ISSUE No 5, AUGUST 2013
Chania POST The best affordable way to travel Western Crete. Public regular bus service to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete
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The local FREE paper for the Chania area
Offering a selection of local and interest articles, news and other views from around the region of Chania and Western Crete.
With a local services section, a range of advertisers and pages of free classfieds, the Chania Post is an essential E D I S N I resource for anyone living FREE n Map w o T ld O in or just visiting this area of Chania s Map ia n a t la P Your Travel Guide p. 46-61 Crete.
Visiting Platanias
>> p. 6-12
Western Crete in the top Mediterranean destinations Chania (4th) and Rethimno (5th) in Trivago’s Top-20
CΗΑΝΙΑ: Unique and unforgettable
RETHIMNO: Romantic and timeless
Read the full article on Cristiano Ronaldo chose Crete for holidays
The famous football player came to the island with his beloved Irina Sykes >>p. 4
Gavdos in the top-10 Greek islands for “Guardian”
Smells of sea juniper and wild thyme and has a laid-back 1960s spirit >>p. 22
The greatness of Samaria
>> p. 3
Visiting the Samaria Gorge, the most famous National Park of Greece and a major tourist attraction of Crete >> p. 24
Read also in this issue... More than 40 hotels in Crete with the Green Key An eco-label awarded to over 2100 establishments in 41 countries worldwide
>>p.13
”One place... one history”
The history of “Kipos cafe” in Chania, through recollections of yesterday >>p.17
“Cultural summer 2013”
All the events (live concerts, performances, theater, exhibitions, festivals) of August in Chania Prefecture >>p.28-29
Municipal Market of Chania
The historical place to begin your visit in the city, drink your coffee and do your shopping >>p.16
Public bus is the best affordable way to travel to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete
Chania POST
p.2
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Find CHANIA POST at the following points: CHANIA: Municipal Market, Airport, Public Bus Central Station, Old Harbour, Municipal Tourist Information Desk PLATANIAS: Central Square Infokiosk KISSAMOS: Gramvousa and Balos boats, Elafonissi, Falassarna KANDANOS-SELINO: Paleochora Info Desk, Sougia, Kandanos SFAKIA: Hora Sfakion Infokiosk, Loutro, Agia Roumeli, ANENDYK boats APOKORONAS: Georgioupoli, Kavros, Vamos, Kalyves, Vrysses Also in Chania taxis, Limnoupolis Water Park and in selected cafes, businesses and shops throughout Chania Prefecture. CHANIA POST... on the go
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FTP (Free Tourist Press) Publications CHANIA POST The local free newspaper for the Chania area Owner/Publisher: FTP Publications 73, Eleftheriou Venizelou str., Chania, 73100 E-mail: info@chaniapost.eu, pgiaitsis@gmail.com, netcafe@otenet.gr E-Publication: http://www.chaniapost.eu Editors: P. Giaitsis, J. Kriaras (real estate agent), M. Kriaraki/N. Tsatsaronis (outdoor activities), M. Markatos (pneumonologist), P. Marinakis (theme park) N. Voulgaraki (nutritionist), E. Cradick (weddings) Advertising: STORM Adv. 28210-50112, 6977341751, 6977295075 DTP: FTP Publicatons
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abroad come to Greece become ac- your lives. cred to land. The message and the medium quainted with the culture andvirtue, history That’ why Augustus Hospitality, honour ands friendship are theTourismus basic princi-ad-
Augustus... Tourismus
ples in the soul of everyvises Cretan. is what want you to of our country. youThat to love our we country, to stand Julius Caesar is a known historical figas longinasgeneryou staybesides in Creteus, for to your is ourthe New times demand new journalism even viaBut traditional mediathisfeel this August, summer be holidays... -each onethat of youure. message. like the newspaper. A new way of informingal visitors of bet Crete is a big forisGreece! little piece of the puzzle of Greek deWhat you may not know is that here in is going through the most difficult time in its history. coming through the pages of the issue you have on your hands. in Greece A bet to survive this economic cri- velopment. Greece we have ourlocal ownfree ... Caesar. But all those visit our country that Greece we try tofor Chania Post is your paper, from thesis, very firsttominute a bet stay alive through itswho probThank you understand for choosing And it is none other than... Augustus off er as much as we can. Believe us! We are trying to regain the you are coming to Chania. Our goal is for alllems, of oura bet readers to of change for all of us living your vacation, thank you for choosing Tourismus, the ofguide summer! bet of the dignity we lost all these years. We owe it to our rich use this issue as Caesar their first to Chania, asintheir every mornCrete this summer, thank you for being this blessed place. August our country is accompanying the month paper in every spot past, to the Greek history and culture that you all know what ing piecefor of reading, as their The most important part to win this with us, thank you for being Greeks that we all choose to spend our holihas offered to the people of Europe. Thank you for coming to of Chania area. during your holidays. bet is YOU. days, on one of thewe beautiful So, weespecially welcome you to Chania, welcome you to Crete, home our country, thank you for believing to Greeks, thank you for All of you who are coming to Greece of Xenios Zeus the protector of visitors, who generously offers believing to our effort by reading these lines. greek islanda. and his again, forCHANIA a first time Augustus Tourismus POST in welcomes you to Crete! Enjoy your visit. his hospitality every whofrom wishesagain to honour sa- orOur It is the monthtothat all stranger our friends Republication, reproduction (total, partial, paraphrase or adaptation) of the content of the newspaper in any manner (mechanical, photocopying, recording or other) is prohibited without the prior written permission of the publisher. Act 2121/1993 and Rules of International Law applicable in Greece. All rights reserved by Š FTP Publications S.A., Chania, Crete, 2013.
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by Pantelis Spyridakis
p.3 Chania
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Western Crete in the top Mediterranean destinations Chania (4th) and Rethimno (5th) in Trivago’s Top-20
To the premier destinations in the Mediterranean are Chania and Rethymno. This follows from the data of the search engine and hotel price comparison, trivago.gr The search engine and hotel price comparison web page trivago.gr conducted a research and presented the most popular Mediterranean destinations based on the reviews of users. Who are the TOP 20 destinations and suggest the users for this summer? Chania and Rethimno got a vote of confidence by travelers and occupy four of the top five positions in the list of top 20 destinations in the Mediterranean. First destination is Oia-Imerovigli in Santorini, while in second place location is Fira, also in Santorini. The natural beauty of the island convinced this summer travelers and offered the first two positions Santorini. In third place is Capri in Italy with very little difference from Chania in 4th and Rethimno in 5th place. Crete is present again in 17th place with Agios Nikolaos in Lassithi. According to the list, Crete and Santorini are the two islands that come to mind of travelers at the sound of the word Mediterranean. The complete list contains six destinations from Italy, four destinations from Spain, two from France and Lagos in Portugal. The popularity of destinations is a result of reviews of 39 international platforms and the 160 trivago booking sites. The destinations have at least 5000 reviews each. The trivago is an online meta search engine that compares hotel prices from more than 150 different booking sites for 600,000 hotels worldwide.
Additionally, trivago has integrated over 34 million hotel reviews along with 14 million photos. 20 million users per month use trivago in order to manage their holidays and have savings for over 35% of their money on average per booking. The trivago GmbH headquarters are in Düsseldorf. It was founded in 2005 and currently operates 39 international country platforms. Popular Mediterranean destinations Order of preference Popularity 1. Oia, Santorini 85 2. Fira, Santorini 82 3. Capri, Italy 81 4. Chania, Crete 81 (81, 32) 5. Rethimno, Crete 81 (81.27) 6. Lagos, Portugal 81 7. Syracuse 81 8. Llanes, Spain 81 9. Monaco, Monte Carlo 81 10. Tavira, Portugal 80 11. Trapani, Italy 80 12. Alghero, Italy 80 13. Santa Margarita Liguria, Italy 80 14. Conil de la Frontera, Spain 80 15. Santa Eulalia, Spain 79 16. Marbella, Spain 79 17. Agios Nikolaos, Crete 79 18. Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy 79 19. Saintes Maries de la Mer, France 79 20. Alcudia, Spain 79
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Economic crisis: More than 7 out of 10 Greeks are not going on holidays
Summer holidays are a “dream” for more than seven out of 10 Greeks this year, whilst a serious percentage will further reduce their spending time in holidays. According to the findings of a nationwide survey from Consumer’s Institute in Greece, which took place from 1-8 July 2013, by the method of telephone interviews with 545 people, 73% of people, compared to 69% last year, will not have summer vacations, whilst more than 73% out of 100 Greek consumers said they do not plan or think they will eventually have a summer vacation in 2013. The reasons, as noted in the survey, are 70% economic, professional and income volatility 20%, professional obligations and other reasons 10%. According to the data from the same survey, 27% to 80% will make a short vacation of 5 days. The interest of Greek tourists is returning to pay a visit to their birth places. In holidays, Greeks live in: -A friendly homeowner 52% -A relative-friendly home 28% -In hotels and boarding houses or rooms 20% Family holidays seem to decreasingly limited and tends to be eliminated. In 2013, as reported in the survey, a family will hold: - 4 days holidays 40% - 7 days holidays 25% - 10 days holidays 20% - 15 days holidays 13% - 20 days holidays 2% The sea continues to satisfy the preferences of the vast majority of Greeks, with 80% of preferences, while the mountain ‘win’ some ground in relation to previous research, garnering 20%. Finally, tourist destinations outside Greece will fall this year by close to 50%. Under repeated annually surveys, Consumer’s Institute found price differences for the same product or service in tourist areas, in relation to the average of the rest of the country. This phenomenon must be addressed through concerted actions of State agencies to change the mindset of local supervisors. However, except the price, a significant problem occurs on the issues of quality, service and public health.
p.4 Chania
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Cristiano Ronaldo chose Crete for holidays The famous fooball player visited the island with his beloved Irina Sykes
Cristiano Ronaldo and his beloved Irina Sykes chose Crete for their holidays and specifically Lassithi and Chania. The Portuguese superstar of Real Madrid and the top model from Russia have shown a preference on the island as in the past they chose it again for their holidays and have publicly expressed their admiration for Greece. The famous couple, as reportedly, landed in utmost secrecy at Saturday6th of July with a private aircraft at the Heraklion air-
port “Nikos Kazantzakis”. A limousine was waiting and took them to the hotel “Porto Elounda” in Lassithi. From Lassithi they visited all the island and stayed in Chania for a couple of days. Cristiano Ronaldo and Irina Sykes also visited Rhodes and Santorini before returning to their professional obligations. Cristiano Ronaldo has been once more in Crete a few years ago.
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First place for the Region of Crete in e-ward 2013
The first prize for the best nationwide advertising campaign contest “Internet Greek Awards” won the Region of Crete for its campaign titled «Incredible Crete», after an Internet voting. This is the second award in a few months as last April and again the Region of Crete excelled in the competition “Greek Graphic Design & Illustration (E.V.G.E.) 2013”. The advertising campaign of Crete won the 1st place in its category and it was nominated in e-awards 2013 after a public vote. According to the web site maga.gr, a total of 2,927 proposals took part in the competition. The aim of the Region (website and video by Thodoris Papadoulakis) was to show Crete as a safe and quality tourist destination won first place for the past year in particular awards but above all in the heart of the public. The award was received by the President of the Regional Council George Pitsoulis and Professor Dimitris Bourantas. The Region of Crete would like to thank the thousands of internet users who voted “electronic’”and revealed the first promotional campaign in the Region. Also, the Region expresses its gratitude to the jury awards for their excellent organization that has nationwide recognition.
p.6 Chania
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PLATANIAS
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The heart of tourism
The first thing coming on your mind when you hear the word Platanias is nightlife. Welcome to the center of tourism in Chania, a small image of Greece for all of our visitors in Western Crete, a small sample of what the island can offer you during your holidays. Enjoy!
Don’t miss...
SAMARIA GORGE one of the longest ravines in Europe with great hiking routes.
ROTONDA was built 530 AD and it’s the oldest church in Crete.
Whether it’s mountains or beaches, wonderful plateaus and famous gorges, a low profile or lively feasting, the new Platanias Municipality can boast of having all of these! The Platanias Municipality has been changing profile and invites you to explore step by step its new magnificent puzzle of characteristics –from the numerous crowded beaches of the cosmopolitan resort, to the scenic trails of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) and the Omalos Plateau. Begin from the seaside. The town of Platanias, with its beaches , all awarded blue flags due to their crystal clear waters and golden sands, has developed the best tourist facilities in western Crete. It is a favourite, both for Greeks as
OLIVE TREE OF VOUVES the oldest olive tree in the world.
well as foreign visitors, offering many choices for holidays. The best and the biggest hotels, numerous beach bars, fine restaurants and a very lively night life, compose a complete by itself recommendation for a short or longer stay. In addition, the transitions of landscape make this resort not only cosmopolitan but also ideal for peaceful family holidays. Take, for example, the beaches of Kontomari, Gerani and Tavronitis, or the picturesque little village of Deres with its traditional neighbourhoods and the warm hospitality of its people, or the historic village of Maleme, symbol of the Battle of Crete, steadily developing through the years. There, you can visit the tomb built in the late Minoan Era, located on the hill called “Kafkala”, one of the most significant
AGIA LAKE the best wetland site in Crete, hosting varities of flora and fauna.
GERMANS WAR CEMETERY in memory of the heroic Battle of Crete.
ancient monuments of Crete. Continue to the west Travel around Kolymbari, one of the first fishing villages in Crete. Visit the Monastery of Gonia and the museum with the rare religious pictures, the canonicals and the manuscripts. A canon ball driven and stuck in the stone wall on the side of the sea reminds of the Turkish attacks against the monastery. Move further up to the Museum of Cretan Herbs, situated right next to the Orthodox Academy of Crete and the Gonia Monastery, and enjoy the collection of local herbs and aromatic plants of Crete.
p.7 Chania
Gerani
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Kolibari
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Maleme
PLACES AND BEACHES FOR SWIMMING IN PLATANIAS Platanias 1
Tavronitis
Platanias 2
Change “frame” and get ready for the surprises of the inland The Rotonda of Episkopi village, or the temple of the Archangel Michael, is a unique construction with none like it all over Crete. Built in the late Christian Era, with a dome, mosaic floors and frescos dating back to the 7th century AD, it cannot fail to impress. Change of frame and landscape again. This time we’re heading for the “Faraggas” – the Great Gorge- in other words the famous Samaria Gorge and the Samaria National Reserve. You cross the Omalos plateau and come to “Xyloskalo”, the entrance to the gorge. Its length of eighteen kms, its tens of thousands visitors annually, its nomination as a national reserve and its European Council award as one of the most unspoilt and beautiful areas of Europe, all these elements compose the name of a gorge you definitely must walk through!
mous local products. The olive oil, the wine, the honey, the dairy products and the numerous other traditional foods prepared with pure locally grown ingredients, offer unique culinary delights! Visit one of our well organized olive factories, wineries, cheese plants, bakeries and traditional workshops, taste our products and enjoy the gastronomic wealth of a blessed land! The surprises do not end here. Routes of exceptional natural beauty await you to explore them by car, by motorcycle, bicycle or even on foot or 4-wheel drives for adventure lovers. Try a 4-wheel drive going up to the chapel of St John the Baptist in Apopigadi, and enjoy the majestic view from the hill top – from the city of Hania all the way to Cape Spada and Gramvoussa to the west, and the Cretan Sea to the north. Imperious mountains, impressive ravines (Deliana-Messavlia gorge), green valleys, vast olive groves and orange groves, with numerous scenic villages scattered all around! All so similar but each one different in a unique way! The villages of the Keritis valley (Skines, Fournes, Alikianos, Vatolakkos) and the town of Voukolies with its huge square and the traditional cafes around it, or the mountain villages such as Sebronas, Prasses, and Palia Roumata with its numerous neighbourhoods literally swamped in greenery. Many traditional and religious feasts are held in all the villages and you are invited to taste local cuisine delicacies, to enjoy the beauty of the environment and have the time of your life!
Back to the magnificent inland again The inland trademark consists of our top-quality, world-fa-
The Municipality of Platanias, its people and the beauty of this exceptional place await you to help you live the experience of
In Kolymbari you can also visit the Fisheries Museum, witness of the fishing tradition of the land. During the summer months exhibitions are held in this museum- Art and Photography exhibitions as well as plastic arts by well known Greek and foreign artist. Enjoy a walk in the scenic port and experience endless hours of relaxation. Its clean, sandy beaches offer kilometres of relief from the heat, while many “ouzo restaurants” have laid their tables right next to the waves , awaiting you with fresh fish directly from the Cretan Sea and plenty of other delicacies !
a lifetime… Municipal Region of Platanias This region comprises a dream land to visit with its 6549 inhabitants according to the 2011 census. Numerous interesting tourist destinations, areas of great natural beauty for nature lovers as well as villages with glorious history make up this municipal region where the Town Hall of the new Platanias Municipality is in Gerani. The town of Platanias has recently developed into the most important tourist resort of the greater Western Crete region since the number and quality of choices and facilities make it unique and self-functioning. What is great about this village is that you can enjoy everything without having to move away from where you are based, Platanias is full of excellent restaurants and tavernas emphasizing the local cuisine and local products, grown in (continued on p.10)
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Plot: 2700 m², Building:120 m² • 3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • 2 levels • Swimming pool
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Two stone villas (NP-468) 200.000-220.000€ Building: 150m² each, Plot: 1000m² each • 3 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • Unfinished stage • Stylish and sleek design
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Complex of 12 apartments (NP-382) Building: 58-61m² 125.000€-146.000€ • 1-2 bedrooms each • 1 bathroom • Swimming pools • Garden • Parking • Incomplete stage
65 Daskalogianni Str., 73132, Chania - Crete / Greece - Tel.: +30 28210 57111 Fax: +30 28210 58881, email:info@ktimatoemporiki.gr - www.ktimatoemporiki.gr
the Real Estate Leaders ...by far
Villa (NP-377) Building: 116m²
Plot:216m²
• 3 bedrooms • 1 bathroom • 2 levels • Sea view
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Apartment (04-836)
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size: 105m²
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• Sea view • Nice location
Traditional house (25-103) Building: 236m²
plot:625m²
• 3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • 2 levels • Originally built in 1911 • Recently renovated • Traditional Cretan design • Large garden
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Two-bedroom house (NP-380) 229.000€
Three-storey house (04-755) 137.000€
• 2 bedrooms • 1 bathroom • Within a complex of 16 residences • Swimming pool • Landscaped gardens
• 3 bedrooms • 1 bathroom • 3 levels • Air-condition • Lovely surroundings • 5km from the beach
Building: 89,27m² Plot:400m²
Apartment (04-817) size: 102m²
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Two-storey detached house (NP-422) Building: 71m² Plot: 432m² 165.000€
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Building: 96m²
plot: 500m²
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• Traditional Cretan style
65 Daskalogianni Str., 73132, Chania - Crete / Greece - Tel.: +30 28210 57111 Fax: +30 28210 58881, email:info@ktimatoemporiki.gr - www.ktimatoemporiki.gr
p.10 Chania the area, magic beaches with all the necessary facilities, especially intense night life and the old town perched on the hill top overlooking the sea and the beautiful colours of the scenery all day… If you follow the country road along the coast , from the centre of Platanias to the west , you come across many small villages, each with its own special characteristics and beauty, Pirgos Psilonerou and Gerani are the first ones. Gerani is situated on two different levels: one along the coast and one inland, something very usual in the Venetian times when the inhabitants fled the coasts in order to avoid attacks from pirates. You may find the vast Gerani beach with its picturesque taverns and its neat accommodation so tempting that you will decide to “drop anchor” right there! By turning left from the main road to the inland, you soon come across the little settlements of Loutraki, Modi, Vrysses and Patelari lying in the fertile Platanias Valley, ready to “show” you their chapels and their rich olive groves and orange groves and treat you to nice hot coffee in the main square. Back to the road along the cost, you can stop off at Maleme. The name of the historic village is connected to the Battle of Crete. The German cemetery is a reminder of all the events that took place there but also of the fact that we should forgive and move on. The magnificent beach, the tranquility of the scenery and the hospitality of the locals are things that will make your stay there exceptionally pleasant. Not far away from Maleme lies another main village, Kontomari. In the centre of the village, the memorial reminds of the tragic execution of all the male population by the Germans in retaliation for their participation in the Battle of Crete. The village streets and the surrounding settlements
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comprising Kontomari are also worth a visit: from Pirgos Psilonerou near the coast, to Metochi, Kilada and Xirokambi. You will leave the area full of images, scents and experiences. As you drive deeper into the inland you come across numerous little villages, Xamoudohori, Kyparissos,, Zounaki, Manoliopoulo and lastly, on the border of the municipality, Deres. Built on the banks of the tributary of the Tavronitis
river, the Pnigaris river, the village is rich in picturesque little chapels “swamped” in a “sea” of green vegetation. Municipal Unit of Kolymbari This unit came from the union of 17 communities consisting of 49 villages and smaller settlements. According to the 2011 census, its population was 5042 inhabitants in an area of 150 square kms. It is only 20 kms away from Hania. Its landscape is varied with equal share of plain, hilly and mountainous parts. Most of its areas are on the coast. When
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going from one village to the next the scenery changes continuously: the sea, the mountains, valleys, plains, ravines, rocks – all these comprise inter changeable pictures which combine with the deep blue of the sky and the bright sunshine gripping the eye of the visitor. In most of these villages the inhabitants are occupied with agriculture and stock raising. They cultivate olive trees, citrus trees, vineyards, and vegetable gardens. They produce the best olive oil, honey, wine, meat and dairy products in the world. Those closer to the coast make their living fishing. Recently there has been quite a development in the tourist industry as well. Municipal Unit of Moussouri This Unit comprises of 12 communities having 22 settlements. It covers an area of 192 sq. kms. With a population of 4026 inhabitants according to the 2011 census. It stretches from the plains around the Keritis valley to the mountain peaks of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains). Visitors are enchanted by the beautiful villages, the unique natural beauty of trails for nature lovers, the Omalos plateau with the bare granite rock mountain “Gigilos”, and the entrance to the world famous Samaria Gorge (Xyloskalo) but also by the villages of the Keritis valley :Alikianos, Vatolakkos, Skines, and Fournes. In every season of the year this land is beautiful from its lowest to its highest point, from its blossoming orange trees to its snow-covered mountaintops. The main occupation of its people is agriculture and stock raising and, of course, in the area near and around the Samaria gorge, tourism. (continued on p.12)
Car rental Crete SpeedWheel welcome you to our online car rental service for the Platanias, Rethimon and Chania area on the northwest coast of Crete. We provide a high quality, all-inclusive professional car rental service. Cars can be rented for shorter or longer time. We can offer more than 220 cars of different types. For more than 10 years we have been the local partner for Fritidsresor/Startour and Finnmatkat.
