Crete

Explore Crete, one of the largest Mediterranean islands, divided into 4 regions: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi - all major tourist destinations. Make it your first holiday destination to experience the mysteries and wonders of Greece, including many attractions from ancient Greek culture and mythology. Crete, the biggest island in Greece, offers everything you need for your vacation: beautiful beaches, flowering valleys, plateaus, small, uninhabited islands, caves, and unique mountain scenery.

Discover the history of Greece's Bronze Age Minoan civilization, which thrived from 2200 to 1450 BCE and was centered on the island of Crete. With a total area of 8336 square kilometers, Crete was home to 90 cities, with Knossos being the biggest and most significant. During the peak of Minoan culture, the island is thought to have been split into at least eight governmental entities. Knossos was in charge of the north, Phaistos of the south, Zakro and Mallia of the east, and Chania of the west.

Experience Crete's rich history, old traditions, and hospitable people by exploring its numerous villages. With stunning landscapes and scenery, Crete is one of the most outstanding destinations in Greece, drawing the attention of all visitors. The Cretan villages have ancient roots that go back in history. Many towns and villages have Venetian and Ottoman features, including castles, towers, stone bridges, churches, and mosques. Other places located up in the mountains have characteristic architecture with stone houses, red-tiled roofs, narrow streets, flowered gardens, and always a square with a church in the center of every village. Start your journey to Explore Crete now!

Discover the Wonders of Crete: Beaches, Monasteries, and Gorges

Explore Crete's stunning coastline with its countless beaches that stretch from the Aegean Sea in the north to the Lybian Sea in the south. In the summer season, visitors flock to these beautiful shorelines. Balos, Elafonisi, Preveli, and Vai are just a few examples of the exotic beaches that offer crystal-clear, Caribbean-like waters, palm trees, and breathtaking scenery.

Crete's rich history in the Christian Orthodox religion is showcased through its many churches and monasteries that have been celebrated for over 1600 years. Monks and nuns still practice a monastic life in many of these holy sites, and visitors have the opportunity to explore them. You'll find a monastery in each prefecture of Crete, including Arkadi Monastery, Panagia, Odigitria, Katholikon, Kaliviani, Toplou, and more.

Nature enthusiasts will be in awe of Crete's approximately 50 gorges, each with its unique character and stunning natural scenery. Trek through the gorges to explore the amazing cliffs, fauna, and flora of the island.

Experience the best of Crete by exploring its beaches, monasteries, and gorges. Book your trip today!

What Crete offers

Explore Crete’s Traditional Products: Cretan Oil, Wine, Cheese, Honey & More

If you’re looking for fresh and quality traditional products, look no further than Crete! With the perfect climate for growing produce, this island is home to some of the best fruits and vegetables like oranges, mandarins, tomatoes, and watermelons.

Cretan Oil, made from olives grown on the island, is renowned for its excellent quality and health benefits. In fact, it’s considered the healthiest olive oil in the world!

Wine lovers will appreciate the different varieties of Cretan Wine produced in each prefecture. With unique tastes and exceptional quality, these wines are a must-try.

Cheese from Crete is also popular worldwide, with options like graviera, kefalograviera, kafalotyri, anthotiro, sweet and sour mizythra, all produced traditionally.

For something sweet, taste the aromatic Cretan Honey made from bees fed on bushes unique to the island. And if you’re feeling under the weather, try Mountain Tea – a local favorite for soothing colds and sore throats.

Don’t forget to explore the mountains and other areas where you’ll find natural and tasty herbs and spices that are perfect for cooking. Experience the best that Crete has to offer!

Events/Festivals

Crete many years now still carry out their customs and traditions and they love to celebrate.
There is almost an event of feast somewhere on the island. They are organized every year and here are some events you must visit :

• The Crete Wine Festival is a must-attend event where you can indulge in excellent traditional local wine while celebrating with authentic Cretan music and traditional dancing. The festival is held mostly in July and is best experienced in Rethymnon, Chania, and the charming village of Dafnes near Heraklion. Don't miss the festivities on August 15th in the picturesque village of Houdetsi.

• Experience the unique cultural festivals of Crete, including the Cheese Festival in the village of Zoniana, where you can taste the world's largest cheese and savor local recipes. Or head to Thrapsano, just 30 km southeast of Heraklion, to celebrate traditional pottery with local artisans on July 17th.For wine lovers, the Grape Festival in Sitia offers two weeks of festivities in August, while the traditional distillation of Raki or Tsikoudia takes place in many old villages during October and November.

• On August 15th, experience Crete's biggest religious festival in honor of the Dormition of Virgin Mary, with celebrations taking place in almost all villages, including the Monastery of Panagia Chrissoskalitissa in Chania and the Byzantine church of Panagia Kera in Lassithi.

• For music lovers, the Matala Festival in June is a must, featuring famous Greek and foreign artists to entertain the crowds. And don't miss the Carnival, a festival of fun and masquerade marking the beginning of the fasting period before Easter, celebrated in Rethymnon, Malia, and Kissamos.

  Join us in Crete to explore these unique cultural celebrations and experience the island's rich heritage.

Conclusion

Crete is a destination that truly has something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore ancient ruins, sample delicious cuisine, or experience a vibrant culture, this Greek island has it all. So why not make Crete your summer destination this year? You won't be disappointed.

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