DK Travel : Crete

Although it could not be more Greek, Crete is really a country within a country, with its own history, folklore and traditions. It was the birthplace of Europe’s oldest civilization, the enigmatic Minoan culture which flourished over 4,000 years ago. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Venetians and Turks also left their mark. This rich human heritage is set against the backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery and beaches lapped by a deep blue sea.

Eleftherios Venizelos

Born at Mournies near Chania, Venizelos (1864–1936) made his reputation in the 1889 and 1896 uprisings. He led the campaign for union with Greece, and went on to become the Greek premier, dominating the nation’s politics until the 1930s. He then became involved in a failed republican coup d’etat and was forced to flee the country, dying in exile in Paris.
Eleonora’s Falcon

The very rare Eleonora’s falcon breeds on some of Crete’s offshore islands and can sometimes be seen performing its remarkable aerobatics above the steep cliffs of Zakros, in eastern Crete.
Elos

Elos is one of the settlements known as the Enea Choria (“Nine Villages”), which are set among the chestnut forests of the Selloni region. At 1,200 m (3,700 ft) above sea level, it can be pleasantly cooler than the south coast beaches in summer. Surrounded by woodland, Elos has a 14th-century Byzantine chapel and a ruined Turkish aqueduct.
Elounda

Elounda, on the Gulf of Mirabello, is Crete’s most expensive resort area, with several exclusive villa and hotel complexes in landscaped grounds. Several of these even have private beaches. The village itself is less upmarket, with a clutter of shops and restaurants surrounding a small fishing harbour from which boats depart daily in summer on trips to Spinalonga, the Venetian fortress-island and former leper colony not far offshore.
Elounda Gulf Villas

Crete’s most luxurious villa complex has 12 houses, each with private pool. All have washing machines and dishwashers, and marble bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. Fine views are to be had, also, across the Gulf of Mirabello.
Elounda Mare Hotel, Elounda

Undeniably the best resort hotel in Crete, the Elounda Mare is a complex of 215 suites and villas set within lush grounds. The wide variety of sports and activities include tennis and a full array of water sports, and other facilities are close by on the peninsula.
Elounda Residence, Elounda

Set in lush gardens about 20 minutes’ walk from the village, this is an excellent complex, with 24-hour reception, bars, restaurant and minimarket to complement its two- to four-bed apartments. Facilities include a large saltwater pool, children’s pool, tennis court and mini-golf.
Embroidery

Rethymno was a major centre for embroidery, a skill introduced to Crete in the Byzantine era.
Epiphany, 6 Jan

In the Greek calendar, Epiphany ends the 12-day reign of mischievous spirits who run loose during Christmas. Ceremonial rites banish the spirits until the next year, and baptismal fonts, springs and wells are blessed by local priests or monks. In some places such as Chora Sfakion, young men dive for a crucifix tossed into the harbour by a priest.
Erotokritos by Vinzentzos Kornaros

Ten thousand lines of epic poetry written in the 15-syllable heptametric style of Byzantium.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
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