Heraklion (N-Crete)

Heraklion (N-Crete)
Heraklion is the largest city in Crete and is the capital of Crete as well. The town of Heraklion has lots of restaurants, hotels, bars, nightlife (if you want), a large shopping center, university, harbour and several museums of course. In summertime there is a cultural festival.
The Heraklion International Airport was named after Nikos Kazantzakis, who was a Greek writer and philosopher. This is the largest airport in Crete and is located just 5km east of Heraklion. There is a smaller airport in Chania and another one in Sitia.
The most popular visitation spot in Heraklion are the ruins of Knossos, which was the biggest center of population on Crete during Minoan times. This was the palace of King Minos, and is believed to be the starting point for the mythological Minotaur’s labyrinth. The current city of Heraklion was founded by the Saracens in 824 AD

Chania and surrounding area (north-west Crete)
Chania, in the north-west, is the second town of Crete. It is a very lively town that has a beautiful centre with a lot of atmosphere. The old town centre, with its narrow streets and colourful house fronts and the old venetian harbour with its many terraces and tavernas are much loved by tourists.
Near Chania is the second airport of Crete.
Sightseeing:
Topanas: old part of the town with Ottoman and Venetian architecture.
Evraiki: Jewish quarter with remains of old synagogues
Splantzia: old Turkish quarter

Maleme (north-west Crete)
Maleme is a long stretched village on the north-western coast, close to Chania (17 km.), with several supermarkets, a chemists, tavernas, retsaurants and a beautiful (sandy/pebble) beach.

Rethymnon and surrounding area (north Crete)
After Heraklion and Chania, Rehymnon is the third town of Crete with approx. 25.000 inhabitants. It is one of the most beautiful towns of Crete, especially the old town centre is wonderful. The inhabitants are known for their hospitality. Rethymnon has beautiful sandy beaches, a boulevard with a large number of restaurants and a lively Venetian harbour. In the historic centre you’ll walk through beautiful Venetian alleys, there are many small shops and magnificent buildings. You’ll see many examples of Arabian architecture (minarets and mosques).During the summer there are many cultural events in Rethymnon and Fortezza, a fortress on a hill, with 16th century walls and ruins of houses, a chapel, a mosque and a theatre.
From Rethymnon it is easy to go to the south coast of Crete, for a trip to Frangokástello, Preveli beach or to the Imbros gorge.

Prinès
Prinès is a quaint little village with a taverna and 2 minimarkets for your daily groceries. Jannis’taverna is the centre of the village. It has a large terrace (see picture) in the shade of an old tree where you can enjoy a nice meal till late in the evening. The locals like to spend hours here, drinking a cup of coffee.
Two km. from Prinès, on the road to Rethymnon, is the village of Atsipopoulos with a large supermarket, a bakery, internetcafé, and several other shops.

Here you can see the villas we rent in N-Crete