June 2016, Issue No. 1 www.cretepost.gr
the RETHYMNO POST
READ ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Papalexakis...
The old store with wooden Cretan Musical Instruments
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Conde Nast Traveler
The 14 best Greek islands for holidays during 2016. Why Crete is in the list DPA: German Tourists are Choosing Greece Again this Year
Crete is the most popular Cretan Night at Meronas village Around the Cretan table destination
Greece earns third place worldwide in Blue Flag certification, including 102 Cretan beaches.
15 of them are in Rethymno
Rethymno Cretan Kings
The Kings of Basketball on Crete
Rethymno POST
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Rethymno photo of the month...
Live @ Love @ Laugh It’s
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editorial
by Pandelis Spiridakis gelamou.gr
a new life, it’s a new day, it’s a new start… And I am feel-
ing Good! Summertime, here we are. Enjoying beaches, having our first tan, tasting our first ice cream… doing summer things that make us feel light and free! This is the time we start planning or at least google – checking our ideal vacation. Conde Nast Trraveller picked up the 10 best routes in Europe for a pleasant car trip. Second in the list are Rethimno and Chania. So these are great news… A convertible car is the best idea to enjoy the sun… Cote d’ Azur is the fist place and West Crete comes next! Such a wonderful place to live the summer and make plans on the beach, under the sun. So we are really happy and
lucky… On the other hand most of the half German tourists go for their annual vacations to Mayorka: 39,8 % and their second choice is Crete: 10%. This statistic shows that The Big Crete Summerdream is really hard to fall or resist! So why should anything else matters? For now LIFE IS A BEACH… that is all that matters. This is the only season that a sea splash, a dive or a simple
watermelon slice can make the world smile!!! Visitors are here to live the magic, people taste the cuisine ang get nuts with the beauty of the landscape and the Cretan villages. People in Crete smile, flirt… and have fun. Fun is elixir of living more and living better. Older people here used to say “Fun is the way people invented to steal some more Happy Days”. Wanting it a lot , this is the great secret…
So let’s have this… A June full of that thing : “Fun… is the way people invented to steal some more Happy Days”. Bella Vita , Dolce June vita ragazzi! Make summer start in the most amazing way, your way! • spiridakisp@gmail.com • h t t p s : / / w w w. fa ce b o o k . com/pantelis.spiridakis.7 • https://twitter.com/spiridakispante • https://www.instagram. com/spiridakispantelis
EcoEvents
The whole world of Crete island in your hands E co Trips...
In these trips you will have the opportunity to experience the wild nature of land and the real, traditional Cretan people and lifestyle. A view of Crete lies in front of you, which you wouldn’t have had unless a local took you there.
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- Eco Trip West (Rethymno District) During that journey, you will have the chance to visit a traditional on s click ost.gr w e wood oven bakery in n re ep for mo ttp://cret h Damovolos village, as well as a wooden sculpture museum in Axos vil-
lage and the special and old monastery of St. George of Dioscuri. You will also observe and appreciate the real, traditional Cretan way of cheese making workshop. For lunch, you will have the opportunity to enjoy traditionally grilled lamb “ofto” out in nature with locals, on top of the highest mountain of Crete, named Psiloritis.
- Eco Trip South Coast (Experience of Rethymno south coast District) Eco Trip South Coast is designed especially for sea lovers. So in this journey you will be given a special and magical opportunity to let yourself feel the heart of nature and visit traditional villages such as Spili, a magical votanical garden, as well as south coast, especially Damnoni beach, where you will participate in a In addition, useful informatruly fun fishing cruise tion about ingredients used and fishing trip, and finally is given along with recipes relax in an idyllic beach. as passed from generation to generation. After cooking, you can taste your “creations” at a special dinner and enjoy your efforts and craft with unlimited local wine and bread, Greek music and ...food stories!
Cretan Nutrition Cooking Lesson After walking through the village of Pigi, Mrs. Maria, will be waiting for us to start the cooking lesson. All dishes are made with pure Cretan products such as olive oil, vegetables, cheese, meat, wine, etc. and of course all the ingredients are organic, fresh and coming from our own backyard.
