Few tourists know that Crete once had a ski resort. It was up on the Nida Plateau in the Psiloritis mountains in the island’s Rethymno regional unit. Construction began in 1977, and the resort welcomed its first guests in 1980.…
Midway between Rethymno and Agia Galini the pretty village of Spili is a relaxing, rejuvenating place. Authentic and largely untouched by major tourist developments, (apart the coaches that bring day-trippers on their way to and from the south coast) Spili…
October sees one of the great annual rituals of Crete performed: it’s the month when the year’s raki production is begun. The process for making the fiery alcoholic liquor served after almost every meal in Crete has been the same…
Planning a winter vacation on Crete is not something usually found on travelers’ bucket lists since the island is mainly preferred for its delightful beachside lifestyle. Most resorts close their doors in November, there are no more beach parties, open-air…
Krasi’s main tourist appeal may be an ancient plane tree; some say it is over 2400 years old, but this charming hamlet in the Hersonissos Prefecture of Crete has many other splendors few island visitors get to see. This village…
Unique natural wonders surround Theriso Village, which lays in a spectacular gorge at the foothills of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains). In the village, the tree hovering above the Church of Panagia standing right beside a memorial to freedom and…
Christmas and New Year traditions in Crete, as in the rest of Greece, are rich and many, and while most date from the earliest Christian times, some go back much further, even to ancient pre-Christian folk legends. Kalanda (carols) On…
If you’re up for an unforgettable day out by car from Georgioupoli, Crete’s most popular historical site - the Palace of Knossos - is only a 90-minute drive. By happy coincidence, Knossos is also the gateway to Heraklion wine country…
With the 2019 Rethymno Carnival officially opened, the city is expecting more than 15,000 revellers to take part on its big weekend, kicking off on Friday March 8. Dating back more than 100 years, the carnival is one of the…
To follow in the footsteps of the Venetians in Chania, Crete’s Italian invaders who were responsible for building the Old Town’s massive fortifications, the district of Toponas on Chania’s west side is the best area to explore. Close to the…