Living in Crete

Gavdos Island

2008-03-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

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The islet of Gavdos, opposite Sfakia, is the southern-most border of Greece and Europe. It is 22 nautical miles away from Loutro, right in the middle of the Libyan Sea. According to Callimachus, this is the ancient isle of Ogygia where, as Homer claims in "Odyssey", the nymph Calypso lived. Other names of Gavdos in the past were "Cavdos" and "Clavdos" (Ptolemens and Ierocles), "Glavdi" (the Epistles), "Gozzo" (the Venetians). In the first Byzantine period, Gavdos had a bishop, as it had many inhabitants, but, during the Venetian Rule, the islet was abandoned, as pirates sought refuge there. Until the late 18th, early 19th century, Gavdos belonged to Sfakia and was part of the Municipality of Anopolis Sfakion. In 1925, it was pronounced a separate community, and remained part of the county of Sfakia, until 1950. Then, since the majority of the locals had moved to Paleochora, Gavdos became part of the county of Selino. Bibliography mentions the existence of 172 inhabitants in the settlements of Kastri, Ambelos, Vabiana and Metochia, as well as the existence of pre-war settlements such as Drethiana, Xenaki, Galana, Fragliathana. Today, apart from the harbor Karave, there are three village on the islet: Kastri (the capital), Vatsiana and Ambelos. The year- round inhabitants number approximately 40. Gavdos is shaped triangularly, its terrain plain and semi-rocky and the climate warm and dry, with few rain showers. A big part of the island is covered with pine-trees and cedars, the products of which are known for their aphrodisiac qualities. The islet's beaches (Saracenico, Korfos, Tripiti, Ag. Ioannis, Potamos), having recently won the award "Golden Starfish", lie here proud, golden, with crystal waters.

A brief history of Crete

2008-03-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

Greek history and Myths
Greek history can be traced back over 40,000 years . No one knows when myths were first invented. Many come before the time of writing and were passed on from word of mouth. It is probably the spoken tradition the helped them survive upheavals when writing was destroyed and forgotten.

The Changing Myths (Greek)
zeus and kouritesConquerors and peaceful settlers brought their own beliefs into Greece where they were adopted or combined with myths and god that already existed, so they changed and developed over the centuries. They probably chances less as they were written down, but different versions of many myths still survive.
At least two areas of the prefecture of Rethymno are directly connected to mythology:
The Idaison Andron Cave in the mountain range of Psiloritis and the Talarian Mountains (today called Kouloukounas in the Milopotamos Area: Rhea (the Greek goddess of the earth, mountains and forests) sought refuge from her furious husband (who was also her brother) Kronos who had swallowed his previous children. When her new son Zeus was born legendary demons of Crete danced wildly hitting their shields to hid the noise, then when Zeus was older, he tricked Kronos into regurgitating his brothers and sisters.
The second myth is that the Talean Mountains are connected with the legendary giant Talos. Talos protected Crete against its enemies, hindering them when they got close. It took the the beauty of Medea's arriving on the Argous to make him weak and by removing a nail from his foot, spilled his blood and made him fall into the Cretan soil dead.

20,000 to 8,300 BC (Palaeolithic)
Inhabiting caves from time to time the people of this period where probably seasonal hunter-gatherers. No certain gathering of plant foods is attested before ca. 11,000 BC First appearing at this time are lentils, vetch, pistachios, and almonds. Neither wild oats nor wild barley become at all common until ca. 7000 BC. Small end-scrapers for removing the flesh from hides are common. As far as archaeologists can tell there the inhabitants at that time did not produce any pottery or architecture.
8,300 - 6,000 BC (Mesolithic)
6,000-3,000 BC (Neolithic)
3,000-ca. 2,100 BC Early Bronze Age
2,100-ca. 1,600 BC Middle Bronze Age
1,600-ca. 1,200 BC Late Bronze Age

pre 6,000 BC – Hunter-gatherers
The area now know as Greece was inhabited at this time by wandering tribes, hunting and living solely off of the land. No religious artefacts have been found and very little in known of the peoples of this time.
When farming skills were developed, people started to settle in small communities and leaned how to make pots, weave and work metals. Clues to the religion of this early civilisation are found in fine object such as those made of marble, fertility symbols etc.
Greek society advanced and developed until about 2200 BC when invaders from the North disrupted the process. Fortunately the island of Crete escaped and a sophisticated civilization grew up, called Minoan after its kings, Minos. Many works of art survive, illustrating some aspects of religious life. Bulls often feature in Cretan myths and some of these were latter adopted by the mainlanders into Mycenaean mythology.

1600 BC to 12000 BC – The Mycenaean
Gradually the mainland recovered and started to develop again. It borrowed many ideas from Minos and finally became more powerful that Crete. The civilization is called Mycenaean after its major city called Mycenae. The historical event that inspired the legends about Jason and the Argonauts took place during this period. The truth was exaggerated and embroidered to form the legends, but there is archaeological evidence for some of these event.

1200 to 700 BC – The Greek dark ages
Between 1200 and 1050 BC the Mycenaean culture collapses due to civil wars and more invasions from the North. The myths survived, passed on orally through the generations.
The poet Homer lived at the end of the dark Ages. He is said to have composed two great works about the ancient legends, called the Ilaid and the Odyssey. They were not written down until much later, but the stories were already 500 years old when Homer was alive.
Homer probably spoke his poems while playing the lyre. Greek schoolboys in the later periods had to learn parts of its poetry by heart and every scholar could quote him.

700 to 500 BC – The Archaic period
Between 700 and 500 BC Greece one again became rich in art, literature and commerce. Trade was established with many Mediterranean counties and coins were introduced as money. They experimented with government and society organisations but there religion was still based on the ancient myths and legends, as can be seen by their art.

500 to 336 BC – The Classic Period
This is probably the best-known period of Ancient Greek history. We know a lot about how the people lived at this time and our image of ancient Greeks is most influenced by Classical art and literature. People lived in city-states, and much seafaring and trading went on. Optimally harmony was believed to be a sign of divinity.Links Therefore training the body and the spirit to pursuit harmony was a very important part in the education of the young Greek. In the Greek grammar schools the young ones were trained athletically. In the mean time scholar were present to teach them grammar, astrology, philosophy and other subjects. The people strove for spiritual as well as physical perfection.
Many plays based on the myths were written during this Classic Period, and it is these versions that come to us today.

336 to 31 BC – The Hellenistic Period
This era is called the Hellenistic Period, after Hellen, the legendary ancestor of the Greeks, the son of Deucalion and the grandson of Prometheus.
The empire of Alexandra the Great came within this period, the Greek culture spread across the near and middle east after his death in 323 BC

The decline of Greece.
In the last century before the birth of Christ, the Roman Empire expanded and become more powerful then Greece although the Romans were greatly influenced by the Greeks. They had their own gods but did not have such complexed mythology. Gradually they mixed the Greek mythologies with their own until both mythologies where almost the same. The Romans names for their gods and heroes adopted from Greece.

Crete: 10 things not to miss

2008-03-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

1 - Knossos
The largest of Crete's Minoan palaces, extensively excavated and controversially restored, Knossos is the island's major tourist attraction. Mythically, this was the labyrinth of the Minotaur, the half-man, half-bull imprisoned by King Minos.

2 - Samariá Gorge
It's a strenuous half-day hike, but the 'Iron Gates' alone, an opening only a few metres wide between 500m high rock walls towards the end, make it worth your while.

3 - Aghios Nikolaos
It may be touristy, but for good reason: this is an attractive town set in a region of well-preserved ancient sites, picturesque villages and breathtaking coastal scenery.

4 - Rethymnon
A city full of relics from its Venetian and Turkish past, Rethymnon is the capital of a picturesque region that also contains Crete's most sacred shrine to independence.

5 - Malia
Situated between the Lassithi mountains and the coast, Malia is the third largest Minoan palace in Crete after Knossos and Phaistos.

6 - The caves at Matala
Wonderful underwater caves, used in prehistoric times as places of worship and dwellings.

7 - Heraklion Museum
Regarded as one of the most important museums in Europe, with many stunning archaeological finds on display. Located in the centre of Iraklion (Heraklion) city.

8 - Sitia
Crete's easternmost town, set in an amphitheatre among gentle mountain scenery and lush vineyards, is a laid-back place with tier after tier of colour-washed houses rising from the tree-lined waterfront.

9 - Caves
Crete is an underground paradise for speleologists: there are some 300 caves dotted around the island and the Haniá Mountaineering Club runs organised expeditions (www.interkriti.org/orivatikos/hania1.htm).

10 - Beaches
Crete may be littered with striking relics of ancient cultures, but many visitors come for its beaches. There are miles and miles of sandy shores, but you are likely to have to share them with lots of fellow tourists.

The island of Spinalonga

2008-02-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

The island of Spinalonga (official name Kalidon) is located in the eastern part of Crete, near the town of Elounda. Harking back to the Venetian occupation, the name Spinalonga is Italian, meaning "long thorn". The location is also the setting for Victoria Hislop's bestselling novel The Island and Werner Herzog's experimental short film Last Words.

In 1579, the Venetians built a fortress on Spinalonga over the ruins of an acropolis. They kept control of the island until the Ottoman Empire took possession of it in 1715.

The island is notable for being one of the last active leper colonies in Europe, being used in this manner from 1903 until 1957. The last inhabitant, a priest, left in 1962. This was to maintain the religious tradition of the Greek Orthodox church, in which a buried person has to be commemorated 40 days, 6 months, 1, 3 and 5 years after their death. (Leper colonies that have survived Spinalonga include Tichilesti in Eastern Romania, Fontilles in Spain and Talsi in Latvia. As of 2002, one of the few remaining lazarettos in Europe is the one in Dubrovnik.)

There are two entrances to Spinalonga, one being the lepers' entrance, a tunnel known as Dante's Gate. This was so named because the patients did not know what was going to happen to them once they arrived. However, once on the island they received food, water, medical attention and social security payments. Previously, such amenities had been unavailable to Crete's leprosy patients, as they mostly lived in the area's caves, away from civilization.

Today, the unoccupied island is one of the main tourist attractions in Crete. In addition to the abandoned leper colony and the fortress, Spinalonga is known for its small pebble beaches. The island can easily be accessed from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. Tourist boats depart from both towns on a daily basis. There is no accommodation on Spinalonga, meaning all tours last only a few hours. Boat trips from Elounda take approximately fifteen minutes while trips departing Agios Nikolaos can take upwards of one hour.

The book "Island of the Damned" by Victor Zorba - a local expert on the island - is still in print. It relates the true story of the leper colony and, as the author met with the last governor of the colony, contains many exclusive photos and stories of the German occupation.
The book "The Island" by Victoria Hislop is set on Spinalonga and shares the fictional story of a family's ties to the leper colony.

Elounda Village

2008-02-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

Rethymnon Historical Information

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Rethymnon has a rich and varied history that spans thousands of years. Findings from caves in the region provide evidence of human habitation that dates back to Neolithic times. Findings from within the town indicate that Rethymnon itself has been inhabited since the late Minoan Era. During the 3rd and 4th Centuries BC the autonomous state of Rithymna was of sufficient importance to issue its own coinage.

The Venetian rule saw Rethymnon flourishing as a commercial, artistic and administrative centre. The Venetians created a harbour, built extensive fortifications - including the impressive Fortezza which still dominates the town today - and constructed distinctive monuments such as the Rimondi Fountain and the Loggia.

During the Turkish occupation Rethymnon fell somewhat into decline. However the town did become an important centre for local resistance in Crete's battle for independence. The Turks also left their mark architecturally, most notably in the modifications they made to Venetian buildings and in the construction of minarets and mosques.

In 1913, Rethymnon, along with the rest of Crete became unified with Greece. During the Second World War local inhabitants played an extremely active role in resisting the Nazi occupation; townspeople and villagers frequently risking their own lives in the process.

In recent decades Rethymnon has continued to grow and prosper - as a centre for local industry, tourism and a seat of learning.

Chania: The Origin of the City's Name

2008-01-16T12:22:00.000-08:00

Scholars have been trying for years to analyse the etymology of the name "Hania," and to decide on the time when the name was changed from "Kythonia" to "Hania". The new name is first met as "Cania" in the document "Sexteriorum Cretensiu in Militias divisio" in 1211. Then the name "Canea" is mentioned in the document which relinquishes the Hania area to the Venicians in 1252. As for the change of the name from "Kythonia" to "Hania", the most convincing point of view is that of Prof. N. Platonas, who associates it with the existence of a big village "Alhania", named after the God "Valhanos" (Vulcan). The Sarasin Arabs found this name easier to use but confused it with their own word "Al Hanim" (the Inn). After the departure of the Arabs, the syllable "Al", probably taken to be the Arab article "Al" (the), was dropped when the name was translated into the Greek "Hania" and the Latin "Canea".

Historically and Archaelogically, the hill of Kasteli is one of the most significant parts of the city, as it has been inhabited since Neolithic times. The factors which contributed to the uninterrupted use of Kasteli as a residential area were : its geographic position and the fertile plain on the south, both of which contributed to making the district an important commercial and transport junction. Excavations have brought to light remains dating from the first Minoan period (2800-2000 B.C.). The houses of that period are large with well constructed rooms. The walls and floors are painted with a bright red colour. The Kasteli area was also inhabited in the Post-Minoan period (1580/1550 - 1100 B.C.).

According to the evidence offered by the clay tablets in Linear A scripture found on the hill, the area was reserved for royal use. Between 1380 and 1100 B.C. it developed into a commercial centre which was in constant communication with the rest of Crete and Greece.A historically significant ceramics workshop, known as "the Kythonia Workshop" has also been found in the Hania area. It now belongs to the post-royal period.

Chania Prefecture

2008-01-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

The Prefecture of Chania covers the Western part of Crete; its extent is 2.376 square kilometres, the coast line 250 kilometres approximately, and it counts circa 150.000 permanent residents. It is divided in five provinces: Apokoronou, Kissamou, Kydonias, Selinou and Sfakion. Chania is the capital city of the prefecture.

Most of the territory is mountainous, with the mountain chain of Lefka Ori ("White mountains", named so because of the snow covering the tops all year round), to be the highest mountain (2.453 metres); at the intervals there are small plains and valleys very fertile, and well watered, due to the various small rivers and brooks flowing through them, which, unlike to the rest of the Greek islands, do have enough water even in summer.

The area has a magnificent natural environment; apart from the small rivers and brooks here and there, there are lakes and lagoons, caves and rocks, as well as several gorges both at the North and at the South, the most well known among them being the Samaria gorge, the longer in Europe, declared as a National Park and protected by the Greek State.

Visiting the villages of the inland is a fascinating experience, both for the landscape and for their character: most of them are not affected by tourism, they maintain their traditional features in what concerns the architecture and their residents proudly maintain their traditional way of life. It is in those villages that the visitor can understand the special characteristics of the Cretan people, experience the hospitality and taste and smell the scents of the area.

The routes from one village to another in most cases are one of the attractions of the place, since the secondary roads pass through sites extremely scenic and beautiful and driving there is an unforgettable experience.

Chania prefecture has coasts at the North, at the South and at the West; the northern coasts form three large bays: the Kissamos bay, the Chania bay and the Souda bay, the latter being the best protected from the winds. Souda is one of the bigger natural ports in the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches at the North and West are in their majority sandy and very much affected by the northern winds, as the small islets around cannot prevent them from arriving to the coast at all their strength.

The southern coasts are open to the South, with no considerable bays. Partly sandy and some of them pebbly, the beaches have crystal clear blue water and very interesting seabed, for the fans of snorkelling and underwater activities. Swimming starts earlier in the South, where the weather is a bit warmer.

In the territory of the prefecture it is found the last part of the European path E4, which passes through the whole of Europe and Greece and ends up at Crete; in the island the path starts from Kissamos (Kastelli) and ends up at Siteia in the Eastern part.

The place is wealthy enough. Traditionally, one of the main sources of wealth used to be, and still is, agriculture and cattle breeding. However, the attractions of the place, the magnificent nature, the development of facilities and the hospitality of the locals have made of tourism one of the main economic resources for the prefecture. The area is one of the main destinations both of the Greeks, for vacation, excursions and business, but also of tourists from all over the world.
The history of the place goes back to the Neolithic times; it flourished in the Minoan period and was very important during the Venetian domination of the island, mainly due to the excellent port of Souda; it has been the centre of numerous revolts during the Ottoman domination, as the independent character of the people could not stand being under the yoke of any foreigner. During the World War II, it has been one of the most important places of resistance, as the Battle of Crete has taken place in the territory of Chania, due to the interest of the Germans for the airport of Maleme, one of the two main military targets on the island.

Historical Archive of Crete

2008-01-16T11:52:00.000-08:00

The Historical Archive of Crete was established in 1920 based in Chania and constitutes a Public Interprefectorial Service, a decentralised department of the General Record Office of the State, which comes directly under the Ministry of Education. It is housed in a public, neoclassical, scheduled building at 20 I. Sfakianaki Str. and it also includes a second, ancillary building with filing-rooms.
The Historical Archive has reached today such a high level, that it is considered to be the largest of the regional Historical Archives in our country in terms of content, volume and material importance. The aim and mission of th Historical Archive of Crete consists in the collection, classification, recording, preservation and promotion of all kinds of archives and relics related to Cretan History. Today, approximately 700,000 historical documents are preserved in the Historical Archive : Large historical collections, such as the official correspondence of the Cretan Revolutions of 1821-1830, 1866-1869, 1877-1878, 1895-1898 and 1905. Moreover, it includes many private collections with archives material belonging to Rebels and other prominent figures, the archives of Cretan fighters, the archives of the Turkish Administration in Crete, the Central Translation Office of Crete, the Cretan Government and German Occupation, as well as Administrative, Judicial, Church archives, etc., a large photographic material with approximately 3,000 photographs, a complete record of the Cretan Press since 1831, a specialised Library containing about 10,000 titles, as well as a large museum collection of valuable historical and folklore relics.

Address :I.Sfakianaki 20, 73134 Chania tel.& fax 0030 28210 52606
e-mail: iakr@otenet.gr, history@gak.chan.sch.gr
web site: http://gak.chan.sch.gr/history Open :9:00 - 13:00 exept Saturdays and Sundays
Responsible:Simandiraki Zaxarenia

Zorba The Greek, the Greek Dance, and Greek Pride

2007-12-27T11:50:00.001-08:00

If you think Zorba the Greek is a simple-minded homage to a man with a zest for life, then you haven't seen the movie. Basil (Alan Bates), a reticent British writer, comes to the Mediterranean island of Crete to revive a mine his father owned. On the way, he meets a Greek roustabout named Zorba (Anthony Quinn) and hires him to help, little suspecting that Zorba's exuberance will lead him to some dark and troubling places--frankly, if the last 30 minutes of Zorba the Greek are what it means to embrace life, some viewers will want to shut the door in life's face. But there's no denying the movie's ambitious scope and implacable force, even as it paints an alien and disturbing portrait of life in a Greek village. On top of that, gorgeous cinematography and one of the greatest film scores ever give this movie almost demonic energy.

Heraklion Prefecture - Crete - Greece

2007-12-27T11:46:00.001-08:00

Dreaming Of Crete (2 from 2)

2007-12-17T09:54:00.001-08:00

Now, staying in Crete won't be a problem since it offers up-to-date facilities for everyone. From the 5 star exclusive resorts by the sea to rooms to rent and organized camping sites. The choice is yours depending on your finances and the service is mostly good especially for foreigners. The majority of the locals can communicate in foreign languages such as English, German, French or Italian. There are a lot of rent-a-bike or rent-a-car agencies with reasonable prices. If you want to get to know Crete better, then you would proabably need a good 7 to 8 days to discover the beauties of Crete. I would suggest avoiding places like Hersonissos village near Heraklion which was developed for the sole entertainment of Western backpack tourists who live on beer and greek salad most of the time - instead go for the genuine character of the island, like visiting Samaria Canyon with the unique Kri-kri goats that live only in Crete, or the lake of Kournas hidden into the mountains in Rethymnon or the famous birthplace of Zeus, Mount Ida, or have a swim at the palmy beach of Vai in the south for instance.
Did you know that Heraklion was the birthplace of Domenicus Theotocopoulos - known to most of us as El Greco? Or that Nikos Kazantzakis, also Cretan, was the writer of the famous play "Zorba the Greek" which was based on a true story? Even Athens' international airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" was named after the late Prime Minister who was Cretan as well.

Ah, Crete is such a mesmerizing place to be! I always return with a desire to find out more of its unique character. How can you go to Crete? Easily, with a connecting flight through Athens' Intl' Airport (half an hour duration) or direct charter flights from Europe. Alternatively, there are frequent boat trips from the port of Pireus in Athens or Salonica to Rethymnon and Heraclion. The day trip lasts around 6 hours and the overnight trip lasts approximately 9 1/2 hours. The fleet is modern and spacious.

I hope I have given you an alluring idea about how to get to know Crete better! Now all you have to do is to set your mind on going to this very special island that is part of Greece.

By Marialena Lioulia

Dreaming Of Crete (1 from 2)

2007-12-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

Regarding the "Escape from America" article about affordable vacation places, I was happy to see that Crete is considered one of them! The family of my mother stems from Crete and my grandma and aunts and cousins still live there, so I think I can tell you more about this beautiful island. First of all it is a very big place combining both steep mountain sides and a huge coast line from north to south. It is divided into four counties, which have four major cities as capitals, each one with a character of its own. The biggest city on the north is Heraclion (named after the famous Greek mythology hero Hercules) with all the pros and cons of a modern city, but do include in your itinerary visits to the other three major cities which are Chania, Rethymnon and Agios Nicolaos (St. Nicolas) all located on the north coast of the Aegean Sea. In the south the enviroment is more tropical, since the Libyan Sea is much hotter than the other waters that surround the island. The area is less populated but there are some interesting villages and towns you can go to such as Sitia, Ierapetra and Sfakia Coast.

Crete has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The visitor can discover primitive remains along with the very impressive up-to-date Minoan civilization (do you remember the mythical Minotaur that was said to live in the palace of King Minoas in Knossos?) which was affected by the eruption of the volcano in the Aegean Sea that is said to have destroyed Atlantis. Then it was colonized by mainland Greeks and was a significant trading post from mainland Greece to Eygpt. Apostle Paul visited the island during the early Christian era and then in the 1200's it was conquered by both Venetians (from Venice) and Catholic knights (Franks as we call them). Then, around 1600 Ottomans (Turks) came along and stayed until the late 1800's when Crete finally became a Greek province once again.

You can see influences of each era all around the island both in the architecture and in the names of places. You will be impressed by the numerous small churches that have been built across the island in the name sake of several saints Cretans are very religious people, the majority of them Orthodox Christians. Some mosques left from the Ottoman era can also be found in Heraclion, Rethymnon and the city of Chania and are now part of the cultural heritage of Crete.

The people are very hospitable, righteous, loud and have developed a strong sense of pride. Older people in the villages wear a characteristic uniform consisting of a black shirt and trousers, white boots and a scarf to cover their heads. They often grow mustaches as a sign of manhood and are competent in improvising verses when they want to dedicate a song to those around them (which is called mandinada in Greek and can only be heard in the villages of Crete).

They used to carry guns as a self protective means, but now this habit is much restricted to marriages or up in the mountains for the shepperds. The Cretans have developed over the centuries a characteristic pronunciation of the Greek language in which some consonants are more stressed than usual.

The local cuisine is based on olive oil and it includes special dried breads made of seeds like oats or barley. The cretan cheeses and wines are also very distinct and tasteful. There's is a famous bi-product of wine (not vinegar) which is called Raki in Crete. Have a sip during the mid-day siesta with olive oil, graviera cheese, cucumbers, octapus and anything else that might be handy at the time! You can find everything in Crete regarding Meditteranean food since these goods are in abundance on Crete.

Heraklion Prefecture - Crete - Greece

2007-12-09T09:21:00.001-08:00

The Palace of King Minos at Knossos

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Heraklion in history

2007-12-09T09:03:00.001-08:00

Heraklion is close to the ruins of the palace of Knossos, which in Minoan times was the biggest centre of population on Crete. It is thus very likely that there was a port here as long ago as 2000 BC. There is, however, no archaeological evidence of the port.
The present city of Heraklion was founded in 824 AD by the Saracens (an Arabic Muslim people). They built a moat around the city for protection, and named the city خندق Ḫandaq, 'moat'. The Saracens allowed the port to be used as a safe haven for pirates, much to the annoyance of the nearby Byzantine Empire.
Byzantine Era
In 961, the Byzantines, under the command of Nikiforos Fokas, later to become Byzantine Emperor, attacked and defeated the city, slaughtered the Saracens, looted the city, and burned it to the ground. They remained in control of the rebuilt Khandak for the next 243 years.
Venetian Era
In 1204, the city was bought by the Republic of Venice as part of a complicated political deal which involved among other things, the Crusaders of the Fourth Crusade restoring the deposed Byzantine emperor Isaac II Angelus to his throne. The Venetians improved on the ditch by building enormous fortifications, most of which are still in place, including a giant wall, in places up to 40 m thick, with 7 bastions, and a fortress in the harbour. Khandak was renamed to Candia in Italian and became the seat of the Duke of Candia. As a result, the Venetian administrative district of Crete became known as "Regno di Candia" (Kingdom of Candia). The city retained the name of Candia for centuries and the same name was often used to refer to the whole island of Crete as well. To secure their rule, Venetians began in 1212 to resettle families from Venice on Crete. The coexistence of two different cultures and the influence of Italian Renaissance lead to a flourishing of letters and the arts in Candia and Crete in general, that is today known as the Cretan Renaissance.
Ottoman Era
After the Venetians came the Ottoman Empire. They besieged the city for 22 years in a bloody war in which 30,000 Cretans and 120,000 Ottoman soldiers died.[citation needed] The Venetians surrendered in 1669. Under the Ottomans, the city was known officially as Kandiye (again also applied to the whole island of Crete) but informally as Megalo Kastro 'Big Castle'. During the Ottoman period, the harbour silted up, so most shipping shifted to Hania in the west of the island.
Modern Era
In the period of autonomy under Great Power supervision (1898-1908), Candia was part of the British zone. With the rest of Crete, it became part of the Cretan State in 1908, and was incorporated into the Kingdom of Greece in 1913. Upon its union with Greece it was renamed "Heraklion", after the Roman port of Heracleum 'Heracles' city' whose exact location is unknown. The biggest monument of the city is the Venetian medieval fortress Rocca al Mare (also known as Koules) located at the port.

Knossos

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Knossos is located 5km southeast of Hraklio and the transition is done with public means of transportation.
It as been discovered from archeological researchers that Crete has been inhabited for the first time in Neolithic period in 6000-5000 b.c.
The people there are occupied with agriculture, they process the stone and the first time they use the potter to create pots.
Dotted in all over the island, they basically live in cages such as Zarko and Agia fotia and eastern Crete in Amniso to the mountains of Lasithio in central Crete and in Gaudo in western Crete. In parallel, the inhabitants start to build settlements where there have been discovered old cities in the deep stratums of Knoso and Faisto and isolated houses in Katsampa of Hraklio and in Makasa of Siteia.

Minoan Civilization
Around in 2600 b.c with the emigration of people from Mikra Asia and perhaps from Libya, in the village starts the famous Minoan civilization, which it is separated in 4 periods based to the first structure, disaster, reconstruction and the final destruction of the royal centers of the island.
The most important palaces have been discovered in the central and eastern Crete (Knosos, Faistos, Malia and Zakros) and to the western Crete the archeological research has started lately to bring the ruins to the light of a valueless center in Xania. Among these, Minoan ‘s palace has the first place in Knoso where the name to the mythic king was given from Evans in Minoan civilization.
The life in it has started in 1900 b.c in the beginning of the old time royal period when an unknown reason in all over the island, for example some royal families have assembled in their hands the authority and they have started to build palaces. Knoso’s palace has been built in a hill in 22000 s.m. Around it, it was built Knoso’s city where we can recognize her importance from her two ports.
The one was Katsampas in Kairato’s river, which flows to the south and to the east of Knoso’s hill. The other Amnisos eastern from Hraklio, and as Omiros has reported it was another Knoso’s port. The two ports presuppose the existence of a big city which by Evans it had 80000 people. Other researchers think that the people were 30000. Knoso’s king was named Minos analogous with the title of Farao king.

Palace in Knosso
In 1700 b.c Knoso’s palace was destroyed perhaps from an earthquake
The palace’s ruins after it’s final destruction have cured during time and nothing has been seen from the huge multi-storied group with the 150 rooms until Evan’s excavation.
After the palace’s excavation and the uncovering of the Minoan civilization, it appeared the real meaning of Labyrinth. The word comes from Labry the double axe, which is thought the most sanctum symbol of the Minoan religion. Labyrinth was the same palace as House of Labryon important sanctum of religion.