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p.12 Chania You can find many tavernas and traditional cafes all over the Moussouri unit enlivening the little villages and making them ideal winter destinations on cold winter Sundays. Municipal Unit of Voukolies This unit comprises of Anoskeli, Voukolies, Kakopetro, Neriana, Nio Choryio, Palia Roumata, Polemarhi, Tavronitis and Chrysavgi. It is located in the eastern part of the Kissamos Province along the valley of the Tavronitis river. According to the 2011 census, there are 3,116 people living in the 34 settlements of the 12 villages of this unit and they are mainly farmers and stock raisers. Their main product is virgin olive oil well known for its miraculous qualities. There is also a plentiful produce of chestnuts, dairy products, meat, wine, honey, vegetables, figs, walnuts and citrus fruit. Therefore this unit comprises a unique 76 sq. kms puzzle with natural beauty. The landscape is varied –plains, hills, mountains- enchanting and remaining unforgettable for its visitors. Tradition is dominant in its lovely neighbourhoods, combined in harmony with some more modern touches in the villages of the plains. Its people are friendly, pleasant, eagerly offering hospitality to the visitors of the area. F.C. Platanias… the pride of Chania Athlitikos Omilos Platania Chanion (commonly referred to as Platanias F.C. or simply Platanias) is a Greek football club based in Platanias, Chania. The association was founded in 1931. The club currently competes in the Superleague for the first time in their history, after winning the promotion play-offs of 2011–12 Football League. Full name: Athlitikos Omilos Platania Chanion Founded: 1931 Ground: Perivolia Municipal Stadium, Perivolia, Chania (capacity: 4,000) Chairman: Stelios Varouxakis Manager: Marinos Ouzounidis
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League: Superleague Greece 2012–13: Superleague Greece, 9th Platanias Exhibition Center Everything began in November 2011. It was designed for organizing thematic exhibitions, corporate screenings, presentation of cultural events (theater - musical performances, etc.). It is located in the center of Platanias (right behind the parking lot of restaurant “O Milos Tou Kerata”) and developed on an area of 2.500 m². It is divided into three housed spaces, ideal for exhibition stands, in a total surface of 450 m². Wireless internet is supported throughout Platanias Exhibition Center. Platanias... in a few words Platanias is the busiest tourist resort in Chania Prefecture, so you’ll find every kind of business addressed to the many tourists enjoying their holidays here, like: - banks and cashpoints - post office - pharmacies and a private health centre - tourist shops for your souvenirs - bakeries and mini markets which stay open till late at night - car and motorbike rental shops - bars, restaurants, clubs and cafés all along the road from Agia MArina to Kolymbari Parking is difficult in Platanias, especially in the evening. You have to be very careful while drivingand watch out for pedestrians and tourists getting of their bus. Platanias is a place offering exciting holidays, fun and hours of relaxation by the sea. Why do you have to choose between busy nightlife and peaceful village atmosphere, when you can have them both? Enjoy the best... enjoy Platanias!!! References: http://www.platanias.gr http://www.goplatanias.gr http://www.fcplatanias.gr http://en.wikipedia.org
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“All of you are welcome in... our Platanias!” Dear visitors, The history of Platanias has its roots somewhere in the Late Minoan period, as we see from archaeological finds from excavations in the nearby villages of Platanias Municipality. The new Platanias Municipality covers an area of a particular terrain with exceptional natural beauty.It reaches from the northern cosmopolitan beaches of the island to the scenic paths of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) and the Omalos Plateau. It is a land with a rich tradition and culture. It is financially active in many fields and attracts investors especially in the tourist industry. The new Municipality of Platanias is responsible, particularly in difficult economic circumstances like the ones we’re undergoing, to make up for the shortcomings of the past, the inequalities and lack of homogeneity arising either from the varied landscape or from the distorted economic development of past years and to offer more up-to-date services focusing on the prosperity and well-being of its inhabitants. Our aim is to provide top-level services both for our citizens as well as our visitors and entrepreneurs. Our aim is to record and preserve our cultural reserve, to manage the environment in a way adapted to the needs of our times and to improve the image of our land. Having all this in mind, I welcome you to our place, to our home, to our... Platanias. John Malandrakis Mayor of the Municipality of Platanias Municipality of Platanias: Tel. +30 28210-83570 Fax. +30 28210-61628 E-mail: grammateia@platanias.gr
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More than 40 hotels in Crete with the Green Key
An eco-label awarded to over 2100 establishments in 41 countries worldwide
Green Key is a non-governmental, non-profit, independent Programme. It is recognised and supported by the World Tourism Organization and UNEP. Green Key is presently the largest global eco-label for accommodation and has a national administration centre in each participating country. Green Key aims to raise the awareness of leisure establishment staff and clients, increase the use of sustainable methods of operation and technology, run ecologically sound and responsible businesses, and thereby reduce resource, energy usage. Positive effects of responsible tourism are a major benefit for the environment. Green Key Programme rests on 5 pillars: -Education of staff, clients and owners towards increased sustainable development and environmental awareness in leisure establishments; - Environmental preservation by the reduction of the environmental impact of eachestablishment in the world scene
- Economical management by the reduction of consumption meaning a reduction of costs; - Marketing strategy by the promotion of the Green Key label and the establishments using the Green Key icon; - Strengthening of the tourism and leisure branch by taking responsibility broader than then their individual establishments. Getting awarded with Green Key means that an establishment has fulfilled a list of requirements. These requirements are contained in imperative and guideline criteria. Green Key History Green Key is a voluntary eco-label for tourism facilities that promotes sustainable tourism and aims to contribute to the prevention of climate change by awarding and advocating facilities with positive environmental initiatives. Green Key began in Denmark in 1994 and was adopted by FEE in 2002 to become its fifth international Programme. It has since spread to more than 40 countries and continues
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to grow in numbers and spread across the world. Green Key educates and empowers tourism actors, including enterprises, authorities, guests, and local communities to change unsustainable behaviours and become importantly involved in the protection of their environment. Tourism facilities awarded a Green Key adhere to national or international Green Key criteria. The criteria have been designed to be easily understood by tourists, feasible for the tourism industry, and clearly verifiable through control checks. International criteria reflect the various fields of tourism facilities (hotels, hostels, camp sites, conference and holiday centres) and specialized national criteria reflect each country’s legislation, infrastructure and culture. The criteria focus on environmental management, technical demands, and initiatives for the involvement of guests, staff and suppliers. Some of the categories covered are: Water, Waste, Energy, Involvement and Awareness of Guests, Environmental Management, Staff Involvement, Use of Chemicals, Open Spaces, and Food and Beverages. Green Key establishments report many benefits such as savings on water, energy and waste; a noticeably better environment for guests and staff; a better environmental image; marketing advantages; and increased activity and sales. Additionally, member programs have access to Green Key management tools and services, which many consider to be one of the top benefits. Each country involved in the Programme has a national operator. An international website has been created as a tool for national operators, applicant companies and the public. International meetings take place regularly to answer national operators’ questions and needs, and to assure international coherence and standards among Green Key member organisations. The award is granted for one year at a time. References: http://www.green-key.org
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Aegean Airlines and Ryanair account for almost half of over 100 new routes at Greek airports this summer summer, especially in July and August. In 2012, Greek airports handled 12.1 million passengers in those two months, representing 32.9% of traffic for the whole year. Mykonos Airport handled 56% of its total annual passengers in July and August. The May figures for 2013 are the best reported since 2009. Airports performing particularly well are Mykonos (+55.5%), Zakinthos (+33.3%), Heraklion (+24.1%), Chania (+22.0%) and Kos (+21.7%).
Almost half of over 100 new services that airlines have launched to and from Greek airports this summer have been launched by Aegean Airlines (27) and Ryanair (21). As a result capacity to all Greek airports is expected to be up around 3% in this summer’s peak, with several tourism-supporting airports seeing growth of well over 10%. New Ryanair base Chania will see a 15% increase in capacity. Although Greece’s airports reported declining traffic over the winter months, the latest figures from the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority suggest that there may be cause for optimism for the summer ahead. In May, passenger numbers at all Greek airports were up almost 12% compared with last May. Traffic at the country’s capital airport in Athens was up 1.4%, the first year-on-year rise since July 2011. If Athens Airport is excluded, passenger numbers across all other Greek airports was actually up almost 17%. Seasonality is a major issue at Greek airports due to the dominance of the inbound tourism market during the
Over 100 new routes in 2013 According to anna.aero’s new route database there have been over 100 new routes launched by Europe’s airlines to/from Greek airports since the start of
the year. In summary: - 105 new routes launched from Greek airports in 2013 - 16 Greek airports have welcomed at least one new route in 2013 with Athens (14), Corfu (14), Chania (11), Heraklion (11) and Thessaloniki (11) all managing more than 10. - 28 airlines have launched at least one new route from a Greek airport this year. Leading the way are Aegean Airlines (27) and Ryanair (21), with Volotea (six) and easyJet (five) some way behind. - 22 countries have benefited from the new services with Germany (18 new routes), UK (15), Italy and Russia (10 each) being the most popular country markets. RyanAir... increasing Almost 133% increased passenger traffic at the airport of Chania with the routes of extremely low cost company Ryan Air, according to company’s press release. This corresponds to 22% of the overall increase in passen-
The lack of an Autonomous Cretan Tourism Authority Crete is the largest Greek island and the fifth in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus and Corsica. But is Crete within the first five Mediterranean islands in the number of visitors ? Crete has the longest history in Europe and throughout the Mediterranean Sea, because the first European civilization was born there, the Minoan civilization. The name “Europe” was born in Crete (the myth of the abduction of Europe by Zeus who was Cretan). The island has infinite beautiful landscapes, and internationally recognized stunning beaches, the widest range of flora and fauna in Europe, famous Cretan hospitality, famous Cretan Diet, a wonderful climate, the most mild and healthy in Europe, with the most sunshine in the whole continent. Despite all these factors Crete is not within the five most popular islands in the Mediterranean. We find that Crete has not the place it merits in tourist arrivals per year compared to what it represents historically and culturally, and what it offers to the visitor (historical monuments, gastronomy-Cretan cuisine, religious or pilgrimage tourism, agro - tourism, ecotourism, sports tourism, artistic, educational, cultural and congress tourism, spa, marines & sea tourism (cruises, yachting, diving), geological tourism, alternative tourism, etc). Maybe Crete is not correctly displayed and promoted by EOT? Should not Crete excel in tourist arrivals and the Region of Crete be promoted as the first island of Greece? Other Mediterranean islands do not have the unique beauty of the Cretan landscape, unbeatable internationally award winning beaches, seas with green and blue waters, picturesque churches, superlative flavors and fragrances, music with upstanding mighty heroic ancient dances, sizzling night life, Minoan cities with the Minoan Palaces, Doric cities, Byzantine monasteries, Venetian harbors and forts, monuments of modern Cretan History i.e. Thymiani Panagia Virgin Mary church (Sfakia, revolution against the Turks in 1821), Arkadi (battle against the Turks and the holocaust of 1866), Theriso (1905) Venizelos Graves in Chania ( Elefther-
ios Venizelos, National Leader, & his son Sofokles both had been prime ministers of Greece in the past), Maleme (battle of Crete 1941), etc. I have done a little research into the issue and found that the islands prior to Crete in tourist arrivals have only their own tourism agency or organization promoting tourism and tourist chambers. For example Sicily and Sardinia are autonomous areas within amid in Italy, the Balearic Islands ( Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, etc) are autonomous regions with-
in Spain and Cyprus is an independent state with its own natural Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO). In other words the major Mediterranean islands belonging to a state run by themselves with their own bodies or agencies, with their own budget, without waiting for approvals, formalities, paperwork from the capital of the state, etc and of course those who are independent states e.g. Cyprus, Malta, naturally meaning self promotion. To be more clear Mallorca, for decades, has participated independently in reports not as part of Spain but as Mallorca. Ibiza and Minorca do the same. They put television spots to other countries that say “go to Mallorca,” they do not talk at all about Spain. Sicily and Sardinia the same. They go to the
ger traffic at the airport. The company claims to have transferred more than 2 million passengers to and from Greece in less than 3 years and operates 85 routes within 10 Greek airports, and launched flights between Chania and Thesssaloniki from last June. Crete... increasing In Crete, the increase in arrivals reaches 20%, while it seems that Chania had an increase in arrivals by 21.80% and Heraklion comes in second with 18.58%. Arrivals from abroad in numerical level for the period January - June 2013 in the airports of Crete (in parenthesis the corresponding figures of 2012): Heraklion N. Kazantzakis Airport: 818,492 passengers (690,267) G.Daskalogiannis Airport Chania: 311,063 passengers (255,383) In the first half of 2013 by 4,489,398 international visitor arrivals at all Greek airports, the 1,129,555 (25%) came to the airports of Crete. That means one out of four visitors to Greece from abroad, came to Crete. outside world, to the tourist markets, with “visit Sicily” or “visit Sardinia” respectively, rather than Italy. And it makes sense. Because if the tourist choose Venice or Milan for themselves is the same loss as choosing another country. He will not give money to Sicily or Sardinia. Even looking at other European islands out of the Mediterranean Sea, I saw that the British Isles such as the Orkney islands and Channel Islands are not autonomous, but have their own independent promotion, with advertising (media, Out door advertising, prospectus, ...), techniques of promotion (mailing, couponing , direct marketing, ...), public relations (happenings, events, exhibitions) and great portals and sites on the internet. Therefore, Crete had to make its own tourism promotion, years ago, with its own organization or body (private or mixed) saying “Visit Crete”. Crete had not to expect anything from “Visit Greece” and had to go to “Visit Crete”. What can Crete expect after all, from an Athens oriented State who pushes (promotes) ... Mykonos (everyone understands what I mean!). We all know how it works, the public EOT or Region of Crete, which, as a Regional Authority, belongs to state wide and general rule that awaits money from the Central Government and the EU subsidies and that the process is not transparent, but it is time-consuming, and usually involves interweaving and corruption. Like all the major islands of the Mediterranean, Crete must make its own agency or instrumentality of Tourism Promotion that will aim to highlight ONLY CRETE and create a Brand name «VISIT CRETE» across Europe and elsewhere (China , Israel, Qatar, Emerging Economies, ...). Soon the island where Cretan Zeus was born and grew up, of Hercules from Mount Ida, of Minos, of Ariadne, of Phaedra, of Akakallis, will reach and surpass the other major islands of the Mediterranean in the number of visitors. The place Crete deserves is: First touristic island of Europe and of Mediterranean Sea. Ioannis Kotzampasakis - Economist Diploma in Economic Science, University of Liège, Belgium Master’s Degree, University of Paris - 9 – Dauphine, France Professor of the National Centre of Public Administration
ad koukouvagia_Layout 1 6/5/2013 12:50 PM Page 1
Welcome Ranked #3 of 116 most important things to do in Hania by Lonely Planet travellers, you will adore this Cafe-bar located at the prominent hill of Profitis Ilias with its magnificent view of Hania. It is cool even during the hottest summer days, which makes it an all-day hangout for locals of all ages. It serves coffee, drinks, salads, omelettes, pastries and ice-cream from 10 am till late at night. Once you try one of the desserts you will keep coming back for more! 1,Alexi Minoti str, Venizelos Graves, Chania, Phone:+30 28210 27449 www.koukouvaya.com
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Municipal Market of Chania
The historical place to begin your visit in the city and do your shopping
The Municipal Market of Chania, the large building of 4.000 square meters in a surrounding area of 17.200 square meters, is the “heart” of the city. It is an original building that, apart from a business activity center, also provides a concrete image of the ancient Greek marketplace. The Municipal Market was built on the site of the former Venetian Pittafora bastion and materials from the fort were used to actually build it. The design and construction of the Municipal Market was a time-consuming procedure that started in 1908 and was completed in 1913, the year when Crete was united with Greece. The official opening ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister of Greece, the notorious Eleftherios Venizelos, three days after the unification of Crete with Greece, on December 4, 1913. The spaces were organized according to special regulations, and the association “New Market of Chania” was founded by the business-holders.
