AUGUST 2018 - RETHYMNO POST by Παντελής Ε. Γιαΐτσης

August 2018, Issue No. 13 www.cretepost.gr

the RETHYMNO POST

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More than 90 people died... More than 180 injured... More than 3.000 houses destroyed... GREEKS NEED ANSWERS FOR THIS NATIONAL TRAGEDY

Why Get Married Here? Rethymno simply has it all!

10 life - time ideas to rock your holidays in Rethymnon City!

Rethymno POST

Your local free paper by FTP Publications 73, El. Venizelou str., Chania, 73100 Tel. +30 6977 295075 Owner/Publisher: FTP Publlications Web: http://www.cretepost.gr E-mail: info@ftp-publications.gr FB: http://www.facebook.com/chaniapost Twitter: @chaniapost Editors: Pandelis Giaitsis, Pandelis Spiridakis, Miltiades Markatos, Petros Marinakis, Giorgos Atsalakis, Stavros Tsihlis, Katerina Polizou. Advertising: FTP Publications 73, El. Venizelou str., Chania Tel. +30 6977295075 http://www.ftp-publications.gr DTP: FTP Publications Printed in:

Photo of the month

The Rethymno August goes up with cretan music cantata, horses and barefoot on graves

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The

big month that make Rethymno look like the SUMMER QUEEN TOWN… The maximum number of the whole summer is now here, now with you! And the progress may not give the best to the locals but The Rethymno August is always the big winner! It’s the cultural explosion, the festivals, the village squares where most of the people live like Cretans, like Rethymnians! Customs, revivals and old seasons magic light the fire! So simple, but so immersive. In the square of the village PIGI the touristic groups always find a reason to stay. The most well known custom is the ‘’Cretan Cantata with Horses and Stepping on Graves’’. Every summer the CULTURAL Association revives an old cus-

tom. The Cretan music Tradiotional Cantata in the small roads of Pigi. Walking with the musicians and the lyra artist singing and walking at the same time. The people from the village and the visitors from Rethymno are following with horses and young horsemen. The village ladies get out with treats and raki offering to the CANTATA Team The Cantata ends up to the central square of Pigi where the people have put a small grabes press. They get down the grapes from the horses and

they put it in… Immediately the parents lift up their kids and they carry them in the press to push the grapes and collect the grapes juice! Pigi is located 9 km east of the city of Rethymno, on the road towards Arkadi It is situated in the heart of a fertile and relatively smooth area, which in older times it was called Aryan. It is noteworthy that the English traveller Robert Pashley was the one who first wrote about the origin of the name of the village,170 years ago. He says among other things: “In Pigi the name c o m e s from a rich

source that supplies the village with excellent waby Pandelis Spiridakis ter.” Pigi is be- Journalist ing inhabited from the Venetian period onwards. An airstrip that used to be near Pigi was a strategic target for the German forces during the Battle of Crete. This was the village where the great Greek novelist Pantelis Prevelakis was born From about 1930 he was a friend and agent of the novelist and poet Nikos Kazantzakis, and eventually wrote a biography of him. It’ s the local culture that earns the Investing Tourism, the People that Learn, Check, Taste and register RETHYMNO as a choice!

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9 Tips to Protect Your Home from Wildfires In many parts of the world, wildfires pose a serious and constant threat to residents in both urban and rural areas. There is not much you can do to predict when a fire will happen or the course it will take, but you can work to prepare your home and keep it safe from severe wildfire damage. By clearing hazards around your home, making sure you have fire resistant features in your house, and having a good plan of evacuation, you can help keep your home safe if a fire should ever strike.

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n click o news tepost.gr e r o e /cr for m http:/

1.Start with your insurance. Homeowners insurance typically helps cover your home and belongings. Most policies include coverages which may help pay to repair or replace your home and its contents if they are damaged by fire. Your house is probably the most valuable asset you have, and you have homeowners insurance to help protect you and your house in case something unfortunate, such as a fire, should happen. From electrical issues to candle mishaps, the National Fire Protection Association reports an average of 357,000 residential fires each year. Being prepared is a good idea — and that includes knowing what your insurance policy covers and how much protection it may provide