Be Cretan for one night Very close to us lies a traditional village which is famous for its hospitality. Its local chefs will be preparing our dinner using pure Cretan organic products. What follows is the sound of live local Cretan folklore music, accompanied by a traditional dance group, who will offer us an interactive dancing lesson, which will transWine & Olive Oil Tasting form the atmosphere into a You will participate in real Cretan celebration. a fully guided tour of a famous Winery’s lovely So, join us for every kind of herb garden, the ancient excursion to: press, the cellar, the pro- • SANTORINI duction area, the muse- • ELAFONISSI • BALOS um, and the art gallery. After our tour is finished we • KNOSSOS will continue to the wine • SPINALONGA tasting room, where you • SAMARIA will be able to experience • PREVELI a five types of wine tasting, accompanied by a light or any kind of service, such snack of Cretan local prod- as: • CAR RENTAL ucts (meze). Later on, we are going to • ACCOMMODATION visit an olive oil factory • PRIVET TOURS where we are going to learn • SAILING the process of olive oil pro- • WATER SPORTS duction and taste different • HORSE RIDING kinds of the finest olive oil. • JEEP & QUAD SAFARIS
Valid until 9/6/2016
All year deals
for our own people
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June Deals
DIXAN Washing Powder 50 oz. Price per oz:. 0.14 € offer valid until 31/5
KELLOGGS Chocos Coco Pops & Coco Pops 375 grams Price per kg: 10.27 € 7.71 €
PORK STEAK & PORK RIB STEAK Greek-Creta Farms / Price per kg
DIROLLO Classic Cheese Price per kg
We give value to our local products.
Together, we stand by our society and support our economy!
Rethymno Mini City Tour Wandering yourselves along
the history and the smells, the colours and the old rock corners of the town , you can enjoy the most exciting visit... As long as you can spot the most important places of the town to walk, learn, see and take your photos! And we can show you the best Rethymno Mini City Tour Please be our guests...
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news & articles
OLD CITY After the Venetian conquest of Crete (1204), the town of Rethymnon n click o news tepost.gr e r o was built according to /cre for m http:/ the rules of Venetian architecture. The original craftsmen were Venetians, but these later were replaced by Cretanmurari, Venetian-trained master builders. The private mansions of Rethymnon are not as impressive as those of Venice, mainly for financial reasons. Furthermore, the strong traditions of Cretan architecture could not be overcome, and Renaissance influences are most apparent on building facades. Finally, Greek features are predominant in Rethymnon because most nobles were Greeks, known as “Archondoromeoi” (noble “Romans”, that is, inhabitants of the Eastern Roman Empire). Many buildings with gothic features were lost in the destruction of the town by Ulu Ali in 1571, while Rethymnon was rebuilt almost in its entirety in the third quarter of the 16th century. Many fine examples of Turkish architecture are preserved scat-
tered around the narrow streets fishing boats rocking on the water make a serene and pretty of the old town. picture. In summer the harbour is bustling with life, as the tavRethimno Lighthouse • The lighthouse of the Venetian ernas set their tables outside harbor of Rethymno is the sec- and invite passers-by to try ond largest remaining Egyptian their Greek or foreign cooking. lighthouse in Crete, after the There are daily boat trips from Rethymnon to nearby beaches. lighthouse of Chania harbor. It is built on the edge of the old Some of the boats look like old sea wall of Rethymnon and it wooden sailing ships, complecan be accessed very easily. menting the nostalgic atmo• The lighthouse we see to- sphere of the Venetian harbour. day was built by the Egyptians
during the decade of 1830, when the Turks handed Crete to the Egyptians. Possibly there was an older Venetian lighthouse at the site, just like Chania harbor. • In 1864, the lighthouse came under the supervision of the French Lighthouse Company and today it’s not working. The overall height of the lighthouse
tower is 9 meters. The Venetian harbour of Rethymno The Venetian harbour of Rethymnon no longer provides moorings for Venetian galleys and Turkish warships, but the
up to the fortress. The Public Garden The Public Garden of Rethymno Town, Crete: The beautiful Public Garden is located right in the heart of Rethymno Town and is a true delight for visitors of all ages. The gardens are stunning and famous all over Crete, with many tourists flocking to it. An ideal spot for a day out with your family, the public garden provides all basic amenities required by its visitors. Perfectly suited for children, the Public The Fortezza Hill Garden aims at being not just a The Fortezza (in this case pro- fun experience, but a learning nounced “Fortedza” rather than one as well. “Fortetsa”) is the Venetian fortress of Rethymnon, almost in The Marina of Rethymno the centre of the old town. The The marina of Rethymno is giant Fortezza, with its hidden located within the port of centuries of history, is visible Rethymno on the eastern side from every corner of the town The Marina is just 100 metres and offers panoramic views of from amenities like sailing Rethymnon and the coast to equipment stores, supermarthe west. kets, cafés, restaurants, launThe hill on which the Fortezza dromats, car and motorbike is built was once, in a time lost rentals. in the mists of history, an island joined to Crete by a narrow The Loggia of Rethymno strip of land. Over the centuries The Loggia is probably the oldthe channel silted up and the est building in the city and one hill became part of the Cretan of the few that survived the catmainland. astrophicraid of 1571, conductThe hill of Paleokastro (“Old ed by the Algiers-based pirate Castle”) was probably the site Uluj Ali. of the acropolis of ancient It stood at the north-eastern Rithymna. You can reach the side of the Venetian piazza, Fortezza either through the al- overlooking the sea, since there leys of Rethymnon old town, or, were no buildings on the northern side of Arkadiou str., which was the most important road of the Venetian Rethymnon. It was built in the 16th century, based on a design made by the Veronaarchitect Michele Sanmicheli (who also designed the fortifications of Chania); it followed the example of the Loggia of Venice and of Heraklion, although it did not turn out to be as magnificent as they were. The building has a square plan. Three arches are formed on three of its sides, which spring from square-shaped columns; equally typical are the balcony supports, two on each side. more easily, by following the The Loggia, the Rimondi founcoast road that starts from be- tain (called Vrisakia by local hind the old Venetian harbour. people), and the no longer exFollow the coast road, passing tant Clock tower, were the most tavernas and cafes, for about characteristic monuments 200-300 yards until you reach in the square which used to the small car park on your left, stretch along today’s K. Paleolat the foot of the steps leading ogou str.
