Our Cretan diet

Crete, The island inside you

Ierapetra, Crete

Ierapetra, Crete

35 Kms from Agios Nikolaos lies Ierapetra. Ierapetra is Europes southernmost town, full of monuments preserved up to our times, revealing the area's long history. Admire the Kales fortress at the port's entrance, which testifies to the Venetians' passing from the area, the house of Napoleon, where according to tradition, Bonaparte was hosted in 1978, the mosque in the old town (Kato Meria), which bears an inscription from the Quarn on a marble slab at its entrance, and finally the archeological museum, which is housed in a 1889 building. Here one can find clay sarcophagi, sculptures and the beautiful statue of goddess Demeter. 

Heraklion airport Flashmob

Why GO CRETE..?

Why Go Crete?

Full of astonishing landscapes and continuously changing natural pattern the discovery of the Cretan land “Krissa Gi” among the four seasons gets never boring.  Guests have the opportunity to experience the nature, history and cultural richness of the island, while they can enjoy the high quality tourism services. In the present text we will try to Why Crete and rent a car Crete is the ideal destination.

·       Cretan Climate

Crete has the best climate in the world, with almost 300 days of sunshine each year is the sunniest island in the Mediterranean. The climate of Crete is temperate and is regarded as one of the nicest, mildest and healthiest in Europe. The main factor that configures the Cretan climate is the sea that surrounds the island and reduces the suns intensity during summer. As a result it has warm, dry summers and mild winters. Crete is the ideal place for holidays, relaxation, sports, entertainment and car hire Heraklion airport all year long. Pleasant summer, sweet sunshine in spring and autumn, mild winter (without missing the snowy landscape) cold North winds and warm South are the main characteristics of the Cretan year.

       Cretan Nutrition

Cretan nutrition is famous all over the world. Sources in Minoan Crete and is an important element of the cultural heritage of the island. Transferred from generation to generation through the housewives of Crete was prevented among the centuries till today and shows us the way to a better quality of life and wellness. According to UN figures no other region of the Mediterranean has had such low levels of mortality as Crete. 

Cretan diet is healthy and tasty and consists of the high quality pure ingredients of the blessed Cretan land. What is the secret of the Cretan nutrition? The answer comes from the fact that Cretans feed with products grown in their own land, they eat plenty of vegetables, herbs, legumes and fruit and flavor food with herbs and plants from the mountains of the island, such as thyme and basil, while almost always accompany the food with wine from local vineyards and extremely tasty bread, traditionally baked. Pride of place has the olive oil which is considered to be the biggest secret of the Cretan diet and the Cretan longevity.

       Cretan Beaches

The coastline of Crete is 1046km long with popular fully organized areas and also isolated scenic and pristine areas. The northern coast consist of large sandy beaches which are affected by the north winds, are easily accessed therefore are the most popular. However the real beauty is hidden in the calm south beaches which are difficult to access.

Visitor can escape in one out of the many organized beaches of the north side with the large touristic resorts. These entire offer guest a large variety of services, comfort and safety such as cafes, bars, restaurants, water sports, lifeguards, and various car hire Crete companies. Most of them are awarded with the EU blue flag because are clean are fully organized.

       Cretan Land

Nature has given the Cretan landscape its best gifts. Monuments standing here, carved in time, recounting events among centuries. The changes in landscape are impressive!!

This island is blessed with an excellent mix of landscapes. Snowy mountains, canyons, caves, hills, valleys, plains, countless citrus trees and olive groves, rivers, lakes, natural and artificial ports and endless kilometers of coastline.

Full of traditional mountain villages, excursions in the Cretan mountains is a unique experience all year long.

The north coast of the island characterized by large bays, many kilometers of beaches and largest natural port of Souda, while the southern coast of the island located in the Libyan Sea has smaller beaches and coves, caves and small ports.

Crete is the land of contrasts and satisfaction where the western side enclosed by olive and citrus trees, alternating with plateaus and the east side with the vast expanse Palms. The beauty of the natural envoroment provides guests motivation to explore the island and discover its treasures regarding art, culture, gastronomy, hospitality, traditions.

