Posts Tagged ‘Crete’

A Holiday Destination in Minoan Crete

The Greek island of Crete was the home of the Minoans, an ancient civilisation who preceded even the ancient Greeks. The Minoan civilisation is in fact the oldest of all European civilisations and was the first to use a written language. Considering that Minoan palaces on Crete were built 4000 years ago and devastated when the Greek Island of Santorini erupted 3600 years ago, it is surprising that so much of them still remains.

A travel tip for finding a holiday destination in Crete that combines the best in beach vacations with the exploration of three Minoan palaces, is to stay in the resort of Matala. Matala was just a sleepy fishing village, that very few Non-Cretans had visited until it was discovered by groups of hippies in the 60′s. Stories, claiming that Bob Dylan and Mick Jagger were amongst those who set up home in the caves that surround Matala are probably untrue. Much more likely candidates for Matala’s famous “hippie” visitors are Donovan Leitch, Cat Stevens, and possibly Joni Mitchell. If so they would have arrived having undertaken a long journey over mule track, mountain passes to get there, as this was then the only way to reach Matala. These days the road from Heraklion airport is an easy drive by car, taxi or bus.

Just a short walk, along the coast from Matala you will come across an area of excavation where remains of a Minoan port have been discovered. This is at the beginning of Komos Beach, a beautiful place to find secluded spots for sunbathing and swimming. A few kilometres inland from here is Agia Triada, the site of the Minoan’s summer palace.

Agia Triada is situated on a hillside, looking out towards the Bay of Mesaras. It is the least visited of the Minoan palaces, making its exploration even more enjoyable. Four thousand years ago, the sea would have been closer, so the palace must have been dramatically sited, probably perched on a cliff top, overlooking the sea. Some of the finest remains of Minoan art ever found were unearthed from this site. They are on display in the Heraklion archaeological museum (see below) and include a sarcophagus depicting a Minoan burial procession.

Just a few more kilometres inland is the palace of Faistos. This is a much more popular tourist attraction and you will need to purchase a ticket to enter. The original palace of Faistos was built nearly four thousand years ago in 1900 B.C. but this was replaced by a much grander palace around two hundred years later. The leaflet provided with the entrance ticket does not make easy reading and fails to do justice to this magnificent archaeological site. The leaflet does however succeed in drawing the visitors attention to what is probably the most striking example of just how advanced Minoan civilisation was. It points out the remains of a plumbing system that included flush toilets. The irony of distant ancestors of modern day Greeks having invented flush toilets is rarely lost on tourists staying on Greek Islands!

The major Minoan site in Crete is the palace of Knosos which is situated five kilometres from Heraklion, making it the furthest of the sites from Matala. The best travel tip for anyone staying in Matala is to make the visit to Knosos part of a full day excursion to Heraklion and allow time to include the Heraklion Archaeological museum where you will be able to see the many artefacts that were dug up from the three Minoan sites you have visited.

Knosos is where Minoan civilisation grew and flourished. It was the largest and most important of the palaces in Crete. As such, you can expect Knosos to be crowded with tourists throughout the holiday season. An estimated average of four thousand per day arrive by the coach-load from every holiday resort, all over Crete. Because of this large number of visitors, raised walkways have been erected around the palace to protect it. Much of what you see is a reconstruction but it is done in a way that raises your awareness of just how magnificent the palace must have been when the Minoan kings reigned. The supposedly, mythological King Minos may have been one such king, although it is more likely that “Minos” was the generic Minoan word for king. Either way, thinking about the myth of the Theseus defeating the Minotaur at the centre of a labyrinth, hidden deep below the palace, just adds to the enjoyment of the tour.

Getting back to Matala, after the crowds of Knosos is a relaxing experience. You will probably want to chill out at a bar overlooking the sea and with the help of a beer, chased down by a complimentary glass of Raki – “Cretan Firewater” – you may even be able to visualise a treasure laden Minoan ship on its way back form Egypt sailing into the bay below.

