Crete is the most famous & biggest island of Greece. It is the fifth within the Mediterranean and the eleventh biggest island of Europe.
A dramatic mythical island considered to be the birthplace of Zeus has long sandy beaches, hidden coves, caves, gorges and mountains. The geological history of Crete is exceptionally complicated. For instance, the hippos remains found in hot coastal areas prove the extend of powerful events occurred on the island. In reference to a number of researches, Crete is characterized as a continuous mountain which has remained underwater.
The name of Crete is referred to Homer Epics “The Odyssey” & “The Iliad”. What makes Crete island exceptional concerning history is the Minoan era when the Minoan civilization was born. What is hidden behind the myths is a powerful wealthy and happy kingdom along with a great civilization the first ancient civilization of Europe continent.
Crete never lets its visitors down. There's a variety of accommodation for every taste. The north part is the most famous full of luxury hotels& night life. On the other hand, the western part shows the pure, rural Cretan life. It's not monotonous since it combines sea, mountains, valleys, gorges, cliffs & landscapes most of which are still undiscovered treasures waiting for anyone to explore them & learn or even imagine their history.
Chania
Chania is the second largest town in Crete. Since the ancient times, the city of Chania has faced many conquerors and the influences of many civilizations through time, evident of the city monuments. The beautiful city of Chania managed to preserve its original colors and historical character, despite the fast-growing tourist industry. It is considered as one of the most beautiful cities of Greece and the most picturesque city of Crete.
Chania is today divided into two parts, the old walled town around the Venetian port, considered the most beautiful urban area in Crete, and the modern city. The new city of Chania houses the vast majority of museums, and due to its mixed history, there is a vast wealth of culture to be absorbed in the form of theatre, art galleries and concerts. There are a huge number of places of interest in Chania, including the Byzantine Walls, Government house of the Venetians, Turkish Baths, Dominican Monastery of St Nicholas, 15th century lighthouse, Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the Great Shipyard.
Elafonisi Beach / Island
Elafonisi is an exotic beach worth visiting. It is the landmark of western Crete and widely famous for its unique beach of white, pinky –red coral sand & turquoise crystal clear waters. It is a well organized beach managing to keep its natural character. Canteens, tavernas and cafes can be found in the area of Elafonisi.
Elafonisi Island is separate from the Crete mainland by a beautiful lagoon somewhere between ankle and knee deep. The island is a protected nature reserve (Natura 2000).A wooden cross commemorates a shipwreck from 1907- Austrian passenger steamer called Imperatrix.
On the Elafonisi Island there is also the monument of the greek women and children who had been slaughtered by Turks during the Turkish invasion.
Kedrodasos
Kedrodasos or the wood of cedars is situated southern from Elafonisi beach. It is a protected area since the cedars may be more than 500 years old. It is one of the two woods of cedars of Crete and the last of South Europe. It covers an area of 110 acres of land, a beautiful place ideal for nudism. The beach is covered by a white sand and a few rocks and it is protected by the strong wind of the neighboring area of Elafonisi. The European path E4 comes along the beach and there are yellow and black signs everywhere. It is not well accessed on foot but well approached by boat. Τhere are no facilities in the area which still make the wood of cedars one of the last unspoilt paradises of Europe.
Agios Ioannis Beach
Agios Ioannis beach is southern from Kedrodasos and can be accessed through the E4 path or by boat. You can hire the boat from Elafonisi to take you to Agios Ioannis beach. Secluded and ideal for nudism.
Ancient Vienna or Lake Krios
Ancient Vienna is located about 10 km west of Palaeochora. It is a beautiful protected beach where ancient columns can be seen in the waters and on the beach. The beach is mainly rocky and sandy in places. It is protected by a row of rocks forming a small lake. There are no facilities in the area.
Chrysoskalitissa Monastery
It is a beautiful monastery dated from the 17th century boasting on a gigantic sea rock. In relation to a religious legend the monastery has a staircase consisted of 99 steps. Only the pure one could see the one and only golden step.
Livadia
Livadia village is a tiny village on the Western tip of Crete, with spectacular rugged, rocky coastline dotted with caves, coves and unspoilt beaches. It is located in the middle of the European path E4- a seaside route of exceptional natural beauty- that starts at the village of Kambos and continues through the villages of Livadia, Chrisoskalitisa and Elafonisi. The route is typical of the rugged beauty of Crete with amazing changes of the scenery between olive and locust trees and sea-beaten rocks of black and red volcanic lava. The beach of Livadia is ideal for snorkeling and fishing and also for swimming which is preferred not only by the residents of the village but also from the visitors. The landmark of Livadia village is the last large sculptured rock, characterized as a monument of nature. Behind the rock there are clusters of small lakes with green waters. There are also sandy and pebbly coves ideal for a swim.
