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"Welcome to GREECE ... Welcome to CRETE ... and its highest mountain, Psiloritis, where Zeus was raised."

Heraklion

Best Things to Do in Crete (Greece)

 Heraklion

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The Mediterranean’s fifth-largest island was the birthplace of the oldest civilisation in Europe, blossoming in 2700 BC. To get to know the Minoans you can venture through Bronze Age archaeological sites across the island, and call in at the phenomenal Archaeological Museum in the capital, Heraklion. These Minoan palaces and cities blur the lines between fact and Greek mythology, and conjure thoughts of King Minos, Daedalus and Icarus. Many centuries later, the Venetians also made a lasting contribution to Crete’s cities, building ports, walls and fortresses that stand tall today in Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno.
And away from civilisation the island is sprinkled with mountain ranges and gorges like the life-changing Samaria, and has some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever lay your eyes on.
Let’s explore the best things to do in Crete:

cretan dance

Top Events in Crete

Looking for things to do in Greece? Whether you're a local, new in town or just cruising through we've got loads of great tips and events. You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff... you got this. Ready?
Easter:
Usually celebrated in April by both Orthodox and Catholic alike, Easter is one of the most distinguished religious festivals in all of Greece. A series of rituals take place during the Holy Week while, the Resurrection is celebrated on Saturday with fireworks and everyone feasts on roast lamb and local drinks on Easter Sunday and Monday. On the day after Easter the cultural club of Mothiana-Skiafotou also celebrates Easter by inviting all residents at the Table of Love and a great feast is enjoyed by all in the central square with red eggs, Easter dishes and of course roast lamb along to Cretan music in Glossa, Kolymbari. The night of Easter Sunday visit the area of Agios Nikolaos and gather around the lake with the locals holding candles to watch the burning of Judas along with fireworks. The same ritual also takes place in Rethymno where Easter is celebrated to the fullest with traditional kalitsounia, red eggs, Easter tsoureki and a vast variety of traditional dishes. The Resurrection of Christ is also rejoiced with great devoutness in Toplou Monastery. On the second and third day of Easter, the celebration continues with the orange festival in Skines, Chania with traditional dances and songs.

Knossos

A few kilometres south of Crete’s modern capital, Heraklion was the capital of Minoan Crete.

Knossos is the name of a palace and its encompassing city, which had a population of up to 100,000 in the 18th century BC. The palace was built around 3,000 years ago and features in Greek mythology as the seat of King Minos, where he had Daedalus build a labyrinth to hold his son, the Minotaur.

Knossos was affected by repeated catastrophes like invasions, earthquakes and the Theran Eruption in about 1625 BC. It was excavated for the first time in 1900 by the British Archaeologist Arthur Evans, who restored some of the architecture and frescoes.

You can check out the sweeping reception courtyard where the royal family would entertain guests, and enter the Throne Room, Sanctuary, walk a section of the Royal Way in the direction of the coast and see the Royal Apartments, built on four levels.
       Recommended tour: Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Entry with Guided Walking Tour:

Knossos
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Museum
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Heraklion Archaeological Museum

To fully understand the oldest civilisation in Europe, look no further than Heraklion’s outstanding archaeological museum. This has the biggest collection of Minoan artefacts of any museum, and has 20 rooms in chronological order. You’ll start in Neolithic times, long before Crete’s palaces were built, and in the following rooms there’s jewellery, liturgical figurines, vases, weapons and armour. Whole frescoes have been transferred to the museum from Crete’s Minoan sites, as well as the emblematic ivory figurine of the bull leaper from Knossos Palace. One artefact that remains a mystery is the Phaistos Disc, 15 cm in diameter and covered with symbols arranged in a spiral.
Another piece with strange inscriptions is the Arkalochori Axe, found in the cave of the same name and etched with 15 symbols

Agios Nikolaos Crete: 

"Plate", Agios Nikolaos Crete: With ... Long tradition in taste

We went, saw, tasted and wrote about the top restaurant in Agios Nikolaos and one of the best in...
 “Crete does not want housewives. He wants kouzoulos. These kouzoulos make it immortal, "said our great writer, Nikos Kazantzakis. I was thinking about this, about a month ago, when my professional obligations gave me the opportunity to visit this blessed island with so many peculiarities. I was wondering if in my path I would meet ... housewives or kuzulas. And then, I went back to Kazantzakis and the words of his most famous "hero", Zorba: "Boss, I like you very much. You have everything except a little craze and all people need a little craze ... Otherwise the rope can't break and be released. "

Heraklion

"Heraklion - Summer 2020-2022": All Summer Events...

