From fertile coastal plains to rugged barren mountains, from mellow stone houses to stark concrete modernity, from bustling capital to sleepy hill villages, Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands, is an island of contrasts. Home to around 650,000 people and several million olive trees, the island remains ever popular with visitors from northern Europe, other parts of Greece, and indeed, visitors from all over the World. It consists of four prefectures: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lasithi.

Crete is a different world compared to other parts of Greece. 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. With English spoken widely throughout the island to ask a Cretan a question is to invite them to sit with you, and with time measured differently here you are likely to be sitting for while taking in long conversations that will naturally require food and drink.

Nowdays, Crete has a flourishing economy which is based partly on tourism. It has giant hotel resorts where you can enjoy splendid facilities. 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 and vegetable production. So by visiting Crete, you have the chance to taste the world-known Cretan diet based on vegetables and pure olive oil.

CHANIA PREFECTURE
Chania is the westernmost prefecture of Crete. It has an area of 2,376 km and approximately 134,000 residents, the second largest population in Crete, after Heraklion. The town of Chania, which is also the prefecture's capital, has obtained a great reputation throughout history. Walking on narrow streets of the Old Town you taste the historical atmosphere, meeting the ornaments of Chania, the Venetian harbour and castle.

The old town is also the centre of night life. While visiting Chania, you have the chance to visit many archaeological sites which still bring memories of the foreign occupation. Arabs, Venetians and Turks left their marks in the town of Chania. You will be really enchanted by its picturesque houses, churches and its special architecture.

Furthermore, the prefecture of Chania has the greatest beaches in Crete! Sandy beaches getting wet by the crystal light-blue waters of Libyan Sea creating an unforgettable landscape. The islets and the mountainous villages give an exotic image to this part of Crete! If you love unspoiled beautiful nature, you should visit the famous Samaria gorge or the steep mountains of Chania, called White Mountains . Chania is the ideal vacations destination. Luxury hotels, villas or apartments are waiting for you so as to experience what you will never forget!

RETHYMNO PREFECTURE
Welcome to Rethymnon, the capital of the prefecture of the same name. It is located on the north Mediterranean coast, 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. 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. You will also have the chance to taste the delicious local products!

There is a mountainous area in the centre of the prefecture, from where you have access to the highest peak of the mountain Psiloritis . Wonderful exotic beaches decorate the prefecture, where you can forget your worries and relax in a luxurious hotel or any accommodation of your taste.

HERAKLIO PREFECTURE
The prefecture of Heraklion lies between the prefectures of Rethymnon and Lasithi. Its capital is also Heraklion and the biggest town of Crete. It has approximately 150,000 inhabitants. It concentrates the biggest economical activity of the island and attracts many tourists every year.

There are so many sites which worth visiting that you can't decide where to go first. Heraklion is inhabited since antiquity. The ancient towns of Knossos, Phaestos, Malia etc. will bring you to the Minoan era. The Venetian monuments spread all over the town give Heraklion a charming image. Should you come to Heraklion, you mustn't miss visiting the archaeological museum.

Heraklion is a very active city, where you can enjoy anything which comes into your mind. The best night life, cinemas, restaurants, luxury hotels, bungalows and anything that you will need to have wonderful vacations.

If you love nature and sea, there are so many beaches in the north and south of the prefecture that will surely cast a spell on you. The plains of Messara give you the opportunity to enjoy the view of numerous fruit trees of all varieties and smell the air of unique natural environment.

LASITHI PREFECTURE
Lassithi is the easternmost prefecture of Crete. Lassithi has a special beauty that reflects serenity and tranquillity. You can surely visit this prefecture if you want to relax and get away of crowded places. The light of Lassithi transfers you to your dream place. Its capital, Agios Nikolaos, is a colourful, picturesque town.

The gulf of Mirabello with countless rowboats lined up next to each other is a fabulous landscape that you mustn't miss visiting. In the north of Agios Nikolaos, a beautiful place, Elounda , hosts the most luxurious hotels of Greece and many gourmet restaurants that will fascinate you. The other major towns of Lassithi are Ierapetra, Sitia and Neapoli.

Visiting the villages of Lassithi, you will explore the tradition of Crete mixed with the wonderful natural environment. If you are a mountain lover you should visit Lassithi Plateau on the foot of Mount Dicti , where you will be fascinated by the view of 10,000 windmills.

In the north east of the prefecture lies a sandy beach, named Vai , where you can enjoy a forest lush of palm trees. In the north of the prefecture fabulous small and large beaches covering 65 km. will complete your dream vacations. These exotic places have luxury hotels, villas or apartments with so many facilities so as to make you forget any unpleasant moment of your life!