In general, on the eastern and western part of the market there were butcher shops, on the end of the west arcade there were the fish shops and on the north and south ends there were the fruit and vegetables shops. Few days before the Battle of Crete, on May 1941, a bombing shelter was constructed on the southeast part of the market. During the German occupation, the German soldiers occupied the central arcade and used it for the needs of the army. In 1980, the Municipal Market of Chania was declared a protected monument by the Ministry of Culture. It is in the shape of a cross and has four doors, one to each arm with shops that are grouped according to their wares in the aforementioned arms. It has been used as the town’s public market ever since and in 1980 it was designated by the Ministry of Culture as a monument. It houses 76 shops, most of which are grocery shops, bakeries, meat, fish, cheese stores and
many of them sell the local Cretan herbs. Don’t miss the Municipal Market of Chania, modeled on the market in Marseilles, France and one of the best in Greece. For those who are self-catering there is no better place to find cheese, olives, fruits, vegetables, meat and especially fish. For those looking for a pleasant restaurant where you can eat what the locals eat and know it is fresh and the highest quality then go to where the butchers and merchants of the market eat, at one of the many restaurants here. Be sure to try the patsa, especially if you have a hangover. There are cafes where you can drink coffee and listen to the sounds of the market and watch the people pass by, or you can buy traditional gifts to take home with you from one of the traditional Cretan goods shops. Official web site: http://www.chaniamarket.gr
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Kipos Cafe... One place, one history
The History of “Kipos cafe” in Chania, through Recollections of Yesterday
1870: The creation of the Municipal Garden of Chania was a result of people’s need of a free space for a stroll andrecreation at the end of Turkish occupation. Reuf Pasha, utilizing the established no longerwalk to the sandy area of a large Sykia, plant bagce in the ground, which is the first such as project outside the walls of the city of Chania. KIPOS, which was in a higher level in comparison with the rest space,and had a fabulous view, parted by evergreen trees, while under their shade people caltivated flowers. Kipos’ roads constructed in accordance with the European standards and paved by sand were also covered by grape vines. Inside Garden they set two statues and a Hermes of ancient Kydonia. Twice a week the military band had a concert. At the northwest corner of garden (position of current military club), Sakir Pasha made a tactless centralization building as a theatre, so Crete be in peace and prosperity he asked the Christian community room in the elementary school, where the first act took place in honor of consuls. The Christian community, refused to grant the school and Pasha decided to build his own place. For that cause he also used the amount, land owner M.Mentzos had payed, in order to be allowed to built newstores at the moets of walls. Room was built very soon and worked as a theatre,a goverment printing house, a Parliament, a dance hall etc. It collapsed in Octomber 1911. While KIPOS worked as a Cafe, at 1905 K.Manolikakis and D.Savakis functioned the first cinema, which constituted a necessary supplement of Municipal Garden. At Winter 1918, municipality of Chania ask the tree grower and agronomist Konstantinos Spai the renovation of the Garden. Old trees are chopped down, so new with delicate flavor grow up, like sour orange trees and Apollo’s laurel. The old parterre at both sides of the entrance replaced by new one, which looked like a butterfly on a flower, while
the central great parterre was in shape of archaic amphora. A maze with only one entry is configured in the western part of the garden, to roam between shady streets surrounded by huts and rest at the seperated benches. It was also provided the creation of two small lakes connected by a stone bridge, so that children could enjoy themselves. In 1928 a part of the flowers going to the Eleutherios Venizelos’ house, planted in the Garden. 9-12-1898: Beginning of the Cretan State. 9/12/1898 - The Commence of the Cretan State. 1900: The first international trade fair of Chania,that took
place at the Public Garden, was an unique event, in which 701 exhibitors by Crete,rest of Greece and abroad took place. 1905: The first Outdoor Cinema of the town is created in the Municipal Garden, a center of important cultural and visual “approaches” until today. 1/12/1913 - The ceremony of the Union of Crete with Greece is celebrated at Firkas Fort with the presence of Greek Prime Min-
ister Eleftherios Venizelos. 1924-1927: The town’s Clock Tower is built at the North-East corner of the Municipal Garden of Chania. 1936: The new building is created in the Municipal Garden, by businessman Andreas Hatzidakis, which houses “Kipos cafe” to this day. It is a unique historic cafe in Greece, with rich historical past, as it has hosted the Cretan Parliament and important personalities like Eleftherios, Sofoklis Venizelos, Nikitas Sofoklis Venizelos, Nikos Kazantzakis, artists and other intellectuals. For decades now, “Kipos cafe” has been a remarkable cultural space, offering deed to the local society and ideally combining unique forms of entertainment for all ages (talent shows, music nights, various cultural events and festivals). Great artists like Mimis Plessas, Giannis Vogiatzis, Jimmy Panousis, Jenny Vanou and many more have taken part in numerous of the above events. 1968: Gerasimos Bonanos from Kefalonia takes over “Kipos cafe” and runs it for the next twenty years. 1988: On the 9’h of April, Vasilis Stathakis, who had been the manager of the business until then, takes over and gives a new life to the look and philosophy of the place. With modern facilities and respect to the tradition the business expands its activities to catering. 1990: The first catering service in Crete is founded under the name “Kipos Catering”. 2005: “Kipos cafe” successfully organizes the first Panhellenic Waffle Night. The distinctive title “Waffle’s House”, which is granted through franchise to the whole of Greece and Cyprus, is added to the “Kipos cafe” logo. 2012: Literary evenings, visual happenings and gastronomy festivals are being organized at “Kipos cafe” to this day. References: http://www.kiposcafe.gr
“The Public Garden of Chania... the History (1870-2013)” The historic KIPOS CAFE, functioned by the 19th century, welcomes you to our premises and flavours, with high quality service. You are now available to experience a unique photographic tour in the history of the area and the place, that brings out the civilization and culture of the Cretan State.
The exhibition is daily available to visit
Exhibition Opening: Monday, August 12th 2012, Time: 20:30 pm Assiduity of report: Mrs Zacharenia Simandiraki (Special Assistant of the General State Archives) Co-organizers: Municipality of Chania, KEPPEDIH-CAM, KIPOS CAFE Under her aegis of: REGION of CRETE - Regional Unit of Chania and Euro-Mediterranean Intercultural UNESCO Center
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Flora and Fauna of White Mountains (Lefka Ori)
In the wider region of the White Mountains, approximately 650 floral taxa have been recorded. The floristic list, of the White Mountains, however, has not yet been completed, as this is confirmed by the description of a new species, Anthemis samariensis (Turland N.J.), a perennial chasmophyte, discovered in 2007, on a steep slope of the White Mountains, between the summits of Melidaou and Avlimanakos. In the White Mountains, 25 stenoendemic species (species exclusive to the area in which they grow) and 97 endemic species of Crete are encountered. The half of the endemic species of Crete, are found in the region of the White Mountains. Characteristic species are: - Bupleurum kakiskalae, a perennial species that grows at the site of Kakia Skala of summit Linoseli, lives up to 12 years, flowers and produces fruits, only once and then it dies. (monocarpic) - The orchid Cephalanthera cucullata, a perennial herbaceous plant with short creeping rhizome, found at altitudes of 700-1500 meters.
- Nepeta sphaciotica, a perennial aromatic shrub and endemic of the White Mountains, which grows only on the northern side of summit Svourichti, at altitudes of 22002300 meters, and nowhere else in the world. In the region, aromatic, medicinal and edible species are also encountered: - Malotera (mountain tea) Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca, an endemic species of Crete. - Marjoram (Origanum microphyllum), a phrygana with a characteristic scent. - Petrofilia (Petromarula pinnata), a very beautiful endemic plant that grows on rocky slopes. - Dittany or erontas (Origanum dictamnus), an endemic species, which is considered a medicine for many diseases, since ancient times. - Agrambeli of the White Mountains (Clematis elisabetha-carolae) that grows only in two locations on Amoutsera (1850 m), and on eroded limestone slopes. - Hypericum aciferum, a chasmophytic shrub, endemic to the White Mountains, that grows on coastal rocks in the area of
Sfakia, between Sougia and Ayia Roumeli (Fournoti beach). - Ranunculus radinotrichus, an endemic species of the White Mountains, small perennial plant that grows only on Mts Trocharis, Amoutsera, Kakovoli and Svourichti, at altitudes of 1850-2300 m. - Anthemis samariensis, an endemic species of Crete, that was recently discovered (2007), on a steep slope of the White Mountains, between Mts Melidaou and Avlimanakou. - Myosotis solange, an endemic and rare species of the White Mountains, that grows only in one location on Mount Agio Pneuma. - Helichrysum heldreichii, an endemic species of the White Mountains, threatened and protected by P.D. 67/1981. - Thlaspi zaffranii, an endemic species of the region, which has been recorded in three sites (Gkigkilos, Volakias, and Anopoli of Sfakia). - Centaurea lancifolia, an endemic species of Crete, which populations are traced in 3 sites of the White Mountains. It is a (continued on p.20)
…where nature embraces the senses
The only one of its kind in Europe
το μοναδικό στο είδος του στην Ευρώπη
H
The area was reborn from its own ashes after the great fire of 2003.
undreds of different types of fruit trees, herbs and flowers in a uniquely landscaped area, offering you the opportunity to experience and get to know the blessed island of Crete in the most ideal way.
W
e are waiting for you in an area of approximately 200,000 m² to discover trees from all over the world, bearing edible fruit, as well as herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants.
www.botanical-park.com
A
n entertaining, educational park, ideal for walks.
Crete… a small continent
T
he area of the Botanical Park of Crete, 18 km from the city of Chania, at the foot of the White Mountains with its terrain and microclimate becomes a unique paradise for thousands of cold- and warm-climate plants!
T
he restaurant of the Botanical Park of Crete combines the revival of traditional recipes with cooking methods such as the hearth, woodburning oven, baking plate, etc, and flavours and products from the rich ground of the park such as vegetables, fruits, greens, garden produce, pulses, cheeses and bread... all flavoured with herbs from the park.
18th km of the National Road Chania-Omalos, Chania, Crete, Greece tel. +30 6976 860573
p.20 Chania chasmophyte that grows at altitudes of 1780-1850 m. - Centranthus sieberii, a rare and endemic species of the White Mountains that grows in rocky sites of the mountainous and alpine zones. - Cuscuta atrans, a parasitic species that grows on thorn bushes, and endemic  of the White Mountains. - Cynoglossum sphacioticum that grows on rocky soils at high altitudes. - Euphorbia rechingeri, dwarf endemic species of the White Mountains, that grows at high altitudes and on rocky soils and cracks. - Onobrychis sphaciotica, a rare and endemic species of the White Mountains, that grows in rocky sites. Samaria National Park plays host to a particularly rich fauna In the White Mountains, there have been identified 32 mammals, with the Cretan lesser white-toothed shrew to be the only endemic species, 3 amphibians, 11 reptiles, and approximately 200 bird species. The most characteristic are: - Agrimi, the cretan wild goat (Capra aegagrus cretica), which is the largest mammal on the island of Crete, belongs to the order of Artiodactyla. It is the species-symbol of the Gorge of Samaria and of the White Mountains generally, for the protection of which, mainly, the region was declared a National Park. Apart from that, it represents a symbol, not only of the White Mountains, but of the island of Crete, while it has been strongly related to the personality and temperament of the Cretans. It is a species found in mountainous areas. Its biotopes range from dry mountains and alpine areas, to rocky sites with brushwood, near coniferous forests. A characteristic of the species ecology is its preference in areas with slopes greater than 30%. According to recent genetic analysis on tissues of agrimi, compared to sequences of wild and domestic caprines showed that the agrimi is not a subspecies of the wild goat of the Middle East, while it is closely related to the wild goats that were brought to the island
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by the first settlers, during the Neolithic period (Gila Kahila Bar-Gal, Patricia Smith, Eitan Tchernov, Charles Greenblatt, Pierre Ducos, Armelle Gardeisen and Liora Kolska Horwitz, Genetic evidence for the origin of the agrimi goat (Capra aegagrus cretica), Journal of Zoology (2002), 256:3:369-377 Cambridge University Press). Today, the population of the agrimi is restricted to the region of the White Mountains,
while populations are preserved on the islands of Agioi Theodoroi, Moni, Siapenza, Agioi Pantes, and Atalandonisi. - Cretan white-toothed shrew (Croccidura zimmermani), a rare and not well studied species that lives at altitudes greater than 1.150 meters, although it can be found at lower altitudes, as well. It is the only endemic mammal species of Crete. - The Cretan wildcat (Felis sylvestris cretensis), is a species the name of which is surrounded by mystery. It is an animal that one cannot easily set eyes upon. It was considered to be an extinct species, until 1996, when scientists from the University of Perugia, working with the Natural History Museum of Crete, succeeded in capturing a live animal. It bears distinctive dark coloured rings on its tail and is considerably
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larger in size than the common cat. It is protected by the Washington Convention (CITES) on International Trade of Endangered Species. - The Crete Spiny Mouse (Acomys minÎżus), is a species whose european populations are concentrated in Crete. - The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), is one of the rarest birds in Europe. It is a kind of vulture, with a wingspan reaching up to 2.80 meters. It bears a deep orange color on its breast and under parts, which is acquired by rubbing against calcareous rocks containing iron oxides. In areas with lack of rocks containing iron oxides, the breast and under parts of the bearded vulture are white. It is the only species in the world to feed almost entirely on bones, which it drops from a great height, in order to break them in smaller pieces, going after them in a spiraling descent. It then swallows the small bones whole and its stomach, which contains powerful gastric fluids, digests them easily. It is a species that prefers areas of high altitudes. The female lays two eggs, and incubates them for 55-57 days. Today, the bearded vulture survives only in Crete, while the White Mountains are honoured to play host to 2 of the 3 breeding pairs of the greek population. - The Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), is the most common type of vulture. It is a large and heavy bird of prey, with a wingspan of approximately 2.60 meters. It bears a bald head with a collar of short lanceolate feathers at the base of the neck. It flies in large slow circles, taking advantage of the warm updrafts. In Greece, it is estimated that live approximately 400 breeding pairs. The Griffon vulture feeds on dead animals (scavenger). - The spider Macrothele cretica, is an endemic species of the region and one of the few global protected invertebrates by the IUCN. References: http://www.samaria.gr http://www.kpedlo.gr
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Ten perfect Greek island holidays for “Guardian”
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Mediterranean... quiet
Greece has so many idyllic islands with so many gorgeous beaches and Gavdos, near Crete, is one of them
ernas. There are no hotels. Rooms can be rented through gavdos-online.com. Or bring a tent. Visitors are welcome to camp on the island. How to get there From April to the end of August there are ferries from southwest Crete, leaving from Paleochora and Chora Sfakion but they don’t operate if the wind is blowing in the wrong direction. Best undiscovered island Why? The most southerly Greek island, tiny Gavdos has fewer than 45 permanent residents, smells of sea juniper and wild thyme – and has a laid-back 1960s spirit. (Read Ben Mallalieu’s excellent piece on the island). What to do Simply walk round the island enjoying the sand dunes, the wild flowers, and the sense of peace and wildness. The island offers particularly striking golden beaches at Potamos and Agios Ioannis. Where to eat and stay Korfos, Kastri and Sarakiniko offer the most popular tav-
The southernmost island in Europe is what most Greek islands were like 40 years ago. You are welcome to sleep on the beach (increasingly frowned upon elsewhere) and two of the beaches, Agios Ioannis and Potamos, would be contenders for the best in the Mediterranean. The island has a permanent Greek population of fewer than 40 and attracts a small but growing number of artists and drop outs from the rest of Europe. It isn’t easy to get to and, if the wind is blowing in the wrong direction, impossible to leave. If you ever wanted to lounge in a taverna and text the office -“Nope, I won’t be in this week either. The ferry still isn’t landing” - this is the place. I’ll be there in June and I haven’t looked forward to going somewhere so much for years.
Daily Mail: “Brits behaving badly”
- How drinking abroad is leading to more arrests and 10 British tourists a day land in hospital - Young British found dead in Malia after a fight between 30 people! - Foreign Office said more than 6,000 people were jailed abroad last year - Evidence suggests many crimes committed were alcohol-fuelled - Rapes reported soared by 10 per cent from 115 to 127 cases - Number of deaths of Brits abroad increased by four per cent - Spain had the highest number of Britons hospitalised followed by Greece Ten Britons a day are ending up in hospital abroad and growing numbers are being arrested as young holidaymakers travel to the sun to get tanked up on cheap alcohol and
drugs. A staggering 3,739 UK travellers ended up in foreign casualty departments - a large proportion after boozing heavily in popular ‘sun, sea and sex’ hotspots. And more than 6,000 were thrown in jail after falling foul of local laws including for carrying drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy - up 5 per cent, including a 2 per cent rise in drug arrests. The Foreign Office said anecdotal evidence from embassies and consulates overseas suggested many incidents were alcohol-fuelled, particularly in popular holiday destinations
Wade through the translucent shallows to reach the tiny islet facing Elafonisi Beach, a nature reserve on the southeastern tip of Crete. It is unusually quiet and commerce-free, with pinkish sand and bright blue water (it takes either a bus or a car to get there). That’s what BBC writes in its web site for Elafonisi trying to find undiscovered and unknown beaches throughout Europe. The rest secreit beaches in Europe are: - Cala Varkes (Mallorca-Spain) - Binterosa (Sardinia-Italy) - Côte Sauvage (France) - Hebrides Islands (Scotland)
such as the Canary Islands, mainland Spain, the Balearics (which include Majorca and Ibiza), Malta and Cyprus. In total, consular assistance was needed on nearly 20,000 occasions - up 3 per cent. Of these, 5,405 were in Spain, 1,822 in the U.S. and 1,319 in France. Spain had the highest number of Britons hospitalised, with 1,105 cases, followed by Greece (494) and Thailand (217). Crete Stabbing: 18 Britons Held After Killing A British tourist has been stabbed to death on holiday in Crete. The 20-year-old man was found at 3am (23/7) fatally wounded outside a closed bar in the tourist resort of Malia in the north-east of Crete. Police in the town, which is known for its wild nightlife, said he had been stabbed in the chest and that they were looking for a single attacker. It was reported that there was a mass brawl involving up to 30 Britons in the pedestrianised street where the injured man was found later. An ambulance was called but the young man was pronounced dead at the scene. “We do not know the reason why fighting broke out but it involved a group of between 30 and 35 tourists,” said a spokesman from police headquarters in the island’s capital, Heraklion. “One man took a knife out and stabbed another man in the chest. He died instantly.” Police officers spent Tuesday morning (23/7) in the resort talking to witnesses. “We arrested a 19-year-old who we believe is responsible for killing a fellow Briton of the same age. At this stage in the investigation we do not know if they were known to each other before fighting broke out.” At least 17 others thought to have been involved in the fight have also been detained by police. A spokesman from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London said: “We can confirm the death of a British national in Malia, Greece on July 23. We stand ready to provide consular assistance to the family.” The town was the setting for the 2011 comedy film The Inbetweeners Movie, in which four young men went on a ‘lads’ holiday’. Malia, on Crete’s northerneastern coast, has earned a reputation as a “party resort” and is popular with young Britons on cheap package holidays.
p.24 Chania
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The greatness of Samaria
Visiting the Samaria Gorge, the most famous National Park of Greece and a major tourist attraction of Crete in Sfakia (Chora Sfakion). If you are on your own, you can make a one-day round trip from Chania (see below) or from Sougia or Paleochora. Note that the morning buses from Sougia and Paleochora do not operate on Sunday. The ferries leave Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion (eastbound) and to Sougia/Paleochora (westbound) at 17:00. There also exists a “lazy way” - from Agia Roumeli to the Gates, and back.
The Samariá Gorge is a National Park of Greece on the island of Crete - a major tourist attraction of the island and a World’s Biosphere Reserve. The gorge is in southwest Crete in the regional unit of Chania. It was created by a small river running between the White Mountains (Lefká Óri) and Mt. Volakias. There are a number of other gorges in the White Mountains. While some say that the gorge is 18 km long, this distance refers to the distance between the settlement of Omalos on the northern side of the plateau and the village of Agia Roumeli. In fact, the gorge is 16 km long, starting at an altitude of 1,250 m at the northern entrance, and ending at the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli. The walk through Samaria National Park is 13 km long, but one has to walk another three kilometers to Agia Roumeli from the park exit, making the hike 16 km long. The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as the Gates (or, albeit incorrectly, as “Iron Gates”), where the sides of the gorge close in to a width of only four meters and soar up to a height of almost 300 meters (1,000 feet).
