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Elounda is a small town located on the northeastern coast of the island of Crete. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning scenery. The town is situated on the Mirabello Bay, which is one of the most picturesque bays in Greece. Elounda is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the warm Mediterranean climate, the scenic landscape, and the rich cultural heritage of the island.One of the main attractions of Elounda is its beaches. The town boasts several beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm. The most famous of these is the Plaka Beach, which is a long stretch of golden sand that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The beach is lined with restaurants and cafes, where visitors can enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing drink while taking in the stunning views of the bay. Another popular beach is the Elounda Beach, which is located in the heart of the town. This beach is perfect for families with children, as it has shallow waters and a play area for kids.Apart from the beaches, Elounda is also known for its luxurious resorts and hotels. The town is home to some of the most exclusive and expensive hotels in Greece, which offer world-class amenities and services to their guests. These resorts are located in some of the most beautiful locations in the town, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding mountains. Many of these hotels also have their own private beaches, where guests can relax and enjoy the sun in complete privacy.Elounda is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The town has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Minoan civilization that flourished on the island over 4000 years ago. There are several ancient sites and monuments in and around the town that are worth visiting, including the ancient city of Olous, the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, and the Byzantine church of Panagia Kera. These sites offer a glimpse into the island's past and are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Crete.In addition to its historical attractions, Elounda is also a great place to explore the natural beauty of the island. The town is surrounded by stunning mountains and hills, which offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and trekking. There are several hiking trails in and around the town, which take visitors through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. The trails offer stunning views of the sea, the mountains, and the lush green countryside, making them a must-visit for nature lovers.Finally, Elounda is also a great place to enjoy some of the best food and wine in Greece. The town is home to several excellent restaurants and taverns, which offer a wide range of traditional Greek dishes and international cuisine. The local cuisine is known for its fresh seafood, grilled meats, and delicious salads, all of which are made using the freshest local ingredients. Visitors can also enjoy some of the best wines in Greece, as the island is home to several excellent wineries that produce some of the finest wines in the country.In conclusion, Elounda is a beautiful and charming town that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural experience, or an adventure in the great outdoors, Elounda has it all. With its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, rich cultural heritage, and delicious food and wine, it is no wonder that this town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.
Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lasithi prefecture. It is located on the east-north side of the island of Crete, on the west side of Merambello gulf.
Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lasithi prefecture. It is located on the east-north side of the island of Crete, on the west side of Merambello gulf.
Elounda is one of the most famous locations of the island. Enjoy the clean beaches with the unique view of the small island of Spinalonga which is located a few hundred meters away.
Malia or Mallia is a coastal town and a former municipality in the northeast corner of the Heraklion regional unit in Crete, Greece. The town was the seat of the municipality of Mália. The municipal unit also includes the villages of Mochos, Krasi, and Stalida, and has a total land area of 60.720 square kilometres (23.444 sq mi). The town is a tourist attraction, primarily for its significant archaeological site and nightlife. The Minoan town ruins lie three km east of the site and cover an area of approximately 1 square kilometre (0.4 sq mi). The original name for the town is not known.
Georgioupolis is found at the apex of Almiros Bay on the Sea of Crete, with Cape Drapano and its rocky coast to the north and the long sandy beaches towards Rethimno in the east, just 20 km (12 mi) away. Three rivers meet the sea at the village; the largest, Almiros, creates a small harbour for fishing and tourist boats. The entrance to the village on the old road from Vrisses is a long avenue of eucalyptus trees. Formerly a small fishing village, Georgioupolis is very much a tourist town now, with many cafés, tavernas and small hotels and apartment blocks. The town square is surrounded by outdoor seating used by tourists enjoying their drinks and ice creams. The 9 km (6 mi) beach is the main attraction of the area, with Kalyvaki beach on the other side of the river as well. Nearby Lake Kournas is also a popular excursion by foot, bicycle or tourist 'train'. Georgioupolis is a well-located base for exploring the traditional villages of the area towards Vamos or into the White Mountains to the south. Archaeological evidence points to Georgioupoli as the site of ancient Amphimalla (Amfimala or Amfimalion), the port of Lappa, a classical city at modern Argyroupoli.
