Crete

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, has become one of the most popular holiday destinations over the past decades. The season here usually lasts from May to October. The spring and autumn seasons in particular are ideal for exploring, discovering and travelling around the island. However, Crete is so large (260 km from west to east and up to 60 km from north to south) that it is impossible to explore it all in detail in one holiday. The island is divided into four provinces: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lassithi, with the capital Heraklion as the centre of cultural and political life, offices, trade missions, the island's administration, the most important commercial port, historical monuments, an archaeological museum and the seat of the Orthodox archbishop. There are countless opportunities for day and night entertainment in the city. There is a marketplace where shopping is very pleasant, restaurants, taverns, cafes, clubs, snack bars, bars, fast food stands...

Crete is associated with the Minoan culture and civilization, and there are well-known tales of the mighty King Minoan. The fact remains that as the first maritime power in the Mediterranean, the cultural and economic influences of the Minoan Empire reached as far as the Iberian Peninsula. So far unexplained events led to the sudden demise of this advanced culture around 1400 BC.

During your stay we recommend visiting: The Palace of Knossos (the island's oldest capital), excavated since 1899 by British archaeologists led by Sir Arthur Evans. Another Minoan palace on the back of a hill, founded by King Minous and destroyed in the 2nd millennium BC - Festos.

From other tips, at least briefly: Matala - a hippie resort from the 60s. Samaria - the longest gorge - 18 km long, up to 300 m deep, where wild goats (kri kri) still live. And what we must recommend is a visit to one of the village taverns, where they cook specialties of local cuisine. Cretan cuisine is famous, very healthy, tasty, based on olive oil and vegetables. Bon appetit - Kali órexi.

Crete is also famous for its beaches, with long sandy and pebbly beaches, romantic little coves, rocky shores and nooks and crannies. There is something for everyone!

Crete has much more to offer than just sun, sea, beaches and olives - the traditional attributes of Greece and the Greek islands. Crete is a destination with a rich history, unique nature, a wide range of services and above all a place that will satisfy the requirements of even the most demanding tourist. A holiday on this island will bring you countless unforgettable experiences, wonderful recreation and many new insights into the people, traditions and history of Crete.

If you are travelling for relaxation, the island will delight you with its azure sea - Cretan in the north and Libyan in the south. Like most Greek islands, there are beautiful beaches. However, Crete's are among the most beautiful in Europe - so it's no surprise that they can boast the European Union's Blue Flag for the cleanliness and neatness of their beaches.

But Crete will also satisfy nature and history lovers. For example, during your summer holiday you can take a trip to the local mountains and caves, which attract thousands of tourists every year.

On this mythical island, where Zeus was born, there was once the kingdom of Minos and its labyrinth built by the ill-fated Daedalus, and the legends of Parsifae and the Minotaur, Theseus and Ariadne have their place here. This whole world was lost in a great catastrophe, the cause of which is only conjecture. People who are interested in culture and history will therefore be fascinated by Crete.

The atmosphere of the island is unrepeatable and certainly had an influence on one of the most famous Cretans of the 16th-17th centuries, the painter El Greco. This was Crete's past. Today, Crete is one of the most sought-after destinations for air tours from Europe and around the world.

Nomos Chania - The region of Chania is one of the most beautiful areas of Crete. And also the greenest and most fertile. The town of the same name is the centre of the western part of the island and is considered by many to be the most beautiful. Which makes sense - it was the capital until 1972, when it became Heraklion, 140 kilometres away. Now the second largest city has a population of around 60,000, yet it has retained its peaceful and noble character.