Cretan Night at Meronas village
Around the Cretan table One of the most lively vil-
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lages of Amari Municipality, which also holds an important role in the development of the region, is Meronas. Young and old residents keep the traditions and the customs of Amari land alive. In this trip we have organized especially for you, you will have the opportunity to experience the Cretan hospitality and the spirit of ck on li c r s the company displayed .g re new epost for mo ttp://cret h by the Cretans in a very special place that marks the Cretan tradition and music. A new venue operating as an entertainment and culture “workshop” was created at Meronas in August 2013. Its name, “Anagnostikon”, is the title of an old schoolbook symbolizing timeless knowledge. The same place is also a point of display and promotion of local products and handmade creations, that was absent until
now from this region which has priceless treasures in products and arts. In “Anagnostikon”, you will have the opportunity to experience the other side of Crete, the side of tradition, hospitality and company; to taste the authentic Cretan cuisine with high-quality products and to dance to the rhythm of Cretan music. You will definitely have a pleasant time there and we can assure you that you will want to visit this very warm and friendly environment again and again... * The first stop of the excursion is at Potami Dam of Amari, one of the most beautiful spots of Crete, where one can admire the newly made wetland, the leafy landscape, the geomorphological features of the area, as well as the Dam itself. Price: • €38/person • Filming the excursion (videos and photos) €7
The participants have a 10% discount on product purchase or participation in another trip Duration: 4.30 hours Excursion Schedule: 19:00 Departure from Rethymno 19:40 Potami Dam (20 minutes stop) 20:30 Meronas - Cretan night 23:30 Return to Rethymno Useful Information: • The cost of the excursion covers transportation, tour escort, the meal at Meronas village. • Vegetarian meals are available. • The safety of passengers is guaranteed. • There might be a time declination. • The filming of the excursion includes shots of the sites, interviews of the participants and more in order to create a short film starring you. The film will be sent via wetransfer (full high definition) within two
months from the time of the excursion. Menu: • Fava • Myzithra cheese pies or Cabbage pies • Fried Potatoes • Pork with greens • Meat platter • Season salad • Fruit • Non-bottled Wine/Raki All the dishes will be served in the middle of the table per four people. Any extra products or services requested will be charged accordingly. The menu is not binding and can be modified. Eva Cook - Sales Manager Contact numbers: 00306932439181 00302831056672 Ari Velouchioti 2, Rethymno www.checkincreta.com info@checkincreta.com
Papalexakis...