7.Let authorities know. If you see a fire without fire crews in attendance, call your emergency numbers immediately. Let them know the location and severity of the fire, as well as what danger it poses to you and your home. • Never assume that a fire has been reported unless you see grass and clear out any brush specialty store, as well as online emergency services on site. Alregularly. Remove all dead or or at most home improvement ways report a wildfire. unhealthy plant life on a regu- stores. lar basis to minimize areas that 8.Take action quickly. could quickly catch fire and 4.Clear dead trees. Take action to evacuate once Dead trees and scrub help a you know there is a fire in your spread. • Take a look at your lawn week- fire move faster, so it is import- area. If you know there is a fire ly to see if it needs trimming. ant to remove them early and in your area, don’t wait for the Look for brown tips on blades properly. police call to evacuate. You of grass as an indicator of an don’t want to be on the roads 5.Never leave the kitchen when the fire is near. They unhealthy plant. • Rake up and dispose of leaves, stove unattended while in are dangerous and crowded brush, tumbleweeds, and other use. during a fire emergency. dead plant matter as it enters According to the NFPA, cookyour property. Do not allow it ing is the leading cause of 9.Finally, γet your family and house fires. If you are using the home prepared at the onset to sit or accumulate. oven, check it regularly and of fire in your area. make sure you set a timer. If Gather family pets and have 3.Store wood safely. If you have lumber, firewood, you have a kitchen grease fire, them prepared to evacuate. or other timber around your do not put water on it. This will Pack your vehicle with your property, store it securely in a only spread the fire further. emergency items including fire resistant closed box or in a medication and personal idenraised, open container with a 6.Don’t use candles or other tification. Stay aware of the latfire resistant tarp as a cover. Do flammable objects near fur- est news from local media and not store any lumber directly niture, especially in the bed- your local fire department for against the side of your house. room. updated information on the • Fire resistant storage can be Don’t leave candles unattend- fire. Be prepared to evacuate purchased from an outdoor ed. People are often surprised your home if called to do so.

2.Regularly cut your grass. If you have a lawn or a plot of land as part of your property, make sure that you cut your

MOVENPICK in Rethymno is your No1 choice! Mövenpick at Sofokli Venizelou 5 opposite the port parking, is the best choice for ice cream and not only. Our ice cream owes its inspiration to a revolutionary vision of culinary excellence that swept through the kitchens of fine Swiss restaurants in the 1960s. We offer ice cream with many flavors. All of them are great. In Movenpick , apart from ice cream in a cone, in a container, or a takeaway package, you can also order fantastic coffee , our local beer Cretan Kings and other drinks. A quite spacious and bright place makes it possible to enjoy a dessert at one of the tables, but you can take it away and go for the benches in front of the port! The inspired chefs of these restaurants worked to make

by how quickly a mattress or couch can catch fire and escalate into a large blaze.

that vision a reality – and one of the gastronomic delights they made was ice cream. In the manner of great chefs, their passion drove them in a constant search for new possibilities of taste and texture. And so they were naturally passionate innovators too. Mövenpick ice cream makes every single moment unique,

with a sense of luxury. With a rich and uniquely different menu of delicious recipes, it is the absolute protagonist. Close your eyes and enjoy! www.facebook.com/gelateriamovenpick www.instagram.com/movenpickrethymno Sof.Venizelou 5 Rethymno Phone:+30 28310 51800

Why Get Married Here? Rethymno simply has it all! Rethymno is blessed, unique

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in natural beauty, history, culture and tradition. A place where the contemporary way of life coexists in harmony with numerous customs and traditions. A region which has a lot of options to offer both during its summer and winter seasons. Endless sandy beaches with crystal turquoise waters, natural gorges, hiking and bike paths are leading to an undiscovered beauty. A picturesque old town, with its historic monuments from various eras on s click ost.gr w e n with the renaissance re ep for mo ttp://cret h marks pre-vailing, sets a friendly environment based on its locals, well known for their hospitality. These elements offer an unforgettable experience for all. “Rethymno is honored to be the choice for the most precious time in your life, your wedding. It offers the best it has,and becomes your second home for your life to come. The combination of peoples’ values, hospitality and services, together with the most romantic nature and the” sea of love”, will consist the basis for a wonderful beginning in your new life together. We welcome you and your guests to Rethymno in the heart of Crete, the unique place to be united.” Pepi Birliraki - President of the Tourism Development Comittee of the Municipality of Rethymno In Rethymno, high-end service is the standard. Taking the stress out of your wedding planning is our committed goal. With a great number of wedding planning professionals you are definite to experience a hassle free process. Arranging everything for you, with various suggestions considering the décor, the music, the photo shooting, the desserts and the reception up to the last detail. They would also handle arranging for the marriage application with the civil register for you. In Rethymno the choices for your wedding ceremony are unlimited. Here couples can choose to marry by following a traditional wedding in Saint Lazaros chapel located at Rethymno’s historic centre, or maybe set

the scenery on a luxurious beach resort. For those who love the outdoors bring your wedding in one of the numerous spectacular sandy beaches of Rethymno exchanging your vows of love during the sunset. If you want to add a bit of historic Rethymno to your ceremony, live this part of history by having your ceremony at the Venetian Fortress or at the Light House. Taking into consideration the proposals from professional organizers, you will find the venue ready, willing and able to fulfil your desires. …In a safe, family-friendly environment with endless dining options and the chance to participate in some of Rethymno’s very best activities and attractions. You have the elements for a

