HOTELS IN CRETE

The rich tapestry of Greek mythology began in Crete, when Rhea gave birth to Zeus in a sacred cave, full of sacred bees that nurtured the infant. The scenic ascent to the Dikteon Cave is as breathtaking as the stalagmite and stalactite-filled cave. Before taking in the views of the valley from the summit and exploring the cave, traverse the quaint mountain villages on the way and pick your spot for a post-hike traditional meze lunch. A 30’ drive from Grecotel Meli Palace.

Explore this must-visit Cretan destination and step back in time in the narrow alleys, historic monuments & buildings of the enticing Rethymno Old Town: a unique blend of Venetian and Ottoman influences. Discover the picturesque cobblestone alleyways dotted with museums, tavernas, and famed pastry shops offering traditional specialties. All our Rethymno properties are a 10 – 15’ minute drive or one can even follow the coastline for a beach walk into town.

Knossos Palace, the legendary epicentre of the Minoan civilization – Europe’s oldest – is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum features a mindblowing collection of ancient artifacts spanning over 5,000 years. Just a 10’ drive from Grecotel Amirandes and a 50-60’ minute drive from all Grecotel Rethymno properties.

The home of the Minotaur is the Knossos Palace – one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and the second largest Minoan city, the Phaistos Palace. Palaces where great Kings once ruled epitomize the fascinating history of the Bronze Age and Minoan culture, laying the foundations for trade in the Mediterranean. A 10′ drive from Amirandes and a 50-60’ drive from all Grecotel Rethymno properties, where the teams can arrange private guided tours to travel you back in time.

Crete, the largest island in Greece, boasts numerous award-winning beaches that captivate visitors with their pristine beauty and crystal-clear waters. Renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and exceptional cleanliness, Cretan beaches have earned prestigious accolades from travel experts and environmental organizations alike. From Vai to Falasarna, Crete offers a medley of azure waters and wild settings…pearl-white pebbles to sandy coves.

Olive Oil: the true elixir of life, full of aromas made from hand-picked olives from our olive groves and pressed in our olive press. A vital part of a healthy diet since antiquity, olive oil is the Cretans’ secret to a longevity and health. During the harvest days, we gather the olives from our Grecotel gardens, and Agreco Farm, and taste the harvest of the previous season, celebrating together during the festivities at our hotels.

Experience the beating heart of Crete in our exemplary Agreco Farm & Tavern, where local cuisine is preserved from century-old family recipes. Sterling agricultural methods and organic products, unmatched farm-to-table dining, epitomizing the Cretan diet principles in an awe-inspiring setting of pristine nature and authentic flair. The estate proudly upholds the Cretans’ deep love of life, celebrating every moment with feasts commemorated with food, dancing, and the island’s famed “kritika” songs. All our Rethymno properties are a 15’- 20’ drive.

The two treasured Greek islands, Crete and Santorini are magically connected. Embark on a quick and inspiring sail from our Amirandes resort to discover the stunning beauty of volcanic Santorini, arranged seamlessly by our expert concierge team.

There’s a certain charm in passing the morning or afternoon in a “kafeneion”, the classic Greek café. Since the early 19th century, kafeneia have been a vital part of the community’s rhythm until today. Discover the tradition of popping into the kafeneion for a Greek coffee, a chat, games and some light snacking. Creta Palace has its own kafeneio, “The Beautiful Hellas,” If you’re not up for coffee, taste the “40 herbs” tea (Sarantadentri), a special mix of forty aromatic plants with healing and tonic properties.

Pottery was integral to the Cretans, hailing from the Minoan civilization. Discover a range of pottery master classes available in-house at Amirandes, and learn how to handcraft your own piece, whether a first-timer or an advanced enthusiast. Lovers of the art can also explore the famed Margarites and Thrapsano, two distinct scenic villages – hubs of traditional Cretan pottery. All our Rethymno properties are a 15-20’ drive from Margarites, whereas Grecotel Meli Palace is a 40’ drive from Thrapsano.

