We Love Crete - Web Journal

Jul 22, Fodele

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:55:56 GMT

Fodele; Everything grows here, but most of all the oranges, their scent and bright colours bursting all over the valley

Jul 21, Crete, Greece
The Closing Ceremony of the 22nd
Renaissance Festival of Rethymnon
Wednesday 23rd July 2008
21:30

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:59:47 GMT

To quote from the program:

"This Great Feast, to which everyone is invited, will begin at 21:30 at the centre of the town, Titou Petichaki Square, Vernadou Street, Rimondi Square. Together we will all close the circle of the events of the 2008 Rethymnon Renaissance Festival".

Source - rfr.gr

Jul 20, The Castles of Crete
Tell the fascinating history of Crete...

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 05:37:43 GMT

The history of Crete is told by our beautiful and haunting castles such as Gramvousa (above). Dotted around the island in strategic locations that sometimes today are very isolated, the castles are in various states of ruin. Intrique whispers from every stone of the castles of Crete

Jul 18, Rethymnon Town; Venetian architecture, picturesque narrow streets, cafes...

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 06:03:54 GMT

Enjoy the narrow streets of the Old Rethymnon Town

Jul 17, Rural Accommodation Crete - specially chosen traditional houses and inns

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:46:22 GMT

Rural Accommodation Crete; traditional houses, domatia, villas, studios and maisonettes on the island of Crete

Jul 14, Athens Stopover - highlights, what to see, how to choose a hotel in Athens

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:26:40 GMT

Athens; Everyone has their own relationship with Athena. We love Athens. We say it is definitely worth spending time to get to know her...some boutique hotels to choose from

Jul 9, Beaches of Crete - Cretan Beaches in the Sun

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:17:33 GMT

Calling all beach lovers... Planning your holiday in Crete? Deciding which part of the island to visit? Help is here with our interactive map and descriptions of beaches all over the island. Wild beaches, city beaches, relaxing sandy beaches and plenty of photos to tempt you ... Crete has 300 days of sunshine every year, these beaches are basking in the sun just waiting for your visit...

Jul 8, Crete to Santorini

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:27:07 GMT

Enjoy a visit to the magnificent island of Santorini Thira from Crete, easily accessible for a day trip or as part of your Greek holiday... See all the details on our Crete to Santorini dedicated page...

Jul 3, Crete, Greece
The Opening Ceremony of the 22nd
Renaissance Festival of Rethymnon
Saturday 5th July 2008
21:00

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:47:53 GMT

The Course of Contemporary Theatricals runs from the Old Customs House (Entrance to the Venetian Harbour) - [Lotzia] - Rimondi Fountain - Melissinou Street - Katehaki Street (Entrance to the castle) The Mayor of Rethymnon, Giorgis Ch. Marinakis has announced the new programme for the Renaissance Festival of Rethymnon. "Travelling in an interesting course of 21 years, this year the Renaissance Festival of Rethymno, is transformed, rejuvenated, enriched, identified, is reborn. This year's organisation was inspired by our thoughts to collaborate and together create with other populaces, and to exchange our models of culture, to get to know one another and to get together. Rethymno within the tradition of the Renaissance Festival, has this year mounted a live bridge of communication which wraps around the four measures of the horizon, revives its past as a multicoloured mosaic population and culture that deposits its precious intellectual rewards in our city, with a motive, this time, to conquer the knowledge of its own Culture and History. Europe, the Balkans and the Mediterranean, meet together and participate in this great festival with the provisions of a melodious fragrance of the past, following the steps of a dance supplemented by theatrical activities and coloured by the paintings, the narration of Renaissance Fairytales and the songs from that same period. The 22nd Renaissance Festival of Rethymnon welcomes all forms of Art and Culture, the expressionists and their creators, each and every one of you who with your own support blossomed as a statute, matured as a position of life and challenges you to this fascinating journey which begins in the heart of the summer and whose aim is to conquer your own." The Mayor of Rethymnon, Giorgis Ch. Marinakis Source - rfr.gr

Jul 2, Athens Epidauvros Festival
Theatre of Silence 'Seeking Oedipus'
Scholeion Theatre;
Stage B 1- 5 July 2008, 21:00