once-in-a-lifetime experience that you and your guests won’t forget. Rethymno offers a variety of quality restaurants and venues where you can enjoy the famous Cretan dishes as well as modern cuisine dishes that will fulfill your tastes. It’s up to you and your guests to let the party continue at venue you have chosen or move everybody to a beach party enjoying the sunset. Another choice is to go downtown to the historic center overlooking the sea or enjoying the festive atmosphere at Rethymno’s exciting nightclubs. What makes Rethymno weddings so unique is the high quality services that suits everyone’s budget giving you and your guests the opportunity to share unforgettable

memories. What makes Rethymno weddings so unique is the high quality services that suits everyone’s budget giving you and your guests the opportunity to share unforgettable memories. Legal certificates Couples should get in contact with Municipality of Rethymno before arriving in order to get information about the following certificates: Legal papers for civil weddings in CreteGreece. For a legal wedding which will also be accepted in your country of origins. Couples must extend their stay in Crete for at least a working day after the wedding in order to complete and sign all legal documents in the local city hall. Address : Town Hall, Koudourioti Av. 80, 74100 Rethymno

Super visit... The Wax Museum of Zoniana The wax museum of “POTA-

MIANOS” includes 87 wax effigies, created in natural sizes, representing scenes from the history of Crete, right in the front of eyes of the spectator. In a specifically shaped for museum, space of a 1000 square meters and decoration according the themes, there are scenes appeared, such as Eleytherios Venizelos, Vitsentzos Kornaros, Arkadi Monon astery, Domenico Thes click re new st.gr o m r otokopoulos “El Greco”, fo po /crete http:/ Nikos Kazantzakis and a lot of other forms, that are worth being remembered. Zoniana is a remote village built at an altitude of 650m, on the slopes of Mount Idi, the highest mountain on Crete. Zoniana is located about 45 km from Rethymnon Town and also 43 km from Heraklion Town, therefore it is found between these two towns. This

village would be a nice excursion to go from both towns, not only for its barren, pure landscape but also for the interesting Wax Museum you can find at the centre of the village. The Wax Museum of Zoniana opened in 1998 by Mr Dionysis Potamianos, a painter and sculptor from Athens. It took him and his wife about 40 years to create these 87 natural size figures that are exhibited in the museum. In a space of about

1,000 sq.m., the visitor can see all the history of Crete and the most famous Cretan personalities in front of his eyes, like prime minister of Greece Eleftherios Venizelos, writer Nikos Kazantzakis, poet Vincenzo Cornaro, painter Dominikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) and also many known fighters and scenes of the Cretan Revolution. Apart from these wax figures, the museum also exhibits a large collection of coins and

bank notes from various periods, from the Turkish occupation, the period of the Cretan Autonomy at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. The representations of the Venetian occupation, featuring scenes of torture, the hidden school, the execution of Daskaloyannis, as well as scenes from the prisons and the dungeons of that period are exceptionally moving. Each personality has their own position within the specially configured space of the museum, while the accurate, lively, simple. The scenes are represented as vivid as you can hardly believe and is worth visiting for both children and adults. Address: Zoniana, Mylopotamos Tel.: 28340 61087 Opening Hours: Monday— Sunday 10.00-19.30

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Telegraph about Rethymno: Readers’ tips, recommendations and travel advice A small estuary opens into

the town – hire a two-person canoe and explore the reed beds: their resident pelicans are quite used to the paddlers. If you want ancient culture, the nearby town of Rethymnon is a superb example, much better than the over-touristy Heraklion. An old walled city in mellow yellow stone, ranged around a fishing harbour, it has plenty of wonderful museums and cafés to explore. We didn’t need to hire a car, even though there were six of us, as the local buses were cheap and frequent. Fiona Haward, Devon FESTIVAL FERVOUR

Plan your holiday in Crete around a local festival or two – there’s plenty of information on the web. August 15, for example, is the Panagia festival. Even if you’re staying on the popular northern coastal strip, you can find authentic celebrations just inland, in lovely towns like Neapoli and Archanes. On the eve of the main festival, in the pretty village of Mohos near Hersonissos, there is a fascinating church service and procession. All the tavernas in the little leafy square co-operate in producing a real feast – try the succulent barbecued pork or even the goat. Local families are out in force, and dance from mid-

night accompanied by local Cretan musicians. We were caught up in a simple, joyful, friendly and time-honoured event owing nothing to tourism – and the kids loved it too. John Magee, Warwicks Cathie O’Dea, London WESTERN BASE If you want to explore western Crete, then Rethymnon is an excellent base. It’s a working town that has plenty of acceptable hotels within walking distance of the pretty harbour and the narrow streets of the Old Town. Join the evening “Volta”, or walk, with the locals along the long promenade behind the excellent sandy beach. If you have a head for heights, hire a car and drive over hairpin mountain roads to the resorts along the south coast. Start

easily with the southerly drive to Plakias. Stretch yourself by turning off the Chania road to Argyroupoli, skirt the Lefka Ori mountains and descend via alpine-like curves to Chora Sfakion. Another day head up to Omalos via Perivolia for your coffee stop. Drive south-west along dramatic winding roads then down to Paleochora for lunch and a swim before returning on the main road north. Tony Phillips, Essex

es. The best thing is you’re not having to share this beauty with others. Possibly the best place is the village of Makrigialos, where the Villea Village Hotel offers simple rooms, superb breakfasts and a large pool with a very friendly bar. Makrigialos is on the seafront, where there are plenty of small bars, tavernas and little shops – it’s lively and interesting and, best of all, has no nightclubs. Take a trip up the mountain to Pefki and find The Peppertree for an iced coffee and cake on a balcony with glorious views to the sea. In cooler months you could walk back down through the gorge: it’s a bit of a trek, but a great adventure. Gillian Crawford, Essex