The old store with wooden Cretan Musical Instruments Today by the Great Gate of
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news & articles
Rethymnon locals and tourists admire and listen to the sweet sounds of a newly finished Lyra by George Papalexakis. «It is an art that requires great detail, fine craftsmanship and unending patience.» Drugging myself from road to road in the old town of Rethimno, I suddenly met Nikos – the guy in the photo… As you can see he creates tradiotional Cretan music instruments, an art of many generations… ck on ws cli post.gr e n e r Inspiration… is his last e for mo ttp://cret h brilliant idea! His store is the most loved corner for all the visitiors in Rethymnon. Nikos Papalexakis created a giant lyra according to the characteristics of a classic Cretan traditional lyra, which produces the exact same sound of a cello. The amazing is that this lyra has taken part in real concerts… Everything really started with
te story of George Papalexakis, the father of Nikos. He made his first ‘Lyra’ when he was around six years old and this he did using a piece
of wood that looked a bit like a Lyra then he placed 3 nails on the top and 3 on the bottom and used some fine wire as strings. For the bow he took a branch and with some donkey tail hairs tied them to the top and bottom of the branch. During his time in Athens in his spare time he often went
of Rethymno, he had a desire and a passion to create and craft which as time went on increased within him. Gianna Bulmer – a well known musician – stopped at the store and played the giant lyra, which attracted all the passengers and took photos of the moment. She loves classic music and
Laugh- with a Happy Mood The back and body of the Lyra is usually made from wood such as walnut, mulberry, wild pear, rosewood, cherry as well as other types of wood. You begin by outlining the shape of the Lyra onto a piece of wood and then cut out the shape. You then continue to empty the wood from the inside using different tools as you continues to a certain level. The top face of the Lyra is made from a special type of very old wood called Katrani found mainly as the beams used in old Turkish and Venetian houses in Crete Another part of the Lyra is the rider and tongue - the soul of the instrument which only the correct type of wood can be used to create the right sound. The strings are metallic and different qualities. In the latter days, strings were made from animal intestines which even today there are some old craftsmen do still use to make strings. The bow is that
to Cretan Tavernas and gatherings where there was live music. Some years later when he returned to his home town
takes part at concerts in German, so she didn’t miss the chance to try playing the unexpected giant lyra.
for a violin but we also make our own traditional handmade styled bows decorated with bells.
Pilot Beach Resort in Georgioupolis, Chania tops German searches The
Side Royal Paradise topped the couples’ ranking for Turkish hotels in the fortnight from May 2-15, although it had not even featured in the top ten list in the previous fortnight. The Adalya Ocean moved up two places to second ahead of the
Miracle Resort. In Greece, the Pilot Beach Resort came top of the couples’ ranking ahead of the Atrium Palace and the Apollo Beach, while the former leader Ikaros Beach slid to fifth place. Overall, the Pilot Beach led the Atrium Palace and Vantaris Beach in the two-week period. Most
enquiries by families went to the Pilot Beach Resort, the Lindos Princess and the Mitsis Norida Beach. The most popular hotel for couples in Spain was the Lopesan Costa Meloneras but the Prinsotel La Pineda on Majorca rose six places to second, ahead of the SBH Costa Calma Palace.
Overall, the Blau Punta Reina remained top of the Spanish ranking, with the Prinsotel second and the Aparthotel Protur Floriana Resort third. In the family ranking, the top three remained the Blau Punta Reina, the Iberostar Club Cala Barca and the Garbi Cala Millor. FVW
Our passengers can explore the best destinations of Rethimno and Chania, as we provide bus routes from the bus station of Rethimno directly to the airport Of Chania!
Αγοράστε online το εισιτήριο σας You can buy online your ticket
Kefalogiannidon Street 74100 Informations : 2831 022212 Storehouse: 2831 022659
Kydonias & Parth. Kelaidi Chania 73100 Informations : 2821 093052 Storehouse: 2821 097497
DPA: German Tourists are Choosing Greece Again this Year
Crete is the most popular destination Despite
the refugee crisis and tax hikes in Greece, German tourists are opting once again to holiday under the Greek sun, Deutsche Welle said , citing a report of the German Press Agency (dpa). According to the dpa, despite “gloomy forecasts” made by Greek tourism representatives that refer to a dramatic reduction in bookings to Greece this summer due to the refugee crisis and the increase in the value-added tax n o (VAT) rate at popular s click ost.gr re new ep for mo ttp://cret Greek tourist destinah tions, this does not seem to be verified in practice, at least in relation to data provided by German tour operators. As a representative of the Ger-
man Travel Association (DRV) informed the dpa, this year’s booking figures to Greece are exceeding those of 2015, which had recorded a record. According to data from DRV, German travellers are opting this year for the popular tourist
destinations of Crete, Rhodes and Corfu. On the other hand, bookings are sluggish to Samos and Kos, mainly due to the massive arrival of refugees and immigrants from Syria and other major trouble spots. Meanwhile, the German Asso-
ciation for Consumer Research GfK has come to the same conclusions. According to GfK, bookings to Greece in 2016 will rise compared with last year’s summer tourist season, partially due to the decline in demand for Turkey, because of recent terrorist attacks in the country, especially in Istanbul. Last year Turkey had ranked third on the list of favorite destinations of the Germans. The dpa added that bookings to Egypt have also declined, for similar reasons. On the other hand, according to the dpa, tourist traffic is expected to increase significantly at Spanish and Portuguese destinations. news.gtp.gr