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:20:18 GMT

Written & Directed by Aspasia Kralli
Music: Stavros Gasparatos
Lighting: Lefteris Pavlopoulos
Movement: Zoi Chatziantoniou
Original set design for the 2005 premier: Christina Penna
Set Designer: Aspasia Kralli
Stage Sets: Adrian Fluture
Costumes & Props: Ioanna Tsami
Assistant Director: Vassia Paraskevopoulou
Cast: Teiresias: Aspasia Kralli
Oedipus: Giorgis Tsambourakis
Laius: Ilias Meletis
Jocasta: Malamatenia Gotsi
Shepherds 1 & 2, Meropi: Kostis Koronaios
And Dimitris Yannopoulos, saxophone The Oedipus myth in the language of silence. Six actors play the mythic heroes linked to the cursed house of the Labdacides on a "dangerously inclined plane". Picking up the tale from the family's original sin - the "guilty passion" Laius, the son of Labdacus and father of Oedipus, nursed for Chrysippus, which leads to the youth's suicide - the cast attempt a new reading of Oedipus' patricide and incest. Aspasia Kralli, who studied mime at the Marcel Marceau Paris International School of Mimodrama, employs the language of the body in her approach to the tragic Oedipus cycle in which psychoanalysts have sought expressions of the subconscious and timeless questions relating to parents' relationships with their children and to human existence. Source - greekfestival.gr

Jul 1, Crete - The Worlds Healthiest Diet by Byron Ayanoglu

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:06:11 GMT

In and around Chania: Crete's second largest seaport is the Venetian-built Chania, on the north-western coast. It is a maze of hillside, slender-tall, 16th century row-architecture, which descends in sharp-angled meandre down to the sun-drenched harbour. It is a stunning town, but we leave it eagerly in search of tirieftis, a cheese made from milk of pregnant goats, a rarely-found, seasonal specialty. My guide is old friend Aristedes Pasparakis, the mythical food maven. Having ran out of Canadian (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto), and international (London, Los Angeles) locations for which to create epochal restaurants, Aristedes has been reshaping the restaurant business of his native Greece for the last nine years. In the process, he has joined the culinary crusade of the homeland to revitalise Greek cuisine, and to elevate it into gastronomy. The pursuit of this lofty task is predicated on locating and serving the heirloom foods of the Greek countryside, and especially those of Crete, whose diet has been judged as the most healthful on Earth. And so, Aristedes thinks nothing of driving fifty kilometres into the treacherous mountain passes south of Chania, to unearth tirieftis... Read the full article on our Crete diet page...by internationally acclaimed author and chef, Byron Ayanoglu. Byron Ayanoglu is the author of "Crete on the Half Shell", also published as "The Taste of Honey" and an avid fan of Crete.

Jul 1, Crete Travel Stories

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:57:40 GMT

Travellers tales and photos from the island of Crete in Greece. Share your stories here with We Love Crete and lovers of Crete from all over the world.

Jun 28, "Unraveling Ariadne's Thread: Cretan Music"

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 06:48:29 GMT

Drexel University celebrates publication of new work all about the unique musical identity of Crete. Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, has a strong 12 of its undergraduate students enrolled as members of Greek societies. The current President of the University is Dr Constantine Papadakis. In a recent event, a new publication about Crete's unique music and its history was the focus of the evening. Drexel's Culinary Arts and Greek Studies programs and the Office of the President of the University, joined together to celebrate Dr. Maria Hnaraki's book "Unraveling Ariadne's Thread: Cretan Music" at the Academic Bistro on 21 May 2008. A native of Iraklio, Crete, Dr. Hnaraki is director of Greek Studies for Drexel's College of Arts and Sciences. She has extensively researched cultural identity expressions, traditions, and customs, such as music and dance events, in Greece and specifically on the island of Crete. Hnaraki writes about her research in her book, which was published last spring in Athens, Greece. The event also celebrated the inauguration of the Drexel University Greek Alumni Association, which Hnaraki hopes will create a strong bond between Drexel and the Greek community. In the spirit of Greek culture, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management students prepared a meze, a selection of appetizers from the Mediterranean. Hnaraki praised Goodwin students for their talents and is enthusiastic about the incorporation of Mediterranean cuisine in the culinary program. "Working with Goodwin College has been a pleasure. I enjoy the events they invite me to, and the lunches and dinners at the Academic Bistro tremendously," she said. "A Mediterranean food course is going to be offered this summer, and I consider it a big success already because Drexel will be the only culinary arts program in the country to do so." A live dance performance by the newly formed Organization of Philhellenic Performing Arts (OPPA) was choreographed to Cretan music. Those in attendance were excited about Hnaraki's book and the future of Greek cultural activities at Drexel and beyond. "I am thankful for the educational and cultural programs at Drexel," said one attendee, Harry Pappas. "We need to do more of these programs and reach out to the greater Tri-State area." Source - hellenicnews.com

Jun 26, Calling All Pizza Lovers to Paleohora

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:34:35 GMT

Enjoy your pizza by the shore of the Libyan Sea and while away the evening...

Jun 25, Preveli Beach in Crete

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:54:30 GMT

Preveli Beach in the south of Crete; a river lagoon surrounded by palm forest creates a magical atmosphere

Jun 24, Chania - historic capital in western Crete

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:15:49 GMT

Chania town, brimming with history, the old town nestled on one of the prettiest harbours on the Mediterranean...Chania town draws us with its charms...

