WHAT TO DO IN CRETE

 Crete offers visitors great opportunities to experience a wide range of holiday experiences. It enjoys being the largest island ; It is nearer  to Africa than Greece ; 300 days of sunshine ; a  richer fauna and flora than many Mediterranean areas ; a historical legacy that ranges from early civilisations to the more recent legacies of wars and leper colonies ; and a huge coastline that offers restful picturesque coves and abundant water sports.

DAY ONE     RELAX BY THE POOL

Some of our guests never get beyond day one and we can provide counselling if they are overcome by guilt as they take the term "Chill out" to its ultimate conclusion.

views of Mandarin Grove

The pool area is very private being next to the wooded park and orange groves. It has a glorious mountain backdrop and you are close to Daisy. The bakery in the village has fresh supplies everyday so that you can sit at the tables and enjoy your lunch. There is a communal barbeque and guests often enjoy bringing in local vegetables ; meat or fish to cook their meal. There is a good selection in Carrefour.

DAY TWO    EXPLORE THE VILLAGE 

contrasting views of Fodele village

Daisy is situated at the heart of an authentic Cretan village; there is lots to do including visits to the local churches ; the museum dedicated to El Greco ; rambles along the nature trails ; watching the world go by as you take a deserved rest in the local taverna.

DAY THREE : SAMPLE THE GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS OF THE VILLAGE

There are over eight very good tavernas offering a variety of genuine Cretan cuisine. They will really tickle your palate and you will enjoy all the contrasts. They are all close by, within easy walking distance.  Please note that day 3 could become Groundhog Day as you get caught up in the Cretan way.

DAY FOUR : EXPLORE THE LOCAL COVES AND RESORTS

Lygaria is a quieter picturesque bay. However, if you are interested in diving, then there is a school on the beach. You can contact them at www.eurodiving.net or email them at admin@eurodiving.net

 The cove at Lygaria

DAY 5  START EXPLORING THE HISTORY AT KNOSSUS

The photograph below illustrates the fact that Crete is also steeped in history and you can visit numerous archeological sites such as Knossus.

DAY SIX   FOLLOW UP WITH A VISIT TO PHAISTOS 

Your visit to  Phaistos will also experience wonderful views such as the one below taken in April  2008. You can see the snow on the mountain tops. The same view is highlighted at the top of the page.

The Minoan Palace at Phaistos had a commanding view

DAY 7 : VISIT THE FORMER LEPER COLONY AT SPINALONGA

There is also much to see in the recent history of Crete. You may have read the book called "the island" by Victoria Hislop. It is a fascinating story of this former leper colony, and a copy is in Daisy's library. The journey is a straightforward, scenic, drive along the northern highway to the village of Plaka and the island  of Spinalonga. You may wish to use your visit as an opportunity to visit Agios Nickolaos en route.

DAY EIGHT : RESORTS FURTHER AFIELD

Bali shown below is very picturesque particularly when the pirate ship visits. It can get very crowded at peak times, but it is very peaceful in April and October

The train shown below takes you to the various connecting coves in Bali and is very popular with children and grown up children.

DAY NINE :  THE CAPITAL CITY OF HERAKLION

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and it is within easy reach. The city fully deserves its reputation as one of the Mediterranean's most attractive capitals. It is also a shopping paradise for lovers of fashion and furnishings. The port of Heraklion shown below is also worth a visit to view or to use the ferry services available.

The port of Heraklon 

DAY TEN : ACTIVITY DAY FOR YOUNG AND YOUNGISH ALIKE.

There are numerous opportunities for you ranging from watersports at Fodele Beach and Lygaria to mention a few places. Alternatively for the hardy people you may wish to walk the Samaria Gorge

The photograph above shows the nearby Fodele Beach which is less than 2 miles down the road. it is one of the most attractive in the area. it offers a variety of water sports or you can simply chill out using the free deck chairs.There are numerous tavernas lining the front where you can eat at your leisure whilst admiring the great views. The service managers can take you down to the beach for a nominal charge of 3 euros.

if you wish to contact me by email :      pvjones42@gmail.com

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