Conde Nast Traveler
The 14 best Greek islands for holidays during 2016. Why Crete is in the list
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news & articles
The 14 best Greek Islands to
shares her favourites… includ- SOS is glorious, despite the steady stream of coach parties visit during 2016 are high- ing Crete”. (go early: it opens at 8am). lighted by the leading travel The 16km-long SAMARIÁ magazine Conde Nast Travel- CRETE Best for: Antiquities, active GORGE also teems with piller. CNT even quotes Lord Byron: adventures and sunshine all grims, but there are 50 more canyons to explore, often with ‘The isles of Greece, the isles of year round only the elusive kri-kri (wild Greece, eternal summer gilds them yet…’ and comments that Greece’s largest island, Crete goats) for company. the poet “was on to something has ancient ruins, snow-capped With the exception of ELOUNwhen he waxed lyrical about peaks and beaches galore. Sun- DA – a pocket of bling popular shine is pretty much guaran- with oligarchs – the north-east the Greek islands. But with more than 200 to teed year round, but spring is coast is scarred by over-develchoose from, which one is especially lovely for rambling opment. Instead head south, where there are miles of empright for you? Here regular is- and sightseeing. The Minoan palace of KNOSty sand dunes, sprinkled with land-hopper RACHEL HOWARD
SIMPLE yoga retreats such as YOGA ROCKS at TRIOPETRA and YOGA PLUS at AGIOS PAVLOS. Or take a back-to-nature break with WILD FITNESS at MILIA, a 17th-centruy hamlet powered entirely by solar energy. Time slows almost to a standstill in the mountain villages, where locals with formidable whiskers welcome you with shots of raki (Cretan grappa) for breakfast and celebrate saints’ days with a volley of gunshots. Even the road signs are peppered with bullet holes.
‘Water Airports’ to Serve Ionian Isles, Cyclades, Crete via Pylos The Peloponnese port town
of Pylos is among 28 other locations across Greece to get the green light for the construction of a waterway. Greek company Water Airports will be responsible for the said waterway, which was an initiative of the Pylos – Nestor Municipality, aiming to boost accessibility and promote the Messina region’s tourist product with the luxury Costa Navarino resort at its core of activities. “The licensing of waterways in
our municipality marks a new era for tourism development and growth of the local economy. A dream come true, making us more optimistic about the future and our country,” said Pylos – Nestor Mayor Dimitris Kafantaris. The decision paves the way for tourism development of Western Greece thanks to the access it will provide to the region as well as the links to other destinations. Flights from or via the Pylos
waterway will serve Crete, the Ionian and Cyclades islands, Patra, Corinth, Katakolon and Nafplion and will also provide immediate access to the Kalamata airport. “We believe the Pylos waterway will play a pivotal role for the sustainable operation of seaplanes in Western Greece. Pylos is undeniably a great tourist destination, developing thanks to careful planning which focuses on quality,” Water Airports president Tasos Govas said.
In the meantime, the licensing procedure for the country’s second waterway after Corfu, on Paxoi, is almost complete, with the first hydroplane to the Ionian islands expected to take off in late August. At the same time, media reports claim that the same procedure for the Patra waterway will also be complete by the end of next month, paving the way for the arrival of the first seaplanes from neighboring Croatia with European Coastal Airlines (ECA). news.gtp.gr
University of Crete revokes doctorate of German academic The
Political Science department of the University of Crete has stripped Heinz Richter, former professor of Greek and Cypriot modern history at the University of Mannheim, of an honorary doctorate. The 75-year-old professor was tried by a Greek court for his 2011 book “Operation Mercury: The Invasion of Crete,” in which he addressed what he saw as myths regarding the resistance movement on the island during WWII, marking the first time an individual was being charged under a new Greek anti-racism law. While Richter was acquitted, the Cretan faculty was irked by comments he made to Kathimerini earlier on this month in which s click re new tepost.gr o m r e fo r c / he pointed out that if http:/ the university revoked his title
it would be the second time in history that a German was stripped of such a title, following the case of Thomas Mann whose doctorate was revoked
by the Nazi regime. In a statement, the faculty said the title was based on “established conditions founded on merit” and criticized Richter for
his “generalizing derogatory references to history and the people of Crete, in the public domain.” eKathimerini
Free Wi-Fi at Popular Archaeological Sites, Museums in Greece
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Free
WiFi will be available at 20 popular archaeological sites and museums in Greece, following an agreement announced between the Greek telecommunications provider OTE Group and the Culture and Sport Ministry. The investment, which exceeds 2 million euros, aims to promote the cultural heritage
of Greece through technology and the interactive contact of the public with the monuments. Already, Greeks and foreign visitors are enjoying free WiFi in the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens and the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes. This year, the service will grad-
ually extend to the following attractions: Acropolis of Athens, Archaeological site of Knossos, Archaeological Site of Delphi, Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai, Akrotiri of Thera and Archaeological Site of Delos. In 2017, free WiFi will also be available at the following
museums and sites: National Archaeological Museum, Archaeological Site of Olympia, Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, Acropolis of Lindos, Ancient Epidaurus, Acropolis of Mycenae, Spinalonga, Museum of Byzantine Culture, Archaeological Site of Dodona and Ancient Korinthos.
