|
THE HISTORY OF CRETE
Crete is the largest island in Greece and the second largest (after Cyprus) in the eastern Mediterranean. Crete is situated at the southernmost point of the Aegean Sea, forming the bridge linking Europe and Africa and the crossroads of three continents.
Crete has retained in its lush-green forests and steep gorges the best elements of nature, as it is a place with clean beaches, fertile valleys and high mountains. The island is 260 km in length with a highly jagged coastline which extends for more than 1,000 km. |
This land steeped in history, culture and festivals welcomes you with a smile to the mysterious yet friendly world of the Cretans. A large part of Crete’s rare beauty is its people. The proud men and women of Crete, the hospitable locals who will welcome you on romantic evenings to the small coffee bar or ouzerie in a picturesque village to offer you Greek coffee or a glass of tsikoudia with meze.
For more information on Crete, please visit www.creta-info.gr or www.creta.com or www.explorecrete.com |
THE PREFECTURE OF CHANIA
The Prefecture of Chania is the most western prefecture in Crete and ranks second in size and population after the Prefecture of Irakleio. The town of Chania is its capital.
It has an area of 2,375 sq. km. of which 1,476 sq. km. is a mountainous region dominated by rugged peaks which slopes down to wonderful beaches (Agia Roumeli, Sfakia, Chysoskalitissa), and magnificent gorges (Samaria) with lush vegetation. Most of the 17 million olive trees on the island, the acre upon acre of orange trees and many vineyards prosper on its fertile soil.
The Prefecture of Chania provides all types of tourist services and activities, something for everyone. The town of Chania retains unspoilt all the features of the era of Venetian occupation. The White Mountains (Lefki Ori) which tower behind Chania and slope down to the Libyan Sea at Sfakia, contain many gorges and ravines ideal for nature-lovers and keen mountaineers. The sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters at Georgioupoli, Falasarna and Palaiohora are perfect for swimming. The Minoan, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman archaeological sites attract those interested in cultural and historical exploration. The Prefecture of Chania is well-known for its lush vegetation, varying forms of nature and its impressive landscapes.
Visit the site www.chaniacrete.gr |
GEORGIOUPOLI
Georgioupoli is situated in the lush green Prefecture of Chania, easily accessible via the national road linking Rethymno to Chania, 38 kilometres from Chania, 20 kilometres from Rethymno. A seaside area that has developed into a tourist resort, it lies in one of the greenest parts of Crete at the start of a stretch of coastline 10 km long that runs parallel to the national road. Starting off from Georgioupoli, you can visit other neighbouring areas well-known for their natural beauty.
EXOPOLI
Starting on our trip from Georgioupoli and heading slightly uphill, we come across the traditional settlement of Exopoli, built at an altitude of 120 m. above sea-level and with an unrestricted view of the Gulf of Almiros. It is only a short distance from the beach, thus offering its inhabitants a place to find peace and quiet and at the same time allowing them to reach its beautiful stretch of sun-drenched sand in just a few minutes. |
CLIMATE
| Crete, due to the morphology of its land and its position at the centre of the Mediterranean, enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate with sunshine on 70% of the days in the year. In Chania in spring the weather is pleasantly mild with continuous sunshine, while in autumn it rarely rains, the weather stays warm and mild and sea-bathing is still a delightful activity. |
The morphology, geographical position and climate all go to form an idyllic place dominated by the balance of nature. A place that is worthy of being called the «the Macaronesia or Fortunate Island», that is paradise according to the ancient Greeks. |
|
