In the popular imagination, Crete has been inexorably linked with sea, sun and fun – but it is much more than that. Greece’s largest island is a kaleidoscope of scents, colours and experiences; with beach and mountain delights, world-famous historical attractions, rich cultural offerings, emblematic museums, scenic towns and quaint traditional villages.
Photo by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay
It is almost impossible not to fall in love with Chania on the island of Crete — whether you are travelling solo, with a partner, with your friends or with your family.
Just stroll around the Old Town to take in the remarkable architecture — a majestic lighthouse in the port, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques and Venetian houses lining the waterfront and the quaint alleyways; all pointing to the city’s multicultural identity and past. Witnessing layers of history unravelling at every nook and cranny might make you think that you are in a time capsule. Until the next turn — Chania’s cluster of elegant restaurants, buzzing bars and gorgeous jewellers and boutiques will land you back to today, in a vibrant, modern city with a thriving drinking, dining, shopping, cultural and entertainment scene.
Photo by Михаил Прокопенко from Pixabay
Surrounded by water and adorned with Venetian, Ottoman and Jewish gems of buildings, Chania on the island of Crete, is as post-card pretty as it gets. Yet, howbeit iconic, it’s not one of these tourist destinations that lack real soul. Chania is a vibrant modern city brimming with life – a place to live, laugh, work, play and love against the stunning backdrop of mountains, sea and historic, multicultural architecture.
This was the year the planet got the hang of travel again — and we only need to flick through the pics and videos to remember the many lovely moments well-spent on our escapades. As 2022 is drawing to a close, it’s once again time to make our New Years’ resolutions. Being kinder to ourselves is usually a staple on the list – but what does this actually entail? Certainly stressing less, while indulging more. Of course, a surefire way to pamper oneself is to embark on a holiday. Preferably somewhere warm, sunny and fabulous. Like Chania in Crete. Even better if it’s in a luxury villa in Chania, at that. Some might say that opting for a villa instead of a hotel is extravagant or just too much – but it is actually not. In many cases – like when you are travelling with the family – the pros far outweigh the cons and here is why:
Photo by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
The 12-day holiday between Christmas and Epiphany is associated with an array of age-old customs and traditions throughout Crete in which food plays a most prominent role. The traditional Cretan Christmas table serves as a means of reaffirming family ties, with its components reflecting the locals’ attempt to give meaning to the divine birth and the advent of the New Year.
Photo from www.wikipedia.org
With stunning beaches, awe-inspiring mountains, mouthwatering food and a long and turbulent history that is revealed in every nook and cranny, Crete rightfully sits among the most popular destinations in Europe. Solo and soul travellers, families and honeymooners, all have something new to experience and learn on Greece’s largest island – but few are aware of its great heritage and traditions. Crete is a place full of interesting stories, mysteries and secrets – both ancient and modern. These amazing facts about Crete will fuel your wanderlust and help you understand this fascinating island better.
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.