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Simply Travel Summer Holiday to Crete from £249

Greece - Crete- Chania - Gulf of Mirabello

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 include the Diktaean cave in which Zeus was supposedly born, and Voulismen Lake where the Goddess Athena was said to have bathed!

On Crete’s eastern side, the northern coastal area surrounds a deep gulf of the Aegean Sea, named Kolpos Mirabéllou, or Gulf of Mirabello, after the Greek village of Mirabello.  The area around the Gulf of Mirabello is a very popular tourist site in Greece, especially in the summer months. 

There are numerous villas within a 5 to 10 minute drive from the Gulf of Mirabello. Almost all offer picturesque views of the sea, breathtaking scenery, and the ultimate in   accommodations.  Spas, gyms, internet access, and cable TV are standard features in these luxury hotels.  Some of the more unique amenities include salt water pools and individual villa pools!  Nightly rates start in the range of $100-200, U.S.  Guests have numerous opportunities for water enjoyment, such snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boating, jet-skiing, sailing, water-skiing, or boating, in addition to an amusement park, night clubs, theaters and museums.  Crete offers recreation for all age groups and has “something for everyone”.  Should a visitor not wish to use hotel dining facilities, the nearby harbor town of Aghios Nikolaos boasts many Greek bars, restaurants and shops in which to spend Eurodollars! 

Tourists will also wish to spend time at the beach, hiking or sightseeing, but should heed some advice: solar rays are intense due to this island’s location, so sunscreen, hats and umbrellas a must, even with a base tan.  Also, mosquitoes pose a major problem; plenty of repellent should be brought from home. (Prices for such items are expensive.)  For hiking, quality boots are required since the rough terrain tears up casual walking shoes.  Excursions to the beach demand “water shoes” for walking on rocky beaches and for protection from spiny animals living on the sea bottom.

Visitors arrive in Crete via a one hour plane ride from Athens. Public transportation from two of the three airports is readily available, but from Sitia, taxis are the only option for traveling to the hotel.  Once settled, guests can see tour the island with sightseeing groups, or by rental cars, bicycles or motorbikes. However, visitors need to verify insurance coverage, especially if dealing with an independent contractor.  Drivers must also exercise extreme caution when operating any transportation device, since roads in Crete are somewhat narrow and dangerous!

Diners will find a wonderful array of food, but should be aware that not every menu item may be available and service may not be as quick as expected.  Two favorite Greek potables include Raki, (a potent alcoholic drink made from the leftovers of grapes which have been pressed for juice in wine production) and the famous Greek coffee, served sweet and strong in small cups.  If dining with a host, it is encouraged to offer thanks and try these selections, even if one does not usually imbibe!

When planning a trip to the Gulf of Mirabello area, it is advisable to obtain detailed information from the travel agent or contact party.  List questions regarding money exchange, language concerns, packing/souvenir regulations, appliance adaptors, etc., keeping in mind the seven hour time difference between EST and Crete.

Putting aside the logistics of a trip to Crete, a visit to the Gulf of Mirabello may be all that’s needed to “feel like a Greek God”!