Crete – civilization ancient and modern ::

Steeped in history and culture, scented by wild fennel and basil, Crete welcomes and overwhelms visitors with its wealth of myths, legends and history.

Its dramatic landscape and historic cities are an extraordinary fusion of past and present, offering everything from ancient sites and Venetian and Ottoman architecture to the splendours of its hills, mountains and beaches.

Greece’s largest island continues to hold endless appeal for discerning visitors seeking to escape the crowds that have spoilt parts of the coast.

Its towering mountain ranges are dotted with caves and intersected by dramatic gorges, and its rugged interior is a mix of fertile plains and hillsides covered in olive groves, wild flowers and aromatic herbs.

ExploreMore is based in the village of Fres at the foot of the White Mountains in the Apokoronas district, an area noted for its magnificent cypress trees. One of the greenest regions of Crete, Apokoronas contains Crete’s only freshwater lake, Lake Kournas, as well as picturesque villages. Several attractive beaches are within easy access.

Fres itself is a popular meeting place, with an imposing main square complete with tavernas, kafeneion and shops. From the main square an archway leads to the upper part of the village and the church of Madonna of the Two Rocks – perched on two large rocks and surrounded by well-tended terraced gardens. From there a path takes you up to St. Antonius’ cave, offering panoramic views to Souda Bay and the Akrotiri.

The nearest large town, just 30 minutes away from Fres by car, is the bustling port of Hania. Though Hania is a modern city, offering all you need by way of shops and amenities, the interior is a labyrinth of old Venetian houses that you can wander around with only an occasional reminder of the twentieth century.

The waterfront and harbour area is lined with restaurants and cafés, and hosts a lively nightlife. Further east along the north coast lies Rethimnon, Crete’s third largest city and the site of a Venetian fortress, one of several in this part of Crete. The area is also rich in sites from antiquity, including a Roman villa in the ruins of the ancient city state of Aptera.