The city of Chania was founded in the 13th century by the Venetians under the name of La Canea, on the site of the ancient city of Kydonia. According to Homer, the original settlement was founded by Kydan, grandson of King Minos. In 1645, Chania was the first in Crete to be conquered by the Turks and the Turkish occupation ended in 1897. During World War II, Chania was pretty much destroyed, yet a large number of historical buildings have been preserved and it still proudly bears the name "Venice of the East". The beauty of the city is enhanced by the picturesque narrow streets in the centre, around which three kilometres of 16th century walls have been preserved. The remains of the Venetian fortress of Schiavo are currently being restored. Further afield in Chania you will find the imposing Venetian harbour with its lighthouse at the end of the pier, the old armouries, now used as storage docks and partly for exhibition purposes, and the Janissary's Bastion. There are 3 large museums to visit - the Catholic Church houses the Folk Art Museum, the Gothic Church of St Francis houses the Archaeological Museum and the former Firkas Fortress houses the Maritime Museum. In the centre of Chania, the Market Hall, built in 1911 in the shape of an isosceles cross, offers a pleasant cooling experience. After a stroll through the city, you can relax in the city park with its mini-zoo. If you meet a bearded man in town who looks suspiciously familiar, you may have just caught a glimpse of Robert Fulgham, a writer so popular in the Czech Republic who set part of his novel The Third Wish in the local setting.

About halfway between the former and current capital, is the county of Rethymno, whose administrative centre is the town of the same name. It may not be as ostentatious as, say, Chania, but it has a unique charm that is hard to resist. It is dominated by the Venetian-Turkish fortress, which can be visited. From its gates one can enjoy an attractive view of the whole city, whose centre is Venetian. When exploring the city, it is worth taking your time and wandering the narrow streets, where you will discover many cafés, tavernas and shops selling, for example, spices, honey or hand-painted icons. Many visitors will be impressed by the presence of mosques and even a minaret, a relic from the days of Turkish rule.

The Venetian harbour is also attractive, where replicas of historic vessels are often moored. The western part of Crete has a big ace up its sleeve in the form of the Samaria Gorge. Sixteen kilometres long, Samaria boasts the title of the longest and most beautiful gorge in Europe and is part of the eponymous national park, the only one on the island. It would certainly be a shame to miss this natural rarity, especially as it can be walked all the way through. The canyon, famous for its unspoilt nature, massive rock formations and fresh air, starts inland and after nearly 20 kilometres you will find yourself by the sea in the village of Agia Roumeli.

But of course, in the region of Chania, lovers of beautiful beaches (both romantic and large ones, with many tavernas and sports facilities) and crystal clear sea will also find something to love. If you are looking for a place where you can find stunning sandy beaches and at the same time want to go on excursions to explore, history and nature, how about heading to the west of Crete in the 2011 season?

Summer can be spent discovering the rich history of this beautiful island, its unique atmosphere or, for example, tasting traditional Greek food or delicious Greek wine. For the young, there are plenty of options for evening entertainment in one of the discos or music bars. Families with children will also enjoy the two water parks. There is no better place than Crete for those of you who want to discover new places and local beauty.

CRETE - Basic information:

• Greek name: Κρήτη, KRÍTI
• Capital: Heraklion (Iraklio)
• Island area: 8331 km2
• Population: over 600,000
• Highest peak: Ida - 2456 m above sea level
• Patron of the island: St. Titus
• Flight time from Prague: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Flight time from Brno: 2 hours 30 minutes

RESORTS IN CRETE

BALI

Now a well-known, sought-after tourist destination, the small and peaceful resort of Bali is located on the northern coast between Rethymno and Heraklion. The picturesque Bali spreads in the hills above the sea bay, grew from a fishing village, dominated by the harbour, a small lighthouse and the beach "Evita". The village is overlooked by a large mountain range, from where there are spectacular views of the countryside. The local beaches are both sandy and pebbly, directly from the sea you can discover several private beaches in smaller bays. The clear sea is suitable for snorkelling or diving. There are also opportunities for water sports. There are restaurants, taverns, fast food, cafes (also internet), bars, disco, bakery, grocery and souvenir shops, car, motorbike and bicycle rentals.

