#CHANIA
Gods Gift to Greece
Looking for best Greece vacation? Crete is the ultimate destination. Powder feel beaches, stunning scenery, best hotels and villas.
Crete is the gift of Gods to Greece. A remarkable island embracing beauty, and the authentic Greek soul.
The island is the Mediterranean’s fifth-largest island and a source of civilization and culture. If you are a truly art enthusiast and a true lover of history you will find Crete the ultimate travel destination. A vivid island, extremely beautiful, with impeccable spirit, exquisite cuisine, a perfect destination for those who wish to experience a true authentic dive into Greece rich culture and history of the Minoan civilization.
The dramatic gorge of Samaria is the most famous of all, it is a feast for the eyes for all nature lovers. This jaw dropping miracle of nature hosts soaring birds and a huge number of wildflowers that boom every spring. Even though it is a long walk of almost 6 hours the traveller will be left in Awe once you finish this remarkable hike and dive into the sea at the end of the hike.
Crete is also the mythological birthplace of Zeus.
Zeus will cast a spell on you as soon as you set foot on this splendid island. This island is the ultimate Greece vacation.
Art aficionados, culture devotees, beach enthusiasts and nature addicts love Crete. It is one of these islands that tick all the right boxes.
It is impossible not to love Chania not to love Crete. Get ready for a trip that will be magical, open your heart and release all your senses. A perfect spot for holidays in Greece.
Here is a list of best things to do should you travel to Crete.
Your ultimate Greece vacation.
DISCOVER CRETE ISLAND
Village Hopping
#Villages of Crete
Chania is the quaintest village of all Crete a top destination for your holidays in Greece. It is magical, authentic, aristocratic, cosmopolitan a blend of charm of venetian architecture and elegance. In Chania you will discover a unique atmosphere and historical monuments which you will find at the old city of Chania which it is built on the ruins of ancient Kydonia, a pre-Hellenic tribe of King Kydon. In 3000 BC the old harbour was used by the Minoans but conquered by the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians until the end of 19th century. Its independency came in 1913 by Eleftherios Venizelos (a Greek politician). Can’t have the perfect holiday in Greece without a proper history lesson can’t we?
Nestled and beautifully tucked away is the Samaria Gorge amongst others and many archaeological sites.
Walk around in the city of Chania and be a Cretan for a day visit the lighthouse of the old harbour which dates back to the Egyptian Occupation of Crete. Its tower stands 21 meters long and its visibility at 7 miles. Its breath-taking views of the city of Chania will reward you. A traveler’s perfect spot for your greece vacation starts here.
Explore the old city of Chania, walk around the cobblestone alleys with the multi-coloured facades of houses, browse the main market with the unique handcrafted products which adorn this city. Glass, wood, silk and woolen clothes, ceramic workshops and woodcarving workshops are also popular and many of them open to the public to see. Feeling and exploring a city is the ultimate memory for a holiday in Greece.
If folklore art is not your style but food is do not forget to buy cheese, olives thyme honey and local Raki as a gift for you and your loved ones. The smells of the food will whet your appetite. You cannot have a true vacation in Greece without the food can you?
Do not miss the Cathedral of Eisodion tis Theotokou where is the entrance of Virgin Mary into a life of Honour and Religion, The church of Ahios Nokolaos at the old city of Chania, the patriarchal Monastery of Chrysopigi a miraculous church which is adored by the Greeks. Whisper your prayers and wishes and maybe they will come true. If you are a religious traveller there is also The patriarchal Monastery of agia Triada Tsagarolon a historical monument The Gouverneto Monastery which is the oldest and most beautiful apart from the building due to the increadible hike to the chapel of Kathorikon. The monastery of Timios Prodromos in Korakies all worth a visit.
Visit Heraklion the source of culture, museums and Minoan civilization with the landmarks of archaeological value such as Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Museum Hopping
Discover the Archaeological Museum of Chania. The Archaeological Museum of Chania was founded in 1963 and is located at the place of the Venetian Monastery of Agios Fragiskos in Halidon Street in Chania. The collection of the museum includes findings from excavations in several areas of the city that have been performed during the last 50 years, and its exhibits cover the cultural history of Chania from the Neolithic period till the Roman Empire.
Do not forget the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection. It is located in the internal part of the north-western side of the fortification walls that was renamed to Monastery of Saint Salvatore. The exhibition focuses on the historical and artistic identity of the region of Chania during the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine period.
