Archive for the ‘crete’ Category

Crete A Top 2010 Holiday Island

Saturday, August 28th, 2010

http://www.trivago have recently revealed the top island holiday destinations so far for this summer, and Crete is one of them. Trivago is worth visiting to check out hotel prices.

Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife, the number one destination for British travellers, is the largest of the seven Canary Islands, and also Spain’s busiest resort – the island receives 10 million visitors each year. The island’s crowning glory is the Pico del Teide, the third largest volcano in the world, which rises 3718 metres from the base of the island. From its peak, travellers have a remarkable view of the island’s 350km of coastline, tropical vegetation, volcanic craters and lava formations. Tenerife’s wild nature is undoubtedly the island’s best feature, but the island is also well known for its beautiful beaches. The island has a rich birdlife, and many travellers consider the bird park ”Loro Parque“ a mandatory stop. The Carnival of Santa Cruz – one of the world’s largest carnivals – takes place every year in February.

Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and while many associate its name with historical and political divisiveness, millions of tourists visit the island each year for its spectacular sights and attractions. As a result of its turbulent history, Cyprus has evolved into an intriguing and alluring blend of Greek and Turkish identities. The Tomb of the Kings, a network of underground tombs dating back to the 4th Century BC, are one of the island’s most prominent attractions, and the island’s many medieval forts and citrus groves are beautiful to behold. The Karpas Peninsula is also renowned for its breathtaking beaches.

Majorca, Spain
Majorca is part of the Balearic Islands archipelago and is one of Europe’s most popular island destinations. The island is well known for its nightlife and numerous clubs and bars, particularly in the town centre of Playa de Palma and El Arenal. Visitors are drawn to the island’s turquoise blue bays, pristine sandy beaches, antique ruins and historical buildings, such as the Cathedral La Seu and the Palacio Real de la Almudaina in Palma. It pays to escape the island’s touristic heart and venture out into the wild, however; those who do will discover the true essence of Majorca, in the form of idyllic villages, local markets and the traditional Majorcan way of life.

Gran Canaria, Spain
Located 125 miles off the coast of West Africa, the Spanish island of Gran Canaria is often referred to as a mini continent, due to its many different climates. In the south, the climate is tropical and dry; in the north, it is subtropical and dry. The result is a glorious diversity of plant and animal life, giving nature enthusiasts plenty to explore during their stay. Hikers will also appreciate the 2,000 metre high Pozo de las Nieves mountain in the centre of Gran Canaria, which attracts climbers from around the world. Another of the island’s main attractions is the dune beach, located near Maspalomas, a town in the south of the island. Culture lovers should visit the capital Las Palmas in the north of Gran Canaria which has magnificent buildings, such as the Cathedral Santa Ana. Another highlight is the old fortress Castillo de la Luz that is currently used as a museum.

Lanzarote
Lanzarote is the fourth largest island in the Canary Island chain, and was the first of the islands to be settled in 1100 BC. At first glance, Lanzarote’s sparse, volcanic landscape may seem bleak, but for those willing to look a little closer, many amazing attractions are to be found. Lanzarote’s beaches are particularly well noted, and visitors to the Timanfaya National Park can witness the otherworldly beauty of the island’s volcanic craters and lava fields. Unique experiences abound; guests will certainly enjoy the park’s El Diablo restaurant, where food is cooked directly over a volcanic vent, or a trek through the ‘Tunnel of Atlantis’ – the world’s largest submerged volcanic tunnel.

Crete
The island of Crete is probably best known for its legends ties to Greek legends such as the Minotaur and the tragic tale of Icarus and Daedalus. The ruins of the Minoan palace of Knossos, of Venetian fortresses and former trading ports all point to the island’s rich history and cultural legacy. Yet this ancient island has much to offer the modern world as well: Cretan art, literature and music styles (typically performed with a lyre) are very distinct, and have contributed greatly to the diversity and evolution of Greek culture. Visitors to Crete would be remiss if they did not explore the island’s many ruins and heritage sites, and the island’s fresh produce and Mediterranean cuisine will provide a tantalizing treat for the senses.

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Crete holidays, crete, holidays | No Comments »

Bad Behaviour In Greece

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

The Foreign Office has issued a report about the behaviour of a small minority of British tourists who can cause big problems, as this Daily Mail report shows:

A new FCO report on the behaviour of Britons on holiday has revealed that thousands of tourists were arrested or forced to seek hospital treatment last year, often because they had consumed too much alcohol.

The report, which looked at incidents involving British tourists between April 2009 and March 2010, found that around six thousands travellers lost their lives while abroad. Drink, drugs and road traffic accidents were among the primary reasons for the deaths.