Georgioupolis is found at the apex of Almiros Bay on the Sea of Crete, with Cape Drapano and its rocky coast to the north and the long sandy beaches towards Rethimno in the east, just 20 km (12 mi) away. Three rivers meet the sea at the village; the largest, Almiros, creates a small harbour for fishing and tourist boats. The entrance to the village on the old road from Vrisses is a long avenue of eucalyptus trees. Formerly a small fishing village, Georgioupolis is very much a tourist town now, with many cafés, tavernas and small hotels and apartment blocks. The town square is surrounded by outdoor seating used by tourists enjoying their drinks and ice creams. The 9 km (6 mi) beach is the main attraction of the area, with Kalyvaki beach on the other side of the river as well. Nearby Lake Kournas is also a popular excursion by foot, bicycle or tourist 'train'. Georgioupolis is a well-located base for exploring the traditional villages of the area towards Vamos or into the White Mountains to the south. Archaeological evidence points to Georgioupoli as the site of ancient Amphimalla (Amfimala or Amfimalion), the port of Lappa, a classical city at modern Argyroupoli.
The town of Ierapetra (in the local dialect: Γεράπετρο Gerapetro) is located on the southeast coast of Crete, situated on the beach of Ierapetra Bay. This town lies south of Agios Nikolaos and southwest of Sitia, and is an important regional center. With 16,139 inhabitants (in 2011), Ierapetra is the most populous town in the regional unit of Lasithi and the fourth most populous town in Crete. Ierapetra is nicknamed "the bride of the Libyan Sea" because of its position as the only town on Crete's southern coast.
Makry Gialos (Greek: Μακρύ Γιαλός) is a former municipality in Lasithi, Crete, Greece, with a population 3,894 in 2011. It is located on the south-east coast of Crete. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Ierapetra, of which it is a municipal unit.[2] The municipal unit has an area of 159.229 km2 (61.479 sq mi).[3] The seat of the municipality was in Koutsouras, 22 kilometers east of Ierapetra. It was established in 1998 when the communities of Schinokapsala, Orino, Stavrochori, Chrisopigi, Aghios Stefanos, Pefki, Lithines and Pervolakia amalgamated into one municipality (Δήμος). The name Makry Gialos - or, alternatively, Makry-Gialos, Makrygialos, Makriyialos, or Makrigialos - is also specifically given both to a village and tourist centre on the coast within the municipality, and to the nearby archaeological site of an ancient Minoan country house. Makry Gialos region lies on the southeast coast of Crete island, Greece. The area faces the Libyan Sea ( part of Mediterranean Sea, which separates Crete from North Africa). The backdrop of the area is mountainous and made up primarily of granite. From the mountains there are small valleys and gorges leading down to the coast. On the higher slopes there is an abundance of Walnut, Apple, Pear and Olive trees. On the lower slopes the main industry is farming and olive trees. Down below along the main coastal road, farming can also be found along with the greenhouses, in which most of the produce grown is tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, aubergines and bananas, which grow all year round. The sun and the rich soil give more taste to the fruit and vegetables, and the region has won the gold medal for the extra virgin olive oil (SITIA 0.03).[citation needed] The famous PDO SITIA xygalo cheese is also produced in the area of Sitia province. The morphology of the land presents beautiful landscapes, varying from place to place. Places with pine forest and wild oak trees, with granite nuggets and sharp rocks. Places with smooth hillsides with low bush land or orchards, and olive groves. The coastline that runs from Galini to Kalo Nero, is etched with rocky inlets, small coves and long sweeping stretches of sand and pebble beaches. The Bay of Makry Gialos boasts the longest shallow sandy beach of East Crete. Other beaches are Diaskari, Langada, Amoudi, Mavros Kolimbos, Galini, Koutsouras; some of them are commercial beaches and some are deserted. Between the mountains there are dried up riverbeds, which are flowing down to the sea during the winter months.