Monastery of Preveli

2007-11-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

The Holy Stavropegiac and Patriarchal Preveli Monastery of Saint John the Theologian (Evangelist), known as the Monastery of Preveli is located at the south of Prefecture of Rethymnon and it is the most sacred part of the Holy Diocese of Lambis and Sfakion, in whose the spiritual jurisdiction belongs. The monastery is consisted of two main building complexes, the Lower (Kato) Monastery of Saint John the Baptist and the Rear (Pisso) Monastery of Saint John the Theologian which is in operation today. The Preveli Monastery and its dependencies cover a large estate land of the Phoenix Municipality towards the Libyan sea and along the Great River (Megalos Potamos), which ends at this point.

The Monastery has a glorious history due to the active and leading involvement of its fellow monks in all national endeavourers for freedom and education of our people. Thus, it merits specific recognition and respect throughout the island of Crete.

In our days, the Holy Monastery of Preveli with a new monastic Brotherhood and through the immemorial coenobitic capitulary of Monachism, wishes, endeavourers and minds to give with a dynamic spiritual and adorable attendance its own orthodox martyry of worship to the God and love to the people, by supporting them to find again their true being meaning through Jesus Christ life.

City of Rethymnon

2007-11-21T08:18:00.000-08:00

Rethymnon is the capital of the Prefecture of the same name and it is built between two other large cities of Crete. In the east is Iraklion (80 km) and to the west is Hania (60 km).
It lies along the north coast, having to the east one of the largest sand beaches in Crete (12 km) and to the west a rocky coastline that ends up to another large sand beach after 10 km.
It is the administrative, communications and commercial center of the Prefecture with approximately 25.000 inhabitants.

Access
There is direct connection all year round from the port of Rethymnon to Piraeus.Tours to Santorini are also organized during the summer.
Rethymnon does not have an airport but the city is served by the airports of Hania and Iraklion.
Public buses can be used for travelling to Hania, Iraklion and most of the towns and villages of the Prefecture of Rethymnon.

History
There are evidences that Rethymnon city is built on the site of ancient Rithymna that flourished during Mycenean times. In the 3rd century AD, for some unknown reason, it lost its importance, and is only mentioned as a large village. However, Rithymna retained its autonomy and independence, as is evidenced by the coins which, as a free city, it continued to mint. During the Byzantine period the town continued to be inhabited, and parts of Roman and Byzantine mosaics have been found.
Rethymnon became a city during the Venetian occupation. The Venetians needed an intermediary port for their operations for their ships travelling from Iraklion to Hania. They also needed an administrative center, so Rethymnon became the third bigger city in Crete and an important cultural center. Rethymnon was destroyed in 1567 when Algerian pirates conquered, robbed and burned it. The Turks took over Rethymnon at 1646.
During the period of Ottoman rule, Rethymnon fell into decline as did the other towns in Crete. During the difficult years of the struggle for independence, its inhabitants were actively involved and, as a result, many of its freedom – fighters were executed.
In 1897, the Russian army took Rethymnon and held it until 1909. In 1913, it became part of Greece, together with the rest of Crete.
During the German occupation, the Rethymniots took an active part in the resistance against fascism.
In the last 25 years, Rethymno has seen a significant growth, in economy by the development of tourism and in culture by the operation of the university.

Sights
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, small Venetian harbor and narrow streets.
The Venetian Loggia, an elegant building of the 16th century, that used to be a Venetian gentlemens's club and today houses the information office of the ministry of culture and a sales point of the archaeological museum.
The Fortezza castle, at the top of a low hill named "Palaiokastro" dominates the town. It was built in 1590 to protect the city from the pirates raids and the Turks.
The name "Palaiokastro which means 'The old Castle" was in use even by the Venetians which demonstrates the existance of an even older castle at this place. - Probably the acropolis of the ancient town of Rithymna.
The interior of Fortezza accommodated the following basic buildings: the storeroom of the artillery, where canons and weapons were kept, the residence of the Councillors, where one of the city's two Venetian councillors lived, the residence of the Rector, which represented a luxurious, magnificent building in the central square of the fortress.
Today parts of those buildings, as well as of some others built later, can be seen. The view from up there is magnificent, especially at night.
The municipal theatre "Erofili" stands also at Fortezza's premises. It is an outdoor theatre that hosts almost all the performances during the Renaissance Festival.
Rimondi fountain with rich decoration is situated at Platanos square, the centre of the Venetian town. It was built in 1626, by A.Rimondi, in order to provide the citizens with drinkable water.
Neratzes mosque formerly the Holy Virgin church, was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans. Today it is used as a music conservatory. Outstanding elements of this building are the doorframe and the three domes. Next to the mosque there is the impressive minaret, built in 1890.
Kara Mousa Pasa Mosque also a venetian monastery that was turned into mosque by the Turks. Today it is the house of the Restoration Board.
Porta Guora the entrance to the Venetian town is the only remnant of the defensive wall.
Folklore & history museum (Vernardou 28-30. Open Monday to Friday 09.30-14.30. Closed Saturday and Sunday.) Housed in a restored Venetian building with an interior courtyard. Eight halls with collections that include textile and basket weaving, embroidery & lace, costumes, ceramics, historic photographs and maps, weapons and coins. Over 5.000 items dating from the 17th to the 20th century are displayed.
The Archaeological museum of Rethymno (8am to 3pm, closed on Monday), just opposite the entrance of the fortress, exhibits objects from the Neolithic to the Roman period, found at the prefecture of Rethymno (mainly Eleftherna, Monastiraki and Armeni). Clay figurines, funerary coffers, grave offerings, statues, grave steles, red-figure vases, bronze vessels, jewellery and glass vases, are some of the objects on display.
The municipal gardens are ideal for those in search of shade and tranquillity.
Throughout the year various activities are organized which draw a large crowd. The Wine Festival is held there annually at the beginning of July. Another festival is held on 7-8th of November, in memory of the destruction of Arkadi Monastery.
Facilities
Rethimnon is a city that caters to the needs of the visitor.
There are a lot of places to stay ranging from luxury hotels to rent a room, bed and breakfast apartment buildings.
Night life can range from extremely intense on the pubs and bars around the harbor and inside the old city , to relaxed on small bars right on the beach.
There is always fresh fish to be found in the tavernas around the harbor and there are many other restaurants and tavernas outside the city in equally attractive surroundings.
Shopping could also be interesting at Rethimno. There are lots of small shops with attractive merchantise from souvenirs, cards, etc to the most rare kind of sponge.

Vai beach movie

2007-11-21T08:09:00.001-08:00

Hiking and nature in Eastern Crete

2007-11-21T07:55:00.001-08:00

Agios Georgios - Katofigi Cave

The point that you are to start trekking to the Katofigi cave, is about 200 m after the crossroads of Agios Georgios, on the national road Sitia – Ierapetra and 15 km from Sitia. This sign is on the national road. You will have to walk the first 300 m on a craggy path.
Pay attention to this point! You can easily get tangled and lose your way. The path leading to the cave, starts behind this fold (in the photo). As you pass the fold, you will immediately descry the path that climbs up the slope.
The time you need to reach the cave is about 30-40 minutes and about 25 minutes for the return. The landscape is wild and imposing as all Cretan countryside.
The first 10 minutes’ walking is a little bit tiring, because it’s singularly uphill. But when you reach the top, the magnificent view will expiate you.
On all the way to the Handras and Sitian Mounts you have unlimited view. Deeply in horizon you can also descry settlements as Pressos, Katsidoni and other smaller ones, which are well hidden in the valleys.
View to the north-east. On your left you can descry Sitian bay with its clear-blue waters. The top of the mount that you can see in the background, is Prinias with 805 m height.
The path is clear-sighted in all its route and you will meet no problems to the direction.
The most ideal season for this excursion is from November to June, when the hills are full of herbs and wild flowers. If you visit the region in October, you will have the opportunity to see flowers as that one in the photo.
The entrance of the cave with Sitian Mounts and the blue sky in the background. The height here is 450 m.
The entrance is behind those rocks. The red crosses on the rocks will make your search easier.

Vai in Sitia

2007-11-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

Vai beaches are located 25 km from Sitia. The combination of a magnificent beach with a rare grove of palm trees makes Vai one of the absolute musts of Crete.
According to a legend, Arab pirates who came to Crete threw out the pips of the dates they were eating while they were here and that from these came this grove of 5000 palms. It is prohibited to camp overnight within the grove, which covers an area of 60 acres and is protected by fencing under the care of the Forestry Service. It is organised and has been awarded with the EU Blue Flag.
It is an exotic, tropical beach with fine sand and pebbles and crystal-clear blue sea. 6 km far from Palekastro.

Chania (Culture and Traditions)

2007-11-10T08:26:00.001-08:00

Elounda Village

2007-11-10T08:02:00.001-08:00

This is a world renowned tourism resort located to the north of Aghios Nikolaos, having an indented coastline, shaded beaches, crystal clear seas, and a tranquil and heavenly environment.
It is 10km distance from Aghios Nikolaos, and the cutting along the side of the road affords you the opportunity to admire the spectacular view of Mirambello Gulf and Korfos. The village is built on the southern coast of the Gulf of Elounda, 1km east of the ancient settlement of Olounda, from which it has taken its name. This used to be the favored place of legendary figures from Minoan Crete and of historical figures of our times.
The four villages of Elounda are spread out along the lower slopes of the approach to the Massif.
Pano and Kato Elounda, Mavrikiano and the new settlement of Skisma, the port of Elounda, bask in the glorious sea as it opens up before them offering its beauty and charm.
This sea, as described by Mr. Anestis Makridakis, glows like a sapphire under the azure light of the sky, rose-hued in summer afternoons, silvered on moonlit nights. It is a sea whose light infuses you gently but swiftly, having the power to touch you emotionally. To float in this sea, or to observe it from further away is like dreaming with open eyes.
This peaceful sea was used as a stop-over and refueling point during the period between both world wars by the UK’s Imperial Hydroplane Service The divine creator, in joyous and happy time of inspiration and joviality, did not skimp here with the colors, the lines or the boldness of combinations, giving a magical impression to the landscape. Here, lovers of the art of cinema, of the graphic arts, of music and poetry find an exceptional sight.
Elounda is a place-name that is easy to pronounce, but difficult to describe. It is a place that can only be experienced personally, to live forever thereafter in your dreams.

Venetian period
In 1210, the Venetians occupied the island. The first mention of the name Elounda is found on a document from 1376. The Venetians operated the salt mines, and under threat of danger from the Turks, rebuilt the fortress of Spinalonga in 1579.
Many churches were erected during the latter Venetian occupation: Analipsis, Aghios Georgios in Katevati, the church of The Virgin Mary in Druvalia, Aghios Paraskevi in Tsifliki and Aghios Marinas in Plaka.

Turkish domination
In 1669, the Turks captured the town of Handakas and became the rulers of Crete. Spinalonga would resist for 46 years more, until 1715 when the Turks took it. Here, revolutionaries found a refuge, and because of that event, the Turks forbade the expansion in the wider area of Spinalonga.
This prohibition, as well as fear of pirates, caused the inhabitants who stayed in the small cattle settlements there to be extremely cautious.
The habitation of the settlements of Pano and Kato Elounda, and Mavrikiano began to be regularized in the middle of the 18th century. We are informed by the traveler Pasley that in 1834, Elounda had 40 families, and that most of them came from Fouvni.
Elounda was burned down in 1823 by Hasan Pasha. The inhabitants played an active role in the revolt to overthrow the Turks, as did the cutting off of the fortress of Spinalonga. The contribution and sacrifices of the Eloundians for the liberation of Hirrus, Macedonia and Thrace were significant.

In Elounda today there are 2,200 inhabitants in six settlements, the majority of whom live in Skisma, and are involved in the tourism business. An event which played an important role in the promotion of Elounda was the filming there of the Disney film "The Fringes of the Moon", in 1964. It is from this time that tourism commenced, but at a gentle pace.
The major push in the development of the tourism industry began with the arrival of Eleni Nakou and the brothers Spiros and George Kokotos. In 1969, the construction of the luxury hotel, The Elounda Beach, started. This was followed by the building of the Asteras, The Elounda Mare, Porto Elounda, The Elounda Peninsula and The Elounda Rock hotels. These luxury hotels annually accommodate prominent representatives of the world’s social, economic and political life.

The people of Elounda, working in cooperation, have brought their athletic and cultural associations to the highest levels. The Development Association of Elounda has been in operation since 1975, and does valuable work on the promotion of the local culture of the area. There is a Cretan Dance and Musical Instrument School, and Eloundans successfully organize a Traditional Fish Festival that takes place in Pano Elounda, and since 1998, a concert in Spinalonga where popular Greek artists perform. Since 1992, the important promotional newspaper "Elounda" has been published.
The Athletic Association "Korfos Elounda" was founded in 1979 and plays a leading part in recent years in Lassithi football, gaining many distinctions.

Historical Museum of Crete

2007-11-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

The Historical Museum of Crete presents a comprehensive view of Cretan history from early Christian times to the present day. It was founded in 1953 by the Society of Cretan Historical Studies, which had been established two years earlier. The museum is housed in a two-storey neoclassical building, which was constructed in 1903 on the site of an earlier mansion belonging to the Kalokerinos family. The second building, designed by K. Tsandirakis, was clearly influenced by morphological features of the earlier one, and was later listed as a historical monument. The new museum extension to the west constituted an attempt to combine traditional and modern architecture.

The original goal of those founding the Historical Museum of Crete was to collect and preserve valuable archaeological, ethnographic and historical material deriving from the medieval and modern periods in Cretan history. The process of enriching the collections, extending exhibition space and redefining the museum's aims has never ceased. Prolific research and publishing activity, the organisation of temporary exhibitions, educational programmes and the use of audiovisual media all form part of the modern educational role adopted by the Historical Museum of Crete over time. The same approach also includes the gradual re-organisation of the collections on display so as to appeal to a wider range of visitors, thus offering them the opportunity to understand the many facets of historical development on Crete from early Byzantine times to the present day.

Visitors begin their tour in the A.G. Kalokerinos Room, which presents an overview of Cretan history via representative exhibits from all the collections and chronological periods. The main exhibit is the 4 x 4 metre model of the city of Chandax (Heraklion) in the mid-17th century, at the peak of its power in Venetian times. Visitors can activate forty different spotlights picking out the most important monuments.

The Ceramics and Sculpture Collections, which follow, are organised in chronological order. Starting from the First Byzantine Period, the former ends in the Ottoman period and the latter in the Venetian period. Within this chronological layout there are individual thematic displays (locally-produced and imported ceramics; luxury and everyday ceramics; ecclesiastical and urban architecture; water supply etc.), which offer visitors additional information on the Cretan population's living conditions.

The Historical Museum's Numismatic Collection is particularly rich. Individual coin finds and hoards, banknotes, medals, lead seals, coin jewellery and relevant archive material chart all phases of Cretan economic history from the early Christian period to the 20th century.

In the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection visitors can follow the development of art (via fresco fragments and portable icons) and thus come to realise the dynamic co-existence of the native Christian Orthodox population with the Ottoman and Venetian overlords. Piety and Christian worship are manifested in liturgical vessels and vestments, manuscripts, personal belongings and jewellery. The crowning exhibits in this section are two paintings by Domenicos Theotocopoulos (El Greco): The Baptism of Christ (1567) and View of Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine (1570), which are the only works by the artist on display on Crete.

Modern and contemporary Cretan history is divided into four chronological phases and permanent exhibitions, the first being Ottoman Rule, with emphasis on the Muslim presence on the island. This includes objects from secular and religious life (Ottoman wall paintings, inscriptions, architectural elements from Ottoman religious foundations, documents and minor objects). The second concerns the period of revolutionary upheaval in the 19th century, ending with the Union of Crete with Greece. Rich historical material traces revolutionary activity and everyday life at the time (flags, banners, weapons, documents, articles for everyday use, furniture, uniforms, maps, photographs). This section also includes a gallery of portraits of Cretan revolutionaries. The third exhibition relates to the Inter-War Years and the fourth to World War II (the war between Greece and Italy, the Battle of Crete and the National Resistance). Audiovisual material is used here in an attempt to recreate the environment during battles and bombardments. This section is supplemented by the study and library of Emmanouil Tsouderos, then Prime Minister of Greece.

The tour continues in the Nikos Kazantzakis Rooms, with the author's study and library from his house in Antibes, France. Personal mementoes, manuscripts and first editions of his works in many languages complete the picture of his life and creativity.

Ending their tour of Cretan history in the Ethnographic Collection, visitors are introduced to the notion of continuity in time, mainly in rural society, through the survival and repetition of productive processes (olive growing and viniculture, cereal cultivation, animal husbandry) and important milestones in life (birth, baptism, marriage). These human activities are closely bound up with the natural environment and space in which they take place (folk architecture - reconstructed interior of a Cretan agricultural house).

The Library at the Historical Museum of Crete contains rare editions, periodicals, a local newspaper archive, a rich collection of historical archives and photographic material. It is directed at the general public as well as researchers.

Historical Museum of Crete

House A. & M. Kalokerinos
27, Sofokli Venizelou Ave. /
7, Lysimachou Kalokerinou St.
71202 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Tel: (++30) 2810 283219, 288708
Fax: (++30) 2810 283754
@: info@historical-museum.gr
URL: www.historical-museum.g

Chania (Hospitality)

2007-10-31T06:22:00.000-07:00

New Heraklion Archaeological Museum

2007-10-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

Open its doors in 2010.

Over 45,000 Greek and foreign visitors have been to the new exhibition at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum which opened to the public on 25 July. Meanwhile work is continuing rapidly on the modernisation and extension of the new museum complex, which is to house about 10,000 Minoan artefacts.

According to Museum Director Nota Dimopoulou, there are 800-1200 visitors a day. She told us: “These are mostly small groups and individual visitors who are particularly interested in archaeology and culture. There are no huge crowds and the tours take place smoothly, without problems. Unfortunately this new room is not suitable for mass tourist visits from cruise ships. There are compromises concerning visits to the museum, but don’t forget that Heraklion Archaeological Museum used to be the busiest museum in Greece.”
The new building of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Meanwhile work is continuing rapidly on the modernisation and extension of Heraklion Archaeological Museum, despite the delays caused by the discovery of the monastery of St Francis, changes to the plans, the withdrawal of the first consortium to undertake the work, etc.

The display area will cover an area of 3,000 square metres. About 10,000 of the 14,000 finds formerly on display will be exhibited in 25 rooms.

The building is expected to be ready in 2008, when the museological study should also have been completed. Circumstances permitting, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum will be ready to receive visitors in 2010. The budget is 21 million euros.

Chania (Historical Sites,Museums and Art)

2007-10-31T05:48:00.001-07:00

Animal welfare in Chania

2007-10-31T05:37:00.000-07:00

A new Animal Welfare and Cultural Association called “Animal Protection” (“Prostasia ton Zoon”) has been established in Chania by citizens wanting to promote the cause of animal welfare in the town. The Association has issued the following announcement:

"They say that hope always dies last. That is why we, a group of friends who love animals, hope that things will change. We have decided to unite hearts, minds and forces to do something for the cause of animal welfare in Chania, where local attitudes do little credit to the history and culture of our city.

The aim of our Association is the protection of animals by the following means:

a) Constant and insistent efforts for public information and awareness, starting at an early age, in order to educate children and adults. We will pay particular attention to this aim, as we believe that the cultivation of love for animals is the alpha and omega of animal welfare. We must learn
- Not to abandon animals in the street.
- Not to poison them.
- To love them.
- To neuter them.

b) Constant and insistent efforts to pressure city municipal and political authorities to assume their responsibilities under Law 3170/03 and implement an animal sterilisation programme, in order to limit the problem of desperate strays. Note that scientists say that sterilisation is also very good for the animal’s health. The authorities are also required to create an animal housing and adoption park according to EU regulations, with funding provided by the EU for the purpose, where animals can be happy until they are adopted.

c) Efforts to feed strays at specific points of our city and in the villages. We have already taken the first steps. Soon, in collaboration with the Directorate of Primary Education, to which we have written, we will start a series of presentations in schools, putting up posters and handing out leaflets about animals. Our members and volunteers are putting out food for strays at specific feeding points. Please do not put down poison there or anywhere else. It is a crime against life. It is also a criminal act and we will take any provable case of attempted or actual animal poisoning or ill-treatment to court.

We have already contacted the Municipality of Chania and other nearby Municipalities. We have sent an official letter to the Prefecture of Chania and the Municipalities of Chania, Platanias, Akrotiri, Nea Kydonia, with others to follow soon, as well as to the Local Union of Municipalities and Communities, local political authorities including Chania MP Mr Nikiforakis, and the Church. We ask that they assume their lawful responsibilities regarding stray animals. This is not a vague theoretical proposal. We have done extensive research on the subject and found municipalities with a very good record on animal welfare. The main argument of local municipalities, that there are no funds available, is false. Both the Ministry of Agricultural Development and the Ministry of the Interior have huge funds, mainly from the European Union, available to hand out to municipalities to use on stray animal sterilisation programmes and animal parks with ultra-modern facilities. All it takes is guts - otherwise known as political will.

Our local municipalities have shown absolutely no interest so far. We hope to rock the boat. We are ready and willing to help them in every way possible, but we are also prepared to take any legal action at both national and international level if they continue to ignore the issue.

Two other animal welfare associations, previously or currently run by German citizens, are active in Chania. We are not trying to supplant them in their work, which is mainly focussed on gathering strays and getting them adopted, mainly abroad. We will act in areas where these associations cannot.

We are open to offers of help from everyone working for the good of animals. Our hopes are many, our dreams wide, our needs enormous. If you can help us in any way, please contact us. We need material aid, voluntary contributions and, above all, moral support. We must stress, however, that we are not in a position to set up an animal treatment and adoption programme. This must be done through the municipalities and in collaboration with local vets.

Tavli: This game is a part of the Cretan way of life!

2007-10-24T05:21:00.000-07:00

In every Greek kafeneio you can see men playing the beloved Greek game of 'Tavli'. It looks a bit like the 'western' game of backgammon. Sometimes they play this very quietly, contemplatively, sometimes the situation is very hectic and noisy. It's played for fun and sometimes also for money or a gamble, another favorite sport of many Greeks.

The object of the game is for a player to move all of his checkers into his own home board and then bear them off. The first player to bear off all of his checkers wins the game. The starting positions are the master positions, called 'mana' in Greek.
To start the game, each player throws a single dice. This determines the player to go first. If equal numbers come up, then both players roll again until they roll different numbers. The player throwing the higher number now moves his checkers according to the numbers showing on both dice. After the first roll, the players throw two dice and alternate turns. The roll of the dice indicates how many points, or pips, the player is to move his checkers. The checkers are always moved forward. Please see the links at the bottom of this page for more details.

This game is one of the oldest games in existence, dating back almost 5000 years, and is believed to have been developed by the ancient Egyptians. Using 15 stones, two dice, one board and a winner's attitude, try to move your stones off the table before your opponent does.
The ancient Greeks played it. So did the Romans. The game we know today was refined in England in the seventeenth century, which is also when it acquired the name backgammon. One significant innovation of the twentieth century was the addition of the doubling cube in the 1920s. This is not introduced in Tavli.

Gaming boards of 3 x 10 squares have been found extensively in ancient Egyptian archaeological sites. The game was known to the ancient Egyptians as the Game of Thirty Squares or Senet (sometimes Senat). The exact rules are not known. Similar boards have also been found consisting of 3 x 12 squares, 3 x 6 squares and other patterns - it's not clear if these are different games or mere variants. A number of boards have been found which feature Senet on one side and another popular Egyptian game, the Game of Twenty Squares, on the other.

Backgammon-type games have been played for thousands of years in all parts of the world and certainly during the Egyptian, Greek and Roman eras. The Romans left a great deal of evidence of a game they called Ludus Duodecim Scriptorum, the game of the twelve lines. The game is possibly derived from the Egyptian Senat having a topological set of 3 x 12 points and being played with 3 x 6 sided dice but, again, the rules have never been fully ascertained. In the first century AD, Ludus Duodecim Scriptorum seems to have been replaced by a variant with only 2 rows of 12 points, a game which by the 6th century was called 'Alea'. Both these games and others were also referred to as 'Tabula', which was a generic game for 'boardgame' and in early mediaeval times was usually used to mean the most popular boardgame, Duodecim Scriptorum/Alea/Backgammon, in the same way that the generic term 'football' normally means 'soccer' in England today.

In Asia, the game of Nard appeared sometime prior to 800 AD, in South West Asia or in Persia depending upon which version of history one believes, and variants are played today throughout the continent. Chinese history gives that t'shu-p'u, the Chinese name for Nard was invented in Western India, arrived in China during the Wei dynasty (220 - 265 AD) and became popular from 479 to 1000 AD. In Japan the game was called Sugoroko and was declared illegal during the reign of Empress Jito (690 - 697 AD). Nard, in turn, seems to have been introduced into Europe via Italy or Spain following the Arab occupation of Sicily (902 AD).

The first mention of the game in English print was in The Codex Exoniensis published in 1025: "These two shall sit at Tables...". Tables was probably brought to England by men returning from the Crusades. Many of them stayed for a long time on Crete and Malta. Nard or Tables was played throughout Europe during the middle ages and became very popular in English Taverns, although Chess overtook it as the more popular game in the fifteenth century. By the end of the sixteenth century, Tables had, for some reason, become a generic term for any game played on a flat surface or table. Like many games played for money, it became unpopular with the authorities in England and, until the reign of Elizabeth I, laws prohibiting the playing of Tables in licensed establishments were in force. In the early seventeenth century, however, following some modifications to the rules, the game underwent a revival and it swept across Europe again under a variety of different names which have mostly stayed the same until today. Tavli and Tables are almost synonyms.

It is a subject of debate as to whether the term Backgammon is derived from the Welsh 'back' (little) and 'gammon' (battle) or from the Saxon 'bac' (back) 'gamen' (game).

Backgammon underwent another revival before the first World War but waned during the middle of the twentieth century only to recover again in the 1970s to become the popular game it is today. It is still widely played in the Middle East as Tric-trac.

There are a whole family of variants: Chouette (3 or 4 player version), Partnership backgammon, Sixey-Acey, Dutch Backgammon, Turkish Backgammon (Moultezim), Greek Backgammon (Tavli, Portes, Plakoto, Fevga), Gioul (from the Middle East), Acey Deucey (US Forces version of Dutch Backgammon), European Acey Deucey, Russian Backgammon, Tabard Backgammon and Icelandic Backgammon (Kotra).

TAVLI is a game consisting of three other individual games, called 'Portes' (means 'doors', two checkers together form a 'door'), 'Plakoto' (comes from the Greek verb 'plakono', which means to put something on top of something else ,in the game to put a checker on top of an opponent's checker) and 'Fevga' (pronounce: 'figa', means 'to run', and in the game reflects a fast and well positioned play in order to get to your home quarter).

Portes is the equivalent of Backgammon, with the exception of the doubling and winning with 3 points; usually this is 5 or 7 points. In Greece the exact equivalent of backgammon is called 'Vidos'. The Greeks use to play matches by alternating between the games Portes , Plakoto and Fevga.

The general differences between Greek and 'western style' Backgammon:

* No doubling cube is used
* Gammons and Backgammons count the same (2 points)
* Only one pair of dice is being used and it can be thrown in either side of the board. If a dice lands on a checker or does not lay correctly, both dice must be thrown again
* In the first game the beginner is the one, who throws the highest number. Then he rolls again and starts with these numbers (so it is possible to start with doubles). In all the following games the winner of the last game starts the new game
*A move is done when the opponent rolls the dice: This needs some further explanation I think (X against O, X on roll): Normally O picks up the dice while X makes his move. As long as X has a checker in his hand (or his finger on it), X may change the complete move. If X has finished his move, O may throw the dice and the move is over. If O throws the dice to early, it does not count and he has to throw them again. This way of making the moves allows fast and uncomplicated games

Sfakian Dialect

2007-10-24T04:49:00.000-07:00

Much fanciful nonsense has been written suggesting that the distinctiveness of the Sfakian dialect of Greek is due to the preservation in the region of 'pure' Dorian Greek as this was brought to Crete 3000 years ago. It is certainly true that the dialect of the Sfakia region is in a number of ways different from the other dialects of Crete. But the reality is that its distinctiveness is due to the relative isolation of the area in much more recent times.

The best known of all Cretan dialect features is that the consonants k, g, x (ch) and gh are pronounced like English ch, j, sh and zh before the vowels i and e. For example, ke 'and' is che, anagi 'need' is anaji, maxeri 'knife' is masheri, and Giorgho is Zhorgho. You may well hear these pronunciations in Chora Sfakion, but it is a feature which is absent from many of the villages of the Sfakia region.

