Villa Aelia I Guidebook

VILLA AELIA

Location

The villa is located in Chania in the suburb of Galatas.

Address: Papanastasiou, Galatas, Chania, Crete

Google map coordinates: 35.497239, 23.968189

Contact Information

General

T: +30 2821600400

E: info@holiwaysvillas.com

Concierge Service

SMS / Viber / WhatsApp: +30 6944689892

E: concierge@holiwaysvillas.com

Taxi Service

SMS / Viber / WhatsApp: +30 6932911784

We hope you will have a wonderful stay!

Your Holiways Team

www.holiwaysvillas.com

VILLA AELIA

14 guests

6 bedrooms

6 bathrooms swimming pool

www.holiwaysvillas.com

WELCOME TO CRETE

Hello and welcome to Villa Aelia, our home away from Home in the area of Chania. We’re so happy you chose our property for your vacation. This welcome book is intended to help you get acquainted with the area and our home.

Favorite restaurants, vineyards, bars and more. Along with our area guide you will also find everything you need to know about our home. From air-conditioning to the swimming pool. You will find a bound copy of this guide in the home. Which you are welcome to take it out during your stay, so you needn’t print this out.

We have sought to equip our home to a high standard and to anticipate your needs by providing all the things you might want for a luxury stay. Hair dryers and pool towels are provided as standard and a washing machine is available so that you don’t have to worry about luggage restrictions.

Welcome to our piece of paradise!

You want to have a wonderful holiday and we want that for you too. We believe that when you are here this is your home for however long you are staying and that you will be relaxed, comfortable and happy.

www.holiwaysvillas.com

“To travel is to live”

HOUSE MANUAL & RULES

Check in/out

Rental day starts at 16:00 and ends at 11:00am. If guests wish to check in earlier or check out later, can be permitted only upon request according to the availability.

Parking

We have secure parking space on our property for 4 - 5 vehicles. The yard door open/close with the remote control. There is also the possibility for additional cars to park along our quiet, residential street, provided they do not block any neighbors’ property access.

Keys

You will get a key for the main door of the villa and a remote control for the yard door. Outdoor, there is also a security key lock in case that wish to leave the key there for the rest of the group.

No additional guests

The villa can accommodate only the guests that are written in the Booking confirmation. Guests are responsible for ensuring that any visitors comply with these House Rules. Any additional overnight Visitors must be approved in advance and are subject to an additional fee as noted in our rates.

Housekeeping

The villa will be in a clean and tiny condition upon check in day. Housekeeping is provided every three days that includes (change linens, towels, sweep, mopping and garbage change) We do not permit towels or linens to be taken from the units.

Wi-Fi Access

Enjoy blazing fast Wi-Fi in the villa: Wi-Fi name: Aelia - Password: 6944689892

Wi-Fi service is provided for your enjoyment, but you are responsible for safe and appropriate use and complying with all laws.

Safebox

The safe box is located on the green bedroom on the first floor.

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Air Condition

The villa has air-conditioned system, one in each room. Please ensure that all the windows and outside doors are closed whilst the AC is running to ensure it operate to maximum efficiency.

Barbeque

Is there anything better than tucking into a barbecue on a sunny afternoon? We don’t think so! We provide all the necessary equipment to cook up a storm, please just be sure to follow the instructions below.

Please use the designated barbecue utensils and not the regular kitchentongs.

Be sure to clean the barbecue after use, it’s much more difficult to clean the next day!

Hot water

The house is equipped with a sun heater big to provide hot water throughout the day for all guests. If the hot water is not enough, you can use the electric heater. On the electric board on the second floor (on the stairs) turn on the switch indicated with an H. Please do not forget to turn it off after your shower. Do not open all air conditioners and the water heater at the same time because there is a risk of blackout.

Kitchen

There are some canned goods and other imperishable foods in the kitchen pantry which you are free to use as you wish. Always check the expiry date before eating anything. We always make sure not to leave expired food in the house, but oversights may happen. Please be sure to ventilate the kitchen after cooking anything that could leave a strong smell behind. Be careful not to wash food remains down the drain. Please throw any kitchen scraps into the container under the sink for organic waste. Kitchen cleaning products are under the sink.