The gorge became a national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat), which is largely restricted to the park and an island just off the shore of Agia Marina. There are several other endemic species in the gorge and surrounding area, as well as many other species of flowers and birds. The village of Samariá lies just inside the gorge. It was finally abandoned by the last remaining inhabitants in 1962 to make way for the park. The village and the gorge take their names from the village’s ancient church, Óssia María. A must for visitors to Crete is to complete the walk down the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, at which point tourists sail to the nearby village of Hora Sfakion and catch a coach back to Chania. The walk takes five to seven hours and can be strenuous, especially at the peak of summer. Local tourist operators provide organized tours to the Gorge. These include bus transportation from one’s hotel to the entrance (near Omalos village), and a bus connection that will be waiting for hikers after they disembark the ferry
The greatness of Samaria The crossing of the “Gorge offers a unique and fascinating experience. In Crete there are plenty of diamonds a finite natural beauty and a kind of remarkable is the gorges. The Samaria Gorge, “the gorge, but it is one and only. The Passage of the “Gorge is a unique and fascinating experience. The hiker is confronted with nature and wild beauty. Rewarded for the hard hiking in rough ground with steep primitive and an imposing sight, a beautiful landscape without human intervention, a unique sense of awe and admiration for infinite the greatness that faces intact. The National Park of the White Mountains Crete, known as the Samaria Gorge, founded in 1962 to the protection and preservation of scientific and cultural value of region. For these reasons recognized by the Council of Europe as one of the most wild, unspoiled and unique scientifically terms of natural parks in the world! The reputation of this magnificent place starting from ancient times. The stunning natural beauty was known and admired by the ancient Minoan times. Planning to hike the Samaria Gorge? Whether you’re going alone or with a group, these tips can make all the difference to your day in the Samaria Gorge. Samaria Gorge Cautions While tens of thousands of people trek down the Samaria Gorge each season, it is not danger-free and some years there are one or two fatalities. Rainstorms can bring flash floods and high temperatures can make the bottom of the Samaria Gorge feel - and be airless. If it’s too hot, skip your hike no matter what your tour (continued on p.26)
KERAMEIA Festival 2013 is organized by the cultural associations of Kampoi, Drakona, Katohori and Keramia FC.
p.26 Chania group says. Usually, the park authorities will close the gorge if it gets too hot - but that won’t help you half-way through. Temperatures will be milder at the top of the Samaria Gorge because of the altitude, and what’s a nicely warm day at the snack bar can turn into an inferno at the bottom. And since it’s all downhill, with the steepest portion at the beginning, there is easy way of going back if you discover it’s too much for you. Your only choice in that case is to try to make it to the ranger station about a quarter of the way through or to the medical station at the otherwise-abandoned village of Samaria located halfway through the Gorge and ask to be taken out by donkey. Samaria Gorge Hiking Tips 1. Call on the day of your Samaria Gorge hike, especially if you’re doing it yourself and not as part of a bussed group. It may close for bad weather, hot weather, or the occasional strike by workers. 2. There is plenty of water in the Samaria Gorge. You will not have to carry more than a liter bottle, which you will refill at the springs along the way. 3. Dress in layers. It can be much cooler at the top of the Samaria Gorge than at the bottom. 4. Hiking boots are not necessary for most people walking the Samaria Gorge. Much of the lower trail is on rounded river rock, and good hiking shoes seem to handle these better than boots. If you have a choice, a well-ventilated hiking shoe may be useful to you especially if it’s hot. But wear a comfortable, well-broken-in shoe and if possible, test it first by going down a steep hill and see where any unexpected pinch spots seem to be. I often wear double socks in the Gorge, and that seems to help. 5. If you have a known hotspot for blisters, use moleskin on it before starting the hike. Some people put also petroleum jelly between their toes, or wear double socks, and these also seems to help. 6. Use a walking stick or two, if you like. I find one is best. It helps on scrambling along those round rocks.There are also some ladder bridges (think of a ladder laid across rocks) toward the end, usually just a foot or two above the water. Not hard to do but a surprise to me on my first hike! In fall, it’s likely the water in the Dictynna River will be minimal. Expect deeper waters in spring. 7. Buy a sandwich without mayonnaise at the lunchroom at the top of the Samaria Gorge, eat half there and then save the rest for when you reach the old village of Samaria which is midway down the Gorge. Have a honey nut bar or some other sweet with you for energy. 8. Start off carefully. The steepest, most accident-prone section of the Samaria Gorge is right at the beginning, at the so-called “Xyloscalo” or “wooden staircase”, actually a series of shallow terraced steps. Please don’t trust the guardrail with your full weight.
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9. Watch out for donkeys. If you see a donkey and its keeper coming up toward you on the Xyloscalo, immediately press yourself against the wall and wait until they pass. Do not let the donkey get you between itself and the sometimes-flimsy wooden railing. Also avoid letting the donkey get close enough to get a thread from your clothing tangled in its panniers, dragging you along until you tear loose.Trust me on this one. It’s no fun. 10. Bring an elastic bandage just in case. The round stones can turn an ankle. If you do injure yourself so that you cannot walk, the only way out is by evacuation donkey (often sharing the string with the Garbage Donkey - not recom-
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site which attracted pilgrims from as far away as Libya. There was a temple to Apollo at Caeno, usually considered to be the ranger station area, and an even more ancient one to Dictynna and her daughter Britomartis, Minoan goddesses who once ruled the Gorge. If you are traveling in spring, you’ll note the smelly, dramatic Dragon Lillies, huge deep-red spikes rising up from fringy leaves and spotted stems. These were believed to be sacred to Apollo, but probably were originally sacred to Britomartis. Their carrion scent attracts flies who fertilize the flowers like bees. The giant grey mountain at the beginning of the Gorge, Giglios or Sapimenos, was thought to be the throne of Zeus on Crete and also the location he used to conduct horse races. Large boulders at the bottom of the Gorge are said to be his thunderbolts. Information provided by the Chania Forest Protection Service - Visits to the National park are allowed from May 1 to October 15. - Park visiting hours are 07:00 to 15:00 daily. From 15:00 to sunset, visitors are allowed to walk a distance of only two kilometers within the park, either from Xyloskalo or from Agia Roumeli. - Within the park it is strictly prohibited to camp, stay overnight, light fires, or swim in the streams of the gorge.
mended). 11. Not Hard, but Long. None of the Samaria Gorge is really “hard”, except the length. There’s only one spot that you might feel any need to use your hands, and only one very short uphill section - think fifty feet. 12. Sign Yourself In. There’s a trail register at the village of Samaria in the Gorge - most people miss it. It’s to the left of the bridge heading toward the buildings. This is also where you may see tame kri kri goats. 13. Not up to all this? Take the “Easy Way”!Since many people want to see the dramatic “Sideroportes” or “Iron Gates” where the Gorge walls soar into the sky and the pathway goes through an opening only about nine feet wide, tour companies offer the option of bussing to Chora Sfakia, taking a ferry to Agia Roumeli. and walking up the Gorge from there. The Sideroportes are about an hour and a half inside the Gorge. Samaria Gorge Trivia The name of the Samaria Gorge is most likely from the ancient, probably Minoan, word Samarah, meaning “torrent”, but the usual explanation offered is that it is from the church of St. Mary the Egyptian located near the village of Samaria. The pronunciation is sa-mar-YA, not sa-mar-ee-a. In ancient times, the Gorge was home to a famous oracle
How to visit from Chania There are daily buses starting from Chania to the head of the gorge, called Xyloskalo. The buses, marked “OMALOS”, depart Chania Central Bus Station at 07:45; the fare for a round trip is €14.40. The morning buses take one hour. The gorge is 12.8 km (8.0 mi) long, but there is another distance of 3.2 km (2.0 mi) to walk after leaving the gorge to reach Agia Roumeli; you need five to six hours to walk the 16 km. Be aware that it’s always going downhill and thus is strenuous to the knees. The entrance fee is €5 (no reduced price for children or students, 2011). There is plenty of drinking water all along the gorge. Sneakers or hiking boots are recommended. At the end of the gorge plus 3.2 km (2.0 mi) is Agia Roumeli, a village with restaurants and accommodation, and boats to Chora Sfakion or Sougia. To return the same day, take the 17:00 boat (fare: €9.00, 2011) to Chora Sfakion. From Chora Sfakion, buses return to Chania, departing at 18:30; the bus always waits for the boat to arrive. Tickets for the two buses can be reserved at the ticket office at the Chania bus station. The ticket for the boat can be purchased in Agia Roumeli only . There are daily guided tours operated by various travel agencies, whose cost is usually around €20 (2011) and which includes fare for buses and the tour guide. The price does not include boat tickets (€9.00)and entrance fees (€5.00), which is usually collected separately on the bus. References: http://en.wikipedia.org http://www.samariagorge.eu http://gogreece.about.com http://www.kpedlo.gr http://www.samaria.gr
p.28 Chania
“Cultural Summer 2013”
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All the events in Chania for August at the Municipal Cinema “KIPOS” and at the Eastern Moat Theatre
Monday, August 19, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.30 George Theodosiadi “I hear - not see - not speaking ‘ Monday, August 19, 2013 Municipal Cinema KIPOS, Time: 21.00 Shadow Theatre performance with Nick Blazaki Admission is free Tuesday, August 20, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.30 Concert with Haris Alexiou Entrance: 18 €
Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd of August 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.15 Dimitra Papadopoulou “The Sexual Life of Mr. and Mrs. Papacharalambous» Entrance: 18 €
Thursday, August 9, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.30 Federico Garcia Lorca “The Perlimplin and Belisa” Entrance: 17 € Student - Over 65 years old: 13 € - Unemployed: 10 €
Saturday, August 3, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.30 Dinos Spyropoulos “Merkel ready chalice” Entrance: 17 €
Sunday, August 11, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.30 Marios Frangoulis 25 years Entrance: 15 €
Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd of August, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.15 Euripides “Bacchae” Entrance: 20 €
Sunday 4th and Monday 5th of August 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.15 Mari Kyriakou “The Adventures of Mike” Entrance: 13 €
Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th of August 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.30 Aeschylus “Agamemnon” General admission: 17 €
Friday, August 23, 2013 Municipal Cinema KIPOS, time: 21.30 Concert with the band “Encardia” Entrance: 12 €
Monday, August 5, 2013 Municipal Cinema KIPOS, time: 21.00 “The Magical Journey by Eugenia» Entrance: 8 €
Monday, August 12, 2013 Municipal Cinema KIPOS, time: 20.30 and 22.00 ‘Snow White and the 7 wonderful musicians’ Entrance: 10 €
Saturday, August 24, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.30 Elli Papadimitriou “Common Word” Entrance: 16 €
Tuesday, August 6, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.30 “They continue together” Nikos Portokaloglou - Filippos Pliatsikas Entrance: 14 € - Early Buyers: 12 € - Unemployed: 10 €
Saturday, August 17, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.15 Nikolaos Nanas “Orestes and the Dog” Entrance: 10 €
Monday, August 26, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.15 Aristophanes ‘Wealth’ Entrance: 20 €
Sunday, August 18, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.30 George Vallarta and Stelios Papadopoulos “I love you, but ...” Entrance: 16 €
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.00 Mary Poppins “We will meet again” Admission: Adult 12 €
Thursday, August 8, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.00 Dance Club of Chania “O Psiloritis”-“1980-2013” Cultural Meeting 2013 Admission: Free
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 Eastern Moat Theatre, Time: 21.00 D. Adami “The Tale of Alexander the Great “ Entrance: 10 €
p.29 Chania
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Cultural Summer 2013 in Platanias and Kissamos All the events for August
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PROVINCE OF KISSAMOS (by the Union of Cultural Associations of the Province of Kissamos - http://www.epofek.gr) 2 August 2013 21:00: “When I was a mayor” Kolymbari theatre 21:00: Tribute to Sousta dance
Palea Roumata
3 August 2013 20:00: Olive oiil Festival 21:00: Syrtos dance show
Kares Loussakies
4 August 2013 21:30: “When cinema sings...”
Koutoufiana
5 August 2013 21:00: Traditional Cretan Music
Loussakies
6 August 2013 21:30: Pantelis Thalassinos concert MUNICIPALITY OF PLATANIAS 3 August 2013 21:00 : Traditional Folk Celebration in Kyparissos village 21:00 : Feast of “Xerotigano” in Syrili village 21:00 : “Coming Together in the Mountains” in Sebronas village (free soft white cheese offered to visitors) 21:00 : Feast of Olive Oil in Kares village 4 August 2013 19:00 : Ceremony for the Blessing of the Crops by the Metropolis of Kissamos- Selino at the Byzantine church of the Archangel Michael (Rotunda) in Episkopi village 21:00 : Feast of the Water Fountain in Gavalomouri 5 August 2013 21:00 : Religious Feast of Christ the Saviour in Voukolies 21:00 : : Religious Feast of Christ the Saviour in Modi village 6 August 2013 21:00 : Feast of Fish in Kolymbari 9 & 10 August 2013 21:00 : Feast of Wine in Vouves- Greek folk music
Nopigia
10 August 2013 21:00 : Feast of Wine in Vouves- Cretan folk music
8 August 2013 21:00: Traditional Cretan Music
14 August 2013 21:00 : Religious Feast for the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Kolymbari 21:00 : Religious Feast for the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Loutraki village
9 August 2013 - 21 August 2013 Traditional Products Exhibition Kissamos
21:00 : Religious Feast for the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Orthouni village 21:00 : Feast of Cretan Meat Pie in Meskla village
10 August 2013 21:00: Traditional Cretan Music Kambos 22:00: Manolis Kontaros Concert Kissamos
15 August 2013 21:00 : Concert with the “Nostodia” group in Syrili village
16 August 2013 21:00: Traditional Cretan Music 21:00: Karagkiozis Show 23:00: Beach Party
17 August 2013 21:00 :Feast of Raisins in Xamoudohori village 28 August 2013 21:00 : Religious Feast for the decapitation of St John the Baptist in Manoliopoulo village
Cultural Summer 2013 in Apokoronas All the events for August
9 August 2013 21:00: Traditional Cretan Music
Topolia
Koukounaras
Kallergiana Panethimos Trachilas/Gramvoussa
21 August 2013 21:00: Grape Harvest & Music Show 29 August 2013 20:30: Karagkiozis Show
Sfakopigadi
Kissamos
9 August 2013 Cretan music with Megalakakis Theater of Kremastos - Admission: 5 € 10 August 2013 Event for the 100th anniversary of the Union of Crete with Greece Vamos (time: 21:00) Shadow theater in elementary school of Kalives Kalives (time: 20:30) - Admission: 5 € 11 August 2013 Rizitiko night - Tzitzifes (time: 21:00)
1 August 2013 Puppet Prassein Aloga - “Sugar fermented” Square of Tzitzifes (time: 21:00)
04/8 until 13/8 Exhibition of artistic creation in the former town hall of Georgioupolis
2 August 2013 Puppet Prassein Aloga - “Sugar fermented” Square of Kournas (time: 21:00)
5 August 2013 Performance with Yannis Simonides “The Apology of Socrates” Kremastos (time: 20:30). Entrance, 10 €
3 August 2013 Charity event with Greek and foreign music Square of Georgioupolis (time, 20:00) Shadow theater by Nick Vlazakis Square of Kaina (time: 21:00) 4 August 2013 Koiliaris 2013 Organisers: Municipality of Apokoronas, Health Runners Club of Chania in collaboration with cultural associations of Armeni, N. Horio, Stylos N. Horio Youth and sports teams “Diagoras” & “Neos Samson” Artistic and folk music by Leonidas Maridaki and Banda Me Renda Kefalas (time: 21:30)
6 August 2013 Music performance at Agii Pantes Dance Ensemble “Joy” from Belarus (time, 21:00) 7 August 2013 Theatrical performances by theater group”Apodrasi” “Raptis Kyrion” - Pemonia (time: 21:30) Children’s puppet show in Tsivaras 8 August 2013 Presentation of Mich. Papailiakis book “The Veterans of the Cretan Revolution - Statues and Busts” Square of Fres (time: 20:30)
12 August 2013 “Grooms of happiness” by the National Immigration theater Stone theater of Mahairi (time: 21:30) 13 August 2013 “There’s pride” by DIPETHEK Theater of Kremastos - Entrance: 10 € 17 August 2013 Musical performance by Folklore Group of Chania “Diplopenies” - Ramni (time: 21:00) 18 August 2013 Music Tribute to Lefteris Papadopoulos by “Emmelon” band Kremastos (time: 21:30) - Admission: 7 € 18 August 2013 Presentation of Jason Mavromataki’s book ’’ Human Geography of Kaina’’ - Kaina (time: 19:00) 25 August 2013 Theatrical Music Performance “Captain Michael” by Nikos Kazantzakis Philharmonic of Sitia Theater of Kremastos (time: 21:30)
p.30 Chania
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Water Park LIMNOUPOLIS
All day fun, all day sun, all day wet... just try it!
