Arhanes Crete island Greece

The Arhanes village lies in the Temenos Region, just 15 kilometers from Heraklion and its inhabitation has been documented for over 5000 years. According to history, King Minos had a summer palace in the Arhanes village. Arhanes boasts beautiful mountains and neoclassical buildings, and is a beautifully preserved and protected village. Arhanes is a very important Minoan site, and contains several Byzantine Churches. There is a wine festival held each year in July to celebrate the town exporting of wine, raisins, and grapes. On the outskirts of Arhanes, you will find the Villa Arhanes, which is actually a lovely 19th century mansion that was recently converted into a small hotel. There are six houses facing a lovely inner courtyard. The Archaeological Museum holds many fascinating pieces from earlier ages, and the town is filled with quaint clubs and restaurants that offer authentic cuisine local to the area. The traditional section of Arhanes boasts narrow, natural slab roads, and stone buildings with tiled wooden roofs.

Rethymnon Crete

Rethymnon is the capital of the Rethymnon Prefecture and is located just 80 kilometers east of Iraklion and 60 kilometers west of Hania on the northern coast of Crete. To the east of Rethymnon you will find one of the largest sand beaches in Crete, a 12 kilometer beach, and to the west there is a rocky coastline that leads to another 10 kilometer stretch of beautiful beach. Rethymnon’s city limits are defined by the Fortetza, a large, beautifully preserved Venetian fortress which overlooks the lovely city below. Beautiful sights to behold while on Rethymnon include the Rimondi Fountain, which was built by A. Rimondi to provide citizens with suitable drinking water in 1626, and the Neratzes Mosque, which was formerly the Holy Virgin church, and used today as a music conservatory. The Porta Guora is the entrance to the town, and today is the only remnant of the defensive wall left. In the Folklore and History Museum you will find a beautifully restored Venetian building that houses cultural items dating back to the 17th century. The Archaeological Museum holds clay figures, funerary coffers, statues, and other objects dating back to the Neolithic and Roman periods. Rethymnon is the most mountainous province in Crete, and boasts a wonderfully warm and mild Mediterranean climate. Sunshine prevails most of the year and temperatures are mild during every season.

Malia and Stalis Crete island Greece

Malia is a beautiful coastal town and municipality on the Crete Island located just 33 kilometers east of Heraklion, in the beautiful and scenic Bay of Malia. Malia is the seat for the municipality of Malia which also includes the area of Stalis, as well as the village of Mohos and Krassi. Malia is primarily a tourist city, noted highly for its archeological sites and its thriving nightlife. Malia is one of Crete’s and Greece’s oldest inhabited areas. It provides a beautiful climate, as well as friendly locals. You will find a splendid array of gift shops, hotels, restaurants, and night clubs to enhance your stay in this beautiful coastal paradise. Very close to Malia’s old village are 5 km of beautiful sandy white beaches that offer the cleanest sea, perfect for swimming and water sports. The road through the mountain region south of Malia will provide you with a stunning glimpse of the hamlet of Krasi, which was used as a natural resort for some of Greece’s most famous contemporary writers.

kreta ierapetra

Ierapetra is a modern town located just 36 kilometers south of Aghios Nicolaos. It sits at the Southern coast of Crete, beside the beautiful Libyan Sea. It is the most southern town in Europe and faces the African coasts. Kreta Ierapetra is a very active tourism spot and is well known for its beautiful sandy beaches and mild climate. Most days on Ierapetra are spend in glorious sunshine. There are a number of beautiful and historic sights found on Ierapetra. The Venetian Castle of Kales, which was built in the 13th century, is today found in ruins, however it makes for a wonderful sightseeing adventure. The Church of Saint George, which was built in 1856 and the Church of Aghios Spyridonas, built during the 14th century are also wonderful places to visit. The Archaeological Collection and Folk Museum provide visitors with a look into the historical culture of this beautiful seaside paradise.