HEAD SOUTH Crete’s south-east corner has remote mountain settlements surrounded by olive trees and sweet-scented wild herbs, with views that will make your heart sing. In busy seaside villages, the day’s catch is sold to the family-owned tavernas dotted Readers views visit telegraph. along the shores and beach- co.uk/escortedcrete

Σοφ. Βενιζέλου 5 (έναντι πάρκινγκ Μαρίνας Ρεθύμνο) Sof. Venizelou 5 (opposite port parking in Rethymno) Phone: +30 28310 51800 www.facebook.com/gelateriamovenpick www.instagram.com/movenpickrethymno

10 life – time ideas to rock your holidays in Rethymnon City: Ηit it... Rethymno is one of the

best-preserved towns in Crete that maintains its aristocratic character, with a plethora of elegant buildings from the 16th century, arched passages, narrow alleys and Byzantine monuments. The Venetians were dealing mainly with marine trade, thus they needed a port between Chania and Heraklion for stopping their galleys, running along the shores of north Crete. For this reason, they transformed the small bay of Mandraki, located n o east of the rocky hill of s click ost.gr re new ep for mo ttp://cret today’s Fortezza, to a h functional harbor. The town of Rethymnon started developing around this port... 10 life – time ideas to rock your holidays in Rethymnon City: Ηit it...

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1.Unbelievable STREETS The city is heavily touristic but it still has enough charm to make a walk through its tiny streets and ideal end of the day or… a break between sunbathing. During the day, the steaming hot city is quite deserted, quiet and calm. 2. Unique MOUNTAIN VILLAGES Travel just a dozen kilometres from the tourist-filled Rethymno and its surroundings and you will reach little towns and villages in the mountains. The temperature there is as high has it gets (38 degrees!), little white houses fry in the sun, the life goes on calmly and slowly, men seating in taverna are talking about life, old ladies dressed in black are passing through the streets. 3.Amazing BEACHES Remember that the beaches on Crete vary: you can find rocky ones and white sandy beaches, littered and neglected ones too, but there are at least a few magnificent beaches that look like taken from the Caribbean or the Bounty candy bar TV ad! We were amazed by the blue water and beautiful placement. 4.KRI KRI GOATS, SHEEP, DONKEYS Kri Kri goat is one of the symbols of Crete since the so called wild Cretan goats live only on the island, in White Mountains and on some tiny islands around. Right now there’s ap-

7.LIVE THE FREEDOM ON every moment An almost wild beach you may find, can be through mountain paths t sandy and sometimes 5.SUNSET IN THE HARBOUR rocky. The prize afterwards There’s no better way than to is worth it: an empty beach, spend the evening sitting in amazing views and the possione of Old Town little restau- bility to sunbathe… naked! The rants, far from the most crowd- favour of the only bar on the ed places, drinking cold wine, beach is the best surprise. dipping bread in the best olive oil, munching on calamari and 8. Cretan CUISINE looking at the sun setting over Gamopilafo means “rice of the the little boats. wedding”. This dish is primarily served at weddings or tra6.Excellent time WITH A ditional events throughout CHILD Greece but nowadays you can Due to the touristic nature of often find it in restaurants. It Crete, there’s no problem with consists of meat and poultry children’s products availability boiled for hours accompanied or with pharmacies . It’s also by rice that is cooked with buta destination safer for your ter and lemon. In Crete, they stomach than Egypt, Turkey or love to use their local products Tunisia, and you will easily find such as the goat or lamb. Unformeals that your child will like: tunately, we didn’t get around chicken shashliks, baked pota- to trying this dish but it is defitoes or spaghetti bolognese or nitely one of the most popular with tomato sauce. and one of the most expensive dishes on most menus, espeprox. 2000 kri kri goats living on the island and these aren’t the only ones you can find on Crete.

cially for rice. 9. Traditional Festivals The most famous celebrations are the festivals to honor the saint-protector of each village. In all the regional districts of Crete, each village celebrates its saints with music, food and traditional Cretan dancing. Most festivals take place during the summer months, culminating in mid-August, when hundreds of festivals take place simultaneously across the whole island. 10.The famous Cretan hospitality Virtue and honour, are in the hierarchy of ethical values on the highest position held by friendship, second only to family. The Cretan soul often reaches the point of exaggeration in their valour and passion for freedom, their courage, strength, love for their country and nature even in their hospitality towards strangers.