Limnoupolis is the largest waterpark in the Mediterranean and the only one in West Crete. Based on safe entertainment of visitors it operates as a point of reference for our area and it is ranked 2nd in the list of the most important tourist attraction following the Samaria gorge! It’s an investment which supplements the local touristic product and contributes to the improvement of the touristic image of Chania. The large number of shareholders, 500, indicates the social character of the park, which besides is in continual and official collaboration with the municipality of Chania, in order to be exploited for social or cultural activities. The park has already disposed the revenues of a whole day during this season, so that local social structures are boosted and doesn’t stop there. Furthermore, additional activities have been scheduled. Starting from this season a new institution takes place, by the organization of concerts and cultural activities in the park area! More specifically, a music festival in the “lake hill” has been scheduled in the highest part of the park, with the best view, within the green, with some of the most acknowledgeable artists. The first Festival “in the Lake Hill” is getting started and will be hosted in the most beautiful place between olive trees and cypresses and the hill standing vaingloriously above the city, as a backdrop. Out of town but not faraway, in the countryside without the disturbing traffic noises, with easy access from the city centre – only 10 minutes distance- with large free parking place. This is the place we chose to project our summer suggestions and share them with all those who love good music, theatre and any beautiful and creative idea. Here we dare against the sad and difficulties times… We aspire to create a venue which will be the alternative suggestion for summer activities (concerts, theatre, etc.) The festival “in the Lake Hill”, in Varipetros, in Limnoupolis Hill, begins in 15th July with John Haroulis, in the 4th August a cretan night with Georgia Dagaki and Stergios Tsirliagos, George and Harris Pantermakis and John Hinos(Yala), in the 5th August with Thanos Mikroutsikos and Rita Antonopoulou and many more to come which will be soon promulgated. HISTORY In August 1995, the MEDITERRANEAN TOURIST BUSINESS S.A. (ME.T.E. S.A.) was founded by a group of dynamic and successful businessmen of the city of Chania. The intensive tourism recurring the last years in the districts of Chania and Rethymnon, the wealth of the local people and also the tendency to encourage new and innovative ways of entertainment resulted in research motivation as well as in key success factors that initiated the first activity of the company. ME.T.E. S.A. originated and developed in Chania dis-
trict. Today, after the successful introduction and initiation of its activities, the company stands a pride for the local population of Crete, an example for imitation in Greece and a promise for further achievements to itself. IDENTITY, PHILOSOPHY ME.T.E. S.A. consists of a number of physical and legal entities that engage in business activities mainly in the city of Chania. The stock capital of the company reaches today the 1.700.000 €. According to the business plan, the company’s objective is to provide organization of show and entertainment activities, to practice tourist business and activities of any kind and in general, to invest in new types of tourism or other activities which apply to sports and tourism. The ultimate customer satisfaction and the contribution in the development of the local business capital constitute company’s goal and objectives. The increasing development of the tourist business in Crete, the rich and diverse tourist infrastructure of the district of Chania and the need - lack of alternative types of tourism led the company in construction of a water park based on the finest international standards. The Chania water park named LIMNOUPOLIS started operating on the 2nd of June 1997. INFRASTRUCTURE Limnoupolis is a water city covering an area of almost 100 yards, lying on the emerald roots of the White Mountains. All facilities were implemented and completed with the use of the most updated technological infrastructure, in consistency with natural surroundings and environmental issues. The water amusement park has cutting edge technology facilities and technical equipment of the finest quality. The architectural study and design were executed by a well-known international office and the games supplies are imported from a company located in Canada and provides supplies and games to Disneyland as well. DYNAMICS - PERSPECTIVE The rapidly growing tourism, the facilities and location of the park and the natural beauties of the area, the entertainment element provided, the finest infrastructure and the great variety of activities are features of the most innovative and ambitious effort on the island up to now. The direct connection of the business with the sectors of tourism, sports and entertainment along with the continuous development of alternative forms of tourist services are the best signs for future growth and establishment of the company. HUMAN RESOURCES ME.T.E. S.A. is managed by a 7-membered Board of Directors, all of which are well-established businessmen in their expertise fields. Experienced and scientific personnel com-
pose the manpower of M.T.B. S.A., while experts such doctors, lifeguards, instructors, chefs, etc… guarantee the flawless operation of all the activities. VISITORS The impressive total of the 1.200.000 visitors throughout the seven operational periods of Limnoupolis is the reward for careful and hard work. A customer satisfaction research proves that 95% of the visitors are satisfied due to the successful way the park operates. Same research showed high rates of repetitive visitors, a fact that proves the highly qualitative services offered in the area. SERVICES The visitor of the park has the possibility of choosing among a multitude of entertaining and educational water-games and not only these. Central swimming pool 1.500 m2 You will be impressed by the size of this pool at first sight. Don’t tell me it’s not the first time you have swum in a 1500 square meters pool. An enormous aquatic oasis with classified depth and separate really deep area of 3.80meter which will make you feel like swimming in the sea. Try to dive from the springboard and submerse in deep blue. You won’t reach the bottom anyway… You can enjoy the view of the beautiful trees, grass and flowers all around the pool and the artificial island in the middle which gives you the sense that you are far away from everything… There are many comfortable sun beds and umbrellas in the pool area, waiting to provide you with a nice relaxing shadow, even in the most hidden spots, under trees, so that nobody disturbs you. Have a nap, chat with your company, enjoy your drink or snack from the pool bar, stay as long as you like, though you will soon miss the cool water!! Childrens Pool Have you ever seen a pool with an island inside? You will in Limnoupolis!! An island with funny games for little fellows: a wooden barrel that turns around and splashes you with water, little falls, climbing, Lilliputian slides and many more to keep your kids busy and excited!!! You can get there through the Fun rope Bridge. Hold on to the ropes and try to reach the other side without splashing into the water. Can you do it? Another little challenge for you and your friends! Beside is the children’s pool with shallow water where kids can swim safely and enjoy the action around them. Black Hole This will be the most fled black hole you have ever imagined of! You slide so fast for 80 whole meters, inside a fascinating, swirl waterslide-tunnel, living the absolute “lost” feeling!!! Scream as loud as you want, enjoy your fear and at the end have a fast steep dive into the cool water. Finally it’s over; or it’s time to do it again????
p.31 Chania Free Fall Are you bold enough to try a vertical free fall of 55 meter off the ground? Or to be more specific “off the water”. Because, you will end in the pool after this breathtaking slide. There are two routes of Free Fall, so that you can share the absolute fear feeling with your friends. Multi Slide - Rainbow An endless downhill multi slide of 5 routes, in the colors of the rainbow, to “fly” down from above with your friends or family. For 60 whole meters, water takes you down through multiple tosses, lifts you off and deplanes you, transforming the entire slide experience into a real launch. The end of this?? … a long splash into the cool water!!! Triple Twist How does it feel to slide down impetuously pushed by water and at the same time to swirl in a triple slide which looks like a strand, ending diving to the cool water like a missile? There are no limits here, be prepared to increase your heartbeats! Find two fearless friends and share the three choices of classified swirl for your starting. Don’t loose this unique experience that makes you feel like a living maypole in the water!!! Giant Slide If you belong to those who don’t like to risk, but still want to feel the heartbeat, be prepared for a giant water delight! You will live the excitement of the continual turns of an endless declivity for 130 meters, “falling” from the left to the right, testing your resistance. The water will drift you in a sense of a “lift off” despite the fact you are going down. Once you splash into the pool in the end, you will have the smile of happiness in your face!!! Crazy River Wouldn’t it be an absolute madness to rush like a tornado into the eddy of a swirl river and, at the same time to enjoy a breathtaking view? Have you already started feeling dizzy? It’s absolutely normal, since you have to run through 100 meters of intense thrill and surprises, because the crazy river makes you dive suddenly into unexpected lakes throughout the way. Take advantage of these little breaks to get ready for more . Hold on tight and no doubt so ever, you will ask for more as soon as you reach the end!!! Lazy River Maybe you are exhausted from all this endless, adventurous action of the previous games, or maybe you just came to Limnoupolis to enjoy the cool water in a more relaxing tempo. Take your own float, take your time and travel around the lazy river for 260 meters. It’s one of the most impressive places in Limnoupolis, of 5 meters width and a spectacular decoration of natural
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stones, caves and falls. Here you are free to feel lazy, listen to music, lounge around; take pictures even enjoy your drink while floating away… Whatever your age, the carefree of Lazy River is exactly what you need after an intense day in Limnoupolis! Tarzan Game Do you want to live for a while like Tarzan in the jungle?? In the big pool, you will find a multicolored wooden platform with the game of Tarzan. Dry your hands, hold on to the pulley and enjoy your air ride over water. Don’t worry if you can’t hold on any more just let go and splash into the pool, next time you will go further!! Jacuzzi Do you like bubbles? There is a separate area in the pool where you can live the experience of a relaxing Jacuzzi or just leave the water gently tickle your body. Kids or grown ups, all agree in one thing: they must get into that Jacuzzi! Besides we all deserve a little luxury in our vacations, don’t we??? Additional services - 2 bars - 1 fast food - Traditional restaurant - Locker rooms - First Aid - 500 seat parking LIMNOUPOLIS has been selected by distinguished Greek artists and many performances have been accomplished in a series of manifestations, like concerts, fashion shows, t.v. programs e.t.c. Substructure Limnoupolis is a water-city of about 25 acres, spreading on an all green slope of the fringes of Lefka Ori mountain. The installations of the park have been done on the criterion of harmonizing a high technological equipment with the natural environment of the installation place. The water park has modern installations and a high technological substructure. The architectural design was entrusted to a big office in abroad and the recreation games are imported by the same manufacturing company which supplies the Disneyland park.
http://www.limnoupolis.gr
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p.34 Chania
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Welcome to... “Incredible Crete”
Discover the island through the best web site (www.incrediblecrete.gr)
It is the official web presence of Crete. It is the promotional web site of the Region of Crete. IncredibleCrete. gr is offering all you have to know before or during your visit in Crete. Island’s history, Nature, Enjoy, Before you travel, Beaches, Taste, Agrotourism, Religious tourism, Accomodation in Crete, History, Culture, Events, Cretan Travel Guides and Maps, etc. are some of the interesting categories of the web site. The first words you will read on the web site are... “Crete Island, the cradle of European Civilization, and its friendly people wish you a nice staying! We promise that you will have an unforgettable Mediterranean travelling experi-
ence, whether you are visiting Crete for the first time or you are a regular visitor. This is the place where you can relax or discover the mountains, the sea, the towns and the countryside. Live the heartbeat of the Island from dawn to dusk. Discover your Crete!” Crete, the 5th biggest Med Island, is a cultural crossroad due to its strategic geographical position. The island is one of the most popular Greek tourism destinations. The Region along with local national and international tourism agencies is programming and executes actions based on promotion and making known island’s competitive advantages by creating and enhancing infrastructure and related services.
Hotels attracting interest
Foreign funds are eying returns from Greek hotel units The property market in Greece is attracting the interest of a growing number of foreign institutional investors, mostly from the US and Britain, who are eyeing investment opportunities in the tourism sector. George Kaburopulos, president of the Urban Land Institute Greece and Cyprus, says that there has recently been considerable demand for hotel units, holdings in property sector companies and tourism concerns on the part of venture capital funds. “The interest we have seen recently is exceptionally high. We have seen that Greece has returned to investors’ radar screens. For now the greatest interest is reserved for hotel properties, and in addition to potential individual buyers we have been approached by leading chains in the sec-
tor that are interested in taking over the operation of new units,” Mr. Kaburopulos said. Greece Improves Ranking in Competitiveness As published in the World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Greece has moved up four positions in the global ranking for competitiveness since 2012. Last year Greece was in 58th place (out of 59 countries) and now ranks 54th out of 60 countries. Greece comes in 6th place in the world in terms of skilled and experienced workforce, 10th place in terms of revenues from tourism, 19th place in terms of exports, and 5th place for very well trained and efficient engineers.
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Networking new markets Crete reaches out to Global Markets
Crete, home to a wide variety of traditional Greek products, is leveraging its positive reputation, and first-rate products, onto the international stage. The age-long history of friendship and cooperation between China and Greece, as well as the prospects of further enhancement of bilateral ties in fields including investment, tourism and culture, were reaffirmed during a conference held in Athens. The theme of the event, which closed the curtains of a fourday grand exhibition of traditional Cretan products put on display in the Greek capital, was “Crete Meets China.” The aim of the event, which was organised by the Hellenic Chinese Chamber in collaboration with the Region of Crete under the auspices of the Chinese Embassy in Athens and Greek ministries, was to promote the unique characteristics of the southern Aegean Sea Island, its rich civilisation, tourism destinations, gastronomical interests and investment opportunities to potential Chinese entrepreneurs and visitors. Invest in Greece Chairman Aristomenis (Aris) M. Syngros spoke at the event, profiling the investment environment in Greece, detailing sectoral investment opportunities, and discussing investment opportunities that Crete offers. “Out in the dark blue sea there lays an island called Crete, a rich and lovely land, washed by the waves on every side. When we come to think of Crete these verses from Homer’s Ulysses always come first on our mind,” Du Qiwen, Chinese Ambassador to Greece, said while addressing the conference. Greek Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni shared the same strong confidence for the brighter future of bilateral collaboration. “It is clear that the course of Greek-Chinese relations have entered a new era. We invite Chinese citizens to visit Greece and Greeks to visit the fascinating country of China, which will further enhance cultural understanding and establish the excellent relations between our countries,” she said. “We invite you to investigate and support all the endeavors made by the Region of Crete for the promotion of Cretan local products to China, as well as for the systematic exchange of tourists between the two people, as Crete offers infrastructures for tourists that look for variety and have many interests,” Stavros Arnaoutakis, Governor of the Region of Crete said, after a thorough presentation of the island, its history and investment opportunities.
p.36 Chania
Getting Married in Chania
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Aptera
Choosing the Right Venue – Ceremony
Most of the Municipalities of Crete do insist that the official part of a civil marriage takes place on a given weekday at the Town Hall, usually between 12 and 2.30 pm. Therefore, as well as attending the Town Hall ceremony, wedding planners often organise an evening ceremony in a venue of your choice. So what kind of venues does Chania offer? Beach Weddings You may choose to have your ceremony on a beach, usually about 90m minutes before sunset. When considering a beach you need to remember: - Most beaches have soft sand, so are not really suitable for lots of chairs. Couples often choose throws and cushions, or their
Wedding organized by www.weddingsincrete.co.uk Photo by Spiros Zaharakis www.spzphoto.gr guests stand. tage of not being sandy (although they may be dusty!) and - Beach weddings are not good for high heels – so bring flat you can hire chairs. Often there may be a sweet Orthodox shoes and change into your heels for the reception. Don’t for- chapel close by. get to tell your guests! - There will almost definitely be onlookers – perhaps from Your Hotel nearby sun loungers or just from swimmers enjoying an early Wedding planners and some hotels are happy to organise evening bathe. This is particularly true in July and August of a ceremony in or near your hotel. Some hotels have their own wedding planners; but remember to check how many course. - You may have to factor in transport for your guests from their weddings they have actually organised! Other hotels are simply not suitable, not having large enough gardens for accommodation to the beach and then onto the reception. example. Don’t forget that a wedding in a hotel may not be private – and the times have to suit the hotel, not you! The Weddings near the Sea There are of course options which are not ON the beach but NEAR it, overlooking the sea. These venues have the advan- (continued on p.38)
p.38 Chania
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Kalives
Maleme
hotel will offer a fixed package so if you want your wedding to be different from everyone else, its better to choose a wedding planner to organise a bespoke wedding. Your Villa Many villas in the Chania area offer fantastic views and gardens for smaller wedding parties – of course you have to get permission from the villa owners/travel company in order to hold your ceremony and/or reception in their villa – but choosing this option has several advantages: - Chairs provided by the reception caterers are used for the ceremony, so no cost of hiring chairs - Holding the ceremony and reception at one venue means no travel costs for guests to get from ceremony to venue
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Weddings organized by www.weddingsincrete.co.uk Photos by Spiros Zaharakis www.spzphoto.gr - Your party can go on as late as you like... - If you have booked enough of the apartments your party can - Your party is private. go on as long as you want it to - Group discount if you book a minimum number of rooms Apartments There are some apartments that are ideally suited to wed- Special Venues in the Chania area dings and many couples do choose to have their reception There are a number of Kentros – catering especially to wedand often their ceremony too in the grounds of the apart- dings and baptisms – although usually these are for very ments where they and some or all of their guests are stay- large parties of over 300…or you could choose a winery, a Turkish estate, or even the Botanical Gardens near Chania. ing. Advantages: - Guests can leave when they want to. - No transport costs for those choosing to stay in the apart- Aptera fort (nearest airport Chania, East of town, near Kaments lives) –fantastic views over Souda Bay. It is hoped that in - Children can be put to bed when they get tired and adults future the Municipality of Chania will open the fort for wedstay up ding ceremonies!
Amazing drinks & music Two dance floors-Full A/C
Open every night at 21:00 Tel.: +30 6946415747
MICHALIS TZOUGANAKIS - “Lute ‘s... magician”
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Crete is his momland... Sfakia, his roots. Michalis Tzouganakis was born in Beringen , a city in Belgium. His association via play and companionship with Turks, Greeks, Moroccans, Poles, Egyptians and Italians was determinative in the formation of his personality: the differentiation of each one of them, the particular color and aroma of every country expressed through the everyday habits, the rendering of speech, the musical background …indelible impressions on the soul and brain of little Michalis. But he wasn’t any less affected. He carried within himself a whole island, Crete, with his seven brothers and sisters and both his parents to remind him of it while raising him. He was two years of age when he got in his hands his brother’s lute and …hasn’t left it ever since! On his knees and resting the instrument on his chin, the lute became his favorite toy. He felt enchanted by the sound he managed to produce by strumming on its strings for interminable hours. Bright, insistent and patient, at four, he was in the position to play and sing, entertaining his amazed “spectators’”! Repatriation to Chania Michalis is nine years old. School, music, traditional dances and songs! Michalis joins in the musical events of the city, performing on stage. He is so small and yet so mature and passionate when he plays. He is so small and yet so mature and passionate when he plays. He attracts everyone’s attention. An outstanding boy, “a child-prodigy”, his course is clear. At ten or eleven he meets important Cretan musicians such as Giannis Sergakis and Vangelis Zacharioudakis and works with them professionally. The latter invites him to record together and it’s the first time Michalis sets foot in a recording studio.
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I feel everything so “fresh”... Border do not exist, there are no limits. For this forgive me if I functi on furor on music’s body… Only “love” exists… Music is the most disciplin ed freedom!
Michalis Tzouganakis is thirteen when the great lyre-player, Leonidas Klados, comes across him. Klados composes, Michalis writes the lyrics and they record. He is very lucky to be for five years close to a top-notch lyre-player, giving concerts in Crete and in Athens, thus obtaining great experience. Kostas Mountakis, another first-rate lyre-player, recognizes Michali’s rare talent and wishes to work with him. They go on tour to Toronto and Montreal. At the same time with his own concerts, Michalis’ and Kostas Mountakis’ musical encounters are frequent. In 1990 thy record together for the university of Crete. It’s Mountakis’s last recording.
Michalis, Nikos Mamagkakis composes “Ta tragoudia tis palias polis” (Songs of the Old Town), based on the lyrics of late Rethymnian poet, Giorgos Kalomenopoulos. This album seals the two men’s friendship. Michalis has joined in the rearranged and re-edited work of the great composer, as vocalist and lute soloist. He has also participated with Mikis Theodorakis, Eugenions Spatharis, P. Lalezas in the work which Nikos Mamagkakis composed on Makrygiannis. Michalis Tzouganakis has brought about important changes to the createn traditional song, not only with his interpretation of songs but also with the contemporary sounds he added. Without distorting the traditional element, he enriches it and lends it a different musical dimension.
Michalis’s musical evolution is enduring After the age of fifteen, together with his concerts, he studies more musical instruments: lute, outi, sazi, boulgari, mandolin, cumbus, lyre. At seventeen and for two years, he takes singing lessons, at the National Conservatory of Athens. Restless and inventive, at eighteen, he has his own band: lute, lyre, percussion instruments, guitar, contrabass and violin. He travels in Greece, in America, in Canada, in Germany giving concerts. When abroad, he works with foreign groups. In 1993, MINOS-EMI releases “Achtides” (Beams), Michali’s album, which includes the song entitled Pali-Pali (Again and Again). The famous singer, Manolis Lidakis, adds it in his album “O Helios tou Genari” (The sun of January), 1997, as well as in his live recordings. In 1997, Michalis Tzouganakis meets Nikos Mamagkakis. A great turning point in Michalis’s musical education and not only. He stayed for seven consecutive years next to a composer of such great work and such great experience. Inspired by the voice and interpretation of
MICHALIS TZOUGANAKIS DISCOGRAPHY http://www.michalistzouganakis.com
p.41 Chania
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TRADITIONAL FOLK DANCES OF CRETE
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It’s time for reading “Winds of Crete”
by David MacNeil Doren
Six different... styles Anogianos Pidihtos Men’s martial dance that is danced in the region of Anogia, with special characteristics the hopping steps and the strong taps of the feet in the ground. It seems that it springs from an ancient dance of the Kourites. The hands of dancers are hold from the palms crosswise and form a dance of twelve steps (six steps forward, six steps backwards). It is attributed with a lyre and a lute. Zervodeksos A cheerful and comical dance that suits the spirit of the Carnival. It is named zervodeksos because the dancers dance sometimes with a direction to the left (zerva) and sometimes to the right (deksia). The change of the direction is being done when the lyre player plays a high musical sound. Katsampadianos It is being danced with eleven steps and is attributed with a lyre. It is mainly danced in the prefecture of Rethimno and more specifically in the province Amari but also in the regions around it, as well as the village Harkia in the province of Rethimno. According to the book of I. Tsouhlarakis, “The dances of Crete”, this dance was first danced around 1800 in the region of Ampadia in the province of Amari (prefecture of Rethimno), as a variant of pentozali, so that Sifodaskalakis, a limping chieftain of the region, could dance in a feast.
