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Crete, the most beautiful and versatile Greek islandWelcome to my homepage about the largest and probably the most beautiful of all Greek islands: Crete. Long and mountainous, it marks the southern boundaries of the Aegean Sea, holding back the contents of the rain-clouds that might have otherwise attempted to venture further north, as well as acting as a giant break-water for the southern Aegean as a whole. Crete is also an island of great strategic importance, and as a result the island is littered with the remains of all the great powers from the region, and it appears to have been the power-base of the earliest of them all, the bronze age Minoan civillization. Roughly you can divide Crete into three parts: the east, the west and the middle. The east is more dry but with many flowers and lots of beautiful nature, the middle underneath Heraklion is like a patchwork blanket with vegetable fields and olive trees, and the west is the most green part with pinetrees and forests. Most of the inhabitants and almost all the bigger cities and villages, with the exception of Ierapetra lay in the north of the island, making the south of the island the most quiet part. |
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Crete: there is something for everybodyCrete has got everything that you could want from a holiday island. The lovers of peace and quiet, and beautiful, quiet beaches find their place in the southeast of the island, where there are also many naturist beaches. There are cozy villages like Mirtos, Kato Zakros and Makrigialos where you find restaurants, shops and nice beaches, or even more quiet spots like the villages of Ferma and Xerokampos where you can also dive into the sea without your bathing suit. The people that love nature, old Byzantine churches with fresco's, beautiful mountains and great walks find a place in the east of the island. For cozyness, the friendliest of people and a bit of life places like Agia Pelagia in the north of the island, not far from the capital Heraklion, are a good choice. From here it is also easy to make daytrips to other parts of Crete. The lovers of disco's, bars, booze and noise can head for the not so authentic concrete villages of Chersonissos or Malia. About places like these last two you will not find much information on my website. Personally I like the more quiet places and the authentic Crete. Most of the hotels, studios and apartments where I would normally stay are not too expensive but attractive, and every now and then I spoil myself with a couple of days pure luxury. |
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Go and tour the island and don't stay in one place!
When you visit Crete you MUST rent a bike or a car, because if you don't you are missing out on a lot. The island is so beautiful and large that you just have to explore it.
I always rent my car at Just Rental Center. They are cheap, reliable and they have new cars. You can pick up your car at the airport or have it delivered where you want. I allways collect my car at the airport. I just send them my flightnumber and arrival time and somebody will wait for me at the exit of the arrivals with a sign with my name on it.
I have been doing this for years now and I think they are the best. Always on time, always a good car and cheaper than the other car rentals I have tried in all my years of visiting the island of Crete. They have their own parking space at the airport opposite the arrivals exit and here you can leave the car when you fly home. You give the key to the person at the entrance of the parking. It is really easy.
Tel. (+30) 2810 240120 Send an email to Just Rental Center Reserve a taxi from the airport to your accommodationIf you don't feel like renting a car but you also don't want to wait in line for the taxi (if there even is one), than you can reserve a taxi online that will transport you from the airport (Chania or Heraklion) to your destination. Click on the picture of the taxi reservations Greece, have a look what it costs and if you like reserve one. Keep your flight information within reach because they will ask for this. |
Zorbas Studios and Apartments in Agia PelagiaA few meters from the main beach, the shops and the restaurants you can find Zorbas Studios and Apartments. All the rooms in this complex have satelite tv, airconditioning, a kitchen, a safe box and a balcony with table and chairs. Some of the rooms have a seaview and some of them look over a quiet little street. Zorbas has also got and internet corner exclusively for its visitors. Prices in 2006 start at 28 euro for a studio and 30 euro for an apartment in low season. If you book here my advice is to ask for a room / apartment on the front with a seaview. Large parts of the back of the building don't have much of a view because of a large grape-tree and other plants growing over the building.
Tel. +30 2810 811074 & +30 2810 811518 - Send an email to Zorbas Apartments.
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Villa Apollonia Apartments in Agia PelagiaAnother option is the Apollonia Villa. Apollonia Villa offers 8 apartments, all well design furnished with the sensitive touch of the owners. A real family place provides maximum security for your kids and your holidays. Apollonia Villa distance from the Agia Pelagia beach is so close that makes your holidays comfortable
Tel Fax ++30 2810811329 Mob.++30 6944848400 - Send an email to Apolonia Villa.