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www.e-ktel.com email: info@e-ktel.gr Kydonias & Parth. Kelaidi, Chania 73100 Info: 2821 093052 |Storehouse : 28210 97497

Kefalogiannidon Street, Rethymnon 74100 Info: 2831 022212 |Storehouse : 2831 022659

Leper Island of Spinalonga Second Most Visited Site in Greece’s Crete Since 1976, under the aus-

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pices of the Greek Ministry of Culture, efforts are being made to include Spinalonga in the List of World Heritage of UNESCO. Spinalonga featured in the British television series Who Pays the Ferryman? and Werner Herzog’s experimental short film Last Words. It is also the setting for the 2005 novel The Island by Victoria Hislop, the story of a family’s ties to the leper colony; the book was adapted for television in the television series To Nisi by Mega Channel Greece. Spinalonga is a barren, arid rocky islet, with an area of 85,000 sq. m., lying in the mouth of the natural harbour of Elounda in Lasithi Prefecture, Crete. on s click .gr w e n t e r s The islet was fortified in for mo p://cretepo htt antiquity, to protect the ancient city of Olous. Towards the end of the 16th century, the Venetians, as part of their great fortification works to defend Crete, built on Spinalonga one of the most important bastion-type seaward fortresses of the Mediterranean, designed according to the bastion system of fortification by Genese Bressani and Latino Orsini. At strategic points in the fortifications are set the Michel and Moceniga or Barbariga demilunes, major works of fortification architecture. During the Cretan War (1645-

1669), refugees sought shelter on the islet, as did rebels (“Chainides”) who used it as a base to harrass the Ottomans. Under the terms of the treaty for the surrender of Chandax (Heraklion) in 1669, Spinalonga remained a Venetian possession. In 1715, following a siege, the islet was surrendered to the Ottomans, the Venetian garrison left and the remaining 600 inhabitants were taken captive. From 1715 onwards, Spinalonga was settled by Muslims, who built their houses on the foundations of the Venetian buildings. The village flourished after the mid-19th century, until by 1881 it housed a

population of 1,112 and was the largest Muslim commercial centre of Merabello Bay. The village houses were arranged in a stepped pattern across the west and south sides of the islet. At the end of the 19th century it is estimated that there were approximately 200 homes and 25 shops or workshops on Spinalonga. Today many well-built two-storey houses and shops remain; their morphology and symmetrical proportions are indicative of the principles of local and Balkan architectural tradition. In 1904, during the period of the Cretan State, Spinalonga was chosen as the site of a Leper Hospital. Sufferers who

were sent to live on the island survived on State funding and charitable donations. Their hard, wretched life did not weaken their will to live. They organised their home, fell in love, married, had children. After the Leper Hospital was shut down in 1957, the islet remained deserted and uninhabited. In 1976 it was designated an archaeological site. Today it is an organised archaeological site with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The island, located in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, was used as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. The last inhabitant, a priest, left the island in 1962.

Amari can be the Dreamland that reminds you of a Movie Landscape One of the major geographic features of Amari is the Amari Valley, a landform of high elevation known for olive cultivation. Syvritos was acity-state that flourished in Antiquity. It was located on Kefala hill, which dominates the landscape in the northern part of the Municipality of Amari, west of Thronos village. The advantageous, naturally secure location of the city gave it control over every transaction handled between the northern and the southern part of the region of Rethymnon. Continuing south from Arkadi, we come to the green valleyof Amari, which stretches out between Psiloritis and Mount Kedros (or Kentros) (5). The valley has numerous picturesque villages which have maintained their traditional Cretan architecture, olive groves, fruit bearing trees, Minoan settle-

ments, water springs and ageold churches. Amari was given the name ‘Lotus Land’ by the English soldiers, such as Patrick Leigh Fermor, who helped to kidnap the German General Kreipe during WWII. They found the valley so beautiful and enchanting after spending a long time in the mountains, that they thought of it as paradise. Arkadi Monastery has been a continuous and inseparable part of the Cretan history during the last eight centuries.

And in particular it is famous for its part in the uprisings against the Turks, especially in 1866 when the Cretans blew themselves up rather than be captured. Next we drive to the villages of Thronos and Meronas, where there are the lovely 11th century churches of the Virgin Mary and the Panagia respectively. The hospitable and friendly mood of its residents make Meronas a unique and special destination. A trip to Amari can be com-

bined with a few more stops in the villages of Thronos, Ano Meros, Gerakari or the archaeological site of Monastiraki. Finally, the Patsou gorge is located nearby as well as the famous monastery of Arkadi. The village Amari in the prefecture of Rethymno is located approximately 40 km from the city of Rethymno. The Amari is built at an altitude of 460 meters in a verdant valley that is a home to most species of endemic to Crete wildflowers.