The most recognisable Sfakian feature, however, concerns the pronunciation of L. Before the vowels i and e this is pronounced more or less as in other varieties of Greek. Before the vowels a, o, and u, however, a very different sound occurs which is very similar indeed to the pronunciation of r in American English, so that kalá 'well' sounds like 'kará'. Interestingly, in the village of Chora Sfakion, this feature is now almost entirely confined to the speech of men.

Visitors to Sfakia who know some Greek may notice a number of words which are typical of the southern islands generally, or of Crete, or of western Crete, or of Sfakia itself. These include:
Sfakian English Greek
inda? = what? = ti?
jada? = why? = jatí?
etsá = thus = étsi
edhá = now = tóra
epá = here = edhó
ekiá = over there = ekí péra
práma = nothing = típota
kopéli = boy = aghóri
kopélia = boys
kopeliá = girl = korítsi
kopeliés = girls
trozós = crazy = trellós
opsés = yesterday = xtes
ghlakó = I run = tréxo
katéo = I know = kséro
thoró = I see = vlépo

A number of words have a rather different pronunciation from those you might have learned in phrase books:
oi = no = óxi
áne = if = án
oúla = everything = óla
ókso = outside = ékso
mikiós = small = mikrós
pothéno = I die = pethéno
símero = today = símera

There are some grammatical differences also. Past tense verb forms tend to have the e- prefix in all forms:
edhoúlepsa = I worked = dhoúlepsa

And it is possible to place a pronoun object after the verb rather than before it:
thoró se = I see you = se vlépo

All the Sfakia people who come into contact with tourists can switch very easily between Sfakian dialect and Standard Greek, as well as English and maybe German and French too. They remain, however, very proud of their local dialect.

An article written exclusively for sfakia-crete.com
Prof. Peter Trudgill
Chair of English Linguistics
University of Fribourg
Switzerland

Winds of Crete

2007-10-24T04:34:00.000-07:00

In winter there were the hard northern gales, when the sea turned grey, more like the North Atlantic than the Aegean, and the bitter chill came in through the cracks under the doors; and on the coldest days in the unheated room with the stone floor there was nothing to do but put on all your clothes at once -long underwear, sweaters and jackets and scarves- and then go to bed and pile on the blankets. Came spring, and Africa had its voice in our affairs: 'the Big Tongue' as the old women of Crete call the hot, dust-laden sorokos that comes howling up from Libya. We would see it coming through the gap in the mountains to the south -a distant finger of haze drifting into the still blue gulf of Merabello. Innocent it looked, but the fishermen knew it for the devil it was, and when they saw it coming they made for port at once. It arrived all in a rush, churning the sea to angry foam, blowing the salt spray right up on to our terrace, raising little tornadoes of dust all over town. The first day of a sorokos was bad enough; the second was even worse; and by the third you were ready to commit murder or suicide. The air became clogged with yellow dust, you felt restless and often had a headache, couldn't work, couldn't read, couldn't do anything. Tempers wore thin, quarrels flared, domestic peace was threatened. There are archaeologists who say that a south wind was blowing when Knossos burned about 1400 B.C; and to anyone who has lived in Crete there is nothing surprising about this, for it is easy to believe that all bad things happen during the southerly storms.

But the essence of the Cretan climate is the imminence of sudden change; and so the south wind would leave as quickly as it had come. and then for a few days peace and calm seas and blue skies were ours. But never for long -always another wind would come, and some of them, like the cool meltemia breezes that blew steadily from the northwest for forty days in summer, were most welcome.

First page of Winds of Crete, by David MacNeil Doren, 1974.

Let's look to the backgrounds of the Cretan winds. Where do they come from, how are they called and what are their characteristics?

The wind was not always in Greece. Here's how come:

Aeolus was king of the Aeolian Islands, and was appointed by Zeus to be the Ruler of the Winds, both to calm them and to arouse them. Having entertained Odysseus, who had come to him during his wanderings, Aeolus gave him a bag in which he had bound fast the winds. But when Odysseus' fleet, having left the Aeolian Islands was near Ithaca, his comrades, thinking that Odysseus carried gold in the bag, loosed it and let the winds go free, and they were driven back again to Aeolus's floating kingdom. But this time the Ruler of the Winds refused to granted them a fair breeze, driving them from the island.

The following winds can be distinguished in Crete. Looking at the many names it points out that winds play a significant role in daily Cretan life!

Vorias, Boreas, Tramontana: NORTH winds

Boreas is the Greek god of the North Wind who lived in Thrace. He is depicted as being winged, extremely strong, bearded and normally clad in a short pleated tunic. He is the son of Eos and Astraeus, and the brother of Zephyrus, Eurus and Notus. Boreas has two sons, two daughters and twelve mares which can race over the ground without destroying the grain. When the Persian navy of Xerxes threatened the city of Athens, the Athenians begged his assistance. The Great Wind of the Wintery North blew his anger at the Persians and 400 Persian ships sank immediately. Among other violent acts he abducted Oreithyia, the daughter of the king of Athens, when she was playing on the banks of the Ilissus. In Latin, he is called Aquilo.

The Vorias (northerly wind) is very fierce and may last many days on end. Locals say the Vorias in its most fierce of days whistles furiously day and night, tormenting the shepherds on the uplands and the farmers in the fields and ruining the gardens in the villages. Vorias also leaves a most noticeable mark on the trees of the villages, all of which grow slanting away from the wind.

Vorias is called Meltemi in summer.

Vorias Anatoliko, Gregorio, Grego: NORTHEAST winds

Vorias means The North, Anatoliko means The East. 'Gregorio' is Italian for Wind.

Anatolia may be defined in geographic terms as the area bounded to the north by the Black Sea, to the east and south by the Southeastern Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, and to the west by the Aegean Sea and Sea of Marmara; culturally the area also includes the islands of the eastern Aegean Sea.

Anatolikna, Levante, Ageliotes: EAST winds

Ageliotes means Eastern. Associated with beautiful weather in Crete.

Notios Anatolikos, Sirocco, Souroko, Euros: SOUTHEAST winds

Eurus was the child of Eos and Astraeus. Eurus is the Greek god of the East Wind, and his siblings, the other winds. The Greeks were not sure whether the winds were male or female, but they knew that they had wings. Eurus was the wind who brought warmth and rain from the east. A symbol showing this was a vase inverted, pouring out rain. Eurus was the unfavorable one. His Roman equivalent is Vulturnus.

Southeasterly winds commonly occur during the April to October period, but are more frequent during April/May and September/October. Strong episodes occur 3 to 4 times per year and last 1 to 2 days. The winds can be caused by different synoptic situations: low pressure areas south or north from Crete. North African lows develop over the desert region south of the Atlas Mountains.

The associated Sirocco conditions will spread progressively eastward along the northeast African coast. Sirocco conditions vary by season, with the most bothersome effects occurring during spring. Wintertime Sirocco conditions include relatively warm temperatures and stable conditions (low stratus, fog, and drizzle with reduced visibility) in the lower levels of the atmosphere.

An indicator of southeasterly winds is an east-west line of altostratus clouds parallel to the coasts west of Cape Drapanon, near Kokkino Horio and Kalives, and the city of Rethimnon. This indicator is considered to be very reliable and is highly regarded by local fishermen.

Increasing southeasterly winds at Souda Bay are an indication that a North African cyclone is moving toward Crete.

Notios Ostra: SOUTH winds

Notus is the god of the South Wind, which is a very warm and moist wind. He is the son of Eos and Astraeus. The Romans called him Auster.

Hot southern winds are called 'Kadhafi Wind' by some locals in Chora Sfakion. Everybody stays inside, since the normal temperature can already be near 40° C and the wind is even warmer, feeling like a hair dryer on your body.

Gale force winds are likely along the south coast of Crete during an Etesian (see below). Orographic wave clouds along the mountains of Crete are an indication of strong winds to the south.

Cold fronts that move southward through the Aegean Sea usually stall on reaching the latitude of Crete. On the north side of the island, winds are northerly and weather poor with low clouds and drizzle. On the south side of the island, however, winds are southerly with clear skies and warm temperatures. The occurrence of the stationary front along the mountains of Crete can persist up to a week.

Notios Ditikos, Garbis: SOUTHWEST winds

'Ditikos' means West in Greek. 'Garbis' means westerly or southerly wind in Greek. 'Pounento Garbis' is WSW wind.

Pounente, Ditikos, Zephyros: WEST winds

Zephyrus is the Greek god of the West Wind, believed to live in a cave on Thrace. He is the son of Eos and Astraeus, the brother of Boreas, Eurus and Notus. He abducted the goddess Chloris and gave her dominion over flowers. In Roman myth, he is Favonius, the protector of flowers and plants.

Any soft and gentle breeze nowadays is referred to as a zephyr. Theophrastus, a 4th century BC scholar who left us with a complete accounting of the winds of Greece, wrote: "Zephyros, the west wind, is the most gentle of all the winds and it blows in the afternoon and towards the land, and is cold".

'Pounento' and "Ditikos' mean West in Greek.

Vorias Ditikos, Maistro, Schiron: NORTHWEST winds

'Pounento Maistros' is WNW wind in Greek. Maistro is a NW 'beautiful weather wind', prevails in summer,like the Etesians, see below.

Etesians, Meltemi: NORTHERLY winds

The Meltemi (= Turkish word for Etesian) wind was known by the old Greek as the Etesian (etos = annual) northern winds.

Etesians are at their maximum strength during July and August. The pressure gradients necessary to drive the Etesian winds result from a combination of:

The monsoonal effect during the summer leads to a low pressure trough over Turkey. Etesian winds flow from a high pressure ridge over the Balkans toward the trough. During a strong Etesian, the trough may extend relatively far to the west and beyond Rhodes. It may also form a closed low, resulting in almost calm winds at Rhodes.

A jet-effect wind increase caused by channelling of the wind between islands and mountain valleys. These effects tend to render wind reports from certain locations unrepresentative. In the lee of Crete, katabatic flow off the mountains generates gusty winds similar to the Foehn of the Alps. The mountain valleys tend to channel the flow which increases the wind velocity. Strong or gale force winds are frequent along the southern coast of Crete during the Etesian season in areas where they are channelled.

At Souda Bay, Etesian winds are from the northwest quadrant. The northwest winds would likely reach the port area as west-northwesterly due to the higher terrain north and south of the bay, and the valley to the west. An occasional westerly gale may occur during the summer.

The surface flow is generally divergent in an Etesian situation, and the weather is generally thought to be dry with clear skies. However, this is mostly true only during July and August. During this peak Etesian period, scattered altocumulus appear a day before an Etesian, and the only other clouds are orographic types that may form on the lee side of islands in stronger Etesians. During the early and late months of the Etesian season, thunderstorms frequently occur both ahead of and behind the front over the Balkans, often in northern Greece, and sometimes as far south as Athens. The thunderstorms frequently precede the Etesian by one day and generally continue for an additional 24 hours.

Source: sfakia-crete.com/

Wedding Traditions

2007-10-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

Before the Wedding ... Tradition in Greece is to have your “Bed” made before you actually sleep in it with your new spouse. During this ceremony, the bed is “made” with hand-knit linens and then adorned with Koufetta – almond candies, rose petals and, of course, money from friends and family for good luck. In many Greek villages, they gently roll babies on the bed to insure fertility. This ceremony is usually followed by a light meal and drinks. We can do this right in your hotel room the day before the ceremony, or during the morning of the ceremony, together with a lovely brunch. You can also purchase the handmade blanket used on your wedding night to have as a keepsake of this memorable ceremony.
When attending a Greek wedding, guests might wear a small “Eye” to ward off evil and keep the Bride and Groom protected from bad luck. You will see these for sale all over Greece.

Greek Brides often put a lump of sugar in their glove for a “sweet” marriage.
In Ancient Greece, Brides often carried Ivy at the weddings as a symbol of their never-ending love.
Traditionally, during medieval times, the bride was abducted from her home and village by force. To do this, a large expedition was formed, led by the groom, which attacked the bride's home so as to kidnap her. The reason for this was biologically based in theory. Since villages were remote from one another, and since each village was basically inhabited by one extended family, the incursion by an expedition from another village literally brought "new blood" to the gene pool, assuring stronger and healthier offspring. In more modern times, however, due to the establishment of large cities and towns, creating a more mobile society, only a farcial re-enactment of the expedition took place. In this case, musicians played the central role of the bride and groom, and the bride's relatives were "bribed" to let the bride go, rather than to have actually have been defeated in battle. The whole ceremony was accompanied by special music and songs specific to each individual community (marriage songs, "tragoudia tou gamou"). The best of these songs eventually managed to spread throughout Greece and are considered to be fine jewels in our rich cultural tradition.

Nowadays, after the wedding ceremony, guests are offered bombonieres. These delightful gifts of sugar-coated almonds are wrapped in net and attached to a small memento of your wedding. And, by the way, another hallmark of modern weddings is the wild and deafening loud concerto of automobile horns before and after a wedding ceremony. You can smile when you hear this, since you now know the tradition behind it ... the bride has been abducted!!

Samaria Gorge, Chania, 2 videos

2007-10-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Music and musicians in Crete

2007-10-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Cretan Cheese... yammy!

2007-10-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Anthotyros xeros
(dried anthotyros )
When anthotyros is dried you get anthotyros xeros.While drying it is heavily salted and therefore it is rather savoury.
It is a wonderful cheese, eaten plain as well as grated over pasta.It can also be turned into the delicious ladotyri ( cut in cubes and packed in olive oil )

Antotyros
It is made of either sheep or goat’s milk . It is a very tasty, soft, sweet, white cheese.Since it is not rich in fat, it is very healthy. It is eaten in the same way as myzithra.

Myzithra glykia
(sweet myzithra )
It is made of either sheep or goat's milk ( sometimes mixed as well ) .The best myzithra comes from goat's milk.It is delicious and light.

Xynomyzithra
(sour myzithra )
It is made of either sheep or goat's milk (sometimes mixed as well ) .It is an ex-cellent kind of cheese, very tasty but rather rich in fat. Both cheeses are eaten in numerous ways, for examle ; plain, or with paximadi ( hard bread ) in salads or as a filling in kaltsounia ( traditional cheese pies) etc.

Graviera
(gruyere )
It is made of sheep's milk or mixed with goat’s milk. We should say that it is not only famous locally but universally as well.

Stakovoutyro
It is made from staka when it is processed and of cource it is equally as rich.See our recipe section about its use.

Kephalograviera
It is made exactly as graviera .The difference is that kephalograviera is aged more and therefore it is more savoury ( due to the larger quantity of salt it has absorded ) Of cource the quality remains the same.

Pheta/ feta
Typical cheese of sheep's or goat's milk or mixed .However it can not be classified as a traditional product of Western Crete since its production has started only recently.

Yaourti paradossiako
(Traditional Yogurt )
It is made of top quality sheep milk ( hour's fresh ).Due to its freshness, yaourti has a high consistency of fresh milk fat which makes it delicious.

Ladotiri
Any cheese like graviera , kephalograviera or anthotyros xeros can be turned into ladotyri provided it is aged and dried for over a year.
It is then cut into cubes and packed in virgin olive oil.This very old process presumably originated in harsh times, when refridgeration facilities were not available.
Staka or Anthogalo
It is the cream of the milk, the first product of the milkprocess.
If it is beaten, we get fresh butter.
It obviously has a high consistency of fat.

Malaka or Tyromalaka
It is a fresh cheese (tyromaza) and is used as a filling in Kaltsounia.

Ancient map of Crete

2007-10-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Bearded Vulture

2007-10-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Pure Crete website, has funded thousands of leaflets in English to raise awareness and money to help to protect the Cretan Bearded Vulture. The Bearded Vulture, or Lammergeier, was once found in mountain regions across Europe, Asia and parts of Africa, but is now an endangered species and only survives in a few areas. One of these is Crete where 31 birds are left. The Bearded Vulture is the only bone-eating bird in the world - dropping bones from hundreds of feet to shatter them before descending to eat. `The bone breaker' has a wingspan of 2.8 metres and its narrow wings allow it to reach great altitudes to reign majestically and peacefully in the Cretan skies.

It has reddish yellow or white plumage on the head and breast with a grey black tail and wings. Its black forehead and beak forms the distinctive appearance of a beard.

The vulture reaches adulthood after 6 or 7 years, and lays two eggs between December and January, one of which will normally survive. Its natural lifespan is 40 years. The Lammergeier displays no predatory behaviour and has no natural predators but faces extinction due to man. Destruction of natural habitats, poisonous baits by shepherds, egg stealing by collectors, tourist disturbance and high voltage cables all take their toll.

That is why Pure Crete through the `Immediate Intervention for the Protection of Nature'* has acted to raise awareness and funds to protect the Bearded Vulture in Crete. We hope other companies will follow our lead.

* An EU charity working in partnership with the Greek government to intervene to protect endangered indigenous species.

www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/nature/directive/birdactionplan/gypaetusbarbatus.htm

Source: purecrete.com

Loggerhead Turtle in Crete

2007-10-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

As visitors to Crete, we all have a responsibility to help to preserve the indigenous environment and species. That is why Pure Crete has pioneered schemes to help protect the endangered loggerhead turtle in Crete.
Turtles have existed since the dinosaurs - some 200 million years - but now face the threat of extinction unless stretches of beach where they lay their eggs are protected from disturbance. That is why Pure Crete funded a turtle hatchery, in Gerani on the north-west coast of Crete, through the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece.
Loggerhead turtles grow up to 100kg in weight and 90cm in length. Each population is genetically distinctive, and hatcheries enable the stretch of beach to which they habitually return to be protected.
The Loggerhead turtles around Crete nest from the end of May to mid-August. Each adult female lays eggs every 2 or 3 years, and may lay 120 eggs at a time, twice or three times in that season. If a turtle is disturbed by human activity when she comes ashore she will postpone her egg-laying and ultimately abort her eggs in the sea where they will be lost. In any case, only one in a thousand hatchlings entering the sea survive to adulthood due to predatory seabirds and fish and it then takes between fifteen and twenty years for a turtle to reach sexual maturity!
It is therefore important to protect the nesting habitat of the Loggerhead turtle and we hope that you support the work Pure Crete has done to ensure eggs are successfully laid and hatched.

Malia Heraklion Crete

2007-09-30T09:24:00.001-07:00

Malia (Greek: Mάλλια) is a coastal town and a municipality on the island of Crete, in Greece, 34km west of Heraklion, the Cretan capital city. It is the seat of the municipality of Malia which also includes the villages Mohos, Krassi and the area of Stalis. The town is a tourist attraction, primarily for its prolific archeological site and nightlife. The Minoan town ruins lie 3 km east of the site and cover an area of approximately 1km². The original name for the town is not known but rumour has it that Emperor Pannos had called it Aegean Sky way back in 69 BC.

The palace of Malia, dating from the Middle Bronze Age, was destroyed by an earthquake during the Late Bronze Age; Knossos and other sites were also destroyed at that time. The palace was later rebuilt toward the end of the Late Bronze Age. Most of the ruins visible today date from this second period of construction. The palace features a giant central courtyard, 48m x 23m in size. On the south side are two sets of steps leading upwards and a maze of tiny rooms. Also here is a strange carved stone called a kernos stone, which looks like a millstone with a cup attached to the side of it. On the north side of the courtyard were storage rooms with giant earthenware pithos jars, up to two metres tall. These were presumably used for holding olive oil and other liquids; the floor of these rooms has a complicated drainage system for carrying away spilled liquids.

The palace of Malia was discovered in 1915 by Hadzidakis, a Greek archaeologist. It was fully excavated from 1922 onwards by the French School at Athens in collaboration with Greek scholars. Importantly, the palace was surrounded by a Minoan town which has only recently been uncovered. Excavation is still ongoing here. Important parts of the old and new excavations are covered by a series of large semi-transparent roofs, which protect them from the elements. In places tourists are allowed to wander among the ruins; in others, walkways allow them to walk above them. There are rooms which have been identified as metal workshops, ceramic workshops and meeting rooms.

Tourism and commerce are the main economic activities in the town. Modern day Malia is a seaside resort with plenty of gift shops, hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The prominence of Malia as one of the leading spots for nightlife in Europe is cemented by the attraction of big name DJs and events.

Pirate Barbarossa

2007-09-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Pirate Barbarossa and Captain Jack Sparrow...What has Johnny Depp got to do with Crete?

Whilst Geoffery Rush plays Captain Barbarossa in the films Pirates of the Caribbean, the real Barbarossa was infamous for violent attacks, pillaging and stealing treasures, ruining townships and generally wreaking havoc. Oh yes, that is what pirates do, isn’t it?

Barbarossa was in fact two men, brothers, both named after the older’s red hair and beard. They were unwelcome visitors to Crete in the late 16th century with attacks on Sitia, Chania, Kastelli-Kissamos, Paleohora and many other towns.

The Barbarossa brothers were Aruj and Khayrad'din, both born in Lesbos, and roamed the waters of the Mediterranean as corsairs. For centuries the kingdoms of Algeria, Morocco, Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli engaged in a system of state-sponsored piracy, capturing ships in Mediterranean waters and attacking coastal European villages. They used the victims as slave labour in their home ports.

The Barbarossa brothers were infamous for their domination of the trading lines across the Mediterranean. They had ports all along the Barbary Coast in the north of Africa. In later life, they had ruling powers over Algeria with direct line to the sultan and part of Ottoman domination of the region.

Fighting against Christians and Christian corsairs, it is said that Aruj was captured by the Knights of St John and later killed by Spanish crusaders in 1518.

It is hard to say that these Barbarossa’s ever got anywhere near the Caribbean, but why let that get in the way of a good story?

Today there is a pirate boat moored in Rethymnon harbour with real-life pirates ready to take you for a day trip. You might just see some local turtles while you are there on the open sea. Lucky for us, these days there are no real pirates to attack while we are enjoying a cruise.

Cosmopolitan Cretan Towns

2007-09-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

Chania with its picturesque Venetian harbour is a fascinating blend of the modern and historic patchwork of Cretan life. Built on an ancient site, the old town with its narrow twisting streets, art galleries and cafés is characteristic of Kriti’s wealth of culture.

Rethymnon surrounded by beaches and crowned by the ruins of a Venetian fortezza, Rethymnon also has a contrast of historic and modern architecture, with excellent restaurants and cafés. The University of Crete is based just outside of town.

Iraklio is the capital of the island and one of the most wealthy cities in Greece. It is modern, upbeat and diverse. We are happy to share our knowledge of the town to those who might think to overlook it, there is plenty to see and do in Iraklion.

Agios Nikolaos is a hilly town surrounding the beautiful Lake Voulismeni. Agios Nikolaos has its own charm and pulse. Come and have a peek at one of the Mediterranean’s prettiest harbours.

Kastelli Kissamos on the north-west coast of Crete, is a small coastal town with an interesting history. Pirate Barbarossa was active here. Some of the most beautiful wild beaches of the island are nearby.

Paleohora on the south-west coast of Crete, is where the mountains meet the sea. From here you can beach hop, hike in the Lefka Ori, or sail to Gavdos Island. Whales and dolphins can be seen in these clean turquoise waters.

Míres in the Messara of Iraklion, in the centre of the island, is a busy market town. The Messara is a huge central valley rolling north to south in the middle of the island. It has been written about, fought over and appeared in mythology. Today Mires is a vibrant agricultural community, with a huge market every Saturday. It is close to the ancient sites of Phaistos and Gortys, and the village of Zaros.

Sitia (photo) in the east of Crete is not often visited by tourists, however travellers will find plenty of interest here in this solidly Greek town. As Lasithi has a vibrant agricultural activity, especially with the olive harvest, Sitia is wealthy town, over-looking beautiful Sitia Bay and surrounded by the wide open landscapes of Kriti.

Panigiria. Something that you have to live in Crete

2007-09-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

To see the real people and customs of Crete, one must visit the villages of Crete. Typically, the more isolated the village, the more the local customs are preserved. The manifestations of the old traditions and customs are easy to observe in the local celebrations of the saints of each village, the panigiria, on the name day of the saint whose name was given to one of the churches of the village. The celebration varies from village to village, but typically, it involves long church liturgies attended by the people of the village. Many people who have moved away use this as an opportunity to visit their former villages and sometimes combine it with a baptism or wedding of their own. Music, dancing, and eating often take place in the center of the village the night before.

There are many local feast days, especially during the summer months, and it is easy to find one nearby to attend. Some of the celebrations are particularly interesting because they involve large groups of people hiking or taking small boats to a church or monastery in an isolated location.

On Agios Georgios Day (Saint George's Day) in Asigonia, Chania, the shepherds bring their goats and sheep from the high mountain pastures, (some taking 4 or 5 hours to reach Asigonia) to be blessed by the priest. In this celebration the animals are milked in front of the church, and the milk is boiled and served to the people. The Agios Georgios celebration is held before the Lenten season or on the day after Easter.

Beaches of Crete

2007-09-23T04:39:00.000-07:00

Video: Creteisland.gr

The Old Fishing Village of Panormos

2007-09-08T03:45:00.000-07:00

Panormos is a small traditional Cretan fishing village with narrow cobbled streets, shops and an excellent choice of tavernas. It lies above the harbour and overlooks three beautiful little coves with lovely sandy beaches for sunbathing and calm waters for swimming. It is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the lazy atmosphere, go for long walks or just sit at the cafes/tavernas overlooking the harbour and enjoy the beautiful view and watch the world go by. It is also possible to rent fishing boats by the hour or day. There is a post office, chemist shop and doctor.

In Roman times Panormos was the old port of Axos, in the more recent days of steam travel it was an important harbour and a flourishing small town. Above the harbour you can see the remains of a mediaeval Genoan fort and behind the village the remains of the sixth century Christian basilica of Agia Sofia have been excavated. The basilica has three aisles; each aisle was separated from the other by four columns. Fragments of the capitals have been found. About 25 km south is the archaeological site of ELEFTHERNA

Panormos is an excellent geographical point to use as a base for excursions all over Crete. It is in the centre of the island, 22 kms east of Rethymnon. There is a regular bus service to Rethymnon (on average every 20 minutes) and to Heraklion.
It is just a short drive up to Anogia in the mountains, 740 metres up the north face of Mount Psiloritis, and from there to the stunning Nida Plateau and the Ideon cave where according to mythology was where Zeus grew up.

In the ancient days of steam travel it was an important harbour and a flourishing small town. About 25 km south to the mainland is the archaeological site of ELEFTHERNA. Today, Panormos is a protected area due to its beautiful and traditional narrow streets and buildings. Fine sandy beaches, several good restaurants, a wonderful sea view are just some of the pleasures a visitor can experience in Panormos. It is also an excellent geographical point to use as a base for excursions all over Crete.

Monastery of Arkadi

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Just 25 kms from the historic town of Rethymnon you can take a local bus or you can book a tour of the most important site in the area of Rethymnon - Arkadi Monestry, a living monastry with an heroic history.

Immaculately situated in the foothills of Psiloritis Mountain (Mount Idi), Arkadi is something of a national shrine. During the 1866 rebellion, the monastery served as a Cretan stronghold in which hundreds of Cretan guerrilla fighters and their families took refuge as the Turks advanced and had the upper hand in the proceedings, it was here that they were surrounded by the Turkish army that lay siege for two days, finally the defenses were breached on November 9th, 1866.

The Holocaust of Arkadi
The Arkadi Monastery is one of Crete's most venerated symbols of freedom. The defiant defense of this fortress-like monastery during the 1866 Cretan rebellion against the Turks is still legendary and inspirational.
By the mid-1800's, the Turks had occupied Crete for more than two centuries, despite frequent bloody uprisings by Cretan rebels determined to win independence and union with Greece. Then came the revolution of 1866, instigated by a 16 member revolutionary committee. Arkadi Monastery became the rebels' headquarters, owing to its central position on the island and strategic location atop a craggy inland gorge.
When the Turkish Pasha in Rethymnon learned of the rebels operating out of the monastery, he sent an ultimatum to Arcade's Abbot Gabriel Marinakis: either expel the revolutionary committee or the monastery would be destroyed.
But Abbot Gabriel was himself acting as chairman of the committee. He refused the Pasha's demand. The rebels began preparing the monastery for the anticipated Turkish attack. At dawn on November 8, 1866, the Arkadi defenders awoke to find the monastery surrounded by 15,000 Turkish soldiers armed with 30 cannons. The monastery walls were manned by only 259 armed men, including 45 monks and 12 of the 16 revolutionary committee members. There were also almost 700 unarmed women and children from nearby villages, seeking refuge from the encroaching Turks.

The Turkish commander's demand for surrender was answered by gunfire. The battle was on.

