Quarantine in paradise: what lockdown is like in the Greek Islands

Quarantine in paradise: what lockdown is like in the Greek Islands. A stiff wind gusts across the flat-roofed houses of my village at the heart of the Lasithi Plateau, riffling long-fingered palms and shaking the silver-leafed olive trees. Throwing another log on the fire, I take a sip of Cretan kotsifali, savouring the fruity red wine, when there’s a ping on my phone: the text message says we’re in lockdown.

Crete simply has it all!

Crete is the largest island in Greece, and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you can admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountainscapes, fertile valleys and steep gorges, and become part of the island’s rich gastronomic culture. Crete is, after all, a small universe teeming with beauties and treasures that you will probably need a lifetime to uncover!

Chania

The region of Chania, on the western side of the island, is dominated by the impressive White Mountains (in Greek: Lefka Ori) and its famous National Park, which occupy the largest part of the region.The Prefecture of Chania provides tourist services and activities of all kinds, satisfying all the choices. The city of Chania maintains unaltered all of its characteristics, from the time of the Venetian Rule up until today. 

Rethymno

Rethymno (Rethymno) region: Crete's smallest prefecture located between White Mountains and Mt Psiloritis (also called “Idi”), is synonymous with gorgeous mountainscapes, marvellous beaches, Cretan lyre melodies, tsikoudia spirit served with “ofto”, legendary caves, historic monasteries and monuments, traditional mountain villages and luxurious holiday resorts. Feel the essence of Incredible Crete in this mountainous, remote and self-sufficient region of the island of Crete.

Heraklion

The largest and most densely populate region on the island of Crete is Heraklion (pronounced Iraklion). Nestling picturesquely among two imposing mountain ranges – Idi (Mt Psiloritis) to the west and Dikti (Lasithiotika mountains) to the east– Heraklion boasts exceptional archaeological treasures, significant coastal settlements, a series of picturesque villages, vast valleys with olive groves and vineyards as well as the best organised tourist infrastructure in Crete. A unique combination of urban scenery and natural wealth makes the region of Heraklion an appealing all-year-round destination.

Lasithi

Lasithi (Lassíthi) region. Welcome to the easternmost and least mountainous region of Crete, where the population resides in four semi-urban centers: Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia and Neapoli. The mythical palm tree forest of Vaï, the Gulf of Mirabello, the windmills on the Plateau of Lassithi (the largest in Crete), beaches lapped by crystalline water, beautiful cities and luxurious hotel resorts all make up a rather fascinating world.

History of Crete

Mythology has it that it was in a cave of Crete where the goddess Rhea hid the newborn Zeus.  In that cave, Zeus was brought up by the nymphs while the demonical Kouretes would strike their shields loudly so that Cronus may not hear the crying of the baby Zeus and eat it.  It was also to Crete that Zeus, disguised as a bull, took Europa so that they may enjoy their love together.  Their union produced a son, Minos, who ruled Crete and turned it into a mighty island empire of the seas.  In Minoan times, even Attica would pay a tribute tax to Crete, until Theseus, the Athenian prince, killed the Minotaur.  The truth behind the myth is the existence of a mighty and wealthy kingdom and of a civilisation that is considered the most ancient one on the European continent.

Greek Island Hopping packages

• Greece is not only known for its archaeological sites but also for the countless islands scattered in every corner of Greece. There are two types of travelers who chose to vacation in the Greek islands. The first category is those travelers who book their vacation from 7 to 12 days whose intention is to stay at least 3 days in each island in order to enjoy the beaches, local food, and the local way of living and visits in various archaeological sites which are being offered in each island anyway.
• The other category is the so-called Greek Island Hopers. This type of travelers are more keen to visit as many islands as possible having a limited time, staying in general 1 night in each island. This means that in the period of 7 days they will have visited at least 3 to 4 islands. Their priority is to gather not only wonderful memories from Greek island Tours but also as many photographs as possible from each island in order to upload them in their travel blogs & social media and always keep them in their heart.
• There are numerous travel agencies who specialize exclusively in Greek Islands Hopping Packages and for that reasons travelers must choose one wisely so that they have the ground support throughout the whole duration of the trip so as to avoid any unpleasant incidents. An experienced travel agent will propose routes which will run smoothly as far as the arrival and departure of the ferry boats, the hotel accommodation and more importantly the timeframe which one must book for their Greek island hopping adventure.

For example, an island hopper cannot be suggested to stay away for the city/ island center as in this case time is precious. By doing that, it means that he/ she will have to spend valuable time in the transportation rather than the sites of each area. In addition, it is very important the arrival and departure of ferries due to the fact that if you arrive late in the afternoon and depart next day in the morning you will not have managed to see anything and will leave with a bitter feeling.