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.