Electrical Appliances

The villa is equipped with all the needed electrical appliances you may need!

• Please do not overload or under load the washer/dryer.

• Please make sure you switch off lights, fans or any other small electrical appliances when you go out. The same applies to air-con and heating – we’re an eco-friendly home!

• In the unlikely case of a power outage, please call the villa’s manager before touching the control panel.

• No compensation will be given for any temporary outage of electricity, gas, water, cable, and satellite or telephone service.

Child safety

We try to keep our vacation rental as child-friendly as possible. That said, parents always have the final responsibility of ensuring their children’s safety at all times. Please never leave children unsupervised at our property without any adults. The backyard is a perfect, safe place for children to play. To avoid danger, please don’t let them play out front.

Garbage

All the garbages must be place in the appropriate bins in the outdoor area. Please do not flush any sanitary products down the toilet. We provide separate bins for this in each bathroom.

Towels/Lines

We will provide for all the guests pool-bath towels and lines. Please do not put wet towels or linens on furniture or oily products, especially the ones leave harsh stains.

Quite hours & Neighborhood

Just like our vacation rental, our neighborhood is important to us. Most of the residents live here full-time, though there may be some other short-term guests staying occasionally. Please be sure to respect the community and try to keep noise levels to a minimum, especially the quiet hours 3pm – 5:30 pm and 11 pm - 7am. By respecting the people and property around, your vacation will be more enjoyable.

www.holiwaysvillas.com

Drinking Water

Tap water isn’t safe to drink. There are a couple of bottles in the kitchen for you, but we recommend stocking up on bottled mineral water from the local store.

Dishwasher

Insert tables into the flip box container on the inside of the dishwasher door. Then press the program button of your choice there are a few settings which are obvious then press the start button. The soap for the dishwasher is in the closet next to the oven.

Swimming Pool

The outdoor swimming pool is 50sqm and has maximum depth 1.50cm. The pool is maintained every three days.

• Children should not use pool without adult permission. Diving is forbitten

• Please sh,ower before entering the pool No lifeguard on duty

• Glassware bottles or food are forbitten

Cleaning Service

The villa will be completed cleaned upon your arrival. We provide mid cleaning service every three days with change linens and towels.

Garden Maintenance

Garden cleaning and maintenance (watering, pruning) is every three days.

Damages

We know that our guests won’t intentionally break anything at our vacation rental, but we understand accidents can happen sometimes. Always report any accidental damages or breakages in a timely manner, especially before check-out. In case any damage to the property or its appliances is not covered by our insurance, the guest will pay for the repair costs.

Safety & Security

There are actions you can follow to keep the house secure during your stay.

Any time guests leave the vacation rental, it is their responsibility to ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked to maintain security and prevent rain and water damage.

• We are not responsible for the loss of any personal belongings or valuables. In case you misplace something in the house, please let us know so we can look out for the item during the changeover and vacation rental cleaning.

No Parties

Parties or loud music is not allowed.

Pets

Pets are not allowed in the unit.

Smoking

Our vacation rental is a smoke-free zone inside. This is important to us in order to keep our property in the best condition possible. Guests can only smoke in outdoor areas such as the balcony or deck as long as you respect the rules we have in place. Please do not throw cigarette butts onto the property lawn. You should instead dispose of them in the ashtray provided. Failure to do so will result in a deduction from the security deposit.

Laundry

We have a washer and a dryer machine located in the room near the kitchen on the ground floor. To operate the machines, select the program you want, place the detergent in the tray, close the door and hit start. Iron and Iron board are all provided.

www.holiwaysvillas.com

SAFETY & EMERGENCY CONTACTS

IN CASES OF EMERGENCY FOLLOW THE DIRECTION OF LOCAL OFFICIALS

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS:

Police: 100

Fire Brigade: 199

Health Emergency: 166 Villa’s manager: +30 6944689892

LOCATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER:

• on the basement near the kitchen first floor near the kitchen

• outdoor, near the barbeque

EMERGENCY EXIT INSTRUCTIONS:

In case of emergency, please proceed to the main door at the front of the villa. You may also exit via the basement glass window door.