Naturists and Naturalists – Vacations in Southern Crete

Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands, is sometimes described as a mass tourist resort. It is true that there are several north coast resorts on Crete that can be found in the brochures of practically every package tour company. But Crete is a very big island with many unspoilt holiday resorts for tourists who prefer a quieter vacation, enjoying beautiful scenery and glimpses of traditional Cretan culture.

Both of Crete’s international airports are situated on the north coast and two high mountain ranges running east-west, form a natural barrier to mass tourism reaching the south coast. In the southwest corner of the island, the highest mountains drop steeply to the coastal area, making any serious development of these remote communities impossible. Indeed, the mountains drop so steeply here that some of the villages can only be accessed by sea.

This area of Crete is known as the Sfakia region. It lays at the foot the White Mountain range. These mountains have more than a hundred peaks, with eighty reaching to over 6500 feet and the highest ones towering to nearly eight thousand feet. Europe’s longest gorge, the Samaria, can be found amongst them, along with several others that are less well known but are every bit as picturesque and dramatic to explore.

To get to the Sfakia region, most people fly to Chania airport and travel by road over a mountain pass to Chora Sfakion. However, my best travel tip is to check out the cost of flights to Nikos Kazantzakis Airport in Heraklion before deciding which airport to fly to. I have always found that it is possible to make substantial savings by flying there instead of to Chania and the road journey to Chora Sfakion is not really all that much further.

There are a couple of family run hotels, self catering apartments, studios and village rooms providing accommodations at competitive rates in and around Chora Sfakion but we have always stayed at the beautiful naturist hotel a mile to the east in Vritomartis. If you dare to bare this is one of the few places in Greece where nudity is officially allowed. The whole of the hotel grounds are clothes optional and the area around the pool is designated as naturist only. The nearest beach is only a five minute walk away and is also clothes optional. The area is so remote, that many guests don’t even bother dressing for the walk.

For naturalists the Sfakia region provides plenty of opportunities to spot unique Cretan flora and fauna which includes the Kri Kri, a species of wild goat, indigenous to and only found on Crete. Dolphins, whales and turtles can often be seen in the clear coastal waters whilst Bonelli’s Eagle and the Griffon Vulture may be seen circling in the blue skies above.

For walkers, the gorges and mountains provide challenges ranging from relaxing hikes to demanding treks. The most famous walk is of course the Samaria Gorge and although it is very much worth undertaking, you may be put off by the crowds of tourists that descend it nearly every day. They arrive by the coach-load from all over the island because the excursion is number one on every tour operators “must-sell” list. Its worth putting up with the crowds however because once you have hiked a few hundred metres from the start of the walk, you will find plenty of spaces between you and the other walkers for the remaining 16 kilometres. The scenery is magnificent all the way down to the shore of the Lybian sea at Agia Roumeli from where you get a boat back to Chora Sfakion.

The smaller gorges of Imbros and Aradena are much less likely to be afflicted by hoards of other tourists. Imbros is an easy half day hike and its finish is situated very near to Vritomartis, making it a good choice for naturists who want to put their shorts and hiking boots on just for a change. Aradena is more of a challenge but not much further away. A good head for heights is needed on one of the sections where a little scrambling is involved.

For history lovers, the region has much to reveal about the Battle for Crete during the second world war and it is definitely worth reading the book of this name by Nikos Kazantzakis as a prelude to your vacation. The mountain villages were famous for their fierce resistance fighters where you will find the occasional statue or monument erected in memory of a local hero.

So, if you are the sort of person who loves dramatic, picturesque scenery, secluded beaches with crystal clear waters, remote mountain villages where traditional culture still remains; this part of Crete is definitely for you. If you happen to be a naturist as well as a naturalist, my travel tip is to book your vacation at the Vritomartis hotel. If you prefer to hide some parts of your body from the hot Cretan sun, head for the accommodations in Chora Sfakion instead. If you want to stay somewhere that is even more remote, hop on a boat at Chora Sfakion to take you to the next coastal village which is called Loutro. Although there is no way of reaching Loutro by road, it does have some pretty holiday apartments, several secluded beaches that nestle in coves at the foot of cliffs and donkey tracks and paths that lead up into the mountains and along the coast.