Cretan Honey ...in other words the Brown Gold Product Mountains of Crete – where

our honey is produced - vegetation is dense, consisting of native herbs, trees, shrubs many of which are rare and only flourish on the island , away from the city pollution. Plants such asprothymos (white thyme), dittany, pine, sage, thyme , etc. are found in abundance. So this bio-system, the rich in endemic plants provides bees excellent food to produce our honey that stands out for its high nutritional value. Honey contains sugars which differ from glucose, making it appropriate even for diabetes patients! It is rich in vitamins and antioxidant substances, which also act n o against cancer. The main s click .gr re new st for mo p://cretepo vitamin of honey (E) htt along with other substances serves to remove from the body the harmful elements deriving from the metabolism or from external factors such as smoking, radiation and various carcinogenic substances. The unique characteristics of

Meligyris artisan honey are strongly connected to the unique ecosystem of the island: -The mountainous terrain of Crete -The flora (rare wild herbs and brushwood) - The microclimate (altitude, sea breeze, warm & dry climatic conditions) The Cretan honey is an absolutely natural product and it is produced in areas with endemic vegetation. As it is known today, the biome of the island is rich in endemic plants and especially in aromatic plants, offering the Cretan bees their

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How do we really find out a good hotel? Is it good enough to adjust enjoying a special atmosphere to your needs and carry your wishes without even thinking ? This is a hotel – test... We dit it and we found Odyssia beach Hotel and OMIROS BOUTIQUE HOTEL But first let’s keep up with the top – 5 characteristics of A Good HOTEL 1. Staff provides genuinely warm service 2. Staff extends extra assistance in case of emersgencies 3. Guests feel at home 4. They are loacated at convenient places 5. They count what visitors need Odyssia beach Hotel is a family made three plus star hotel situated in the north side of Crete. The renovation of the hotel has made a whole new achitecture development that has upgraded the area and satisfied visitors and the staff. The new bulding and the internal configuration has created a whole new place more functional , modern and contemporary. And the hotel rooms are now settled in the same concept... The ‘’DE LUXE’’ rooms are the best way to enjoy your vacation with the exceptional priviliges : De Luxe residents visitors dinner on the new bar place

and services that provide a pure pleasure experience! Odyssia beach Hotel has 104 rooms with availability to accommodate up to 350 people. One of its great advantages is that it has immediate access to the beach giving the impression that you are still in the hotel even when you are in the sea having your bath or enjoying the sun at the beach. Odyssia Beach Hotel 18 Mandilara Str, 74100 Missiria, Rethymno, Crete, Greece Tel: +30 28310 27874, 50020 | Fax: +30 28310 54906 | E-mail: info@odyssia.gr

Quality of service is paramount to business success in any industry, but particularly for hotels - a perpetual client-facing industry. Rather than offer standardized service and practices with rote protocols and rigid systems, such hotels can really focus on providing an outstanding, memorable service experience. Service that goes the extra mile is increasingly rare, which offers independents another opportunity to stand

favorite food. Crete is rich in self-sown trees, such as thyme, sage, blackberry bush, oregano, pine, acacias, strawberry trees and of course the cultivated citrus trees. The processing of honey is made in a natural way, without high temperatures that destroy the vitamins. According to official data, there are 2.206 apiarists in Crete with 142.856 beehives. Crete ranks fourth at a national level with a production of 1.673 tons of honey in 2004. Today the apiculturists carry their beehives from place to place, depending on the existence of flowers.

out. If you are looking for something special that will make you feel privileged.... As llong as you are a brave ann artistic checker and finder...Are you? And the answer in your research is Find Quality in JUST ONE WORD... OMIROS. OMIROS BOUTIQUE HOTEL is The One And Only The Omiros Boutique Hotel is located in the north of the Rethymnon district in the Misiria region, 150 meters from the beach and 3 km from downtown Rethymnon. The coastal road and the footpath start 200 meters from the hotel. Stretching for 3 km along the coast, the footpath is ideal for a stroll, leading straight to

Health benefits of Cretan thyme honey Thyme honey is perfect for relieving the worst effects of the sore throat associated with colds and flu. Thyme honey has excellent anti-bacterial and antifungal properties, and it is still used, in Greece, as a poultice for wounds, to prevent infection. Honey is commonly used covering for burns and scalds. Thyme honey is the most effective honey for inhibiting the growth of bacteria (honey has been shown to be effective against salmonella, E. coli and Vibrio cholera). Clearly we need bees to survive and this survival is dependent on how best we can restore and preserve our environment since there is an alarming level of decrease of bees in the world. Honey is natural and has many benefits that are medicinal in nature. Let’s try our best to exploit the benefits of honey for a better health other than just relaying with modern medicine.

the heart of the old Venetian town of Rethymnon and the Venetian harbour. OMIROS BOUTIQUE HOTEL Ionias, Rethymno Town, 74100, Crete, Greece Tel: +30 28310 27874 or +30 28310 50020

Good hoteliers are able to spend all their time and resources to invest exclusively on their hotel. Their knowledge of their business is more intimate, as well as their awareness of the local market. These hotels can make quick strategic and tactical decisions and follow through similarly on execution. This is a massive advantage that this type of hotels have and make you feel like home.