EMERGENCY KIT:

An emergency kit is located in the big bathroom on the lower level of the villa.

SAFETY LIGHTS:

The villa has three safety lights, two in the stairs and one in the bathroom on the lower level. In case of a blackout the safety lights are automatically turned on.

Carbon Monoxide and smoke alarm are in the kitchen on the lower floor.

www.holiwaysvillas.com

Crete... a place to be!

Crete... the biggest island in Greece filled with colour and striking landscapes all over the island.

Whether your visit is for relaxation or to explore and discover the many well known and countless hidden treasures of Crete, you will not be disappointed by the diversity of the landscape – the rugged mountains, the endless beaches and the turquoise seas, the many cities, towns and villages, and stunning countryside. Live the essence and the heartbeat of the Island from dawn till dusk and discover…… Your Crete!!

Crete is the place where myths look like history and history is like a myth. From the distant past to the presernt day, every place on the island has a short or long story to tell.

The traditional Cretan cuisine is considered to be one of the healthiest in the world. The abundance and the variety of the products of the island through centuries has created a cuisine with unique taste, freshness and originality.

Crete provides hundreds of beautiful and stunning beaches that will impress even the most demanding traveller.

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Close by facilities

SUPERMARKET SYNKA - ATM

Agioi Apostoloi

SUPERMARKET LIDL

Agioi Apostoloi

PLANAKIS - 24 HOURS SUPERMARKET

Agioi Apostoloi

MONTERNO BAKERY & PATISSERIE

Chrissi Akti

BP GAS STATION

Galatas

PHARMACY

Kalamaki

GENERAL HOSPITAL OF CHANIA Mournies

IASIS GENERAL CLINIC Chania

Nearest beaches

CHRISSI AKTI

AGIOI APOSTOLOI

KALAMAKI

AGIA MARINA

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Nearest restaurants

LEVENTIS TAVERNA

Stalo

T: +302821068155

ELIA

Galatas

T: +302821 031720

MASTRAPAS

Galatas

T: +302821 031874

GASTRA

Stalos

T: +302821 038080

CORINNA MARE

Kalamaki

T: +302821 031767

REFRESH BEACH BAR RESTAURANT CAFE

Agia Marina

T: +30 2821 068699

CABANA MARE BEACH BAR RESTAURANT CAFE

Agia Marina

T: +30 6986995095

VEGERA RESTAURANT

Platanias

T:+30 6944543022

THE OLIVE TREE RESTAURANT

Platanias

T:+30 2821068188

MYLOS TOU KERATA RESTAURANT

Platanias

T: +30 2821068578

www.holiwaysvillas.com

Delivery at the villa!

What’s better from staying by the pool and enjoy a delicious dinner or breakfast from a local restaurant! Around the area there are some local shops/restaurants.cafes that can deliver you the food/coffee or the groceries!

The application of E-food & Wolt has a big variety of delivery shops, restaurants, cafes, patisseries, mini markets etc.

How to order

Download e- food or wolt via playstore or appstore

• Sign - up either with your email address or via facebook

• Write the villa’s address (Papanastasiou, Galatas, Chania). The best way in order to be sure for the right address, is to press the button Detect Location. Then the application will find the place that you are.

• From the filters, you can choose what exactly you wish to order and add it in the card. (please note that, you can order only from one shop per time. If you wish to order from many shops you have to make multiples orders).

In the card you will see the whole order, the amount, the way of the payment and location.

• The payment can be either in cash at the delivery boy or by card in the application.

