Western Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. The island is split into four main districts, or prefectures as they call them in Crete.
From East to West the prefectures are;
Lassithi
Heraklio
Rethmno
Chania
All these areas are linked by the 'New National Road' along the North coast from the Eastern to the Western tips of the island. This mostly dual carriageway is the easiest way to get between the main towns and villages of Crete. At many various points along the way there are roads that lead up and over the central mountain ranges to the South Coast where the landscape is much more rugged.
Chania in Western Crete is the capital city of the prefecture and is a rambling, bustling and vibrant place to visit. The architecture has had influences from Venetians, Turkish and the Ottomans as well as more modern buildings that make up this beautiful city. The harbour is a wonderful place to stroll around and offers many restaraunts and cafe bars to sit and watch the world go by. Be warned though, they can be a little expensive as they command the finest views looking out over the harbour towards the Turkish lighthouse that guards the entrance. A stroll through the narrow streets and lanes will offer welcome shade in the heat of summer and provide the shoppers amongst you with a few enticing bargains as you wind your way through the city.
Where to stay
There are many hotels and apartments to choose, far too many to offer an informed opinion on each one. From all-inclusive hotels on the beach to more rural apartments in a small inland village you have a wealth of opprtunity to find somewhere you can enjoy your time in Crete.
The all-inclusives do tend to be on the large side and sometimes do not offer you a chance to see the 'real Crete'. If you are just after a holiday where you can stay by the pool and not want to worry about leaving the hotel, then these are the places for you.
If however you prefer to experience a taste of the island then the self catering options are plentiful and good value.
The main areas for visits to the region are based along the North coast. From Kastelli Kissamos to Almyrida there are a number of towns and villages where you can find places to stay.
CHANIA
The city of Chania is a wonderful place to visit. Rooms are plentiful, especially in the old side of the city near the harbour where many old Venetian and Turkish buildings have been converted into small hotels and pensions. Larger hotels are scattered around the center of the city to cater for all tastes. There is always something to do in Chania; a simple stroll around the Venetian harbours stopping for a snack of fresh fish caught by the owner of a small cafe, a visit to the archeaoligical and maritime museums, discovering the greatest tasting meze supplied free of charge with your drink in a tiny kafenion, dancing the night away to traditional music or heading to a club for more modern incantations,even just sitting on a roof terrace watching the sun go down whilst sipping a cool drink.
From East to West the prefectures are;
Lassithi
Heraklio
Rethmno
Chania
All these areas are linked by the 'New National Road' along the North coast from the Eastern to the Western tips of the island. This mostly dual carriageway is the easiest way to get between the main towns and villages of Crete. At many various points along the way there are roads that lead up and over the central mountain ranges to the South Coast where the landscape is much more rugged.
Chania in Western Crete is the capital city of the prefecture and is a rambling, bustling and vibrant place to visit. The architecture has had influences from Venetians, Turkish and the Ottomans as well as more modern buildings that make up this beautiful city. The harbour is a wonderful place to stroll around and offers many restaraunts and cafe bars to sit and watch the world go by. Be warned though, they can be a little expensive as they command the finest views looking out over the harbour towards the Turkish lighthouse that guards the entrance. A stroll through the narrow streets and lanes will offer welcome shade in the heat of summer and provide the shoppers amongst you with a few enticing bargains as you wind your way through the city.
Where to stay
There are many hotels and apartments to choose, far too many to offer an informed opinion on each one. From all-inclusive hotels on the beach to more rural apartments in a small inland village you have a wealth of opprtunity to find somewhere you can enjoy your time in Crete.
The all-inclusives do tend to be on the large side and sometimes do not offer you a chance to see the 'real Crete'. If you are just after a holiday where you can stay by the pool and not want to worry about leaving the hotel, then these are the places for you.
If however you prefer to experience a taste of the island then the self catering options are plentiful and good value.
The main areas for visits to the region are based along the North coast. From Kastelli Kissamos to Almyrida there are a number of towns and villages where you can find places to stay.
CHANIA
The city of Chania is a wonderful place to visit. Rooms are plentiful, especially in the old side of the city near the harbour where many old Venetian and Turkish buildings have been converted into small hotels and pensions. Larger hotels are scattered around the center of the city to cater for all tastes. There is always something to do in Chania; a simple stroll around the Venetian harbours stopping for a snack of fresh fish caught by the owner of a small cafe, a visit to the archeaoligical and maritime museums, discovering the greatest tasting meze supplied free of charge with your drink in a tiny kafenion, dancing the night away to traditional music or heading to a club for more modern incantations,even just sitting on a roof terrace watching the sun go down whilst sipping a cool drink.
AGIA MARINA/PLATANIAS
Heading West, away from Chania is a large strip of sandy beaches that has developed into a lively tourist area. The hotels, apartments, shops, bars and restaraunts line the road and the beachfront. This means plenty of places to stay and plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry.
The beach is shallow and safe for children and adults alike, with watersports and boat trips offered along the shoreline. The small island of Agia Theadorou catches the eye wherever you are staying along this coastal strip. It is a designated nature reserve for the rare 'Kri-Kri', a Cretan wild goat. If you visit in June you may be lucky enough to get a boat trip over to the island as it is only open to the public for one day each year.
A family orientated resort area, there are plenty of small activity centres with mini golf, games and rides for the younger family members to stay occupied when they get bored of the beach. The Cretans are very family friendly and love to see children having as good a time as their parents.
STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
MORE TO BE ADDED SOON
Heading West, away from Chania is a large strip of sandy beaches that has developed into a lively tourist area. The hotels, apartments, shops, bars and restaraunts line the road and the beachfront. This means plenty of places to stay and plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry.
The beach is shallow and safe for children and adults alike, with watersports and boat trips offered along the shoreline. The small island of Agia Theadorou catches the eye wherever you are staying along this coastal strip. It is a designated nature reserve for the rare 'Kri-Kri', a Cretan wild goat. If you visit in June you may be lucky enough to get a boat trip over to the island as it is only open to the public for one day each year.
A family orientated resort area, there are plenty of small activity centres with mini golf, games and rides for the younger family members to stay occupied when they get bored of the beach. The Cretans are very family friendly and love to see children having as good a time as their parents.
STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
MORE TO BE ADDED SOON