The rich tapestry of Greek mythology began in Crete, when Rhea gave birth to Zeus in a sacred cave, full of sacred bees that nurtured the infant. The scenic ascent to the Dikteon Cave is as breathtaking as the stalagmite and stalactite-filled cave. Before taking in the views of the valley from the summit and exploring the cave, traverse the quaint mountain villages on the way and pick your spot for a post-hike traditional meze lunch. A 30’ drive from Grecotel Meli Palace.

Explore this must-visit Cretan destination and step back in time in the narrow alleys, historic monuments & buildings of the enticing Rethymno Old Town: a unique blend of Venetian and Ottoman influences. Discover the picturesque cobblestone alleyways dotted with museums, tavernas, and famed pastry shops offering traditional specialties. All our Rethymno properties are a 10 – 15’ minute drive or one can even follow the coastline for a beach walk into town.

Knossos Palace, the legendary epicentre of the Minoan civilization – Europe’s oldest – is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum features a mindblowing collection of ancient artifacts spanning over 5,000 years. Just a 10’ drive from Grecotel Amirandes and a 50-60’ minute drive from all Grecotel Rethymno properties.

The home of the Minotaur is the Knossos Palace – one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and the second largest Minoan city, the Phaistos Palace. Palaces where great Kings once ruled epitomize the fascinating history of the Bronze Age and Minoan culture, laying the foundations for trade in the Mediterranean. A 10′ drive from Amirandes and a 50-60’ drive from all Grecotel Rethymno properties, where the teams can arrange private guided tours to travel you back in time.

Crete, the largest island in Greece, boasts numerous award-winning beaches that captivate visitors with their pristine beauty and crystal-clear waters. Renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and exceptional cleanliness, Cretan beaches have earned prestigious accolades from travel experts and environmental organizations alike. From Vai to Falasarna, Crete offers a medley of azure waters and wild settings…pearl-white pebbles to sandy coves.

Olive Oil: the true elixir of life, full of aromas made from hand-picked olives from our olive groves and pressed in our olive press. A vital part of a healthy diet since antiquity, olive oil is the Cretans’ secret to a longevity and health. During the harvest days, we gather the olives from our Grecotel gardens, and Agreco Farm, and taste the harvest of the previous season, celebrating together during the festivities at our hotels.

Experience the beating heart of Crete in our exemplary Agreco Farm & Tavern, where local cuisine is preserved from century-old family recipes. Sterling agricultural methods and organic products, unmatched farm-to-table dining, epitomizing the Cretan diet principles in an awe-inspiring setting of pristine nature and authentic flair. The estate proudly upholds the Cretans’ deep love of life, celebrating every moment with feasts commemorated with food, dancing, and the island’s famed “kritika” songs. All our Rethymno properties are a 15’- 20’ drive.

The two treasured Greek islands, Crete and Santorini are magically connected. Embark on a quick and inspiring sail from our Amirandes resort to discover the stunning beauty of volcanic Santorini, arranged seamlessly by our expert concierge team.

There’s a certain charm in passing the morning or afternoon in a “kafeneion”, the classic Greek café. Since the early 19th century, kafeneia have been a vital part of the community’s rhythm until today. Discover the tradition of popping into the kafeneion for a Greek coffee, a chat, games and some light snacking. Creta Palace has its own kafeneio, “The Beautiful Hellas,” If you’re not up for coffee, taste the “40 herbs” tea (Sarantadentri), a special mix of forty aromatic plants with healing and tonic properties.

Pottery was integral to the Cretans, hailing from the Minoan civilization. Discover a range of pottery master classes available in-house at Amirandes, and learn how to handcraft your own piece, whether a first-timer or an advanced enthusiast. Lovers of the art can also explore the famed Margarites and Thrapsano, two distinct scenic villages – hubs of traditional Cretan pottery. All our Rethymno properties are a 15-20’ drive from Margarites, whereas Grecotel Meli Palace is a 40’ drive from Thrapsano.

The rich tapestry of Greek mythology began in Crete, when Rhea gave birth to Zeus in a sacred cave, full of sacred bees that nurtured the infant. The scenic ascent to the Dikteon Cave is as breathtaking as the stalagmite and stalactite-filled cave. Before taking in the views of the valley from the summit and exploring the cave, traverse the quaint mountain villages on the way and pick your spot for a post-hike traditional meze lunch. A 30’ drive from Grecotel Meli Palace.

