Crete is a small universe teeming with beauties and treasure that you will probably need a lifetime to uncover! Chania is a beautiful city, the most evocative city, with its pretty Venetian quarter, criss-crossed by narrow lanes, culminating at a magnificent Venetian harbour. It has a natural, privileged, well-protected beauty. Admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountains capes, fertile valleys and steep gorges and become part of the islands’ rich gastronomic culture. Rethymno prefecture lies on the western side of Crete, between the prefectures of Chania and Heraklion. Full of beautiful beaches, archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, quaint villages, and cosmopolitan resorts, Rethymno is one of the most beautiful places in Crete.
Chania Town
With its magnificent Venetian harbour and exotic charm, Chania is definitely one of Crete’s most beautiful cities. From the Minoan settlements, to the Venetian churches and Monasteries, to the Turkish Mosques, to the cobblestoned winding streets, to the candlelit tables of the many restaurants and bistros, to the boats bobbing up and down to the moonlit bay, this city located on the crossroads of several civilizations will enchant and delight you till the very end.
Rethymno Town & surroundings
This area is of great historical importance and natural beauty, with many sightseeing worth to visit. Visitors should not miss a stroll to the Old Town of Rethymno with the Venetian style and the picturesque old port, as well as to the Fortezza above the town. Apart from the sandy beaches, very beautiful are the seaside villages of Rethymno, such as Bali, Agia Galini, and Plakias. The historical Monasteries of Preveli and Arkadi are also very important places to visit in Rethymno.
Beaches
Of course, when visiting Crete, enjoying its famous beaches is a must. On many magazines and sites, the region of Crete, is showcased with the beautiful photo of the Balos Lagoon , this place is a definite must visit! The best way to visit is by boat, where you have also the possibility to visit the tiny uninhabited island Gramvousa. Or else you can travel by car, but from the parking lot you have a 30 minute hike on a footpath, mostly built on stairs. Either way you chose to travel a visit to the place is definitely a must. The beach of Balos has also a stunning color, the sand is pinkish, due to the countless broken shells. Exactly like Elafonisi, the next most beautiful beach. Elafonisi is the most exotic beach of Crete. It is an isolated area, ideal for swimming. The islet near the coast, gives the impression of a lagoon. It has been included in the protected areas Natura, as it is full of dunes with sand lilies and cedars. Also, Elafonisi is visited by the endangered turtles careta careta and many species of rare animals.
Where to stay
Chania Always the first thing you hear about Chania - the Venetian Harbour, the old port, the narrow shopping streets and waterfront restaurants. Chania is a beautiful city. It has a natural, privileged, wellprotected beauty. Sleepless guardians to the south stand the gigantic Madares mountains in all their indestructible, panoramic glory. To the north stretches the multicoloured immensity of the Sea of Crete, embraced by its gorgeous, long-armed capes. And all around lies its land, scarlet and green-haired, sown with wild silver gorges. KATO DARATSO The peaceful village of Kato Daratso is packed full of traditional Greek charm. Located west of Chania on the island of Crete, its main streets are lined with quaint shops and bars. There’s also a handful of beaches right on your doorstep and secluded coves for the ultimate relaxation. STALOS Stalos is located 7km west of Chania, between Kalamaki and Agia Marina. Like the wider area, Stalos is well developed and attracts a large number of visitors each summer. Kato Stalos, which is the coastal part of Stalos, has a fantastic sandy beach awarded every year with blue flag. Pano Stalos, located 150m souther, is a beautiful village, surrounded by green hills and amazing formations of rocks. It is close to the city of Chania and offers all necessary services to its visitors. There are also regular bus services to the city of Chania. AGIA MARINA Agia Marina in Chania, is one of the largest touristy resort of Western Crete and located about 11km from Chania town. Agia Marina is built along a beautiful sandy beach and it is located on the main coastal road. Lots of restaurants, Greek taverns, bars, clubs and shops can be found in this area. It has an interesting nightlife and a peaceful village atmosphere at the same time! In Agia Marina village you can warm yourself with the Cretan sun and local hospitality. PLATANIAS Platanias is located in west Crete, just 12km west of
Chania. It is one of the most popular tourists resorts in Crete and is so close to Agia Marina that they have essentially merged into a single large resort. A busy nightlife, bars, restaurants, a large sandy beach and countless hotels along the seafront are the basic features of Platanias, the main tourist resort of Chania Prefecture. GERANI The village of Gerani is quite a large village about 5kms west of Rethymnon, below the village there is a beautiful bay. Gerani is known for its small river and the caves located in the bay. The sandy beaches are about 2km further to the west and Episkopi beach about 6kms. GEORGIOUPOLIS A place where there is always something happening, day and night. The main quaint square is lined with cafes, local tavernas and souvenir shops. Georgioupolis offers a warm and relaxing holiday experience for all ages, where guests can enjoy authentic Cretan hospitality in a laid back and inviting environment. RETHYMNO TOWN Rethymno Town, the capital of Rethymno Greece, is the center of activities. Strongly influenced by the Venetians, Rethymno Town boasts elegant architecture and a picturesque port. Off Rethymno Old Town, there are many cosmopolitan beach resorts, such as Bali, Agia Galini, Plakias, and Adelianos Kampos. ADELIANOS KAMPOS Adelianos Kampos is located six kilometres east of Rethymnon and not far from the small, charming village of Adele. It is one of the best beach resorts in Crete because of its long and sandy beach and it has plenty of choice in terms of bars, restaurants and budget hotels. PANORMO Panormo is located beween two mountains, 22km from the seaside City Rethymnon in the northwest of Crete. The traditional small coastal village Panormo has a small harbour surrounded by taverns and cafes.
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