The program for 160 events and 55 movie screenings!
160 events and 55 movie screenings include the Heraklion Municipality's Summer 2016 program.
The events will take place at the Municipal Gardens' N. Kazantzakis "," M. Hadjidakis ”and at Bethlehem Gates (South and North) from July 8 to September 25, 2020.
In all, there are 160 - (50 with free admission) events - and 55 screenings at the Bethlehem Summer Cinema from July 15 to September 14, 2020.
The festival hosts 100 performances by local cultural figures.
It is noted that the expenses of the Event Budget are fully covered by its revenue.
Finally, as mentioned in the announcement, this year we will collect enough quantities of long lasting food for the Municipal Grocery and other bodies of our city from Free Entrance shows.

The 6th Ierapetra International Documentary Festival opens its doors

At the 6th Ierapetra - Eleni Vlassi Documentary Festival, 167 short films will be screened The 6th Ierapetra International Documentary Festival opened its doors on Saturday, August 3 with references from all over the globe From August 3 to August 10, 167 short films will be screened by 188 directors from around the globe. There will be 53 nations, 6 Competition Divisions, in 7 simultaneous but different viewing spots, covering 136 hours of viewing.

Cretan events August 2019 CRETE NEWS

The summer events of the Municipality of Heraklion will take place from Monday July 8th until Wednesday September 25th at the "N. Kazantzakis "," M. Hadjidakis ”as well as the Bethlehem Gate and Square. A total of 160 shows will take place, 50 of which will be open to the public. These are theatrical performances for children and adults, shadow theater, concerts, specials, evenings of traditional music and dance, as well as 55 movie screenings at Bethlehem Summer Municipal Cinema.    It is worth noting that this year's summer events of the Municipality of Heraklion involve 100 local cultural groups who have the opportunity to highlight the important work they do in the field of culture.

Sitia - Rich cultural events in the city of Erotokritos and Vicente Kornaros

Situated on the edge of the island, at sunrise, with its abundant Mediterranean light and its unique aura, Sitia manages to keep its fairytale character unalterable while capturing the visitor with its monuments and history. The sheer burden of the legacy on the "beautiful lady" who continues to produce and maintain because she respects her past. The city of Vicente Cornaro, of faith and love, with its constant presence and decisive role in the evolution of Poetry and Music, Theater, Dance, is rightly called a "city of arts". On the bow of Crete, the magnificent Sitia is set for yet another colorful summer. Festivals, world music, airy and unique dances, good tradition, exhibitions, theatrical performances, concerts, cadets, festivals. At the same time the beautiful beaches, Traditional villages, hospitable residents and of course affordable rates rank Sitia as one of the most popular destinations for this summer. We are waiting for you!!!

3 O INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL TRADITION
CRETE, GREECE, HERSONISSOS
26 SEPTEMBER - 30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Crete is a beautiful Mediterranean island and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Crete! Thousands of picturesque villages, enchanting landscapes, endless sandy beaches, 300 days of sunshine per year, varied scenery, delicious and famous local cuisine, unique flora, magnificent canyons, medieval towns, imposing mountains, friendly and welcoming monotonous mountains. A place you don't want to miss ...
Hersonissos MunicipalityIt spreads imposingly from the northern coast of Crete down to the ridges of the Lasithi Mountains, just a few kilometers from Heraklion's "Nikos Kazantzakis" International Airport. It includes settlements with distinctive features and color. The wider area of ​​Hersonissos is known as the most organized tourist destination of Crete. It is renowned for its high quality hotel facilities, conference facilities, and the natural beauty of the coastal area. Beautiful beaches, nightlife and mass tourism, however, are only one facet of the coin. The other side, the lesser known, is its rich and untouched hinterland, scattered with historical monuments and landscapes of unspoiled beauty. The natural paths of the Municipality of Hersonissos are also paths in time, in the rich history of a blessed place. From its southern end, the mountainous Kera on the outskirts of the Lassithi Plateau, to its northern boundary, the Port, with its Roman and Byzantine antiquities, the wider peninsula will reward its visitor with rich, tasteful images traditional Cretan hospitality.

The Beach Volley Festival in Agios Nikolaos, Crete
July 28, 2020-21


At the beach of 'Ammos' the finals of the Panhellenic championship
Her celebrations have already been worn by the city of Agios Nikolaos Crete, which is ready to host the final of the Pan-Hellenic Beach Volley Championship, which is co-organized by the Volleyball Federation, the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, the Cultural Athletic Organization Municipality (PAODAN) and Agios Nikolaos Municipal Public Enterprise (DAEAN).

