The ABC of Crete

Crete has two international airports, receiving thousands of visitors every month, particularly during the summer season. The largest airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" is situated in Heraklion, very convenient for all the guests choosing a destination on the eastern side of the island. The second airport, "Yiannis Daskalogiannis", is located near Chania covering the western part of Crete. Many European countries maintain charter and scheduled flights to both of the Cretan airports.

Crete's coastline consists of almost 1.050 kms divided up into rough rocks leading up to steep cliffs and fine, sandy and pebble beaches, most attractive for all holidaymakers. We are proud of the fact that a large proportion of the Cretan beaches have been awarded the European Blue Flag, signifying clean water and sand. Frequently visited beaches offer umbrellas and sunbeds for clients' comfort and a variety of water sports facilities. However, if you desire a quieter place, Crete has beautiful , remote, sandy bays, scattered all over the coastline around the island. Last but not least, the Caretta-Caretta's, which are huge turtles, a protected species returning to Crete's beaches during the breeding season.

Good weather stands for an essential ingredient for a successful vacation. The climate on our island is mild subtropical: gentle winters and warm summers. The lowest temperature in winter can usually be measured in January and February with a minimum of approx. 10 degrees Celsius. And yes, rain showers do touch Crete! The marvelous view of snow covered mountain peaks may last until June. In contrast, the summers are long and excellent with a temperature in August varying between 28 to 38 degrees Celsius, resulting in an attractive seawater-temperature of about 22 degrees Celsius. May, June and September offer pleasant temperatures also for active programs. Eventually in May and October for a day or two we may be surprised by light rain.

"Yamas!" = Cheers! Most proudly the Cretans introduce the National drink of the island, RAKI. A crystal clear liquid, distilled from grape pips and skin, with an alcohol percentage of up 42. Raki is one of the regular drinks in the village-"kafeneion" and can be accompanied with some olives, goats cheese and sliced tomato. A must to try! Weaker in strength, but very tasty, is ouzo, you will clearly recognize the smell of aniseed. Greece offers a great choice of coffee: the popular iced-coffee is called "Frappe", the "Greek Coffee" is served in a tiny cup (it has a thick sediment of coffee at the bottom of the cup) and is accompanied by a glass of water and the "Filtro" or "Nescafe" is equivalent to the usual European coffee.

The Minoan Civilization, 2600 - 1100 B.C., the earliest known Western civilization. During this period, there was a great development in architecture creating the islands significant magnificent palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia en Zakros, all beautifully decorated with impressive, brightly-coloured frescoes, illustrating the quality of life of the Minoan culture. In 1900, the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans started his successful excavations in Knossos and brought to light the palace of King Minos.

A translation of the essentials of Greek cuisine. Tzatziki (yoghurt dip with garlic and cucumber), Taramasalata (Fish roe pate), Horiatiki (Greek Salad), Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), Keftedes (meat balls), Saganaki (Fried cheese), Papoutsakia (stuffed eggplant), Moussaka (Baked aubergines with minced meat and bechamel sauce), Pastitio (Macaroni and minced meat pie), Souvlaki (pieces of meat on a skewer), Barbounia (red mullet), Kalamarakia (squid), Oktapodi (Octopus), Baklava (sweet). "Kali Orexi" = Bon Appetite.

Vineyards can be found all over Crete, but one of the most outstanding areas for grapes is around the village of Archanes. The harvest takes place in August. Crete produces two kinds of grapes, those for consumption and others for delicious Cretan wines available in: white, rose, red and bordeaux. Of particular interest is Retsina, a white wine, a favourite of the locals for its resinous taste. Cretan Rosaki and Sultana raisins are appreciated even beyond the frontiers.