Jun 23, Agios Nikolaos - in Lasithi provence of eastern Crete; picturesque and dynamic

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:03:32 GMT

Agios Nikolaos on beautiful Mirabello Bay, one of Crete's prettiest harbours

Jun 19, Elafonisi Beach - swimming with the Mermaids

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:53:48 GMT

Elafonisi Beach in the south-west of Crete, crystal clear waters and low lying islets to explore.

Jun 17, Crete's wild beaches - home of pirates

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:52:36 GMT

Gramvousa islet and Balos Lagoon in the north-west of Crete...one of Crete's wild beaches and once the haunt of pirates...

Jun 17, Agia Irini Gorge

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:41:16 GMT

Agia Irini Gorge; Rocks and boulders all around and the steep sides of the mountains dwarf the people walking along the rocky river bed. The plane trees, cyprus pines and maple trees...

Jun 8, Cretan Beaches in the Sun - the beautiful beaches of Crete Island in Greece

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 09:59:56 GMT

Cretan Beaches ~ Beach by Beach & Life at the Beach, Elafonisi, Matala, Agia Pelagia, Elounda...

Jun 4, Iraklion Town - Crete Kriti

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:37:44 GMT

Iraklion Town, the busiest capital in Kriti; we are biased, being from Iraklion, and after spending a lot of time in the town, we can tell you about its nooks and crannies

May 31, Crete Images - a photo gallery of Kriti

Sat, 31 May 2008 06:41:47 GMT

Crete Images; this is our photo gallery of beautiful images from all over Crete

May 29, Lasithi Plateau

Thu, 29 May 2008 22:49:10 GMT

Lasithi Plateau; a fertile agricultural area known throughout the ages for its cornucopia of fresh produce. All over the plains you will see white-sailed windmills dotted for miles, as far as t

May 29, Cretan Musicians - histories, biographies and discographies

Thu, 29 May 2008 06:52:04 GMT

Cretan Musicians; Biographies and discographies of Crete's most beloved and inspiring musicians

May 29, Knossos - the birthplace of Europe

Thu, 29 May 2008 06:51:12 GMT

Knossos; is the oldest and most sophisticated city of the ancient western world. Knossos was the first inhabited area of ancient Crete

May 26, Kastelli Kissamos Town

Mon, 26 May 2008 04:05:53 GMT

Kastelli Kissamos; lovely tavernas along the seaside on a beautiful promenade, looking over the clear turquoise waters of the bay

May 21, Greek Pastries - recipies and stories about the yummiest pastries

Wed, 21 May 2008 07:50:26 GMT

Greek pastries; Bougatsa is served for breakfast in Crete. Any place that serves bougatsa for breakfast is a great place for us!

May 19, Halepa Historic Hotel - Chania

Mon, 19 May 2008 02:57:14 GMT

Helepa Hotel El. Venizelou Street 164, Chania The Halepa Hotel is a small boutique hotel designed especially for those wanting an intimate elegant experience. Located minutes from the centre of Chania town, in the west of the island, this is a unique atmospheric hotel sure to charm even the most experienced luxury travellers.

May 18, Chania Town - the essence of Crete, vibrant modern town brimming with history.

Sun, 18 May 2008 08:57:58 GMT

Chania Town; the essence of Crete. For being half Haniotes, we couldnt be prouder of our capital town.

May 16, Cretan Mountains

Fri, 16 May 2008 01:39:17 GMT

Cretan Mountains to explore, including Psiloritis, Dikti, and the gorges of Samaria, Agia Irini and other great nature walks of Crete

May 15, Gramvousa Islet and Balos Lagoon - unpopulated islet with beaches of fine sand

Thu, 15 May 2008 02:30:59 GMT

Gramvousa; surely some of the finest swimming in the Mediterranean

May 14, Crete Facts; Geography, maps and other details of the island of Crete in Greece

Wed, 14 May 2008 10:42:42 GMT

Crete Facts; Details for travelling or living in Crete in Greece

May 13, Ancient History of Crete

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:01:42 GMT

Ancient History of Crete, this fascinating isle, steeped in mystery. The cradle of European civilisation, has given the western world so much in the way of art, culture and lifestyle

May 12, Sitia; in eastern Crete, home of olives, great wine, and the real Crete

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:07:36 GMT

Sitia; stroll along a wide promenade with lovely lanterns, park benches and mosaics

May 11, Samaria Gorge

Sun, 11 May 2008 11:55:59 GMT

Samaria Gorge; one of the paradise areas of Crete and deserving of all the attention it gets. We love the rugged mountains and their gorges, as tough and independent as the Cretan character. The views

