We Love Crete - Web Journal

Mar 4, Athens Stopover - highlights, what to see, how to choose a hotel in Athens

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:00:26 GMT

Athens Stopover; 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

Mar 2, Rhodes Accommodation - staying in one of the most beautiful towns on the Med

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:59:56 GMT

Rhodes Accommodation; To really soak up the atmosphere of the town is to stay within the walls.

Mar 1, Rethymnon Hotel - selections of beautiful guesthouses in Rethymnon town

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:51:57 GMT

Rethymnon hotel - where to stay in the old town...

Feb 24, Agia Pelagia Beach - a perfect bay to enjoy a Greek summer

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:57:52 GMT

Agia Pelagia beach; this little cove is gorgeous for swimming and has everything you would expect in a little Greek harbour town, crystal clear waters

Feb 14, Crete to Rhodes - tips for the journey and all about Rhodes island

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:40:26 GMT

Crete to Rhodes - a longer ferry journey to one of the most beautiful old towns in the Mediterreanean, we show you our exploration of Rhodes and where to stay in this medieval wonder of the world.

Feb 13, Elafonisi Beach in western Crete, crystal clear waters and undeveloped coastline

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:37:35 GMT

Elafonisi Beach - swimming with mermaids, this near pristine beach in the west of Crete remains under a protection order, which means it is clean, clear and beautiful for swimming.

Feb 9, Traditional Pension in Mountain Village of Zaros, Crete

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:55:48 GMT

The way to see the real Crete is to stay in the villages in the mountains. We have featured villages throughout our website and rural accommodation too, to allow the visitor to know the smaller places. One authentic village is Zaros, located in the center of the island, 45 kms from Heraklion town, Zaros is close to Psiloritis, the Nida Plateau, the market town of Mires and the historic sights of Phaistos and Gortys. To combine mountains and sea, visitors can drive to Kokkinos Pirgos or Matala beaches easily within a day. See our dedicated page about Zaros...

Keramos Studios is a family owned and run pension in Zaros. At Keramos, Michael Papadovasilakis will welcome you with Cretan hospitality and Katerina will serve her home cooked meals. As Michael says: "Keramos studios is a traditional pension located in the heart of Zaros, a picturesque traditional village at the plain of Psiloritis Mountain, featured with natural springs and a small lake. It's a traditional family guesthouse where the visitor can enjoy the Cretan hospitality and the best breakfast in Crete made according to grandma's recipes. Landlady Katerina prepares the breakfast herself using pure products right from the family farm: eggs, olive oil and cheese myzithra, made by goat's milk. Myzithra is the main ingredient of the famous cretan pies. You will have the chance to taste more than twenty kinds of pies; cheese pie, pepper pie, hunt pie and other traditional ones such as sarikopita, tzoulama, kaltsounia and many more. We can also offer you yoghurt with wheat, elliniko kafe greek coffee and Cretan tea made of mountain herbs. Katerina's breakfast has won the first prize in various competitions and has been recorded in the most remarkable tourist guides! Our lounge area is decorated with local antiques, handicrafts, woven materials and a beautiful fireplace." More information and bookings at Keramos Studios, Zaros...

Feb 9, Flora of Crete - with species names for identification

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:52:54 GMT

Flora of Crete; one of the most striking images is that of the glowing red poppies contrasting against the bursting green grasses, and the white limestone rocks of the hillsides. Spring time

Feb 9, Crete Hotel

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:52:24 GMT

Crete Hotel; beautiful small hotels in Kriti in the Greek islands

Feb 3, Crete ecards; Postcards from Crete

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:39:11 GMT

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

Feb 1, Crete to Kythera - exploring the beautiful island of Kythera from Crete

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:49:35 GMT

Crete to Kythera; the small island of Kythera sits to the north west of Crete, opposite Neapoli in the Peloponnese

Feb 1, Crete to Santorini - ferries and flights from Crete to Santorini in Greece

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:48:24 GMT

Crete to Santorini; there are magical new ferries that can whizz you to Santorini in under two hours

Jan 31, Beach Accommodation Crete - carefully selected guest houses, boutique hotels...

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:07:18 GMT

Beach Accommodation Crete; we have selected some wonderful small accommodation houses near the beach.

Jan 29, Crete Diet - the healthiest in the world

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:21:58 GMT

The Crete Diet; a way of eating as simple and fresh as the produce of the island. Recognised as one of the healthiest balanced diets in the world

Jan 24, Chania Harbour

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 09:12:56 GMT

The Nautical Museum of Kriti looks over the limani of Chania.

Jan 23, Sitia; in eastern Crete, home of olives, great wine, and the real Crete

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:26:04 GMT

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

Jan 19, Ammoudara Beach; close to Iraklion in Crete, a busy town beach.