Once you send the order, do not close the application until you have the confirmation from the shop. www.holiwaysvillas.com

Activities for kids

LIMNOUPOLIS WATER PARK

Perivolia

MEGA DRIVE GO CARD

Perivolia

BOWLING MEGA PLADE

Vlites

ROCKY PASS

Stalos

RED HAVANA BEACH BAR

Agia Marina

GORGONA BEACH BAR

Agia Marina

ALALOUM MINI GOLF

Agia Marina

Gym

BELIVE FAMILY SPORT CLUB

Daratso

FOOD & MORE

Chania

PALAZZO AL MARE

Old Port

T: +302821008813

PALLAS - THEALASSA ROOF GARDEN

Old Port

T: +30282104568

CHRISOSTOMOS

Old Port

T: +302821 057035

NEORIA FISH RESTAURANT

Old Port

T: +30 2821 052255

SALIS RESTAURANT

Old Port

T: +30 2821 043700

DECK FOOD, SUSHI & SPIRITS

Old Port

T: +30 28210 25055

PERIPLUS RESTAURANT

Chalepa

T: +302821068155

THE FIVE RESTAURANT

Nea Chora

T: +302821086596

KERTOS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Nea Chora

T: +302821 087410

“it’s never too early for sushi”

Akrotiri

CARTE POSTALE CAFE BAR RESTAURANT

Sodi

T: +302821111486

KOUKOUVAYA CAFE RESTAURANT

Sodi

T: +30 2821 027449

PATRELANTONIS

Marathi

T: +302821063337

Kissamos

GRAMVOUSA RESTAURANT

Kaliviani

T: +30 2822022707

SPILIOS RESTAURANT

Kavousi

T: +30 2822 041010

NERATZOULA

Kavousi

T: +30 2822 041010

Apokoronas

PSAROS

Almyrida

T: +30 2825032430

ALMYVITA

Almyrida

T: +30 2825 033903

COSTAS KAFENEION

Maza

T: +30 6988914114

PROVLITA

Kalyves

T: +30 2825 031835

www.holiwaysvillas.com

PRIMA PLORA RESTAURANT

Rethymno

T: +30 2831 056990

7 THALASSES SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Rethymno

T: +30 2831 058000

CAVO RESTAURANT

Rethymno

T: +30 2831 036700

AVLI RESTAURANT

Rethymno

T: +30 2242 092100

TAVERNA MARIOU

Plakis, Rethymno

T: +30 2832 031855

VRISI RESTAURANT

Rethymno

T: +30 2832 031399

Rethymno Heraklion

PESKESI RESTAURANT

Heraklion

T: +30 281 028 8887

KASTELLA RESTAURANT

Heraklion

T: +30 281 030 0779

PARALIA SEASIDE RESTAURANT

Heraklion

T: +30 2810 282475

NIGHTLIFE

Chania

KANVA BAR

Old Port

T: +30 6956116906

PALLAS COCTAIL BAR RESTAURANT

Old Port

T: +302821 045688

SINAGOGI CAFE - BAR

Old Port

T: +30 2821 095242

PRASSEIN ALOGA RESTAURANT BAR

Old Port

T: +30 6940649108

KLIK BAR

Old Port

T: +30 694 593 2971

CARTE POSTALE CAFE BAR RESTAURANT

Sodi

T: +30 2821 111486

SPLENDID BAR

Platanias

T: +30 2821 060346

ELVETIA COCKTAIL BAR

Kissamos

T: +30 2822 083399

BREEZE CAFE BAR

Kissamos

T: +30 2822 023324

ORANGE BLUE CAFE BAR RESTAURANT

Falassarna

T: +30 694 362 7803

Rethymno

BONOBO COCKTAIL BAR

Rethymno

T: +30 6932467584

REWINE BAR

Rethymno

T: +30 2831 050003

FRAOULES CAFE BAR RESTAURANT

Rethymno

T: +30 2831 024525

MINIBAR

Rethymno

T: +30 2831 055381

QUEENS ROOM BAR

Rethymno

T: +30 6972822112

CAVO RESTAURANT BAR

Rethymno

T: +30 2831 036700

Agios Nikolaos

PUERTO CAFE BAR

Agios Nikolaos

T: +30 2841 022850

BAJAMAR COCKTAIL BAR

Agios Nicolaos

T: +30 697 336 6035

Heraklion

THINK TANK ESPRESSO WINE BAR

Heraklion

T: +30 28111 12954

XALAVRO OPEN BAR

Heraklion

T: +30 6945699292

THE BITTERS BAR

Heraklion

T: +30 6981033702

WETS & DRYS SPEAKEASY BAR

Heraklion

T: +30 6945699292

STONE COCKTAIL BAR

Heraklion

T: +30 6948173755

PARKO OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE

Heraklion

T: +30 6985556772

KAHLUA PREMIUM BEACH BAR

Hersonissos

T: +30 2897 022000

www.holiwaysvillas.com

WHERE TO GO

OLD VENETIAN PORT OF CHANIA

