Crete’s strong local culture is instrumental in the daily lives of the people of Crete. Cretan music, traditional dances, Cretan food, Christenings, weddings, festivals, religious celebrations and holidays are just a part of this integral and deeply intimate cultural heritage.
Famous Cretan hospitality is very much still alive; locals are friendly and offer directions and tips freely, neighbours frequently bring over fresh eggs, vegetables and fruits from their plots or even a meal or dessert they have prepared.

Being the largest island of Greece at 8261 square kilometres Crete is often referred to as ‘Megalonisos’ (big island). It is in fact the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
Crete, which lies south of the Aegean Sea, in the centre of the East Mediterranean basin (where Europe, Asia and Africa meet), is a long and narrow island with an east-west orientation (260 km long and widest part at 60 km).
This island has been blessed with an extraordinary fusion of landscapes some of which include snow-capped mountains, gorges, ….

Zeus, the ruler of all Gods, born in the Diktaean cave and raised up in Idi Mountain on Crete, was also buried in his birthplace. Being born, raised and buried on Crete, Zeus is said to be resurrected each, live on and reign. He is a God who dies each year and is reborn even stronger, much in the same way that nature brings everything back to life in spring.

In Ancient Greece, hospitality was a virtue where care for ‘xenoi’ (strangers such as messengers from a distant land) was a divine requirement.

Crete enjoys a Mediterranean climate, where the weather can be characterized by mild winters and hot, dry summers. Warm weather is enjoyed for nine months of the year from April to November and winter months are just December to March.

The coastal areas have a dry summer and mild winter. Good weather prevails throughout the season while it can rain sporadically from December through to March. Snowfall along the coast is a rarity.

In search of the ideal diet which would improve one’s health, ward off illness and optimize our functioning, the Cretan diet has been pin pointed as being just the right one to follow. The term ‘diet’ of course is used not as a diet to follow in order to lose or gain weight but rather a lifestyle which encapsulates the way in which we achieve well-being. This lifestyle, a deeply cultural act, includes foods, drinks and activities.

Several studies on the traditional Cretan diet have shown that the population of Crete enjoys the longest life span and has the lowest percentage of death caused by heart attacks and of various kinds of cancer.

1. Elafonisi beach
Located close to the southwest corner of Crete, Elafonisi is in fact an island taking its name from the Greek words ‘elafi’ and ‘nisi’ meaning ‘deer island’.

The beach and island are quite tropical in style with fine white sand and clear turquoise waters. In fine weather, you can in fact walk to the island through the shallow water. This beach is a destination in itself for travellers and locals alike.

Airports: Crete is serviced by two International airports (Chania and Heraklion).

Chania International Airport (CHQ) is 14km east of Chania.
Busses depart regularly from Chania airport to Chania centre (journey time approximately 30 minutes). Taxis are readily available.
Both short-term and long-term parking is available.
Tel: +30 28210 83800
Website: http://www.chania-airport.com
Heraklion International Airport (HER) is 5km east of Heraklion.