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
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
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
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