Turkish troops stormed the monastery gate in waves and hundreds were mown down by heavy fire from the defenders and from seven Cretan snipers who had barricaded themselves in a windmill outside the walls. As night fell on the first day of the battle, the fields around the monastery were heaped with Turkish corpses. The snipers had died one by one. But still the gate and walls held.
In the dark of the first night, the two Cretan rebels were lowered by a rope from a window, dressed as Turks, to slip through enemy lines and seek reinforcements from a nearby town. When it was learned that no help was coming, one of the rebels crept back through Turkish ranks to return to Arkadi.
The second day of battle broke with a bang, as the Turks opened fire with two heavy artillery guns
they had dragged up the gorge from Rethymnon during the night. As the walls and gate smashed
and crumbled under the incessant pounding of the shells, Abbot Gabriel gathered the defenders into the Arkadi Chapel to receive the last sacrament. The Abbot urged them to die bravely for their cause and then went up to the walls to do so himself.
Aware that the Pasha had ordered him to be taken alive, Abbot Gabriel showed himself on an unprotected terrace and opened fire on the Turks. At first the Turks obeyed orders and did not shoot back. But at last the big Abbot, standing in clear view in his black flowing robes, blazing away at anything that moved, made too inviting a target for one Turkish soldier.
A bullet caught Abbot Gabriel just above the navel and he fell dead - but not before he had given his blessing to a desperate plan hatched by an imposing rebel fighter named Konstantine Giaboudakis. What the refugees at Arkadi feared more than death was to fall into the hands of the Turks. So when Konstanine Giaboudakis presented his plan to the defenders, it was unanimously approved.
By the afternoon of the second day, the Turkish heavy artillery had pulverized the outer walls. The defenders killed hundreds more invaders, but the end was clearly near - ammunition was running low and the gate was almost breached. As darkness fell, the Turks launched a massive final assault, pouring through the gate into the inner courtyard, where the rebels fought them hand to hand.
Meanwhile, Giaboudakis was preparing to carry out his plan. He led more than 600 women and children into the monastery's gunpowder storage room, where they said their prayers and waited until hundreds of Turks were swarming over the roof and ramming away at the bolted door. As the door splintered, Giaboudakis put a spark to a gunpowder keg.
The massive explosion killed all the refugees, along with several hundred Turkish soldiers. When the smoke cleared, 864 Cretan men, women and children lay dead, along with 1500 Turks. The Turks took 114 prisoners whom they immediately put to death. Only 3 rebels managed to escape to tell the tale.
News of the slaughter at Arkadi Monastery, with the heavy loss of women, children and clergymen shocked the rest of Europe and won much support for the Cretan rebels' cause. In 1898, with help from Greece and the Great Powers (England, France, Italy and Russia), Crete won its independence and the Turks withdrew from the island, which they had held since 1669.

Then in 1913, the long-fought-for goal was achieved and Crete was united with Greece.

Text the website of the Rethimnian Association of Melbourne "Arkadi"

Arkadi nowadays
There are still monks and a couple of nuns living at the monastery; they take care of the church and the surrounding buildings as well as the small museum where relics from the monastery and the church are kept. In the museum you can also buy very good copies icons made in the traditional way and other religious items.
Outside the grounds of the monastery there is a cafeteria and a souvenir shop. Here they sell local handcrafts, honey, Raki, komboloi's of a very good quality (the traditional string of beads that many men play with), and many other souvenirs and of course postcards.

Quick Guide to Crete Greece

2007-08-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands at 3220 sq. miles and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located at approximately 35° N 24° E. Crete is a popular tourist destination; its attractions include the Minoan sites of Knossos and Phaistos, the classical site of Gortys, the Venetian castle in Rethymno, and the Samaria Gorge, as well as many other natural sites, monuments, and beaches. Crete was the center of the Minoan civilization (ca. 2600–1400 BCE), the oldest civilization in Europe. Crete is one of the 13 regions into which Greece is divided. It is the largest island in Greece and the second largest (after Cyprus) of the East Mediterranean. Crete has an elongated shape - 260 km from east to west and 60 km at its widest, although the island is narrower at certain points, such as in the region close to Ierapetra where it has a width of only 12 km. It covers an area of 8,336 km² and has a coastline of 1046 km. To the north Crete borders with the Sea of Crete (Greek: Κρητικό Πέλαγος), to the south it is bordered by the Libyan Sea (Greek: Λιβυκό Πέλαγος), to the west the Myrtoon Sea, to the east the Karpathion Sea. Its population is 650,000 people (as of 2005). The island lies approximately 160 km south of the Greek mainland.

Source: http://www.gradpula.com/guides/crete/

General info and tips when visiting Crete

2007-08-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

Money
We recommend that you take some Euros on holiday with you although you will find many places to change cash and travellers cheques in the main tourist areas. Banks are open Monday to Friday until 2 pm only.

Telephones
There are OTE offices in most of the main towns from where you can telephone to anywhere in the world. Increasingly, Hotels and Apartments have telephones in the accommodation, linked to computers that calculate the cost of any calls. Street kiosks sometimes have card phones and you can buy telephone cards at kiosks, mini-markets and post offices for use with public phones.

Electricity
The voltage is 220 volts which is compatible with the UK but you will need a two pin adapter to use your own equipment. Electricity is expensive in Crete so please do be considerate in the way you use it. Occasionally there are power cuts due to high demands.

Drinking Water
The spring water from the mountains of Crete is perfectly safe to drink but bottled water is available in most restaurants and shops. There are shortages in the long hot summer and care should be taken that water is not wasted.

Pests & Others
Due to the warm climate of the southern Mediterranean, the rural background of Cretan life, and the location of certain properties, pests are really unavoidable. It is particularly important not to leave food sitting out, or uncovered. Flies, wasps and bees are naturally attracted to tavernas, and in no way suggests unsanitary conditions. Many of our houses and villas are situated in the countryside and you may therefore be awoken by a cockerel or disturbed by goats or sheep, or the barking of a guard dog. This is all part of the Mediterranean island life and as such a little understanding goes a long way.

Time Zones
All of Greece is within the same time zone as Eastern Europe, which is two hours ahead of the UK. They also change for Summer Time, by an hour, and since 1997 the changes are made on the same dates as the rest of Europe. Therefore there should be a consistent difference of 2 hours.

Medical Services
The medical services in Greece are generally good. However, we do advise you to take a form E 111 with you. This form, along with a personal identity document will ensure that you receive medical assistance and can reclaim any costs you incur upon your return. We do of course strongly advise everyone to have full Travel Insurance cover including repatriation for medical emergencies, when traveling abroad.

Food
Restaurants and tavernas are mostly open from 7 pm and many stay open to 2 am the next morning. The choice of cuisine is very varied, based mostly on vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and wines in a vast array of combinations. In some tavernas guests are welcome, before they order, to have a look at what is available in the kitchen or what is in the saucepans and baking trays. The taverna waiters should advise any specialties for that day.
A good restaurant is usually pretty full of local people, although Greeks like to eat much later than we do in the UK, perhaps around 9 pm or 10 pm. House wine, from the barrel, is served by the carafe in most tavernas and is very inexpensive. Food is cooked fresh every day, starting early in the morning. In the afternoon there is usually a siesta time roughly between 2 pm and 5 pm, and the main meal of the day is in the evening.

Technical Problems
It is not always as easy or as fast to get problems solved as one might hope. Most equipment is imported and spare parts are not always readily available. The Greek way of life does not lend itself to necessarily giving priority to blocked drains or water shortages. However, problems are resolved while retaining the laid back charm which is an essential ingredient of a Cretan holiday.

Beaches
The many beautiful and varied beaches of Crete are naturally open to everyone to use and are generally very safe for swimming. However, often there are no lifeguards on the beaches and no life saving amenities available. The island winds, which are most refreshing in the summer heat, may of course at times roughen up the seas and naturally seaweed and driftwood may alter the look of the beaches. There are now many spacious yet well organised beaches with sun beds and sun umbrellas, snack bars with a wide choice of water sports, from canoes, pedal boats to wind surfing, jet skis, water skiing, and para gliding. So you can very much choose what suits you best, whether it be tiny secluded coves or mile long beaches.

Pets
The change in quarantine laws allow English residents now to have the choice to bring their pets on holiday, and for anyone resident in mainland Europe it is possible to bring pets into Greece. However, you should check first if it is suitable to have pets in the accommodation, which you are booking. Prior to travel you will need to procure and bring along, on behalf of your pet, a certificate of health from a registered Veterinary Surgeon, and check with the airline that they will carry your pet.

Building Works
There always seems to be new buildings going up in most Cretan towns and so you will need to be prepared to see building sites here and there. However this does not automatically mean that you will be confronted with building noise, because mostly Cretans build in stages. They build as far as their money allows and then stop until they make enough money to complete the project. Also, in the summer months work on buildings frequently stops entirely, due to the heat. We naturally make every effort to be advised of any building work, which might possibly affect our holiday accommodation.

Breakfast
The Cretan breakfast, similar to other Mediterranean countries, is a very simple meal. Over the last few years, however, due to numbers of foreign visitors, you can now find a varied and more substantial choice of breakfast in most tavernas and cafes.

Cost of Living
Although it is still very inexpensive to eat out in Greece, it is true to say that the cost of food and drink has increased a bit over the years. Naturally the further away from tourist areas you are, the cheaper the cost of food.

Tipping
In restaurant bills there is a service charge of between 10-15 % already built in. However it is usual to leave a small tip for the waiters. It is also usual to tip taxi drivers, hairdressers, porters and chambermaids.

Sleeping Habits
For Cretans, the evening meal begins no earlier than 9.00 p.m. Also no one will think anything of it if you telephone at 10.00 p.m. in the evening. However, 'siesta' time, between 3.00 p.m. and 5 p.m. is held as sacred. During the siesta it is just as unpopular to disturb someone, as it is to 'Go German'!!

Various photos from Crete: Preveli

2007-08-04T10:06:00.001-07:00

Various photos from Crete: Festos

2007-08-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

Photos of Crete: Balos, Gramvoussa

2007-08-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

West of Kissamos and north of the beautiful village of Kaliviani, stretches the impressive Gramvoussa peninsula. The peninsula is formed by steep rocks and is covered with thyme and origanum bushes and wild flowers.
On the north west side of the peninsula opposite to the island of Gramvoussa is the wonderful beach of Balos.
The beach is covered with fine white sand and is located between the two creeks of the Tigani cape. The same white sand covers the bottom of the sea and grants to the sea an emerald color. In front of the beach is the picturesque island of Gramvoussa and on the back is the Geroskinos mountain (altitude 762 m).
The road from Kaliviani is well paved dirt road, with amazing view to the steep rocky seaside of the east side of the peninsula. The road ends one-two km before the beach, and the visitor can follow a pave road to Balos.
North of Balos, at the Korykon cape, are the ruins of the small Roman city of Agnion, with a temple of the God Apollo.

Loutro village, Sfakia Crete

2007-08-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

The seaside of village is located at a distance of about 74 km. south of Chania, at the end of Cape Mouri. It is believed that this was the site of the ancient city of Finikas, and was the port of ancient Anopolis. Later, it became the winter time port of the town of Sfakia, due to the fact that the enclosed bay and the small island in its entrance create a natural harbor where ships can be safe even at very bad weather conditions. The only access is by boat or as you wish, by foot !

Loutro is a place for those people who want something different.

For example there are no big hotels with swimming pools. There are no overcrowded streets, restaurants and beaches, there are no cars!!.
A small picturesque fishing village in south west Crete, not yet spoilt by mass tourism. Discover the beautiful beaches like glyka nera ( sweet water ),timios stavros, pervolaki, marmara, (the most are naturist beach) and enjoy the sun, sea and peaceful tranquility. Here you will find the rest and peace you are looking for and if you want there are lots of things to do !

Enjoy walking in the scenic, unspoilt mountain countryside with its valleys and gorges. of course you never think about the weather forecast , the weather is almost always warm and sunny.
The great high mountains on the north side of the village give a big protection during the seasons.
The people are friendly and hospitable and will always be there for you.

Retire to Crete

2007-07-27T05:36:00.001-07:00

When you are approaching the age of retirement, if you find yourself feeling low, remember that you'll be able to do plenty that wasn't possible before.
After an active working life, you will be free to spend your time as you like and to retire wherever you want -- speaking of which, you couldn't do much better than retire in Greece.
Greece and especially Crete, will offer you the best of everything when it comes to a low cost of living, beautiful surroundings that are steeped in history, friendly people.
Larger cities such as Salonica and Athens are rather more expensive.
You'll find housing relatively cheap here and it certainly does add to the sense of history here.
Greece is also gaining ground over other European countries as the cheapest place in which to retire. This is widely regarded as a government initiative to popularize Crete as a destination for retirement.
It is here that you will be able to find the best of bread, wine, beer and olive oil.
Living in Crete, you can have your fill of wonderful sights in locations (for more read relative articles here) just a few of the numerous places that you can visit again and again if you should choose to retire here.
So remember -- if you have always wanted to live in a location that would offer you a low cost of living, surround you with scenic beauty and a sense of history, you have found it in Crete.

Retirement Homes

2007-07-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

There are many different types of properties available for retirees. With such a vast array of people and a growing market with different desires and needs, finding your ideal retirement home has never been easier.
Ktimatoemporiki Crete's property sections give you access to a wide variety of retirement properties to help you in your search. You can search by location, price, developer or property type.

Overseas Retirement
Retirement is something we all look forward to - an opportunity to do all those things we longed to do whilst we were busy working or bringing up the family.
However, if you are about to retire or are already in retirement, you may be finding it increasingly difficult to fulfil your retirement dreams. The increasing cost of living, council taxes, falling annuity rates or low interest rates could be affecting your savings.
Thus, a move to a hospitably and still cheaper country, in regards to living costs, such as our island of Crete can give you the freedom enjoying your life and living from your pension or savings.
Crete's cost of living is one of the lowest in Europe but the quality of life is the highest. All health care and social benefits are the same as the rest of the European Community. The diet in Crete is mostly of organic produce and the average longevity of life is the highest in Europe.
And with the introduction of Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP's) in 2006 there are many reasons why investing in properties can help you fund your retirement other than in the form of a pension.

Considerations when searching for a retirement property
Location
You might want to consider how far away you want to live to ex-pats areas or near to friends. In addition consider if you don't have your own transport, where the local transport links are and how far it would be for you to get into the town centre.
Suitability
Many retirement properties feature waist high fixtures and fittings, and have extra wide doors to allow for walking frames or wheel chairs. If you have specific needs, it is advisable that you check that the development caters for your requirements. If you are looking for a resale or renovation check with your architect if changes can made.
Design
Consider what type of development you would like to live in. You may prefer a home to an apartment, and if an apartment then you might want to think about what floor you would like to be on, and whether there are lifts available and if not what the alternatives are.
Facilities
When looking for a new retirement home, you might want to consider the types of facilities available, such as if you are a keen outdoors person, is there a big garden and/or pool and who can take care for it, should you at one stage not want or can do it anymore on your own.

Assisted Living Homes
What is a retirement property?

Retirement homes can range from those that are completely independent, to homes that are specifically aimed at home buyers that need to have assisted facilities available.
Retirement homes with assisted facilities include amenities such as:

Excellent security and fire alarm systems in place so that residents can get immediate help in emergencies, as well as 24 hour emergency call facilities
A House Manager or Warden on hand to assist with any queries
Convenient features such as waist high plug sockets and lifts
Individual apartments with ensuite bathrooms and kitchens giving residents complete independence
Communal areas such as a central lounge, waitress service restaurants and garden
Conveniently located close to the local shops and transport links

Until now there are only a few such assisted retirement homes in the towns established in Crete, but as we at Ktimatoemporiki Crete are sure that the demand is encreasing we are in contact with investors. If you feel such a property is exactly what you are looking for in the future, just send us an e-mail to info@ktimatoemporiki.gr with your full details keeping you informed on the development.

Inland revenue / Leaflet IR138
This leaflet is for individuals who live or retire abroad. It provides information about the tax treatment of your income from UK investments, or your UK pension. It only deals with income tax and does not cover other liabilities you might face such as capital gains tax or inheritance tax.
This leaflet explains how the income from your investments in the UK and your UK pension will be taxed if you live or retire abroad.
More information on this issue and the leaflet you can get by contacting HM Revenue & Customs at http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk

Home insurance in Crete / Greece

2007-07-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks Ktimatoemporiki Crete for the information

Generali Relax home CLASSIC

The Basis Insurance, valid for one year, covers all necessary issues of owning a property on Crete as there are:
Fire and lightning, explosion due to any cause, damage caused by colliding vehicle, falling plane and other objects, smoke, storm, snow, hail, flood, water-main break, vandalism, short-circuit, sewage system damage, broken windows, debris removal ...

the list goes on; to view the whole list click here

Optional you may choose additional an insurance against Earthquake damages. In this case feel free to contact insurance@ktimatoemporiki.gr. Furthermore without any costs you can receive a quote for your home, life, health, car or watercraft insurance.

GENERALI is a leading provider of life assurance and employee benefits plans to clients worldwide. With a history spanning over one hundred and twenty years in the international market, GENERALI has gained an enviable reputation for its level of experience, expertise and market knowledge.

Insurance programme including only the basic coverage, targeted to borrowers and customers wishing to have low cost home insurance.

Coverage against
Fire, lightning, explosion, falling plane, earthquake, inflation clause.

Annual gross premium
For every 1.000 Euro of insured capital, the annual premiums are as follows:

* 1,90 Euros (building)
* 2,05 Euros (contents)

Health insurance in Crete / Greece

2007-07-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

We thank Ktimatoemporiki Crete for the information

MedExclusive and MedProtection

Good health is precious and priceless. To better protect your health as well as the health of your loved ones, Generali offers MedExclusive and MedProtection.

MedExclusive - Generali's Health Care Program

What is MedExclusive?
MedExclusive is Generali's comprehensive health care program, designed to meet your full range of health care needs - from prevention to treatment. The high-quality features of the program provide you with timely preventive care (through complimentary annual check-ups and diagnostic exams) as well as immediate access to health services, whenever and wherever the need arises.

Based on the premise that true quality of life is dependent upon good health, Generali created MedExclusive to provide its customers with the tools necessary for maintaining it-prevention and early diagnosis.

MedExclusive offers you prevention and treatment - so that you can always feel protected.

PLAN FEATURES

Medical Hotline
Staffed with medical and administrative personnel, our Medical Call Center operates 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, and is accessible by calling toll free 800 11 48 484 or 210 80 96 444 (when calling from a mobile phone).

Our Medical Center provides you with the medical advice you need and coordinates your care.

MedExclusive Health Card
Your personal MedExclusive Health Card provides you with the care you need when you visit one of our network health facilities without paying any out-of-pocket costs.

Our Physician and Health Facility Network
Generali has built an extensive network of physicians (primary care and specialists) and health facilities throughout Greece, ensuring you have access to care regardless your place of residence.

What does MedExclusive Offer You and Your Family?
Outpatient Care

Unlimited number of visits to in-network physicians
Partial coverage for visits to out-of network physicians
Annual check-up at one of our in-network health facilities
Unlimited number of screenings at our in-network health facilities
Child immunizations
Prenatal care at one of our in-network facilities

Inpatient Care

Up to 460.000 Euros per year for hospital expenses, either in Greece or abroad
Choice of health facility
Choice of Accommodation
100% coverage of expenses incurred in Intensive Care, regardless of the accommodation class the insured has chosen in his/her policy
Direct billing of hospital expenses to the insurance company when insured is treated at an in-network health facility
Coverage of expenses for an Exclusive Night Duty Nurse, as well as for an Exclusive Nurse during the day, if deemed medically necessary
A daily allowance for each day insured is hospitalized, in the event the hospital expenses are not covered by Generali
A lump sum payment when insured undergoes surgery
Maternity Care - A daily allowance at childbirth
Emergency air transfer by MedLine
Legal Assistance - Coverage of legal expenses in the case of a malpractice lawsuit

COMPLETE PROTECTION FOR YOUR FAMILY
Generali offers you and your family the protection you need to stay healthy. We offer fixed premiums for your children's health insurance until they reach the age of 18.

MedProtection
MedProtection is Generali's basic health care plan and offers the following:

Up to 260.000 Euros per year in hospital expenses for hospitalization in a public or private hospital, in Greece or abroad, due to illness or accident
Member ID card (Card allows for payment to be settled directly between hospital and insurer)
Coverage of doctor's fees in case of an accident
Pre- and post-hospitalization costs
Coverage of hospital expenses for outpatient care
Maternity Care
Emergency transfer
Daily allowance when insured is hospitalized (either for treatment or surgery)

With the strength and confidence of a leading insurance group, Generali provides you with a complete range of high-quality and low-cost health care coverage.

For more information please contact your Insurance Agent at insurance@ktimatoemporiki.gr

How to cook: Fried snails in oil and rosemary

2007-07-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

Called: Boubouristoi

Clean snails thoroughly; select a frying pan large enough to hold then, add ½ cup of olive oil per pound of snails and then a thin layer of salt. Heat olive oil and salt to the boiling point and place snails face down ("bouboura") and fry for 10 minutes, turning them carefully with tongs to avoid spattering oil. Add vinegar and rosemary and allow snails one more minute on fire before removing pan. Snails are now ready to serve along with the oil and ingredients of the pan.

How to cook: Moussaka

2007-07-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Courgettes, aubergines, potatoes
1 kg ground meat
1 cup olive oil
2 onions
1 glass wine
1-2 table spoons tomato paste
3 eggs, 1 cup grated cheese, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs

Cream: 8 tablespoons flour, 4 tablespoons butter,2 lb milk, 2 eggs, salt, pepper, nutmeg.

Saute the onion and ground meat in oil, douse with wine, add tomato paste thinned in water and bake the ground meat. Beat the eggs and mix with cheese and breadcrumbs. Slice courgettes, aubergines, and potatoes; heat oil in a frying pan and fry all until slightly brown. (We can bake the preparation in the oven in olive oil. This way the moussaka is much lighter for the stomach.

Also, we can use only aubergines or only courgettes). Butter a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs. Put one layer of potatoes into the dish, cover with half the mixture; place courgettes, and mixture again. Creme preparation: heat butter, add flour, stir and bake until slightly brown. Add milk and stir until coagulation.

Finally, pour the eggs, add salt, pepper and the nutmeg. Cover the surface of the dish with the creme, sprinkle cheese and bake the moussaka in the oven until slightly brown.

mpikakis

2007-07-01T12:12:00.001-07:00

Cretan Hospitality

2007-06-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

At some point it was rumoured that Zeus the Great, the master of the ancient pantheon, who was born in the Diktean Cave, and was brought up in the mountain of Idi, had died and had been buried at his place of birth, Crete. True to Zeus, the poet of Hellenistic times, Kalimahos from Alexandria, dedicates a hymn in which he strongly refutes the unacceptable, in his opinion, story: "…Oh father… The Cretans have always been liars. But why have they gone as far as in the grave, Oh king, to bury you. But you have not died, you are immortal."

Indeed the Cretans were lying. It is irrefutable however that they had their reasons for wanting their grand god to die, reasons that no one else could comprehend: a god who is the embodiment of nature is a god who dies every year and is reborn even stronger with the blossoming spring…. Similarly, Zeus, born and raised in Crete, dies and is resurrected, lives and reigns. It is also self -explanatory that he who is in harmony with nature and lives at her pace cannot but respect, love and accept her offspring.

In this way the Zeus of Crete becomes Xenios, the protector of visitors, who generously offers his hospitality to every stranger who wishes to honour his sacred land. Besides hospitality, two other principles also dominate in the soul of each Cretan: virtue and honour, while in the hierarchy of ethical values the highest position is held by friendship, second only to family.

The Cretan soul often reaches the point of exaggeration in their valour and passion for freedom, their courage, strength, love for their country and nature even in their hospitality towards strangers.

We cordially invite you to Chania and proffer you this gift which in our day and age is becoming more and more scarce. Mingle with the locals, sit with them at the same table, listen to their stories and the secrets they want to share with you. Become familiar with their exaggeration and their morals. Accept their Cretan hospitality whether that is in the form of a shot of raki on the go or a glass of wine with a bite of goat meat or even a lavish meal in a poor and humble home.

The people of Chania will overwhelm you with their love, share with you whatever they have and they will make you feel at home. It is neither a pretentious way of showing off nor a matter of habit or honour; it is simply a way of life and an articulation of their soul's desire. Nothing belongs to the Cretan. His home is all of the Cretan land and none of it has any boundaries. With joy and pride he recognizes that he himself is also a guest of honour in the castle of his generous father, Xenios Zeus, the Cretanborn.

Source: www.chaniacrete.gr, Photo: www.crete.tournet.gr

Ross Daly in Concert, Crete, Greece

2007-06-15T10:37:00.001-07:00

Q&A Game with Christiane & Wolfgang Bodem

2007-06-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

1. How did you decide to buy a property in Crete
Decades ago I was here and from far Crete never relinquished me. Because of a incomprehensible reason, I have found a place where the old Crete still exists. During a self-discovery seminar we had to write down what we believe is still important in our life and what we our wish is. I wrote done “house in Crete”.

2. How did you find out about Ktimatoemporiki
Through the internet; your site was congenial as well as the offers

3. How would you describe the procedure of the purchase
The purchase was surely not easy but it was dealt very professional. Also the support was super until the house came on stream. Electricity, water and other things had to be applied for and we had full assistance, because not everything is that easy at it seems to be.

4. Share your experience after the purchase, eg how does it feel to renovate a house yourself
I am always glad when I can do the renovation work of the house on my own. Actually it is exactly what I was looking for. The people in the village are very friendly and helpful, just still real Greeks. I feel like a guest in this beautiful country and am happy when I can also help somebody else.

5. Describe the location where your property is
Our house is at the edge of the village of Kerames at the South-Coast of Crete. We are looking directly to the sea and have the village at the back. We have only the house and no garden, which is possibly better when not being able staying all time there. A path leads alongside the house, which is used by the women and sometimes also by the men leading to their garden below of the village. Otherwise we are undisturbed, probably also because our Greek does not exist. Have bought in fact min. 5 different Greek classes, but the one which is working on its own was until now not among them…

6. What Crete means to you
Crete means to me, going to another world. As I am only work partly I could keep for the most part the holiday feeling. It is only beautiful here.

7. Describe your favorite memory from Crete
As our daughter was younger, we sat closely twined down at the empty beach. Only the sea and the end of the world. Moreover it is my greatest view from the house, through the old door down of the sea.

8. Would you recommend Crete and our company to others? Why?
Have already recommended many times here in Austria, many are interested but less so crazy really to do something.

Robert & Janet: "With Ktimatoemporiki we found the home of our dreams"

2007-06-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

We first came across Ktimatoemporiki Crete on the Internet. The information and layout of the site looked very professional and easy to understand. We arranged over the telephone from England, to meet up with Ktimatoemporiki's executive once we arrived in Crete. We met for a coffee in the village of Georgioupoli and he asked us questions about what we liked about Crete and what our expectations were.
My partner and I had holidayed for about 6 years in Western Crete. We fell in love with the place and the people. We looked at a lot of companies, which were selling land and property in the area. However, we finally decided to use Ktimatoemporiki Crete to find our ideal home. This decision was made, based on our meeting with Ktimatoemporiki's consultants. We especially found them to be honest and completely focused on what we were asking from them. There was no pushing or trying to hard sell properties to us. We felt comfortable and relaxed about viewing possible land for building (which we were initially looking for) and homes already built.
We had as I said earlier, tried other companies, however they did not conduct themselves in such a professional way. We found mostly, that they were not listening to what we were asking from them.
With Ktimatoemporiki we found the home of our dreams. It took a long time for us, but we were given help and guidance all the way. We love our house and where it is situated, it has views of the bay of Georgioupoli and the White Mountains. The first time we went to house we knew it was the place for us. Neither of us wanted to leave, we would quite literately have moved in there and then.
You will note that above in the questionnaire, I have said I disagree with question one (Buying property in Crete is an easy and smooth procedure). This is not because we had any problems with our purchase, in fact because of the help and guidance given by Ktimatoemporiki, ours was a very swift and smooth run operation. I do believe though, that people using less scrupulous companies could find things very different. I base this on the people we have met along the way over the years, who have not been given good advice from the companies they had chosen to use.
We consider ourselves very fortunate because we have found a home, which we love so much. We also own a home in the Canary isles, which we purchased for the winter sun some years ago. Although we do holiday there from time to time, there is no comparison with our home in Crete, or the people we have met there. Our house in England is currently up for sale, we are spending more and more time at our home in Crete. The more time we spend there, the more we find to like about it. This year we spent time there in the winter, we found we enjoyed this time of the year as much as any other time.
We have no hesitation in recommending Ktimatoemporiki to anyone looking to buy land or a home in Crete. We have already, on more than one occasion given their name to people we know, who are interested in living in Crete. We are confident that Ktimatoemporiki will give them the same first class service, which they have given to us.