Chania’s Venetian Harbour was carefully built in the 14th century for commercial purposes and for protection against pirate raids. Today it is a point of reference for the city of Chania, and a much-photographed place with a touch of magic! One of the best views of the old port and Chania’s old town can be found by taking a pleasant stroll along the Venetian seawall to the 19th-century lighthouse.

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Beaches worth a visit...

ELAFONISSI ISLAND

You might have seen Elafonisi beach before, in a photo or in a postcard, or maybe in every top-10 beach staple of every travel agency in the world. Voted as one of the best five secret beaches by the BBC, 14th best beach in the world by CNN, Elafonisi combines turquoise waters with pink sand, one-meterdeep waters and a lagoon.

FALASSARNA BEACH

A magnificent beach that welcomes thousands of visitors every summer! Kilometers of white and powdery sand, crystal clear waters ideal for diving and a breathtaking sunset!

Falassarna is also part of the Natura 2000 network for its exceptional natural beauty and variety of flora and fauna.

www.holiwaysvillas.com

BALOS LAGOON

Balos Beach is a prime reason why thousands of people visit Chania every year. Magic place, famous for its pink sand and broken seashells, it is compared to the Caribbean beaches. The shallow waters make Balos an ideal beach for families with children, while the crystalline waters and idyllic landscape meet all expectations to the fullest!

PALEOCHORA

Paleochora is a small town located south of Chania. Paleochora’s beaches are some of the best in south-western Crete. A pristine coastline travels 18 kilometres along the shore of Paleochora. Like a bride flaunting an aqua wedding gown train, Paleochora proudly displays a continuous line of beaches that lace around the luminous Libyan Sea. No need to leave town to bask in the best!

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MARATHI BEACH

Marathi is on the southeastern coast of Akrotiri in Chania. It hosts two beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow calm water, ideal for children. They are very well protected from the winds, as they face to the south and have nice view to Drapanos Cape and the White Mo untains. The beaches are separated by a small pier, which also serves as a harbor for fishing boats and small ferries. It is well organized with all necessary amenities nearby.

SEITAN LIMANIA

Stefanou beach is located at the position of Seitan Limania 22km northeast of Chania. The wider area is named Seitan Limania, after the wild landscape, the steep cliffs and the strong sea streams.

A tiny fantastic beach is shaped, with deep azure waters, namely the beach of Stefanou. The beach has fine pebbles and sand, transferred there from the nearby quarry through the canyon Diplohahalo. On the right and the left sides of the cove, huge marble rocks are standing high to protect the beach from the bad weather.

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TRIOPETRA

Triopetra beach is sandy, pretty much unspoilt, featuring crystal-clear water and breathtaking sunsets. Its name means “Three Rocks” and refers to the impressive rocks that characterise its landscape.

PREVELI BEACH

Preveli is one of the most beautiful destinations in the southern coast of Crete. The name represents a unique beach and a wild canyon, where hundreds of palm trees line the shore of a turbulent mountain stream.

