Crete is a very large island with much to see and this page will give you an overview so you can decide which parts you want to visit. There is a short description of towns, beaches, archaeological sites and different areas of Crete. | |
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Knossos: Ancient Minoan Crete
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Nikos Kazantzakis: Greece’s Greatest Modern Writer
Though a national hero, Kazantzakis was excommunicated by the Greek church which is why his grave is on the wall and not in a cemetery. |
Crete is a big island that can appeal to a variety of people in different ways. I don’t discourage anyone from going there whether you are a sun-worshiping party animal or a cultural minded, eco tourist looking for the land of Zorba. But if you are the latter my advice is this: Visit Crete in the off-season if possible which means any month but July-August. Base yourself in Chania for starters and explore the interior of the island, the mountain villages and the fields and hillsides which are alive with wildflowers in the spring. You will need at least a week here, just exploring the area around Chania. If possible, book yourself or have your travel agent book you in different towns around the island. You can even base yourself in the resort areas without running with the crowds, if it is near a part of the island you want to see. There are several guidebooks for sale on the island including a guide to the Monasteries which I recommend. Take your meals at the small tavernas in villages away from the tourists and get to know the people who are Crete’s finest asset. The fancy resorts are a modern phenomenon. Who knows if they are the trend or will wind up as relics like the ruins at Knossos? If sun, sea, beer and companionship is what you have come to Greece for then you will find the resorts very satisfying as some of these giant companies have created a new Greece, grafting Caribbean tourist culture with the famous Hellenic hospitality. But if you are looking for the magic head for the hills. You’ll find the people where the tourists aren’t. As for the beaches, the island is big and somewhere there is a secluded little cove with your name on it. |
Villa Mantilari Wine Estate
21st Km Heraklion Kastelli
Peza Area, Crete
Tel.: +30 6974757474
villamantilari@gmail.com