Dia, also pronounced Ntia by locals, is a rather small uninhabited island off the northern coast of Crete. Located about 7 nautical miles (approximately 13km) north of the city of Heraklion, Dia is part of the community of Elia and administratively belongs to the Municipality of Hersonissos. Its max
Malia is Crete’s tourism central, a veritable Ft. Lauderdale of beach activity, excellent hotels, and incalculable activities for all ages. Situated on the Cretan Sea about 35km east of Heraklion, the town’s name means “flat area,” which is appropriate since the former fishing village sits o
Enjoy a fun trip with the kids to the Mediterranean seabed and learn about the unique and extraordinary species that swim with you in the Greek seas. Cretaquarium – Thalassocosmos is one of the most important aquariums in Europe that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Plus, it is only
Located on a low, rounded hill called Kephala, at a distance of about 6km to the south of Heraklion, the Minoan Palace of Knossos is the largest archaeological site ever discovered on Crete. Being the administrative and ceremonial center of the Minoan civilization, one of the oldest ones and the fir
According to historians and archaeologists who have thoroughly studied the ancient civilization that flourished in Crete, if you were to imagine Crete as a human being, Eleutherna would be its heart. Some 30km southeast of the city of Rethymnon and very near to the great convent of Arcadi, situated
One of the most beautiful must-see attractions of Crete, Samaria gorge is the island’s one and only Natural Park, offering a memorable hiking experience to thousands of visitors every year. If you want to cross it, you need to book a guided tour and wake up very early in the morning, as you will n
A place made of stone and wind, a living museum of Cretan architecture and tradition, a trip to the past, where pristine nature prevails. Discover the secret beauties of Mirabello, a serene mountainous region with scattered traditional villages and old windmills just a breath away from the busy reso
The Cretan diet is known all across the world, as it is considered to be one of the healthiest diets according to numerous medical studies. The Cretan Diet is essentially the “Mediterranean diet” and became famous after the Seven Countries Study, by American Professor Ancel Keys. This was the fi
Rethymno is the third largest city in Crete (after Heraklion and Chania) with a long history that goes back to the Minoan times and an impressive old town with numerous Venetian and Ottoman monuments. More than that, Rethymno is an idyllic destination with picturesque narrow lanes, a scenic old port
When you are in Crete you should consider taking an off the beaten track day trip in the Cretan inland to visit an impressive museum dedicated to the life and work of Nikos Kazantzakis and explore the beautiful historical village of Myrtia, 15km from the city of Heraklion and 45km from Malia. Nikos