Herbs grow everywhere on Crete, in uncultivated areas, mountain hills and people's backyards to be used in the kitchen for spicy local recipes and for medicinal purposes, the old-fashioned remedies for colds, sore throats and stomach-problems. Dictamos, dill, oregano, thyme and chamomile are just some examples. An original souvenir is the famous thyme-honey of the island. Art on Crete is expressed in handicrafts such as pottery, weaving, wood-carving and embroidery, all being traditions passed down from generation to generation.

There is no way to describe the character of a Cretan in two words! They can be compared to Cretan's landscape, full of sharp contrasts: proud and sensitive, wild and friendly. Their hospitality to foreign visitors encourages fun and personal contact with the locals. Cretans are very fond of family ties and traditions , they get together almost daily, thoroughly enjoy their meals and local wine, love fierce discussions (their favourite subjects are politics, their vineyards, olives groves and children) and are most loyal in friendships. Their passion is expressed in dances and folksongs. Foreign visitors are often deeply impressed by their friendliness and generous hospitality.

The island has a good climate and fertile land for cultivation. Agriculture creates labour and the island produces a range of products like citrus fruits, olives, grapes, almonds, bananas, tomatoes and cucumbers. Cretan shepherds keep large flocks of goats and sheep. The fishermen, on their "Kaikis" (little fishing boats), supply the markets and restaurants with fresh fish daily. Business and industry is concentrated around the main towns. Jobs in tourism have increased considerably over the past fifteen years.

The world-famous, wild, mountain goats, dark brown in colour with a characteristic black line over its back, have been preserved and now live on a few small islands around Crete, though still live freely in the famous gorge of Samaria. The government has ordered its protection, as the locals love this meat, said to be delicious , and a continuation of its hunting would not leave these beautiful and exceptional animals a chance to survive.

Crete's landscape is dominated by the three mighty mountain ranges (Lefka Ori, Ida and Dikti) with their highest peaks over 2.000 m looking over magnificent gorges (e.g. Samaria, Imbros, Kourtaliotiko) and embracing fertile plateaus and valleys (e.g. Omalos, Lassithi, Messara). The island possesses rivers, one freshwater lake, densely wooded areas and hidden caves. The mountain hills descend slightly towards the north coast and allow native agriculture. Main towns like Heraklion, Chania and Rethymnon are situated on the northern side of the island and have a denser population. The southern side of Crete is steep in many places and interrupted by parts of sandy beaches. Crete has natural (Souda, Agios Nicolaos) and manmade harbours (Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion).

Folksongs keep traditions alive which have been enjoyed for centuries. The expression of passion and spirit of freedom make the music intense and part of every family and village celebration. The "Mantinades" are wise songs of life implying the meaning of love and death. The main musical instruments are the Laouto, the Bouzouki and Lira, all stringed instruments. Folk dances, some calm and graceful, others influenced by pride and emotions, can also be enjoyed at the organised Cretan Evening excursions.

Bars and discotheques are concentrated in the towns and major tourist resorts. Besides the popular international music and Top 10 hits, the modern Greek music plays a very significant role. Particular Bouzouki (night)-clubs continue their program until the early hours of the morning, an attraction for a mixture of Greek adults and youngsters. Local singers perform their passionate acts and encourage the crowd to dance.

The island has numerous olive trees (there are said to be over 16 million!), covered by fragile white blossoms at springtime and heavily loaded with ripe olives halfway through the winter. The harvest starts in December and brings the complete family to the groves for the intensive labour. The process starts by beating the olives off the branches with sticks, a tough job! Cretan olive-oil is famous for its quality and nutritious value and mentioned high on the list of export products.

The Cretan flora may be classed as rich and unique. The impressive variety of some 2100 native species includes some 300 endemic plants. Springtime on Crete is wonderful: blossoming almond trees, breathtaking colourful wild flowers, an intense fragrance of thyme, sage and wild oregano! However, do not underestimate the beauty of the summer period: a view of the flowery Cretan villages, overgrown bright pink Bougainvillea, is rewarding. The main roads are bordered by masses of Oleander and you can even spot the Prickly Pear Cactus. Carob trees, fig trees, pomegranates and Indian Bead trees are all examples of the variety of cultivated trees one can find on Crete.

