The Island of Crete
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, boasts a diverse landscape and rich history. Situated in the Aegean Sea, Crete is renowned for its rugged terrain, sandy beaches, and ancient Minoan civilization. The island's mythological significance as the birthplace of Zeus adds to its allure, while its cultural heritage is evident in its archaeological sites and traditional villages.
Crete is divided in 4 Regional compartments, the Municipality of Lassithi on the very east , the Municipality of Heraklion, that of Rethymnon and lastly that of Chania on the very west side of the island.
MaGea Creative Residence is to be found on the north west side of Crete.
Getting around Crete is easy: by boat, car, bus or bike.
There are 2 international airports ( Chania & Heraklion) and 5 ports on the northern of Crete that connect the island with mainland Greece and some of the Aegean Islands, too.
Chania
Chania, nestled on Crete's northwest coast, is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities of Greece.
It reflects the island's multicultural past.
Chania looks back on a long and significant history. The origins of the city date back to the Minoan period but evidence of Chania to have been influenced by other civilisations such as the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians, the Turks, the Jews, the Egyptians and the Arabs, can be found in the architecture, crafts and the cuisine.Chania is a colourful melting pot of all cultures and invites you to wonderful rambles through its winding streets.
Chania's Old Town is a maze of narrow streets lined with historic buildings and quaint shops. The Egyptian lighthouse and the 14th century picturesque Venetian harbour are iconic landmarks that embody the city's maritime heritage.
Near the old Venetian harbour, you will find two minarets, one mosque a catholic church, and a synagogue.
With its blend of history, natural beauty, and hospitality, Chania captivates travelers seeking an authentic Greek experience.
Airport: Daskalogiannis approx: 25km outside the city
Port: Souda bay approx: 12km outside Chania
Bus Terminal: KTEL right in the city centre
Landmarks worth a visit in the city centre:
Closed market right in the city centre
Splanzia square with two minarets
The Venitian harbour with a mosque, a synagogue and big choice of bars and tavernas
Other Attractions
Beaches
Falasarna
Balos
Elafonissi
Kedrothassos
Paleohora
Loutrò-Marmara-Sweet waters
Georgioupolis
Lakes
Kournas
Aghia
Gorges/Canyons:
There are many gorges spread out though the whole region of Chania, the most popular being:
Samaria
Arathena
Imbros
Therisso
Aghia Irini
Kourtaliotiko with waterfalls
For more information please visit this website.
Monasteries
GOUVERNETO MONASTERY
Gouverneto Monastery or Our Lady of the Angels is an Orthodox monastery in the Akrotiri peninsula, located about 5 kilometers north of the Holy Trinity Monastery. If you wish to approach the monastery you have to continue North from the monastery of the Holy Trinity, to a narrow road of an exceptional beauty.
MONASTERY OF KATHOLIKO
In a distance of just half an hour from the monastery of Gouverneto, is this abandoned monastery of Agios Ioannis or Katholiko monastery. It is considered to be the most ancient monastery of Crete, most likely to have been built around the 6th or 7th century. In this monastery a Cretan saint, Agios Ioannis, Erimitis or Xenos lived and practiced.
GONIA MONASTERY
A kilometer north of Kolympari, at the peninsula of Spatha, there is located the monastery of Gonia. The whole monastery is built as a castle: The central church that is devoted to Virgin Mary, is in the middle of the construction and it is surrounded by a group of chapels.
THE MONASTERY OF CHRISSOSKALITISSA
Chrisoskalitissa is the most remote monastery in Crete (75kilometers southwest from Chania and on the way to Elafonissi beach). The monastery is situated on the south western edge of Crete. Ninety steps lead to the top of the rock and tradition has it that one of them is gold. That is where it gets its name (In Greek, Chrisoskalitissa means golden step).
THE MONASTERY OF CHRISSOPIGI
The monastery of Chryssopigi is located 3 kilometers from the city, at the route towards Souda bay. It was founded at the end of the 16th century and it is devoted to Virgin Mary the Miraculous, named after the homonymous illustration that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Across the centuries the monastery has known various periods of flourishing and decline. It was seriously damaged by the Turks and by the Germans, but it was fully restored to today’s form in 1976.
Caves:
There are hundreds of caves scattered around Crete—and all of them are worth a visit, either for their natural features or for the history they contain. Many of the caves are open to the public and boast an unexpected sidelight to the island’s scenery. Here are some of the most popular caves in the region of Chania:
The elephant cave
Kryoneritha cave
Aghia Sophia cave
Arkouthospilios
Wineries & Breweries:
Manousakis winery : www.manousakiswinery.com
Anoskeli winery & olive oil : www.anoskeli.gr
Karavitakis winery : www.karavitakiswines.com
Dourakis winery: www.dourakiswinery.gr
Endohora winery: www.mrvertigo.wine
Pnevmatikakis winery: www.pnevmatikakiswinery.gr
Breweries
Harma: www.cretanbeer.gr
Lafkas: lafkasbrewery.com
The Botanical park: www.botanical-park.com
Spanning approximately 200 acres, the area invites you to discover the enchantment of Cretan land, where you'll encounter fruit trees from across the globe, herbs, medicinal, and ornamental plants in a unique setting, where the terrain's configuration and the local microclimate create a haven for thousands of plants and animals.
Biolea Single Estate, Stoned Milled & Cold Pressed, Organic Olive Oil: www.biolea.gr
Biolea is a family owned company specializing in the artisan production of organic olive oil using millstones and presses. Our products are exclusively estate-produced and bottled. At Biolea, we strive for excellence by combining innovation and tradition, remaining environmentally accountable, and promoting sustainable tourism.
The ancient Olive tree in Vouves:
With age estimates ranging from 2000-4000 years, this tree is located in the small village called Ano Vouves—is generally accepted as the world’s oldest monumental olive tree. And the swirled, gnarled appearance of the tree evocatively communicates its incredible age, making for a special visit.
Polemarchi
Polemarhi, a quaint village nestled amidst the landscapes of western Crete, offers a serene escape from the bustle of modern life. Located in the north west coast of the island, Polemarhi enchants visitors with its stunning natural surroundings.
Olive groves and vineyards, the village exudes an authentic Cretan ambiance, where time seems to slow down. Wander through its streets and you'll discover stone houses adorned with vibrant flowers, a small traditional “kafenion" or cafè-taverna-minimarket serving homemade delicacies, a bee keeper that will introduce you, through his guided tours, to the ancient tradition of honey making and friendly locals eager to share stories of their ancestral heritage.
With its peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking vistas, Polemarhi is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by those seeking a tranquil retreat in the western part of the island. Polemarchi is some 22km away from the historical city of Chania, 2km away from the motorway exit of Tavronitis, close to many local attractions and beautiful beaches.