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Although Crete is a Greek island, the local dialect is typical with many idioms. It’s spoken all over Crete but is more popular among the villages residents.  A lot of its words came from the Roman and Turkish domination period on the island. Since I was born and raised in Athens, learning the more I can of these words with the adorable accent is a big challenge to me. I wish and hope the new generation won’t let their ancestors characteristic way of speaking vanish.

Early this morning I felt so lucky! I had the chance to drink my coffee in Lygaria. Lygaria, is a settlement about 20km away from Heraklion.  From the spot I visited, I enjoyed a divine, panoramic view of the Lygaria beach. As you can see it form the upper part, the beach is a small bay, protected from the winds, with light to deep blue coloured waters calling you to dive in. I wish next time I’ll get there I’ ll have the chance to do so.  In case you visit the area of Heraklion, I reservedly recommend you to get there and see for yourself!

Achlia beach belongs to the homonymous, seaside settlement located in the prefecture of Lassithi and 17 kilometers away from the beautiful city of Ierapetra. As this enchanting beach is formed in a gulf protected from the winds usually has no waves. In addition, it is sandy while its sea has crystal – clear water with blue – green color. It is a good choice for families but if you have children you should be careful because the water deepens sharply and unfortunately there is no lifeguard in the area, in order to help you in an emergency. Furthermore, the beach of Achlia is well – organized and when you go there you will find umbrellas and sunbeds in order to be protected from the hot, summer sun. In the area, you will also find shops and mini markets where you can buy cold water, refreshments and coffees. Moreover, the wider area around Achlia has food facilities where you can enjoy a genuine, Cretan meal made from pure, local products. Additionally, the beach is ...

Dear sir or madam, I n case you wish to visit the island of Crete for your vacation, Unique Creta is able to find the appropriate hotel in any place of the island you like. Just inform us what exactly you want and then let us find the best accommodation for you. For more information, please mail at: elenairaklio@yahoo.gr .

  Everyone who visits the prefecture of Chania, should try an excursion to this magic place, as Limni Kourna is the only natural lake in Crete. Located close to Georgioupoli   (2.5 km away), it belongs to the Natura 2000 network, has rich and rare flora & fauna and at the same time consists an ideal place for a stroll. The shore is sandy, normally crowded while all kind of the facilities are available. It is a well organized beach with umbrellas & sunbeds, food facilities, water sports facilities, close to pharmacy and doctors office (at Georgioupoli, just 2.5 km away). Should be mentioned that lifeguard isn ’ t available. The water is green, of normal temperature, shallow and calm as the area is protected from winds.               Have fun!

Analipsi is a famous beach that every year attracts lots of visitors. It is located at a distance of 22 km away from the city of Heraklion and on its east side. Analipsi has an amazing coast with thin, pale sand. The crystal – clear sea has a unique light – blue color. In addition, at the beach, there are some rocks that compose a magical and wild landscape.  What is more, the sea has normal depth and sea bed configuration but it is exposed to the winds and usually, has waves. However, it is a perfect place for families with children because it has a really clean marine environment. Additionally, the beach of Analipsi is ideal for the visitors who like water sports as it has the necessary facilities. It is also worth mentioning that the area has a water park where you can have a great time with your kids and your friends. Analipsi beach is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Crete.  

Crete is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean with an endless coastline, so there is no doubt that its seabed is an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts. It is worth mentioning that in the Cretan sea, apart from the big variety of plants and marine species, there are also caves and wrecks to be explored. On the island there are many diving centers with multilingual staff ready to assist you during and after your diving. Diving enthusiasts will be able to experience diving in the Cretan sea, by experts fully equipped and organized. Getting married in the seabed of Crete!

