Iberostar official blog where we can meet and decide our next travel destination
Header

Crete, more than just a Greek island

septiembre 18th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Crete is the birthplace of Zeus and the Minoan culture, and also one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean. Stretching out over a large area and rich in diversity, it takes some time to fully explore and get to know its nature, gastronomy, archaeology, beaches, festivals and people.

Heraklio is the capital and Greece’s third major city. All the most interesting spots to visit are huddled in the centre of the city and include the Lions’ Fountain, the Loggia, the Church of Saint Mark, the Church of Saint Titus, the Port and the Venetian fortress, the Arsenals, the Archaeological Museum and of course, Knosos Palace, which is situated on the outskirts of the city.

Knosos Palace lies 6 km outside Heraklio. This vast rambling Minoan palace is the most important on Crete, and boasts superb mural paintings, baths, colonnades and Villa Ariadne. It is the principal monument of the Minoan Age. Knosos Palace is considered to be the labyrinth where Minos imprisoned the Minotaur, and home to the legend of Theseus and his fight against this dreaded beast. It was discovered in 1900 by Sir Arthur Evans. If you’re planning on spending just a short time in the capital and opt to visit just one place, then Knosos Palace has to be your choice.    

Beaches bathed by the most transparent turquoise waters in Europe line the tourist resort of Elafonisis, whilst the neighbouring beach of Kedrodassos is backed by a landscape of twisted Cyprus and juniper trees. To reach the beach of Balos, bathers have to follow a trail used by goats, undoubtedly the most important inhabitants of Crete. The island of Crete is blessed with cloudless skies, so take care when out and about: always use a sun block and a pair of sunglasses, and of course, remember to take your diving goggles in order to be able to admire the spectacular sea bed.

Yet there’s more to the island that boasts Mount Ida, whose summit is the birthplace of Zeus, than just beaches. The vast, permanently snow-capped mountains hide a host of fascinating secrets: freshwater Kournas Lake is just one of them.  

Those eager to explore the island’s natural landscapes and to discover one of Greece’s most breathtaking settings should find the energy to take the six mile walk through the Samaria Gorge. One of the longest and narrowest in Europe, it is 18 km long, rises up 500 metres and is just 3 metres wide at the narrowest stretch, known as the Iron Gate.  It runs through an unspoilt rugged rocky landscape, following the course of the water and is bordered by wooded slopes and steep precipices.  On the route, the river is crossed several times by narrow bridges made from tree trunks. Despite its length and the sharp drop, it is not too difficult for walkers as the trail is downhill all the way. However, you do have to be fairly fit!

Also not to be missed is a visit to the gorgeous city of Chania. Its Venetian port and old quarter are filled with charming, peaceful or lively spots in which to relax and sample traditional fare such as moussaka or dolma.

Rethymno is a small coastal town dotted with several 16th century buildings.  It also has a Venetian harbour and lighthouse that are guaranteed to delight. Lining the harbour waterfront are literally dozens of restaurants serving superb seafood. The narrow cobbled streets, with buildings built during the Venetian and Turkish occupation of the island, have all the charm of the Medieval and Renaissance periods.

Crete has everything you need for an unforgettable holiday: archaeology, fabulous beaches, stunning natural landscapes, mouth-watering gastronomy and lots of nightlife, but above all, the locals are incredibly friendly and hospitable and always ready to chat, making your visit to the island even more memorable. So enjoy!

 

“The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts group has five 4 and 5 star hotels on the island of Crete, offering an All Inclusive accommodation option that guarantees visitors will have everything they need during their holiday on this Greek island”.

 

, , ,

Why the Greek Islands Will Have You Singing “Mamma Mia!”

diciembre 2nd, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in The View - (0 Comments)

Agios ioannis mamma mia chapel

From time to time a movie comes along that does more to promote a destination than a glossy brochure or TV ad could ever manage. The Greek Islands were already renowned for their natural beauty, but thanks to a bunch of actors who were clearly having the time of their lives belting out a sequence of feel-good songs, the image of Greece that many of us have will never be the same again.

Mamma Mia – The Movie

Rarely has a movie with such a flimsy plot become such a smash hit. While the musical Mamma Mia relied on instantly recognizable ABBA songs that had the audience first humming the songs and before long dancing in the aisles, the movie has a bigger ace up its sleeve. Not only do we get to sing along to ABBA with Meryl Streep and Colin Firth but we can also sit back and enjoy the gorgeous Greek island scenery that serves as a backdrop to the movie.

The scenes flit between impossibly pretty harbours, crystal clear waters and quaint white-washed cottages before the grand finale inside a delightful little church and a picture-perfect hilltop location. Rarely has a place been shown in a better light; the Greek tourist board must have been delighted with Mamma Mia!

Filming on the Greek Islands

Mamma Mia is filmed in three locations in Greece. Most of the scenes take place on the island of Skopelos, a relatively undeveloped island that is popular with those looking to taste a little of the ‘real’  Greece. Nearby Skiathos was also used for a few scenes while the harbor that features in several scenes was actually on the Greek mainland in the tiny village of Damouchari.

In truth the producers of Mamma Mia were spoilt for choice when choosing which Greek island to use as a location for the movie, with countless pretty harbors and secluded coves to choose from. The Greek islands are quite rightly considered one of the world’s most scenic holiday spots and wherever you decide to go you won’t be far from your own Mamma Mia moment. All you need is that ability to sing the Mamma Mia music without warning as you’re enjoying the spectacular views!

Photo | Vangelis Beltzenitis

, , , ,

El Greco’s Art Puts Crete on the World Map

octubre 25th, 2011 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

Greece

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete bursts with local culture, rich history and a strong identity tracing back to the Byzantine period. Located in the southernmost part of the Aegean Sea, the isle is now one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. But besides turquoise beaches, hiking trails and archaeological offerings, few know that Crete is also home to some of the most famous artworks in the world.

El Greco and Crete

When Crete was under Venetian ruling, a Renaissance swept through the island and literally put the island on the map. Crete became a center of post-Byzantine art and the birthplace of numerous legendary artists. One of the most reputed representations of this Renaissance was the artist, El Greco.

The noble painter, sculptor and architect, Doménikos Theotokópoulos (“El Greco” was his nickname, meaning “the Greek”) married Byzantine traditions with Western styles and created uproar in the art scene. He quickly gained a reputation for his dramatic and expressionistic artistic style and soon was recognized for his eclectic talent. Many of his artworks can be found in the Historical Museum of Crete, including the world-renowned painting “The Baptism of Christ.”

Cultural and Artistic Tour of Crete

Today’s Crete might no longer be the center of arts, but its archaeological and cultural attractions are well worth a visit. As the hub of the Minoan civilization, Crete was home to numerous palaces and monasteries during its heyday. The largest archaeological site on Crete is the ruins of the Knossos Palace featuring labyrinths of living spaces, store rooms and mosaic-tiled walls. This was once the ceremonial and political stronghold of the Minoan civilization. Another site worth visiting is Phaistos, a palace dating back to the Middle Bronze Age. For a deeper look into Crete’s history, get a crash course in history at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

For those hoping to relax on their summer vacation, there are plenty of beaches scattered along the coastline – the best ones include Rethymno, Elounda and the isolated Vai palm beach. Crete hotels are usually located on the beachfront – if you’re looking for tranquility, head out to Agios Nikolais; for those seeking good nightlife, Chania will be right up your alley.

Photo | bazylek100

, , , , ,