       Cretan Hospitality

Cretans are world known for their hospitality and the way that treat guests. Since the first moment they make you feel most welcome by giving guests advises, directions, help and sharing even their goods with visitors. It is most common in a Cretan neighbor for locals to share fresh eggs, fruits, vegetables, homemade food, sweets etc. Locals hold this principle in the same way as the virtue and honor, thus combining ethical values ​​that made ​​both through friendship and through the family.

       Cretan Hotels & Resorts

Crete is among the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. The touristic infrastructure of the island can satisfy all preferences. Accommodation of every possible category from large hotel units and luxury resorts to small family owned apartments and camp sites.

The modern tourist infrastructures, the high quality of the services provided, the friendly highly trained human resources, the unique historical and natural wealth as long as the natural beauty of the island makes Crete a dream destination for millions of people.

 

Deluxe resorts & spa, well organized hotels of all categories, apartments and agro-tourism guesthouses, rent a car Crete offer modern facilities in combination with traditional Cretan hospitality.

       Cretan Antiquities

Being isolated in South Greece at the crossroads of three continents Crete created and maintained a great local culture while accepted and assimilated various influences from East and West.

Starting from the Neolithic Age, the history of Crete today still forms an integral part in every place you found it.

The ancient Crete with hundreds of archeological sites continues to inspire guest all over the world through the brilliance of museum masterpieces and spiritual monuments. The past of Crete is reflected everywhere and still flourishing, mainly through the delivery, customs, music and poetry.

60 museums and hundreds of archaeological sites compose a historical and archaeological paradise with the Minoan civilization dominating the center and its findings in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion to show the rich cultural heritage.

Cretan Alternative Tourism

Alternative tourism intends to make visitors feel like home, familiarizing with the local values, landscapes, flavors, songs, dance, painting and creating. Alternative tourism refers to those seeking a different kind of vacation, which is connected with the protection of local culture, protection of the natural environment and to avoid the use of services organized mass tourism.

The rich natural and cultural environment of Crete and the perfect combination of mountain and sea have contributed to the creation of structures for sports tourism, agro tourism, ecotourism, cultural, historical, religious tourism, culinary, underwater tourism, winter tourism, conference, speleological tourism, mountaineering, cruise tourism, etc. can come true by a car hire Crete

Free diving along gorgeous bottoms offered by hotels and clubs. The European path E4 Alpine runs almost all the mountains of the island, with trails that offer thrills for nature lovers and hiking.

Traveling Crete

It is often said that Crete is a whole continent and not just an island! And why disagree with that, when at the same time one can play with the snow in the mountains, someone else can enjoy the sun and sea on a warm beach in the south or to taste wonderful subtropical fruits of the “KRISSA GI”. And all these through a few tens of kilometers distance using a car hire Heraklion airport…

Crete the Island Inside You!

Best of Crete - Top 10 of Crete

Top 10 of Crete

1) Ancient Palace of Knossos

Crete was the centre of the European civilization since 7000 b.C with the Minoan civilization dominating from 2700 b.C to 1450 b.C  

Car Hire Heraklion to visit Knossos. Knossos is biggest and best preserved Minoan Palace. Situated South of Heraklion was the home palace of the legendary king Minos and the location of the mythical Labyrinth where Minos held the Minotaur.

The palace was unearthed and restored from the excavations of Sir Arthur Evans in 1900. These findings include also the small palace, the Royal House, the Temple Tomb and a hall with murals.

The Palace is open for the public to visit from 01/06 to 31/10 - 08:00 to 18:00 daily and from 01/11 to 31/05 08:30 – 15:00 with a small admission fee.

2) Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is a 16 Km route in South West Crete at Chania prefecture. Samaria is among the biggest gorges in Europe with rare flora and fauna.

The route starts from Xyloskala after Omalos Plateau on 1250 height among the White Mountains. The gorge is accessible from the 1^st of May till 31^st of October when closes for the winter period.