Ksenompasaaris Ksenompasaris owes its name to the folk couplet that is sung always first during the dance: “My ksenompasariakaki, my ksenompasariko, my curly little basil, wish you were mine”. Its melody is cute, light and it makes the dance enthusiasts want to dance. In the old days they used to danced and sing it in every feast, especially in the mountainous villages of Ierapetra and Merampello (where they call it “Mana”). It was well-known until the decade of 1960. It is a settled and slow dance that resembles the Sigano. In the old years in Ierapetra they didn’t know the Sigano. It came over the last years from central Crete, as the olders say. We can say that the Ksenompasaris mighr be an old local form of the Siganos dance. Mikro Mikraki A dance that we mainly meet in the prefecture of Rethimno. It belongs to the category of the round dances of Crete. Ntames A form of round dance that is danced in certain villages of the prefecture of Rethimno and Chania. It is danced by men and women, as the woman keeps the end of a cloth with her left hand and next to her a man holds the other end, up to the moment where the lyre player will say “ntama”, so each man leaves his partner’s cloth in order to dance with the woman that is front of him.
- Books - Stationery - Consumables
Popi Loupassaki-eodoraki Crossroads to Galatas Old National Road Chania-Kissamos Tel.: +30 28210 32359
(Review from Elisabeth of Bavaria) I’m sure, many people know the ‘old’ book “Winds of Crete” (1974) by David MacNeil Doren. There is a rather new one, written by the English author Victoria Hislop, (meanwhile also translated to German): “The Island” - here’s the copy of a recension I’ve found: “When beloved schoolteacher Eleni is diagnosed with leprosy, she is exiled to the Greek island of Spinalonga. Left behind on Crete are her husband and two beautiful daughters, headstrong Anna and dutiful Maria. Years later, Eleni’s great-granddaughter Alexis returns to Crete to find answers to her family’s mysteries. Conveniently, a witness to her family history is still alive to tell her—and us—the dark story”. The novel is a romantic page-turner, but I found it a little shallow. For example, the Nazi occupation of Crete becomes a plot device to turn the boy next door into a hunk, and, after much tribulation, the good are rewarded and the bad punished. It’s not so bad to read this book, to understand what happened just half a century ago there, where now so many tourists enjoy the beaches!!! Remember, it has been just a few years ago. Reading this book I’ve been touched deeply!
“Wild Flowers of Crete” by Vangelis Papiomitoglou (Mediterraneo editions)
If you are buying one book, this compact volume is the one to choose, whether you are an experienced botanist or a visitor to Crete with a casual interest in flowers. With around 1700 plants on Crete to choose from, this book has a happy knack of having chosen the right ones to describe. They are illustrated with colour photos, usually a helpful combination of the plant in its habitat and a close-up. Includes flowering times, distribution and symbols to show habitats.
- Office supplies - Gis - Photocopies
p.42 Chania
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How to avoid holiday weight gain?
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Choosing well. There are no “good” and “bad” foods, only good and bad eating habits. Keeping your balance. Eat small portions to keep yourself from indulging too much. Choose the items you want to try the most and eat a small portion of each. This is especially important at a buffet, where you may want to try everything. Take small bites and chew slowly. Savour each bite and enjoy the taste of the food - so you will eat less. It usually takes about twenty minutes for your brain to get the message from your stomach that you are full. By eating slowly, you might be less likely to over consume the desserts. A few holiday food choices that you can...
Even though it’s hard to resist temptations all around you, there are simple steps you can take that can keep the extra holiday kilos off. By following a few tips on holiday eating, you and your family can enjoy special foods while keeping a balanced and healthy diet. - Making sure you eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day is a great way to help fill-up your stomach but not your calorie level. What’s more – the fibber in fruits and vegetables fill you up faster than traditional snack foods. Pack your refrigerator with bags of cut-up vegetables and whole or cut-up fruits. - Regard to salads: You can use oil and vinegar, vinaigrette or low-fat dress-
ings and vegetable sauces. - What about desserts? The best low-calorie choices are fruit, jelly, pudding, a thin slice of cake, a small piece of dark chocolate, a yogurt with honey and dry fruits or nuts, an ice cream with low fat such as sorbet and frozen yogurt. - Watch the drinks: Besides restricting your alcohol to one or two servings, you also need to restrict the type of alcohol. For example, have a glass of beer or wine or a Martini with soda, tzin tonic or fruit punch without alcohol. Alcoholic beverages and many fruit punches provide many calories (7 kcal per gram alcohol) and virtually no nutrients.
The 4 senses restaurant... Follow the Path of an absolute gastronomic delight...
- Another advice is that you must always plan ahead and never go to a party hungry. Before you go to a holiday party, eat a healthy snack such as a serving of your favourite fruit, fat-free yogurt or a low-fat, whole grain cereal bar. When you arrive at the party, you won’ eat too much. - Moreover you have to be in charge of your party choices: Take a small plate, be wise when choosing appetizers – a small portion of some appetizers may help you from overeating at dinner, limit or avoid creamy dips and sauces. A very smart way is to fill half of your plate with salad and vegetables, one quarter with meat / fish/ chicken, and the final quarter with starch (potato, rice, bread).
Choose More Often - Turkey breast - Fresh salad - Chicken breast - Fish - Steamed vegetables - Mineral water - Fresh fruit - Boiled or roasted potatoes (not fried) - Plain rice Choose Less Often - Dressings - Pie - Bread pudding - Cake – Candy - Stuffed food - Sugar-sweetened beverages - High-calorie alcoholic beverages Most of people try to taste many different flavors so this leads to eat a meal with extra calories. So remember that holidays last for a few days. We can taste a different breakfast each day instead of taking from all the choices at the same day.
We use and promote local, quality products in combination with the revival of traditional flavours and new gastronomic proposals from 12:00 pm to 00:00 at midnight.
Platanias, Chania Tel. +30 6976 860573 www.olive-tree.gr
p.43 Chania Some choices for breakfast are: 1. Milk or yogurt with whole grain cereals (rich in calcium and fibers). 2. A toast with cheese & turkey (classical choice and makes you feel full). 3. Toasted bread with margarine and a spoon of sweet with honey or marmalade. 4. An omelet with two eggs, vegetables and a slice of bread. End your preferable breakfast with a bowl of fruit salad or a glass of fresh fruit juice.
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Asthma in pregnancy and breastfeeding
As far as hydration is concerned: Particularly at summer our body needs water more than ever. The temperature is increasing, this leads to increased sweating and we have a reduction of electrolytes and due to this disturbance balance of liquids we feel weakness, lassitude and dizziness. For that reasons we must drink: 2 – 2 ½ liters water / per day (almost 10 - 12 glasses) in order to balance our temperature and not to become dehydrated. The main sources of hydration is water, low fat milk, juices without sugar and preservatives, ice tea, coffee, light refreshments, soda, fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or big amounts of sugar because then we have losses of liquids. In conclusion you must not wait until you are thirsty in order to drink water, because thirst is the first stage of dehydration. Increase your exercise over the holidays. Summer physical activities which we propose to you is walking, jogging, biking, dancing, swimming, aqua aerobic, pedal boat, canoe, tennis, volleyball and football. Have a nice stay!!! Enjoy our Cretan diet… in moderation!!! Niki Voulgaraki, Nutritionist – Dietitian Email: nvoulgaraki@hotmail.gr
Asthma is one of the most common conditions that co-exist with pregnancy. As well as asthma affecting your pregnancy, your pregnancy can also have an impact on your asthma symptoms. Although it may be tempting to stop your medication when you become pregnant, it is vital that you keep taking it to control your asthma. Your asthma medication helps to control your symptoms which can reduce the risk of complications for you and your baby. The benefit of taking treatment to keep asthma under good control far outweighs the risk of using regular medication. Studies of the routine use of all common asthma drugs have not shown any cause for concern. Pregnancy affects women with asthma in different ways. One-third of people with asthma have improved symptoms during pregnancy, one-third stay the same, and onethird have worse symptoms. Asthma exacerbations are rare during labour as your body produces natural steroid hormones which helps prevent an attack. However, make sure you bring your inhaler with you to the delivery room, in case you need it.
If you currently smoke, you are increasing the risk to your baby during pregnancy and you could exacerbate your asthma symptoms, leading to further complications. If you quit smoking, you can help avoid this risk during pregnancy and help improve your long-term health. Foods, which have been suggested as beneficial to asthmatic mothers, include a low salt diet and high antioxidant intake. A high intake of vitamin E and olive oil during pregnancy has been suggested to reduce the risk of your baby developing asthma symptoms. It is safe to breastfeed when you have asthma. In fact, a number of studies have highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding and demonstrated that it can prevent your child getting asthma and allergies. You should continue to use your asthma medication as normal throughout breastfeeding and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. Miltiades Markatos Pneumonologist info@anapnoi.net
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smart TIPS
Little secrets for... success - How much to sprinkle? At least a good sized pinch on each spiral... of the walnut/cinnamon mixture and of the sesame seeds. - The long strips can be cut in half to make smaller spirals, and they can be cut in narrower strips (6 to a rolled out piece of dough) to make more as well. Helpful Tools for Making Xerotigana - Pasta Machine - Rolling Pin - Fluted Pastry Wheel
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Something sweet from... Crete INGREDIENTS For the dough: 6 - 8 cups of all-purpose flour 2/3 cup of freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice 2/3 cup of olive oil 1 cup + 2 tablespoons of water For the syrup: 1 cup of sugar 1 cup of honey 1 cup of water 1 stick of cinnamon For the topping: 1/4 cup of toasted sesame seeds 1/4 cup of finely chopped walnuts 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon olive oil for frying
Preparation: Mix 6 cups of flour and all remaining dough ingredients in a large bowl or plastic tub and knead well for at least 5 minutes. Add more flour as needed to make a smooth firm dough. Let rest for 30 minutes. While the dough is resting, make the syrup. Bring all syrup ingredients to a boil in a large saucepan and boil for 15 minutes. Turn the heat to the lowest possible setting to keep it hot without boiling. Divide the dough into equal-sized pieces, about the size of your fist. Roll out each piece of dough using the high-
Xerotigana
est (thinnest) setting on a pasta machine or with a floured rolling pin, into a long strip, about 30-36 inches long and 5 inches wide, sprinkling with flour if needed to keep it dry. Cut lengthwise into strips 1 inch wide using a fluted pastry wheel. Each piece of rolled-out dough should make 5 long strips.
a fork in the center of the spiral and turn to keep the spiral shape. When lightly golden on all sides, remove from the oil with a slotted spoon or spatula. Let excess oil drip off and drain on paper towels. Do not stack the spirals.
Loop the long strip of dough loosely around two fingers, then three, then all four, continuing to make a loose spiral shape.
Place one spiral at a time in the steaming hot syrup (increase heat if necessary) for 5-6 seconds on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a serving platter. Combine walnuts and cinnamon. Sprinkle with a little of the walnut and cinnamon mixture, followed by the sesame seeds. Layer spirals on top, sprinkling each with the toppings.
Drop into 2 inches of hot oil. The dough is so thin that it will puff as it fries and will tend to uncurl. Place the tines of
Reference: http://greekfood.about.com
traditional cretan and greek cuisine. Our dishes are well prepared using only local products, fresh ingredients and cretan olive oil. High quality seafood and meat at affordable prices!
Agia Marina tel. 28210-68666
Right by the sea..! Enjoy the beautiful sunset..!
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Amazing drinks & music Two dance floors-Full A/C
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Open every night at 21:00 Tel.: +30 6946415747
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The best affordable way to travel Western Crete. Public regular bus service to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete
Time of Greece: GMT +2
Let me be your guide Chania in...12 5 pages Chania Prefecture Prefecture in... pages
A few things you have to know
Crete, the 5th biggest Med Island, lies in the southern frontier of Europe. Crete combines mountains and sea, the new alongside with the old and ancient with contemporary history. It is a cultural crossroad due to its strategic geographical position. English, German, French, Russian and other languages are widely spoken in tourist resorts. The climate is a factor that greatly contributes to its attractiveness. It is mild Mediterranean – dry and warm, which means high sunshine all year round, very small seasonal changes in temperatures and no extreme weather phenomena. Tap water is safe for consumption, the consumption of bottled water is recommended. The international call code for Greece is +30.
where to go what to visit what to eat travel information museums excursions shopping Beaches in Chania
Elafonissi
There are many beautiful beaches available in the county of Chania (415 km coastline), many of which are organised for bathers and are combined with exceptional hotel units.
Falassarna
The beaches of Nea Chora, Chrissi Akti (4km W), Agioi Apostoloi (5km W), Stalos (7km W), Agia Marina (12km W), Platanias (15km W), Gerani (15km W), Kissamos (35km W), Balos (55km W), Falassarna (52km W), Elafonissi (73km SW), Paleochora (72km S), Sougia (60km S), Loutro (84km S by boat from Sfakia), Fragokastelo (78km S), Sfakia (70km S), Marathi (17km E), Stavros (17km NE), Kalives (20km E), Almirida (21km E), Georgoupolis (37km E), Kavros (42km E), Kalathas (13km NE) are only a small selection of the most popular beaches of Chania, most of them awarded with blue flag. Make your choice!
Museums
Historical - Folklore Museum of Gavalochori Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Accessible for people with special needs: Yes Address: Gavalochori Apokoronou Museum of Typography by the newspaper “Haniotika Nea” Accessible for people with special needs: Yes Address: Park of local industries, Building 13-03 Operation Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30-13.30 (except Wednesday) & Wednesday 18.00-21.00
self service refreshments in glass Pita with pork giros Pita with chicken giros Pita with beef (politikos) giros Pita with kalamaki (pork) Pita with kalamaki (chicken) Pita with kebab (beef) Pita with kebab (turkey) Pita burger Pita haloumi (Cypriot cheese)
2.00 € 2.20 € 2.20 € 2.00 € 2.20 € 2.20 € 2.20 € 2.20 € 2.20 €
Museum of the Monastery of Agia Triada Tzagarolon Telephone: (+30)2821063310 Venizelos House Operation Hours: 8.00-20.00 Address: Αkrotiri Home of Eleftherios Venizelos Telephone: (+30)2821056008 Accessible for people with special needs: Yes Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Museum of the “Akritai” of Europe Telephone: (+30)2823042265 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Collection of Chrysopigi Monastery Telephone: (+30)2821091125 Archeological Museum of Kisamos Telephone: (+30)2822083308 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Museum of the Monastery of Gonia Telephone: (+30)2824022313 Address: Kolympari Museum of Marine Wealth and Fishing Tradition Telephone: (+30)2824023299 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Byzantine and Folk Museum of Spilia Telephone: (+30)2824022080, (+30)2824022357 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Museum of National Resistance (Therisso) Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Archeological Museum of Chania Accessible for people with special needs: Yes Telephone: (+30)2821090334 Archaelogical Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Museum of An. Skalidis Telephone: (+30)2822061052 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Museum of School Life Telephone: (+30)2821074764 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Historical Archives of Crete Telephone: (+30)2821052606 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Accessible for people with special needs: Yes War Museum of Chania Telephone: (+30)2821044156 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Museum of Chemistry Telephone: (+30)2821042504 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00
ONLY 1,40 € Kalamaki (pork) Kalamaki (chicken) Kebab (beef) Kebab (turkey) Sausage Burger (beef) Burger (chicken) Pantsetaki Haloumi (cypriot cheese)
Folk Museum “the Cretan House” Telephone: (+30)2821090816 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection of Chania Telephone: (+30)2821096046 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Accessible for people with special needs: Yes Maritime Museum of Crete Accessible for people with special needs: Yes Telephone: (+30)2821091875, (+30)2821074484 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Maritime Address: Akti Koundourioti, Old harbour
Cultural Organizations
Centre of Mediterranean Architecture Chania, Akti Tombazi 31 (Megalo Arsenali). Tel. (+30)2821040101, (+30)2821040201 Villa Koundourou (Youth Centre and Municipal Cultural Workshop) Chania, 2 Iroon Polytechniou Str., Tel. (+30)2821053730, (+30)2821040896. Open: 9.00-14.00 & 18.00-21.00 Municipal Art Gallery Chania, 98 Chalidon Str. Tel. (+30)2821092294, (+30)2821092419 Mosque of Kioutsouk Hasan (Yali-Tzamisi), Venetial harbour. Tel. (+30)2821083235, (+30)2821083232 Park for the Preservation of Flora and Fauna Technical University of Crete, Akrotiri. Tel. (+30)2821055988. Open: Mon.-Sat.
Cultural Events
May: Second fortnight, celebration of the battle of Crete. It includes events commemorating those who were killed and several cultural events. “Koresia” athletic games Canoe kayak at Kournas Lake. Beginning of the summer: Venizelia - Track events at the National Stadium of Chania. May - September: Athletic events in the municipality of Nea Kydonia which include: Beach volley - Beach Soccer - Beach Handball and racket games. July - August - September: Cultural Summer Events of the municipality of Chania.They include music and stage performances at the theatre of Eastern Trench, Public Garden, Venizelio music school, Park of Peace and Friendship and other events in several neighbourhoods of the town. Cultural summer events are also organised by the municipality of Kisamos, Nea Kydonia, Pelekanos and Georgioupolis.
with free refilling 1.00 € 1.20 € 1.20 € 1.20 € 1.00 € 1.00 € 1.20 € 1.00 € 1.20 €
as many times as you like! Mega giros (pork) Kebab buritto (beef) Chicken buritto
3.70 € 3.70 € 3.70 €
(all come with arab pie, french fries and sauce)
Pork flogera Chicken flogera Kebab flogera Sausage flogera
3.50 € 3.50 € 3.50 € 3.70 €
(sandwiches with french fries, veggies and sauce)
In Ya Souvlaki, we cook everything with extra virgin cretan olive oil and we use only fresh cretan products, offering quality and taste.
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The best affordable way to travel Western Crete. Public regular bus service to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete June: Cherry Festivity in Karanou. 24 June: Festivity of St. Ioannis Klidonas, in Fres, Akrotiri, Perivolia, Therisso, Vamvakopoulo. 29 June - 6 July: Naval week festival. July: Festivity of Kalitsouni cheese pie, in Kandanos. July: Naval week in the old harbour and every second year in Palaiochora and Georgioupolis. 21-28 July: Elafonisia - Municipality of Inahorio. They include: memorial service at the monument of Elafonisi, athletic games, performances, festivity in honour of the elderly and traditional treat. 26 July: “Promotion of Kisamos” - Club, Grambousa pilgrimage excursion from the port of Kisamos to Balos and to the island of Grambousa. 30 July: “Pottery Festival” in Nohia. 30-31 July: Wine festival in Vouves. First Sunday of August: Blessing of the fruit of the earth at the Monastery of Archangel Michael (Rotonda) Kato Episkopi. 8-9 August: Wine festival in Vouves. 1-10 August: Venetian Harbour of Chania photography exhibition for Chania Music Tradition, dance - dancers. 16 August: Honey Festival in Afrata. 1-10 September: Sardine festival in Nea Chora and in Souda. 27 September: World Day of Tourism. Festive events at the old harbour of Chania. End of October or beginning of November: Chestnut festivity in Prases and Elos.
Festivals to honour the saint-protector of each village
Asi Gonia, St. George’s Day, April 23rd or after Easter Day: A big festival. All the shepherds of the area bring their animals to the mass in order to be blessed, then they milk them and distribute the milk to the pilgrims.
Asi Gonia, St George’s Day
da, Alikampos, Kefala, Kalikrati, Koustogerako August 29th,John the Precursor’s: Rodopou Gionas, Douliana, Stylos, Kournas September 8th, το Birth of the Mother of Christ: Gavalohori, Tzitzife, Sassalo September 14th, Feast ofthe Holy Cross: Nippos, Rodovani September 15th St. Nikitas’: Kampia
Monasteries and Churches
The Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Chrysopigi lies a short distance from the town of Chania on the route to Souda harbour. Operation Hours: 08.00-12.00 and 15.30-18.00 Telephone: (+30)2821091125, (+30)2821029840 The monastery of Agia Triada of Tzagarolon is one of the richest and most beautiful monasteries in Crete. It is built near the airport of Chania, in the position Tzobomylos of the Cape Melecha and at the foothills of Stavros Mount. The distance from Chania is only 15km.