The Nautical Museum of Crete – Naval Museum (Maritime Museum), which is located at the entrance of the historical fortress “Firka”is definitely worth visiting. Exquisite and detailed -It delivers an introduction to the History of Crete.
Head down to the Folklore Museum of Chania – Cretan House. The Folklore Museum of Chania is located in the center of the old city of Chania, includes folklore and traditional exhibits.
Visit the house where Eleftherios Venizelos was born – one of the most important politicians of Greece – which is located in Mournies of Chania. The house of Venizelos today it has been transformed into Museum.
Particular noteworthy are the Venizelos Graves, which has magnificent views from amongst the trees, on a hill above Chania, across the town, Venetian harbor, and sweeping over the sea & beyond.
Moving to Heraklion another stunning city perfect for your holidays in Greece, away from Chania we can also find.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the most significant museums in Greece, a must to your cultural bucket list, showcases unique treasures of the Minoan civilization unearthed from Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and other sites.
Heraklion Archeological museum is outstanding in every way. The collection of Minoan artefacts is large and the way the exhibits are situated on the place is brilliant.
The incredible landmark of Minoan History the colorful palace of Knossos is the most important sight to visit if you visit Crete. It is the largest archeological site discovered in Crete. Everything you have learned in school will come alive on this majestic place of culture. The legendary palace of king Minoan served as a religious center. All myths of Labyrinth, Minotaur and the story of Daedalus and Icarus took place there. It is necessary to visit this historical landmark as it is the top thing to do in your Greece vacation.
Nikos Kazantzakis museum is definitely worth a visit as it is dedicated to his work in Literature in Heraklion city. The 9 times nominee of Noble prize with his astonishing work in Zorba the Greek and 650 other exhibits.
Do not miss to travel to Fodele to see where the famous painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) was born.
The building operates since 1998 with an exhibition of replicas of works of El Greco. Also there is information about his family and a room has been transformed into a painting workshop.
Last but not least the archeological site of Phaistos will excite all prehistoric and Archaic enthusiasts with unique works from Classical, Hellenistic, Medieval and Byzantine monuments, as well as creations from folk art cultures, different civilizations and religions, coexisting with current creations, modern and contemporary art.
A mystery remains until today, the Phaistos Disc, 15 cm in diameter and covered with symbols arranged in a spiral. How about solving this mystery on your next holiday in Greece ?
Olive Hopping
Olive oil tasting
Ancient Greeks consider olive tree a disguised blessing from the Gods a true gift in Greece. Olive tree and the production of olive oil is the basis of a healthy diet.
Crete is the leader at cultivation of olive trees which trace back to Minoan civilization.
According to Sofokles it is the tree that feeds the children. The Olive tree was worshiped
as sacred and offered to Gods as a gift but also used as a healing or a medicine not to mention as lighting and heating.
Global luxe traveller has found the best specialists that will guide you through olive tasting this fun process and make this an experience to remember.
Have a quick read on what to do on an olive tasting so you can enjoy this experience to the fullest:
Pour just a tad of olive oil in a glass
Smell the olive oil
Warm the glass in your hands
Smell it again do you smell cinnamon, fruit and other aromas perhaps almond, citrus?
Sip just a tad
Eat some slices of green apple
Try another
Once you finished try that exact same process back home in your country this time with food, before you do this find out or ask which food matches what type of olive oil. Nothing beats this tasty memory on your Greece vacation.
Raki or Tsikoudia tasting
Raki is the Cretan spirit bottled up with the stars. Raki or else named Tsikoudia is described as alcohol with a geographical indication limited to the territory of Crete by the EU. Raki is the remains of the grape after extraction for the production of wine. It comes alive after in October until December.
Raki was first discovered to solve the problem of all remains of the grapes in producing wine. In mount Athos the brilliant monks did not know what to do but, distill the remains of grapes and check if they would replicate wine or something. Little did they know they had discovered a strong aromatic alcoholic drink now famous for its intense aroma.
Global luxe traveller has found the best distillery in Crete to introduce you to this wonderful experience.
Honey tasting
The honeybee is one of the oldest and most important beings of nature.
Bees play an essential role for environment equilibrium. There are many honeybee gardens in Crete should you wish to try the many varieties of honey, how honey matches food in a diet, but most importantly to learn the process and all the things you can do to support the environment by helping this little creature to survive.