Shoes with hard soles to support the ankle are necessary in this 6-hour journey on the hard rocky ground and a small amount of water that can be filled in one of the many sources that meets the path. The route ends at the Libyan Sea, in Agia Roumeli. Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of Agia Roumeli before taking the boat to Sfakia, where you will have the opportunity to taste traditional specialties before boarding the bus that will take you back to Chania.

Our advice for visitors with Car Hire Crete is to leave the car at Chania Station take the bus from Chania to Omalos and from Sfakia to Chania. It will be an endless, exhausting day but believe me its worth, and you will have a lifetime experience.

3) Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Rent a Car Heraklion, and visit the Archeological Museum of Heraklion which is located in the centre of the city in Xanthoulidou str.

The exhibits cover a period of 5500 years from the Neolithic to the Greco-Roman period.

In pride place among its collections are the unique masterpieces of Minoan art, which can be admired in all its development. The collection of Minoan antiquities is the largest in the world and the museum is justly considered the pre-eminent museum of Minoan civilization.

The museum is open for the public to visit all year long with the opening hours to vary according to period.

4) Chania Old Town & Venetian Harbor

Chania are situated in the Northwest Crete 170 Km from the capital Heraklion. With the old Venetian Port to be the main attraction thousands of tourists are visiting Chania every year. Take a stroll on the cobbled streets with the traditional fish restaurants, cafes and shops with folk art. Historically, Chania was the first capital of Crete.

Car Rental Chania Airport to  visit the archaeological and naval museum in the old city. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the Venetian buildings, small workshops daggers (machairadika), traditional footwear (stoivanadika) and enjoy a coffee or dining at the quaint cafes and restaurants.

Along the harbor you will see small fishing boats moored, catering daily fresh fish the taverns, and certainly do not miss the opportunity to stroll through the renovated lighthouse on the edge of the harbor.

5) Lake Kournas, Argiroupolis and Ancient Lappa

Rent a Car Chania airport And head to Lake Kournas. Lake Kournas is the only natural freshwater lake on the island. Surrounded by lush vegetation and background of the White Mountains, is a unique attraction.

A few miles from Lake Kournas is the village of Argiroupolis This beautiful village is built on the ancient site of Lappa and consists of two parts - the upper and lower village.

Visit the waterfalls surrounded with lush vegetation in the lower village, then the Roman necropolis of Lappa, the ruins of Roman baths and the aqueduct in the upper village.

6) Lassithi Plateau and Zeus Cave

Rent a Car Heraklion Port and spend a day in Lassithi Plateau. Lassithi Plateau is the largest plain in Crete. An area of 25,000 square kilometers surrounded by the Lassithiotika Mountains. Hundreds of white windmills used for irrigation lie as relics of the past and compose landscape of the fertile plateau.

Lassithi Plateau is the highest inhabited plateau in Greece. A visit to this beautiful mountain region should include stops at villages Krasi with a giant plane tree in the square which is considered to be the oldest tree in Crete with age 2400 years, and in Mohos, where the church of the Virgin Mary has byzantine icons and murals.

The impressive Dikteon Andro (Psichro Cave), the mythical birthplace of Zeus, located at an altitude of 1025m, west of the village Psichro. The cave is accessed by a narrow entrance after a 20 minute walk up a steep path, entering the interior of the cave follows a steep descent of 60 meters ending in an underground pool and several rooms with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

7) Anogia village & Zoniana Cave

Rent a Car Heraklion airport For a trip to Anogia and Zoniana. The mountain village Anogia situated at an altitude 700m on the side of Mount Ida in the hinterland of Rethymno Prefecture.

The village Anogia razed by the Germans during the Second World War, and all the men of the village who had not managed to escape were killed in reprisal for partisan fighters.

The village is also known as the birthplace of Nick Xylouris one of the most famous Cretan musicians of all time. He died in 1980 at the age of 43 and became a legend. Every July Anogia organizes Yakinthia, a festival dedicated to music, theater and art.

