A Crash Course in Crete

Crete’s most romantic destination offers an irresistible sense of charm. Chania’s Old Town is undeniably captivating, with winding alleyways lined with charming boutique stores, fragrant jasmine trees and bougainvillea, and picturesque squares dotted with local taverns serving Cretan delicacies. The Venetian harbor opens up to panoramic views of the Aegean and the striking Egyptian Lighthouse, which once guided ships safely into the harbor. Traces of centuries of conquests are evident in the amalgam of cultures that intertwine in the cobblestone streets and historical districts of this enchanting town. The district of Splantzia is lined with reminders of the town's Ottoman period. In the afternoon, take a walk along the marina, lined with Venetian boathouses reborn as exhibition spaces and cafes. At sunset people gather by the harbor to witness the magical sunset or simply stroll along the esplanade.

Visitors to Heraklion, Crete's capital, are greeted by the imposing Venetian Koules Fortress, a reminder of the importance of this historic gateway to the rest of the island. A vibrant university town, Heraklion is home to some of the island's most important landmarks, such as the Knossos Palace, with its striking Bronze Age ruins, complete with colorful, stunning frescoes. Heading to the center, the bustling Old Town has many markets and cafes, along with neoclassical buildings and a 10th century church with impressed stained glass. Heraklion is a great base for exploring the island, but before you hit the road, take the time to stroll along its Venetian harbor, lined with traditional fishing boats and offering spectacular views of the Koules Fortress.

The heart, soul, and capital of Lassithi (Crete's easternmost region), Agios Nikolaos ("St. Nicholas") has attracted celebrities like Walt Disney since the 60s, but remains small and humble. The town's crown jewel is Voulismeni Lake, a lagoon that has served as an inner harbor since Napoleon's men connected it to the sea. Surrounding Voulismeni are numerous restaurants and cafes, offering charming views and romantic ambience. Agios Nikolaos enjoys a prime location within close proximity to the Lassithi's numerous traditional villages and historical sites. Lassithi's unspoiled beauty, from rugged mountains, to expansive plateaus and deep cliffs, make it one of the most exciting region’s of Crete, as do its important historical sites, with their traces of ancient civilizations. Nearby Spinalonga Island is an important part of Crete's history, thanks to its 15th century Venetian fortress, which later saw use as an infamous leper colony. The seabed of the nearby Mirabello Bay is the site of the ancient sunken city of Olous, the remains of which can be admired from a boat.