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Villa Bellevue Apartments with swimming pool in Agia PelagiaApartments and studios in Villa Bellevue. Villa Bellevue is is a family run beautiful 3 star Hotel – Apartment and studio complex. Situated 17-18 kilometers west of Heraklion in an enviable and unique location overlooking the small picturesque bay of Ligaria and the tourist resort and fishing village of Aghia Pelagia. It is built in a quiet and hospitable environment of natural beauty, with spectacular views of the sea and the mountains, and only 1200 meters from the centre of Aghia Pelagia and 800 meters from Ligaria Beach. The hotel is built in 7000 square metres of lush greenery of palm, olive, lemon and hibiscus trees. The elevated garden area provides plenty of space for guests to move around in. On arrival in their room guests will find free of charge a bottle of home made wine, fresh seasonal fruit and a bottle of mineral water. The hotel consists of 6 separate buildings of studios and apartments, which measure between 35 to 55 square metres with balconies or terraces. They are all fitted with cable television, direct dial phones, King size beds, kitchenettes and private bathrooms with baths or showers. The Hotel also provides a safe parking area, reception with safety boxes, a friendly, informal Greek style Tavern serving breakfast, lunch or evening meal, a mini market and on the grounds a large pool with umbrellas and sun beds. The sea and beach areas of Ligaria and Aghia Pelagia are ideal for guests to enjoy scuba diving, ski, jet ski, wind surfing and parasailing. The owners of this lovely place will welcome you ,offering a friendly and family atmosphere. Villa Bellevue is in the centre of Crete and is in easy reach of many attractions and archaeological sites such as Knossos (20 km), Phaestos (60 km) and of course all the famous museums. Taxi transfers for guests from Heraklion airport to Villa Bellevue is approx. 32 -35 euro. The exit to the villa Bellevue Studios is clearly marked along the road to Agia Pelagia with a sign. * FREE transfer from Heraklion Airport to our hotel for reservations of 10 days or more. Optional (prices for 2009): Breakfast 7 € per person, Dinner menu 10 €, Half-board menu 15 € per person (Breakfast & Lunch or Dinner), Air condition 7 € per day.
Send an email to Villa Bellevue and qoute with or without breakfast/half board/airconditioning.
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Villa Sophia's House in Aspro near Almirida Beach (Apokoronas - Crete).This lovely intimate villa is situated on a hill near the seaside resort of Almirida. We stayed here in September 2008 and we absolutely loved it. It was cozy and comfortable and the views from the terraces and the pool were fantastic. The villa had everything you could wish for: amazing views from the terraces and the pool, a beautiful bathroom, a living space with comfortable couches, a dining table and chairs and three bedrooms with extra large extra comfortable beds with loads of pillows. The beds were over two meters long because I could fit in without any problems and without my feet sticking out (yes people, I am a tall, tall guy). I loved this place because it felt so homely and everybody was feeling so happy in it. It makes you want to buy your own villa on the island.
Phone 01162622421 int 00 44 116 2622421 - Fax 01162624378
Send an email to Sophia's House.
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Special hotels in Crete: Maison Eriki Apartments, Epanochori in CreteA place for the people that are looking for peace and quiet, Studios Eriki in the mountain village of Epanochori. The building is surrounded by beautiful wild nature. Epanochori is a village on the way from Chania to the southcoast, and it is not far from the beaches of Sougia and several beaches in and around Paleochora. The studios are 40m2 and they all have a sitting area, a kitchenette and a balcony with a stunning view over the green surroundings and in the distance the Libian Sea.
Tel. 0030 2823 051638 / 00306972537074 - Send an email to Studios Eriki
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Special hotels in Crete: Bungalows Apartments Tania in FermaFar away from mass tourism, in one of the prettiest bays in the southeast of Crete, with cristal clear seawater, surrounded by mountains you can find the small complex of Tania Apartments. The sandy beach and the sea are at less than a minute walk away from the complex, and you reach it after a walk through a wild garden. In this oases of peace, sun and sea it is easy to relax. You will stay at one of the, in total 10, comfortable luxurious bungalows, where you can enjoy the silence and the stars untill deep in the night. Freedom and privacy are important at Tania Apartments.