Bali is ideal for a relaxing holiday in nature, during walks around the area we recommend visiting the monastery of Agios Ioannis, about 3 km away. From Bali there is also a bus connection to Rethymno (approx. 3,20€) or to Heraklion (approx. 5€). The bus stop is approx. 2 km from the hotel, but can be reached by local tourist train for approx. 2€. If you rent a car, you can also go to less visited places such as the Melidoni cave, the mountain village of Margarites, famous for its traditional pottery production, or the Kouloukonas mountains with its 17th century monastery.

Distance from Heraklion: approx. 45 km. Distance from Rethymno: approx. 28 km. Rating of the resort: for all generations.

AGIA PELEGIA

The resort of Agia Pelagia, located on the north coast of Crete, approximately 25 kilometres from Heraklion, is renowned for its beautiful beaches. As the bay is protected by rocky outcrops, the surface is usually very calm and the water is warm. While families with children in particular will appreciate the gradual entry into the sea, snorkelling enthusiasts will find the rocks nearby. The resort has several shops selling food, mixed goods, souvenirs, quality ceramics, etc., rental shops, taverns and restaurants where you can sit, drink and taste local specialties. Water sports are available on the popular narrow sandy beach. The main road connecting the east and west of the island runs about three kilometres beyond the resort, which is also popular with Greeks from the surrounding area for its unique atmosphere. The church of St. Pelaghia, built on a rock right by the sea, is definitely worth a visit. You can walk to the neighbouring villages of Lygaria, Paleokastro or Achlada. You can also visit the monastery of Savathianon, where you will discover a cave with a church.

Beach: sandy. Distance from Heraklion: approx. 25 kmo Distance from Rethymno: approx. 48 kmo Resort rating: suitable for a quiet holiday

AMMOUDARA

The quiet resort of Ammoudara consists of a main street lined with minimarkets, supermarkets, souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, travel agencies, car rental agencies... It is located about 6 km west of the main town, which is served by a very frequent bus service.

The biggest advantage of this area is the long and wide sandy beach, which is not crowded even in high season. The name Ammoudara is derived from the word ammos, meaning sand. The local sandy beach with its wide range of water sports is one of the favourite weekend swimming spots for locals. There is a power station behind the resort, which does nothing to disturb the local landscape or environment, nor does it disturb your holiday or your mood.

Distance from Heraklion: approx. 7 km. Rating of the resort: suitable for all generations.

KOKKINI HANI

A very famous resort (translated as "red hotel") on the northern coast east of the capital Heraklion. Just before our charter flight lands, you can enjoy a bird's eye view of the resort and guess which studio or apartment the bus will take you to in a moment. From the resort it is possible to travel by public transport to other locations and towns. The connection with the capital Heraklion is just as frequent (approx. 1,60€), where you can go shopping or for entertainment. The local beaches are mostly sandy with a gradual entrance to the sea, but you can also find a pebble or rocky beach. There are umbrellas and sun loungers for rent and various water sports on the beach.

There is a small archaeological site in the resort - the summer residence of the Minoans. There are also several restaurants, bakeries, pastry shops, cafes, taverns, pizzerias, bars, minimarkets, supermarkets, fast food stands and souvenir shops. There are also 2 small staircases in the resort. In the nearby village of Anopolis, which is situated above the resort, Cretan parties are held and there is also a water park, Water City, which offers a beautiful view of the countryside, Kokkini Hani and the sea. In the centre of Kokkini Hani there are 2 ATMs, a post office and several bus stops of the public bus line towards Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos. Approximate prices from 2008 - to Heraklion: €1,60, to Chersonis: €1,60, to Malia: €2,50. Taxi fare is from the resort towards Heraklion: 25€, to the water area: 10€.

Distance from Heraklion: approx. 18 km. Rating of the resort: suitable for all generations.