Kourtaliotiko Gorge is located 22 km south of the city of Rethymnon. The Gorge”, took its name from the sound the wind makes as it passes through the cavities of rocks creating whistles that remind of castanets. It’s 7 km long, and crossing it is quite difficult. The Kourtaliotis Gorge, following the name of the river, starts from the village of Koxare, ending on the beautiful beach of Preveli. Its landscape is wild with rich flora and fauna and divided into five streams that join together forming small lakes and a large waterfall. It’s consisted of enormous rocks full of small caves as its rocky slopes reach at 600 meters. To the west of Kourtaliotis River, you can see the "Kato Preveli Monastery", dedicated to the John the Baptist and  the "Piso Monastery of Preveli", which has a particular historical value and played an important role in all the liberation struggles of the Cretan revolution, while at the end of the gorge there is a tropical lake-li...

A very famous cretan dish is “chochlioi boubouristoi”, meaning snails fried in the pan, with vinegar and oregano or rosemary. The chochlioi of Crete have been famous, as they stand out growing free and not in farms,  and with no human intervention. Their collection takes place late at night or early in the morning when it is wet (usually early spring). People who collect them many times have to climb even on steep mountain peaks to find the purest snails nature produces. These snails found on the island’s mountains, are fed by thyme and other bushy plants, thus maintaining their purity. The demand for the chochlioi of Crete, which are an important source of protein, is great all over the world. Thus, livestock units have been built up on the island, where they are fed and grown in special facilities. Though I don’t eat them, I must admit that they are healthy and the favorite gourmet dish of many locals as well as visitors. 

One of my favorite is the beach of Bali located in the prefecture of Rethymno,n at the homonymous seaside settlement in a gulf with a total of four beaches. The sea in this area has a beautiful green-blue water color, is shallow and calm, while the beach is covered with sand and small pebbles. The water has a normal temperature but sometimes maybe is a little bit cooler. Bali attracts thousands of visitors every summer so it is well organized offering lots of comforts as well as a lifeguard, all day long. This is a very beautiful settlement gazing a fantastic landscape and the endless blue sea.  For the water sports lovers, Bali is an ideal destination, too and it is worth mentioning that the beach is one of the greek ones that won the prize of Blue Flag, due to its cleanness, facilities, safety and its emerald waters. 

Crete is an island with so many traditional villages, that is almost impossible for someone to visit all of them.  As, I’ve visited quite enough Cretan villages, I suggest you some of my favourite. Makrygialos in the prefecture of Lasithi Makrygialos is a fishing village located near Ierapetra. This seaside settlement in the Libyan Sea is a favorite destination for lovers of natural beauty. Moreover, the calm waters of the settlements’  sandy beach  are very warm even in October. Margarites in the prefecture of Rethymnon The Margarites village is at an altitude of 300 meters, at the northern foothills of Psiloritis and 27 kilometers away from Rethymnon. As it is a village with tradition in pottery, walking around the alleys you can see clay pots full of flowers, everywhere. Ancient monasteries, paths, chapels hidden in caves as well as canyons, make up the scenery of this picturesque village. Zaros in the prefecture of Heraklion ...

Vrissi beach belongs to the prefecture of Chania and is the main beach of the area of Sfakia along with the beautiful beaches of Iliggas, Filaki, GlykaNera, Marmara, the exotic Loutro and the historical beach of Fraggokastelo. The magic beach of Sfakia consists of sand also having pebbles in various colors and shapes. Moreover, the sea in Vrissi has crystal – clear water with a unique blue color. The area is protected from the winds and the sea has no waves. The waters here are deep and have a low temperature even during the hottest, summer days. The beach is fully organized and suitable for relaxing. There are sunbeds, umbrellas, shower units and there is also a variety of cafeterias, taverns and restaurants. If you like water sports you can do some during your visit at Vrissi beach.  The place is ideal for diving and at the same time, you can rent a canoe there. So, if you are thinking about spending your summer holidays in Chania, don’ t miss to visit th...