May 10, Matala; an interesting village that happens to have a great beach

Sat, 10 May 2008 13:35:29 GMT

At Matala, cliffs slide into the sea at an odd angle, creating one of the most unusual beachscapes on the island. Inside these cliffs have been carved tombs and caves

May 9, Crete Video

Fri, 09 May 2008 02:25:46 GMT

Crete Video; here we show videos of the island of Crete in Greece

May 8, Kriti Map - interactive map of Crete, location map of Crete

Thu, 08 May 2008 09:36:31 GMT

Kriti Map; Here you can find some good maps of the island of Crete in Greece

May 6, Crete ecards; Postcards from Crete

Tue, 06 May 2008 13:45:13 GMT

Postcards from Crete; beautiful images to send your wishes to friends and family

May 5, Castles of Crete - from Venetian to Minoan, Gramvousa to Zakros

Mon, 05 May 2008 01:06:59 GMT

Castles of Crete; Crete is dotted with castles in various states of disrepair

May 1, Cretan Wine

Thu, 01 May 2008 05:50:45 GMT

Cretan Wine; Dionysos, the God of wine-making, fun and friendship, celebrated with Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos in Kriti

May 1, Birds of Crete - species names and birdwatching location in Crete

Thu, 01 May 2008 05:49:37 GMT

The Birds of Crete include rare species such as the Bearded Vulture and Eleanora Falcon, and beautiful raptors such as the Golden Eagle and Bonellis Eagle

Apr 29, Zaros Village - close to Psiloritis, a relaxing mountain village, lake and walks

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:57:09 GMT

Zaros Village high on Psiloritis range; a very relaxed, rural and leafy spot to stay awhile.

Apr 26, Getting to and from Crete; flights, ferries and more...

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 04:52:01 GMT

Getting to and from Crete; map of main airports and ports, details of how to arrive in Crete by ferry, air and connections over mainland Greece

Apr 21, Tsikoudia, the Cretan Spirit

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:35:09 GMT

Tsikoudia; this is the crystal clear drink many visitors are offered upon arrival to a house...

Apr 19, Wildlife Conservation in Crete

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:19:04 GMT

Conservation of Cretan wildlife; details about how you can become involved and support conservation projects in Crete

Apr 17, Cavo Sidero - natural Crete under threat

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 01:25:35 GMT

A proposed unsustainable development is being overcome by controversy and protest in Crete in Greece. Jennifer Moody, lover of Crete and co-author of the book 'The Making of the Cretan Landscape' says: "Crete has some crowded holiday resorts. It also has its remote, wild places, even on the coast. Cavo Sidero is the extreme north-east tip, a dry jagged peninsula of lonely, vulture-haunted crags, grey-green bushes and white limestone desert, far from the tourist crowds. In this unlikely location several unsustainable developments such as golf-courses, holiday villages and hotels are being assessed on land leased from a venerable but sadly declining monastery. This particular corner is the home of special, drought- or salt-adapted vegetation including some of the world's rarest plants. Like many semi-deserts it is rich in species: tiny, colourful plants that spring up after the winter rains and are gone before summer. A small part of the area is the palm-grove of Vai, known to the outside world as the largest area of the special, native Cretan palm-tree. It is suggested that Sidero become a National Park. It is protected for conservation under the Natura 2000 scheme. The area is utterly inconsistent with large-scale development. The proposed development by Minoan Group and its subsidiary Loyalward is unsuited to the Cavo Sidero site. Anyone who has experienced the merciless winds will be sceptical about playing golf here at all. There is no infrastructure, and providing any would do great damage to the ecology. There is no local population; workers will have to be brought in from outside. Cliff-bound, rugged coasts and rough seas are unattractive to conventional seaside tourism: the few tiny beaches are choked with sea-brought rubbish. The current proposal for the 7000 bed, luxury golf resort at Cavo Sidero in NE Crete could be an environmental and cultural disaster. We know this area well because for the last two years we have been conducting environmental and archaeological research there. It is a museum of ancient field systems and settlements unique in Crete. It is also home to endemic flora and fauna. The proposed golf resort is totally unsuitable given the semi-desert climate and environment and a travesty given the antiquities it will destroy and endemics it will threaten. We have a petition to stop the construction of this golf resort: www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Save-the-Cretan-landscape The Greek Supreme Court hearing for this development is 9th May 08, there is not much time. Can you help and promote this petition? Thank you for your time and consideration, Jennifer."

Apr 12, Ammoudara Beach; close to Iraklion in Crete, a busy town beach.

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:17:50 GMT

Ammoudara Beach; Ammoudara means big sand in Greek and it is a 7 km long sandy beach

Mar 27, Palekastro Village

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:49:24 GMT

Palekastro Village; Above the town and between its two beaches is a curious flat-topped hill called Kastri. It gives a special character to the village and the beautiful bays.