GOUVES

The developing, quite large but peaceful tourist resort in Gouves consists of Kato and Pano Gouves, 2 parts, where there is both a tourist part and a village with locals. The beaches here tend to be smaller, consisting of coves with sandy, rocky or pebbly beaches. There are several restaurants, taverns, grocery and souvenir shops in the resort. The town line, which has stops on the main road, runs from 6am to 11pm every half hour to both Heraklion and Chersonis. Approximate fares (from 2008) to Heraklion: 2€, to Chersonis: 1,80€ and to Malia: 2€. Taxi fare: to Heraklion airport: 25€, to Heraklion city centre: 30€, to Malia: 20€. There are 2 ATMs in the resort, located on the main street, next to the supermarkets. During high season there is a tourist train from Gouves to Kokkini Hani and back, the price is about 8€/person, children pay about 4€.

Distance from Heraklion: approx. 22 km. Distance from Kokkini Hani: approx. 4 km. Resort rating - the place is suitable to spend a nice relaxing holiday with your family. The older generation will certainly welcome the possibilities of walks along the coast or to the surrounding villages. Young people are recommended to rent a car and take their own trips around the island.

CHERSONISSOS

Modern, busier, very desirable and well-known resort with a charming bay where you have a program during the day and night. During the day you can rest and relax on the beaches, which are sandy and pebbly. At night you can go for a walk, for shopping, to a café for a sweet treat or to the various clubs and bars. The resort has countless renowned restaurants, tavernas, cafes, pizzerias, stalls with Greek specialties and delicacies. There are also shops with modern clothes, souvenirs, jewellers, a post office and a bank. A rarity is the "Chersonese train" which runs around the resort and its surroundings and we definitely recommend you to take a ride on it and get to know the harbour, the old part of the town, the settlement of Piskopiano and the village of Koutouloufari easily. For sporty tourists there are mini football and mini golf courses, and not only for children and teenagers there is a water park and the Star Beach complex (www.starbeach.gr) - called the kingdom of fun, fun and fun, where you can try your courage at bungee jumping and during the wide range of water sports (parasailing, banana, speedboats...). There are also great bars and snack bars, parties in the evening (the foam party is popular) and various events. We also recommend a visit to the Lychnostatis Museum (www.lychnostatis.gr), where there is a permanent exhibition of objects from the traditional life of the Cretans. Admission to the site should be free (information valid as of October 2008). There is a very nice sandy beach and good conditions for swimming and relaxing. There are at least 7 ATMs in the resort, mostly located on the main street. There are also several banks with opening hours usually from 08:00 - 14.30. The post office is open Monday to Friday from 07:30 - 14:00. The city bus line costs: to Heraklion about 2,20€, to Malia about 1€. Approximate price for a taxi to the airport approx. 30€, to Heraklion approx. 35€, to Malia approx. 15€.

Distance from Heraklion: approx. 31 km. Distance from Gouves: approx. 9 km. Resort rating: everyone should be satisfied here. For the younger and middle generation there are ideal opportunities for daily entertainment and conditions for an active holiday.

STALIDA

The lively tourist resort, also referred to as Stalis on brochures and maps, is located east of the capital Heraklion between Chersonis and Malia. The rapid development of tourism in this area has brought with it the construction of modern hotels and entire complexes in both resorts, which has led to the creation of what is effectively one large tourist area. So today you can hardly tell where one resort ends and the other begins. The beaches here are famous and popular not only with tourists, but also with locals who spend hot summer weekends with their families. The resort has a number of restaurants, taverns, cafes, bars, souvenir and food shops.

There is also an ATM in Stalida, located on the main street. Similarly, there are payphones for card or direct payment. The prices of the city line (valid from 2008) are: to Heraklion: 3,60€, to Malia: 0,70€. Price for a taxi to the airport: approx. 35€, to Heraklion: approx. 40€, to Malia: approx. 10€.

Distance from Heraklion: approx. 37 km. Distance from Chersonis: approx. 6 km. Rating of the resort: ideal for trips to the surrounding area. We recommend visiting the Minoan Palace near Malia, take the public transport line to the capital Heraklion or the district town of Agios Nikolaos.

MALIA

Malia, unlike some modern resorts, has a very long and distinguished history.

