The sun-kissed Cretan terrain has been producing delectable taste bombs like the extra virgin olive oil since Neolithic times. Discover our island’s culinary legacy and its basis -the wondrous Cretan liquid gold- with an olive oil tasting in Chania.
There are many good -actually great- reasons for which to choose Crete for your next family getaway, no matter the season. Here’s a few: Fantastic weather with more than 300 days of sunshine per year. A remarkably beautiful as much as varied scenery, ranging from paradisiacal beaches to awe-inspiring mountains, gorges, and ravines. A delectable cuisine based on the wealth and goodness of the local produce, exemplifying the world-famous Mediterranean diet. Some of the world’s most important heritage monuments and sites, let’s not forget that Europe’s first advanced civilization, the Minoan, was born on Cretan soil. But also impeccable services, up to date infrastructures and that’s not to mention warm, friendly locals, who, like all Greeks, adore kids.
With a history that spans over 5.000 years, winemaking in Crete is one of the oldest surviving traditions on the island. Omnipresent in the everyday table and special occasions alike, wine is embedded in Cretans’ lives: As an accompaniment to meals, as a welcome to friends and strangers, as a mirth inducing toast at weddings and christenings, but also as a natural medicine for the ailments of body, heart and spirit.
A stunning backdrop composed of steep cliffs, rocks and verdant patches. Crystal clear waters sparkling against cerulean skies. Dolphins playing along the way. Secluded shores, deserted caves and exotic beaches. Bay hopping – or island hopping. Sailing into the wind, having fun on the water side; sunbathing or lounging on board in style. Enjoying cocktails against a tangerine-purple sunset or candlelit dinners under the stars…
There are many good reasons for which to spend your holidays in Chania in Crete. For starters there are its spectacular beaches: Like the iconic Balos and Gramvousa, with the exotic waters and white sand; Kedrodassos, an oasis of white sand and juniper trees; Falassarna which is systematically featured in the “best beaches of the world” lists; or serene and sandy Almyrida, at the Apokoronas region, just 3 kilometers away from the Adeste sea view villas in Chania. Just perfect for families and nature lovers, with its calm waters and verdant surroundings, laid back vibe and fine, fresh seafood.
An enchanting mosaic of brilliant civilizations, exotic beaches, dramatic mountainscapes and fertile planes; sleepy, quaint villages and vibrant, cosmopolitan towns; Crete was first discovered by the hippies in the 60’s and soon after by the whole world. Bristling with natural beauties, ancient treasures, a world class gastronomic culture, age old, fascinating customs and traditions and a distinctly proud and fierce, albeit kindhearted spirit, Greece’s largest island, is nowadays the destination of choice for solo travellers, couples, families or groups of friends from all over the world.
Why do you go on holiday? Perhaps you just want to bask in the glorious sunshine, have a dip in the sea, relax and unwind. Or maybe you’d like to spend your time more “productively”; getting acquainted with every nook and cranny of charming historical places and world class heritage sites. In Crete’s arguably most picturesque spot you can have the best of both worlds! Indeed with its stunning natural scenery, rich architectural legacy and array of enchanting folkways, Chania beckons both the “active” and the more “relaxed”.
Why do you travel? To see the world and its marvels. To meet new people, sample their food, customs and culture. And, perhaps most importantly, to relax and unwind, as you go about it.
In view of our super busy, stressful lives, we all need -and deserve- a break from the pressures of everyday routine. A pure wonderland with all the holiday essentials –striking scenery, fascinating monuments, excellent climate, laid back aura and famed gastronomy- Crete is your best bet, if tension relief is what you’re craving for.
Do you love water? Would you like to swim in cerulean, crystal clear waters? Sunbathe in interminable beaches with fine golden sand? Go surfing, diving, parasailing or kitesurfing? Maybe you are more into the mountain kind of sports: How about cave-exploration, rock or mountain climbing, then? Perhaps you’d like to examine the remains of a civilization that laid the foundation of the world as we know it. Or explore medieval monasteries and cities resembling open air museums of Venetian and Ottoman architecture. Would you be interested in hiking in some of Europe’s most fascinating ravines and gorges? Walking in some seriously scenic routes? Embarking on a jeep safari; discovering the secrets of the planet’s healthiest diet; going on a wine-or olive oil- tasting tour; feasting in traditional panigiria; or attending open air concerts? Maybe even, just hanging out with the locals in a “kafeneio”, drinking raki and nibbling on black olives and matured gruyere?
“I wonder if Socrates and Plato took a house on Crete during the summer” ponders Woody Allen in “Love and Death”. The funny little guy– cinema’s perhaps most enduring popular figure- is certainly not the only one who is enamored with Greece’s largest island. It is no wonder: Steeped in history and myths -both ancient and modern- whilst boasting a spectacular, ever changing scenery; proud and brave people and a distinct ethos of hospitality; Crete is a world class destination, with more than 300 days of sunshine in a year.