"I am not a Greek, I am a Cretan" (Author Nikos Kazantzakis: "Zorbas the Greek"). The Cretan pride originates from their history of war and occupation, and the struggle for the survival of their people.

Greek-Orthodox is the main religion in Greece and of great importance in people's daily life, particularly for the elderly generation. In every house they honour sacred icons and the church services, traditionally taking place on Sundays from 07.00 - 10.00 a.m., are frequently attended. Baptisms and weddings are great celebrations and the importance of belief has been instilled by the early education programs at school. The churches are beautiful and the icons are impressive. Major holidays are Christmas and even more so Easter, which is experienced intensely through fasting, confession, processions and the symbolic new light.

One of the most spectacular adventures Crete offers is a hike through the biggest, most imposing gorge of Europe, the Samaria gorge, stretching from the Omalos Plateau to Agia Roumeli on the south coast of the island. The gorge covers a distance of 16,7 km and the walls rise abruptly to 300 metres in height. The average duration of the walk is 5 - 6 hours. You enjoy the tremendous beauty of nature in the gorge, following the trail along the riverbed, the Agios Nicolaos chapel, Samaria, the only and deserted village in the gorge and the "Sideroportes" (Iron Gates), the narrowest pass of 3m. wide and a few hundred metres high where the rock faces almost touch. In the village of Agia Roumeli you may enjoy a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea and sail by boat to the transfer coach for your return.

Travelling from and to Crete can be done by airplane (charter and scheduled flights) or ferryboat (from/to Piraeus, Thessaloniki and Italy). On Crete, the local bus company KTEL, maintains regular connections. If you desire to visit the small villages and quiet areas, the rental of a car or motorbike may be advised. For both, a valid license is required. Rental mountain bikes will do for the shorter distances. Taxis are not too expensive and easily found at the taxi stand or along the roads. The organised excursions by coach and jeeps can be arranged via your travel agent and host(ess).

Challenge the Greek language! Yes = ne, no = ohi, good morning = kalimera, good evening = kalispera, good night = kalinichta, please = parakalo, thank you = efcharisto, What is your name? = Pos sas lene?, My name is ... = Me lene... , today = simera, bus = leoforio, car = aftokinito, gas = venzini, hotel = xenodohio, water = nero, kiosk = periptero, bank = trapeza, post office = tahidromio, police = astinomia, doctor = yiatros, hospital = nosokomio, restaurant = estiatorio, happy holidays! = kales diakopes!

The power supply voltage on Crete is 220 ~ 240 V.

The tap-water on Crete is provided by the natural springs in the mountains. The quality is fair to good, depending on the area. Drinking this water will usually not cause any health problems. However for the taste, quite a lot of inhabitants, as well as guests, buy bottled mineral water, for sale at every supermarket and kiosk.

The entrance of the gorge of Samaria is at "Xyloskalo" (meaning Wooden Staircase ). Here the challenging walk starts descending down this Xyloskalo. When Samaria was proclaimed National Park of the White Mountains of Crete in 1962, different regulations were laid down and written on large information signs here at Xyloskalo.

The village of Vrisses ( western Crete) is most renowned and most visited for its delicious delicacy: yoghurt made of goats milk. Many local tavernas offer a fine opportunity to taste this classical Greek dish any moment of the day: yogurt covered with thyme-honey. Even the hotels often serve this tasteful dairy product for breakfast.

The King of the Gods (the other gods were either brothers, sisters or children of the king himself). According to mythology, Zeus was born and raised in caves on Crete, like the Dikteon Andron. Thereafter, he has always kept close ties with the large island. He carried his beloved Europe to one of its beautiful beaches. And even nowadays a lot of Europeans are still attracted by these remarkable beaches of Crete.