CRETE
As Crete’s most celebrated author, Nikos Kazantzakis (of Zorba the Greek fame), once wrote: “The mystery of Crete runs deep. Whoever sets foot on this island senses a mysterious force coursing warmly and beneficently through their venus, sensing their soul to grow.”
Unsurprisingly, this mystical island to the south of the Aegean Sea captures the spirit of Greece and enchants everyone who visits. Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra, Malia, Hersonissos, Sitia, Sfakia…wherever you visit, its an island of thousands of vibrant images, filled with an open-hearted and vivacious spirit, rich history, world-famous cuisine and hospitable people.
TRAVELING TO CRETE
Crete has two airports, Chania and Heraklion, that serve international and domestic flights. The flight time to Athens is around 55 minutes and to Thessaloniki is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
THINGS TO DO ON CRETE
On Crete, you’ll find some of the most significant attractions in the Greek islands: famous archaeological sites such as the Minoan Palace of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Kato Zakros. You’ll also find important monasteries, some built in the 15-century or earlier, including the Preveli Monastery in southern Rethymnon, the monasteries in southern Heraklion and the historic Arkadi and Toplous monasteries. You’ll be transported to another time wandering around the castles erected by the Venetians and Byzantines. Particularly noteworthy are Kastelli in Chania, the Fortezza in Rethymnon, the castle of Heraklio, Frangokastello in southern Chania, the Kazarma castle in Sitia and the Monte Forte in Lassithi.
- Explore the old town of Chania
- Walk along the walls of Heraklion, the lively capital of Crete
- Bask in the glamour, grace and luxury of Agios Nikolaos, a cosmopolitan summer resort with the mystical allure of Lake Vouliagmeni (which, legend has it, is bottomless)
- Escape to the paradise of sophistication in Elounda with its private beaches, pools and piers