Spain, the US and France were the countries where British visitors needed the most consular assistance.

The report found that ‘most arrests involving British people in Spain are for drunk or drink-related offences’. The highest proportion of arrests for drug offences was in Thailand, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates.

The research also highlights the need for adequate travel insurance with the FCO publishing examples of incidents involving travellers who faced huge bills after hitting problems while abroad without the correct cover.

One man on a skiing holiday was forced to pay a 4,500-euro bill for mountain rescue, transport and medical costs after he fell and broke his collarbone while on a ski holiday because he didn’t have comprehensive travel insurance.

Drunken behaviour is also cited as a big problem with overseas authorities often making an example of those who act inappropriately. A Briton who urinated on one of Latvia’s most revered monuments was sentenced to five days in custody.

In the sunshine resort of Malia on Crete, this week, a UK reporter found himself on the receiving end of drunken violence after he was attacked by a Greek bar owner for trying to film a young British woman who was ‘comatose’ with drink.


Richard Gaisford, a journalist for GMTV, was punched in the face and had his microphone stolen while filming a piece on the FCO report. He said: ‘I’ve just been smashed in the face, probably by one of the guys here who are very keen to protect the image of this place. And that image is not good.’

Young Britons flock to the Greek resort for the party atmosphere. Doctors at Malia’s medical centre, where drunk tourists often find themselves, defended the area’s boozy reputation: ‘The problem here is that the people drink alcohol but it’s less this year than last. This year, we’ve [also] not had so many people with drugs.’

Among other warnings, the FCO advises travellers to be aware of stricter laws abroad, to ensure travel insurance is comprehensive and to research which vaccinations are needed for travel to certain countries. Visit http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel for advice, and to read the original article at the Daily Mail click here

For Lanzarote flights visit yourlanzarote.net

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Crete holidays, crete, greece, holidays | 1 Comment »

Cheap Crete Holidays Available

Friday, August 6th, 2010

There’s some good deals around for holidays in Greece for those considering the Greek Islands for August and September, as the Daily Mail report:

The head of one of the UK’s leading holiday operators to Greece has said tourists shouldn’t be dissuaded from visiting the country in spite of recent threats from a terror organisation.

A declaration sent out by urban guerrilla group Sect of Revolutionaries last week warned: ‘Tourists should learn that Greece is no longer a safe haven of capitalism’. The group, which has already claimed the life of journalist Sokratis Giolias, went on to say that they ‘intend to turn [Greece] into a war zone of revolutionary activity with arson, sabotage, violent demonstrations, bombings and assassinations, and not a country that is a destination for holidays and pleasure’.

Managing director of Sunvil Holidays, Noel Josephides, said the company has been discounting Greek holidays in a bid to sell more late deals and that many of the major operators have been ’switching a lot of capacity from Greece to Egypt and Turkey which are a lot more fashionable this year’. While ‘people who know and love Greece are still going to go this year’, Mr Josephides conceded the country’s unsettled political situation may make those who have yet to decide where to spend their summer holidays think twice before travelling to the popular Greek islands such as Kefalonia, Crete and Corfu. Mr Josephides is also quick to add that there are some upsides to the situation for tourists.

‘There will be fewer people going to Greece over the summer, that means the beaches and resorts will be quieter, (and) prices about 10 per cent lower.’ The Greek government is adamant that tourists will be safe, saying in a public statement: ‘In relation to the recent events linked to the terrorist group Sect of Revolutionaries, there is absolutely no danger to tourists or the Greek public’.

For the latest weather in Corfu visit yourcorfu.net and for the Crete weather visit yourcrete.net

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Tags: , ,
Posted in Crete holidays, crete, greece, holidays | 1 Comment »

A Luxury Greek Holiday – With The Children

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Is it possible to enjoy a luxury holiday when you take the children as well? The Daily Mail’s travel section found it is – and to read the full article click here

Any parent looking to head off for a luxury holiday while keeping a close eye on the purse strings  has one concern above all others: where can I find my own high-end paradise which, crucially, caters for children and doesn’t break the bank?

I was assured that the Sani Beach Resort in Halkidiki, Greece would provide the answer.

A privately-owned stretch of pine forest and olive groves, fringed by a long white sandy beach and the turquoise waters of the Aegean, the Sani Beach Club is a low-rise bungalow hotel set amongst landscaped gardens.

Of the four Sani hotels in the area, Sani Beach caters more specifically for families. The setting is peaceful and just a short shuttle bus ride away from the hustle and bustle of the local marina.

