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Villa Lampini
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 Villa Lampini |
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| Spili is only 4 kms from the villa and is a bit of a "touristy" village. It is famous for its church and water fountains and has traditional Cretan tavernas and shops. As it is on the main road from Rethymno to Agia Galini (approximately 20 minutes either way) and the south coast, it is a convenient stop for a break and the shops reflect its appeal. Mixorouma is closer for everyday needs with its mini-market. Beaches If you are looking to spend some time on a beach during your holiday, well, a Mediterranean island like Crete is certainly the place to go!! There are a great many beaches either north of Lampini or south. Closest are Preveli and Plakias, with Agia Galini a little further away. To the north are the beaches around Rethymno. To find out more about beaches in the Rethymno district, visit the Explore Crete website here. This link will open in a new window, straight to the Rethymno Beaches Page. Places to Visit Rethymnon Overflowing with history and its amazing Venetian and Turkish architecture, Rethymnon is built around the harbour with its bustling harbour life. This traditional town is packed with atmosphere, the second largest in Crete, where narrow, shop-lined alleyways and beautiful old houses mix with bars, restaurants and tavernas. There is a lively nightlife here with a range of discos and clubs, if you fancy a night out. The beachfront promenade boasts more shops, bars and tavernas. The beach, which extends east for 14 kms, starts in the middle of the town. If you decide to eat in Rethymnon, you must try the fish dishes; the freshly caught fish is mouth-watering!. For a slideshow of images from Rethymnon, click here. Heraklion The capital of Crete, and the main airport and port for the island, Heraklion is more of a touristy town with the usual trappings. But if you ignore these, you will find an amazing amount of the island's history, myths and legends in the museums and you will be able to experience more of the spectacle of Crete's architectural heritage. Most of the history of the Minoa era can be found in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Just south of Heraklion is the Palace of Knossos. If the Minoan myths, legends and culture are of interest to you, spend some time here. If it doesn't interest you, visit anyway, you will be inspired! Samaria Gorge The longest gorge in Europe at 18 kms is very well known for its incredible beauty. The gorge is only 3 metres wide at some points along the route and the sides of the gorge rise to a height of some 600 metres. A stream flows through the gorge between the White Mountains and the Volikas mountain. Approximately 43 km south of the town of Chania, hiking through the Samaria Gorge is only allowed between May to October. Knossos Palace Approximately 5 km south east of Heraklion is Knossos, the capital of the Minoan culture. It has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. The first palace was built around 1900 BC but 200 years later an earthquake destroyed it. It was rebuilt in a grander and more luxurious style. It has been suggested that the eruption of the volcano in Santorini was the final catastrophe in about 1500-1400 BC. But people continued to live there for another fifty years, until a fire devastated the city about 1400 BC. Arkadi The historic Monastery at Arkadi (approximately 10 kms south west of Agia Triada) is the most venerated symbol of freedom in Crete and lies in beautiful surroundings. Probably built in the 5th century by the Byzantine Emperor Arkadius, the Monastery acquired its glory and fame during the revolution of 1866-1869 when the Turks conquered the monastery. The people boarded themselves in the monastery and blew themselves up rather than be captured by the Turks. Click here for a slideshow of images from the Monastery at Arkadi. Chania Chania (pronounced Harnia) is a city of unique beauty, filled with an abundance of fragrant flowers, and boasting a rich cultural heritage. There are ancient and modern monuments, the picturesque Venetian Harbour and the Old Town, colourful neighbourhoods, a traditional lifestyle and friendly inhabitants. Argiroupoli This small village, about 27 kms southwest of Rethymnon, is close to the ancient site of Lappa, which is currently being excavated. So far finds have dated from the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods, and are on show at the Rethymnon Archaeological and Historical Museum. Argiroupoli's other feature is it's waterfalls, the tavernas at the bottom use the water for drinking and also for keeping the fish for the fish dishes. The scene is beautifully green and peaceful; the tavernas are nearly all under the trees so they are cool. You can climb (rather steep!) up to the village if you want some spectacular views. Definitely worth a visit. From here it is not far to Lake Kourna, below. Click here for a slideshow of images from Argiroupoli. Lake Kourna A local beauty spot (this is a beautiful lake in a mountain bowl) and a picturesque suntrap. There are Tavernas, shops and a beach. You can also take a boat out across the Lake, or go snorkelling. The water in the summer looks emerald. In December, it has been warm enough to eat a meal out in the open by the Lake. Click here for a slideshow of images from Lake Kourna. For more information on what to do in Crete, have a look at our Things To Do Page or go to the Explore Crete Website. |
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