Next to Triopetra, you’ll find the charming Agios Pavlos beach. The vast dunes that enclose the beach are its chief attraction and they can attain up to 30 feet in height. The beach itself is sandy, with very clear water and a sea-bed that begs to be explored. In the middle of the beach there are some sea-worn caves.

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AGIOS PAVLOS AMMOLOFOI

EAST OF RETHYMNO

In this part of Crete there are the four wonderful beaches of Amoudi , Damnoni , Klisidi , and Amoudaki Beach all which are a short walking distance from one to the other.

Amoudi has thick white sand and rocky seabed, ideal for diving and snorkeling, and the waters have a bright green color. Next to the beach there are many tamarisk trees, under which you can find shade and camp.

Following the road towards east, the first beach to be found is the Ammoudaki that consists of two tiny bays. It is hidden between two oblong rocks. White-sanded coast is washed by aquamarine cold waters and is widely preferred by the nudists.

To the west of Mikro Ammoudi there is a cave with incredible blue colors. On the east side of the beach you can find a passing-through hole in the water that connects Mikro Ammoudi with Kleisidi beach. The two beaches are one dive away.

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MATALA

Matala is located at the exit of a small valley, which forms an enclosed bay with nice view to the islands of Paximadia.There is a beautiful sandy beach, 300m long, with fine gravel and crystal clear deep water. Moreover, the seabed is quite rocky in some places (especially in the central part of the bach) and waves are common, due to frequent west winds. It is famous for the carved caves in the rocks and the hippies of the ‘70s.

AGIOFARAGGO

The beach is at the exit of the gorge Agiofaraggo is stunning, with fine pebbles and clear blue water, which is usually calm. West of the beach a beautiful rocky arch is formed, beneath which you can swim. Vertical cliffs surround the beach. Naturiism should be avoided here, as the wider area is one of the most religious places of Crete.

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VAI BEACH

Vai is located east of Sitia It is the most famous beach in east Crete, as its main feature is the large palm grove with the Cretan Date Palm (Phoenix theophrasti). Its name derives from the word vai, meaning palm in Greek. The palm grove is the largest in Europe with approximately 5000 trees, while there are smaller colonies in other parts of Crete and in Southwest Turkey. An exotic sandy beach with whitish sand is formed near the shore, backed by the edenic palm forest, reminding of African and Caribbean seascapes.

AGIA FOTIA BEACH

Agia Fotia beach is located 45km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 12km east of Ierapetra. It is a small bay formed at the mouth of a stream that descends from the mountain of Thripti. The settlement takes its name after the local Church of Agia Fotini (or Agia Fotia). The stream is hidden in huge plane trees, while the bay is surrounded by conglomerate cliffs that create a magic scenery. The beach has coarse grayish sand and crystal clear calm water.

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Excursions

SAMARIA GORGE

The Samaria Gorge is the most famous trekking gorge in Europe and a part of the European E4 hiking trail. For many visitors, it is the sole purpose of their visit to Crete. The length of the gorge reaches 14.5km and takes almost 5-7 hours to hike from Xyloskalo at Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli beach, depending on the trekking pace. Believed to be one of the most scenic national parks in Europe.

SFAKIA

A seaside big village with small coves, and many secluded beaches with sweet water and small pebbles or sand. A clear blue sea, ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Loutro is a seaside village situated approximately 71 km south of Chania city, at the end of Cape Mouri. It was the site of the ancient city of Phoenix and was the port of ancient Anopolis. Later, it became the “winter” port for Chora Sfakion, due to the fact that the enclosed bay and the small island at its entrance create a natural harbor where ships can be safe even in very bad weather.

BOTANIC PARK & GARDENS OF CRETE

Walking in the Botanical park & Gardens of Crete offers spiritual tranquility and visual pleasure in addition to knowledge on plants and their material. Nearly 20 hectares of land are waiting to welcome you, full of fruit trees from all over the world, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants in a park different from others, where the land’s formation and the region’s microclimate make it a paradise for hundreds of plants and animals!