Wherever you decide to stay in this region of southern Crete you will almost certainly enjoy good weather. However, a fierce wind, blowing from the north and known as the Meltemi, funnels down through the mountain gorges and hits the southern shores with some force. It is usually at its strongest from mid July to late August, making Europe’s most southerly sun seem a little cooler than it would otherwise be. If you don’t like being wind blasted, avoid this time of the year.

Cheap Flights To Crete

Crete, the largest of Greek Islands, maintains a unique feature that sets it apart from various other tourist destinations. As one of the most popular and visited holiday places in Greece, tourists reach this island through Chania and Heraklionâ??s international airports or though the Rethumno, Chania, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos ports. As its tourism industry bolsters sky high with over 2 million tourists a year, there are more affordable boat rides and cheap flights to Crete as compared to other Greek Islands.

 

The size of Crete presents about 1000 km of magnificent coastlines. Its land area alone covers approximately 250 kilometers from east to west. During day time, even through the winter season, the average temperature drops below 15 deg. Celsius while during the months of May to October, temperature levels are pleasant and warm. Apart from the inviting climate and cheap flights to Crete, the island offers a wide selection of accommodations ranging from luxury resorts and camping facilities to world class hotels and family owned apartments. Crete can definitely cater to all tastes.

 

Since traveling to Crete and the other Greek Islands can be expensive, there are ways to save money and still enjoy your vacation. First off, you need to look for flight accommodations to Crete. The net offers a wide selection of options depending on your budget. Here are some tips to consider:

Book your flight early. This way you have more chances on getting cheaper flight seats.

You need to be flexible when it comes to booking your flight seats. As you search for suitable seats, consider your options for 3/5 leeway days. Cheap flights to Crete are more obtainable during the off peak seasons and weekdays.

 

Just browse the net for different rates and suitable dates but never finalize the transaction until youâ??ve discussed the details with your partner or family. This way, you can weigh your options better.

 

 Use comparison sites for flights. This can help you see how competitions append up. Youâ??ll never know how lucky you can get, especially if there are last minute great discounts on flights to Crete.

 

Another way is to go to travel forums and you can ask around for the best deals and the best way to get cheap flights to Crete. More or less, there are people who have traveled to Crete and would be happy to fill you in with the details you need. They may even suggest the best hotels or resorts.

 

Whether itâ??s from a travel brochure, a friendâ??s suggestion or through the net, make sure that your flight accommodations are ABTA or ATOL protected. Never use or give out your credit card information if you are unsure or uncomfortable with the transaction. Make sure also that the charges as well as the terms and conditions of the transaction are crystal clear.

 

 

All The Flora And Fauna Of Greek Island Crete

The Greek island of Crete does not only carry the secrets of an ancient civilization, but also puts a very rich flora and fauna on display for those who may be seeking to spend time in the nature’s arm. The island is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea waters and carries a weather that resembles with the Mediterranean and the North African both. The temperature mostly remains mild in the low-lying areas while the snowfall rarely takes place, barring some high altitude cases. The island’s beaches are famous for their raw beauty and the sea resorts made along them. On the other hand, mountains are there to be trekked on, and various tour operators and hotels in Crete will offer packages for these kinds of events.

Spring brings up the best time for the Cretan flora and fauna to be explored when there is hardly any snowfall around and the rainfall has also died down. Obviously this also means the start of the tourism season in the island. The fields laden with red poppies and the air full of the lemon and orange flavors may leave you mesmerize in these days. Among many hundreds of the flora species found across the island, at least 130 wild flowers and herbs are regarded unique to it. Cretan holidays may be planned around these natural gifts provided one carefully decided about their tour plans. Often hotels in Crete will help you out in deciding about your nature-centric adventures.

The ravines and the mountain slopes are the places where one should look out for the rarest of plants found on this island. These include Organium dictamus, an herb made popular by the likes of Hippocrates and Aristotle for its medicinal use. The herb grows on steep slopes in the rocky mountains of Crete, where they won’t easily be discovered by any human being. As a result, the men used to trek up and gift the herb as a sign of love to their partners in the ancient times. The name Organium dictamus comes from the mount Dikty, where Zeus, the mythological king of the Greek gods, was famously born. The evergreen Cretan Plane Tree is yet another unique Cretan species to be looked closely at. Unlike the other plane trees, which are deciduous in nature, the evergreen tree keeps itself green throughout the year.

