Crete is famous for handcrafted tradition since the time of the Minoans. Most people visiting the island do not realize that the advanced Bronze Age civilization was built upon a sustainable agrarian society that supported huge palaces and stunning advancements. Moreover, it is this rural heritage that is carried forward in the local handicrafts we find in and around Chania today.
One of Crete’s stunning wild places, Imbros Gorge is only outshined by world famous Samaria in notoriety. Imbros is the second most popular gorge for walkers in Crete after the gorge of Samaria. Its narrows are dramatic and beautiful, unexpectedly so, considering that the entrance is a broad valley, and along the way you pass even next to a forest.
Chania is one of the Cretan destinations many tourists love to write home about, for it’s a charming coastal town, with typical architecture, a lively promenade with fantastic sea views, deep-rooted traditions and culture, cuisine to die for, and all kinds of activities that keep locals and visitors alike busy for days.
Honey is one of the flagship agricultural products on Crete, valued as much as olive oil and citrus farming. Historical evidence shows that the art of beekeeping arrived in Greece from Ancient Egypt, most likely through Crete. Indeed, the oldest hives found here date from 3400 BC. The clay hives were unearthed at Phaistos, the Minoan palace in the south of the island.
Verekinthos is an art and crafts village, and a must-see to buy souvenirs and artisan goods. It is south of the bay of Souda, about thirty minutes drive from Georgioupoli.
They call it the Eden of Skordalou, but unlike the biblical gardens, this particular attraction is young and man-made. A few years back – no more than a couple – the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete did not have much to offer. Today, however, they rank among the best in the world.
They call it the Egyptian Lighthouse and it stands strong at the Venetian harbor of Chania, safeguarding the town since the XVIth century. This stone silhouette had once a different shape.
The humble carob – Ceratonia siliqua – is known by many names. Be it called St John’s bread, locust bean, locust-tree, or carob bush, this evergreen produces a type of superfood that offers a lot of health benefits. This superfood is processed not far from Georgioupoli, at Creta Carob factory in Argyroupoli.
Kournas is an Apokoronas mountain destination close to the Georgioupoli hotels Eliros Mare, Anemos Grand Luxury Resort, and Mythos Palace Resort & Spa. All our resorts organize hikes around the famous Lake Kournas but if you want to explore the area on your own, here are some of the things you will discover.
Just thirty minutes drive from Georgioupoli, you will discover one of Crete’s most beautiful and interesting villages: Argiroupoli.