Chania (Greek: Χανιά [xaˈɲa]; Venetian: La Canea) is a city of Greece and the capital of the Chania regional unit. It lies along the north coast of the island Crete, about 70 km (43 mi) west of Rethymno and 145 km (90 mi) west of Heraklion. The municipality has 108,642 inhabitants (2011). This consists of the city of Chania and several nearby areas, including Kounoupidiana (pop. 8,620), Mournies (pop. 7,614), Souda (pop. 6,418), Nerokouros (pop. 5,531), Daratsos (pop. 4,732), Perivolia (pop. 3,986), Galatas (pop. 3,166) and Aroni (pop. 3,003). Chania is the site of the Minoan settlement the Greeks called Kydonia, the source of the word quince. It appears on Linear B as ku-do-ni-ja. Some notable archaeological evidence for the existence of this Minoan city below some parts of today's Chania was found by excavations in the district of Kasteli in the Old Town. This area appears to have been inhabited since the Neolithic era. The city reemerged after the end of the Minoan period as an important city-state in Classical Greece, one whose domain extended from Chania Bay to the feet of the White Mountains. The first major wave of settlers from mainland Greece was by the Dorian Greeks who came around 1100 BC. Kydonia was constantly at war with other Cretan city-states such as Aptera, Phalasarna and Polyrrinia and was important enough for the Kydonians to be mentioned in Homer's Odyssey (xix.200). In 69 BC, the Roman consul Caecilius Metellus defeated the Cretans and conquered Kydonia to which he granted the privileges of an independent city-state. Kydonia reserved the right to mint its own coins until the 3rd century AD
Maleme (Greek: Μάλεμε) is a small village and military airport 16 km (9.9 mi) to the west of Chania, in north western Crete, Greece. It is located in Platanias municipality, in Chania regional unit. A Late Minoan tholos tomb has been discovered in the vicinity of Maleme. The tholos tomb, located on "Kafkala" hill, was accidentally revealed and then looted at the beginning of the 20th century. During World War II a bomb caused the partial destruction of its roof and the backfill of the chamber. It is a significant funerary monument excavated in 1966 by the curator Mr. C. Davaras and partly restored in 1970. It dates back to the Late Minoan III A-B era (14th-13th c. B.C.). A corridor ("dromos"), 25.10m long and 1.60m wide, leads to the chamber. A step in the middle separates the dromos into two parts. The walls are coated with coarse stones, while a slim layer of reddish mortar covered its floor. There is a large lintel over the entrance to the chamber (2m high and 1.60m wide) and a relieving triangle, open to the chamber and covered with a slab on the front. The stone threshold bears two sockets for the reception of pivots of a wooden gate. The chamber was finally blocked with a stone walling. The burial chamber, very carefully built with large porous stones, square in ground plan (4.36m x 4.46m), should have ended in a pyramidal roof. Its floor consisted of pebbles knitted together with lime mortar, while parts of the walls were coated with ivory-coloured mortar. Just two seal stones have been preserved among the grave goods, one made of copper, the other made of agate, together with some pot fragments.
Sisi (Greek: Σίσι), or Sissi is a small Greek resort in the municipal unit Vrachasi, Lasithi, Crete. It is situated on the north coast, 6 km northwest of Vrachasi and 6 km east of Malia, 22 km northwest of Agios Nikolaos and 35 km east of Heraklion. A key strategic port as far back as the occupational period of Crete by the Republic of Venice, and especially for the Ottomans during the Great Cretan Revolution. An important Minoan civilization archaeological site about 500 meters west of the current village, shows evidence of the area's importance since before the Early Minoan IIA (ca. 2600 BC) period.
Panormo, belongs to the network of “the most beautiful villages of Crete” and is located in the North Coast of Crete, 22 kilometers East from Rethymno and 55 West from Heraklion. Its population is estimated to be around 400 people. In the village, but also in the wider area, there are a lot of beautiful sights that everyone should have a chance to visit and enjoy. One of the most vital sights is what is left from Aghia Sophia, built in the 5th century, the early Christian times and excavated in the year of 1948.It was one of the biggest Christian Royal churches of Greece. The lovers of the natural landscape will admire the estuaries of the Geropotamos, that form a charming lake and also an amazing beach under the bridge of the main road. In the cave of Hondrokavos, which is about 800 meters from the village, there is an exquisite lighthouse up in the hill, where you can enjoy a superb view of the sea and the land. The sunset from that spot is a magical experience that no one can describe with words. It is also told that its better than the one in Oia of Santorini. In addition, a visitor should visit the little village in Exandi at 5 kilometers and Skepasti at about 11 kilometers East of Panormo, the Melidoni Cave, the Margarites village famous for the tradition of ceramics and lastly one should go to Eleftherna a very important village, famous for the antiquities. The visitors have a great variety of hotel choices for their accommodations. They can choose simple rooms, traditional small hotels or large bungalows. The “Epimenides Cultural Society of Panormo”, a non profit organization which has converted a ruined and abandoned old Carob Mill Factory- industrial monument- to the modern Cultural Venue “Charoupomylos” , is responsible for its management and is making serious efforts to protect the environment, the tranquility and the architectural and cultural values of the village. “Epimenides”, offers to the visitors as well as all the residents of Crete, the possibility to enjoy unique cultural events at “Charoupomylos” and made Panormo become a meeting point for all Crete. The access to Rethymno is very easy, with regular bus schedules, taxis, cars and mororbikes, but it is also easy to go to Heraklion and Chania as well as the south of Rethymno.
