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Cretan Village - Hersonissos


Crete is the largest
Greek island, covers 8,336 sq m and has 1.100 km of coastline and approximately
600,000 inhabitants. It is considered as one of the most prosperous areas
in Greece. Development has been favoured by its geographical location,
climate and diverse natural beauty, as well as, its unique cultural and
historical heritage. Crete is renowned for its breathtaking mountain ranges
and long sandy beaches running down to deep blue seas.
The climate and geography of Crete support the existence of a large number
of wildlife species. In the valleys and semi-mountainous areas, more than
100 different sorts of flowers and plants can be found: in the high mountains
and the island's 13 deep gorges (Samaria gorge is the most famous) the
visitor may encounter interesting flora and fauna including the unique
in the world species of the wild goat kri - kri. Crete is notable for
its geographical diversity, from many, small surrounding islands to splendid
plateaus like Lassithi, with its eye-catching windmills.
The history of Crete dates from the pre-historic era. Millions of years ago
Aegis, the land that jointed Greece to Asia Minor, sank into the Mediterranean
Sea with only the peaks of its mountains left above the surface.
Due to its location, Crete has been a crossroads for several civilizations.
From 2000 BC onwards the unique Minoan Civilization built 100 cities. In addition,
there are remains from the Ancient Greek and Roman periods, the early Christian
era, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian rule, and the Ottoman occupation, as
well as, the trappings of modern Greek civilization.
Venetian fortresses can be found in the harbours. Beautifully preserved old
towns and many monasteries and Byzantine churches are scattered all over Crete.
This plethora of sights attracts many visitors nowadays.
The current population of Crete is approximately 600,000 people. The majority
of inhabitants live in the four main towns of the island, Hania, Rethymnon,
Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion, which is the biggest among them. The remainder
of the population is spread among the smaller towns and scattered fishing villages.
Administratively, the island is divided into four prefectures.
All three Aldemar hotels are situated on the northern coast of the island, 25
km from Heraklion town and its international airport. The famous tourist resort
of Hersonissos is within walking distance of the hotels.
Heraklion, which has been a settlement since the Neolithic era, served as the
port of Knossos under the Venetian rule in the 13th century and was known as
Candia, the capital of Aegean Territories. Today the island's capital harbour
is a wealth of Venetian architecture, including its city walls and the Fortress
(Koule). The Archaeological Museum holds the largest collection of Minoan Art
in the world. Visitors can also visit the Minoan Palaces of Knossos, Phaistos,
Gortyna and Malia which are not far from Heraklion.
Visits to Knossos and Phaistos are highly recommend. Knossos is the site of
the ruins of the largest and most luxurious Minoan palace, originally built
in the middle of a glorious town. The first palace was built around 2000 BC
and destroyed around 1700 BC. The second, which was built immediately afterwards,
was also destroyed around 1450 BC, most likely by the effects of the violent
eruption of the volcano of Santorini.
Phaistos is renowned as the site of the mythical palace of Radamanthys, the
brother of Minos. As this palace was also built twice, it is mainly the ruins
of the second palace that the visitors see today.
The city of Heraklion has a number of other museums in addition to the Archaeological
Museum. The Historical Museum traces the history of Crete from early Christian
times. The 16th century Venetian church of Aghia Irini, famous as a centre of
Art and Literature, now houses the Museum of Religious Art, and displays a magnificent
collection of Byzantine icons. Traditional Cretan life is recreated in the Cretan
open-air museum of Lychnostatis in Hersonissos - the most popular holiday resort
in the Heraklion region where exhibits include a windmill, a stone house and
a gallery. In this village one can also visit the fascinating Museum of Cretan
Ethnology.
In the heart of Heraklion the ornate 17th century Morozini Fountain, the 17th
century Loggia, the 16th century church Aghios Titos and the town's Aghios Minas
cathedral are not be missed. Apart from this, the region around Heraklion is
blessed by nature. Places to visit are Zaros, a surprisingly green oasis famous
for its clear spring water and Matala, an idyllic bay with pitted sandstone
cliffs looming dramatically over the beach.
On the northern coast of the Heraklion region lies Fodele, a small village at
the top of a steep cliff which claims to be the birthplace of the world famous
painter El Greco. His house is set above the village's Byzantine church. For
visitors looking for a livelier holiday, Hersonissos, Gouves and Malia, on the
northeastern coast are ideal for exciting nightlife. Visit the centre of European
civilization, Visit Heraklion!!!
Wherever you are on Crete you will have the chance to enjoy Crete's history,
admire its beauty and, of course, meet Cretan people.
Cretans are people who preserve their traditions that have been kept alive and
expressed in many forms right up to modern times. Cretans are people with a
strong religious awareness. They are direct, honest and extremely hospitable.
This is the glorious Crete, the island of these proud and friendly people.
LOCATION & DISTANCES