Liz & Ian McNeil: "Living in Crete, the best part are the seasons"

2007-06-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

We dreamed about owning a place in the Mediterranean for the past ten years. During that time we travelled to many Greek islands, The Algarve, Spain and Southern France. Originally we looked seriously at Northern Spain; however, after consideration of cost of homes, living and summer crowds (all very high in Spain) we decided to look at Greece because we loved the food and culture. We looked in Crete because we loved the size of the island, the mountains, the history and the ability to fly there year round.

We used the internet to find real estate companies in the west of Crete and set up appointments with representatives for three intense days of ‘looking’. We looked more land and houses than we thought possible. We did this for two long weekends over a six month period with every builder/real estate company. We found Ktimatoemporiki on the net. They were very responsive. We met executives of Ktimatoemporiki the second long weekend and what a change from the intense selling of the other companies!! They sat down with us and listened to what we were looking for in a home in Crete. We were vague in some areas so he showed us a variety of land and villas that day to help us determine, and him to understand, what we really wanted. This was really helpful. He only showed us property that met our requirements and we felt he was really looking for the right place for us, not just what he needed to sell!

Ktimatoemporiki's executives, ultimately found us a fantastic piece of land in Kokkino Chorio. It was better than we ever imagined. He helped us find a great lawyer (who we use now for everything) and a local architect and builder. We purchased the land in the fall and designed the villa over the net. We started building the following spring. As with most things in Greece, it is a different process, the business culture is so different that Northern European, and you have to be patient! Ktimatoemporiki were really helpful during this process. Whenever we had a question or felt unsure about anything, we emailed Ktimatoemporiki and they found us the answer…quickly! It was so reassuring to have someone there looking after our interests.

Over the next year we visited our building site and met with the consultants of Ktimatoemporiki. They always made sure things were going well and offered to help alleviate any concerns we had about the building, living in Crete, etc. At the end of the year we had a beautiful villa!

It’s been a year since villa was complete and every time we go there we can’t believe it is ours. We also are so thankful we had the help of Ktimatoemporiki, particularly Jacq and Brigita along the way. Helping us find what we really loved, not selling us something we didn’t want! Since then we have looked at property magazines and are pleased to find that we never would have the location and views elsewhere for the money we spent in Crete.

We love Crete…. The best part are the seasons.. the snow in the mountains and the land coming alive with the rain after a hot, dry summer.

Froydis and Jacob Erstad: Share their experience from Crete

2007-06-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

We have been looking around for several years for house / property in Greece. We have been around the Kyklades and Ionian islands many times. The access to remote islands, - our first choice – is difficult. It is always possible to come to Crete from Norway. Besides – Creteans have a hospitality and a lifestyle we love.
We wanted to buy a stone house and dropped into the New Builders office in Rethymnon three years ago. They did not sell such, but the real agent had bought his through Ktimatoemporiki. The agent recommended your company and gave us tel.number.
The house we decided to buy in a village close to Fres, Apokorouno area, was under construction and cost more money than we had planned to use. But the view was stunning, the area peaceful and it was in the outskirt of a village. Surrounded by an olive grow, it seemed to remain unspoiled for years. We spend about 2 – 2 ,5 months a years in the house.We are the only Norwegians in the area and are overjoyed to be friends with the locals.
A local memory
We were sitting at a small local taverna and some locals entered, saying – Have tourists showed up here??? Another customer replied: They are not tourists, - they have house in Paidochori….. We felt really proud ……..
Dealing with greek constructers are no joke.
It was not our favourite thing at all. Scandinavians are used to quality as well. After 1 year we had to do all the windows, after 2 years the iron at windows and balcony and now we have to change one of the entrance doors. It was unexpected work and costs.
Earlier we had some small problems of cosmetic art, but Ktimatoemporiki has handled it well.
As soon as we hear friends, people we meet mention property in Crete, we rush to recommend Ktimatoemporiki.

Samaria Gorge

2007-05-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

The Samariá Gorge is a national park in the island of Crete, one of the major tourist attractions of the island.

The gorge is in the prefecture of Chania in the South West of Crete. It was created by a small river running between the White Mountains (Lefká Óri) and Mount Volakias. There are a number of other gorges in the White Mountains. The gorge is 18 km long and is the second longest in Europe. The most famous part of the gorge is the section known as the 'Iron Gates', where the sides of the gorge close to about 4 meters in and reach up to 500 meters high. The northern entrance to the gorge is 1,250 m above sea level. It descends practically to sea level, opening out a couple of kilometres above the village of Agia Roumeli.

The gorge became a national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare Kri-kri (Cretan goat), which is largely restricted to the park and a small island just off the shore of Agia Marina. There are several other endemic species in the gorge and surrounding area, as well as many other species of flower, bird, etc.

The village of Samariá lies just inside the gorge. It was finally abandoned by the last remaining inhabitants in 1962 to make way for the park. The village and the gorge take their name from the village's ancient church Óssia María (St Mary).

One of the "musts" for a tourist to the island is to complete the walk down the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, at which point tourists sail to the nearby village of Hora Sfakion and catch a coach back to Chania. The walk takes between four and seven hours and can be strenuous, especially in high summer.

Loutro a place to see and live

2007-05-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

Loutro is a seaside resort on the south coast of Chania Prefecture (south-western Crete). It is only a few kilometres from Chora Sfakion, lying in the embrace of a cliff which towers 600 metres above the village. Loutro is a unique spot in Crete for many reasons:

its white buildings with blue windows are reminiscent of the Cyclades and are unique in Crete.
there is no road to Loutro. You can only go there by scheduled boat service (20 minutes from Sfakia) or on foot.
there is no road in Loutro itself, no cars and no motorbikes. Actually, there is one car, which is used to transfer supplies from the boat to a hotel.
all the houses are just a few metres from the water’s edge.
the sea is always calm and meltemia (northeasterlies) are unknow

Loutro, history
Loutro has its own history stretching back thousands of years. It was originally a harbour of Anopolis high above Loutro. The town established on the site of modern-day Loutro was known as Phoenix, a place-name preserved in the neighbouring village of Phoenix. Phoenix flourished during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, while it later became a lair of Saracen corsairs and slavers. This situation changed when the Venetians arrived in Crete. They drove out the pirates and fortified Loutro with a small fortress whose ruins are still visible today.

After the Venetians came the Turks, whose presence here, as well as the importance of the natural harbour of Loutro, is demonstrated by the Turkish fort above the village. The Turks built it after the 1866 uprising in an attempt to control the area and the harbour of Loutro which the Cretans were using as a base in their frequent revolts. Loutro harbour was used during the Dasakaloyannis rebellion of 1770 and the 1821 uprising was declared in Crete at Loutro.

Loutro, today
Today Loutro is full of rooms and apartments for rent, all with a view of the calm bay with its islet and the lighthouse at its entrance. Dozens of boats and speedboats visit the harbour each day, the only means of communication with the surrounding areas.

All the houses in Loutro are built around the small beach and the jetty where the boat from Sfakia and Agia Roumeli moors. You rarely need to walk more than a few yards from your hotel to the taverna or the beach. You will gradually feel the peace and lazy atmosphere of the place affecting you, making you wonder how you could possibly have lived so long in the busy, stressful city. Expensive clothes, cars and other consumer goods lose their meaning here, since all you need is a pair of flip-flops for the beach, shorts and a T-shirt, your bathers and suncream. Anything else seems completely unnecessary in Loutro.
Loutro, beaches, sightseeing and activities

You can spend the day on Loutro beach swimming in the cool waters of the bay, drinking coffee and beer, canoeing or walking as far as the Venetian and Turkish fortresses.

If you feel in need of something more adventurous, take a 30-minute walk to neighbouring Phoenix for a coffee and a dip on its tiny beach. If you continue, after Phoenix you’ll come to Marmara beach and the exit of Aradena Gorge. At Marmara there is a small taverna and the omnipresent beach umbrellas.

You can also visit Marmara beach (to the west) and the beach of Glyka Nera to the east, on the boat that leaves Loutro at 11 every morning and returns in the afternoon. You can walk to Glyka Nera in an hour and a bit, along the narrow footpath that starts just behind the Kri-Kri taverna in Loutro and joins the road to Sfakia and Anopolis. If you suffer from fear of heights and vertigo, though, it is best avoided.

Glyka Nera beach (Sweet Water) is one of the loveliest beaches in Crete, with no umbrellas or other facilities but with clear blue-green waters in which to cool off after the hot sun. The sea here is quite cold, due to the icy mountain water that rises in the sea and the sand. This water is clean and perfectly drinkable. On the beach you’ll find a small canteen serving refreshments and fast food. Unfortunately there is no shade anywhere on the beach, but you can rent an umbrella from the canteen. Avoid sitting too close to the cliff because of the risk of rockfalls. Finally, be aware that the beach is popular with nudists, so if you object to the practice you had better avoid the spot.

Another itinerary for determined hikers is the path that ascends from Loutro to Anopoli. You climb up to about 700 metres above sea level, with the stunning view unfolding before you all the way. At the end of the path is the church of Agia Ekaterini (St Catherine) and a small Venetian fort. Enjoy the panoramic view with the Sea of Libya spread at your feet. In the distance you can make out the islands of Gavdos and Gavdopoula, the southernmost border of Europe. If you go on past the church you come to the village of Anopoli, birthplace of the hero Daskaloyiannis who led a major rebellion against the Turks in 1770. The rebellion failed and Daskaloyiannis was forced to surrender to the Turks, who made an example of him by flaying him alive in Heraklion.

From Anopoli you can either turn back or continue to Aradaina and the gorge of the same name. If you cross the Aradaina gorge you will wind up on Marmara beach, returning either along the coastal path or by boat. This route is quite long and tiring, and recommended only for those who are used to mountain treks.

The Aradaina gorge is also an excellent spot for lovers of extreme sports. If you like bungee jumping, then every Saturday and Sunday in the summer months, you have the chance to enjoy a jump from the Aradaina bridge, a metal bridge built 138 metres over the bottom of the gorge. It is the highest bridge for bungy jumping in Greece and the second highest in Europe.
Loutro, dining and entertainment
Start with a delicious meal at one of the many tavernas available in Loutro. There are tavernas serving cooked dishes, at least two grills with tasty local meat on the coals, and you may even get fresh fish if you’re lucky.
Whatever you choose, don’t forget to try traditional Greek specialities and especially Chania dishes, such as boureki and Sfakianes pites (sweet cheese pies).
After supper there are two café-bars, but don’t expect the place to be swinging nightclub-style. Loutro is a quiet place and we hope it will remain so for many years to come. What could be more pleasant than sitting right next to the sea, enjoying your drink with good music in the background and letting your gaze lose itself in the moonlit reflections on the mirror-like sea?

Practical information on Loutro
1. The only facilities available in Loutro are a few minimarkets. There is no chemist’s, no rural doctor’s surgery and no cash machine. Be prepared and bring the basics.
2. Camping and topless bathing are not allowed at Loutro. If you want to get more of your clothes off, go to Glyka Nera beach. Spear fishing isn’t allowed either.
3. The boat from Sfakia continues to Agia Roumeli, where you can visit the exit of the Samaria Gorge, along the so-called “lazy way”. In fact you will be walking along the flat part of the gorge from the exit to its narrowest point, the famous Sideroportes (Iron Gates). The round trip takes about 2-3 hours.
4. Loutro is usually crowded in August, so it’ll be more enjoyable if you pick a different month.
5. A different entertainment option is a boat trip to admire the sunset over the sea, and maybe even see dolphins if you’re lucky.

Cretans speak in Mantinades

2007-05-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

“A Cretan does not say in plain words what he feels,
With mantinades he weeps or with laughter he peals!”

Mantinades (plural of mantinada) are the most common form of folk song and are widespread across Crete. The Cretan mantinada is a 15-syllable rhyming couplet in Cretan dialect. Each mantinada is complete in itself in spite of its short length, like a limerick. There are however some mantinades used to answer others, in which case their meaning is complementary.
The mantinada is the unique way in which young and old in Crete can express their many and varied emotions: sorrow, joy, hope, desire, love, anger, revenge, nostalgia. Thousands of mantinades have been composed and are still being improvised on every facet of human life. Most are to do with love and romance, but there are also satiric, didactic, teasing couplets or verses on exile, engagement, marriage, everyday life and of course death and losing loved ones.
Mantinades are told at festivals accompanied by the lyre, or on their own in company, at the cafe, in everyday conversation. Most are not written down even in a notebook, and even fewer are published. Many are told and forgotten, but the best are learnt off by heart and passed on by word of mouth.
The origin of mantinades
According to historians, mantinades first appeared in Crete in the 15th century, during the period of Venetian rule. Cretans were influenced by Venetian poets and European poetry and started using rhyme for the first time. The famous poem “Erotokritos” seems to have played a decisive part in the invention and development of the mantinada. How could it not? Vicenzos Kornaros’10,000-verse romance has been read aloud and extracts sung by Cretans from the time it was written in 1590.
As for poetry in general, there is evidence that it has been known and loved in Crete since antiquity. The Cretan oracle and prophet Epimenides (6th century BC), for example, wrote his prophecies in verse. There was also Iophon of Knossos, who gave prophecies in verse at the oracle of Amphiaraos on Oropos.
Mantinades in Crete and Greece
It is not generally known that mantinades are not exclusive to Crete. The folk couplets of Kasos and Karpathos, islands to the east of Crete, are also called mantinades. Similar rhyming couplets are found on other Aegean and Ionian islands, and even in Cyprus, where they are known as “tsatista”.
The difference in Crete is that the production of mantinades continues at the same pace, especially in the villages, while in the rest of Greece very few new ones are made up. Crete manages to combine tradition with modern technological developments, often with a great deal of humour, as you can see from the following mantinada:

“In the sheepcote I set up a modem to use,
For to sell on the Net the milk from my ewes.”

Mantinada competitions
Mantinada competitions have become popular in Crete in recent years, encouraged by the “Michalis Kafkalas” Cretan Rhymers’ Association. The club was founded by doctor Michalis Kafkalas, himself a student and improviser of mantinades. Mantinada competitions are organized by the Municipalities of Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra, the Philologists’ Association of Chania Prefecture and the Cretan Students’ Union of Athens, while the 7th Pancretan Mantinada Competition is currently being held, organized by the Korfes Cultural Association.
The House of the Mantinada
The House of the Mantinada is to be housed in a restored building in the village of Korfes. It will be a Folk Museum, with important exhibits on traditional Cretan farming life. Thousands of mantinades by Cretan versifiers of repute and younger mantinada rhymers will be collected here, forming a vital source on the mantinada, an integral element of Cretan tradition.
The Museum is a two-storey stone building dating from 1925 in the village square which has been bought by the Korfes Cultural Association. “On the ground floor there will be an exhibition of farming tools, furniture, clothing, implements and any other items of everyday use, which visitors can enjoy along with a glass of Cretan raki”, explains Mr Kostas Farazakis, Chairman of the Korfes Cultural Association. He adds that, “the upper floor of the Museum will house all the mantinades we have at our disposal. Of course, anyone who wants to bring us his own creation to add to the collection is welcome.” Now that the Museum building has been acquired it’s just a question of finding funding for its restoration, which should be completed next spring.
Mantinades samples
Mantinades About Crete
I’m glad to be Cretan, my word I do keep.
With mantinades I sing, with mantinades I weep.

In Crete all men are brave without fears
And mantinades express both laughter and tears.

I hold the earth and scatter it from Psiloritis’ seat
And cast it wide so all the world may become like Crete!

Oh God, please change the heavens, I humbly do entreat
And place the stars all in a row to make the shape of Crete.

Mantinades About Love
A yearning in my breast has bloomed, an ever-roaring fire,
And every beating of my heart increases my desire.

I count the stars in the sky but I’m missing one
Because I forgot to count you, my sun!

If I were a snowflake, my life would be bliss
I’d lie on your lips and melt in your kiss!

As long as the world lasts, love will live long
It’s a gift from God and nature’s song!

If only your heartbeat and breath I could be,
So your very existence depended on me.

Stand facing the sun, my light, so your beauty it may see,
Then fall from sheer jealousy and burn out in the sea!

Your eyes are the sea, your face is the sun
One smile of yours and Spring will come!

Our paths are now sundered but they’ll never be gone
As long as I live, the memories live on.

Death and separation: they’re only a word apart
For both provoke the same pain in a grieving heart.

Souvlaki, the best-known Greek food

2007-05-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

The souvlaki is the best-known Greek food, a word that invokes Greece as much as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, retsina and ouzo. Anyone who’s visited Greece or who lives in a northern European or US city will have tasted the famous Greek souvlaki at least once. For those of you who haven’t been introduced to it yet, we’ll describe the souvlaki, present a few photos and give you an appetite for making your own at home.
What is souvlaki?
Souvlaki is a fast food served in “souvladzidika” (souvlaki shops), small eateries that also serve gyros and other grilled meat dishes. You can buy one to take away and eat on the street or sit in the shop and enjoy it at your leisure.
Souvlakia are small cubes of pork threaded on a small wooden skewer (the “souvla”), also known as a “kalamaki”. The word “kalamaki” applies equally to the souvlaki itself.
Ordering at the souvlaki shop

* If you ask for “ena kalamaki parakalo” (one kalamaki please), you’ll get a mouth-watering souvlaki and a slice of bread.
* If you ask for “ena kalamaki me patates”, your souvlaki will be accompanied by chips.
* If you ask for “ena souvlaki pita”, you’ll get souvlaki meat (without the wooden skewer, of course) in pita bread like gyros pita, with yoghourt, tomato, onion and chips. This only applies in Crete, as in Athens you don’t get the chips.
* Of course you can pick the ingredients of your pita souvlaki, leaving out the onion or yoghourt, using mustard or ketchup instead, or whatever.
* If you’re a vegetarian don’t worry, just ask for a “patatopita”, a pita without the meat but with the yoghourt, tomato, onion and chips.
The history of souvlaki
Although the origins of the gyros are lost in the mists of time, there is no doubt about the souvlaki. The souvlaki first appeared in ancient Greece, as proved by a recipe from that time. The dish was called “kandaulos” and combined grilled meat, pita, cheese and dill (Athenaeus, The Deipnosophists, 12, 516d).
Many centuries later we find references to street vendors selling souvlakia with pita in Constantinople, the capital of Byzantium.
The first souvlaki shops in Greece appeared in Livadia in 1951, selling souvlakia on a stick and gyros.
Today souvlaki is available in souvlaki shops and restaurants in every Greek town and city. You can order it as a takeaway and of course you’ll always find it sold at canteens at street markets, on the beach or by the side of the road. At every festival there’s at least one vendor filling the air with the delicious smell of char-grilled souvlaki.

Souvlaki types
Apart from the classic pork souvlaki, you can also try chicken or any other meat. One shop in Athens even serves ostrich souvlaki. All these variations were invented to provide a different taste, and also contain far less fat and cholesterol than pork.
In restaurants (but not souvlaki shops) the souvlaki is larger and threaded on a metal skewer. You can also order swordfish, prawn or vegetable souvlaki.
The traditional kebab is also cooked on a spit but it’s not called a souvlaki. It’s made of lamb or pork mince with spices and looks like a big elongated meat patty.

Swordfish souvlaki
* Buy swordfish steaks. Fresh is best, but frozen will do if you can’t get it.
* Marinate the swordfish in a little oil, lemon and rosemary for one to two hours. Chop into small cubes when ready.
* Slice some tomatoes and thread both tomatoes and swordfish cubes on souvlaki skewers.
* Add salt and pepper to taste.
* Grill the souvlakia.
* You can add a side salad or boiled rice.

Pork souvlaki
* Buy pork steak and chop it into small cubes. Marinate in olive oil, oregano, thyme and a little vinegar for 8-10 hours.
* Add salt and pepper to taste when ready and thread the pieces on souvlaki skewers. Be careful not to grill on too high a heat as the meat will dry out.
* You can also grill pita bread and add some tomato, onion and the cooked souvlaki meat, served with yoghourt, mustard or ketchup.
* Add you favourite salad for a full, healthy and easy meal.

Article by Yannis Samatas - All Rights Reserved.

The caves of Matala in southern Crete

2007-05-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

Matala is a small village with many tourist facilities about 70 km south of Heraklion. The Minoan Palace of Festos is 7 km east of Matala and the harbour of Festos used to be at the nearby Komos in the Minoan period.
There is a nice sandy beach in Matala and it attracts a lot of visitors in the summer months.
Matala has become famous for the artificial caves, carved into the rocks, north of the coast. These caves were first inhabited during the prehistoric period. Tombs found in the caves date from Greek, Roman and Early Christian times.
During the 70's the caves were hosting an international hippie community. That was a cultural shock for the local community, which had met no tourists before the hippies arrived.
The caves of MatalaGreat musicians like Cat Stevens and Joni Mitchell have been here for some time composing beautiful songs about the beauty of the bay of Matala..
Today the entrance to the caves of Matala is free but overnight stay is not allowed. The terrain is rather rough, so avoid slippery shoes. Most of the caves are not deep, so a torchlight won't be necessary.

Laiki, the street market in Greece

2007-05-19T07:50:00.000-07:00

The “Laiki” (“popular market”) is a large Greek street market. When the traditional weekly village market came to town it became a street market. Today no village, town or city in Greece is without its street market, held at least once a week. In the larger towns the market is set up in a different neighbourhood every day, to cater to the inhabitants without them having to travel far.
Market traders include both middlemen who sell products bought from farmers, and the farmers themselves, who sell their goods direct to increase their profits.
Behind the pretty picture of rows of stalls with goods neatly set out lie many hours of effort, starting long before the first customers reach the market. Traders and farmers set out in the early hours of the morning in order to reach the market area before sunrise and find a good spot for their stalls. They also need time to set out their wares in an attractive way.
The municipal cleaners have the hard task of cleaning up after the last customers have left and the stalls have been removed.

Every street market in Greece is a feast for the senses:
1. Sight. Your gaze will wander from stall to stall, enjoying the rainbow of colours from fresh fruit and veg to multicoloured cloth and carpets.
2. Hearing. Deep, melodious voices with village or Gypsy accents, joking and teasing, are raised in a huge hubbub as traders cry their wares and proclaim their final offers.
3. Taste. You can try before you buy. The traders themselves encourage you to try their fruit, to prove it’s the best in the market.
4. Smell. The mouth-watering smell of souvlakia grilling in the catering vans mingles with the fake Yves Saint Laurent and Dolce & Gabanna perfumes.
5. Touch. Your hands will stroke soft textiles, embroidered tablecloths and runners of the kind you’ll see in every Greek house decorating the kitchen table, the television, the DVD and even the washing machine.

Street market quality
Food. Many Greeks prefer to buy their fruit and vegetables from the street market because there’s more choice than at a neighbourhood grocer’s or a supermarket, and the goods are usually fresher and cheaper. Of course there’s no actual rule; sometimes the opposite may be true. But there’s certainly greater variety and lots of people enjoy a bit of bargaining, as they feel they’ve gained a few euros from the weekly shop.
If you’re not sure of the flavour of the fruit you want to buy, ask the trader for a bit to try if he hasn’t already suggested it himself. He’ll gladly offer you a tangerine or a slice of melon or watermelon, in an attempt to prove his fruit is better than that of the stall next door, even if it’s run by his best friend or a relative. At that moment both are traders and the sale is all.
Herbs. In the street market you’ll find the famous Cretan dittany, chamomile, spearmint, sage, oregano and every other kind of herb packaged in clear plastic bags. Usually the sellers have gathered the herbs in the mountains and packaged them themselves. They can tell you how to use each one. Be aware, however, that some herbs such as dittany are cultivated, so what you’re getting isn’t the wild mountain type that’s very hard to gather.
Clothing. The street market is also full of clothes for sale. Theseare usually cheap and cheerful tracksuits, tops and pyjamas, and more rarely suits and better-quality dresses. They’re cheaper than in the shops shoes in laiki greek street marketbecause the traders don’t have high rents and staff costs to cover. So you can find great clothes in the market if you’re prepared to fight your way to the stalls and sort through the assortment on offer along with everyone else.
Remember that if you want to try something on, you can usually ask the trader to let you use the van parked behind the stall.
Shoes. You can also find shoes and slippers here, often identical to those sold in the shops. Look carefully and if you can’t find your size now, better luck next time.
Textiles and embroidery. If you find the perfect curtain material, be careful. In some cases unscrupulous traders have been known to use their own shorter wooden tape measures, stealing a few inches in order to pocket a few extra euros. The solution is simple: bring your own tape measure and insist on measuring the cloth yourself.
As for embroidered goods, today China makes whatever the market demands, so why not Greek-style traditional embroidered tablecloths? Of course one shouldn’t generalise, and I wouldn’t want to wrong any honest tradesmen who may truly have bought them from village gypsies selling carpets in laiki street market in greecewomen wanting to supplement their family income with their needlework. Just be wary about anything that looks like the bargain of the century.
Perfumes. Don’t get too excited at the Christian Dior, Armani or Dolce Vita labels. They’re just cheap fakes which you can buy as a present for your wonderful girlfriend, whom you missed so much on your dull and boring holiday in the sun.
Carpets. Many people are dubious about the quality of the carpets sold in the street market. It’s hard to be definite on the subject. The truth is that they generally look just like the ones in the shops, at a temptingly cheaper price which can be driven even lower by a bit of hard bargaining.
Pedlars. In a street market, outside a supermarket or even in the town centre, you may be approached by a street pedlar who sidles up to offer you watches, leather goods, video cameras or other expensive items at rock-bottom prices. It’s usually a real steal, so be very careful if you don’t want to regret it later.

Source: explorecrete.com

The people of Crete

2007-05-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

Best vacations are made by the good company of friends, and not by the luxuries afforded by a place. Good friends, and the Cretan landscape is a combination guaranteed to create eternal memories. Any discussion of Crete, without mentioning its people would be incomplete, and while I cannot speak of the people as a whole, I can relay our experience which can serve as a point of reference for more generalized conclusions regarding hospitality of the inhabitants of Crete.

We traveled to Crete following Manolis, who had just built a beautiful house right outside Sitia, in Kato Episkopi.. He lives and works in Athens and every August he travels with his family to his home land to spend some time with his elderly parents and his brother Giannis who owns a house adjacent to Manolis' and works as a Policeman in Palekastro. We had booked an apartment nearby for two weeks, and the two brothers went out of their way to make certain that we experience how special a place is the island of Crete.

We followed Manolis and Anita who led our caravan from the port of Heraklion all the way to Sitia, where we arrived there about 8:30 AM. Our first stop was at his elderly parent's modest home in Piskokefalo and we all gathered in the tiny courtyard and I knew this was going to be a special vacation the moment Manolis said "let's have some raki to regain our strength". True, we were a bit dazed from the overnight trip on the ferry and from the almost three hour drive from Heraklion, but raki at 8:30? Within a few minutes Mrs. Paragios rested a small tray on our table with a half liter bottle of raki, enough shot glasses for everyone, and a plate full of succulent cucumber slices she just harvested from her garden.

Manolis was right. The raki worked miracles and within minutes we were as exuberant as ever and ready to conquer the whole island. It helped that in the next hour we consumed another liter of raki when we arrived at Giannis' home. Raki is a clear alcoholic drink that I think contains more alcohol than drink - or something like that - and it is made by just about everyone on the island. In fact, much of August in Crete is dedicated to harvesting the grapes and processing them to make enough white wine and raki to supply the family and friends for the whole year.

In the next couple of weeks we had a chance to have raki before lunch to "enhance our appetite", after lunch to "aid the digestion", in the afternoon to "fight the August heat", and of course at night when we sat around the table to socialize. In fact, it became a kind of a joke looking for off-the-wall reasons to have raki. The kind of raki Manolis and Giannis distill has a smooth taste, cool texture, and is light on the head. It is a tribute to its lightness that not once did we get drunk during our visit. While raki was always served when we visited friends, it was always a background issue. Cretans, like most Greeks love to get together to strengthen family bonds, to make new friends, to discuss soccer and politics, and for the children to immerse in play with their extended family.

The people of Crete spend every afternoon in the company of friends, and during our entire visit we spent our evenings in the Paragios yard. It seemed like every day there was a gathering of one sort or another. Very often, other relatives stopped by as a matter of habit to share a few words over some Greek coffee and a few cigarettes. Distant cousins from the village, relatives visiting from Athens, or friends from the town, all stopped by casually to say "yassou" and to spend a few hours together.

The legend of the Cretan hospitality was well justified in our eyes as we watched Giannis and Manolis, and their wives Despo and Anita -- who did most of the work cooking and cleaning afterwards -- making sure that everyone who set foot in their house was treated like royalty. During one afternoon when I was explaining to Giannis that this web site might be read by people who want to visit Sitia, his eyes lit-up and he exclaimed: "tell them all to stop by our house"! Giannis Paragios is a man who loves his land, and takes immense pleasure from other people's discovery of this wonderful place, so if you run into him roaming around Palekastro in his police cruiser, mention this web site to him, and who knows, it might even help if he were about to give you a traffic ticket.