Rethymno (Greek: Ρέθυμνο, [ˈreθimno], also Rethimno, Rethymnon, Réthymnon, and Rhíthymnos) is a city in Greece on the island of Crete. It is the capital of Rethymno regional unit, and has a population of more than 30,000 (near 40,000 for the municipal unit). It is a former Latin Catholic bishopric as Retimo(–Ario) and former Latin titular see. Rethymno was originally built during the Minoan civilization (ancient Rhithymna and Arsinoe). The city was prominent enough to mint its own coins and maintain urban growth. One of these coins is today depicted as the crest of the town: two dolphins in a circle. This region as a whole is rich with ancient history, most notably through the Minoan civilisation centred at Knossos east of Rethymno. Rethymno itself began a period of growth when the Venetian conquerors of the island decided to put an intermediate commercial station between Heraklion and Chania, acquiring its own bishop and nobility in the process. Today's old town (palia poli) was almost entirely built by the Republic of Venice. It is one of the best-preserved old towns in Crete. From circa 1250 the city was the seat of the Latin Diocese of Retimo, which was renamed Retimo–Ario after the absorption in 1551 of the Diocese of Ario and as suppressed only after the Turkish conquest. The town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, the small Venetian harbour and narrow streets. The Venetian Loggia houses the information office of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. A Wine Festival is held there annually at the beginning of July. Another festival, in memory of the destruction of the Arkadi Monastery, is held on 7–8 November. The city's Venetian-era citadel, the Fortezza of Rethymno, is one of the best-preserved castles in Crete. Other monuments include the Neratze mosque (the Municipal Odeon arts centre), the Great Gate ( "Porta Guora"), the Piazza Rimondi and the Loggia. The town was captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1646 during the Cretan War (1645–69) and they ruled it for almost three centuries. The town, called Resmo in Turkish, was the centre of a sanjak (administrative part of a province) during Ottoman rule. During the Battle of Crete (20–30 May 1941), the Battle of Rethymno was fought between German paratroopers and the Second Australian Imperial Force and Hellenic Army. Although initially unsuccessful, the Germans won the battle after receiving reinforcements from Maleme in the Northwestern part of the island. Today the city's main income is from tourism, many new facilities having been built in the past 20 years. Agriculture is also notable, especially for olive oil and other Mediterranean products.
Sitia (Greek: Σητεία) is a port town and a municipality in Lasithi, Crete, Greece. The town has 9,912 inhabitants (2011) and the municipality has 18,318 (2011). It lies east of Agios Nikolaos and northeast of Ierapetra. Sitia port is on the Sea of Crete, part of the Aegean Sea and is one of the economic centers of the Lasithi region. European route E75, which ends in Vardø, starts in Sitia. Sitia is served by the Sitia Public Airport. Sitia has not experienced the effects of mass tourism even though there is a long beach along the road leading to Vai and several places of historical interest.
Hersonissos is known as the most organized tourist destination in Crete. It is also known for its high quality hotels, conference infrastructures and the natural beauty of its coasts. Mass tourism, beautiful beaches and the rich nightlife only constitute one side of the coin "Hersonissos". Its other side, which is less acknowledged, includes the pristine mainland, where many historical monuments and landscapes of exceptional beauty await to be discovered.
Agia Marina is a town on the island of Crete in Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Chania, of which it is a community. It has a population of 2,005 (2011 census) and covers an area of 5.324 km2 (2.056 sq mi). It is 10 km west from Chania.