Also found in Crete is the unique Cretan palm tree, which grows in abundance along the Vai beach. During the 70s, Hippies overcrowded this beach and left behind the dumps of garbage. Subsequently the whole area was declared a protected zone and gradually the palm tree forest and the beach were restored to their natural shape and looks over the years. These two draw in thousands of Crete bound tourists each year these days.

The Cretan Fauna is as impressive as its flora with some unique species filling up its biological chart. The Cretan wild goat leads the chart with its unusual yet impressive appearance. The animal is a protected species, and is found over a wide range. Several lizards and at least one poisonous snake do also inhabit these areas. Funnily, it was believed that St. Titus had earlier driven all the poisonous snakes off the Crete Island. The Cretan golden eagle leads the segment of birds from this area. Also found are warblers, swallows, goldfinches and some migratory birds. The voyage from hotels in Crete to the archaeological treasures across the island, and that to the thrilling beaches and the valleys carrying such a rich flora and fauna is bound to generate excitement.

The Flora and Fauna of Greek Island Crete

The Greek island of Crete does not only carry the secrets of an ancient civilization, but also puts a very rich flora and fauna on display for those who may be seeking to spend time in the nature’s arm. The island is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea waters and carries a weather that resembles with the Mediterranean and the North African both. The temperature mostly remains mild in the low-lying areas while the snowfall rarely takes place, barring some high altitude cases. The island’s beaches are famous for their raw beauty and the sea resorts made along them. On the other hand, mountains are there to be trekked on, and various tour operators and hotels in Crete will offer packages for these kinds of events.

Spring brings up the best time for the Cretan flora and fauna to be explored when there is hardly any snowfall around and the rainfall has also died down. Obviously this also means the start of the tourism season in the island. The fields laden with red poppies and the air full of the lemon and orange flavors may leave you mesmerize in these days. Among many hundreds of the flora species found across the island, at least 130 wild flowers and herbs are regarded unique to it. Cretan holidays may be planned around these natural gifts provided one carefully decided about their tour plans. Often hotels in Crete will help you out in deciding about your nature-centric adventures.

The ravines and the mountain slopes are the places where one should look out for the rarest of plants found on this island. These include Organium dictamus, an herb made popular by the likes of Hippocrates and Aristotle for its medicinal use. The herb grows on steep slopes in the rocky mountains of Crete, where they won’t easily be discovered by any human being. As a result, the men used to trek up and gift the herb as a sign of love to their partners in the ancient times. The name Organium dictamus comes from the mount Dikty, where Zeus, the mythological king of the Greek gods, was famously born. The evergreen Cretan Plane Tree is yet another unique Cretan species to be looked closely at. Unlike the other plane trees, which are deciduous in nature, the evergreen tree keeps itself green throughout the year.

Also found in Crete is the unique Cretan palm tree, which grows in abundance along the Vai beach. During the 70s, Hippies overcrowded this beach and left behind the dumps of garbage. Subsequently the whole area was declared a protected zone and gradually the palm tree forest and the beach were restored to their natural shape and looks over the years. These two draw in thousands of Crete bound tourists each year these days.

The Cretan Fauna is as impressive as its flora with some unique species filling up its biological chart. The Cretan wild goat leads the chart with its unusual yet impressive appearance. The animal is a protected species, and is found over a wide range. Several lizards and at least one poisonous snake do also inhabit these areas. Funnily, it was believed that St. Titus had earlier driven all the poisonous snakes off the Crete Island. The Cretan golden eagle leads the segment of birds from this area. Also found are warblers, swallows, goldfinches and some migratory birds. The voyage from hotels in Crete to the archaeological treasures across the island, and that to the thrilling beaches and the valleys carrying such a rich flora and fauna is bound to generate excitement.