Everyone we met in our nightly get-togethers exhibited the firm belief that their land was the best possible one, with its fertile soil and sea providing enough for everyone so they did not have to rely on volatile industries like tourism. In fact, during out conversations many seemed weary that their place might be overrun by tourists like so many other towns of Crete, and for this reason, while they love visitors, they all seem aware of the effects it can have on the physical and cultural landscape. I must admit it is not without a certain dose of guilt that I write about Eastern Crete. It would be a shame to spoil such a tranquil place where everyone takes pride in their history, culture, and natural beauty.

Family ties are very important in this part of the world, and the people we met in Crete cherished the opportunity to share a plate of food and a glass of raki either in formal or informal settings. One of our last days on the island we were invited to a family get-together and we followed a long motorcade through a maze of ascending dirt roads easily traversed only by 4x4 trucks. Our little Skoda managed to reach the top of the hill just as the sun was dipping into the horizon beyond Sitia below our feet. The view was just incredible with the colorful sky above and the dwindling lights of the town at the edge of the silver surface of the sea.

The informal get-together turned out to be a gathering of more than thirty friends and relatives along with their kids which soon escalated into full blown dance party with music blaring out of a boom box on the wall, people dancing, children playing, raki flowing, and an incredible array of dishes prepared by everyone in attendance. There were so many loud conversations around the table that we carried from one to the next without much effort, and within an hour there was nothing but joy in the air of this shed next to the tiny exoklesi of Panagia Trapezounta where the famous author of "Erotokritos" Vitsenzos Kornaros was born.

As the wine and raki flowed we realized what the secret of life is. The people of Crete know it, and were all eager to share it with us. Life is best lived among others. Under the night sky, the sweet music notes and the laughter weaved a mantle of delight which permiated everyone's being.

To all our friends from Crete who opened their hearts and homes to us, we extend our heart felt gratitude. The people of Crete are the main reason that Crete will live in our memories for ever.

Source: greeklandscapes.com
Photo: villagelifeholidays.com

Themes of the Byzantine churches of Crete

2007-04-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

Some of the themes that are still easily recognizable in the Byzantine churches of Crete are:

1. Punishment of the Damned is not hard to recognize as they usually involve grotesque scenes of torture and, as mentioned, are on the back wall.

2. Lazarus rising from the dead is recognized by the bound figure of Lazarus in an upright coffin, giving the appearance that he is standing.

3. The Nativity, characterized by the presence of an animal (ox or ass), a cradle and child and the reclining Virgin Mary.

4. The Last Supper.

5. Christ's Baptism, characterized by Christ in the river Jordan surrounded by fish and the impressive figure of John the Baptist.

6. The Dormition of the Virgin depicts Mary lying serene and beautiful in death surrounded by saints with Christ behind her, cradling her soul (a baby) in his arms.

7. The donor and his family can be recognized as they are on the back wall and do not have a halo, as do not any other lay people represented.

8. Haloed Saints (on the lower part of the church) are usually flat two-dimensional characters that face forwards with dangling feet, as if they are floating. These saints are always fabulously dressed being as they were thought of as courtiers of God.

9. The Crucifixion. The early Byzantine frescoes represented Christ as a spiritual figure, whereas the later frescoes shows a suffering Christ and an agonising Mary.

Many of the frescoes' painters are unknown and although some frescoes may be signed, little is known about the painters themselves. An exception to this is Ioannis Pagomenos, who painted many churches in the Chania prefecture. He is buried in the chapel of Agios Nikolaos in Maza and is known to be one of the more humanitarian painters of this era. Many of his works can be appreciated in the Selino area (southeast of Chania). Another known painter is Manuel Fokas who painted in the Pediada area of Iraklion.

Agia Galini the pretty coastal village

2007-04-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Agia Galini is a pretty coastal village and its picturesque port lay in the sheltered bay of Messara which opens to the Libyan Sea.
Located on the southern coast of Crete, just next to the border separating the prefecture of Rethymno from the one of Heraklion, Agia Galini is about 60 kilometres from the town of Rethymno and about 75 kilometres from the town of Heraklion.
The attractive village has numerous accommodations of all categories and styles (even camping sites) to offer, as well as plenty of restaurants, taverns, bars, clubs, cafes and shops.
The high popularity of Agia Galini is justified by the many beauties and charms it offers in combination with good touristy facilities.
Narrow cobbled alleys are snaking from the port into the village and old houses are perched one above another against a steep cliff, offering a magnificent view over the Libyan Sea.
A beautiful pebble beach extends over a kilometre in front of the village, offering its crystalline warm waters to the visitors. Just beyond this popular beach is a lovely nudist beach with mirror-like waters.
On the eastern side of the bay, where the village coils up, many marine caves hide in the rocky shores and can be visited by boats which regularly leave from the port of Agia Galini.
Those wonderful caves are really worth the visit because of the astonishing light effects created by the rays of the sun on the blue sea. Frequent boat excursions are organised to the southern part of Crete.

Link to Agia Galini Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDJMefrSR5A

Sfakia: The authentic region of Crete

2007-04-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

Sfakia, in the southwest of Crete, is the famous and most authentic region of Crete. Here you can find the last pieces of the old Cretan culture and nature, far away from mass tourism. Whether you are looking for the nice and quiet, on the natural beaches, or want to be active, with mountain hiking, swimming, diving and fishing: this is THE place! By the way, did you know Sfakia is Europe's southernmost part?

Nowadays Crete's main businesses are olive oil, wine and tourism. The latter is mainly centered along the North coast. The South West is sheltered from the masses by huge mountain ranges of over 2500 metres high. Only a few roads go south. There you arrive in a better climate region, even better than the Mediterranean climate! Since the mountains appear to sink directly in the sea, only small locations are suitable for villages. This scales down the possibilities for holiday resorts. Since Sfakia is quite remote, also the culture of their inhabitants is less business focused. Hospitality is still an art over here, with good tavernas, fresh fish and meat and very fair prices. The drinking water is mineral water from wells deep into the mountains. The natural beaches are wells of mountain rivers, with sweet water mixing with the sea. The best and most clear swimming water is here.

The hills and mountains are crossed by huge gorges; Sfakia's Samaria gorge is the biggest of Europe, but there are many more and all can be walked fairly easily. A ferry is connecting the villages along the South West coast; there is no noisy ongoing road. Directly from your hotel in Chora Sfakion, the small capital of Sfakia, you can start your daily programme: the beaches are only 25 meters away, more than 20 hiking routes start from here, all ferries come to Chora Sfakion and there is a good bus connection to the East and the North, by renovated 2 lane streets. You can also rent a car to explore the region, with its many small traditional villages.

In the evenings you have a choice of fine restaurants and tavernas, with local dishes of fresh fish, lobster, lam and goat or more international dishes. The Cretan wine is excellent and so is the olive oil and the Raki or Tsikoudia, as they call it: a tasty spirit made from the remains of the wine production. The Sfakians like to join you at your table and tell their stories or listen to yours. For disco and night clubs you have chosen the wrong place.

When you arrive by plane on Crete, you have the choice of 2 airports: Heraklion and Chania. If you have the chance, take Chania. This one is far more close to Sfakia, but even more important: it's small and quiet: check out is very quick and outside you can take the local bus, a pre-ordered taxi from Sfakia or rent a car. A one-and-a half hour's drive through the impressive White Mountains range down south brings you to paradise!

Minoan Places of Worship and Religion

2007-04-16T05:26:00.000-07:00

We do not know for sure if Minoans believed in one god and one goddess with many manifestations or in many gods and goddesses. It seems, however, that the vegetation cycle was central to the religion of Minoans. In their religion there was a goddess and a god who got married. The young god, like the vegetation, died and was reborn every year. The goddess appears more frequently in designs and is presented as a Tree Goddess, Snake Goddess, Dove and Poppy Goddess, Sea Goddess travelling in her ship, Mountain Peak Goddess, Animal Mistress Goddess, and Mother Goddess. The Young God is presented as a Tamer of Wild Beasts or a Warrior. Many of these qualities were passed to different gods of the Greek pantheon as is the case with Zeus, who, according to Cretans, died and was reborn every year. The names of the Greek gods appear in the Linear B tablets of Knossos of the Postpalatial Period, but the Minoan religion was dominant in the island in this period. In some cases, the Minoan religion survived even in the Greek periods, personified by new gods, as is the case with the goddess Vritomartis and Dictinna of the Greek pantheon who, however, are manifestations of the Earth Mother Goddess.

The gods and goddesses were closely associated with the king and queen. The male god was associated with the sun and the goddess with the moon. Certain animals like the bull, the wild goat, and the snake had sacred significance for the Minoans. The snake was a beneficent spirit that protected the home. The bull horns an the double axes are sacred symbols that appear everywhere in the palaces. The significance of the double axe is that it was used to sacrifice bulls to the divinity. Other sacred symbols include a knot, a figure-eight infinity symbol, a cross-in-a-wheel symbol and a holy tree symbol.

The places of worship of Minoan Crete were in caves, on mountain peaks, in small domestic shrines, and in special sections of palaces. Worship often consisted of offerings to the god, such as grain, figurines, animal models, double axes, weapons, and pottery. Such offerings have been found in several caves of Crete. The caves of Trapeza and Psychro in the Lassithi Plateau are examples of places where worship in caves took place. The Greek myths later said that the Mother Goddess Rhea hid the Young God whom the Greeks called Zeus in the cave of Psychro (Spileo Dikteon Andron), apparently associating a Minoan worship place and religion with a later god. Other important Minoan caves of religious significance include the Kamares Cave on the south side of Psiloritis, and the Skotino and Eilithia Caves (Spileo Eilithias) near Iraklion and the Spileo Ideon Andron, Oropedio Nida.

The Peak Sanctuaries were laid out on mountain tops or hill tops and they were built in a series of terraces to accommodate the number of people who would come on holy days. Large fires, which could be seen from long distances, were lit and the people would cast various offerings into the fire. Examples of Peak Sanctuaries are Karfi (above the Lassithi Plateau), Petsofas near Palaikastro in eastern Crete, and Mount Youktas near Iraklion.

In the palaces there are dark crypts for ritual purposes in almost all Minoan settlements. Rectangular altars of stone where sacrifices and burning of offerings took place existed in the palaces. One such altar still stands in Festos and Vathipetro.

Objects used in the ceremonies were offering tables, vessels with two or three containers for keeping small quantities of grain and other agricultural products for blessing (rhyton). When ceremonies took place in an open space, they were attended by many people and the priest had to speak through a triton shell in order to be heard. Dancing, bull fighting, and other athletic events were also part of the ceremonies. A number of clay figurines displayed in the Iraklion Museum represent dancers. A clay figurine found in the Kamilari tomb shows dancers dancing in a circle holding each other by the shoulders like modern Cretan dancers. Bull fighting was not fatal for the bull, but it could conceivably have been so for the athletes! In the bull fight the athlete seized the bull by the horns and performed somersaults over his neck. A number of frescoes and sculptures show such events. Boxing, wrestling and jumping were parts of the athletic events performed in such ceremonies.

Women in Minoan Culture

2007-04-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

Urbanization dramatically changes social relations. In place of real, biological relationships based on kinship, urbanized cultures organize themselves around more abstract, less stable, and inherently unequal lines. In particular, urbanized society is organized around "class," that is, economic function, rather than kinship. Economic function produces a kind of social inequality, as administrators, kings, and priests, come to occupy economically more important roles (distribution and regulation) than others. While there is really no such thing as social mobility in the ancient world, class is inherently unstable as a way of organizing society.

Urbanization also produces a split in human experience; life is divided into a public and a domestic sphere. In small tribal societies, this split is non-existent or barely evident, but urbanization produces a marked distinction between these two spheres. Almost universally, men dominate the newly formed public sphere: administration, regulation, and military organizations. Social inequality, then, gets established along sexual lines as well as economic function. This is a dramatic and traumatic change for any society to go through; literally, the entire world view has to adapt dramatically to account for this new inequality. For instance, most religions probably began as goddess religions; the new urbanized societies, however, develop god religions in their place.

Crete, so singular in everything else, seems to have avoided this. Not only does Crete seem to be a class-based society where there is little class inequality, archaeological evidence suggests that women never ceased playing an important role in the public life of the cities. They served as priestesses, as functionaries and administrators, and participated in all the sports that Cretan males participated in. These were not backyard sports, either, like croquet. The most popular sports in Crete were incredibly violent and dangerous: boxing and bull-jumping. In bull-jumping, as near as we can tell from the representations of it, a bull would charge headlong into a line of jumpers. Each jumper, when the bull was right on top of them, would grab the horns of the bull and vault over the bull in a somersault to land feet first behind the bull. This is not a sport for the squeamish. All the representations of this sport show young women participating as well as men.

Women also seem to have participated in every occupation and trade available to men. The rapid growth of industry on Crete included skilled craftswomen and entrepreneurs, and the large, top-heavy bureaucracy and priesthood seems to have been equally staffed with women. In fact, the priesthood was dominated by women. Although the palace kings were male, the society itself does not seem to have been patriarchal.

Evidence from Cretan-derived settlements on Asia Minor suggest that Cretan society was matrilineal, that is, kinship descent was reckoned through the mother. We live in a patrilineal society; we spell out our descent on our father's side—that's why we take our father's last name and not our mother's last name. While we can't be sure that Cretan society was matrilineal, it is a compelling conclusion since the religion was goddess-based.

Traditional Wedding (Video and Photo)

2007-04-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Cretan People and Customs

2007-04-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

The true Cretan people are among the tallest in Europe, which can be seen in the isolated mountain areas where the population has remained unchanged by outside influence. Cretans are a proud and independent people and their behaviour reflects their long history and their struggles against occupying forces.

Many traditions are preserved in the villages of Crete, especially in the more isolated ones. Among them are the Cretan wedding and the Cretan baptism. Both are special celebrations that may continue for several days. In the west of Crete they are characterized by the "rizitika tragoudia", which are very old songs, some of Byzantine origin. Dancing, eating, drinking, and shooting guns into the air, are all part of the celebrations.

Grape-gathering, wine-making and tsikoudia-making are activities enjoyed in the autumn every year. Wine-making involves crushing the grapes in special stone constructions called "patitiria". This is done by several people taking turns, walking or running in place on top of the grapes. While recovering from their exercise or waiting for their turn, the people consume food and wine. Tsikoudia is a strong local drink made from the remains in the patitiria, after most of the grape juice has been removed. This is allowed to ferment and then is distilled. Traditional methods and machinery are still used. The licensed owner of the still will often take time off his regular work to fulfil his function as village distiller in the autumn. Very often this still has been in his family for generations. People who come to make their tsikoudia often bring food to barbecue on the fire and the fresh tsikoudia is sampled copiously.

Places of natural beauty in Chania

2007-04-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

If the prefecture of Chania were to be characterized, perhaps the most appropriate appellation would be the "Prefecture of the Gorges" since dozens of gorges traverse the mountainous regions of Chania. Indisputably, Samaria gorge is of unparalleled beauty as well as the most renowned.
It is 16 km in length and its width ranges from 3.5 to 150 metres, with vertical cliffs which may reach a sheer 500 metres in height. In order to traverse it one needs approximately 5 to 6 hours and the gorge is open from May to October. It is a national park inside which one will find rare types of Cretan flora from the cypress and the pine tree to the dittany and the wildflower, while it is also the natural habitat of the wild goat or the Kri Kri.
Also impressive are the layered and tectonic rock formations of limestone which are discernible on its slopes.
The gorge of Agia Irene in Selino is 7.5km in length, at its most narrow points it reaches 10 metres while the height of its perpendicular walls is 500 metres. Its most distinguishable feature is its lush vegetation.
The gorge of Imbrou in Sfakia is one of the most imposing, narrow and deep gorges of Crete. Its length is 7km and its width is 2 metres in some places with the height of some perpendicular walls reaching 300 metres.
Its sides, which are 30 - 40 metres in height in some places, converge to leave a narrow opening of 2 - 3 metres giving the impression of a tunnel. The gorge of Topolia is magnificent and wild, unique due to its fantastic echo. It is 1500 metres in length with perpendicular walls that reach up to 300 metres and they boast many cave - like concavities, while its width fluctuates from 5 - 50 metres. There exist many other smaller but less well-known gorges whose beauty is comparable to that of the larger ones such as the gorge of Tripiti, Klados, Eligia around Samaria, Aradena, Katre, Asfendou, Agios Nektarios and Kallikrati in Sfakia, Theriso, which is close to Chania (the only one which can be crossed by car), Rokka and Polyrhenia in Kisamos, Boriana in Karanou and Dyctamos in Keramia, the only one which goes from west to east.
If the appellation "Prefecture of the Gorges" is not considered justifiable then perhaps the "Prefecture of the Caves" is more appropriate as it has more than 1500 land and sea caves. A very prominent one is the cave of the Elefantos, close to Plaka in Apokoronas, which has an underwater entrance and has only partially been explored up to date.
Apart from the white and red stalactites, it has become renowned worldwide for its 4 specimens of unique elephant (Elephas Chaniensis) and many of dwarf deer that lived tens of thousands of years ago. The cave of Sfakia, close to the village Asfendou, is of great historical interest since it hides rock paintings from ancient times.
Then there is the cave -precipice of "Tzani" in Omalos with a length of 2,500 metres and the group of precipices in the White mountains with the most important being the 1208 - meter deep precipice of Gorgouthakas, the largest of the Balkans, with springs, waterfalls and rivers inside.
The cave of the Bear or of The Virgin Mary Arkoudiotissa, close to the monastery of Gouverneto in Akrotiri, with the stalagmite which resembles a bear, the reservoir with the "holy water" - a result of a drip - and the small church which is dedicated to the Ypapanti are also worth a visit. So is that of Agios Ioannis the Hermit in the monastery of Gouverneto. One should also not miss out on: that of Agia Sophia in Topolia, with the church of the same name, with its 20 - metre high dome and its 70 - metre diameter whose surface is primarily covered by stalagmites, that of Agios Ioannis the Hermit in the Cave of Kisamos with the church of the same name which has large dimensions and a miracle - working stalactite and stalagmite, the Demonospilios in the slope of the gorge of Samaria in Gigilos, and many other smaller ones like that of Skourachlada in Keremia, of Samonas, of Kournas, and of Melidoni.
These karstic shapes are only one side of the coin however. The prefecture of Chania which overlooks the sea has endless beaches to offer in its 350 km of shores to satiate even the most demanding palate: from the isolated, pristine beaches to the organized cosmopolitan ones.
The beaches of Nea Chora, Chrysi Akti, Agioi Apostoloi, Agia Marina, Platanias, Gerani, Maleme, Kolympari, Kisamos, Paleochora, Fragokastalo, Kalives, Almirida, Georgioupolis and Kavros are organized and capable of offering visitors a wide variety of services, facilities and conveniences. Less crowded and more unspoilt beaches, with clean sand and crystal clear blue waters can be found by nature lovers if they distance themselves from the touristic centers.
In Phalasarna, the sandy beach which was voted the best in Europe in 2002, stretches for 3km and it can be combined with a hike to the ancient port.
Elafonisi, the small, low island (altitude 20 metres) is connected to the shore through a shallow isthmus with a depth of 0.60- 0.90 metres and a length of about 800 metres, the so called Perasma. That is where the common grave of the Austrian crew of "Imperetrice" which sunk in 1907 stands. In the neighbouring Kedrodasos one can enjoy the combination of sandy beaches and lush cedar forests.
In Sougia, its magnificent pebbly shore, its coastal caves and its pristine waters will hold you spellbound. Balo has an exotic lagoon, a sandy white beach and shallow waters to offer. A dip in Tigani, the small island- akrotiri, can be combined with a visit to the Venetian fortress of the island Imeri Gramvousa. The small, pebbly beach in Menies, next to the archaeological site of the ancient temple of Diktynna, is ideal for hiking and a haven of peace.
Finally, a place of singular beauty is considered to be that of Madara, or the infertile and barren peaks of the White Mountains. At an altitude of more than 1000 metres, it presents an absolute challenge for the hiker. It has rocky landscapes, with very little, low, bushy vegetation, quite a few wildflowers and a view that will leave you speechless.
Also unique for the island is the lake of Kournas, next to the village of the same name, close to the border of the prefecture of Rethymno.
It is at an altitude of 20 metres above the surface of the sea and has a circumference of 3.5 km with its deepest point being 23 metres. Osiers and Myrtle trees envelope the lake and the precipitous mountains that surround it are mirrored in its calm waters creating the illusion that it is deeper than it actually is. It is this phenomenon that is responsible for the legend that it is "bottomless".

Source: www.chaniacrete.gr

Cretan diet – Mediterranean Diet

2007-04-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

Crete has one of the oldest and most tasty gastronomic traditions in the world, a tradition of tastes, aromas, ingredients and skills which begin from the prehistoric years and continue until today.
In the international scientific community there is ever increasing discussion in search of the ideal diet for promoting the health. Among these searches more and more there is a discussion about the famous Mediterranean diet and its superiority in relation to other gastronomic traditions. In 1994 the World Health Organization, the School of Public Health of Harvard, and the Health Organization “Oldways” presented the so called Pyramid of the Mediterranean diet demonstrating scientifically that the diet of the peoples of the Mediterranean, rich in vegetables, pulses, fruits, cereals and with basic source of fats being the olive oil, constitutes to the preservation of good health and long life.
The Cretan diet constitutes the recent years the subject of study, since the majority of studies demonstrates that the Cretan cuisine is the most characteristic and qualitatively high example of the Mediterranean diet. It has been shown that the inhabitants of Crete have the lowest indicators of mortality and the lowest, on a global scale, mortality from cardio-vascular illnesses and cancers.
What however is the secret of the Cretan diet? The answer is that the Cretans are raised with the products of the earth, that is they eat abundant greens and vegetables, pulses and fruit, season their food with the greens and plants of the mountains of the island, such as thyme and basil, while nearly always the food is accompanied by wine from the local vines and outstandingly tasty bread, which traditionally is made with yeast.
Another characteristic of the Cretan table is the variety of dishes, where no one monopolizes the taste but all together constitute a tasty whole.
The most important however element is the oil, which for the Cretans and for all the peoples of the Mediterranean, constitutes the basic source of fats.
Oil constitutes the base of the Cretan and Hellenic diet, and is used in the majority of plates replacing butter or other forms of oil which are used in other areas of the world. The nutritional value of the oil is great whereas it constitutes the strongest antioxidant of nature, that is protecting the organism from the oxidization and the development of free radicals which cause serious illnesses.
Crete with its Mediterranean climate and good formation of its ground allows to the olive tree not only to flourish everywhere, both in plains and in mountainous areas, but also to give to the oil the best possible quality, with low acidity and wonderful aroma. The fact that the Cretans live more and have the lowest indicators in the appearance of illnesses seems to be certainly connected with the fact that they are the largest consumers of oil world-wide.
It is certain that the great health and long life of the Cretans is owed to the traditional diet. A diet to which it is worth turning our attention and following.

Moving to and living on Crete

2007-04-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

After spending some time on Crete, discovering the beauty of the island as well as the hospitality of the Cretans and of course because of the mild climate you have decided to spend your time now on Crete. Either to enjoy your retirement, either to spend only some months here and the other time in your home country or because you really want to change your whole life and get a part of the Cretan community.
Nevermind which reasons you have, you are welcome as guest and of course you should know certain things. Maybe this section will help you to make your life more easy.
The first step of course is finding a new home in the right location, then moving to Crete, getting a residence permit, finding work on Crete and then start to enjoy your life.

List of useful documents to bring with you

* Your valid ID card and/or your valid passport
* ID card and/or passports for all your family members who accompany you, or any equivalent provisional certificate (if appropriate)
* Visa for the members of your family who are third-country nationals, if required
* Extract from policy records (some public bodies for which you would like to work could require this document)
* Birth certificate(s)
* Evidence of the status of your family members or your dependants (normally a document issued by the competent authority of the country of origin, testifying that they are dependent on you or that they live under your roof in such a country)
* Any legal documents describing your personal situation (marriage act, civil judgement, evidence that you have completed your military service, etc…)
* A student card and a valid subscription to a European university if you wish to be recognised as a student
* All original diplomas you have obtained in your country of origin or in another country (for study or work purposes)
* All professional certificates attesting to your professional qualifications
* Original working contracts establishing your professional experiences (activity and duration) including if relevant the contract under which you are currently working or are going to work
* The European Health Insurance Card and/or the relevant E-forms which facilitate the continuity of your social protection in another EU country; the same for each family member
* Necessary documents certifying your rights (period of work and social security cover, entitlement to social security benefits)
* Recent medical certificate or any personal medical record (to ease the work of a foreign doctor), if appropriate
* Your most recent bank statements to easily establish your financial conditions, if appropriate
* Your driving licence
* Technical specifications of the vehicle(s) you are bringing with you
* Evidence of payment of VAT in the country where you bought your car, if appropriate

History of the town of Chania

2007-04-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

The town of Chania is built, according to archaeological searches, on the ruins of a big ancient town. The up to now evidence leads us to the ancient Kydonia that, according to Diodoros Sikeliotes, was founded by Minos and was one of the three big towns of Crete. Its name is read KY-DO-NI-JA on a Knossos tablet of Linear B Scripture.

The Kasteli Hill, east of the port, owing to the fact that it was adjacent to the sea, was an ideal position for prehistorical settlements. Architectural remains that have survived and used to belong to big buildings comes from the early Minoan period (1900 – 2200 B.C.). The settlements developed and evolved into an important center in the first middle-minoan period (2000 – 1580 B.C.), whereupon a Minoan colony was founded, beyond the Kasteli Hill. In 1450 B.C. it was destroyed by a big fire. With the Greek – Swedish excavations, that began in 1967, were found buildings of this period with many rooms, several had floors paved with flagstones, second storey and monumental entrances looking on narrow streets. About 100 clay tablets with symbols of the Minoan Linear A Scripture, which have been found, indicate possible existence of a palace. After the catastrophe of 1450 B.C., the town was rebuilt and continued to exist until the end of the Minoan years (1100 B.C.) not without intermittent minor catastrophes.

In the post-minoan III period (1400 – 1100 B.C.) the town reaches very high prosperity. Its products are reknown in Knossos, in Eastern Crete, in Thera, even in Cyprus. Its cemetery expands considerably all around the settlement. Grave jars, subterranean vaulted graves carved in rock were discovered daily on the eastern, northeastern section of the modern city.

During the first centuries of the 1st millennium e.e., in the geometric and archaic years, architectural remains have not been found till now, only abundant ceramics, that indicates that the town continued its life even during that period. Part of a frieze, now in the museum of Chania, depicts the façade of a temple with the statue of the Goddess surrounded by archers. Very few finds suggest the existence of the town during the classical period (5th – 4th century B.C.). However this period must have been an era of prosperity for the area, according to the testimonies of ancient writers. The famous sculptor Krissilas, Phidias pupil, comes from Kydonia of the classical period. As far as the Hellenistic period is concerned (end of the 4th century B.C. – 69 B.C.) there is enough evidence about the flourishing of the town.

Houses with mosaic floors have been found in several parts of the town, that by the time had expanded until beyond the hill of Kasteli. Remarkable graves with rich finds of this period have survived. In 69 B.C., the Romans declared war against Kydonia, and sent Consul Cointus Concillius Metellus to seize it. The people of Kydonia, under the leadership of Lasthenes and Pavares, fought the Romans heroically, but eventually they were defeated. The town continued its life, and flourished during the Roman period. The town of Kydonia continued to flourish and in the early Byzantine period starts 324 – 823 A.D. as well.

Christianity was spreading from the 1st century, and Kydonia was chosen as “Seat of Bishop” it is often mentioned in Records of Councils and Ecclesiastical “Minutes” till the 9th century A.D. As from that period we have very few archaeological indications, which are confined to a few tomb inscriptions from the church of St. John and from the area of today’s orphanage, indicating that they were extended cemeteries of the town.

The period 821 – 961 A.D. is a dark period for Kydonia. The town falls into the hands of the Arabs after a siege. Historical sources of this period are not very clear and the archaeological indications have not been located at all. From the Legend (biography of Saints) of St Nicholas the Confessor (abbot of the monastery Stoudiou and well-known apologist of icons) who comes from Kydonia we learn that his fatherland was rich and prosperous and the memory of its glorious past is indelible. The events of the Arab attack are described in dark colours. The Arabs are ousted by the Byzantines in 961 A.D., but the town maintains its strategic significance. The Byzantines build a fortress that rests in many parts on the ancient walls, with the building materials of ancient Kydonia.