Maleme (Greek: Μάλεμε) is a small village and military airport 16 km (9.9 mi) to the west of Chania, in north western Crete, Greece. It is located in Platanias municipality, in Chania regional unit. A Late Minoan tholos tomb has been discovered in the vicinity of Maleme. The tholos tomb, located on "Kafkala" hill, was accidentally revealed and then looted at the beginning of the 20th century. During World War II a bomb caused the partial destruction of its roof and the backfill of the chamber. It is a significant funerary monument excavated in 1966 by the curator Mr. C. Davaras and partly restored in 1970. It dates back to the Late Minoan III A-B era (14th-13th c. B.C.). A corridor ("dromos"), 25.10m long and 1.60m wide, leads to the chamber. A step in the middle separates the dromos into two parts. The walls are coated with coarse stones, while a slim layer of reddish mortar covered its floor. There is a large lintel over the entrance to the chamber (2m high and 1.60m wide) and a relieving triangle, open to the chamber and covered with a slab on the front. The stone threshold bears two sockets for the reception of pivots of a wooden gate. The chamber was finally blocked with a stone walling. The burial chamber, very carefully built with large porous stones, square in ground plan (4.36m x 4.46m), should have ended in a pyramidal roof. Its floor consisted of pebbles knitted together with lime mortar, while parts of the walls were coated with ivory-coloured mortar. Just two seal stones have been preserved among the grave goods, one made of copper, the other made of agate, together with some pot fragments.
Analipsi is a sandy beach located near the tourist resort of Kato Gouves, 24 km east of Heraklion Town. The west part of the beach is mostly rocky therefore it is difficult to access it, unless you like some privacy or fishing. The rocks offer the ideal circumstances for this sport. The other side though is well-organized with sundecks and umbrellas, thus busy most of the times and the visitors have the opportunity to try plenty of water sports. Analipsi beach is awarded every year with the Blue Flag. In August, the beach is exposed to north winds which are ideal for the surf lovers but great attention is needed. The region has a rich history and it has developed rapidly during the last few years, so it would be a nice chance to take a walk inside the village. The access from Heraklion is easy with public buses running regularly.
Analipsi is a sandy beach located near the tourist resort of Kato Gouves, 24 km east of Heraklion Town. The west part of the beach is mostly rocky therefore it is difficult to access it, unless you like some privacy or fishing. The rocks offer the ideal circumstances for this sport. The other side though is well-organized with sundecks and umbrellas, thus busy most of the times and the visitors have the opportunity to try plenty of water sports. Analipsi beach is awarded every year with the Blue Flag. In August, the beach is exposed to north winds which are ideal for the surf lovers but great attention is needed. The region has a rich history and it has developed rapidly during the last few years, so it would be a nice chance to take a walk inside the village. The access from Heraklion is easy with public buses running regularly.
Sisi (Greek: Σίσι), or Sissi is a small Greek resort in the municipal unit Vrachasi, Lasithi, Crete. It is situated on the north coast, 6 km northwest of Vrachasi and 6 km east of Malia, 22 km northwest of Agios Nikolaos and 35 km east of Heraklion. A key strategic port as far back as the occupational period of Crete by the Republic of Venice, and especially for the Ottomans during the Great Cretan Revolution. An important Minoan civilization archaeological site about 500 meters west of the current village, shows evidence of the area's importance since before the Early Minoan IIA (ca. 2600 BC) period.
Panormo, belongs to the network of “the most beautiful villages of Crete” and is located in the North Coast of Crete, 22 kilometers East from Rethymno and 55 West from Heraklion. Its population is estimated to be around 400 people. In the village, but also in the wider area, there are a lot of beautiful sights that everyone should have a chance to visit and enjoy. One of the most vital sights is what is left from Aghia Sophia, built in the 5th century, the early Christian times and excavated in the year of 1948.It was one of the biggest Christian Royal churches of Greece. The lovers of the natural landscape will admire the estuaries of the Geropotamos, that form a charming lake and also an amazing beach under the bridge of the main road. In the cave of Hondrokavos, which is about 800 meters from the village, there is an exquisite lighthouse up in the hill, where you can enjoy a superb view of the sea and the land. The sunset from that spot is a magical experience that no one can describe with words. It is also told that its better than the one in Oia of Santorini. In addition, a visitor should visit the little village in Exandi at 5 kilometers and Skepasti at about 11 kilometers East of Panormo, the Melidoni Cave, the Margarites village famous for the tradition of ceramics and lastly one should go to Eleftherna a very important village, famous for the antiquities. The visitors have a great variety of hotel choices for their accommodations. They can choose simple rooms, traditional small hotels or large bungalows. The “Epimenides Cultural Society of Panormo”, a non profit organization which has converted a ruined and abandoned old Carob Mill Factory- industrial monument- to the modern Cultural Venue “Charoupomylos” , is responsible for its management and is making serious efforts to protect the environment, the tranquility and the architectural and cultural values of the village. “Epimenides”, offers to the visitors as well as all the residents of Crete, the possibility to enjoy unique cultural events at “Charoupomylos” and made Panormo become a meeting point for all Crete. The access to Rethymno is very easy, with regular bus schedules, taxis, cars and mororbikes, but it is also easy to go to Heraklion and Chania as well as the south of Rethymno.
