C i t i e s   a n d   v i l l a g e s   i n   C r e t e Crete is the largest Greek island, and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. Four big mountain massifs form the landscape, three of them having numerous summits of more than 2,000 meters height.   First traces of settlement date back to before 6000 B.C. Crete had it's first flowering period during the Minoan Age from about 3000 till 1100 B.C. Since then it was almost permanently occupied by foreign forces and hat a second flowering period during the Venetian Era from 1204 till 1645 A.D. The Turkish occupation endet in 1898 and Crete joined the Greek Republik in 1913.   Kastelli Kissamos  view town portrait lies in the western part of the bay of the same name, in the Far West of Crete's north coast. On the scene there is everything what makes a genuine Cretan small town complete: Restaurants, tavernas, street cafes, doctors' offices, pharmacies, a small hospital, post and bank offices, a high school, supermarkets and shops of many kind.   Aghia Marina  view village portrait is a village in the eastern half of the bay of Hania, some 8 kms west of the city on a small peninsula, just opposite to Thodorou island. The bigger hotel sites of the region concentrate here and in the neighbouring village of Platanias, followed by wide ranging gastronomic, sports and leisure facilities.   Hania  view town portrait on the western north coast of Crete is the capital of the governmental district of the same name, and after Iraklion the island's second biggest city. West of the old harbour basin there is the Venetian old town which today includes many small hotels and tavernas. Balconies which were fixed subsequently, and the minaret by the church of Aghios Nicolaos remind to the Turkish occupation.   Georgioupolis  view village portrait is a former fishing-village at the western end of the bay of Rethymnon. Established around the old village center are apartments and hotels that offer a variety of choice and size. In the village center and by the port there is a number of restful cafes and restaurants. The original Mediterranean style can still be felt today.   Rethymnon  view town portrait on Crete's north coast is the capital of the governmental district of the same name. It ranks as the island's cultural center and gives home to several museums, to the philosopical branch of the University of Crete, and other facilities. The town's landmark is the Fortezza, a fortress from the Venetian period (1211 - 1646), standing on an exposed rock that reaches into the bay.   Spili  view town portrait is a small town counting only approx. 700 inhabitants. The surroundings are composed of particularly exciting landscapes. Mt. Vorisis (878 meters) towers above Spili, and the town itself is said to be most picturesque. In the town center, lifestyle is expressively relaxed. A Venetian style fountain with 25 water-spitting lionheads is the town's landmark.   Plakias  view village portrait is an old fishing village on the south coast of the district of Rethymnon. It is known to individual tourists for some years, but still rather untouched by mass tourism. Around the port and further eastward along the sandy beach which lines the bay are some smaller hotels and apartment facilities.   Platanias Rethymnou  view village portrait is one of the villages along the bay of Rethymnon where the touristic life of the region concentrates. The sandy beach spreads in both directions over a total distance of 15 kms. The village is frequently also called "Platanes" and even a sign by one of the village entrances shows this name.   Maroulas  view village portrait is a picturesque medieval village on a slope above the bay of Rethymnon. Two watchtowers from the times of the Venetian occupation make the village's skyline in front of the Ida mountains. In the village center there is a kafenion, a herb shop, and the taverna of Papas Nikos who is the local priest.   Adelianos Campos  view village portrait means "the plains of Adele", and Adele is a village above the eastern half of the bay of Rethymnon. So Adelianos Campos is the flat areal between the village and the coast. The soil is of poor quality, but there is a mile-long sandy beach. Therefore, the local farmers decided already many years ago to grow hotels rather than olives.   Pighianos Campos  view village portrait has only one bigger hotel resort and some medium-size ones, but in exchange there are several friendly private apartment facilities which mostly have their own swimming pools. By the main road there are tavernas, supermarkets, car rentals, bistros and ATM machines, and the shops and restaurants on the scene are prepared for the demands of individual tourism.   Panormo  view village portrait was the port of the ancient town of Eleftherna which is 22 kms to the south. It has a small excavation site, and a fortification from the Venetian era. In the village center as well as around the port there is today a number of apartment facilities, tavernas and shops which have adapted to the needs of a rather relaxed way of tourism.   Bali  view village portrait is a former fishing village on the island's central north coast. It is reported from old times that the village formerly had a different name. They say that during the era of the Turkish occupation, a Bey fell in love with the beauty of the fishing village and changed it's name into "Bali" as he was a lover of South Sea novels.   Anoghia  view village portrait is not only Crete's biggest mountain village, but with an altitude of 710 to 790 meters above sea level also one of the highest of the island. The people of Anoghia were allways highly respected for their musical tradition and all over Crete they have a reputation for their excellent dancers and folkloristic musicians. Some of the best families of musicians come from here.   A treasure of the village is a tiny private museum that exhibits outstanding objects of the painter and sculptor Alkibiades Skoulas.   Aghia Pelaghia  view village portrait is a former fishing village on the central north coast of Crete, 18 kms west of Iraklion. It lies on the slope of an peninsula in a sheltered bay which is divided into several smaller bays by spits of land. Restaurants, tavernas, bars and shops nowadays row up in the center by the old fishing-port.   Aghios Nicolaos  view town portrait is the capital of the governmental district of Lassithi. The inhabitants managed to preserve the original Mediterranean lifestyle, which mainly determines the character of the tavernas and kafenions around lake Voulismeni. Even being a visitor, one can sit and watch for hours how time goes by.   Ierapetra  view town portrait is Europe's southernmost town. It lies in the Far East of Crete's south coast and is the fourth biggest town of the island. Kato Mera, the old town of Ierapetra, is of typical Mediterranean flair and has many small shops and workshops where hand-made souvenirs of many kind are on offer.   Sitia  view town portrait lies in the far east of Crete's north coast. The island's easternmost town spreads from the port up the slope of Vamvakia peninsula. The promenade that flanks the port was re-designed some years ago, and today ranks as one of Crete's most beautiful ones.   Text and photos by Ingo H. Dietrich You are visitor #   8 6 6 9   View the guestbook Sign the guestbook Recommend this site to a friend Recommendations: Houses - Apartments - Villas - Building Plots The Internet Catalog of Crete

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