uniquecreta.gr

What is happening here is amazing. Wherever on the island you are heading, the landscape constantly changes. Crete is an island full of contrasts with a scenery which is different every few meters. If you like the sea, you will find exactly what you want. Shallow or deep, warm or cold waters, sandy or rocky coasts, crowded or remote and unspoiled beaches. If you prefer mountain getaways for strolling, or steep cliffs for climbing, there are plenty of them here, too. Canyons, rivers, waterfalls, mountain shelters, traditional villages, archaeological sites, lush vegetation with many endemic plants and rich fauna of animals and birds.   The organization of the island as well as its tourist infrastructure can cover every taste and need. Hiking, mountaineering, cycling, horse riding, mountain and sea skiing, diving, paragliding, sailing, windsurfing, or whichever other activity you like, is available for you. In two words, Ι call it "an ideal dest...

Nikos Sarandos, who lives and operates in Heraklion, won the first prize at the “Flash Film Festival” in Berlin for "Super short Drone" for his film "The Face of Abandonment". In the video of the movie posted on YouTube that surpasses 90,000 views, Nikos Sarandos says about his content: "It could be a village in the warring Syria that one night was abandoned by its inhabitants trying to save themselves”. Just 80 km east of Heraklion and next to Ano Viannos, is the village of Kalami. A village built in a magnificent scenery, next to mountains, rivers and dense vegetation, which makes you wonder why people left it to desert. Open doors and windows, in deserted houses, with scattered objects on the floors, between tattered clothes, notebooks with half-finished notes, dishes and glasses in their cases ready for re-use. Above all, however, the scent of abandonment  and the feeling of melancholy in a village that a few decades ago was full o...

On New Year's Eve, the traditional carols are sung, while many Cretans use to welcome the new year with fireworks and aerial shots, the so-called “mpalothies”. In the morning of the New Year’s Day and as the bells ring, they all go to church (especially in villages). After the church,, each of them brings a stone to his house, as a symbol of good fortune (the bigger the stone the better  the fortune will be). Another New Years'  Day custom on the island, is the breaking of a pomegranate at the entrance of the house and the “askeletoura”.   “Askeletoura”, is a wild plant growing on the Cretan mountains and looks like a big onion. As this plant continues to grow new leaves even when it is uprooted, the locals believe that its vital force can be transmitted to them. So they hang it in their homes. Though, this ancient custom of good luck dating back to the 6th century is still preserved in many regions throughout Greece. 

Sometimes in our lives we cannot find the appropriate words to describe the greatness of what we see. Words are poor in front of the view of this place that embraces everything in it.  The sea meeting the steep, imposing rocks, the bright sky…

Look at these amazing pictures, taken from the Cretan mounts, on Christmas Day. Photos by e-kriti

Two days before Christmas, and Crete is decorated all over.  Its towns, its villages full of flashing lights  emiting warmth and a sense of expectation for better days to come, while the smell of melted sugar and all kinds of sweets is filling the clear winter atmosphere.    Heiraklio Chania Rethymno Agios Nikolaos

Tsikoudia, is the most famous Cretan drink, worldwide. Although its roots are found in Ancient Greece, the first permission of its distillation was given by Eleftherios Venizelos (Prime Minister of Greece) in the 1920s. Tsikoudia, the so called “raki” in the island, is a pure drink produced from the remains of the must after the wine production while its production, takes place during autumn. Many producers also make tsikoudia with various fruity flavors (froutoraki) or a tsikoudia with honey (rakomelo). It is certainly the symbol – drink of the Cretans, offering it as a treat in all occasions. 

Crete, is the largest greek island, located in the heart of the Mediterranean sea and between three continents. Ιt is a rich place in every respect. From its history, monuments, culture, and the feelings of its inhabitants to the production of its products Cretan landscape is full of contrasts, as the visitor can see and enjoy the sea, the snowy mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, canyons and anything else he can imagine and wish for. The largest cities of the island are Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon, and Agios Nikolaos, while there are many towns and thousands of picturesque villages, that one can visit and spend unique moments. The island's flora is full of beautiful plants and trees, many of which are endemic. The coasts of the island are simply endless and for every taste. Sandy, rocky, with shallow or deeper, warm or cooler waters. Organized beaches as well as quiet isolated bays are all around. The climate is mild and sunny, most of the time, maki...