Enjoy shopping in Crete
LIVE AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE ON CRETE DURING YOUR HOLIDAY BY SIMPLY CHOOSING THE STYLE YOU PREFER AND ENJOY SHOPPING In the towns of Crete, there are many alternatives for all tastes and it’s certain that you will be excited with the wide array of products provided for you. You will find stores that trade exclusive brands, chain stores, little shops, open markets etc. In the town of Rethymno you will find all types of shops and stores to be found in large cities (clothing, footwear, beauty items, accessories, books, toys and much more). Besides, in many villages of Crete, you will come across small shops selling local produce such as olive-oil, raki, honey, wine, rusk rolls and cheese. Moreover, there are stores where one can purchase top quality leather items and fur. Besides that, there are stores selling traditional linen items
(hand-embroidered items), handcrafted items made of copper, brass, wood, ceramics, woven carpets etc. At the tourist shops, you can buy souvenirs, as well as beachware. Jewelery shops provide a wide array of designers’ brands, as well as copies from the Minoan
and Byzantine Period. Do not miss a visit to the open markets, where all fresh high quality produce imaginable is available. At the supermarket, you can buy virtually everything: meat, fish, salads, fruit, cheese, vegetables, spirits etc. Mini markets are open long
hours in tourist resorts, selling anything one can imagine: drinks, postcards, newspapers and magazines, books and souvenirs. There are kiosks everywhere selling tobacco, chocolate, crisps, chewing gum, soft drinks, ice-cream, magazines and newspapers.
Greece earns third place worldwide in Blue Flag certification, including 102 Cretan beaches The European Environment
Agency announced that the Greece won 430 Blue Flag awards for beaches and 9 for marinas and was ranked third worldwide for 2016 (after Spain with 588 Blue Flag beaches and Turkey with 444 Blue Flag beaches) in terms of Blue Flag certification. The agency’s annual report also evaluates the quality of the sea water. Greece has earned fourth place in Europe with regard to the quality of its bathing waters for this year, according to data published by the European Environment Agenck on li c r s .g cy. re new epost for mo ttp://cret h The report noted that 97.2 percent of areas inspected were deemed to be outstanding. Over 1,500 bathing areas, including beaches, lakes and rivers, were inspected last year, out of which 1,499 were defined as top quality spots for swimming, the report said. Of the 430 Greek beaches that were awarded the Blue Flag, 102 are in Crete with Lasithi topping the number of Cretan awards.
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CHANIA [29] Municip. Kandanou Selinou • Voulismeni • Grammeno • Pachia Ammos • Chalikia
•
Sougia
•
Skaleta
Municipality Kissamou • Falasarna/Pachia Ammos 1 • Falasarna/Pachia Ammos 2 • Kasteli/Mavros Molos-Plaka
Municip. Mylopotamou • Panormo/Limni • Lianos Kavos Lavris • Bali Livadi
Municipality Platania • Platanias • Platanias /Limanaki • Kolymvari • Rapaniana
Municip. Agiou Vassiliou • Plakias • Rodakino • Agia Galini/Ystero Varkotopi • Souda
Municipality Chanion • Stalos • Ag. Apostoli 1 • Ag. Apostoli 2 • Chrissi Akti • Agia Marina • Kalamaki • Marathi • Stavros • Agios Onoufrios • Kalathas Municipality Apokoronou • Maistrali • Kalyves Xyda • Almyrida • Kyani • Kavros • Kavros /Eliros Mare • Perastikos RETHYMNO [15] Municipality Rethymnis • Rethymno 1 • Rethymno 2 • Rethymno 3 • Rethymno 4/Myssiria • Platanias Β/Rethymno 6 • Adelianos Kampos A • Pigianos Kampos
IRAKLIO [17] Municipality Maleviziou • Ellinoperamata • Fodele • Ammoudara 1 • Ammoudara 4 • Ammoudara 5 Municipality Chersonissou • Limenas Chersonissou 5 • Agios Georgios 1 • Agios Georgios 3 • Anissaras • Agios Georgios 2/Panagia Rizi • Drapanos • Potamos • Potamos A • Kokkini Chani • Agia Pelagia/Menopetra • Kastri/Creta Maris Municipality Festou • Matala LASITHI [41] Municip. Agiou Nikolaou • Spiliada
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Poros 1 Poros 2 Elounda Pigaidakia Eloundas Schisma Elounda 1 Driros Chiona Plaka Chavania 2 Agios Nikolaos 1 Agios Nikolaos 2 Agios Nikolaos 3 Ammoudi Kitroplateia Ammos/Marina Almyros Ammos/Dimotiki Pilos Ammoudara Voulisma Agios Panteleimonas Karavostasi Chavania 1 Mirabello
Municipality Sitias • Sitia 1/Galliko • Vai/Finikodasos • Kouremenos • Chiona • Kato Zakros • Vourlia • Analipsi • Makrygialos Langoufa Municipality Ierapetras • Ierapetra 1/Dimotiki • Ierapetra 2/Dimotiki • Agia Fotia • Myrtos • Koutsounari/Agios Ioannis • Koutsounari 2 • Achlia Schinokapsalon
Why Swimming Is So Good for You Swimming is an almost ideal way to stay in shape. If you don’t already swim, it’s not too late to start. And if you don’t like to swim, there’s a wide range of other workouts you can do in water.