The town however begins to decline. From this period, only a few parts of the walls in Kasteli survive. In the first half of the 13th century, the Venetians endeavour to establish their sovereignity in the area of Chania. After the siege of Constantinople by the Latins (1204 A.D.), Crete is ceded to Bonifatio Marques Momferato, from whom the Venetians bought the island. Bonifatio did not have time to seize Crete before its sale to the Venetians, because the Genovian Count of Malta, Erico Piscatori, rushed and seized Chania and fortified the Acropolis of Kydonia. After the purchase by the Venetians, the latter characterized Piscatori as a pirate and after a tenacious war they exhiled him from the island. The possession, however, of the island by the Venetians did not occur immediately, but only after hard fights against the indigenous population, particularly in the borough of Chania.

The borough of Chania was divided into 90 “Cavaleries”, that were given to the Venetian colonists, with the specific obligation to rebuild the town of Chania. It is they who repair the walls of Kasteli, and organize the planning of the town within its boundaries. The public buildings develop along the central road Corso (today’s Kanevaro Street) that crosses Kasteli. Chania develops into the second twon of the “Kingdom of Crete” and is the Seat of “Rector” and latin Bishop. The town and its port becomes the center of a wealthy agricultural area with economical and political connections with Venice. In the middle of the 16th century, the town is fortified once more, an operation that was based on designs by the Veronese mechanic Michele Sammichelli, with contemporary walls and trence. The fortification was enhanced with fortresses on the islets Thodorou, Souda and Gramvussa. Within the new boundaries, the new town-planning network develops, that remains until today.

Big public buildings were erected – temples, storerooms, shipyards – a lot of which are still remaining. The architectural character of Chania is mainly Western, with predominant the element of Venetian mannerism and some Flemish influences. Quite a few of the buildings of that period are maintained with many subsequent alterations. In August 1645, the Turks seized Chania and the town was declared as the Seat of the Turkish pasha, while an Orthodox bishop of Kydonia was settled in, with the temple of St Anargiri as his Seat. The Catholic churches are turned into mosques while new mosques are also built. The conquerors are strongly influenced by the local architectural tradition, adding only certain functional and artistic elements.
The town maintains the same structure, while the buildings assume some oriental character (wooden kiosks, wooden walls, tiled roofs, latticed windows, wide range of colours and cavities). In 1821, before the start of revolution, the population of Chania came to 10.600 inhabitants, 8.000 of them were Turks and 2.600 Christians, while in 1881 – last official census of the inhabitants of Crete during the Turkish domination – Chania had 13.812 inhabitants. 9.469 of them were Turks, 3.477 Christian Orthodox, 159 Catholics, 5 Protestants, 4 Armenians and 485 Jews. The town of Chania was divided into 9 neighbourhoods, that constituted electoral sections.

The neighbourhood of Tophana, of Yousouf Pasha, of Arab Tzamissi of Kasteli of Moussa Pasha, of Agha Djejire Kolou, Houghiar Tzamissi (Splantzia), Koum Kapissi and Topalti. Since the siege of Chania (1645) till 1830 Crete was governed by three Pashas, whose headquarters were in Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion. From 1830 during Giritli Mustapha Pasha’s administration and till the end of the Turkish occupation, Crete was governed by a General Administrator (Vali) whose seat was in Chania. From 1645 till 1830, Chania had been governed by 196 Pashas. From 1830 and until the end of 1897, Chania and the whole of Crete had been governed by 37 Pashas and only 7 of them were Christians. Chania became officially the capital of Crete in 1849. In the middle of the 19th century, Chania became the headquarters of Administration, and after the revolution of 1847 the capital of the autonomous Cretan State.

By then, the town assumes a multinational character with the presence of Foreign Leagues, a fact with many consequences on the economical, social and cultural life. The architectural style changes according to the models of the West; houses and mansions are built inside the walls as well as outside, on the outskirts of the town. A creative spirit spreads from Chania to the whole of Crete, laying foundations of order, security and prosperity. A clamorous crowd of Turkish Cretans, Orthodox indigenous Cretans, Beduins, Jews and Europeans was giving Chania a special colour. The Cretan people however never stopped wishing and fighting for the unification of Crete with Greece. The yearning dream came true on the 1st December 1913 in the presence of King Constantine and the leader of the revolution of Therisso (1905) Eleftherios Venizelos.

During the Second World War violent battles took place on the outskirts of the town till the final fall of Chania, after a siege of 10 days. Chania gets bombed and the old town is completely destroyed. During the years of the occupation a strong resistence was organized against the conquerors, and this fact has made Chania one of the centers of organized resistance in Greece.

Archaeological walk in Chania

2007-04-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

The medieval town of Hania was given its final character by the Venetian conquerors in 1252, and was preserved after the seizure of Hania by the Turks in 1669.
Alter the , where it was mentioned that the Venetian colonists had the obligation to rebuild the town, they completed and repaired the already existing wall of Kasteli and in its interior they created the first core of the town based on Western building models. They marked out the official road, Corso, (today's Kanevaro Street), that crossed Kasteli from east to west, dividing it into two parts. They built the Cathedral (Duomo) of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the palace of the Rector and the mansions of the Venetian feudalists. Across Corso they marked out other smaller roads parallel to each other, where they build their houses. The walls of Kasteli had four gates. The two central ones, on the western and eastern edge of Corso, were totally destroyed by bombing during the Second World War (1941). As for the two other smaller gates, one of them was on the southern part where Katre street is today and the other one on the northern part where there are the steps next to the building that houses the Polytechnic of Crete. With the development of commerce and navigation the town spreads out beyond the walls of Kasteli.

For security reasons the construction of wider walls is decided; it began in 1538 by the architect Michele Sammichelli. With the new walls, that were constructed in order to encompass the wider town, the walls of Kasteli became completely redundant and, as result of this, its towers were turned into dwellings, whilst on its middle towers the foundations of a great other dwellings were laid. What is more, its external part was covered in a great part by other buildings, something that today obstructs us from seeing the form of the inner wall in all its perimeter. The new walls were given a square shape and each one of its four corners were fortified by a bastion (baloardo); on the northwestern corner the San Salvatore or Gritti bastion was built, on the southwestern corner the bastion of San Dimitri or Sciavo, on the northeastern corner the bastion of Sabbionara or Mocenigo. The bastions of Sabbionara (on the southern part) or Santa Lucia (on the western) and San Dimitri (on the eastern part) were fortified from the outside with parotids (orrechioni). In the middle of the southern part (left as one enters the Municipal Market) a platform was constructed and was named the bastion Retimiota or de San Giovanni or della Misericordia. In its interior, on the East and West, two low squares were formed.

Towards the interior of the bastion, as much as towards other parts of the middle towers, 8 small bastions of large (cavalier) or small (cavalierotti) shape were placed. The wall had three gates: the Rethimnon gate (porta Retimiota) on the southern middle tower, west of the platform, the gate Sabbionara (the gate of sand in Nikiforos Fokas Street) on the eastern middle tower, and the auxiliary gate of San Salvatore (entrance from Theotokopoulos Street), that opened on to the corresponding bastion. Externally, on the periphery of the walls, a trench was dug and a resistance counterwall was constructed (contrascarpa) in order to hold the soil together. Only in the bastion of Sabbionara there was no trench, as it went as far as the sea. After the Venetians were defeated by the Turks, in 1645, the cracks that were caused during the siege were repaired. The cracks had been made in the bastion of San Dimitri and in the gate of Sabbionara through which the Turks entered the town. This gate was reconstructed, its dimensions were changed and it was named Koum Kapi.

The Rethymniotiki gate was also repaired and was named Kale-Kapissi. What finally determined the decision of the Venetians to build the port of Hania was the capture of the town by the Venetian navy in 1293. This construction went through various stages, it lasted approximately 300 years, and consisted of the deepening of the gulf, of the breakwater, the Lighthouse and the strong guardhouses in the arm of the Lighthouse. The increasing Turkish threat had as a consequence the reinforcement of the Venetian navy and construction of shipyards (they began their building in 1526 and took their final form in 1599) for the maintainance of the section of the navy that remained in the harbour of Hania. The northern part of the shipyards was open to the sea, whilst the southern part was closed and had a small door, two rectangular windows and a rotund one. They communicated between them with archways. On the south, the communication of the town with the area of the shipyards was a Venetian gateway that was destroyed in the middle of our century. During the Turkish occupation they were neglected and started to decay.

Out of the 17 shipyards today only 7 are actually standing, that, with various additions (the closing of the northern part, adapted mid walls) were adapted to contemporary uses. Beginning our stroll from the northwestern part of the harbour we come to the fortress Firka. The area was used as residence of the Venetian as well as for barracks. During the Turkish occupation, it operated as barracks and prisons. On the 1st of December 1913, the Greek flag was raised in celebration of the unification of Crete with Greece. Up to the civil war it had been used as a prison. Going up Angelou Street we come across big Venetian buildings (about that we don't have sufficient information).

At the beginning of Theotokopoulou Street the temple of San Salvatore is still erect. It is the monastery of Franciscans monks in the homonymous western bastion. The arrangement of the monastery follows the western models with the square courtyard of the cells and the passage way on the southern part of the church. The temple is small in size with a sharp perpendicular vault and two adjacent chapels with crossvaults on the northwestern side. The altar of the temple with a large arch occupies the eastern part. From the wing of the cells the eastern part is preserved with quite a few subsequent added parts and probably the western part is too. Continuing along Theotokopoulou Street we can see a lot of Venetian mansions with typical Oriental configurations from the times of the Turkish occupation (wooden balconies, latticed windows).

The neighbourhood today is called Tophanas. This name has prevailed since the times of the Turkish domination, because the Turks kept their cannons there. In the late years of the Turkish domination, the prosperous Christians families lived in Tophana. The Consulates of the Great Powers were also there. It had been the neighbourhood of Christian aristocrats and therefor inaccessible to the Turks. Following the way towards the east in Zambeliou Street, we see everywhere along the road houses with characteristic Venetian fronts. From these facades there have been left a few features of the superb Venetian gateway. More characteristic examples are the mansion of Renier with very few features left while the gateway, which bcart the mansion, date 1608 and the inscription (namely the sweet father had done a lot and studied. He had sweated and suffered, let perpetual respite give him joy), has survived.

Also inside the gate the private chapel of Renier survives almost intact. This temple is of Latin typology, The original temple must have been of the 15th century with the altar turned northwards, the entrance westwards and the window eastwards. During the alterations that were made in the 17th century, on the northern part the altar was abolished and the entrance was created with some intervention on the southern part for the construction of a new altar. The building is small in size, but it has very beautiful decorative architectural features, like embossed mouldings on the semicylindrical vault of purely decorative character. Another characteristic front is that of a Venetian mansion with an invalled inscription mention (i.e., no one is poor when his soul is big). The same inscription is decorated with illegible insignia.

In Zambeliou and Skoufon Street there used to be a church of St John Theologos. In the days of the Turkish occupation it was converted into a mosque. Today there is only a fountain. Also in Zambeliou and Portou Street there is a Turkish haman. In the small streets behind Zambeliou Street the area is called Jewish, because Jews used to live there since the period of the Venetians. The Venetians had taken strong measures against the ]ews who were obliged to live only in a neighbourhood especially for them. The central road is today's Kondylaki Street and here there are houses of famous Jews. In the place of todays tavern <> there used to be a Synagogue that has lately been destroyed by fire. The front and the big internal walls are still up.

In Zambeliou and Halidon Street there is a two storey building with a row of three arrows, that is considered as the Venetian Loggia. The same building has been used as a military hospital by the Turks, as an admirality of the Foreign League during the period of the Cretan State, and later as the Town Hall. An inscription in Arabic letters can be seen. In Halidon Street, where today is the archaeological museum, there is a monastery built by Franciscan monks. It consists of the temple and two adjacent courtyards with all the four sides closes on the south of the church. On the northern side there was a penwall that surrounded the gardens of the monastery. The whole complex was sufficiently big 60 metres E.W. and 90 metres N.W. approximately. It is not yet known when the building of the monastery began, as there is no written evidence of the building; a section of the temple however has strong gothic influences of temple – construction, a fact that probably places it in the 14th century, while in 1595 the church and the belltower were completed, as we know from the description of doctor Onorio Belli in a letter he sent to Signer Alfonso Ragona in Venice after the big earthquake of 1596.

The church constists of a central temple, to the east are the chapels of the chorus, while on the west today's passage way constitutes modification of the original building in the years of the Turkish dominion. On the N.E. corner is the belltower, that has an independent entrance. The main temple is divided into three aisles. The middle one is raised oblong, whilst the northern and the southern ones have a semicylindrical roof. On the northern part of the main temple three chapels have been annexed, sheltered each by a quarter of sphere. From the cells survives the external eastern part that looks on Halidon Street -there is a row of shops today- quite altered however, owing to the subsequent interventions. On the southern part of the cells, there is a section of a building that can be identified as the dining-room of the monastery. During the time of Turkish dominion, it was converted into the mosque of T Yousouf Pasha. Only the balcony, on the northern side with the half-destroyed minaret, can be seen today. Opposite St Franciscus, it is said there used to be the convent of Santa Ciara with Franciscan nunns. Today it is all extinct. Opposite St Franciscus a Turkish hamam survives; today's steeple foundry also, barely a few metres to the south, is the Cathedral of Hania, Trimartiri, or the church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary.

It was built in an area where used to be the soap factory of Mustapha Nily Pasha, that in its turn was built on the ruins of an ancient edifice. When Mustapha Nily Pasha became Prime minister of the Ottoman Empire, he donated his soap factory and another 100.000 curus for the erection of the church to the Christian community of Hania. And the son of Mustapha Pasha, Velis, who was the governor of Crete at the time, offered 30.000 curus. Many offers were also made by the Christian locals. It was inaugurated in 1857. It had three aisles consecrated to St Nicholas (the northern), to the Presentation of Virgin Mary (the central) and to three Hierarchs (the southern). During the firing of the Cristian neighborhood of Hania by the Turks in 1897, damages were caused also to the Trimartiri, the repair of which was made with the Tsar's money who also donated the church bell. By the sea, at the port, we can see the temple of Hassan Pasha with typical morphology of temples, with one big central dome and four smaller ones. On the southeastern corner there is the foundation of a minaret and in the interior, on the southeastern part, the Mihrarb (the holy stand).

The mansions of the Venetian relatives and the palace of the Rector were on the hill of Kasteli. At the end of Lithino Street, a complex of buildings under the name is identified as the palace of the Rector. Here we can see an ornamented gateway of renaissance style, leading to an internal courtyard surrounded by the buildings. Documents, from various eras of the Venetian Council as well as of the Rector of Hania, refer to the state of this building and the repairs that were made to it. The sole remnant of the <> complex is the internal courtyard, while we don't know if the gate of 1624, that, is quoted in the archives of the town, had been transferred from elsewhere. The Palazzo of the Venetian Rectors had been used also as the residence of the Pasha of Hania. On the Corso of Castelli (Kanevaro Street) used to be the Premarin mansion; this, according to an inscription, was built in 1598 by the architect Manoli Litina from Rethymno and always according to the inscription it was (an ornament of the town). On the same street we can see the mansion of Zangarol with a gate of renaissance artistry, and on the opposite side the mansion of Molin, that had images of warriors on its gate heads and in the middle the coat of arms of Molin.

The mansions, like other Venetian houses, were totally destroyed by the bombing in the Second World War (1941). On the hill of Castelli in St Mark's Street, survives a section of the monastery of Santa Maria de Miracoli. It was a convent of the battalion of the Domenicans. It was founded in 1615. The typology of the monastery follows the familiar Western prototypes. On the south of the church is the closed courtyard with the passage, while the belltower that used to be on the southeastern part of the church has not survived. The greatest part of the church has been destroyed, and only the southern wall remains with the embossed mouldings for the perprendicular vault and the blind archings, whilst from the rest of the complex part of the courtyard the cells and the passage way can be seen. On the steps north of the monastery is the big arsenal. It's a shipyard to which a second floor was later added and was used as Town Hall of Hania. The relics of the Minoan town are also on the same hill. Ruins of buildings are found in Katre Street and in Kanevaro Street. The most outstanding complex of houses has been dug up on the square of St Catherine during the Greek-Swedish excavations.

A big building of the post-minoan period has been discovered. It has many chambers, an open paved courtyard, a hearth and a storeroom, where a great number of pots and jars were found, as well as monumental entrances that look out on to small streets. Approximately 100 clay tablets of Linear B Scripture have been found; something that probably suggest the possible existence of a palace. On a site in Katre Street, an archive of tablets of Linear A Scripture has been found. In Katre Street there is also the Turkish hamam. Continuing eastwards we reach the neighbourhood of Splatzia. There was the Turkish quarter. The lanes and a few of the houses are still there. In Daskaloyanni Street is the Catholic church consecrated to St Rocco, protector of the town from the plague. The Latin inscriptions on die facade show the date 1630. It is a single-aisled church with a chapel on the north, without an altar arch. Built with strong influences from the Italian renaissance it represents a typical example of correct proportions and plain form.

A few metres southwards is the square of Splantzia. Here is the monastery of St. Nicholas, a possession of Dominician monks, that must have been built before 1320. The cells of the monastery, arranged in accordance with Western models, were on the nothern part, forming two closed courtyards adjacent to each other, with the passage way on the groundfloor and the cells on the upper floor. From this complex today only the one side of the western courtyards survive. The eastern part has been altered by subsequent additions. The church is divided into three parts: a) the vestibule with the entrance gate of characteristic gothic type, b) the threeaisled main temple that has been renovated and c) the altar with its right and left parts quite well preserved. The original bell-tower of the monastery, was standing on the northeastern side of the church. Today not even its base exists; it has been replaced by a contemporary one on a different spot.

Firstly, the church of St Nicolas was converted into a temple of Ibrahim or Houghar (of the Monarch). From its usage as temple it is left the minaret on the southwestern part and the imprint of the emblem of the Sultan on the entrance survive. Here the sword of the conqueror was kept in a red wollen sheath and Imamis held it each Friday when he read the Koran. Today it is kept in the Orthodox church of St Nicholas. On Splantzia square there was a Turkish fountain that during the Turkish dominatin, was a recreation ground for the Turkish population. South of St Nicholas is the two aisled vaulted Orthodox church of St Catherine (characteristic renaissance architecture). Until recently it has been used as bakery. In the neighbourhood of Splantzia, on Rougha square, in Kallinikou Sarpaki Street is the Orthodox single-aisled church of St Irene, that has been recently discovered. In Hatjimichali Daliani Street is the temple of Ahmet Agha. It is single-aished vaulted edivice, with a minaret on the northwestern corner and the southeastern corner. South of Splantzia neighbourhood, is the neighbourhood of St Anarghiri, where there is the homonymous Orthodox two aisled church. It is also consecrated to St Savas. It was a parish church, owned by the brothers, also priests Manolis and Damianos Fassoulas from a middle-class family registered in the Venetian catalogues of 1644. It functioned as the Metropolis until the erection of StTrimartiri. (Is situated in Jacob Koumi Street).

Going on towards the port from Daskaloyianni Street, we see in Archoleon Street the Venetian shipyards. After that, we come northeast of the town to the bastion Sabionara. On the walls we see the Lion of St Mark, emblem of the Venetians. Then, we come out of the walls to the neighbourhood Koum-Kapi. The Beduins who came to Crete during the Egyptian occupation (1831-1840) used to live there. Most of them however came in 1884. After the treaty of Halepas, (it started on the 28th August 1878 and expired on the 3rd October 1878) order and peace reigned on Crete. Thus commerce and agriculture developed, and for that human labour was needed. Then the General Administration of Hania brought a lot of Beduin families from Vengazi. They lived in the area Koum Kapi outside the walls in huts. The people called them Halicutides, mostly because of the characteristic sound of their speech. After Koum-Kapi there are the new neighborhoods of Hania, built on beautiful town-planning designs.

Agrotourism in Crete

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If you wish to relax with the sounds of nature, meet the traditional way of live of the people in villages by participating in agricultural or stockbreeding activities, meet the authentic Cretan cuisine by helping in preparations or ride in the mountains and the valleys of Crete, then the agrotourism hotels are the most appropriate way. The number of traditional hotels in Crete is constantly rising. In many areas of the island you can find hotels and other accommodation units with special features adjusted to their natural environment and in the Cretan country architecture. Staying in such traditional environment of stone and wood during your vacation is something that will surely fill you with enthusiasm and will give another dimension to your holidays. Additionally you will have the opportunity to find out yourself about the famous Cretan hospitality that only the Cretan know how to offer.

Agrotourism and Cretan Diet
The holidays in an agrotourist hotel in Crete are bound together with famous Cretan diet, where the visitor has the chance to taste it and also help preparing it. Most agrotourist hotels have their own farms, where they culture biological and free from all chemicals products. By that, Cretan products like cheese, honey, vegetables, olive oil, oregano, thyme, sage, rusks, wine, raki from local vines and aromatic herbs as well as many more will constitute the basic ingredients of your meals, which will be cooked by the owner or another cook of the area based on traditional recipes. Additionally, in some places, you will be able to participate actively in the preparation, learning the secrets of Cretan cooking pastry making and agriculture, through fully organized teaching classes.

Agrotourism and Activities
Horse Riding, mountain biking, walk in the woods or the crossing of a gorge, making bread or some traditional cake are only a few of the activities which you will be able to experience while staying in a traditional agrotourist hotel in Crete. Or else, if you only wish to rest, then your stay in the Cretan countryside will absolutely relax you, giving you endless times of serenity, listening just the sounds of nature.

Castles, Buildings & Constructions

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The Venetian Fort of Iraklion
Construction of the fortification of La Rocca al Mare) with two floors and twenty-six apartments which were used for accommodation as well as for storage. In order to supply the city’s constant need for drinking water, the General Provisioner of Venice, Francesco Morosini, had a 15km long conduit constructed which ran from Mount Youktas to Iraklion.
In the summer of 1645 the Turks invaded Crete, and in 1648 started attacking the fortifications of Iraklion. The siege continued for the next 21 years, one of the longest in history and it is estimated that 30,000 Christians and 100,000 Turks were killed. The fortifications of Iraklion are still impressive and can be seen in several locations within the city today.

The Fortifications of Chania
The last Venetian fortification of Kastelli, where there were a large number of Venetian palaces. Chania always had adequate water for its inhabitants. In 1645, after two months of Turkish siege and heroic battles, the walls near the rampart of Shiavo (southwest rampart) were cracked and the city was surrendered. Today the fortifications of Chania are visible in several locations around the city.

The Fortifications of Rethimnon
The Venetian fortifications in Fortezza, a solidly-built fort on a hill. The city fell to the Turks in November 1646. Today the Fortezza is well-preserved, while the fortifications around the city have almost disappeared.

Venetian and Byzantine Forts around the Island
One of the most spectacular Venetian castles and a location reputed to have been a pirates’ stronghold is the castle on the small island of Imeri Gramvousa, opposite the north tip of the hersonisos (peninsula) of Gramvousa, Kissamos. The fort occupies the top of a rocky promontory, its walls rising abruptly from the sea and it commands majestic views from its site. Between the island and the cape there is a small boat anchorage in the event of bad weather.
The well-preserved Venetian fort of Frangokastello, near Sfakia in southern Crete is beside the sea and has the Lefka Ori dropping abruptly behind it. Frangokastello is associated with the Cretan revolution of Chrisomalousa against the Venetians and with the heroic battles of Greeks against the Turks in 1828.
Several other Venetian castles may be found on Crete, such as Itzedin, above Souda Bay in Chania, the castles of Ierapetra, Sitia, Spinalonga, and the island of Souda.
In some cases a castle was Byzantine and was also used in the Venetian era. The remains of the extensive fortifications of Profitis Ilias (Kanli Kastelli), Polirinia, Kissamos, are Byzantine with Venetian additions. Nearby in Polirinia are also the remains of very large Greek walls beside a Byzantine church with ancient Greek inscriptions on its stones. The fort of Kyriakoselia in Apokoronas, was also a Byzantine fort which passed to the Venetians.
The Turks used the Venetian castles and constructed new ones, usually of smaller size, in order to maintain communication across the island and to protect themselves from the Cretans. The castles of Aptera, Agia Roumeli and the Kouledes of the Askifou Plateau are such examples.

Venetian Buildings
There are many remains of beautiful Venetian buildings all over Crete. Particularly architecturally important are the Chania, Rethimnon and Iraklion still have visible evidence of their Venetian origin. The old town of Chania retains the ambience of a Venetian town of the past and buildings are protected by a historical preservation law.

Venetian Arsenali
Iraklion have the remains of the Venetian Arsenali in their harbours. The ones in Chania are extensive, better preserved, and they form an integral part of the picturesque Venetian harbour of Chania. The Arsenali were used to make or repair boats, each Arsenale being able to hold one ship.

Fountains
The Venetian fountains are beautiful reminders of the Italian influence in Crete. The Morosini Fountain in the city of Iraklion was used to bring drinking water to the people of Iraklion (through a 15km conduct from Mount Youktas). Today the lower part contains a large number of very beautiful sculptures around the fountain as well as four lions on the central pillar where a statue of Poseidon had formerly stood.
The Rimondi Fountain in Rethimnon is also an interesting example of a Venetian fountain. It has three subdivisions in which the water runs from sculptured heads. Four columns with Corinthian-style capitals complete the piece of art.
The Venetian fountain outside the Moni Vrondisi, Monofatsi, is also very attractive. It consists of a number of sculptures, and the water flows out of four sculpted marble human heads, giving the impression of a strong wind blowing.
Other Venetian fountains of interest include, in Iraklion: the Bembo Fountain with several marble carvings and a headless Roman statue, and the Sagrendo Fountain with a statue that Gerola believes is Crete, the mother of Pasiphae; and the fountain (the lion-head spout was stolen) in Gorgoliani Monastery, in Malevizi.
The Idomeneas Fountain and the Koubes Fountain, in the city of Iraklion, are good examples of Turkish fountains.

Mosques and Minarets
A number of attractive Turkish mosques (tzami) still survive in the city of Rethimnon. The Ibrahim Han Mosque (converted Venetian cathedral) are also noteworthy.
The Janissaries Mosque is in the harbour of Chania and was constructed in 1645 when the Turks captured the city.

Activities in Crete

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Climbing, Diving, Walking...
One of the most interesting potentials that the Cretan land can offer to the visitor, is that in little time and small distances one can discover and enjoy the Cretan nature. Crete is an island with countless beauties that combine sea and mountain with the best possible way. The alterations of the landscape, the geological site sees and the excellent climate make Crete an ideal place for any activity. Discover the wonderful gorges of the island and the imposing White Mountains, try scuba diving in the bottom of the sea, fly with a parachute in the clean Cretan air, or just meet the prosaism of the people staying in the isolated villages, enjoying the relaxation and the magnitude of the Cretan landscape.

Climbing – Walking
In Crete, except the sea and all the facilities that are offered by hotels, it really worths to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the mountains. In a scene with many alternations from rough wild and deserted to green serene and passable, one can meet our gorges and mountains, track our history and civilization of the areas through archeological ruins, historic monasteries, churches and settlements. The High Mountain, the White Mountains and the rest of the mountains hide countless paths of all difficulty rates, while the gorges that are shaped between them are a unique experience as well as a challenge for every walking or climbing person. In Crete there is also a part of the Ε4 path which crosses a long area of the island and has very good signaling. And finally, for the lovers of climbing there is a well organized climbing field in the village of Kapetaniana, in the Asterousia Mountains of Heraklion.

Paragliding
Paragliding, or else Parapente comes from its French name (para- parachute and pente= slope) and it’s a sport with many funs. In Crete exist many schools where you can exercise and learn the secrets of it as well as practicing. Additionally there are many tracks for beginners or advanced users in order to the high view of Cretan nature.

Mountain Bike
The wonderful country roads, full of green and scents of flowers and herbs, are ideal not only for sight seeing but can also offer amazing experiences to the funs of mountain bikes. Bikers can participate in teams for organized tours following specific tracks or solely by renting a bike and following their instinct to meet tha Cretan countryside.

Diving
If you enjoy the sea sports, then during your stay on the island you can experience diving in the wonderful undersea world of Crete. Even if you are beginners, diving centers operate all over Crete in order to guide you through the process of safe diving and accompany you to wonderful under sea world, providing you with the appropriate equipment.

Sailing
Forget your hotel room and far from all crowdie beaches, cut from the tourist groups, enjoy sailing alone or with your friends. In Crete are many ports and anchorages for those who wish to visit the island by shore. For the rest of you, there are schools of sailing that can teach you, provide you with the appropriate equipment and accompany you to wonderful sea trips. You can also rent a boat or join a cruise starting from the island to wherever you dream.