There are a number of room options on offer, from deluxe doubles to slightly larger suites – some with their own pool – and family rooms comprising two doubles with interconnecting door. Check in was swift, with an icy glass of sparkling wine and fresh juice making the process as painless as possible.

Our light and airy deluxe double room was stylishly furnished in pale blue and neutral sandstone tones, with a double bed and two sofa beds made up for our children Tallulah and George. As they tucked into the mouth-watering bowl of fresh fruit by their beds, Nick and I sipped another glass of fizz on the balcony and contemplated our first afternoon by the pool.

When we arrived at said pool, it felt like we had landed at ‘Boden-On-Sea’. No beer-induced shouting or squawking children, just small groups of impossibly cute under-fives playing beautifully in the shallow water while their parents looked on from cream, padded sun loungers. I did wonder whether I might be dreaming that a holiday with two young children could be like this.

It was all blissfully real though, from the crystal-clear pool and the private white sandy beach to the wondrous view out to Mount Olympus and the friendly Beach Club staff.

Any request was met with a big smile and a quick response and by the end of the week, our children were on first name terms with every waiter, concierge and golf cart driver they’d met.

Another big highlight for our children was the Sani’s Melissa Kids Club. The Beach Club has its own kids club run by British Childcare specialists, Worldwide Kids Company, and provides free daily entertainment for children over four and crèche facilities for younger children starting at 18 euros per session.

Lula loved making bracelets and building sandcastles with her new ‘best friend’, Alex, while George helped rebuild England’s football reputation in a mini ‘World Cup’ tournament.

For information about Crete holidays visit yourcrete.net and for Kefalonia holidays yourkefalonia.net

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Tags: , ,
Posted in Crete holidays, crete, holidays | 5 Comments »

Crete – Good Value For Villa Holidays

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

Villa Holidays

Crete is one of the best places this summer for those who like villa holidays according to the Daily Mail, who say:

Two of the priciest areas to rent a villa in Greece are northeast Corfu, a playground for bankers, politicians and Russian oligarchs – nicknamed Kensington-on-Sea – and near the upmarket resort of Fiscardo in northern Kefalonia.

Greek Islands Club (020 8232 9780, www.greekislandsclub.com) calculated that villas of similar quality in southern parts of Corfu and Kefalonia cost about 20 to 25 per cent less to rent.

Crete is also good value, says the company. As the most southerly part of Greece, the season is longer than in other parts of the country, so villa owners don’t feel the need to raise their prices so much in the prime summer months.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1278845/Cheap-self-catering-villa-holidays-Languedoc-Orlando.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0sdX35fIO

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Crete holidays, crete, holidays | No Comments »

Hungary For A Greek Holiday

Monday, June 28th, 2010

This summer Malév is integrating two charter flights into its scheduled timetable. The airline is targeting individual travellers who prefer to book their own accommodation and plan their own holiday programmes.

The addition of the capital of Crete, Heraklion, and Palma de Mallorca extend still further the list of Malév’s hit summer destinations. The airline’s services to Split, Malaga and St. Petersburg are already extremely popular with Hungarian passengers; Malév reckons that the two new destinations will soon become equally popular and the 20 tickets available for each flight will quickly find buyers. The airline is making a total of 1200 seats available on the once-a-week flights running from mid-June to the end of September. Of course, the majority of seats are reserved by travel agencies for their own package programmes.

Crete and Mallorca

Crete is one of the most popular European summer destinations, offering the perfect blend of culture and relaxation. The largest island in Greece is famous for the Palace of Knossos, renowned Cretan hospitality, its charming villages, gorgeous beaches and unequalled natural attractions such as Samaria, Europe’s longest gorge.

Mallorca is the popular Spanish island of unclouded relaxation and unforgettable excursions, a true paradise for beachgoers. Aside from the sandy seashore, Mediterranean restaurants and fun nightlife, a holiday here is spiced with plenty of sights, for instance Palma Cathedral, Bellver Castle, the Palma-Soler railway and Dragon Cave.

More details including the Crete weather is at yourcrete.net

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in crete | No Comments »

Crete Property Market Looking Brighter For 2010

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

Despite the economic woes Greece is currently having, it appears that more people are interested in buying a property, according to propertycommunity.com who say:

Mediterranean countries are proving more popular among those searching for overseas property as the focus turns away from wintry destinations to summer dreams, according to the latest foreign real estate index.

Some 60% of locations saw an increase in searches, with Alentejo in Portugal the top climber in February going up 22 places with searches up by 27.3% in the Rightmove overseas monthly index.

Tuscany consolidates its place as the favourite Italian region with an increase of 12.5% in searches, the report also shows.