Arvanitis, Karagounis returned to their throne with a mythical record by Vicky
Dimitris Ioipas and Thodoris Papadimitriou champions of Greece in the sand of Agios Nikolaos

Vicky Arvanitis
Penny Karagounis

History Vicky Arvanitis wrote in the sand of Agios Nikolaos, with Penny Karagounis as the playwright. The two-time European champion Arvanitis became the first athlete to reach the legendary record of the 10 championships in her career, while Karagouni celebrated her fourth title and third with the duo Arvanitis
In the crowded stands of the main stadium in the marina of Agios Nikolaos, Arvanitis / Karagounis prevailed with Dimitra Manavis and Konstantina Tsopoulou with 2-0 (21-14, 21-13) sets and celebrated their third championship as a pair in the sand. 

Dimitris Ioipas  
Thodoris Papadimitriou

Their own distinct history was written by Dimitris Ioipas / Thodoris Papadimitriou in the sand of St. Nicholas. The team from Thessaloniki celebrated its third championship and second after 2017 in the city of Crete.

In front of more than 800 spectators who filled every spot on the beach at Ammos, next to the picturesque marina of Agios Nikolaos, Dimitris Ioipas / Thodoris Papadimitriou made another overturning and prevailed with 2-1 (19-21, 21-15, 15-12 ) set by Giorgos Michelakis and Vassilis Mouhlias. For Mihelakis / Mouhlias it was the first time they went to the second stage of the podium.

"We are very happy and we wanted it too much after the lost final of 2018. This year we played better than the other years, despite the gaps we had again. We wanted to prove that we have not finished yet. The level has risen too much and this has been seen in all games. I just want to thank George Giatsis who has helped us all the years and my playmate playmate, "said Thodoris Papadimitriou.

Dimitris Niapas also commented on the move to raise the next day following the title: "Anyone I found in front of me would do the same. Last year we lost the final and this year we returned even stronger. I hope it will continue in the years to come. As the years go by, we are making more and more sacrifices, and there is behind us a group of people who support us and this success belongs to them. "

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Top things to do in Crete

Amazing Things To Do In Crete, Greece

Palace of Knossos

Crete’s most famous historical attraction is the Palace of Knossos, the grand capital of Minoan Crete, located 5km south of Iraklio. The setting is evocative and the ruins and recreations impressive, incorporating a…

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

This state-of-the-art museum is one of the largest and most important in Greece. The two-storey revamped 1930s Bauhaus building makes a gleaming showcase for artefacts spanning 5500 years from Neolithic to Roman tim…

Phaestos

Phaestos was the second-most-important Minoan palace-city after Knossos and enjoys an awe-inspiring setting with panoramic views of the Messara Plain and Mt Psiloritis. It was built around 1700 BC atop an older, pre…

Top things to do in Crete

1.) Visit Spinalonga Island

The tiny island of Spinalonga is so close to Crete and easily reached by a little boat over to the island. Perched in the north-east of Crete (within the Gulf of Elounda), it’s one little spot to explore some of the Venetian histories of the island.

2.) Take a dip at Seitan Limania Beach

Relatively near Chania (and Chania Airport), the tiny little cover of Seitan Limania is a great spot to chill out and relax in that stunning Aegean Sea. Now, the beach is pretty small and it does get busy during peak season.If you want to avoid the crowds, pop over for an early morning dip during the week. It really is beautiful.

3.)Visit the cut off village of Loutro

Perched on the south coast of Crete, Loutro is a tiny little fishing village that you have to visit. I mean, it’s a total throwback to old Greece and the town doesn’t seem to have loads of development for visitors, it really does feel like a hidden gem.

One unique thing about the village is that it’s inaccessible by land and you’ll have to get there by boat (or ramble across the mountains). When you’re there, take some time to relax on the waterfront, enjoy the views and grab some seafood on the front itself.

Video
«Agios Nikolaos Cliff Diving 2019»

 The big summer sports show in Crete by the Cultural Organization of the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos (PAODAN) and Infinite Drop High Diving with the support of the Region of Crete

Unique sight in the 4th Agios Nikolaos Cliff Diving 2019-20

Agios Nikolaos Cliff Diving

The unique diving event, with the participation of 19 athletes, distinguished scuba divers from all over the world (Britain, Russia, Brazil, Ukraine, Switzerland, USA, Spain, Germany, Luxembourg, Australia, Denmark and Romania) visitors of Crete and Agios Nikolaos.

Agios Nikolaos Cliff Diving

Another cliff diving was completed on Sunday night at Lake St. Nicholas, winning fairly the audience's great interest and warm applause.

