The Island of Crete

Crete, one of the largest and the southernmost island in the Mediterranean, is renowned for its rich history, crystal clear beaches, traditional villages and dramatic landscape. For Greeks, Crete is the unrivalled culinary capital. Legendary for the exquisite quality of olive oil, fresh produce and hearty cuisine, this the perfect place to celebrate life.

On an exclusive patch of the coastline in the northeast region of Crete, Elounda encompasses a breathtaking landscape that combines towering palm trees with fragrant citrus groves. Nearby archaeological sites offer afternoons of exploration among ancient Minoan ruins, while secluded beaches and mountain plateaus provide exquisite immersion into the essence of these timeless natural environs.

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Spinalonga Island
Pebbled beaches border high protective walls where desert grass grows from cracks in earth-colored brick. A circular fortress rises impressively from a rocky hillside, overlooking vast open seas. Controlled by the Venetians in the 17th century, Spinalonga, which translates to "long thorn" fell to the Ottomans in 1715 before becoming one of the last leper colonies in Europe. Uninhabited since 1957, the small island just across the bay from Elounda is covered in enchanting ruins, emblematic churches, and colorful reconstructed storefronts.

The Palace of Knossos
A trio of umber columns rises from a yellow stone platform. The apex of this archaeological landscape of ancient Minoan ruins, the magnificent Palace of Knossos was one of the most significant discoveries of the 19th century. One thousand interlocking rooms, which over four millennia ago served as artist's workshops, wine processing centers, and places for worship and adoration, have been sublimely reconstructed. Blue dolphins adorn the walls of the Queen's Megaron, while griffins pose regally against a crimson backdrop in the Throne Room.

Archanes
Bonfires burn in the dusty stone streets of Archanes each June for the feast of Saint John the Baptist. Traditional music fills the air and local wines flow. This historic village, acclaimed as one of the most exceptionally restored in Europe, is filled with Venetian mansions and picturesque cafes where simple wooden chairs offer a place to enjoy spanakopita and stuffed grape leaves beneath blue striped awnings. Blooming lemon trees flank the elegant entries of distinctive homes and churches that lead to a Minoan graveyard at the edge of the village.

Panagia Kera
Graceful figures in long ivory and scarlet ropes, draped in capes of clover and Persian blue, gaze out from thirteenth century frescoes. Golden halos surround the heads of these delicately painted saints that cover the curved arches and peeling walls of this extraordinary Byzantine church. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, her mother Saint Anna, and Saint Anthony, the interior of this radiant sanctuary is covered with scenes from their lives. Situated on the arid hills just outside Kritsa, the sand-hued adobe church rests beneath towering cypress trees.

Ancient Olous
The crumbling remains of ancient walls take shape beneath the aquamarine waters of the Aegean Sea. Remnants of a once important Minoan city, these evocative structures lie upon the ocean floor in the peaceful bay between Elounda and the island of Spinalonga. Once a thriving city of over thirty thousand inhabitants, Olous mysteriously sank beneath the salty waves over twelve centuries ago. Experts speculate that it was a great landslide or earthquake that caused the event, resulting in the fascinating underwater setting explored by snorkelers today.

Adventure

Chrissi Island
Pale pink seashells wash up on the shore. The aquamarine waters of the Libya Sea wash over them, creating a calming sound that resembles the popping rhythm of rainfall. Twelve miles off Crete's southern shores, this desert island is covered with golden beaches and cedar forests. Uninhabited since Byzantine times, this natural paradise is an unrivaled oasis of sandy trails that wind through two-hundred-year old trees, and wide, empty stretches of sand, strewn with the sun-bleached remnants of driftwood. Attractions include a small white chapel and Minoan ruins.

Local Charms

Boutari Crete Winery
Straight rows of carefully planted grape vines stretch across a fertile valley. Warm Aegean breezes rustle through their wispy leaves, caressing plump green fruits. Cool, damp wine cellars are quiet sanctuaries where the treasured products of this historic family business age. Authentic passageways lead to a bright, modern tasting room where crystal clear stemware awaits the moment when Skalani, Fantaxometocho, and Cretikos Boutari fill their curved basin. Informative tours present the region's winemaking history and offer a look at its processes.

Neighborhoods

Agios Nikolaos
Yellow honeysuckle vines cling to the walls of an open-air cinema, engulfing the alluring space with their sweet aroma. Nearby, harbor lights glisten off a placid lake, whose deep sapphire waters are steeped in myth. Picturesque buildings painted sand and mauve climb up a low hill at the edge of Mirabello Bay overlooking red-hulled fishing boats that bob against their moorings. A majestic coastal drive south from Elounda, Agios Nikolaos offers myriad discoveries, from magnificent coves, to pine-fringed footpaths, to an acclaimed archaeological museum.

Expert Tips:

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