The monastery of Panagia Chrisoskalitissa is located 72km south of Chania, very close to the magnificent lagoon of Elafonissi. It operates as a nunnery and reminds of a fortress, perched on a 35m high rock with boundless sea views. The Monastery of Saint George in Karydi (in Apokoronas Province) is located about 2km east of Vamos village. The monastery was abandoned for many years but was restored in 1996 and today it is operating normally.
7.50 €
Chicken variety (for 1 peson)
8.50 €
Giros (chicken), burger (chicken), fillet (chicken), bacon, sausage, pita, french fries, veggies and sauce
Politiki variety (for 1 person)
8.50 €
Giros (beef), burger (beef), kebab (beef), sausage, pita, french fries, veggies and sauce
Ancient Lissos The ruins of Lissos are saved between Paleochora and Sougia. It was the port city of Dorian Elyros. It flourished in the Hellinistic, Roman and the first Vyzantine period and destroyed by the Saracens Arabs. It also issued its own currency, as Lissos. Ancient Tara (St. Roumeli) The ruins of the ancient city Taras found at south coast of Crete near the village of Agia Roumeli. The city flourished particularly during the Roman era. They found the remains of a temple, possibly dedicated to Artemis and Apollo. Archaeological site of ancient Anopolis The archaeological site of ancient Anopolis located 87 km south of Chania. Anopolis was an independent city during the classical times and flourished during the Roman and Byzantine times. Firkas Castle
The Holy Monastery of Partenon or Life-Giving Spring was founded by the Bishop of Kisamos & Selinon Anthimos Leledakis in 1905-1910. It was renovated between 1962 and 1965, by Bishop Irineos Galanakis. Early Christian Basilica at Almyrida Apokoronou. It is an early Christian three-aisled basilica of the second half of the 6th century. The church of St George in the centre of Kournas, a settlement with interesting folk architecture. It was built at the end of the 12th century.
self service refreshments in glass Giros (pork), burger (beef), sausage, kalamaki (pork), pita, french fries, veggies and sauce
Ancient Aptera
Katholiko monastery is located 20km east of Chania, near the northern shores of Cape Akrotiri. It is located near the exit of the gorge Avlaki, at a short distance from the sea.
St George of Mythimna - Kisamos. The single-room, vaulted church of St George in the archeological site of Methymna, near Drapania of Kisamos, was built during the first half of the 15th century, in the place of a late Roman Bath.
Pork variety (for 1 person)
Ancient Aptera This site is located 15 km South-east of Chania, near the village Megala Chorafia. The strategic location of the city with two ports, Minoa (modern Marathi) and Kissamos (near Kalives today) at the entrance of the natural bay, which guaranteed the possibility to control the movement of trade, boosted its growth. Ancient Polirinia The ancient city was Polirinia in place of the village Polirinia Kissamos, 49 km west of Chania. At the top of the hill was the citadel of which was T-shaped, from where the view was immense, from Crete to the Libyan Sea, which stretched the realm. Ancient Falasarna The site of the ancient Falassarna located on the western edge of Cap Gramvousa the west coast of Crete. The town was surveyed again in the 19th century by English tourists, who identified the village and closed the port.
Gouverneto Monastery. The actual Monastery complex was built from 1537 till 1548. According to tradition, it was connected with miraculous St John the Hermit, and was used for the housing of the Saint’ s pilgrims. Telephone: (+30)2821063319
Monastery of Pasinos. It is a complex of monasteries built during the Venetian rule (16th century). It architectural style is western, the church being placed in the centre of the complex.
Agios Ioannis Sfakion, St John’s Feast, May 8th: Traditional festival of Sfakia. Azogyre, The Holy Fathers’ Feast, October 7th: In the beautiful village with the visitable impressive cave of the Holy Fathers. Elos, Agios Dikaios,May 6th: Extraordinary view and a unique fair. Lissos, St Kyrikos, July 15th: The pilgrims start arriving ancient Lissos on foot or in boats from Sougiaγια early in the afternoon of the previous day. A real fair of Selino in a mythical place. Sembronas, Apopigadi, St. John’s, June 24th: One of the feasts, that take place on a very high location, with an incredible view. Sougia, Harey, St. Antony 1-2 of July: Unique traditional fair at the seaside small church which is situated in Harey. The route on foot from through the E4 path that lead from Sougia to Agia Roumeli lasts two hours with the unique background of the Lybian sea and piney slopes. It is possible to go there also by boat from Sougia. Overnight stay outdoor. Therisso, Assumption of the Mother of God, August 15th: In the beautiful village where Eleftherios Venizelos declared the revolution of 1905. Sfakia, Thymiani Panagia, last Sunday of May. Chrysoskalitissa, the Assumption of the Virgin, August 15th: At the beautiful monastery, which is a real «balcony» to the Lybian Sea a famous festival takes place. Frangokastello, St. Nikitas’, September 15th: Big festival during which riding races take place. August 6th, the Transfiguration: Ksirosterni, Tzitzife, Karres of Kissamos, Sassalo August 15th the Assymption of the Virgin: Voulgaro Panagia of the Summit, Kolympari Gonia, Pemonia, Fre, Eksopolis, Litsar-
Sightseeing
Gouverneto Monastery
ONLY 1,40 €
Biftekoplimira
10.00 €
Berdema
10.00 €
Stiva giros
12.00 €
Turkey kebab (2 pcs), beef burger (2 pcs), beef kebab (2 pcs), pita, veggies, french fries, sauce Giros, beef kebab, chicken kalamaki, pork kalamaki, salad, french fries, sauce Giros (pork, chicken, politikos), pita (2 pcs), veggies, french fries, sauce (1/2 Stiva giros 7.00 €)
Castle Firkas was built in the 16th century by the Venetians to protect the city of Chania. There Venizelos declared the official union of Crete with Greece. Today it hosts the Maritime Museum and a small theater. Souda’s Castle The castle is built on the islet of Souda, and protected the port of Souda and Chania. It occupies almost the entire island. Built in 1715 and surrendered to the Ottomans in 1715. On February 14 the Greek flag was raised, lowering the Turkish and giving the signal that there is now the Greek sovereignty over the island of Crete. Intzedin Castle Located 14 km east of Chania. Has been characterized as historical monument. Built in 1872 in the position of the tower was built in 1646 by the Turks, who drove the Venetians. The name comes from the name of the son of Sultan Abdul Aziz Intzedin. Has been used as a prison for political prisoners, among them which has been the El. Venizelos. During the dictatorship of Pangalos many dissidents jailed, and when the dictatorship fell, Pangalos was imprisoned there too. Finally, from the isolation rooms of Yaros, in 1948, the first communist political prisoners were moved there.
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as many times as you like!
Grilled stiva
16.00 €
Club (pork, chicken or politikos) Skepasti (pork, chicken or politikos)
5.40 € 4.50 €
Beef kebab (2 pcs), turkey kebab (2 pcs), pork kalamaki (2 pcs), chicken kalamaki (2 pcs), sausage (2 pcs), pantsetakia (2 pcs), pita (2 pcs), veggies, french fries, sauce (1/2 Grilled stiva 7.00 €)
all come with double pita, sauce (red or yellow), gouda cheese, tomato, lettuce and french fries
48, Kydonias str. For your delivery order just call +3028210 88380
In Ya Souvlaki, we cook everything with extra virgin cretan olive oil and we use only fresh cretan products, offering quality and taste.
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The best affordable way to travel Western Crete. Public regular bus service to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete Information for travelers with Physical Disabilities Since entering the European Union, there have been some efforts to make access for the disabled easier. However, a combination of factors has made this far from comprehensive. The major factors are the topography of the island, the nature of its most import sites, and the economy. Many hotels and other types of accommodations are in historic buildings, without elevators and often with many stairs to various facilities. This is especially true in small villages, and in the Old Town sections of cities. Getting into most public establishments (and to the toilet, once you’re in there) usually means stairs. Historic sites like the ancient ruins of Knossos will be very difficult to fully explore for those confined to wheelchairs and who have difficulty walking, although many of them (including Knossos) have significant sections that can be explored to create a rewarding experience. The Old Towns of cities (like Chania) and small mountain villages are hilly, often with steps from one area to another. Nonetheless, there are still places in most of these that can be explored. A wheelchair-bound person or one with walking difficulty will not be able to see everything, but they can still see a rewarding amount of things. Most government buildings, hospitals, museums, and office buildings in cities and large towns have elevators and wheelchair ramps. You will also find wheelchair ramps at many restaurants and hotels in areas that cater to tourists. Virtually all of the four and five-star hotels have ramps, elevators and/or handicapped accessible rooms and facilities. Sidewalks in cities and larger towns will have ramps at intersections. Even able-bodied travelers should take care whenever crossing a street, as cars rarely stop for pedestrians in crosswalks - although they usually stop at red lights. If you have physical difficulties with walking or are confined to a wheelchair, it is important that you research your pro-
spective lodging carefully and ask clear questions. Ask the advice of people who live on the island or go on one of the expat forums to get questions answered. Even with the obstacles that exist, it is possible to enjoy a rewarding visit. Smart tips Some hotels only have certain rooms that can be accessed by wheelchair, so again get the travel agent to contact before travel or get a contact number. Don’t rely on coach transfers, as they will have limited accessibility. Make sure you know all about the resort your visiting, some countries don’t cater at all well for the disabled traveller although I would say that most parts of Crete are ok. Most hotels in Crete don’t have good lift access so request ground floor rooms when possible just incase. Don’t try and cram everything into the first 24 hours, make sure you relax and take it easy, the heat of the Cretan summer can quickly dehydrate you and make you tired. A special place to stay Eria resort is the first hotel in Greece, that has been designed to offer the most pleasant and comfortable holidays to people with accessibility needs, their families and their escorts. Eria Resort is a model Hotel, exemplary in conception and function all over Greece and worldwide. Eria Resort has been specially designed from scratch with disabled guests in mind in strict compliance with all current specifications for disabled access. The Resort is located in the coastal and historic village of Máleme, the prefecture of Haniá, Crete. The area is easily accessible by wheelchair. All the hotel facilities are fully accessible to people with disabilities. The fine furnishings and decoration of both the interior and exterior spaces of our Hotel, the high quality services and the hospitable, cosy environment of Eria Resort, guarantee a pleasant and comfortable stay for guests with accessibility needs, their families and/or escorts. Accessible Sightseeing in Crete Except the accessible monuments and sightseeings in Chania Prefecture, you may also visit:
Heraklion Museum The main floor is accessible. Still well worth a visit as most of the most renowned Minoan objects are on the first floor. Knossos Many areas are accessible by wheelchair, but watch out for sudden unprotected drops. The initial access is relatively smooth. The once-trecherous deep circular pits or kouloura have railings now. There are also many tours organized daily for people with disabilities, such as: - City tour of Chania and the Old Venetian Harbor - Lefka Ori and Samaria Gorge - Kournas Lake and old villages of Apokoronas - Knossos Minoan Palace and the City of Heraklion - Orthodox Academy in Kolimbari and Kastelli (Kissamos) - City of Rethimno and the Monastery of Arkadi - City of Aghios Nikolaos and Oropedio Lassithiou Some of the accessible shops, restaurants, bars and cafés in Chania and Platanias: The Olive Tree Restaurant (Platanias) Ariadne Restaurant (Platanias) Moutoupaki Traditional Taverna (Old City of Chania) Kipos Café (Municipal Park of Chania) Rock House Bar (Platanias) Club Tropicano (Platanias) Akti Beach Bar and Restaurant (Platanias) Botanical Park Restaurant (Fournes) Mikro Efeteio Restaurant and Café (Chania) Tzaneris and Archontissa Traditional Taverna (Keramia) Koukouvaya Café (Venizelos Tombs, Akrotiri) Xyloskalo Restaurant and Café (Omalos) Caretta-Caretta Restaurant (Agia Marina) Family’s Grill House (Agia Marina) Icon (Chania) Veranta (Agia Marina) Skoniako (Platanias) Adama (Platanias) Limnoupolis Water Park (Varipetro) Apovrado (Chania) El Mondo (Chania) Epohes (Chania) Italian Factory Outler (Kounoupidiana-Akrotiri)
Ariadne restaurant
Platanias Chania Tel. 0030 28210 68863 tasoula.ariadnebeach@gmail.com
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The best affordable way to travel Western Crete. Public regular bus service to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete
The area enables the individual hiker to explore the nature and the beauty of the county via routes that are unparalleled beauty. The most appropriate to inform the interested visitor is the Mountaineering Club of Chania. The E4 Path begins in the Pyrenees mountains across Greece, arrives at Kissamos, across Crete to Kato Zakros and finally arrives in Cyprus. As far as the track is part of the prefecture of Chania, it passes from coastal areas and the White Mountains. The main routes of the European path are the following : Kasteli Kissamou – Sfinari Length: 22,5 km, Best season: Spring – Autumn Sfinari – Chrysoskalitisa Monastery Length: 32 km, Best season: Spring – Autumn Chrysoskalitisa - Palaiochora Length: 22 km, Best season: Spring – Autumn Sougia – Agia Roumeli Length: 13 km, Best Season: All year Loutro - Fragokastelo Length : 19,5 km, Best Season: All year Sougia - Koustogerako-Omalos Length: 24,5 km, Best season: Spring – Autumn Agia Triada - Gouverneto – Katholiko Route Difficulty: Very Easy, Route Duration: 2 Hours Visit Period : All Year Gorge of St Irene – Sfakia Route Duration: 3 Hours, Route Length: 8 km Visit Period : All Year , Route Difficulty: Normal Paleochora - Sougia Route Difficulty: Easy, Route Length: 14,5 m Route Duration: 6 Hours, Visit Period : All Year National Park of Samaria Route Difficulty: Easy, Route Duration: 6 Hours Route Length: 18 16 km, km Visit Period : May-October
Gavdos Route Difficulty: Very Easy, Visit Period : May-October Douliana – Gavalohori Route Difficulty: Easy, Route Duration: 1 Hours Visit Period : All Year On the Summit of Kigilos Route Difficulty: Normal, Route Duration: 7 Hours Visit Period : All Year Agia Roumeli - Agios Ioannis Route Difficulty: Easy, Route Duration: 5 Hours Visit Period : All Year Gorge of Polyrrenia Route Difficulty: Easy, Route Duration: 3 Hours Visit Period : All Year Sasalos-Makronas (Halase gorge) Route Difficulty: Normal, Route Duration: 4 Hours
Gorges
The Gorge of Samaria Route Length: 18 km Route Duration: 7 Hours Visit Period : May-October Address: Lefka Ori The Gorge of Imbros in Sfakia Route Duration: 2 Hours Route Length: 8 km Address: Chora Sfakion The Gorge of Agia Irini in Selino Route Duration: 3 Hours Route Length: 7.5 km Address: Selino The Gorge of Aradena in Sfakia Route Duration: 2.5 Hours Route Length: 5.5 km Address: Aradena, Sfakia The Gorge of Elygia The Gorge of Trypitis Route Duration: 8.5 Hours The Gorge of Diktamou Route Duration: 3.5 Hours The Gorge of Therisso or Eleutheriou Venizelou Route Length: 6 km The Gorge of Chalase or Sasalou Route Duration: 4 Hours The Gorge of Prasse Route Duration: 2 Hours The Gorge of Kavi or Iligga Route Duration: 3 Hours The Gorge of Asfendou Route Duration: 3 Hours The Gorge of Kalikrati Route Duration: 3 Hours The Gorge of Katholikou Route Duration: 0.5 Hours
Mountain Shelters
Kallergi Capacity: 45 Route Difficulty: Easy Route Duration: 1 Hours Visit Period : April-October Svourikti - Holiopoulos Capacity: 20 Route Difficulty: Easy Route Duration: 3 Hours Tavri Capacity: 40 Route Difficulty: Very Easy Route Duration: 1.5 Hour Route Length: 7.7 km Volikas Capacity: 30 Route Duration: 3 Hour
Caves
Cave of Panos or Lera The cave “Panos or Lera” is developed in Mount Vardies, at an altitude of 70m., in the settlement Stavros Kydonias. It consists of an “antechamber”
and four rooms with chiselled cavities, which have been explained as places for the welcome of statues. Cave of Asfentos The cave “of Asfentos” is situated at the position”Skordolakia”, at the westeastern part of the beginning of the gorge of Asfentos . Cave of Hagia Sofia The cave of “Agia Sofia” is at the western walls of the gorgo of Topolia, at a distance of 47 km from the city of Chania. It consists of two rooms on different levels.
The Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves
The Olive Tree Museum of Vouves is ideally located next to the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, the oldest olive tree in the world, which is visited by approximately 20.000 people every year from all over the world. There are at least ten more monumental olive trees in this area, namely the same number of trees as in the whole of Crete. The museum is housed in a traditional building, which maintains all the characteristics of an austere and, at the same time, authentic, intelligent and functional folk architecture of this area, the preservation of which constitutes one of the cultural objectives set by municipal authorities. The building was donated to the Municipality by the family of Panagiotis Karapatakis, who used it as its residence. The Olive Tree Museum of Vouves is located in the village of Ano Vouves, aprox. 30 km west of Chania. Take the Chania – Kissamos national road (E65) and use the Kolibari exit, in order to proceed west (to the left) towards the Village of Spilia. Then, just follow the signs leading to Ano Vouves village and to the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves. Olive Tree Museum of Vouves (Free Entrance) Information: tel. +3028240-22279, +306945157667 Welcome to Chania. Welcome to the place that has been uninterruptedly populated since 3500 B.C. Here the past encounters the present in a harmonious composition. Minoans, Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans carved space and time in cultural monuments that uniquely blend beauty with the natural monuments, the endemic fauna and flora, the vivid colours and intense scents of the landscape of Chania. Meanwhile, life goes on: modern tourist facilities, high technology, supply of perfect services. Here the greyish green olive groves and the golden orange groves shine under the life-giving sun; here the sea stretches out and embraces the sky, losing itself indistinguishably in the infinite blue, in the infinite green; here tradition has been kept intact over time, passing down its special colours and qualities. Among them, the Cretan cuisine, with its delicious healthy meals, offering unrivalled gastronomic experiences, constitutes the point of reference of a diachronic culture. Here the land follows its own rhythm 365 days a year, the land lives to the beat of important cultural and sports events, popular feasts, the revival of old customs, music and dancing nights, giving thrills and arousing emotions, initiating the visitor into the secrets to the good life, exalting the soul and the body. Welcome to Chania, a destination that will be carved in your memory for ever. Apostolos Voulgarakis You will surely be back! Vice Prefect of Chania
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The best affordable way to travel Western Crete. Public regular bus service to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete
MUNICIPALITY OF CHANIA
IA N A H C . . . Y M F O TOP
Chania Prefecture
is not only... Chania city
Municipal Market The Municipal Market of Chania, the large building of 4000 square meters in a surrounding area of 17.200 square meters, is the “heart” of the city. It is an original building that, apart from a business activity center, also provides a concrete image of the ancient Greek marketplace. Great for shopping tradiotional Cretan products.
Georgioupolis A resort village 43 km east of Chania, about 22 km west of Rethymno. Formerly a small fishing village, Georgioupolis is very much a tourist town now, with many cafés, tavernas and small hotels and apartment blocks.
Venizelos Tombs One of the most popular spots offering a panoramic view of Chania are the Venizelos family tombs, a few kilometres east of the city, on the road to Akrotiri and the airport.
