Chania, Crete
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“Crete 2013: Chania” by Rev Stan is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. Linking Asia, Africa, and Europe, it has served as cultural crossroads and a place that boasts of 4,000 years of uninterrupted habitation. Its cities have been home to centuries of historic change both in its terrain and its people. A proud exhibitor of archeological wonders, beautiful beaches, and gorgeous surroundings, visitors to Crete will find themselves encircled by luxury. Inhabited since 6500 B.C., Crete's Minoan history is evident in the archaeological remains that tourists still marvel at. The prehistoric Cretans art legacy, dating back to the Bronze Age, remains in museums and galleries throughout the island.
 “Streets of Chania” by Romtomtom is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Western Crete is home to Chania and Rethymnon, two cities that boast of having Crete's loveliest beaches. Crete is a tourist hub, and rightfully so. It combines natural wonders with plenty of industry to accommodate the tourist's desires to shop, eat, relax, and learn, all at once. Tourists will delight in the family-run tavernas that supply the hungry visitor with meat like lamb and pork, and a multitude of specialty cheeses and wines. However, Crete's landscape is probably its biggest asset. Its coastline has earned it the nickname Big Blue. Cretans enjoy the water that surrounds them, as do tourists. A favorite sport at most any beach is windsurfing, and rentals are normally available. Much of the terrain on Crete is rough, but this can also make for a nice challenge if you are a hiker, biker, or nature enthusiast. For those less physically inclined, Crete offers plenty of museums and unique activities that will allow you to take it easy and enjoy. Regardless of your interests, Crete is sure to inspire awe with its rich history and modern splendor.
1664 map of Chania, by Ioannes Peeters.
Weaving a tapestry of awe and wonder, the town of Chania is a centuries-old mix of Minoan myths, well-preserved Venetian monuments and mansions, a mesmerizing Old Town complete with labyrinthine passageways, and atmospheric Kastelli Hill, once the site of a Roman acropolis. Chania is also known as a gateway to the breathtaking 4,000 year-old Minoan ruins at Knossos, home of the legendary King Minos and the part man and part bull known creature as the Minotaur. And around every corner of this idyllic area you'll find picturesque villages, breathtaking views and architectural wonders that will remain with you for a lifetime. Chania is the birthplace of my own father, who, alas, became an orphan at a very tender age and left his hometown. Thus, there is no family property, not even immediate relatives to connect me with this wonderful town, the crossroads of so many cultures over the ages...
For Aegean flight schedules and fares from Athens to Chania, click here now!
Map of Crete. Chania on the upper left.
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Crete, the largest Greek island, plays an important role in the Greek wine map. The combination of climate, topography, soil composition and producer effort make the island an ideal place for viticulture. The main "white wine" varieties of Crete are Vilana, Vidiano and Thrapsathiri. As for red, Greek varieties Kotsifali, Mandilaria and Liatiko stand out, while the Crete "terroir" is particularly suitable for the international variety Grenache Rouge.
In this Tasting Pack, Greece and Grapes have also included an excellent tsikoudia as well as a package of wild sea salt, which you can try with your salads and grilled meats and notice the difference from the common commercial salts. The Tasting Pack includes one (1) bottle each of: Sitia Economou 2006, Nostos Grenache, Tsikoudia Manousakis, Ocean White Idaia, Terroir Wild Sea Salt, and Vidiano Ippodromos Lyrarakis.
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 | Crete Coastline Sightseeing Cruise Including Marathi Beach $66.53 Soak up the sun and the sights on this full-day cruise of Crete’s gorgeous coastline. Relax on deck as your boat slips away from the port and out onto the open waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Anchor off Almyrida Beach for a cooling dip and to take in stunning views of Lefka Ori mountain range. Then, pull on a snorkel mask and explore the caves in the Drepano Cape. End your cruise with free time at Marathi Beach to swim, laze, or sink your teeth into some delicious Greek cuisine. |
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