A little history and culture of Crete
Fiona Bruce cited Crete as being “Heaven on the Aegean” and the perfect mix of ancient culture and modern comforts. Does Vintage Travel agree with the highly-revered news presenter’s analogy of the popular Greek island?
When it comes to contrasting deep and vibrant colours, the island of Crete has to be a serious contender as being the king of divergent colours. Whitewashed chapels, houses, shops and village dazzle against the cloudless blue skies.
Verdurous pine forests and rolling olive groves make a pleasant divergent to the deep blue Aegean Sea. While scores of shocking pink bougainvillea sprawling across the dazzling walls provide a refreshingly crimson edge to the landscape. Yes, it’s safe to say that Crete has certainly met our scenic expectations and more besides.
But what about comfort, history and culture of Crete?
The Plateau of Lassithi
In the 16th century, the Venetians built 10,000 windmills of the Plateau of Lassithi. Approximately 600 of these ancient windmills still operate today. It is well worth the fairly long drive winding up the tortuously steep roads into the heart of these stunning hills to witness this carpet of windmills, a far cry from the modern steel wind farms that dominate the landscapes of the likes of Spain.
Knossos
Like many of the Greek islands and mainland Greece, ancient ruins are sprawled all over Crete. Take a look at Knossos, for example, a six-acre site of Minoan civilisation which was built sometime between 1700 – 1400BC. This inspiring ancient and crumbling palace is the source of a legend about the Minotaur, a half-bull and half-man.
According to the myth, the Minotaur hid in this cleverly designed labyrinth, which, as Fiona Bruce points out in the Telegraph, was home to the first flushing toilet!
Talking about being the place of the first flushing toilet, when it comes to pioneering civilisation, the Greeks must have their fair share of the monopoly.
Comfort exudes across the island. From the beautiful beaches that dominate Crete’s periphery being well-catered for and determined to make sun seekers’ day as comfortable as possible, to the restaurants and bars’ efforts to prioritise customer service and comfort unmistakably shining through, Crete’s desire to make their visitors feel comfortable and relaxed is blatantly clear.
Enjoying year-round sunshine and warm temperatures, many of the villas and apartments on Crete have their own swimming pool. For exceptionally comfortable and stylish accommodation on Crete that have their own pools to plunge in to take a look at Vintage Travel’s portfolio of luxury villas in Crete.
And yes we have to agree with Fiona Bruce, Crete is certainly “Heaven on the Aegean” and the perfect mix of ancient culture and modern comforts.