ISVC 2012, July 16-18

Rethymnon, Crete, Greece

Crete

Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands, is an island of contrasts. Home to around 650,000 people, the island remains ever popular with visitors from northern Europe, other parts of Greece, and indeed, visitors from all over the World. Crete is a place with its own tradition, its own character and its own dialect. Local people are very proud of their Cretan origin. Throughout the island the remnants of occupation by invaders from the Romans, through to the Turks, can still be seen, with aqueducts and architecture still plainly visible. But throughout these invasions the Cretan people have remained relatively unscathed and retain their justifiable pride in their island and their culture. In the south of the island, you will find hundreds of exotic beaches, some crowded and some isolated which can satisfy any taste. Crete is famous for its fruit, vegetables and pure olive oil. Crete consists of four prefectures: Rethymnon, Heraklion, Chania and Lasithi (Aghios Nikolaos).

Rethymnon

Rethymnon is located between the prefectures of Chania and Heraklion. The town of Rethymnon still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with its buildings dating from the 16th century, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, small Venetian harbour and narrow streets. The Venetian Loggia and the municipal gardens are also some sites that you don't want to miss. Arcadi monastery is a place which reminds to all Cretans and any visitor the struggle for freedom against Turkish conqueror. It is a historical monument which attracts many visitors every year.

There are two sides to Rethymno offering two styles of visit: the endless big beach hotel strip that stretches from the east end of Rethymno, lapping up the coastal "villages" of Perivolia, Platanias, Adelianos Kambos, Pigianos Kambos, Sfakaki, Stavromenos and Skaleta - and - the Rethymno that allows you the character of the old town with its mix of architecture and history, cultural influences and styles ranging from Venetian to Ottoman empire. The town of Rethymnon offers great amusements as small bars near the seaside, clubs, restaurants and many small picturesque taverns. People of Rethymnon as all Cretans, are very hospitable people and they will try to make you feel like your home.

Traveling to and in Crete

To Crete by plane: Rethymnon is nearly equidistant from both main airports, Chania and Heraklion (41 and 44 miles respectively) - meaning many more flight options (you can fly into either airport, whichever suits you). However, there are many fewer flights to Chania than to Heraklion so many people staying in western Crete arrive in Heraklion. There are two main carriers to Crete from Athens: Aegean Air and Olympic Airlines. In the summer, there are also many international flights to Heraklion and Chania (e.g., Swiss, EasyJet, Condor, Transavia, Air-Berlin).

To Crete by boat:There are now three ferries going between Athens (Piraeus) and Heraklion: Minoan, Super fast and ANEK. Online booking of tickets is possible directly or via all ferries

What to see in Crete

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