MANOUSAKIS WINERY

Don’t miss to enjoy a glass of wine in one of the most reputable wineries in Crete, Greece!

Visit Manousakis Winery to taste its organic Nostos Wines on the tasting terrace, see the beautiful vineyards, eat lunch or dinner at the restaurant, take a cooking class, and more! Combine a tasting with lunch or dinner at the restaurant and sit among the beautiful olive trees and orange groves and take in the wild peacefulness of your surroundings.

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CHRISSOKALITISSA MONASTERY

Located near the village of Elafonissi, the Monastery of Chrissoskalitissa, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a 17th-century Orthodox Christian monastery built on a rock. Legend states that it received the name Chrissoskalitissa because one of the many steps leading up to the monastery was gold. Built during Venetian times, the monastery now is a famous pilgrimage site and includes a folklore museum.

AGIA SOFIA CAVE

The cave of Agia Sofia (Santa Sophia) is located 47km southwest of Chania, on the western walls of the gorge Topolia, near the main road to Elafonisi. On the left of the cave entrance, there is the small church dedicated to Hagia Sophia (Wisdom of God). The entrance of the cave has a width of 25m, while the height reaches 20m in many points, being relly huge. The cave has two rooms with different heights, the surface of which is full of stalagmites.

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ARKADI MONASTERY

The Holy Monastery of Arkadi in Rethymnon Crete: Arkadi is a place of special historical interest, known for the events that took place during the revolution of 1866. The monastery is built on the edge of the high plateau. This is one of the most important monuments of Crete and an interesting pole of attraction for visitors.

Located 23km southeast from Rethymno and 500m above the sea level, the initial fortressing part of the monastery was built in the 12th century, by an Arkadian monk as it is believed. Another myth says that the monastery was named after the Byzantine emperor Arcadius. The most important part of the Monastery of Arkadi is a church dedicated to Metamorphosis of Savior and Agios Konstantinos and Agia Eleni.

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KNOSSOS MINOAN PALACE

Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe’s oldest city. Settled as early as the Neolithic period, the name Knossos survives from ancient Greek references to the major city of Crete.

HERAKLION ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is regarded as one of Europe’’s most important museums. The present building was constructed between 1933 and 1937 to plans by P. Karantinos, on the site of the imposing Venetian Franciscan friary destroyed by an earthquake in 1856.

The museum brings together archaeological finds from all over Crete, covering over 5500 years of the island’’s history. Pride of place is given to the treasures of Minoan civilisation, the entire historical course of which can thus be appreciated. Justly regarded as the home of Minoan civilisation par excellence, the museum houses the most important collection of Minoan antiquities the world over.

NIKOS KAZANTZAKIS MUSEUM

The Museum of Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion Crete: The Museum of Nikos Kazantzakis is located in the lovely village of Myrtia, also known as Varvari, which was founded in 1983. Nikos Kazantzakis was born in Heraklion and is considered to be one of the most important Greek writers of the 20th century. He became globally known after the launch of the film “Zorba, the Greek”, which was based on one of his novels. The Museum was founded with the purpose of preserving the work of Nikos Kazantzakis and of narrating the life of the Cretan writer through his manuscripts, personal items, and letters.

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WATER CITY PARK HERAKLION

At Watercity Waterpark the enjoyment of the water element is fully maximized! Experience the wide range of watergames and feel like a kid again! Play without fear, feel the coolness and experience unforgettable moments of relaxation!

CRETAQUARIUM

One of Europe’s biggest aquariums, Cretaquarium opened in 2005. From a plethora of marine organisms such as fish, sharks, jellyfish and even tiny sea horses, the aquarium displays the rich diversity of Mediterranean marine life. A fun activity for visitors of all ages, Cretaquarium is a mustsee when visiting Crete.

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SPINALONGA

One of the called names for this island is “the island of the living dead”.

Spinaloga is a known island in Lasithi Prefecture of Crete. During the 20th century, it was used as a leper colony for infected people to be isolated from the rest civilization. Now visitors describe it as a magical place where you can travel into past.

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