Six reasons Greek Olive Oil is the ultimate superfood Greek olive oil is packed the best products you can add Lowers Cholesterol

with essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin K and vitamin E. It also contains calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Worldwide studies have linked the consumption of olive oil with health benefits, such as a heightened immune system, anti-inflammatory properties and protection against Alzheimer’s.Specifically, Greek extra virgin olive oil, in comparison with other olive oils on the market, has the lowest acidity (approximately 0.5%), way below the minimum 0.9% setup from the EU and US on s click .gr w e authorities. Consuming n re ost for mo p://cretep t t h Greek olive oil is one of

to your diet, in order to obtain major health benefits. Olive oil happens to contain plenty of beneficial polyphenols—the natural compounds in plant foods with antioxidant properties and is significantly high in healthy oleic acid—a monounsaturated, omega-9 fatty acid. Let’s take a closer look at why you should start pouring more of this liquid gold straight into your food: Reduces the risk of cancer Oleocanthal, the phytonutrient in olive oil, mimics the effect of ibuprofen in reducing inflammation, which can decrease the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence.

Olive oil lowers the levels of total blood cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. At the same time, it does not alter the levels of HDL-cholesterol (and may even raise them), which plays a protective role and prevents the formation of fatty patches, thus stimulating the elimination of the low-density lipoproteins. Lowers blood pressure Regular consumption of olive oil can help decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Lowers risk of arthritis Although the reasons are still not fully clear, recent studies have proved that people with diets containing high levels of

olive oil are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Improves bone calcification A high consumption of olive oil has been shown to improve bone calcification. It helps calcium absorption and so plays an important role in aiding sufferers and in preventing the onset of osteoporosis. Helps prevent Alzheimer’s Olive oil reduces brain inflammation and activates the autophagy process, whereby intracellular debris and toxins are removed. Such debris and toxins are firm markers of Alzheimer’s disease. A reduction in autophagy, researchers claim, is suspected to be the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease.

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What about Hammam Relaxing? Visitors love to spend their special time here! Aroma Massage Walking on the Rethymno

Old City’s you will not manage to resist watching , taking photos and getting in the unique historical buildinh with the ston surface and the wooden parts. The best architecture instant travel through the years... This is a Venetian building of the 16th century by Ottoman elements , in the heart of the old town of Rethymnon, where now is placed the Swan Beauty & Spa. A personal care area , relaxation and wellness... All visitors love to spend here the most different and special time of their tour... What about Hammam RELAXING ?

HAMMAM – Skip the Line Enjoy a unique experience of the renovated old Turkish Hammam of a bygone era and enjoy all its beneficial properties. (The hammam is not include treatment) Our hammam room is private for you and your company. Follow the internal voice by stepping inside SWAN beauty and spa enjoying it The baths are beautifully designed with resplendent venetian decor featuring candle-lit walkways, vaulted ceilings, benches and atmospheric chambers. Sure, there’s a lot to do in summer – grilling, gardening, traveling, you name it – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still take care of you. In fact, massage is a terrific thing to treat yourself to during the summer months, when your

In this ritual massage with authentic Monoi de Tahiti holy oil of Polynesia, is a full moment of enjoyment that balances the flow of energy and promotes complete relaxation and well-being. Precious nectar with sophisticated flavor, flowing from head to paws, following the energy lines offering its soothing and purifying properties.

body badly needs it. Hikes, picnics and park trips become the norm. Most people make more plans in the summer months. A massage is a great excuse to get some time for yourself. Full body massage The ultimate journey of senses into a rhythmic massage movements that releases the flow of energy and transports body & spirit to another level of relaxation.

flavored, massage with warm candles creates an unparalleled experience. Dainty creamy hot wax flows over the body nurturing in depth the skin, while a combination of massage, stretch, soft pressure and big continuous motion

Massage Back & Neck Relaxing massage therapy concentrating on the back and neck muscles. The treatment is designed to relax and ease tension in the areas of the body Candle Massage where muscle problems most Within a peaceful atmosphere often occur.