Tel. 0030 28420 61011 or 0030 6946 191 984 (Ferma) / 0031 653 811 079 (Netherlands) |
Old Fountain Villas - Galatas - CretePalia Vrisi is the name of the area where the villas are situated. It means "old fountain" and this is because the people that live in Galatas and around used to come here for their water. We stayed at one of the three Old Fountain Villas in September 2008. They are situated in a very green area near the villages of Galatas and Stalos, not far away from the town of Chania on the route to Kissamos Kastelli. The owner of the villas is Helen and she is very friendly and her english is perfect! There are three different villas on the estate and Helen and her husband also have a house there. All the villas are detached and have their own garden and private pool and they are different in size.
Telephone: (+30) 282-103-2488, Mobile: (+30)-694-866-3654/53 - Send an email to the Old Fountain Villa's
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Stella's Traditional Apartments & Studios - Kato Zakros“Stella's Apartments” is a small, three-apartment complex, built exactly right on the top of the amphitheatrical, fertile valley of Kato Zakros. It is situated at a conspicuous location, overlooking the sea high above the tops of the olive trees, which grow lower at the valley. Having in mind nothing but your total comfort we reconstructed these 4 studios at the great setting of Kato Zakros located right next to our traditional apartments.
Tel. +30 28430 23739 - Send an email to Stella Apartments.
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Kastania Lodge, Kastelli Kissamos in CreteKastania Lodge is a small complex consisting of one house, one apartment and one studio. It is are situated just above the town of Kastelli Kissamos, in the north west of Crete. It is situated on a very quiet spot in the country side and it looks out over the town of Kissamos and the sea on one side and on the other side the mountains and the olive groves. The small and intimate complex comes with a 50 m2 pool and a small bar. Tel. 0030-28220 24133, Mobile 0030-6973370957 - Send an email to Kastania Lodge
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The most beautiful house on Crete - Villa Pantazis (near Rethimnon)We stayed in the upper floor this beautiful stone house for a couple of days in September 2008. It is defenitely the most tasteful and luxurious house that I ever came across on my travels to the Greek islands. It is enormous and filled with antiques and art, and it has thick walls and arches to seperate some of the spaces (all together 330 square meters). At the end of the enormous living room the wooden roof which is shaped with complete tree trunks is about 7 meters high with a big chandelier hanging from it: really impressive. There are several couches and seats, a handpainted "art-table", a big fire place and there are windows everywhere looking out over the sea and the countryside. It also comes with 3 verandas and a balcony. It is situated on its own hill with majestic views over the sea and on the other side over a valley and a large, impressive mountain that is so beautiful it was hard to choose what view was more awesome. Seperated from the living room by a stone arch are the dining room and the modern kitchen with dishwasher, large fridge and everything you could wish for. There are also three large, beautiful bedrooms with comfortable beds (two double bedrooms and one twin) all with their own bathroom. Phone: (+30) 6932 246 338 Fax: (+30) 210 9249 220 - Send an email to Villa Pantazis..
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Villa Renata in Megala Chorafia: deceptively large and luxurious. The perfect get away.Pictures do not do this villa justice: you have to see it and experience it. One of my favorites ever. It is an absolute gem and also the perfect get away from it all. The people that own it have turned it into something very special. We visited this beautiful villa in the Apokoronas in October 2008. It is deceptively large: I estimate it is about 175 m2. Downstairs there are three bedrooms (2 doubles and one twin). The double rooms each have their own balcony and the twin room has a door leading to the patio in front of the pool. The last room has a private bathroom with a shower and toilet and there is also a small study incorporated. All the bedrooms have a tv and there is airconditioning. On the ground floor is also one of the most tasteful bathrooms that you have ever seen, with a big bath, double wash basins, a toilet and a washing machine.
Tel.: +302821072040, +306936703473 Fax: +302821079045 - Send an email to Villa Renata..