Do not forget to visit the nearby cave of Zoniana (Sfentoni Cave), which is considered one of the best caves of Crete with amazing stalagmites and stalactites.

8) Agios Nikolaos

Car Rental Heraklion Airport And live your dream vacation in Agios Nikolaos. Situated in Eastern Crete, 70mm from Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lassithi Prefecture. The city is built around a beautiful lake, which is connected to the sea by a small canal. Relax in one of the taverns and cafes by the lake and admire the scenery while fishermen are working in their colorful boats.

The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a modern marina that accommodates up to 255 boats and yachts. Shopping in the town is a delight - small shops, crafts and souvenir shops coexist with modern designer jewelry stores. Cafes, snack bars, taverns and restaurants abound in every street corner.

The city even has its own beach area next to the center - the beach Kitroplatia. The sandy beach is filled with cafes and taverns. There are also many other beaches along the Gulf of Mirabello.

9) Elounda & Spinalonga Island

Just 10 km from Agios Nikolaos is the bay of Elounda. Known for its luxury hotels is the place that wealthy visitors, royalties and celebrities spend their holidays. The picturesque harbor of Elounda still retains its traditional charm, with cafes and restaurants to complement the scene.

Spinalonga (also known as Caledon) is a small island located just off the coast of Elounda and Plaka at the Bay of Mirabello. During 1200 AD the Venetians built huge fortifications on it to guard the entrance to the bay and these fortifications still dominate the north side of the island.

From 1903 until recently, in 1957, the island of Spinalonga was a leper colony and lepers from all over Greece were sent to it. The suffering of lepers who lived in Spinalonga is immortalized in the book of Victoria Hislop «The Island" that enjoyed huge commercial success.

Today Spinalonga is uninhabited, but can be visited one after a short boat trip from Elounda (30 minutes), Plaka (15 minutes) or Agios Nikolaos (1 hour). Following the path around the island you will pass through the small streets of the deserted ruins with its old stone houses, fortifications, battlements, and of course the cemetery. Wander the cosmopolitan Elounda and historic Spinalonga with Car Hire Heraklion airport

10) Loutro

Car Hire Chania Airport, for an unforgettable holiday in Loutro. The small picturesque village Loutro is located in South Crete, between Chora Sfakion and Agia Roumeli. The only way that anyone can visit the Loutro is by boat or on foot as it is isolated which is the main feature.

Arriving by boat at this beautiful blue and white village will experience the tranquility and relaxation with swimming, iced coffee and a relaxing meal at one of the taverns. The main activity at the Bath is to watch the boats coming and going and carrying visitors and supplies to the village.

The village is located in a small cove with pebbles and consists of rooms, small hotels, cafes, restaurants, a few shops and of course a kiosk with cigarettes. Trips to Loutro have 4-5 times daily from Sfakia and the ride is 20 minutes.

Chania, Crete

Chania, Crete

The Prefecture of Chania provides tourist services and activities of all kinds, satisfying all the choices.  Car hire Chania is ideal solution to move around the island. 

All the characteristics from the Venician rule are maintained unspoiled in the old city of Chania until today.

Lefka Ori and the famous National Park occupy the largest part of the prefecture.

Samaria Gorge is the biggest and most impressive gorge in Greece. You need about seven hours to cross it however the rich landscape and rare flora and fauna will certainly amaze you.

Many other smaller gorges for you to hike as well as beautiful walking trails make Chania a popular destination for nature enthusiasts all over the world. On the edge lies the islet of Elafonissi with its turquoise lagoon and its ancient-old Cedar Forest, the beach with the turquoise crystal clear waters, and the white sand will definitely leave you breathless. 

It will be like you never visited

Chania unless you taste traditional local specialties made with the purest ingredients that nature can provide and extra virgin olive oil.

Enjoy your dinner with a glass of the divine deep red Cretan wine or drink after your meal an ice-cold rakí, a traditional distilled Cretan spirit with a delicate aroma of ripe grapes.