Agrotourism
If you wish to relax with the sounds of nature, meet the traditional way of live of the people in villages by participating in agricultural or stockbreeding activities, meet the authentic Cretan cuisine by helping in preparations or ride in the mountains and the valleys of Crete, then the agrotourism hotels are the most appropriate way. The number of traditional hotels in Crete is constantly rising. In many areas of the island you can find hotels and other accommodation units with special features adjusted to their natural environment and in the Cretan country architecture. Staying in such traditional environment of stone and wood during your vacation is something that will surely fill you with enthusiasm and will give another dimension to your holidays. Additionally you will have the opportunity to find out yourself about the famous Cretan hospitality that only the Cretan know how to offer.

Other Activities
Except of all the above activities, the visitor of the island has many more choices so his stay in Crete remain unforgettable. The exploring of caves, horse riding, the participation in local feasts, cart driving and bowling as well as water parks are some of the many activities offered. For more information you should contact the travel agencies of the island.

Geography of Crete

2007-04-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

Location and Size
Crete lies at the point where the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa meet. It is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean with an area of 8,335 square kilometers. It has an elongated shape with an east-west axis and a length of 257km and a maximum width of 60km. However, in the area of Ierapetra, Crete is only 12km wide.
Prefectures and Provinces
Crete is divided into four prefectures (nomos). From west to east they are: Chania, Rethimnon, Iraklion and Lassithi. Each one of the prefectures is subdivided into provinces (eparchies). The Nomos Chanion is subdivided into Kydonia, Apokoronas, Sfakia, Kissamos and Selino. The Nomos Rethimnou is subdivided into Rethimnon, Milopotamos, Amari and Agios Vasilios. The Nomos Irakliou is subdivided into Malevizi, Temenos, Pediada, Pirgiotisa, Kainourio, Monofatsi and Vianos. The Nomos Lassithiou is subdivided into Mirabelo, Lassithi, Ierapetra and Sitia. Chania Prefecture
The prefecture (nomos) of Chania covers the western section of the island. It has an area of 2,376 square km. Chania is subdivided into five provinces (eparhies): Kydonia, Kissamos, Apokoronas, Selino, and Sfakia. The main cities of the prefecture are Chania, the capital, and Kastelli in Kissamos. The main towns are Paleohora and Kandanos in Selino, and Hora Sfakion in Sfakia.
The prefecture of Chania offers a wide variety of tourist services and activities of all classes and types. The city of Chania has also maintained characteristics of the Venetian era. The Lefka Ori rise behind Chania and drop to the Libyan Sea in Sfakia and contain many gorges and canyons for the nature or hiking enthusiast. The sandy beaches and clear waters of Falasarna, Paleohora and Georgioupolis offer pleasant swims. The Minoan, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish archaeological sites attract those seeking cultural and historical information.
The province of Kissamos in the northwest of the prefecture of Chania lies between the two peninsulas of western Crete. It extends west to the sea and south to Elafonisi Island. Kastelli is the main city of this area. The city has a variety of tourist services. On the coastal road from Kastelli to Elafonisi Island you can see the wild beauty of western Crete. The beaches at Elafonisi, Falasarna, and Gramvousa are among the finest in Crete. The many Byzantine and Venetian churches, as well as the ancient cities of Polirinia and Falasarna, may be of interest to tourists. The peninsulas of Gramvousa and Spatha are mostly inaccessible by car. Hikers can enjoy some parts.
The province of Sfakia occupies the southeast area of the prefecture of Chania. The Lefka Ori cover most of the area. The province includes the plateaus of Krapi, Askifou, Niatos, Anopolis, Aradena, and Kalikratis. Sfakia has the highest peaks of the Lefka Ori: Pahnes (2,450m); Kastro (2,218m), and Troharis (2,409m). This wild terrain is one of the most impressive in Crete. The visitor may enjoy the panoramic view going from Chania to Sfakia by road. Very impressive also is the Samaria Gorge excursion and the subsequent boat trip to Hora Sfakion.
There are many interesting things for a visitor in the area of Sfakia. The beaches near Loutro, Agia Roumeli, and Frangokastello offer the clear waters of the Libyan Sea. The Byzantine churches of Agios Pavlos (in Agia Roumeli), Michael Archangelos (Aradena), Agii Apostoli (Hora Sfakion), and the Panagia Thymiani and Agios Georgios (Komitades) are of cultural interest. The ravines and gorges through Samaria, Aradena, Imbros, and Kalikratis afford excellent hiking opportunities. The mountain hike to the refuge and plateau at Niatos, 1,500 metres above Askifou, may interest the visitor. With more than 40 peaks above 2,000 metres, the Lefka Ori offer numerous superb hiking possibilities.
The province of Selino is in the southwest part of Crete. It borders the Libyan Sea and the south side of the Lefka Ori. The two major towns are the capital, Kandanos, and Paleohora on the south coast. The name of Selino is derived from the Venetian castle, Selino, in Paleohora. Near Kandanos there are many interesting Byzantine churches.
Rethymno Prefecture
Rethimnon is one of the four prefectures (nomos) of Crete. It lies between the prefecture of Iraklion and the prefecture of Chania, and consists of four provinces (eparhies): Rethimnon, Milopotamos, Amari, and Agios Vasilios. The province of Rethimnon is in the northwestern part of the prefecture. Milopotamos is on the eastern side, bordering the prefecture of Iraklion. Amari is in the uplands, bordering the other three provinces, and Agios Vasilios is Rethimnon's province on the Libyan Sea. The main cities of the Nomos are Rethimnon, Agia Galini, Anogia, Amari.
These two provinces of Rethimnon and Milopotamos occupy all the area on the north coast of the prefecture of Rethimnon. The entire area is easily reached from the city of Rethimnon. The roads in the provinces are good, usually paved, but narrow and winding. The excursions in this area go east and west along the picturesque Old Road between Rethimnon and Chania and Rethimnon and Iraklion. The construction of the National Road isolated these small villages in the 70s but this adds to their attraction. Hidden among these villages are Minoan sanctuaries, cemeteries, villas, and palaces.
There are many Byzantine churches in the prefecture of Rethimnon. Some of the later churches have interesting frescoes such as the Panagia Kardiotissa in Miriokefala. The church in Moni Arkadiou is one of the finest examples of Venetian influence on the architecture of the time and the monastery a symbol of the love of and sacrifice for freedom. There are many caves where objects from Neolithic times have been found. More recently, the Cretans used these caves during the Turkish and German occupations.
Rethimnon is an area of traditional villages (Anogia), Byzantine churches, and ancient sites. The Oropedio Nida, one of the most beautiful and historic plateaus in Crete, is high in the Psiloritis Mountains. The Ideon Andron Cave in Nida is reputed to be the birthplace of Zeus or the place where Zeus was raised, according to others.
The province of Agios Vasilios is one of four in the prefecture of Rethimnon. It stretches west, from the prefecture of Chania, south along all the coast of Rethimnon to the prefecture of Iraklion. The eastern portion of the province contains the Kedros mountain range with the highest peak at 1,777 metres above sea level. The easiest and shortest road from Rethimnon to southern Crete is through Agios Vasilios. In the area there are ravines, Byzantine churches and pleasant villages that are relatively unaffected by the tourist population moving through them. There are also spectacular views of the bay of Plakias and southern Crete from the road. The prefecture of Iraklion is the largest in area, has the greatest population and the highest per capita income of Crete. There are seven provinces (eparhies) in this prefecture: Malevizi, Temenos, and Pediada on the north coast and Pirgiotisa, Kainourio, Monofatsi, and Viannos in the centre and on the south coast. The main cities are Timbaki, Ano Viannos, Matala, and Mires. The northwestern area of the prefecture of Iraklion is comprised of the three provinces of Malevizi, Temenos, and Pediada. The main city is Iraklion. This area is the largest of grape - producing areas of Crete and its main products are sultana raisins, Malevizi (Malmsey) wine, and table grapes (Rosaki). In these valleys Sir Arthur Evans, the British archaeologist, excavated the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the remains of a great civilization. A low mountain range rises in the middle of the prefecture and descends into the Mesara Plain. These fertile plains have been cultivated for thousands of years and have important Minoan, Greek, and Roman archaeological sites -- Festos, Agia Triada, and Gortyn are the major ones. The imposing peak of Psiloritis, 2,456 metres above sea level, is visible from almost all points of the prefecture of Iraklion. It is especially impressive during the winter months when it is snow-capped.
The Amari Valley, southeast of Rethimnon runs from north to south Crete for 25km. The valley is 400 - 500 metres above sea level. The peak of Psiloritis (2,545 metres above sea level) is on the east and Kedros (1,777 metres above sea level) is on the west. It is a major north - south pass and has seen a great deal of action throughout history. The Amari Valley is a fertile valley where many varieties of fruit trees are grown and a great number of well - preserved Byzantine churches may be seen.
Iraklio Prefecture
The prefecture of Iraklion is the largest in area, has the greatest population and the highest per capita income of Crete. There are seven provinces (eparhies) in this prefecture: Malevizi, Temenos, and Pediada on the north coast and Pirgiotisa, Kainourio, Monofatsi, and Viannos in the centre and on the south coast. The main cities are Timbaki, Ano Viannos, Matala, and Mires.
The northwestern area of the prefecture of Iraklion is comprised of the three provinces of Malevizi, Temenos, and Pediada. The main city is Iraklion. This area is the largest of grape - producing areas of Crete and its main products are sultana raisins, Malevizi (Malmsey) wine, and table grapes (Rosaki). In these valleys Sir Arthur Evans, the British archaeologist, excavated the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the remains of a great civilization.
A low mountain range rises in the middle of the prefecture and descends into the Mesara Plain. These fertile plains have been cultivated for thousands of years and have important Minoan, Greek, and Roman archaeological sites -- Festos, Agia Triada, and Gortyn are the major ones. The imposing peak of Psiloritis, 2,456 metres above sea level, is visible from almost all points of the prefecture of Iraklion. It is especially impressive during the winter months when it is snow-capped.
The prefecture of Iraklion has many cultural and historical features to offer the visitor. The finest collection of Minoan artefacts in the world and the sites of one of history's greatest civilizations may be of interest as well as the numerous Byzantine churches and Venetian castles and fountains.
The historical aspects combine with the scenic landscapes of mountains, valleys, and sea to make this a beautiful and fascinating area. The beaches of Agia Pelagia and Limin Hersonisou on the north coast and Matala and Kali Limenes on the south coast will attract the visitor with their warm, clear seas. There are many fine restaurants and tavernas offering Cretan specialities throughout the area.
The eastern part of the Iraklion prefecture has some major resorts near the sea (Limin Hersonisou), some major archaeological sites (Malia), and many important Byzantine churches.
The southern area of the prefecture of Iraklion includes the four provinces of Pirgiotisa, Kainourio, Monofatsi, and Viannos. The most prominent physical feature here is the Pediada Mesaras. It stretches east from Timbaki to Ano Viannos. The plain is between the low mountain ranges of the south and north. The main products of Mesara are cereals, olives, and fruits. and cultivation goes on year-round, aided by the use of hothouses to increase productivity.
Lassithi Prefecture
The prefecture of Lassithi covers the eastern end of the island. The mountain range in this area is the Dikte. Its tallest peak is Mount Dikte, 2,148 metres above sea level. The prefecture has four provinces: Mirabelo, Lassithi, Ierapetra, and Sitia. The major cities are Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, and Sitia. The earliest settlements in Crete are in this prefecture, including the palaces of Zakros, Praisos, Mochlos, Vasiliki, and Gournia. An important early Greek city, Lato, is near Kritsa. The fine Archaeological Museums of Agios Nikolaos and Sitia display some of the artefacts from these and other excavations.
According to legend, the Dikteon Andron Cave, on the Lassithi Plateau, was the birthplace of Zeus. The area around Agios Nikolaos is not only the most developed area for tourism but one of the most interesting. The church of the Panagia Kera near Kritsa contains some of the best-preserved Byzantine frescoes in Crete. Elounda has one of the strongest Venetian forts built on Crete. The area of Sitia is full of Byzantine churches and Venetian villas, as well as ancient Minoan sites. The famous Toplou Monastery has a museum displaying its well-known icon collection. The area also has very good beaches with many coves between Ierapetra and the Kapsa Monastery that offer excellent swimming. The area of Vai has a unique palm grove that attracts many people.
Ierapetra is one of the four provinces of Lassithi. Its capital is the city of Ierapetra. The province of Ierapetra has many good examples of Byzantine churches with frescoes in them There are two monasteries of note, Exakousti Monastery and Faneromeni Monastery. East of Ierapetra there are many fine beaches in the Makrigialos Bay.
Sitia is the largest province of Lassithi in area and population. Its capital is the city of Sitia. The mountains are lower then in other parts of the island, but have a distinctive and varied landscape. The earliest Minoan settlements are here at Mochlos, Palaikastro, and the Minoan palace of Zakros. The Kilada ton Nekron (Valley of the Dead) in Zakros and the Hellenistic site of Itanos near Vai are also of interest. There are many Byzantine churches in the area. Evidence of the Venetian era may be seen in the villages of Etia and Handras. The monastery of secluded Kapsa offers visitors a view of monastic life; there is much to see and do in this province.

Rising from Minoan Civilization (Part II)

2007-04-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Rarely is a social event conducted outside of a meal in Crete. Food is a tasty, central element in most family gatherings. And, the Cretans have a particular flair for preparing fresh, healthy foods gathered from the vast countryside. Already from the ancient times of the Minoan civilization, Cretans appear to have been aware of the value of food like olive oil, olives, green vegetables, herbs and many other products that are found in the Cretan soil in great abundance.
During their history of many centuries, it is obvious that Cretans based their diet on those products - with cooking recipes preserved to today. But, that doesn't mean that fermented beverages were overlooked. Grape-gathering, wine-making and tsikoudia-making are activities enjoyed in the autumn every year. Wine-making involves crushing the grapes in special stone constructions called "patitiria". This is done by several people taking turns, walking or running in place on top of the grapes. While recovering from their exercise or waiting for their turn, the people consume food and wine. Tsikoudia or "raki" is a strong local drink made from the remains in the patitiria, after most of the grape juice has been removed. This is allowed to ferment and then is distilled. Traditional methods and machinery are still used. The licensed owner of the still will often take time off his regular work to fulfil his function as village distiller in the autumn. Very often this still has been in his family for generations. People who come to make their raki often bring food to barbecue on the fire and the brew is sampled copiously.
The major celebration for the Orthodox Church is Pascha, the Greek Easter. This is celebrated normally after the Roman Easter, due to the use of different calendars for determining this feast's date. Nature is at its most verdant and the green fields, wild flowers, blue skies and sea, and snow-capped mountains all combine to present magnificent scenery. During Holy Week (Megali Evdomada) there are long evening church services attended by large crowds. Good Friday is especially colourful, since the Epitaphi, depicting the burial cloth of Christ, is carried through the streets around the parish boundaries. In the cathedrals of the cities this procession is accompanied by soldiers, priests and the bishop of the area.
On Holy Saturday night, there is the Liturgy of the Anastasi (Resurrection). Just before midnight the lights are extinguished and the people and the priests move outside to continue the liturgy. At the moment of the Resurrection, the Easter Candle is lit (representing Christ as the light of the world) and the flame is passed from person to person to light their individual candles. Each family takes the light back to the house, where a cross is then marked on the doorway with the flame and a feast is waiting. Two of the traditional foods eaten on this night are "magiritsa", a soup made from lamb liver, and hard-boiled eggs dyed red. On Easter Sunday there is another liturgy at noon, but many people have already started their "souvla", lamb barbecued on a spit, and all the sweets being offered now that Lent is over.

Rising from Minoan Civilization (Part I)

2007-04-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Anthony Quinn as "Zorba the Greek" played up the playful and proud nature of Greece's people. Melina Mercouri, Greece's world-famous actress and cultural ambassador, likewise brought the passion and independence of the Greeks to the movies in “Never on Sunday”.
These two beloved actors skillfully endeared interntational audiences to the people who gave our world some of history's greatest philosophers, architects, artists and adventurers.
The people of the island of Crete (Cretans) have their own, special lineage. The Minoan people, who settled largely in Crete, were traders, developing the most advanced navy that had ever been seen. All of this concentrated mercantile activity produced great wealth for the Cretans, which went into massive building projects, art, and technological development.
The Minoans during the Bronze Age
Prior to classical Greek culture, the civilization was named after King Minos, who in Greek mythology was said to be the King of Crete. Some believe that Minos either figuratively represents the civilization or is a dynastic name. Major cities of Minoan culture were Knossos, Phaestos, and Malia, built around 1900 BC. In Minoan times, the palaces were not only the royal residence but also served as the administrative and religious center for the entire district. The architecture of early Crete was quite advanced... represented in large, complex, and luxurious palaces.
The Minoans used stone, plaster, and timbers, and painted their walls with bright colors with scenes from everyday life as well as plants, animals, and nature scenes. The Minoans built drainage systems, aqueducts, indoor pluming with toilets that could be flushed as well as a shower system! They had a system of pipes that carried water from a mountain spring six miles away, and also built stone roads and bridges.
It was the concern of Minoan religion to ensure fertility of crops, animals, and the human population and to protect against natural disasters-drought, disease, Earthquakes. These concerns were addressed in their religion. The Minoans gave Deities offerings of food or goods in household and rural shrines. A popular place for sanctuaries for the rural shrines were in sacred caves that were used as collective cult centers, most likely for ritual performances. The Minoans religion consisted of individual worship, and was also corporate too.
It is believed that the chief deity of the Minoans was a mother goddess, which was a female fertility goddess and the symbol of the creative force in nature, who controlled the harvests, weather, and other natural occurrences. The bull also played an important part in the Minoan religion. One of the Minoan customs was bull leaping. An acrobat would stand in front of a charging bull, and at the last moment he would grab a hold to the bull's horns and vault over his back. It is not sure whether of not the role of the bull leaping was strictly religious or if it was also a form of entertainment, although it is known that the Minoans worshiped the bulls.
Who were the "Hellenes?
You may notice the term"Hellenic"; is used often in referring to the people of Greece. What does it mean? Hellenic Greece was the ancient civilization of Hellas in what is modern Greece... Bound on land by Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Albania to the north, to the east by Turkey and the waters of the Aegean Sea and to the west and south by the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas. Regarded by many as the cradle of Western civilisation, Greece has a long and rich history during which it spread its influence over three continents. The people were called Hellenes.
Hellenic civilization reached the peak of its power duing the 5th century BC. In 478 B.C., following the defeat of the Persian invasion, Athens assumed leadership of an alliance known as the Delian League, which would later come to be known as the Athenian Empire. Sparta, the other great power in Greece, and leader of the Peloponnesian League, fearing the growth of Athenian power, sparred with Athens throughout the middle of the century. Finally, the two sides fought in the Peloponnesian War, from 431-404 B.C., which involved virtually every state in Greece, including colonies in Asia, Italy, and Sicily. The war ended in the decisive defeat of the Athenian Empire.

The People and the Place (Part II)

2007-04-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Due to its narrow width, the island of Crete has view rivers, which begin from its central, mountains region and end at the Libyan and the Cretan Seas. Most of them have little water during the winter months, and they dry up in the summer. The biggest rivers on the island are the Geropotamos and the Anapodiaris, in the Messara area, the Tyflos and the Kolenis in the valley of Chania, the Kilaris, the Mega Potamos and the Kourtaliotis, at the delta of which we find an area of exquisite beauty. The island does not have big lakes as well, except for some very small ones as well as the lake of Koyurna in the Apokoronou area. There also exists the small but picturesque harbour-side lake of Voulismeni, next to the port of Aghios Nikolaos.

A great variety of agricultural products is produced in the numerous valleys found on the island of Crete. The lowlands of the island spread along its north side, where we find the valleys of Kastellion Kisamou, of Kydonia, of Aghia, of Georgioupolis, of Rethymnon, of Chania, of Malia, of Ierapetra as well as the Mesara Valley, known since antiquity for the bounteous production of cereals. Due to the yielding climate of the island, agriculture is greatly developed and during the last few years big greenhouse cultivations were created here, from where all kinds of products are shipped to the rest of Greece. Among other products, Crete is famous for its olives - from which the high quality cretan oil is produced - the grape vines, the groceries, the oranges, lemons and other products of the kind, as well as for the production of "tropical" fruits, such as bananas, avocadoes and kiwi, as well as thwe famous cretan raisins, known by the name of Soultanina. In the mountains areas, there is bounteous production of of mountain tea, chestnuts, walnuts and other products. On the island there is also production - in great quantities - of high quality honey and cheeses, such as the cretan anthotyro, the mizithra and the graviera, while local fishermen sell all kinds of fish and sea food.
The climate in Crete can be described as typical Mediterranea. Summer is hot and dry with sparce clouds and lots of sunshine. Winter is mild, although in certain areas there may be snow and temperature may drop to unusually low levels.
FLORA
Crete is known for the wide variety of its natural flora. It is estimated that the island is home to 2,000 different kinds of plants, many of which only grow on Cretan land, such as the famous evergreen, Platanus orientalis. Along the Cretan land spread green areas of unique natural beauty. One can admire beautiful wildflowers, anemones, daffodils, osiers and the wild ranunculus. On the mountain slopes grow cypress-, plane-, chestnut-, and oak-trees. The greatest variety of rare plants grows in the gorges, especially in the famous Samaria gorge, which is a known National Park. Here, one comes across rare plants, like the Ebenus cretica, Campanula pelviformis, Gladolius italicus, Linum arboreum, Staechelina arborea, Cyclamen creticum, Chrysanthemum coronarium, Cistus villosuscreticus and Petromarcula pinnata. In the rest of the island varieties such as Tulipa bakeri, Anchusa caespitosa, Erysinum raulinu, Dianthus juniperinus, Dianthus pulviniformis, Asperula idaea and Scabiosa minoana can be found. Finally, of singular natural beauty is the palm-forest of Vai, where Phoenix theophrastu grows, a variety unique to this part of Greece.
FAUNA
Crete is well known for the cretan goat, otherwise called "kri - kri" which is found mainly in the Gorge of Samaria. The archaeological excavations, which have brouth to light many a wall paintings of the "kri - kri", testify to the view that this animal was worshiped on the island during antiquity. Its rareness is one of the reasons that led to the Gorge of Samaria becoming a national park. However, "kri - kri" have been spotted in the nearby islands of Dia, Theodoros and Aghioi Pantes. From the Cretan countryside, there could not been absent animals less rare, which are found in many parts of Greece. Among them, the rabbit, the wild cat or fourogatos and a unique kind of mouse. Among the birds, in the Cretan mountains we distinguish the golden eagle and the eagle Gyps Fulvus, while there are many kinds of traveling birds which make a stop on the island as they travel to the south.

The People and the Place (Part I)

2007-04-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

The Cretans are known for their generosity of spirit. They like strangers, they are pleasant, graceful and hospitable. As their glorious and turbulent history indicates, they are driven by a powerful desire for freedom and independence, which is reflected in every expression of their daily life. Their intense character, combined with a strong sense of family loyalty, often leads them to actions that may be viewed as extreme by outsiders. The ultimate expression of this behaviour is the famous "vendetta," where the rivalry between different families can continue for generations on end. The Cretans keep the local customs and traditions alive. Many still wear the traditional costumes, sing traditional Cretan songs and dance the local dances. Their income derives from agriculture, stock- breeding, commerce and in recent years from tourism, which has developed quite a bit. Cretan girls make beautiful folk-art objects, like ceramics, embroideries and woven fabrics, which can be purchased at most shops on the island.

Found in the crossroads of of three continents, Crete is surrounded be the Lybian Sea, the Cretan Seam the Karpatian Sea and the Myrtoon Sea. Its geostrategic poistions is of great importance, a fact explaining its adventurous history. The shape of the island is narrow but long, with a a length of 260 km. and width of 60 km. and just 12 km. in its most narrow part, which is located in the area of folk-art. Crete is the biggest among the greek islands, with a total area of 8,303 square km., including the reas of the little islands of Dia and Gavdos. The latter represents the southernmost point of Greece. Its extensive beaches - of great variety of terrain - have a total length of 1,064.4 km. The population of the island amounts up to about 500.000 residents, who live mainly off agriculture, animal husbandry and as of lately off tourism. Administratively, the island is divided into four Counties. The County of Chania, with Chania as its capital City, the County of Rethymon with thw homonemous capital city, the County of Lasithi, with Aghios Nikolaos as its capital, and the County of Heraklion, with its capital, the city of Heraklion being the largest city on the island with about 100.000 inhabitants.
CAVES
In the mountains of Crete there have been formed many caves, owing to the terrain of the island. Archaelogical and paleohistoric findings testify to the fact that most of these caves were used during the prehistoric era as sites of worship and religious observances. Among those caves, we distinguish the Dikteo Andro and the Ideo Andro, connected with many local legends, the Caves of Melidoniou Apokoronou, of Sendoni Rethymnou, of Ilithieas, the Cave of Aghios Ioannis the Hermit and thew Caves of Omalos Chanion.
COASTS
The coastline of Crete spans an area of 1,046.4 km and is adorned by capes, bays, picturesque harbours, gulfs, steep cliffs and lovely sandy beaches. The southern coast is less developed as far as tourism goes, thus more peaceful and secluded. The northern coast, though rougher, tends to get more crowded.
GORGES
Some of the most characteristic natural beauties of the cretan scenery consist of the famous cretan gorges which begin at the mountainous areas of the island and end to the sea. The green gorges a abound with rare species of flora and fauna which are protected by strict rules, as they are unique throughout Greece. Among them, one can admire rare species of cypress-trees, platans, pine-trees and wildflowers. The most famous and significant gorge of Crete is the infamous gorge of Samaria, which impresses with its size and unique natural beauty, while on its slopes, one can adire the famous wildgoat of Crete which is found nowhere else in Greece. other significant gorges are the gorges of Kourtaliotis river, of Nimbros and Tipoliano.
PLATEAUS
The mountainous areas of Crete form many plateaux. Some of them are very fertile with abundant water and are systematically used to cultivate garden produce and fruit. Others are used for pasturing. Among the better known ones are the Plateau of Lassithi on mountain Dikta, at a 900 m altitude, the very popular Omalos Plateau, on Lefka Ori (700 m altitude), made famous in folk songs, Plateau of Askifou and, finally, the plateau of Nida, on Psiloritis mountain, (1,400 m altitude).
The mountains of Crete present a wide variety of geological formations, valleys, gorges, caves and plateaux. They are part of the Dinarotauric Arrow, which begins at the Dinaric Alps. The western side of Crete includes Lefka Ori (White Mountains), or Madares, with Pachnes being the highest peak at 2,453 m. The central part of the island is dominated by Psiloritis, or Ida mountain, Crete’s tallest, Timios Stavros (2,456 m) being the highest peak. In the eastern part of island one can admire Dikta, or Lassithiotika (2,148 m). Apart from these mountain chains there are other, less high ranges, such as Kedros (1,777 m), the ridge of Kouloukonas alias Talea Ori (as it was known in the ancient years), mount Kofinas (1,231 m) and the Sitia mountains where the tallest peaks are 1,320 m and 1,476 m high. The Cretan mountains are for the most part covered with forests. In the recent years, severe damage has been caused by fire and the intensive timber trade and the forest density has been significantly reduced. Still, Roura Forest on mount Ida and Selekano Forest on mount Dikta, are well preserved. Yet, the most beautiful forest on the island is the famous palm-forest of Vai, where the palm-trees reach the beach giving a tropical touch and unique beauty to the area.

Crete: The island of the Gods

2007-04-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

Crowning the southern-most part of the Aegean, Crete has been standing there for centuries, proud bearer of its past; a past that blends myth and historical fact, power and demise, leadership and defeat, but never subjugation, never weakness. Its terrain unpredictable... filled with mountain ranges, intense and defying, serene plateaus - blessed with the rich vegetation that only gods could bestow on this island - interspersed with wide expanses of serene valleys and gentle hills, that meet the waters of the sea, some times with fierce determination, others with quiet resolve.

The island of King Minos and a civilization that left its mark on the world, faced the voracious appetite of conquerors from mainland Greece, Rome, Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, the Venetians, was raided by pirates and invaded by armies who cruised the Mediterranean in search of riches and power.

The proof of this in every corner of the land; in Chania, Rethymno , Iraklio, Lassithi. Finds of long-forgotten civilizations, castles with thick walls and deep moats, monasteries and churches, standing along-side minarets and mosques, they are all testaments to the turbulent past of this corner of Greece. And the people!!!... Proud as the mountains, strong as the waves that beat upon its shores, yet gentle and generous, bearers of age-old traditions and culture.

This is the birthplace of gods and heroes, divine artists and inspired politicians: Zeus and Minos, El Greco, Kornaros, Kazatzakis, Venizelos ... From myth, to antiquity, to renaissance, to modern Greek history, figures who contributed of themselves to what today makes up Crete, Greece and to some extend Western civilization.