Today the resort consists of a main street which is lined with hotels and complexes and on the other side shops, restaurants, tavernas, bars etc. The beach here is very nice, sandy, with a gradual entrance, very clean and warm sea. Tourists flock to Malia not only to spend their holidays here, but also as tourists who come to admire the remains of the Minoan palace. The historic site was discovered in 1915 by a Greek archaeologist, and today a French school operates here, with part of the excavations covered. During the excavations, a rare jewel depicting 2 bees carrying a drop of honey was found.

Distance from Heraklion: about 38 km. Distance from Chersonis: approx. 8 km. Rating of the resort: busier resort with rich day and night activities.

SISSI

The small seaside resort is hidden in the silver-grey green of olive groves and lives its peaceful atmosphere. You'll know this as soon as you enter the resort, which is so different from the nearby bustling resorts of Chersonisos and Malia. The fishing harbour is the dominant feature and the local tavernas are renowned for their fresh fish. There are cycling and walking trails in the area. There are several beaches in the resort, the most famous being the sandy Boufos beach and the small romantic Avlaki beach, which gives a feeling of privacy. There is a regular bus service from Sissi to the traditional Cretan villages of Vrahasi and Epano Sissi.

Distance from Heraklion: approx. 45 km. Distance from Malia: approx. 7 km. Rating of the resort: suitable for family holidays.

ELOUNDA

This tiny town on the edge of Mirabel Bay is one of the most luxurious resorts on Crete, as it is home to a concentration of mostly four-star and five-star hotels. The lively resort also has a marina where boats depart daily to the nearby islet of Spinalonga, which is overlooked by spectacular views from the hotel terraces. In the centre of the town there is a church, many restaurants, tavernas, pizzerias, cafes, bars and grocery and souvenir shops.

Distance from Heraklion: approx. 75 km. Distance from Malia: approx. 35 km. Rating of the resort: suitable for all generations.

KOLYMBARI

A peaceful resort that comes alive with the arrival of the holidays, when tourists who prefer a quiet environment visit. Kolymbari is located at the end of the Rodopou peninsula, in the province of Kissamos. It is dominated by the fishing harbour and the seafront, where there are several restaurants and tavernas famous for their fish specialities and a few grocery and souvenir shops. Fishing here thrives mainly thanks to the Spiliakos River, which flows into the sea at Kolymbari. From Kolymbari, we recommend a short trip to visit the important Moni Gonias Monastery (Moni Odigitrias Kyrias Gonias) located north of the resort, about 1 km.

The monastery was founded in the 17th century and the local museum houses beautiful late Byzantine icons by artists Constantine Palaiokapas, Andreas Ritzos and other important religious objects. There are beautiful views of the countryside and the bay. For entertainment and lively nightlife, we recommend going to Platanias (about 7 km) or Chania. It's also worth mentioning that the pebble beaches of Kolymbari are awarded the Blue Flag every year and another interesting fact about the place; if you're lucky, you'll bump into the popular writer Robert Fulghum in a café, who regularly stays here with his wife for part of the year and has also incorporated the local environment and location into his books (robertfulghum.com).

Distance from Chania airport: approx. 32 km.

Rating of the resort: for those looking for a quiet holiday.

RAPANIANA

The village of Rapaniana will appeal to those looking for a quiet place with a few shops, tavernas and bars. The place is full of greenery, with a pleasant atmosphere and long, wide beaches where sand and pebbles mix and from which you can watch breathtaking sunsets. From the bus stop you can board buses that will take you to the surrounding resorts, or you can drive to Chania, about 20 kilometres away, with its many sights, shops, restaurants, tavernas, bars, discos, pharmacies, rental shops, etc.

Beach: pebble and sandy. Distance from Chania airport: approx. 25 km. Rating of the resort: for those looking for a quiet holiday.