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Villa Aetos Vigla in Milatos - one of the largest private villas in Crete.Behind a big iron fence just outside of the village of Milatos lies one of the largest private villas of the island of Crete: the Villa Aeotos Vigla. Set on the foot of a hill it overlooks the village of Milatos with its churches and its traditional stone houses, and the lower situated small tourist resort Milatos at the Beach with a choice of taverna's and a super market. The house is impressive and it has 6 balconies (all of them with a sea view, 4 of them are quite large), a large landscaped garden with 2 stone barbeques and a 100 m2 pool. On top of the house is the enormous roof terrace with a 360 degrees panorama. The villa is detached and situated in a quiet spot. The swimming pool is at the back of the house where you are not overlooked. In order to get to the villa Aetos Vigla you drive through the village of Milatos and take the road towards the Milatos cave (there are signs). The villa is the largest building in the area of Milatos so it is also easy to spot and you can see it from afar.
Tel: +30 2810 341711 fax: +30 2810 341710 - Send an email to the Aetos Vigla Villa.
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Big Blue Apartments in Mirtos
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Villa Mertiza in MirtosThe southeast of Crete is the most quiet part of the island of Crete, where you can regularly bump into an empty beach, and yet there are a number of pleasant coastal villages with a bit of life such as his Mirtos, Makrigialios and Analipsi. One of the places in the southeast that we discovered, Mirtos, was a nice surprise and our attention was drawn to Villa Mertiza. It is a complex with 22 large apartments and studios and is run by people from Holland. We took a look around at Villa Mertiza in 2008 and met with Dick and Siemon that run the place. It all looked very nice. It is also a popular place to stay so it is wise to make a reservation (when we were there in October there was just one studio free that we could take a look at). Tel. Information and bookings: 0030 6932735224 / (0030) 28420 51208 - |
Atlantis House in Plaka near Almyrida on Crete - the luxury life in a Cretan villageLive the life of a villager but in plenty of luxury: you can do this in Villa Atlantis. Behind the walls and the gates of Atlantis House you will find a little hidden gem. Villa Atlantis is a beautifully restored stone village house which is situated in the old part of the village of Plaka in the Apokoronas in Crete. The villa is located in a quiet street with little traffic driving through and surrounded by a wall so the garden and pool are not overlooked from the street. You can park your car park behind the fence so you never have to look around for a parking spot on the street. No carrying luggage or groceries over long distances.
Send an e-mail to Villa Atlantis in Almyrida on Crete - click here.
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Villa Ti Amo in Plaka near Almyrida on Crete - the most fabulous viewsVilla Ti Amo is a beautiful villa which is situated in the green area of the Apokoronas in Crete. Behind the gated front is the road up to the villa and the car parking. Villa Ti Amo has 3 bedrooms, two doubles (with double beds) and a single / twin (the latter is a single bed that can be pulled out). Downstairs is the living room with a kitchen, a bathroom with shower and toilet and one of the double bedrooms. Both the bedroom and living room have a balcony / terrace and a covered porch with chairs / benches and a table. A great place to have breakfast or dinner. It is also a wonderful place to sit in the shade on a sunny day.
Send an e-mail to Villa Ti Amo in Almyrida on Crete - click here.
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Villa Lambros in TertsaNearby Mirtos in the southeast lies the village of Tertsa. It is very quiet and with great beaches, that are also ideal for the naturists. In the village itself is the large sand beach with sunbeds and umbrella's and on either side there are a large number of beaches. The ones on the west side of the village are super, quiet and excellent for naturism. Dick and Siemon from Villa Mertiza (see above) run a small apartment building here, Villa Lambros. The village is very small, with 70 residents, and yet with a couple of tavernas and a minimarket - one of the tavernas, Lambros Taverna, is very, very good and the people are so friendly and hospitable. If you like to spend a couple of days in real peace and quiet (except for the occasional dog bark) in a place and enjoy the sun, the nature and of course a delicious glass of ouzo on the balcony this is a spot for you. No rush, everything relaxed and no noise. Tel. Information and bookings: 0030 6932735224 / (0030) 28420 51208 - |
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On my website you will not find a lot of information about tourist packed villages like Malia or Chersonissos because I intend to avoid those places as much as I can. I always try to find quiet places and beautiful nature and I don't feel the need to share the scenery with hundreds of people. I prefer uncultivated beaches with no beach chairs, and I prefer nude / naturist beaches above "normal" ones. Having said this it doesn't mean I sit alone all the time everywhere, because I also enjoy the cosyness of places like Agia Pelagia and Sougia. |
Hans Huisman, http://www.angelfire.com/super2/greece/ 2009