Rethymno (Greek: Ρέθυμνο, [ˈreθimno], also Rethimno, Rethymnon, Réthymnon, and Rhíthymnos) is a city in Greece on the island of Crete. It is the capital of Rethymno regional unit, and has a population of more than 30,000 (near 40,000 for the municipal unit). It is a former Latin Catholic bishopric as Retimo(–Ario) and former Latin titular see. Rethymno was originally built during the Minoan civilization (ancient Rhithymna and Arsinoe). The city was prominent enough to mint its own coins and maintain urban growth. One of these coins is today depicted as the crest of the town: two dolphins in a circle. This region as a whole is rich with ancient history, most notably through the Minoan civilisation centred at Knossos east of Rethymno. Rethymno itself began a period of growth when the Venetian conquerors of the island decided to put an intermediate commercial station between Heraklion and Chania, acquiring its own bishop and nobility in the process. Today's old town (palia poli) was almost entirely built by the Republic of Venice. It is one of the best-preserved old towns in Crete. From circa 1250 the city was the seat of the Latin Diocese of Retimo, which was renamed Retimo–Ario after the absorption in 1551 of the Diocese of Ario and as suppressed only after the Turkish conquest. The town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, the small Venetian harbour and narrow streets. The Venetian Loggia houses the information office of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. A Wine Festival is held there annually at the beginning of July. Another festival, in memory of the destruction of the Arkadi Monastery, is held on 7–8 November. The city's Venetian-era citadel, the Fortezza of Rethymno, is one of the best-preserved castles in Crete. Other monuments include the Neratze mosque (the Municipal Odeon arts centre), the Great Gate ( "Porta Guora"), the Piazza Rimondi and the Loggia. The town was captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1646 during the Cretan War (1645–69) and they ruled it for almost three centuries. The town, called Resmo in Turkish, was the centre of a sanjak (administrative part of a province) during Ottoman rule. During the Battle of Crete (20–30 May 1941), the Battle of Rethymno was fought between German paratroopers and the Second Australian Imperial Force and Hellenic Army. Although initially unsuccessful, the Germans won the battle after receiving reinforcements from Maleme in the Northwestern part of the island. Today the city's main income is from tourism, many new facilities having been built in the past 20 years. Agriculture is also notable, especially for olive oil and other Mediterranean products.
Sitia (Greek: Σητεία) is a port town and a municipality in Lasithi, Crete, Greece. The town has 9,912 inhabitants (2011) and the municipality has 18,318 (2011). It lies east of Agios Nikolaos and northeast of Ierapetra. Sitia port is on the Sea of Crete, part of the Aegean Sea and is one of the economic centers of the Lasithi region. European route E75, which ends in Vardø, starts in Sitia. Sitia is served by the Sitia Public Airport. Sitia has not experienced the effects of mass tourism even though there is a long beach along the road leading to Vai and several places of historical interest.
Bali is located 50 km western of Heraklion town. It is located on the north side of Crete and it’s name stands for “honey”. It used to be a fishing village but nowadays there many hotels and resorts by its beautiful beaches. Ideal for families and water sports lovers.
Malia or Mallia is a coastal town and a former municipality in the northeast corner of the Heraklion regional unit in Crete, Greece. The town was the seat of the municipality of Mália. The municipal unit also includes the villages of Mochos, Krasi, and Stalida, and has a total land area of 60.720 square kilometres (23.444 sq mi). The town is a tourist attraction, primarily for its significant archaeological site and nightlife. The Minoan town ruins lie three km east of the site and cover an area of approximately 1 square kilometre (0.4 sq mi). The original name for the town is not known.