MALEME

About fifteen kilometres west of the town of Chania you will find the area of Maleme, which has made a significant contribution to the modern history of Crete. It was here that German soldiers tried to invade the island in 1941, only to be met with tremendous resistance from the locals, most of whom were killed. Their souls eventually found peace in the military cemetery, located on a hillside, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Definitely worth a visit. Maleme is still one of the quieter places in Crete that will delight fans of a relaxing holiday. The sea washing over the pebble beaches is often undulating, which will please lovers of water sports and windsurfing in particular. You can shop in several shops, several tavernas invite you to sit down, for evening entertainment we recommend going to the nearby resort of Platanias (about 5 km). Maleme is also popular because of its strategic location - from here you can take trips to many parts of western Crete. For this reason we recommend renting a car for at least part of your stay.

Beach: pebble. Distance from the airport in Chania: approx. 30 km. Rating of the resort: suitable for a quiet holiday.

PLATANIAS

Once a small village on the northern coast, it has gradually become one of the busiest tourist centres with a number of hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, discos, rental shops. Unlike other places, however, it is alive even in winter, when visitors do not come here. There are about a thousand inhabitants here, so there is a school and a permanent health centre, for example. The biggest attraction is the 4 km long sandy beach with a gradual entrance to the water, where you can not only sunbathe, but also try many water attractions. Along the coast you can take a pleasant walk to another lively centre called Agia Marina.

Distance from Chania airport: approx. 25 km. Rating of the resort: suitable for all generations.

GEORGIOUPOLIS

Originally a fishing village, it is located on the northern coast approximately halfway between Chania and Rethymno. The air here is perfumed not only by the sea, but also by cypress and eucalyptus groves. There are beautiful walks along the coast, especially in the morning and early evening when the sun is not so hot. The resort is suitable for all generations, especially families with younger children will appreciate that the sea is usually very calm and the entrance to the water is very gentle. The beach here is 8 kilometres long, so even in high season everyone can find privacy. The Almiros River flows into the sea here and its banks are evergreen. Today, the former fishing village has become a small tourist town providing all the comforts and services to visitors. You can taste local specialities in the many taverns, not only in the main square under the canopy of cozy trees. The Tropicana beach bar is a popular venue for parties. Of course, there are car, motorbike and the increasingly popular quad bike rentals, a post office, pharmacy and internet access. The bus to Chania runs from 7am to 9pm every hour (fare approx. 3,70€), as well as to Rethymno (price approx. 3€).

Distance from Chania airport: approx. 45km. Rating of the resort: suitable for all generations.

MISSIRIA

This busy resort offers pleasant relaxation and entertainment during the day and also at night. You can relax on the beautiful sandy beach, which is a pleasant walk to Rethymno, about 3 km away. The entrance to the clear sea here, as in the whole area, is very gradual. There are taverns, restaurants, bars, discos, shops and rental services. We recommend renting a motorbike or a car to explore the beauty of the island on your own. In Rethymno, the administrative centre of the entire region, you will find everything you could wish for. A beautiful beach with fine sand and a gradual entry into the water, many supermarkets and other shops, as well as tavernas, restaurants, bars or discos. But at the same time, you can wander the winding streets of the old town with its rare houses from the Turkish and Venetian periods, explore the individual corners, discover the hidden shops, climb up to the fortress, watch the sea from the promenade where there are many pleasant cafes. If you arrive in Rethymno in the spring before the start of the Easter fast, you will witness a spectacular carnival. In the summer, the famous Renaissance Festival takes place right on the streets. The unique atmosphere is sure to enchant you.

Distance from Chania airport: approx. 58 km. Rating of the resort: for all generations.

ADELIANOS KAMPOS

On the site of a former fishing village, there is now a bustling tourist resort located along a long sandy beach with a gradual entrance to the water, which will be especially appreciated by families with smaller children. There are many taverns along the beach, as well as in the resort centre itself. You can shop in the many shops, eat in the myriad of tavernas and restaurants, and enjoy evening entertainment in the bars and discos.

A regular bus service takes you to Rethymno, and another way to explore the nearer and more distant surroundings is to rent a motorbike or car. A trip to the mountains, where the peaks exceed 2,000 metres above sea level, is one of the most unforgettable experiences.

Distance from Chania airport: approx. 65 km. Rating of the resort: for all generations.