Ammoudara beach, located very close to the city center of Heraklion, has a huge sandy coastline with a length of 6 km. being one of the most developed areas in the prefecture. In addition, the combination of its great length and light blue water reminds one of the classic, exotic beaches with the big waves. Ammoudara, is a coastal resort, with an intense touristic activity, canteens and cafeterias located on the beach, offering the visitor cold water, coffees, beverages, fresh juices as well as, lots of fresh and tasteful snacks.  Ammoudara also has many beach bars with loud music as well as lifeguards who oversee the place in order to ensure the safety of the swimmers and intervene in a case of an emergency., It is worth mentioning to the activities offered by this beautiful beach and the information that the beach is also accessible to people with disabilities as it has a corridor for wheelchairs. After all, the beach of Ammoudara won a prize in the Blu...

The beautiful and picturesque Agia Pelagia is one of the most popular and cosmopolitan destinations. It has a stunning and fully – organized sandy beach with crystal – clear water and no waves as the area generally is protected from strong winds. On the beach, you will find everything that is necessary for a comfortable and pleasant day at sea. Furthermore, the beach of Agia Pelagia is an ideal place for people who love water sports as they will find there a water sports center which offers safe and certified services. There, you will also find some small souvenirs shops and mini markets. The wider area has more beaches to visit. One of them is the so called Mononaftis beach which will enchant you because of its fantastic green color water. So if you choose Heraklion for your holidays do not miss an excursion to Agia Pelagia.

In the Prefecture of Lasithi and near the town of Ierapetra, lies the Gorge of Ha.  Although its length is only 1 km, the visitors of Ha Gorge are mainly experienced mountaineers, as its descent is quite dangerous. The Ha gorge is considered as one of the wildest in Greece, as its formation, consists a rare morphological phenomenon of nature, according to geologists. The gorge has rich flora and fauna as well as small lakes which are important wetlands for many migratory birds, but also for permanent birds and mammals. The entrance of Ha is very narrow, about 3 m, and its width in many places does not exceed 3 m, too. Its  sides are huge with a height of 200 to 400 meters. In Ha’s last part a 215 meters waterfall, the largest in Greece, is poured. So, I'd call it an ultimate destination for those who dare!

The “Orino” or “The red butterflies Gorge”, located in southeastern Crete, is an artificial hiking and easily accessible gorge, considered as one of the most beautiful gorges of Crete. It begins from the Orino village, at the east of Ierapetra. In it there are many red butterflies, small streams and small waterfalls all the way while its last three waterfalls near to its exit are among the most beautiful in the whole of the island. As the scenery rotates, the visitor will meet dense vegetation, a mountainous cultivated area and huge rocks sculpted by the nature.

Dried fruits are a favorite food for Greeks since antiquity. In ancient Greece, used to have dried figs as breakfast while consuming dried fruits and nuts during their symposiums, was very common. The dried fruit industry is highly developed in Crete, as climatic conditions favor the production of a wide variety of them. The most common dried fruits are raisins, plums, apricots, figs, pineapples, blueberries, bananas and cherries. Their nutritional value is great as they are rich in trace elements, antioxidants and fiber and essentially contain the same amount of nutrients as fresh fruits. It’s worth mentioning, that unlike fresh fruit, they can be preserved for a long time and be consumed with your food or drink. Besides, their consumption is ideal for those who eat a healthy diet or want to lose weight. Preserve your dried fruits in a sterile glass vase  put in a cool, dry, dark place or in the refrigerator for 6-12 months.

The well known "minions', decided to sing a Cretan song! Though, you cannnot understand the lyrics, I'm sure you'lle enjoy their singing!

Arvi Gorge is one of the most impressive Gorges of Crete, located in the prefecture of Heraklion . Should be mentioned that crossing it is of big difficulty. There are waterfalls along the whole length of the canyon while the downhill can only be reached by rope. Even during the summer, the Gorge has plenty of water coming from the springs of Kefalovrysi. The uniqueness of the Arvis Gorge is that the river penetrates the earth for 150 meters, creating a cave with underground waterfalls but access to this section requires the use of artificial lighting by the visitors. After passing this point the canyon continues to be very narrow as large rocks create bridges above from which you can pass. The trail ends up to the wonderful beach of Arvi.