The town of Ierapetra (in the local dialect: Γεράπετρο Gerapetro) is located on the southeast coast of Crete, situated on the beach of Ierapetra Bay. This town lies south of Agios Nikolaos and southwest of Sitia, and is an important regional center. With 16,139 inhabitants (in 2011), Ierapetra is the most populous town in the regional unit of Lasithi and the fourth most populous town in Crete. Ierapetra is nicknamed "the bride of the Libyan Sea" because of its position as the only town on Crete's southern coast.
Agia Pelagia is a seaside fishing village built in the centre of a picturesque amphitheatric bay, it is located on the north coast of Crete at 23 km northwest from Heraklion (Herakleion), capital city of the Island of Crete and distants 25 km from the international airport of Heraklion and 23 from the ferry port. Agia Pelagia takes its name from the homonymous church, in the Monastery of the Sebbathians, ruins of which are found at a distance of 1 km west of the village. During the last decades years, the resort has known a big tourist development, as its sandy beaches attract many visitors who find here all kinds of services. From Agia Pelagia you can visit the post-minoan graves and the University (Pritanion) of the 4th century B.C. which were found in 1970 at the site Kladistos (or Kladotos/Kladissos) and support the view that this was the site of the ancient city of Apollonia. Worth visiting is also the nearby cave (chapel), with the name "Evresi", where - according to legend - local people found the icon of Agia Pelagia (Santa Marina) In the village you can find many taverns, offering traditional but also international dishes, bars, cafes, shops and boutiques, which will invite you to exciting short walks through the little streets. Surrounded by mountains and hills, Agia Pelagia lies right in the middle of Crete (which makes it easy to be used as a base for tours and excursions around Crete island), with about 9 smaller sandy and rocky beaches (except of the central bay) reached easily by feet for those who prefer more space and privacy rather than big / busier beaches.The main areas are: Agia Pelagia bay (main beach - and the busiest), Lygaria Bay, Mononaftis bay, Kladissos bay, Made beach, Psaromoura beach, Fylakes beach, Ammoudi. Though there are several (little, almost hidden) beaches in the area (many of which can be reached only by feet or by boat). Near Agia Pelagia you will find several interesting places to visit, like the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, the traditional villages of Achlada, Fodele, Rogdia and Anogia up to the highest mountain of Crete Idi (also called "Ida" or "Psiloritis" - 2.456m high).
Bali is located 50 km western of Heraklion town. It is located on the north side of Crete and it’s name stands for “honey”. It used to be a fishing village but nowadays there many hotels and resorts by its beautiful beaches. Ideal for families and water sports lovers.
Hersonissos is known as the most organized tourist destination in Crete. It is also known for its high quality hotels, conference infrastructures and the natural beauty of its coasts. Mass tourism, beautiful beaches and the rich nightlife only constitute one side of the coin "Hersonissos". Its other side, which is less acknowledged, includes the pristine mainland, where many historical monuments and landscapes of exceptional beauty await to be discovered.
Agia Pelagia is a seaside fishing village built in the centre of a picturesque amphitheatric bay, it is located on the north coast of Crete at 23 km northwest from Heraklion (Herakleion), capital city of the Island of Crete and distants 25 km from the international airport of Heraklion and 23 from the ferry port. Agia Pelagia takes its name from the homonymous church, in the Monastery of the Sebbathians, ruins of which are found at a distance of 1 km west of the village. During the last decades years, the resort has known a big tourist development, as its sandy beaches attract many visitors who find here all kinds of services. From Agia Pelagia you can visit the post-minoan graves and the University (Pritanion) of the 4th century B.C. which were found in 1970 at the site Kladistos (or Kladotos/Kladissos) and support the view that this was the site of the ancient city of Apollonia. Worth visiting is also the nearby cave (chapel), with the name "Evresi", where - according to legend - local people found the icon of Agia Pelagia (Santa Marina) In the village you can find many taverns, offering traditional but also international dishes, bars, cafes, shops and boutiques, which will invite you to exciting short walks through the little streets. Surrounded by mountains and hills, Agia Pelagia lies right in the middle of Crete (which makes it easy to be used as a base for tours and excursions around Crete island), with about 9 smaller sandy and rocky beaches (except of the central bay) reached easily by feet for those who prefer more space and privacy rather than big / busier beaches.The main areas are: Agia Pelagia bay (main beach - and the busiest), Lygaria Bay, Mononaftis bay, Kladissos bay, Made beach, Psaromoura beach, Fylakes beach, Ammoudi. Though there are several (little, almost hidden) beaches in the area (many of which can be reached only by feet or by boat). Near Agia Pelagia you will find several interesting places to visit, like the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, the traditional villages of Achlada, Fodele, Rogdia and Anogia up to the highest mountain of Crete Idi (also called "Ida" or "Psiloritis" - 2.456m high).