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:43:04 GMT

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

Jan 11, Cretan Wine

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:53:20 GMT

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

Jan 11, Cretan Musicians - histories, biographies and discographies

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:45:10 GMT

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

Jan 4, Cretan Music - instruments, history and luthiers

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:36:35 GMT

The Cretan laouto is the backbone of Cretan music, providing and maintaining the passionate pulse that is so intoxicating.

Jan 2, Tsikoudia, the Cretan Spirit

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 09:41:39 GMT

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

Dec 30, Wildlife Conservation in Crete - try not to disturb turtles on the beach...

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:39:01 GMT

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

Dec 14, The Hidden Charms of Heraklion

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:53:44 GMT

Heraklion has much to offer - spend some time in the cafe bar district and it is easy to meet new friends...

Town Breaks in Crete

Dec 9, The Minoan Palace of Knossos

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:20:11 GMT

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

Dec 7, Mires - in the Messara in south central Crete

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 03:37:49 GMT

Mires; still today boasts miles and miles of olives groves, mandarins, lemons, greenhouses and just about every vegetable you could think of

Dec 6, Preveli Beach in Crete - difficult to access, a palm forested river secret

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 06:51:11 GMT

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

Nov 29, Accommodation Crete; where to stay on the Greek island of Kriti

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:11:37 GMT

Accommodation Crete; we have selected small guest houses, agrotourism lodges, small boutique hotels and luxury spas for your travels in Crete, make the most of the stunning mountain villages and beach

Nov 28, Kerasia Village - in central Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 07:42:09 GMT

Kerasia Village; The kafenion in Kerasia is a very simple affair. Life flows slowly and quietly by, and if you sit awhile

Nov 24, Zakros Gorge in eastern Crete

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:51:20 GMT

Zakros Gorge; The gorge is one of the most impressive in Crete with its steep sides and harsh rock formations. There are caves within which have been found to be Minoan burial tombs.

Nov 23, Castles of Crete - from Venetian to Minoan, Gramvousa to Zakros

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:35:29 GMT

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

Nov 22, More Information for Travelling to Rhodes

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:14:23 GMT

Rhodes Accommodation - we have chosen some great places to stay in Rhodes - for different budgets. Here we have focused on accommodation in the old town, because we strongly believe it is one of the most beautiful towns on the Mediterranean. Rhodes Accommodation - Avalon Boutique Hotel
The Avalon Boutique Hotel is located in the old town of Rhodes. With only six suites, it showcases the character of the medieval building with all modern conveniences. The eclectic mix of styles hints at the modern stylistic of Rhodes itself, which is a cheeky mix of all fashions through the ages with a seemingly scant regard for rules. Rather a blackbird's collection of shiny things, brick-a-brack, fabric and textures culminating in an abundant overflowing of the ages past and present.

We cannot say enough times how beautiful the old town of Rhodes is and highly recommend staying within the old town walls, as the modern world will seem a rude shock. To really soak up the atmosphere of the town is to stay within the walls. The Avalon provides a luxurious and elegant experience within the cobbled streets.

Avalon Boutique Hotel is at 9 Haritos Street adjacent to the distinctive Knights Street, a skip away from the Grand Masters Palace and opposite the Spanish Inn.

Nov 21, Ancient Minoan Palaces of Crete - intriguing stories yearning to unfold

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:01:01 GMT

Ancient Minoan Palaces of Crete; The four Minoan palaces show us a civilisation which has been recorded as the first in Europe

Nov 19, Crete Images - a photo gallery of Kriti

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:00:46 GMT

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

Nov 19, Kokkinos Pirgos Beach

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:00:03 GMT

Kokkinos Pirgos Beach; wild, long and pebbly beach on the south coast, with surf and one of my favourite fish tavernas in Crete

Nov 18, Palekastro Village - a very Cretan village in the far east of the island

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:47:07 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.

Nov 17, Iraklion Town - the busiest capital in Kriti

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:31:09 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

Nov 16, Knossos - the birthplace of Europe

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:00:08 GMT

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

Nov 13, Phaistos - historical site on the island of Crete in Greece

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:46:12 GMT

The Palace of Phaistos occupied a strategic location looking over the Messara valley, a lush valley that had supported early communities from prehistoric times, now the site contains the Minoan palace

Nov 12, Fodele - set in a valley full of groves of oranges, lemons and mandarins

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:54:00 GMT

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

Nov 5, Letter from Ana Christina from Brazil

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:49:53 GMT

Dear Katia and the We Love Crete team,

Here we are to ensure the choir of the ones that love Crete. We do! Absolutely we do!

We have just come back home and we must tell you that we had an amazing time in Crete ever. There is nothing to complain about, as well as there is nothing to regret about our decisions regarding to our travel in Crete. We are just very sorry about being back home so early...

Matala Beach, Crete by Ana Christina Garcia

We lovely thank you Katia for your support. That was something inestimable.

In our heart and dreams Crete is the ultimate place to go back in our next vacation. Including because there still many places to visiting that we missed this time... That was just impossible to visit the entire island in 6 days.