Tasting honey, bee pollen, pasteli(a Greek treat) rakomelo and cheese is an adventure on the island of Crete a traveller should not miss.
Beach Hopping
Lagoon beach hopping / Nature hopping in Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe a total length of 16th kilometres. It is ideal for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. It is recognised as a National Park and it hosts 450 species and 70 of them indigenous to Crete. Samaria gorge has great flora kai fauna and it is heavily protected by international law. Not a flower can be removed from Samaria by law. Pine cypress trees wild goats (called kri-kri)surround this spectacular miracle of nature. It is a great way to enjoy a long hike on your Greece vacation.
Once you finish you can rent a boat to explore the area. If you do not feel like a captain take advantage of the local daily boats to Sweetwater and Marmara. Have a sailing adventure at the island of Gavdos, or sfakia.
Elafonisi Beach
This impeccable one and only incredible beach was been awarded many times in the past as the best beach in the world. It is fully protected by law as it is a natural reserve and it has a power-like pink sand. If you think there is nothing more spectacular in your greece vacation. It is . This beach is. The water is shallow crystal clear and feels like a natural pool . The colour of the waters are Caribbean like turquoise, surely the most instagramable beach ever! If you were looking for slice of heaven on earth you without a doubt have found it.
Leave the cares of this world behind as you venture over to this untouched, rare ,exclusive lagoon just for you. Here lies a true oasis of dramatic backdrop of endless blue sky, and emerald turquoise waters.
Let this seductive ‘petite plage’ to lift your soul. A perfect beach destination for your holidays in Greece.
Throw away your manolos and place your feet into the water.
Lift your spirit and root in your body wisdom -listen the majestic sea sound, the sound of waves the sound of the sea.
Heal yourself with a body ritual at Elafonisi.
You can have the whole beach, and place to yourself or if you are a true explorer snorkel around!
When the sun goes down don’t towel off just yet stay and enjoy your very own private sunset by the sea.
Pause for a moment on this shore. The sunsets will ruin you for life. Consider yourself warned.
An explorers paradise and top travel destination is this. This beach is breath taking, one of a kind experience that every traveler must explore.
Experience but above all live a true cast away day wrapped up in beauty.
This memory will not fade away….EVER
Balos beach
Gods main idea behind the Balos beach was to combine the immaculate nature and astonishing landscape. This beach is beautifully blended with the scenery light blue sometimes green waters again a lagoon type warm natural pool with white sand and pink shells feels private and secluded.
One of the main advantages of this fairytale beach is the fact that it is windless.
This gorgeous beach and majestic landscape provide a shelter against any type of wind. Thumps up to the northern part of Crete and for ancient Gods giving us the best scenery at our holidays in Greece.
Visit this worldwide travelers dream, to have a lovely day in this sun-drenched suntrap beach enjoying a wonderful rest.
The weather is just fantastic! What a better way to start your greece vacation, at Crete island.
What makes this beach so special natura 2000 protected area ?
At this beach, one can enjoy, one of the largest stretches of unspoiled beach, in Crete. Apart from the fact that this beach is home of Caretta caretta sea turtle also hosts rare species of flora and fauna.
This is the best beach.
Why?
That feeling of awe you get
when you kick off your flip flops,
throw away your beach towel and think,
“NOW this is paradise.
Falassarna beach
Falassarna, one of the most popular destinations on Crete, a sequence of five beaches separated from each other with dunes and rocks. Well organized with beach bars, umbrellas, a beach volley court, and sea sports facilities, ideal for little kids. This beach too belongs to the Natura 2000 ecological network of protected ones.
After travelling the world, I can say that all the above beaches are truly unique beach destinations that everyone should experience.
They all ignite the senses.
Absolutely breathtaking with clear waters swaying coolly in the breeze. They are miraculous natural wonders that enraptures your senses and surrounds you with a feeling of luxury.
Hidden gems in this out of the world paradise. Crete. The emerald waters mesmerize while you float captured in tranquility of cool and Mediterranean breeze.
They will wrap you in comfort.
The movements of the waves are choreographed like a smooth dance, creating a mind blowing, out of body experience.
Or it might be the antidote you need to make through the dreary day. There is something about that seductive blend of sun, that lures you in and lifts your soul. Including beach stretches, cozy coves, dramatic scenery those beaches are beckoning and lay among the most bewitching on the planet.
If only there was a teleport button that could take you there in an instant. Join us for the ultimate Greece vacation.