Thousands of Cretans and visitors of the island flooded the shops and outdoor areas around the amphitheatrical lake of Voulismeni in the center of the town of Agios Nikolaos, enjoying the unique diving event of high places that Greece hosts every summer in Agios Nikolaos. 

Agios Nikolaos Cliff Diving

Both Saturday 29 June (first day) and Sunday 30 June in the finals, adrenaline skyrocketed in a diving contest full of tension, dynamism and upgrades as the level of difficulty for athletes increased.Over the course of the week, the spectators saw amazing diving in both craftsmanship and difficulty, enjoying a unique spectacle, both during the races and at the night show that followed.

Ten nine athletes, distinguished scuba diving from all over the world (Britain, Russia, Brazil, Ukraine, Switzerland, USA, Spain, Germany, Luxembourg, Australia, Denmark and Romania) gave their best, from the rocks of the lake. The Cultural Organization of the Municipality (PAODAN), the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, the Region of Crete and Infinite Drop High Diving managed to prepare a two-day sporting and artistic event that marked the spectacular spectacular opening ceremony that started shortly after 9 pm Sunday, which was characterized by both sporting and artistic originality and excellence.

T.T.D
Upcoming Events 2019-20
Crazy dives at the weekend at the 4th "Agios Nikolaos Cliff Diving 2019"! 

Agios Nikolaos Cliff Diving
29/06/2019

“Holi Fest, The Festival of Colors”
20/06/2019 

"Jean- Loup Poirier - Alexandros Venetos"
June 24th, 2019 

«Agios Nikolaos Cliff Diving 2019-20»!

On Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June, the annual "Agios Nikolaos Cliff Diving 2019" will take place for the 4th consecutive year.
Nineteen top athletes from different countries (Luxembourg, Switzerland, UK, Romania,Spain,
United States, Russia, Brazil, Germany, Ukraine, Australia) will attend Agios Nikolaos to compete and give us a spectacular show the breath.
Apart from the impressive dives, many of the other surprises our organizers have reserved. Take a little "taste" ... 

Lasithi

Lake Voulismeni
Áyios Nikólaos centers on Lake Voulismeni, a small, circular lake ringed by steep rocky cliffs to one side and open-air cafés and seafood restaurants to the other and filled with painted wooden fishing boats and ducks. It's especially lovely at night, with flickering candles and neon lights casting reflections across the water. According to local legend, the goddess Athena used to bathe here, and the lake was long believed to be bottomless (though has now proven to be 64 meters deep). 

Heraklio

In ancient times, it was the port of Knossos, and the Minoans would have traded gold, ceramics, and saffron from here. Europe's oldest known civilisation (they lived on Crete between 2700 BC and 1450 BC), the Minoans were remarkably sophisticated - they loved art, nature, and sport, and it seems they were a peaceful people who worshiped female goddesses. Today, most visitors to Heraklion come here specifically to visit the Minoan palace of Knossos.

Chania

 Old Harbor
Chania's historic importance stemmed from its location as a port, and still today, the deep, curving harbor, which gained its present appearance under the Venetians in the 14th century, is its main tourist attraction. Filled with wooden fishing boats and ringed by a promenade lined with seafood eateries and cafés, it buzzes with visitors in summer, and is totally enchanting by night. To the east of the old harbor, note the mosque, erected by the Ottoman Turks after they took Chania in 1645. 

Rethymno

Wandering the cobbled streets of Réthymnon's car-free old town takes you back through the centuries. Laid out on a grid system, the mix of architectural styles reflects the town's history, so you'll see attractions such as the 16th-century Venetian loggia, the 17th-century Rimondi Fountain with water gushing from the mouths of three stone lions, a towering Ottoman minaret from 1890, a smattering of contemporary graffiti, and modern day cafés and restaurants full of students.

makri yialos in ierapetra of crete

Coasts of Hersonissos 

Flying Malia to Hersonisos Crete

Images of T.T.D

Chania / Rethymno 
This site has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, when the Minoans founded the ancient city-state of Kydonia here almost 5,000 years ago.
In a beautiful locale at the base of the Psilorítis mountain range, about halfway up the island's north coast, Réthymnon is the third largest town on Crete after Heraklion and Chania.  

Heraklio
Heraklion (Iraklion), on Crete's north coast, is the island's capital, chief port, and main industrial center. With a population of some 174,000 and sprawling modern suburbs, it's also the fourth biggest city in Greece.

Lasithi
On the north coast of eastern Crete, 65 kilometers east of Heraklion, Áyios Nikólaos (Agios Nikolaos) lies on the slopes above Mirabello Bay,close to Elounda,where you'll find Crete's most popular luxury resort hotels.

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