Your next best Cretan experience will be beautifully local when you explore one of the traditional villages at the throbbing heart of the island. These settlements combine tradition and authenticity with the locals’ deep respect for nature and its bounty. Leave the popular tourist trails behind you and
The mountains of Crete are the island’s heart, and the communities of the Cretan highlands are societies almost to themselves, bastions of a traditional way of life that has remained almost the same for centuries. Every village is steeped in history, with most having witnessed hardship and conflict, some
Vrysses, also spelled Vrisses, is a jewel of a Cretan traditional village in the municipality of Apokoronas. It is an active community whose primary sources of income originate from tourism and farming. Vrysses is well known for its olive oils, sheeps’ yogurt, and citrus production. Vrysses has a fair
Lake Kournas is Crete island’s only natural freshwater lake. It gathers its waters from the Amati spring, which originates in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and underground springs. Once called Koresia after the ancient city Korion, the lake counts among the most popular tourist destinations in the
Often referred to as the “Venice” of Crete, Chania is famous for its scenic old town and port with a strong Venetian character. A jewel of architecture and history, Chania is definitely a must-see during your visit to Crete and an ideal day trip destination, offering a variety of rewarding experiences.
