Infinite miles of crystal-clear waters, constant sunshine, explosive local flavors, sublime sunsets.
Crete Chania, Falassarna beach Photo: GNTO/Y.Skoulas
Crete simply has it all!
Heraklion is the largest city of Crete and one of Greece’s major urban centers. Its development begun in the wake of the 9th century AD (in antiquity, Knossos was the island’s most important center, followed by Gortyn). Among the most outstanding sights of Heraklion are the fortification walls that delimit the “old city”.
Crete Heraklion, Matala Beach Photo: GNTO/Y.Skoulas
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Chania (also spelled: Haniá), a place where different civilizations have flourished throughout the centuries. Wandering around the Old Town’s maze-like alleys with the beautiful Venetian mansions, the fountains and the elaborate churches will help you discover well-preserved historical monuments.
Crete/Chania Sougia Beach Photo: GNTO/Y.Skoulas
Crete/Chania Harbour Photo: GNTO/E.Fili
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Rethymno, Crete’s smallest prefecture located between White Mountains and Mt Psilorítis (also called “Ídi”), is synonymous with gorgeous mountainscapes, marvellous beaches, Cretan lyre melodies, tsikoudiá spirit served with “oftó”, legendary caves, historic monasteries and monuments, traditional mountain villages and luxurious holiday resorts.
Rethymno Preveli Beach Photo:GNTO Archive
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Agios Nikolaos, or just “Ayios” as the locals call it, nestles alongside beautiful Mirabello Bay, on the northeast coast of Lassithi Prefecture in East Crete. Mirabello or Merabello Bay is the largest natural bay in Crete. The name of the bay comes from the Italian “mira il bello” (loose translation: “admire the beauty”), a tribute to the wonderful sea views from the bay.
Crete – Agios Nikolaos, Photo : GNTO/Y.Skoulas
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Elounda, is located just 9 km from Agios Nikolaos and used to be a small fishing village and is now a cosmopolitan holiday destination where you may find exclusive 5 star Hotels, many restaurants and nice beaches within walking distance from the main square.
Crete – Elounda, Photo : GNTO/Y.Skoulas
Sitia, a beautiful town, birthplace of the great medieval poet Vitsentzos Kornaros [Vincenzo Cornaro] is located 70 km off Agios Nikolaos (the biggest town in Lasithi). It is built amphitheatrically with elegant buildings ending at a busy port; an ideal choice for relaxed vacations all year round.
Ierapetra is situated 35km away NE from Agios Nikolaos, the largest city of Lassithi and lies next to a fertile valley, where the conspicuous ancient city of Ierapytna used to stand.
With the glory of the southernmost city of Europe that faces the African coast in a mild climate, hardly ever will Ierapetra see temperature go below 12°C. It is well justified to claim to be the most sun-kissed holiday spot in the Old Continent.
Crete, Ierapetra Photo: GNTO/Y.Skoulas
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