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.

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Anchor Villa, Vamos

Anchor Villa (3 double bedrooms) is a traditionally built, detached, Villa situated on the edge of Vamos town – the ‘capital’ of the Apokoronas region in North West Crete. The Villa is individually designed having panoramic views over Souda Bay and of the White Mountains. The property is well equipped and offers superb family accommodation.
blue dreams

the family that own this hotel complex really made it for us...and despite the name...hahah.. it was a really wholesome experience...apart from the late night free metaxa!!!!! there was an eat as much as you like bbq and lots of other things to make you feel special and always a reving coffe in the morning...
Blue Sea Taverna

Situated on the road between Malia town centre and the old Malia Port, this restaurant/bar is a great place to eat and drink. Located on the seafront and with an extensive low-priced menu, including fabulous cocktails, this is a perfect place to sit and watch beautiful sunsets. With friendly staff, clean surroundings,gigantic portions and the best food in Malia, what more could you want?
Caravella restaurant

Very good restaurant, many cretan dishes, realy fresh fish and a lot of sea-food dishes.

Also is recomanded by the Rough guide as a top 10 restaurant in Crete.
casaDoria - slowlife hotel & restaurant

Small slow-life hotel with restaurant in Loutra, close to Lentas, for nature and perfect relax. Wild lonely beaches at 1 min. walk. Italian and Greek food. Rediscover the luxury of time.

CasaDoria Slowlife’s building consists of a main two-floors building with ten rooms, a restaurant with a large terrace where it’s lovely to take rest since it offers a marvellous panorama facing the Lybic Sea.
Loutro

A tiny village, accessible only by boat, with plenty of inexpensive but comfortable accomodation along the waterfront and just as many pretty restaurants overlooking the sea. Don't go there for the nightlife - everyone is in bed by 10pm - but for a beautiful location and a relaxing, stress-free few days you can't beat it.
Loutro, southwest Crete

Don't be put off by the stomach-churning 2-hour early morning taxi ride from Chania airport to the port of Chora Sfakion in SouthWest Crete.... Once you leave the hairpin bends behind and board the ferry to Loutro you enter an altogether more tranquil world. Loutro is a small fishing village only accessible by boat or on foot, so if your idea of paradise is a week without cars or busy nightlife then this is the place for you. A holiday in Loutro is all about relaxation... take a clean but basic room at one of the many small family run B&B's and enjoy fabulous views over the crystal clear Libyan Sea. There's plenty of hiking for the adventurous, with a lung-busting 2-hour hike up the towering 2000-foot mountain behind (set off before 7am before the heat of the day kicks in) rewarded by the most fabulous views and a well-earned coffee and pastry at the small bakery in Anopolis. Serious walkers can go on to complete the Aredena Gorge walk or take the ferry to Agia Roumelli to walk the Samaria Gordge. Water lovers can swim and kayak in the sea or take more gentle walks around several of the coves to discover hidden and often almost empty beaches where the only company might be a (usually) friendly goat or two. Loutro is also perfect for those who just wish to sunbathe, swim a little and eat wonderful fresh seafood, meze and try a little local wine or ouzo... Nightlife is low-key, centred on restaurants and cafes rather than bars or discos. Loutro is a gem of a place and is a truly relaxing holiday destination that won't blow your holiday budget out of the water.
Lychnostasis Cretan open air Museum

Located at Hersonisos by the sea. Open Mon - Fri and Sun 9.30-14.00. A real insight into Crete. Traditional architecture - stone made Cretan house, white washed chapel, restored windmill, bee and wax house, shepherds shelter, threshing floor, weaving and ceramics. Garden of native fruit trees and vines. Herb garden. Art and craft gallery. Sometimes special performances. Beautiful location, very authentic and access to a stunning piece of coastline.
Manos Appartments in Elounda

In a perfect location opposite Elounda beach & a very short walk to the bars, restaurants & harbour; is the well run & spotlessly clean Manos Apartments.

Rooms are nice & quiet, the pool area is a sun trap and the bar offers light meals and snacks; as well as great cocktails.

I'd happily recommend this for a relaxing break in a nice quiet resort. Good for families too.
Monastery of Hozoviotissa, Amorgos, Greece

In the enchanting isles of Amorgos, part of the Cyclades chain of islands, you come across the famous monastery of Hozoviotissa. An 11th century structure built by Alexius Comnenus I, the monastery was created as an ode to the Grace of Panagia, or more popularly known as the Virgin Mary, who is also the protector of the island. Her icon was believed to have arrived on an unmanned boat from Palestine.

A perfect blend of nature and the beauty of man's creation, it symbolizes man's tribute to the Holy Mother. Built into the face of a cliff, it provides a breathtaking view of the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean Sea. It is, no doubt, the pride of Amorgos – with its pristine walls lined with portraits of monks and other leaders, the smell of incense and numerous little treasures.Being a place of remarkable historical relevance, there is a dress code, which requires men to be dressed in trousers and women to not wear trousers. Visitors are greeted first by signs reminding them of the dress code and then by monks, who act as guardians of this architectural marvel, and are given refreshments in the form of glasses of honey, raki liqueur and loukoumi.