MUNICIPALITY OF KANDANOS-SELINO
Sougia Located in a distance of 70 roughly km south-western of Chania. It is built in the ruins of the ancient Syias where mainly in the Roman and first Byzantine period people lived here. Saved ruins are vaulted graves and water reservoirs from the Roman period and a church from the 4th century with eminent mosaics. Nice beach where you can have free camping.
Old Harbour Chania’s old Venetian Harbor is the most picruresque and world wide known site seen of the hole Crete. Lots of choices to drink your coffee, to have lunch or dinner in the restaurants or enjoy shopping time. Stavros Stavros is located on Akrotiri, only 13km from Chania, 3km from the airport and 10km from Souda harbour. One of the finest beaches for swimming. British Commonwealth War Cemetery in Souda Bay The War cemetery is a quiet and restful place for the allied forces who lost their lives here on the Battle of Crete in 1941. Aghia Marina Agia Marina is one of the most important tourist resorts of Chania. Great beach for swimming and lots of choices for shopping, eating and clubbing.
MUNICIPALITY OF PLATANIAS
Thodorou Just a few miles to the north west of the port of Chania. The island is a nature reserve and it is therefore forbidden to go ashore, except that is for one day a year (8 June), when visitors are allowed to take the path to the church and back in order to worship. Platanias The heart of tourism in western Crete. Everything can be found in Platanias... swimming, eating, clubbing, shopping. A “must” place to visit or stay. All days and all nights are different in Platanias and you will find out why. Maleme German Cemetery The cemetery is 3km south up the winding paved road. The 4,465 men buried here fell in the Battle of Crete in May of 1941. The Germans landed at the small airport of Maleme when they attacked Crete. Samaria Gorge If you come to Chania and you don’t pass through the Samara Gorge then your visit is just... incomplete. The Samariá Gorge is a National Park of Greece, a major tourist attraction of the island and a World’s Biosphere Reserve. A must for visitors to Crete is to complete the walk down the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. The village of Samariá lies just inside the gorge. It was finally abandoned by the last remaining inhabitants in 1962 to make way for the park.
ed by wonderful sandy beaches with crystalline waters like Kalyves and Kiani Akti. Good place for shopping with lots of traditional tavernas. Just 3 km away is Almyrida, with traditional travernas to enjoy lunch after your swimming.
MUNICIPALITY OF SFAKIA
Frangokastello The castle of Frangokastello stands since centuries. It reminds of the Venetians, Turks and Greeks, battles and blood, slaughters and sacrifices. The legends are still alive, taking us in their own world and left the “Drosoulites”, visiting us again some magic mornings. Sfakia The south-eastern region of the Prefecture of Chania is called Municipality of Sfakia and includes the villages Hora Sfakion, Anopoli, Agios Ioannis, Agia Roumeli, Asfendou, Loutro, Patsianos, Skaloti, Impros, Askifou and Fragkokastello. The distamce to Chania is about 70 kilometres. Entire Sfakia is characterized by the natural beauty of wild mountainous landscape which is combined unique with the sea. Loutro The village was named by the baths that were found there. The water was coming from Anopoli. Between the old buildings that you can see there, there is also the goverment building that was used during the revolution at 1821. From Loutro you can visit the ruins of ancient Aradenas with the Byzantine church of archangel Michail and Anopolis. Perfect place for a weekend escape. Aghia Roumeli It is a coastal settlement in south-western Crete and it allocates a wide beach while the access is feasible only with boats from Hora Sfakion, via Loutro and from Palaiochora or Sougia, while the village does not allocate road access. Constitutes popular tourist destination because it is located at the southern entry of the Gorge of Samaria, the biggest gorge in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe with a length of 18 kilometres.
MUNICIPALITY OF APOKORONAS
Kalyves Picturesque village located about 20 kilometres east of Chania, in one of the greenest areas of Greece. The village It is surround-
Paleochora Located in the south-western part of the prefecture. The distance to Chania is about 70 kilometres. It is built on a peninsula between two beautiful bays where it is rained by the Lybian Sea and it is right to consider it the “Nymph of the Lybian Sea” and “Land of the sun”. The movement in the region is high in summertime, on one side from the excursionists choosing it as the harbour of departure to the Island of Gavdos, Sougia, Agia Roumeli, Loutro and Sfakia and return from the Samaria Gorge, on the other from the holiday-makers that select it as a place of their summer vacations.Palaiochora has all the benefits the visitor needs as banks, doctors, supermarket, drugstores, police, post, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, port authority, custom, cinema, bars, disco, and rented cars. Elafonissi When the weather is fine it is possible to walk to the island through the shallow water. The island is a protected nature reserve. On the mainland the 17th century Chrysoskalitissa Monastery is approximately 5 km from the island. One of the best places for swimming in the whole world
MUNICIPALITY OF KISSAMOS
Falassarna May be the best beach on earth, as awarded by its visitors. The place to be for swimming. Also, don’t miss the great party the first weekend of August. Gramvousa-Balos At the north western point of Crete you will find Gramvousa, a small island with an impregnable castle, a fortress, a masterpiece of the 16th century, and Balos, the unique lagoon of Crete, with its blue green waters, it pink sandy beach and famous shells! An impressive and unique environment of steep rocks and cliffs, an immense blue sea and hidden sandy beaches, and the serene lagoon of Balos, combines with the remains of the long lasting history of the region: monasteries, churches and the imposing castle of Imeri Gramvousa.
MUNICIPALITY OF GAVDOS
Gavdos is a small island which is located 26 naval miles (48 kilometres) southern of Crete and it’s extent is 27 square kilometres. It is the most southern Greek and simultaneously European point with population of 98 residents. Perfect for a daily cruise.
p.60 Chania
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The best affordable way to travel Western Crete. Public regular bus service to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete PLACES TO SEE IN CHANIA CITY Plateia Mitropoleos (Athinagora), Halidon str. This square is situated in front of the Church of the Trimartyri and was built in the 1950s on the former site of a complex of dilapidated wooden houses occupied by the city’s Christian community, many of which had been destroyed by fire in 1897 and the rubble not removed until some fifty years later. The square is now lined by cafes on its south side and features several statues of prominenant figures in Crete’s history including Anaghnostis Mantakas, the nineteenth century libertation fighter and Ecumenical Pariarch Athinagoras I, the Patriarch of Constantinople from 1948 to 1972 after whom the square is named. Church of the Trimartyri, Halidon and Eisodion str. The Greek Orthodox Cathedral Church of Chania, also referred to as the Church of the Trimartyri, is one of Chania’s most recognizable landmarks situated in front of the Plateia Mitropoleos. It is a three-aisled basilica with a pointed-barrel roof, a campanile in its northwest corner and a facade composed of dressed pillars, cornices and door and window frames. This modest Neoclassical church is dedicated to the Virgin of the Three Martyrs, the patron saint of Chania and was constructed between 1857 and 1860 on the site of a Venetian church which the Ottoman Turks later converted into a soap factory. Old Turkish Hamam, 33 Sarpaki and Halidon str. Located on the corner of Halidon and Sarpaki Streets, this building, now a clothes shop, features eleven small hemispherical domes and a partially obscured larger dome on its roof and originally served as one of three public hamams or steam bathes built by the Ottoman Turks in Chania (the others being on Katri and Zambeliou Streets). The structure was surrounded by a portico that was leveled during the week-long German bombardment in 1941. Old Venetian Town Hall, Halidon and Zambeliou str. This building, partially hidden by scaffolding, was Chania’s original town hall built by the Venetians in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Here, members of the great Venetian noble families such as the Tsangarolis and Renieris, Chania’s ruling elite, congregated together to discuss the affairs of the day. It was also used as a small military hospital during the Ottoman Turkish period and as the city’s official town hall between 1898 and 1928 when Eleftherios Venizelos, Greece’s first Prime Minister and probably Chania’s most famous citizen, periodically spoke to the assembled crowds below from the balcony. The town hall remained remarkably intact and in use until WWII when it was bombed by the Germans during a week-long blitzkrieg of Chania in 1941. Machairadika, Karaoli Dimitriou to Sifaka str. These two streets, which form one long artery, are known as the “Street of the Knives” because of the shops selling knives, along with customary Cretan embroidery, knitting, copper goods and other souvenir items. Traditionally, knives have been important items for Cretans not only in terms of use, but also to display as status symbols indicating the ability to defend oneself. Center of Mediterranean Architecture, 31 Akti Tombazi This edifice is known as the Great Arsenal, the largest of the Venetian dry-docks and has been extensively altered many times since its construction in the sixteenth century. Like many Venetian buildings in Chania, it was modified firstly by the Turks who cut off its barrel-vaulted roof, and then again in the late nineteenth century when an upper storey was
added after which the building became a Christian school and then the Town Hall from 1928 to 1941. The Grand Arsenal was partly destroyed by the aerial bombardment in 1941 and it has only been completely restored as the Center of Mediterranean Architecture since 1997. Neoria, Akti Enoseos Seven Venetian-built arsenali or dry-docks line the main eastern basin of the harbour, of which there were originally seventeen. These long, contiguous vaulted arsenali, fifty meters in length and ten meters in height, were constructed between 1461 and 1599 for the purposes of shipbuilding and ship repairs for the Eastern Mediterranean Venetian fleet during the winter months. The buildings were open-ended with the sea reaching the entrances so that the ship could be pulled up from out of the water into the sheds and worked on under cover. Minoan Ship, Moro Dock In this refurbished Venetian-built arsenal, the Moro dock, is a reconstructed fifteenth century BC Minoan ship, the Minoa, as part of an exhibition on ancient navigation. The Moro docks are two dry-docks named after the Venetian General Overseer of the time who proposed their construction in 1607. Yali Tzamisi Mosque, Akti Koundourioti The Mosque of the Janissaries (also called Kucuk Hassan or Yali Mosque) is the oldest Islamic structure in Crete. The Janissaries were the Turkish soldiers stationed in Chania and elsewhere around the island assigned to keep law and order following the Turkish conquest of Crete. This mosque was built in 1645 on the site of a small Venetian church dedicated to San Nicolo so that the Janissaries had a place to pray. The Lighhouse, Venetian Harbour The Faros lighthouse is the oldest existing lighthouse in Greece and was constructed by the Venetian Navy to protect Chania’s harbour and dry-docks at the turn of the sixteenth century. Renieri Gate and Agios Nikolaos Chapel, Theofanous str. Further along Theofanous Street is the Palazzo di Pietro (also called the Palazzo Renieri), the former residence of the Venetian aristocratic Renieri family. Although the palace complex, as a whole, has not survived intact, both its monumental gate and private chapel remain well-preserved. Kal Kadosh Etz Hayyim Synagogue, Kondylaki str. About halfway up Kondylaki is a small lane leading to the Etz Hayyim Synagogue which was once the principal centre of Jewish religious and cultural life in Chania. The building itself dates to the late fifteenth, early sixteenth centuries and was once the Venetian Church of St. Catherine that was destroyed during the large-scale pirate attack of the city led by Barbarossa. Stivanadika, Skrydlof str. For centuries, Skrydlof Street or Leather Lane was the center of the manufacturing and selling of leather goods, especially “stivania”, the traditional long Cretan boots worn by men, both in urban and rural areas, together with wide baggy trousers known as ‘vraka’ and the idiosyncratic black fringed head-scarf. Although most leather goods are now produced in factories outside of Chania and are of significantly lesser quality, this street still retains an air of an eastern market or souk where it is still possible to buy made-to-measure, hand-made boots. Behind the shops lining the southern side of this street are traces of the original Venetian defense wall that defined the southern perimeters of Chania during the Venetian period.
Tsouderon and Chatzimihali Daliani str. Immediately to the north of the Municipal Market is narrow pedestrianized streets in the old Muslim neighborhood of Splantzia. Today, the streets are home to shoe repairers and shoe-makers, traditional jewelers, seamstresses, clothes designers, a cultural center, bars, cafes, restaurants, as well as several historical sites of interest including the former Monastery Santa Maria della Misericordia and an old mosque with its minaret still standing. Church of San Rocco, Splantzia The Venetian-built Church of San Rocco was constructed in 1630 on the northwest corner of Splantzia Square (also called 1821 Square). It is dedicated to Saint Rocco (also Saint Roch, Saint Roche) as evidenced by the Latin inscription over the building’s entrance and the entablature along the top of the building which reads: “Dedicated to God the Great and Mighty and to the Divine Rocco. 1630”. Splantzia Square (1821) Splantzia Square, also called 1821 Square, is the heart of Splantzia with the Greek Orthodox Church of Agios Nikolaos dominating the square on its eastern side and the Church of San Rocco to its northwest. Church of Agios Nikolaos, Splantzia The Greek Orthodox Church of Agios Nikolaos was constructed in 1320 by the Dominican brotherhood of Kantia, forming part of the Venetian-built Dominican Monastery of San Nicolo immediately to its north. The church was later converted into the main mosque of the city, the Mosque of Sultan Ibrahim, also called the Hugar Mosque or Mosque of the Ruler in 1645 and a minaret was added on its south side with two distinctive circular balconies called “serifiedes”, no doubt indicating its significance as the principle city mosque. For many years, a sword of the first Turkish dervish to enter Chania in 1645 was stored inside the mosque as a sacred and miracle-working relic. In 1918, the Orthodox Christians of Chania took over the church and re-dedicated it to the memory of Agios Nikolaos, the patron saint of sailors. Sabbionara Bastion and Gate (Moncenigo Bastion) The bastion and gate of Sabbionara, also known as Moncenigo bastion formed part of the sixteenth century Venetian fortification system of the city and was completed in 1591. Located on the north-east corner of the city, this is the only surviving gate in Chania, its appearance significantly modified during the Ottoman Turkish period when its size was reduced. Of note, the circular Venetian emblem of the Lion of St. Mark is preserved on the front the bastion, together with a coat of arms and the date. Public Garden, Tzanakaki str. Situated between Papandreas and Tzanakaki Streets in the New Town, the public gardens were first planned and laid out by Turkish Pasha, Reouf, in 1870 to a distinctly European design. In the early twentieth century, a café was opened with both indoor and outdoor facilities that are still in use today, alongside an open air auditorium used as a cinema in the summer months, a small animal enclosure and a children’s play area. Chania’s clock-tower was added in the north-east corner of the gardens between 1924 and 1927 with an unusual tripartite design by local engineer, D. Kollaris. DID YOU KNOW THAT... Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. It has a population of almost 600,000. The island is 160 miles long and 35 miles wide at its widest point.
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Trekking
Bicycle Scuba diving
Discover the... other Crete
Outdoor activities during your holidays BICYCLE Discover the municipality of Chania as a cyclist. Enjoy the island beauties, the sun and the scent of thousands of flowers and herbs, as a bicycle rider. Rent a bicycle and make your plans to visit breathtaking costs and many picturesque traditional villages on the mainland of Chania’s municipality. In close proximity to the most famous tourist area (up to 20km west from Chania town), there are many different bicycle paths where you can see and feel the nature’s changes, because the seascapes are to close to the mountains. You can feel the same in the areas either to the south and to the west side of municipality. Take a map of Chania, decide on the area that you would like to visit and plot your course on the map. Please keep always to your mind to: - protect yourself from the sun - be aware of vehicle traffic - use a helmet and other accessories to protect yourself if you decide to follow paths on the mountain with a “mountain” bike - check the altimeter changes because the mountain areas are to close to the sea - always keep local phone numbers with you in case of emergency or dial the European emergency number (112) from your mobile Take a swim in crystal sea waters and don’t forget to stop at one of the many villages to enjoy your coffee and the traditional Mediterranean cuisine. You can bicycle alone, with your friends or with your family. If you organize the adventure alone, all you need is to rent the bike. If you would like something more professional, you can visit the “Hellasbike” company (www.hellasbike. net). They organize daily bicycle tours for mountain biking and moderate road biking in different areas and at different levels of difficulty. They also provide technical support and help in case you need it. You can trust them. TREKKING Walking: an activity that is addressed for many people, of all ages. In the last 20 years, more and more people choose this type of activity for exercise or activity. It can be combined with other activities such as cycling, mountaineering, or other extreme sports. The municipality of Chania is ideal for trekking because of the morphology of the terrain and the good weather conditions makes it perfect for walking. The best time of the year for this type of activity is from April until October, even though during the summer months you can combine walking and swimming at one of the many beaches within the municipality.
Because of the unique morphology of the terrain, there are several gorges you can visit, each with different levels of difficulty. The most popular are the Samaria Gorge, Gorge of Saint Irini, and Imbros Gorge. One can visit these areas from April on. It is recommended that hikers become informed on permissibility of each gorge. There are other gorges for more advanced hikers that will require a guide, and therefore, you will need to contact a travel agent. Apart from the gorges, with their woodland natural beauty, as hikers you can choose other simple routes, ones that are close to where you are staying. You can walk amongst thousands of olive trees, orange trees and lemon trees, enjoying the scents of nature, away from the sounds of the city and the areas with many tourists. Chose one or more days to hike and visit the local area within the city of Chania, or combine your hike with a day at one of the hundreds of beaches in the area. The experience will be an unforgettable one. You can visit beautiful villages, meet the local people, farmers, and enjoy their company at a traditional village cafe or “kafeneio”. You will find the locals to be very hospitable making your stay a memorable one. For safety reasons, the least number of persons involved in this type of activity should be two. Hikers should also have the appropriate gear such as: - daypack - trekking shoes - waterproof jacket - fleece - water bottle - hat - sunglasses - suncream We recommend that you combine hiking with bicycling in cooperation with Hellasbike, where you can book the trip that interests you. For your next holiday, next year, visit the webpage www.alpine.gr, where you will find different activities and proposals such as trekking, cycling, canoeing etc. DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING Have you ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater? If you want to find out but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, Discover Scuba Diving will let you try scuba to see if you like it. Most PADI dive shops offer a version of this program, either in a pool or other body of water. You might try it while you’re on vacation. While not an actual scuba certification, during the Discover Scuba Diving experience you’ll learn how to use scuba equipment in shallow water and get a
quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater-world. The Fun Part There is nothing like breathing underwater for the very first time. It takes a little getting used to –after all, human beings weren’t designed to do that – but after a few minutes of awestruck wonder, most participants realize how easy scuba diving really is. The biggest challenge instructors have with the Discover Scuba Diving program is not coaxing participants into the water, but coaxing them out when the program is over. The fun part? It’s all fun! Plus, you can get credit! If your Discover Scuba Diving program includes an actual scuba dive in open water, your experience may count toward PADI Scuba Diver (2 days training) or Open Water Diver (4 days training) certification, putting you a step ahead of the game when you decide to go for it. The Discover Scuba Diving program is a one day course and it is the 1st of the training days that someone needed to be a certified diver. Everyone who will do the Discover Scuba Diving Course has the opportunity to continue the training (next 1 or 3 days) to be a certified diver, everywhere in the world, the next one year. What You Learn You learn the basics you need to dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional. One thing you’ll learn is that you really can breathe underwater and whether you like doing that or not. You will: - Learn what wearing scuba equipment feels like and how easy it is to move around underwater while wearing it - Find out what it’s like to breathe underwater and learn whether you can be comfortable there. - Learn some basic skills and safety rules that will carry over to your full scuba certification course when you take the next step. Dive center Initially needed to find a PADI diving center. Our suggestion is to do the course with the experts. The Blue Adventures Diving LTD is the oldest diving center in Chania, the only one in the category as 5 Star Diving Center. They are PADI partners since 1994 and last year, was No2 in Discover Scuba Diving students in Greece. You can make a booking with them through: Email: badiving@otenet.gr) Coming from the store: 69, Daskslogianni str. Old harbour Phone: +302821087047, +302821040403