Agios Nikolaos is one of the prettiest seaside towns in Crete. Built upon the site of ancient Lato pros Kamara, the settlement takes its name from a historical landmark – the Early Byzantine chapel of Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos), dating from the 7th century. The temple is one of the town&#
If you happen to be in Crete during Lenten or Easter, you will observe cherished customs and traditions that unite families and friends in observance of Christ’s resurrection. And, you probably do not know it yet, but Easter is the most important holiday in the Greek Orthodox calendar and, for
At the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, Cretans celebrate their living heritage, traditions, and ethnology. Those visiting Crete for the first time and interested in folk culture and nature will find the museum’s structure and exhibits fascinating. The Lychnostatis Open Air Museum is in Thesi Pla
Of more than 30 million olive trees on Crete, 14 are sacred. Their sacrality comes from centuries of longing for the divine, justice, freedom, and absolution. The body in charge of classifying the olive trees is the Association of Cretan Olive Municipalities (ACOM). Here are five of the 14 holy tree
High up overlooking Lassithi Plateau on Mt. Dikti (Lasithiotika Ori), where Amaltheia reared baby Zeus with her goat’s milk, the Katharo Plateau is a hidden wonder of Crete. At an elevation of 1150 meters above sea level, this is the island’s highest plateau and truly the table of the island’s
Many visitors to Crete do not realize the island offers hiking experiences like no other. In all, there are more than 440 hiking routes on Greece’s largest island. In the countryside surrounding Malia, you will find several unique footpaths leading past wonderful nature and sporting spectacular vi
Known as Sfakia to most, this village on Crete’s south coast should be on every traveller’s itinerary. An exhilarating drive through the White Mountains from Chania or Rethymno (the journey from either takes less than 90 minutes) there’s something uniquely welcoming about this former tiny fish
You will find Episkopi, a traditional Cretan village in a beguiling natural setting, about eighteen kilometers southeast of the Cretan capital Heraklion. It sits about 350 above sea level on a hill surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Alongside herding, viticulture and olive growing are the mai
Mochos is a picturesque hamlet twelve kilometers from Malia on the way to the Lasithi Plateau. It is about 40 kilometers from Heraklion, Crete’s capital, and easily accessible by car. Favored by tourists for its rural appeal, Mochos has plenty to offer to justify a day trip. Here are some of the m
If you want to understand the true spirit of Crete, you must visit a local village. When in the Hersonissos regional unit, Avdou may be the best destination. It has pure rural character, sublime hospitality – aptly defined by the locals “philoxenia” – and even surprises for the most