Exotic Massage In this ritual massage with authentic Monoi de Tahiti holy oil of Polynesia, is a full moment of enjoyment that balances the flow of energy and promotes complete relaxation and well-being. Precious nectar with sophisticated flavor, flowing from head to paws, following the energy lines offering its soothing and purifying properties. Lava Shells Tropical Massage Enjoy tropical massage with real shells Pacific Ocean exude naturally calcium ions, which are transported directly to the skin through the action of heat. While shells, hot alternately flow on your body with intense and gently, eliminates muscle tension, calm the nervous system, enhance blood circulation and lymph. Swan Beauty & Spa 198, Arkadiou str, Rethymnon tel. (+30) 2831051828 mob. (+30) 6980971907 e-mail: info@swanbeautyspa. gr www.swanbeautyspa.gr

Paprika - The Grill Experience. A new experience when it comes to grill, burger and coﬀee. We emphasize on the quality of our products and ingredients, as well as interior aesthe�cs, since both of them are the key to maximize your joy and culinary pleasure. As we say in Greece, Kali Oreksi! (Good Appe�te!) Come and live this experience in Adele, opposite of Arkadi Town Hall

Pigi, Rethymnon Opposite of Arkadi Town Hall

28310 - 74900 Delivery Hours:

Coﬀee : 10:00 - 21:00

Food : 12:00 - 24:00

Five reasons why you could live happily for ever in Rethymno! Simply stunning to have for-

eigners fellow citizens. Many tourists that came fon vacation but they decided to LIVE IN RETHYMNO for ever with their families! The prefecture of Rethymno is Crete’s most mountainous region, bordered in the west by the White Mountains and in the east by Mt. Psiloritis. It is divided into four provinces: Rethymno, Agios Vasileios, Amari and Mylopotamos. The main towns are Rethymno, Spili, Perama, Plakias and Amari. Rethymno is characterised by a variety contrasts. Flourishing valleys succeed on k c li c s .gr harsh, mountainous re new epost for mo ttp://cret h areas, and imposing, rocky shores follow endless sandy beaches. The best Team that has all the network fullfilled for every lifegoal plan is the Kreta Eiendom SΑ, in the very beginning of the Old Town in Rethymno. It is placed on Arkadiou 1 +30 2831 02 1430 post@kretaeiendom.com

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5 REASONS WHY WE COULD LIVE HAPPILY FOR EVER IN RETHYMNO! 1. The Mediterranean Sea is the

world’s largest inland sea surrounded by Europe. It’s hard not to be amazed by the beauty of this sea with its crystal clear blue water 2. Products are the food treasure all over the world Here you taste it from the planting or watering plants and

yoghurt in their meals. But let’s not forget olive oil. 3.You can keep catching glimpses of hillsides overlooking the ocean, with fertile land, a sea breeze and nothing around for miles but farms and olive trees.Most people manage to see how great their lives will be if we settle here. The good ambience, perfect weather, healthy food, amazing people...the best package 3.The year – round climate of Crete is just healthy and ideal all seasons through! You can live comfortably all year long as the weather is always more than bearable. The Cretan climate is unique with the specialty of microclimates in very small areas. 5. The Quality of life make everyone loosen up amd after vacations Lifegoals get real when : • your everyday distances are close, • your free time gives you privifeeding chicken with sheep or leges of many choices, • good cost of life, goats... It’s the DreamLand step by step • sparsely populated , People who are following the • low road traffic and Mediterranean diet also pre- • many small villages near the fer fish over red meat and they city center that have life all year consume red wine regularly long! but in moderation. You would Dreams can some times come also find a bit of cheese and true. You just have to hear your inner voice! Be Our Guests!

Why did Ancient Greeks recline to eat and drink Surviving images in potteries, frescos, wine cups and sculptures show ancient Greeks reclining to one side to eat, drink and chat with friends. Reclining and dining in ancient Greece began at least as early as the 7th century B.C. and was later picked up by the Romans. There are no known health benefits from reclining to eat and drink. The discomfort of stuffing yourself with a big meal might be eased by lying down. But only on one side. The ability to swallow food is impaired by lying down. Furthermore, the chance of food going down into your windpipe, and choking on food is more likely. Acidic contents of the stomach have a greater likelihood of “refluxing” back up into your esophagus, throat and mouth if you are lying down. Reclining during meals spread throughout the Mediterranean Region Yet, ancient Greeks persisted.

It must have been both comfortable and convenient, since reclining during meals spread throughout the Mediterranean Region and survived for over a millennium. Scientists believe that to eat lying down, while others served you, was a sign of power and luxury enjoyed by the elite. People further down the social ladder copied the laid-back dining style when they could afford to. Getty did an experiment recently by resurrecting the ancient feasts.

Greek dining couches of the archaic and classical periods were intended for men and, scarcely, their female companions. The couches were “single beds” that could accommodate an extra person, especially during a symposion (symposium), the after-dinner male drinking party. From seven to fifteen beds were arranged against the walls of the andron, the male dining room, each bed with its own little table and even a step stool. Rather than actually lying

down, the men reclined on their left elbows and used their right hands to eat and drink. They propped themselves up quite high on pillows and held their balance by bending their right knees and bracing them against the left. Women didn’t generally get invited to banquets except for rare occasions like wedding banquets and even then they had to sit upright. It was only in ancient Rome that customs changed, permitting upper-class women to lounge alongside men. greekreporter.com