Emigration hotspots New Zealand, Australia, and Canada are biggest losers in the country chart, down an average of 17% on January as the peak emigration season starts to tail away and those simply dreaming of emigration, rather than actively investigating it, loses impetus.

Oceania’s loss was the Mediterranean’s gain though, with good lifts in search activity for Greece, up 8.2%, Malta up 11.3%, Spain up 2.5% and Italy up 0.9%.

But Germany’s recent climb has halted with Berlin the biggest faller, down 44.6% on January. But the gains made through summer 2009 look like being permanent and it may only be a matter of time before Germany joins the Top 10, according to the report.

‘After adjusting for this being the shortest month, February actually saw an increase on January searches, in stark contrast to last year’s drop off after the January peak. Year on Year February searches are up 54% on 2009 which is really encouraging for the market,’ said Robin Wilson, head of overseas at Rightmove.

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Tags: , , ,
Posted in crete | No Comments »

7 Top Crete Villas

Monday, April 19th, 2010

A list of a hundred top villas available for holidays was published in The Times recently, and no fewer than seven Crete villas were mentioned – they were:

Talisker
Sleeps 8

Got a bonus to spend? Then slap a deposit down on this palace near Elounda immediately. Everything about it is ravishing: the sharp, contemporary lines, the enormous, airy interiors, the terraced garden, the elevated sea views. You’ll never want to leave. Heraklion airport is a 75-minute drive. £8,500/£6,500

–

Villa Olous
Sleeps 16

Here are some things you never thought you’d need on a Cretan villa holiday: grand piano, antique snooker table, tennis court, croquet lawn and private Greek Orthodox chapel, looking out to sea. Elegant and enormous, Villa Olous has the lot — topped off by magnificent sea views. Heraklion airport is a 55-minute drive. £24,545 year-round

–

Haniotena Cottage
Sleeps 2

A couple of history-heads will love this place in the village of Kritsa, above Agios Nikolaos. It’s said to be one of the oldest surviving villages in Crete, and there’s no doubt the ground floor is pretty ancient, with a higgledy-piggledy front door and enormous stone walls. Nearby is Lato — one of those neglected but wildly romantic classical ruins that litter the Cretan countryside. Heraklion airport is an hour’s drive. £1,430/£930

–

The Stonemason’s House
Sleeps 4

If you’re serious about finding “the real Crete”, this is where to come — a simple house, full of antiques and hand-sewn fabrics, in the tiny village of Embrosnero. The owners, Maria and Yannis, live nearby, and are part of the appeal, as Maria is an excellent cook. Chania airport is an hour’s drive. £625/£599

–

Villa Galania
Sleeps 4

It might lack architectural grace and Cretan atmosphere, but this well-equipped hilltop house near the north coast would make a superb setting for go-nowhere family holidays. It’s the array of outside spaces that make it special: a children’s pool next to the main one, shady terraces and balconies, a big deck with wicker armchairs and table football, a barbecue area with a traditional oven and a herb garden. Chances are you’ll never get bored. Chania airport is 45 minutes by car. £1,775/£660

–

Haritakis House
Sleeps 6

It’s a simple proposition: a stone house in the middle of nowhere, with lovely sea views and a shady terrace for meals. There’s no pool, no air-con, no fancy sinks in the bathroom — and even in high season, it works out at less than £115pp a week. The nearest beach is at Ligres, five minutes away. Chania airport is two hours by car. £680/£385

–

Villa Svega
Sleeps 6

In the 15th century, they used to store acorns and carrots here — under two arched stone vaults. Now one of those vaults provides dramatic high-ceilinged rooms on the ground floor, while the other is the perfect place for shaded alfresco meals. The house, in the middle of the village of Gallou, near Rethymnon, also has a pretty garden, a rooftop terrace and its own pool. Heraklion airport is 90 minutes by car. £1,450/£930

A full choice of Crete villa holidays is available with James Villas

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Tags: ,
Posted in Crete holidays, crete, holidays | 1 Comment »

Good Value Crete

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Crete is a great place for a holiday, and good value for money too, according to The Daily Telegraph in the UK who comment:

Rumours of Greece’s demise as a value-for-money destination are greatly exaggerated. Greece is significantly cheaper for 2010, with prices down by 9.5 per cent compared with 12 months ago, according to the Post Office Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer, which places Greece 12th in its league table of 30 countries. This is partly because the euro is down on last year, but also because real local prices have gone down too, giving Greece an even bigger edge over its next-door rival Turkey, where the survey claims prices are a whopping 44 per cent higher than 12 months ago.

To read the article more click here

For more information about Crete, including Crete holidays visit http://www.yourcrete.net/holidays

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Tags: , ,
Posted in Crete holidays, crete, holidays | No Comments »