Photo from www.tofillo.com
From monumental gorges to dreamy beaches and from quaint villages to charming towns, you’ve taken as much as possible in – the sights, the smells, the tastes, the legends and the myths. So how about bringing a slice of wondrous Crete back home? These handpicked souvenirs will rekindle the memories of your sun-kissed escape and lift your spirits when the cold, bleak winter weather gets the better of you.
Photo from www.cretagastronomy.gr
History, culture, striking landscapes and abundant gifts from the land and the sea meet at the island of Crete – a magical wandermust destination at Europe’s southernmost corner beckoning sun- worshippers, naturalists, history buffs, foodies, art lovers, sports enthusiasts, hikers, bikers and everyone in between. And though – no matter your style or inclination – with your every visit you’ll be making memories that’ll turn into great stories, wouldn’t it be extra nice to have something tangible to remember your holidays in the sun? Here’s what to bring back home from Crete to keep the memories alive and kicking.
Photo from Anoskeli
Crete holds a legendary place in winemaking history, but Cretan wines’ fame – until recently that is – was (not so) unfairly stained by memories of poor-quality bulk holiday wine. This is decisively changing nowadays. After decades of turning out mass quantities of head-pummelling rocket fuel, the Cretan wine industry has now shifted to high-quality, boutique production. This great leap has largely to do with the emergence of a new generation of winemakers with advanced know-how and innovative ideas; who are now exploiting the indigenous grape varieties’ potential and showcasing it to the world. Magic does happen in these Chania wineries. Are you ready to meet their rising stars?
Photo by Wokandapix from Pixabay
Smack in the heart of local life and myth – whether as a food staple, a mirth-inducing toast to friends and strangers, a powerful natural remedy or a valuable trade commodity – wine is omnipresent in Crete. And it has been so since time immemorial: viticulture in Greece’s largest island dates back to Minoan times, with the oldest wine press (some 3500 years old) found in the region of Vathipetro.
Photo by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay
From stunning countryside and time-honoured traditions to epic food and charming village life, Chania captures the very soul of Crete. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, explore some of the world’s most wondrous monuments or get immersed in the vibrant local culture, this sun-kissed region is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. Using the Adeste Chania Luxury Villas in Apokoronas as your base, get ready to be wowed and make memories that linger long in the memory. Following last month’s post, here are more handpicked suggestions for the best day trips around Chania, to experience your Cretan sojourn to the fullest.
Photo from PublicDomainPictures by Pixabay
Heavenly beaches, breathtaking gorges, lovely hamlets, high mountains… you name it!
Chania, on the western side of Crete, is a spectacular region with some of the most stunning landscapes you will find in Europe – if not the world. It’s also close to some of the big-ticket must-see Crete attractions – and therefore one of the best bases for exploring the island on day trips. Whether accessed by a private car, public transport or with an organised tour, these places near Chania will blow your mind and transform your holiday into an unforgettable experience.
Image from www.el.hotels.com
A mythical land teeming with natural beauties, legendary characters and an age-old history that has inspired sagas, Crete is like a mini-universe of its own. Perhaps that’s why its fierce and proud inhabitants also have their own, distinctive way of doing things – watch them, for example, getting ecstatic with the primordial sounds of the lyra and the violin at a local panigiri. Or start exchanging witty, verse-like banter, at the kafenion – this is the famous mantinades and their roots are traced back to the Renaissance era.
Image from www.neakriti.gr
Crete is a magical tapestry of splendid scenery, ancient treasures, wonderful cuisine and enduring culture – and that’s a reason in itself to visit. Spirited, passionate and proud, the locals have always championed their unique customs, and their time-honoured traditions remain a dynamic part of the island’s soul. Cretan feasts & festivals (panigiria) are at the epicentre of these ancient folkways – and probably the best way to experience fun, the true Cretan way.
Good-looking Chania attracts a swarm of happy visitors every year with good reason: Between admiring the city’s 14th-century Venetian architecture, getting lost in quaint alleyways strewn with Jewish and Ottoman landmarks, exploring top-tier museums or tasting excellent food in postcard-pretty restaurants, you’ll not have even a minutes boredom on Crete’s arguably most picturesque city. If you’re looking to make the most of your time here, read on for more ideas on how to spend a whole day in the old town of Chania.
Image by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay
Blending man-made and natural wonders, Chania is a veritable traveller’s paradise. Here’s how to spend a whole day in the old town of Chania, to savour every moment of your trip.