Makry Gialos (Greek: Μακρύ Γιαλός) is a former municipality in Lasithi, Crete, Greece, with a population 3,894 in 2011. It is located on the south-east coast of Crete. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Ierapetra, of which it is a municipal unit.[2] The municipal unit has an area of 159.229 km2 (61.479 sq mi).[3] The seat of the municipality was in Koutsouras, 22 kilometers east of Ierapetra. It was established in 1998 when the communities of Schinokapsala, Orino, Stavrochori, Chrisopigi, Aghios Stefanos, Pefki, Lithines and Pervolakia amalgamated into one municipality (Δήμος). The name Makry Gialos - or, alternatively, Makry-Gialos, Makrygialos, Makriyialos, or Makrigialos - is also specifically given both to a village and tourist centre on the coast within the municipality, and to the nearby archaeological site of an ancient Minoan country house. Makry Gialos region lies on the southeast coast of Crete island, Greece. The area faces the Libyan Sea ( part of Mediterranean Sea, which separates Crete from North Africa). The backdrop of the area is mountainous and made up primarily of granite. From the mountains there are small valleys and gorges leading down to the coast. On the higher slopes there is an abundance of Walnut, Apple, Pear and Olive trees. On the lower slopes the main industry is farming and olive trees. Down below along the main coastal road, farming can also be found along with the greenhouses, in which most of the produce grown is tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, aubergines and bananas, which grow all year round. The sun and the rich soil give more taste to the fruit and vegetables, and the region has won the gold medal for the extra virgin olive oil (SITIA 0.03).[citation needed] The famous PDO SITIA xygalo cheese is also produced in the area of Sitia province. The morphology of the land presents beautiful landscapes, varying from place to place. Places with pine forest and wild oak trees, with granite nuggets and sharp rocks. Places with smooth hillsides with low bush land or orchards, and olive groves. The coastline that runs from Galini to Kalo Nero, is etched with rocky inlets, small coves and long sweeping stretches of sand and pebble beaches. The Bay of Makry Gialos boasts the longest shallow sandy beach of East Crete. Other beaches are Diaskari, Langada, Amoudi, Mavros Kolimbos, Galini, Koutsouras; some of them are commercial beaches and some are deserted. Between the mountains there are dried up riverbeds, which are flowing down to the sea during the winter months.
Chania (Greek: Χανιά [xaˈɲa]; Venetian: La Canea) is a city of Greece and the capital of the Chania regional unit. It lies along the north coast of the island Crete, about 70 km (43 mi) west of Rethymno and 145 km (90 mi) west of Heraklion. The municipality has 108,642 inhabitants (2011). This consists of the city of Chania and several nearby areas, including Kounoupidiana (pop. 8,620), Mournies (pop. 7,614), Souda (pop. 6,418), Nerokouros (pop. 5,531), Daratsos (pop. 4,732), Perivolia (pop. 3,986), Galatas (pop. 3,166) and Aroni (pop. 3,003). Chania is the site of the Minoan settlement the Greeks called Kydonia, the source of the word quince. It appears on Linear B as ku-do-ni-ja. Some notable archaeological evidence for the existence of this Minoan city below some parts of today's Chania was found by excavations in the district of Kasteli in the Old Town. This area appears to have been inhabited since the Neolithic era. The city reemerged after the end of the Minoan period as an important city-state in Classical Greece, one whose domain extended from Chania Bay to the feet of the White Mountains. The first major wave of settlers from mainland Greece was by the Dorian Greeks who came around 1100 BC. Kydonia was constantly at war with other Cretan city-states such as Aptera, Phalasarna and Polyrrinia and was important enough for the Kydonians to be mentioned in Homer's Odyssey (xix.200). In 69 BC, the Roman consul Caecilius Metellus defeated the Cretans and conquered Kydonia to which he granted the privileges of an independent city-state. Kydonia reserved the right to mint its own coins until the 3rd century AD
Agia Marina is a town on the island of Crete in Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Chania, of which it is a community. It has a population of 2,005 (2011 census) and covers an area of 5.324 km2 (2.056 sq mi). It is 10 km west from Chania.