between laps. Over time, work out longer, preferably using different strokes and speeds. Because swimming places less demand on the heart than running and other sports, your heart rate won’t go up as high. That means your target heart rate—if you know it—will be Swim your heart out If you’re looking for exercise lower by 10 to 20 beats per that improves heart and lung minute. capacity, but is gentle on your joints, swimming is a top Blood sugar and blood preschoice. sure control Like other aerobic exercise Several studies have found that such as running, it can improve swimming can improve various cardiovascular fitness as well measures of blood sugar conas cholesterol levels, provided trol, such as insulin sensitivity. you swim at a brisk pace. This is true even though swimAim to swim laps for 20 to 40 mers tend to weigh more and minutes at a pace that keeps have more body fat than, say, your heart rate up. Start slowly; runners or cyclists. initially you may need to rest Swimming is beneficial in this
regard not only because it can provide an aerobic workout, but also because the resistance provided by the water builds muscle, which helps with blood sugar control. Some other research has shown that swimming and water exercise programs can help people lower blood pressure. Weight control? Studies on the effects of swimming on weight have produced inconsistent results. While swimming burns a lot of calories (about 600 an hour, on average, depending on the stroke and intensity), recreational swimmers tend to lose less weight than would be expected from other aerobic activities, such as running, cycling or brisk walking.
That may be because cold water dissipates much more heat from the body than air at the same temperature does. There’s some evidence that this leads to increased appetite in the hours after swimming. You’ll burn the most calories doing the butterfly stroke or a fast crawl. Next come the breaststroke and backstroke, then the sidestroke. It’s good to do a few different strokes for a well-balanced workout. Even if swimming doesn’t help you lose weight, it can help reduce body fat and waist circumference, while toning all major muscles (arms, shoulders, hips, legs). Swimming is also a good way for runners and cyclists to cross-train, since it uses different muscles.
Legendary Gastronomy of Crete
Cretan gastronomy is a leg-
end in itself. Capturing the culture and spirit of an island blessed with fertile lands and abundant sunshine, Cretan gastronomy constitutes one of the most characteristic and healthy examples of the Mediterranean diet. Mouth-watering yet nutritious the Cretan cuisine is a legend to be shared with the world. Are you ready to witness the distinctive Cretan culinary tradition and spread the word? Let’s get a taste of the island and a glimpse into genuine Cretan delicacies. Every region of Crete n click o st.gr s w e bears its own microre n epo for mo ttp://cret h climate and therefore has its own characteristic specialties and flavours. The salty breeze meets the sweet scent of vineyards and the sharp smell of cedar coming from Psiloritis creating a flavoursome atmosphere to indulge in a feast of the finest Mediterranean cuisine. Wake up to the fragrant smell of Kalitsounia, sweet cheese pastries stuffed with myzithra
cheese, cinnamon & sugar. Those who rather enjoy salty, savoury foods are advised to try one of the local pies, traditional cheese pies (made of myzithra, xyno-myzithra, graviera and herbs), yogurt pies or hortopites, homemade pies stuffed with local greens (fried fennel pie or pies stuffed with leek, spiny chicory, Mediterranean Hartwort, bryony and spinach). Many variations of fried pastries sprinkled with local cheese and honey are also a common delicacy in Crete.
