountain sports.

Don’t miss these amazing places

There are some features of Heraklion that shouldn’t be missed such as:-

The Palace of Knossos

This is a Minoan Palace, and is a very large site that is got round by means of a raised walkway. It was reconstructed from ruins by Sir Arthur Evans who discovered it in 1894. Opinion differs as to whether this drastic reconstruction should have been done, but it’s still an amazing place and shouldn’t be missed.

The Natural History Museum of Crete

See the wonderful displays about the flora and fauna of Greece, and experience the ‘earthquake feature’.

The Churches of Heraklion

Wherever you are in Crete try to visit one or two churches and experience the wonderful icons. In Heraklion, visit Agia Ekaterina (St Catherine) with its icons by Michael Damaskinos, the famous icon painter.

Heraklion, as well as being a fascinating place to visit in itself, is also a convenient starting point to visit many other areas in Crete.

 

 

 

 

Available by the National Road, Hersonissos (Limenas Hersonissos) is a popular tourist destination if for no other reason than it remains open year around when many others close up shop as the normal tourist season ends. Hersonissos was once a valued t

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Ierapetra the Jewel in Crete's Crown

Ierapetra is a beautiful town, and municipal situated in the East of Crete facing the Lybian Sea. It is the fourth largest town in Crete, and has over 10km of amazing coastlines, golden beaches, and stunning scenery. This region of Crete is well known for being the hottest, sunniest region and boasts the most days of sunshine throughout the whole year. Whether you want a vacation lazing on the beach or exploring the amazing scenery there is something for everyone in this incredible region.

There are many great buildings, and architectural wonders to explore in Ierapetra, and they help you to understand how the region combines the vast history with the new expansions. Wandering through the older part of the town you will see many of the older buildings, and monuments that still stand proudly. The fort is one of the biggest attractions in the area, and is situated in the harbor looking out to sea. Due to its amazing solid structure, there is very little damage to it, and you will be surprised how it sits very comfortably with the other buildings in the area.

A short distance away from the harbour is The Church of Afentis Christos which is the oldest church in the town. Although it has been extended on one side the original part is fascinating to explore. Due to the amazing climate, and the rich fertile land Ierapetra has become a booming agricultural center. It has become Greece's most productive region, and Europe's main source of olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. There is also a huge income from the local fishermen who go out every day to catch, and sell the local fish.

Ierapetra is a very versatile town that offers a huge amount for tourists to do whilst visiting this area of Crete. There is a lively, intense nightlife in the town that attracts party goers from all over the world. There are many different bars, and clubs that will remain open until dawn allowing you to dance the night away. The locals have a taste for partying, and will often be seen having a great time for no apparent reason other than they can. They welcome tourists, and will ensure that your stay in Ierapetra is a memorable one.

The beaches in Ierapetra attract people from all over the island as they are spectacular, and even in the winter months they are still busy due to the amazing climate. The long golden beaches and crystal clear waters is the perfect place to spend many a long day. Within the actual town there are two main beaches, which get very busy during the summer months. However, there are also several smaller coves, and beaches further around the coast for you to explore. For the more energetic visitor there are plenty of different water sports to keep you busy throughout the day.

As with all Greek towns the cuisine is very important in Ierapetra, and you will blown away with the incredible array of traditional dishes on offer. The fresh fish that is caught everyday is one of the main focal points of every menu, however, there are also many other dishes to try. The local goat's cheese, olive oil, and rich goat stew are all fantastic. As well as the traditional stuffed vine leaves, and filled zucchini flowers, which are popular in this region. Every element of the vacation to Ierapetra will leave you wanting more.

Kalamaki, Crete

The resort of Kalamaki was founded in the 1970's along a long stretch of beachfront that is centrally located in the southern part of Crete, sixty seven kilometers from Keraklion. It has plenty of places to stay and take advantage of the Messara Bay beach, which is the largest of Crete's southern beaches, nearly two kilometers in length. The waters off of the beach are clear and calm, which gives a great place for children to enjoy the water and their parents to enjoy the gorgeous sunsets. There are many different places to buy food and drink and enjoy some of the traditional dishes with just caught seafood.

Because of the central position of Kalamaki, it is often used by tourists as a place to stay when exploring other attractions and archeological places within a short driving distance. Matala and Agia Galina are nearby but one of the great draws of this section of southern Crete is the protected areas of beach that help the Kareta Kareta turtles by giving them a safe place of lay their eggs and hatch without being endangered by humans or other predators.
The Hotel Alexandros is located just off of the beach and it is a good place to stay if you want to be near the water to listen to the ocean waves. There are twenty five different rooms, ranging from single to four, which is ideal for a large group of people. Balconies and all other amenities are placed so visitors can take advantage of the wonderful views of the ocean and beach as well as the star filled sky at night.

The nearby attractions include the famous archeological sites of the Gortina, which is the labyrinth of Thesus time when the Minotaur raged inside. The Byzantium era churches nearby have murals painted by El Greco and the Moni Preveli are also within a short distance away. Natural wonders include the lake of Zaros, the Faneromeni Dam and the Canyon of the Rouvas. There are also flea markets held each Friday in neighboring towns of Timbaki and Kamilari, with local people bringing different wares and goods for others to sample and purchase. Other small beaches are nearby, with the Kommos Beach being one of the select nudist beaches in the area.

There are many different services such as taxi, bus and car rental which enable you to explore the area at your own pace. Kalamaki is one of those places where tourists make the most of the expanse of sand and ocean as well as the opportunities to enjoy fresh food and drinks. The buildings and rooms for rent are well maintained having only been in existence since the mid 1900's, but Kalamaki is a great place to bring your family and spend some time enjoying the largest beach in Southern Crete and if you are there during turtle hatching season, even watch the miracle of baby turtles making their way to a new life in the warm waters of the ocean.

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