We would like to thank you also for suggesting the Iliaki Pension in Matala. Antonia was just an amazing hostess: nice, simple, and sweet.

Matala by Night, Crete by Ana Christina Garcia

If I could, I would like to suggest to you to include the lovely restaurant in Matala of Anna and Alex in your records and website. She is a Crete woman that is married this Macedonia's man and they have a great restaurant in Matala (Anna and Alex Restaurant). The same way as Antonia's pension: nice, good price, well served, and great food.

The ferryboat to Santorini was very nice as well.

Red Beach, Crete by Ana Christina Garcia

Finally, we would like also to send to you some photos that we did during our stay in Crete. We are sending the pictures graciously. Thanks for being helping hands during our trip planning.

Looking forward to a sooner return in Crete and meeting in the Piece of Heaven on Earth.

All the best,

Ana C from Brazil

Red Beach, Crete by Ana Christina Garcia

Way to Red Beach from Matala, Crete by Ana Christina Garcia

Nov 5, Rhodes Old Town - Restaurants and Bars

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:54:39 GMT

Coming from Crete to Rhodes, we were eager to explore the restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs and here we mention some to continue your enjoyment of the historic old town....the lanes and courtyards softly lit at night were some of our favourite impressions of Rhodes old town. Restaurant Ippotikon at 5 Evreon Martiron Square close to Marine Gate inside the walls of the old town is a romantic, historic setting for a beautiful meal, with views across the square from the tables on the upstairs balcony.
Just off Sokratous Street at 7-9 Menekleous Street in the old town is another large restaurant in a historic setting - Restaurant Romeo - with an atmospheric terrace where live music is added to the menu in summer. Traditional Greek food and plenty of company make this a memorable experience.

At 41t Sokratous is the Melathron Restaurant at the more romantic and intimate end of the spectrum, a beautifully restored location with loads of Mediterranean mood styling.

We can never resist a relaxed courtyard setting with soft lights for an evening meal. Dinoris Restaurant is located at 14A Museum Square in the old town and offers traditional Greek menu with a modern flair.

Rogmi tou Xronou or Crack in Time is a very cool music cafe bar in the old zone of Rhodes, run by the Diakogeorgiou family. A self-confessed "Rock and Roll" bar, it has live music every now and then and is a favourite hang-out for locals. The ambience is very relaxing, as can be seen in these photo by Antonis Diakogeorgiou, and it exists as a modern bar on one of the oldest squares of Rhodes.

Nov 1, Getting from Crete to Rhodes

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:13:04 GMT

The ferry journey from Crete to Rhodes takes you to the islands of Kassos, Karpathos and Chalki. It is possible to island hop between Crete and these islands on the way to Rhodes. There are options to travel from Crete to Rhodes:
- Ferry with GA Ferries
- Ferry with Lane Lines
- Ferry with Anek Lines
- Flight with Sky Express

The ferry journey from Crete to Rhodes with Anek Lines takes 12 hours, fare for a shared berth is Euro50, there are cheaper and more expensive options. The flight with Sky Express from Heraklion to Rhodes takes about one hour, and there are about 10 departures per week in peak season costing approximately Euro100. In the fleet are two 19-seat aircraft and two 30-seat aircraft. See our dedicated page about the extraordinary island of Rhodes...

Oct 30, Crete Books - fine writers, modern writers, guide books and maps about Crete

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:34:35 GMT

Crete Books; writers of and about Crete from ancient to modern times

Oct 30, Moustakia Sarikia and Stivania; three very Cretan traditions

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:33:21 GMT

What is it that makes a Cretan distinct from other Greeks? Moustakia Sarikia and Stivania; these are some of the traditional habits of men from Crete.

Oct 30, Comment from Robert...

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:32:07 GMT

Your website is wonderful. Thank you for sharing the beauty of the island this way. Robert, USA

Oct 28, Cretan Beaches in the Sun - the beautiful beaches of Crete Island in Greece

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:06:30 GMT

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

Oct 22, Comment from Colleen and John

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:27:02 GMT

Hi everyone, We are to be residents of Makrigialos very soon. In all the visits we have made to Crete east or west we are always drawn to Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. This is a wonderful area and we just can't wait to go back there. Do yourselves a big favour and get out there, you will love it! Xerocambos has to be the best beach in the whole of Crete and the drive down to it is fantastic! Colleen and John

Oct 7, Santorini Accommodation - our selections for great places to stay in Oia, Fira

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:57:06 GMT

Santorini accommodation - where to stay and what to consider when choosing a location on this magnificent island in the Cyclades

Oct 7, Villa Rental in Crete - specially chosen, quality houses for short term rental

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:56:11 GMT

Villa Rental in Crete; we show some beautiful villas for short term rental on the island of Crete in Greece

Oct 7, Luxury Accommodation Crete - selections of the finest guest houses and spas

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:55:02 GMT

Luxury Accommodation Crete selects the very best in excellence and elegance on the island of Crete in Greece