ley and garlic, fried rabbit with wine and rosemary, Chaniotiko boureki (local pie made of potatoes, courgettes, anthotyro or xinomyzithra cheese and mint), Antikristo (Traditional Roasted lamb or pork meat with sea salt cooked against the fire) and Kakavia (the Cretan fisherman’s soup with assorted small fish, tomatoes, onions, fennel bulbs and parsley) and Goat or rooster with curd staka cheese and spaghetti noodles. After you have experienced the ultimate in Cretan gastronomy make sure not to miss a traditional Cretan feast or wedding celebration. It is your chance to truly understand the Cretan “temperament” and culture and enjoy a dish of “Gamopilafo”, a distinct wedding specialty made with boiled goat and rice that should be accompanied with a glass of local raki or tsikoudia, the distilled alcoholic drink of Crete. Visit Crete, Get a Taste of its Tradition & Spread the most delicious legend!
After a delicious morning there is no better way to start your meals than with a traditional Ntako, a Cretan rusk topped with tomato, feta cheese, olives, oregano and olive oil and a side of local boiled wild greens or apaki (smoked pork with herbs & spices). Some of the must-taste dishes of Crete include Bourbouristoi Chochlioi (rolled over snails fried with rosemary), vine leaves or zucchini blossoms stuffed with rice, minced meat, onion, www.cycladia.com oregano, tomato, cloves, pars-
Raki or Tsikoudia? The taste is the same!
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food & wine
Raki or Tsikoudia is a local Cretan distilled alcoholic drink, a clear and fragrant liquor, which visitors are offered as a welcoming gesture, or at the end of a meal. Raki contains about 37% alcohol, similar to Scotch whiskey or gin.
It is served straight, in shot glasses, usually well chilled. Every autumn, after the grape harvest, various wine celebrations begin. Then comes the manufacture of raki. The custom of distilleries was instituted by Eleftherios Veni-
zelos in 1920, when special permits were given to farmers to distill raki for additional income. The strafylla (crushed grapes), what is left behind once grapes have been pressed to make wine, are slowly boiled in special cauldrons.
Drop by drop, raki begins to flow; very strong at first, almost pure alcohol, and then properly balanced. The cretan raki is not just a local product. It is an intrinsic part of the identity of the local culture and expresses cretan hospitality.
Recipe of the month
Snails with potatoes and fennel INGREDIENTS • 1/2 kilo snails • 4 potatoes, quartered • 2 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped • 3/4 cup olive oil • 3/4 cup olive oil • 1 large onion, finely chopped • 3 tablespoons red wine • Salt and pepper to taste
PREPARATION Place the snails in a deep bowl filled with tepid water and
cover with a dish. Allow them to stand for 30 minutes. When the snails begin to move, remove the thick membrane covering their orifice with a knife and scrub any other waste from their shell (if a snail has not come off its shell, it is probably not alive). Rinse meticulously under plenty of tap water and let them boil in some saltwater for 5 minutes. Take them out with a ladle, put them into a colander and pour
off any excess liquid. Saute the onion with the olive oil in a saucepan, add the fennel, stir and extinguish with wine. Add 1 cup of water and let
food simmer for about 25 minutes. Then add the potatoes, snails, tomatoes, salt and
pepper. Continue boiling for 30 minutes over moderate heat. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
Rethymno Cretan Kings
The Kings of Basketball on Crete qualified to play in the final of the Greek Cup, after defeating the top-tier level Greek League teams PAOK, Panionios, Sporting, and Kolossos Rodou. Rethymno was finally defeated by the Euroleague powerhouse Panathinaikos, by a score of 87-48 in the championship game of the 2007 Greek Cup, but nevertheless, Rethymno secured a new strong place in the Greek pro leagues after the team’s showing. After originally being named Rethymno Aegean, the club changed its name to Rethymno Cretan Kings in 2015.
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Rethymno
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sports & leisure
Cretan Kings B.C. (Greek: Ρέθυμνο Cretan Kings), is a Greek professional basketball club that was founded in Rethymno, Crete, in 1986. The club is also common-
ly known as Rethymno B.C. (Ρέθυμνο K.A.E.). The team was previously known as Rethymno Aegean B.C., or Athlitikos Gymnastikos Omilos Rethymno (Α.G.Ο.R.) (Αθλητικός Γυμναστικός Όμιλος Ρεθύμνο (Α.Γ.Ο.Ρ.).
The team’s parent athletic club was founded in 1965. History The team’s greatest accomplishment occurred during the 2006–07 season, when the team
Honors and Titles • Greek Cup Finalist: 2006– 07 • B Basketball League : 200405 • C Basketball League : 200304