Agia Galini
Agia Galini is a small town located near a harbour. A number of restaurants and hotels make it a great tourist destination. It is a stopover for the exploration of the Amari Valley which is located in the south side of Psiloritis and the archeologically rich site of the Mesara Plain. The village at the foothills has panaromic views of the Libyan sea. The bay is sheltered by the Mesara and the temperature is mild maritime. The Islands of Paximadia are located on the opposite side of Agia Galini and can be visited by ferries. A number of marine caves line the coast and the cave of Daedalus is believed to be the workshop of mythical craftsmen. The beaches of Agia Galini can be accessed by boat and excursions to nearby places can be arranged from this town. As such tourists throng to this town and it has great potential for investment.
Chania
This is municipality with 60,000 inhabitants. Its capital city is also called Chania and is built on the ancient town of Kydonia. A number of forts built by the Venetians are found in this town. It was occupied by the Turks in 1654 and was released in 1898. The modern and traditional parts of the town are clearly distinguishable. The town has a port which is busy round the year. The Halepa neighbourhood in this town is breathtaking. The mansions and the church of Saint Maria Magdalene and the excavation sites of Kidonia are tourist attractions. A number of museums are also draw tourists to this town.
This town has a unique landscape of pine trees and cypress and stunning while mountains known for its spectacular gorges. The villages have amphitheatric formation of village sites are breathtaking.
Rethymon
This is a town built on the border of wilderness. A massive fortress sits on top of a hill dominating the town. The influence of ventian architecture is everywhere evident. The Venetian lighthouses is an example of the Venetian influence in this area. The landscape boasts of sandy beaches, mountains and caves and the famous monastery of Arkadi. The town has a number of traditional taverns and cafes. It is surrounded by traditional villages such as Kournas, Maroulas, Atsipopulo, Argirouoli and Arkadi which have sites of historical importance. The town is an ideal starting point for excursions to the surrounding towns and to the south. It is well connected by roadways and water ways
Village of Koustogerako
This village is located at about 500 meters above sea level. The landscape is wild and beautiful with an untamed beauty that is breathtaking. Deep gorges, steep cliffs and towering mountains surround the village. Caves dot the mountains and the Cyclopa cave is closely associated with the epic poem Odyssey. The village was twice ravaged by the Venetians and once by the Turks. It was completely destroyed by the Nazis.
Village of Anogia
This has become a famous stopover for tourists of late. It is famous for its handicrafts and major cottage industries of Crete operate here. Cloth weaving on large looms fascinate the tourist. Taverns, restaurants and cafes provide the required eateries for tourists and limited accommodation is available for those who wish to stay over. As such, investment in real estate is likely to fetch good returns in this region. The village itself has narrow streets and faces the gulf of Iraklion. This area is known for the wild flowers that grow in abundance.
Heraklion
This is the Capital of the Island and is the largest city. It is located in the North coast and is the transport hub of Crete. It contains an international airport and a major seaport. It has a population of 1,20,000. Historically it was the port of Knossos and the town came into existence in the 9th century A.D. It was the centre of slave trade in the Mediterranean. It was taken over by the Venetians who built a number of forts including the fort Kandax which dominates the landscape today. A number of beautiful examples of Venetian architecture is to be found in this city. Communication facilities in this town are modern and tourism is a very big industry. The archaeological museum is an important landmark and it houses a large number of artefacts found in the Kandax. The other museums of importance are the Iraklion and Nikos Kazantzakis.
Lassithi
This place is closely associated with Greek mythology. It is believed to be the birthplace of Zeus and a number of Minonian artefacts were discovered here. Cyclopean walls, altars of diverse cults and objects have been discovered in this region and lend credence to the beliefs of the people. This place is famous for the water ways constructed by the Venetian engineers for supplying water. A number of windmills dot the skyscape and are picturesque. The caves of Psychro is a famous archaeological site and one of the most prehistoric sites of Greece. There are more than 3,400 caves. Lassithi is located on a Plateau at the height of 1025 metres.
Sitia
This is a pleasant coastal town. It forms a semicircle on the western side of the bay of Sitia and has a beautiful Mediterranean port. It is the Capital of the county of the same name. The climate is salubrious and a number of beaches attract the tourist. The Kazarma fortress, the Roman fish tanks, the Tripolis, the deposits of Sitia are tourist destinations. This city is the seat of the Administrative and public services of the country. It is well connected by road and water and also has a small airport that has flights to Athens, Kassos, Karpathos and Rodhes. A number of Minonian artefacts have been found in this region. It is one of the most important urban regions of Crete.
Lerapetra
Located in the south east of Crete, this is regarded as the southernmost town of Europe. The Libyan sea divides this land from Africa. The town boasts of the longest beach in Crete and is extremely popular with tourists. The place is known for fresh sea food. A number of taverns, cafes and hotels cater to the hordes of tourists who visit this city. |
