Incredible Crete
The largest Greek island of Crete with an exquisite 1,000 kilometer-long coastline features the crystal-clear sea, majestic mountains, ancient towns and unique museums, spectacular caves and ravines, mild climate , beautiful beaches, modern hotels , charming villages, strong traditions, warm hospitality and excellent cuisine.
From Myth to History
According to Greek mythology, Rhea hid her newborn son Zeus in a Cretan cave. There he was reared by the nymphs, while the demons Kurites were banging on their shields to drown out the cries of the child and save him from Kronos. Subsequently it was Crete where Zeus, disguised as a bull, brought Europe. Years later, their common son Minos turned Crete into the great maritime empire. In those days even Attica paid tribute to Crete, until the Athenian prince Theseus killed the famous Minotaur.
A Bit of History
The location of Crete between Africa, Europe and Asia Minor and its mild climate have secured for it the title of the cultural center since the Neolithic times. About 2600 BC craftsmen, who worked on copper arrived to the island. From that time begins the glorious history of the Minoan civilization, which left the rich heritage: the magnificent palaces in Knossos, Phaistos and Malia.
The Dorians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks, who dominated the island in different periods left deep imprints in the culture and art of Crete.
Cretan cuisine
The unique Cretan cuisine is a healthy and tasty diet with dishes cooked according to centuries-old recipes, using top quality natural products of the blessed Cretan earth. This diet is not just a variety of dishes; it embodies the whole philosophy of life of the Cretan people.
Lassithi
Lassithi the easternmost regional unit on Crete. The combination of the world-famous coastal tourist resorts and deluxe hotels with beautiful mountain villages, deserted sandy beaches, archaeological sites and unknown Byzantine churches, gives particular charm to the region. Lassithi has several beautiful resorts: Elounda, Neapolis, Sitia, Vai, Ierapetra.
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lassithi and a modern cosmopolitan resort with 10,000 residents. Every summer thousands of tourists fill famous bars along the picturesque lake Voulismeno. The town has several museums, including Archaeological Museum, Local History Museum and Museum of Natural History. The town features impressive Byzantine churches, charming little streets full of cozy cafes and taverns and a well-equipped marina.