Explore our site to find travel information and hotels in other cities in Crete island: Ag nikolaos travel guide and hotels Chania travel guide and hotels Iraklio travel guide and hotels Hersonissos travel guide and hotels Malia & Stalis, travel guide and hotels Rethymno travel guide and hotels Arhanes (Traditional Village) travel guide and hotels or the other islands in Greece

Hersonissos (Limin hersonissou) Crete Greece

Hersonissos is located just 25km east of Iraklion, and is the most cosmopolitan city in Crete. Its existence dates back to the Hellenistic Period, and Hersonissos has maintained a continuous and lively presence throughout the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Venetian, and Turkish Periods as an important and thriving port. Hersonissos is world known for its beautiful and scenic beaches and exciting night life, although there is much more to be seen in this historical and beautiful city. The village of Old Hersonisos was built due to the fear of pirates, and near here, Piskopiano and Koutouloufari overlook the busy resort of Limin Hersonissos. Places to visit while in Hersonissos include the Lychnostatis, an open air folklore museum, which allows a glimpse of the Cretan folk heritage, and AquaWorld Aquarium with samples of the local sea life. There are also many water game locations located within easy distance of Hersonissos, including activities for mountain biking, snorkeling, golfing, and horseback riding. Like many other cities located on Crete, the economy of Hersonissos is not solely based on tourism, but on agriculture also. During the fall when tourism is slower, many locals who normally work within the tourism realm earn their income helping with the olive harvest.

Explore our site to find travel information and hotels in other cities in Crete island: Ag nikolaos travel guide and hotels Chania travel guide and hotels Iraklio travel guide and hotels Ierapetra, travel guide and hotels Malia & Stalis, travel guide and hotels Rethymno travel guide and hotels Arhanes (Traditional Village) travel guide and hotels or the other islands in Greece

Heraklion (Iraklion) Crete island Greece

Heraklion is the largest city in Crete and is the capital of Crete as well. Heraklion is also called Iraklio, and for centuries was known as Candia. The most popular visitation spot in Heraklion are the ruins of Knossos, which was the biggest center of population on Crete during Minoan times. This was the palace of King Minos, and is believed to be the starting point for the mythological Minotaur’s labyrinth. There are speculations that a port has existed in Knossos since 2000 BC, although no archeological evidence has been found to support the speculation. The current city of Heraklion was founded by the Saracens in 824 AD. Arhanes is also a beautiful town and is a wonderful excursion from Heraklion, with just a 30 minute or less drive. Arhanes has been sited as one of Crete’s most valuable archaeological sites. Climate on Heraklion is typically Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers in the lowlands, and cooler, more rainy days in the mountains. Frost and snow are very rare in the lowlands. The Heraklion International Airport was named after Nikos Kazantzakis, who was a Greek writer and philosopher. This is the second busiest airport in Greece, and is located just 5km east of Heraklion.

Chania Crete Island Greece

Chania is located along the northern coast of Crete, and is the second largest city of Crete and the capital of the Chania Prefecture. Chania enjoys a normal Mediterranean climate, with sunny and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. Between April and October you can expect practically every day to be clear and sunny. Minor early heat waves have been known to occur in March or April, during a Saharan dust event, but typically heat waves are not terribly common. Snows and frosts are also not common in Chania. For the most part, the weather is always beautifully clear and warm. Chania is filled with beautiful ancient visions and places to see. Despite the fact that during World War II Chania’s Old Town was bombed heavily, it is still considered to be the most beautiful urban district located on Crete. The central area of the old town, Kasteli, has been inhabited since the Neolithic times, and is found on a small hill next to the seafront. The Old Town’s main square is the Eleftherios Venizelos Square. Here you will find the heart of activities for tourists. Other beautiful landmarks to visit while in Chania are found in Kasteli. The Kasteli Archaeological Area and part of the Byzantine walls are very popular destinations to see. The remains of the Government House of Palazzo of the Venetians dates back to the 17th century, and the former Santa Maria de Miracoli Monastery was constructed in 1615. In Splantzia you will find the Dominican Monastery of St. Nicholas from the early 14th century, the Church of St. Rocco from the early 17th century, and the Minaret of St. Nicholas. Head to the shore, and on the harbor you will find the Faros, a lighthouse from the 15th century. Other things to see on the harbor include the Mosque of the Janissaries, the Venetian Shipyards, Neoria, from the late 16th century, and the Bulwark of St. Nicholas of Molos. On Halidon Street are located the Stivanadika, or traditional leather stores, and on bulwar Sabbionara you can visit the Church of Agioi Anargyroi and the Bulwark San Salvatore. Be sure to leave time to visit Kissamos, where you will find that the ancient Greek traditions and myths are still alive. In Polirrinia you will find a majestic reservoir with an altar and ruins from the Roman era. Other places to visit while in Chania include Falassarna, Gramvoussa, Agnion, Potamida, Agia Sofia, and Diktinna, where there are Byzantine Churches dating back as far as the 10th century. Many things here can be explored on foot, including walking through the mountains and viewing the beautiful waters flowing down the mountainside.