CRETE is the most southerly of the Greek islands and enjoys long warm summers with approximately 325 days of sunshine each year. Average temperatures range from12C (54F) to 27C (88F). It is also the largest island in Greece being approximately 60 km wide and 260 km long, with a population of 500.000.
There are three airports on the island Both Chania and Heraklion airports accommodate International flights. At present the airport at Sitia only handles domestic, however International flights are expected in the near future.
There are three airports on the island Both Chania and Heraklion airports accommodate International flights. At present the airport at Sitia only handles domestic, however International flights are expected in the near future.
Crete is a vibrant island, with a culture deeply seated within ancient history and myth. The island has a multifaceted appeal. It has something for everyone from the very young to the older person looking to retire to a warm and safe environment. One face of Crete is that of the holiday island with golden beaches, crystal blue waters and lively nightlife. Another is that of the small-unspoiled villages where life carry's on much as it has in centuries past.
AGHIOS NIKOLAOS, with 12.500 inhabitants, is the capital of the Lassithi province of Crete. It is built around a picturesque lake at the north-western side of the Merabello bay, the biggest bay in Crete. The beauty here is endless with the seasons succeeding one another. The climate is unique: Dry, without humidity. The area is inhabited since antiquity.
Major administrative, cultural and communications center, Aghios Nikolaos is one of the most developed tourist areas, not only in Crete but in Greece in general.
Having a valuable 30 year experience of organized tourism, its infrastructure matches that of any other European resort, for ideal and interesting vacation together with the traditional Cretan hospitality and the excellent climate. Thanks to the beautiful coasts, the great sights and the cosmopolitan life, this live city hosts every year thousands of visitors without losing one bit of its tranquillity and traditional hospitality.
The modern city of Aghios Nikolaos became internationally well-known during the 60's, "discovered" by famous cinema directors (Jules Dassin, Walt Disney etc.), BBC producers and many others. It was then, that the rapid tourist development of the area started. Today, Aghios Nikolaos is an international, cosmopolitan tourist resort, able to accommodate, effectively and efficiently, thousands of visitors each year.
The shopping area of Aghios Nikolaos is always a pleasure. You can find everything! There are many tourist shops, full of excellent articles of traditional Cretan art, Minoan copies and copies from the Popular Art museum, etc.
One can also visit fine art galleries and woven handicrafts, jewellery shops, international bookstores, kiosks with Greek and foreign press, cafeterias as well as traditional coffee shops, taverns and restaurants with an inexhaustible assortment of snacks and specialities of greek and Cretan cooking, accompanied with all sorts of wines or the local strong "raki".
One can also visit fine art galleries and woven handicrafts, jewellery shops, international bookstores, kiosks with Greek and foreign press, cafeterias as well as traditional coffee shops, taverns and restaurants with an inexhaustible assortment of snacks and specialities of greek and Cretan cooking, accompanied with all sorts of wines or the local strong "raki".
At night, there are countless chances for fun at the numerous night clubs and discos, or at selected clubs with traditional Cretan dances, songs and mandinades or the latest hits of the Greek and international charts.
ISTRON (KALO CHORIO) is 12km south of Agios Nikolaos.
The serpentine road after Almyros, offers a breathtaking view of Mirabello, all the way to the village of Kalo Chorio.
The ancient city of Istron was built here, but there are no excavations held up to now.
The festivities of Agios Pandeleimon in 27 of July and of Agios Syllas in the 30th of July, are an unforgettable experience each year in Kalo Chorio.
On the right side of the valley, the road leads to a magnificent small beach with some tavernas serving local food.
The serpentine road after Almyros, offers a breathtaking view of Mirabello, all the way to the village of Kalo Chorio.
The ancient city of Istron was built here, but there are no excavations held up to now.
The festivities of Agios Pandeleimon in 27 of July and of Agios Syllas in the 30th of July, are an unforgettable experience each year in Kalo Chorio.
On the right side of the valley, the road leads to a magnificent small beach with some tavernas serving local food.
Kalo Chorio now has 1125 inhabitants in its four settlements. The hotels and many rental apartments in the extensive area of Istron and Forti accommodate thousands of visitors every year. During recent years, the local inhabitants, together with their agricultural activities, have been actively involved in tourism, and in the Arts and Literature, and have gained an enviable reputation in matters of culture and athletics.