Explore this must-visit Cretan destination and step back in time in the narrow alleys, historic monuments & buildings of the enticing Rethymno Old Town: a unique blend of Venetian and Ottoman influences. Discover the picturesque cobblestone alleyways dotted with museums, tavernas, and famed pastry shops offering traditional specialties. All our Rethymno properties are a 10 – 15’ minute drive or one can even follow the coastline for a beach walk into town.

Knossos Palace, the legendary epicentre of the Minoan civilization – Europe’s oldest – is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum features a mindblowing collection of ancient artifacts spanning over 5,000 years. Just a 10’ drive from Grecotel Amirandes and a 50-60’ minute drive from all Grecotel Rethymno properties.

The home of the Minotaur is the Knossos Palace – one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and the second largest Minoan city, the Phaistos Palace. Palaces where great Kings once ruled epitomize the fascinating history of the Bronze Age and Minoan culture, laying the foundations for trade in the Mediterranean. A 10′ drive from Amirandes and a 50-60’ drive from all Grecotel Rethymno properties, where the teams can arrange private guided tours to travel you back in time.

Crete, the largest island in Greece, boasts numerous award-winning beaches that captivate visitors with their pristine beauty and crystal-clear waters. Renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and exceptional cleanliness, Cretan beaches have earned prestigious accolades from travel experts and environmental organizations alike. From Vai to Falasarna, Crete offers a medley of azure waters and wild settings…pearl-white pebbles to sandy coves.

Olive Oil: the true elixir of life, full of aromas made from hand-picked olives from our olive groves and pressed in our olive press. A vital part of a healthy diet since antiquity, olive oil is the Cretans’ secret to a longevity and health. During the harvest days, we gather the olives from our Grecotel gardens, and Agreco Farm, and taste the harvest of the previous season, celebrating together during the festivities at our hotels.

Experience the beating heart of Crete in our exemplary Agreco Farm & Tavern, where local cuisine is preserved from century-old family recipes. Sterling agricultural methods and organic products, unmatched farm-to-table dining, epitomizing the Cretan diet principles in an awe-inspiring setting of pristine nature and authentic flair. The estate proudly upholds the Cretans’ deep love of life, celebrating every moment with feasts commemorated with food, dancing, and the island’s famed “kritika” songs. All our Rethymno properties are a 15’- 20’ drive.

The two treasured Greek islands, Crete and Santorini are magically connected. Embark on a quick and inspiring sail from our Amirandes resort to discover the stunning beauty of volcanic Santorini, arranged seamlessly by our expert concierge team.

There’s a certain charm in passing the morning or afternoon in a “kafeneion”, the classic Greek café. Since the early 19th century, kafeneia have been a vital part of the community’s rhythm until today. Discover the tradition of popping into the kafeneion for a Greek coffee, a chat, games and some light snacking. Creta Palace has its own kafeneio, “The Beautiful Hellas,” If you’re not up for coffee, taste the “40 herbs” tea (Sarantadentri), a special mix of forty aromatic plants with healing and tonic properties.

Pottery was integral to the Cretans, hailing from the Minoan civilization. Discover a range of pottery master classes available in-house at Amirandes, and learn how to handcraft your own piece, whether a first-timer or an advanced enthusiast. Lovers of the art can also explore the famed Margarites and Thrapsano, two distinct scenic villages – hubs of traditional Cretan pottery. All our Rethymno properties are a 15-20’ drive from Margarites, whereas Grecotel Meli Palace is a 40’ drive from Thrapsano.

The rich tapestry of Greek mythology began in Crete, when Rhea gave birth to Zeus in a sacred cave, full of sacred bees that nurtured the infant. The scenic ascent to the Dikteon Cave is as breathtaking as the stalagmite and stalactite-filled cave. Before taking in the views of the valley from the summit and exploring the cave, traverse the quaint mountain villages on the way and pick your spot for a post-hike traditional meze lunch. A 30’ drive from Grecotel Meli Palace.

Explore this must-visit Cretan destination and step back in time in the narrow alleys, historic monuments & buildings of the enticing Rethymno Old Town: a unique blend of Venetian and Ottoman influences. Discover the picturesque cobblestone alleyways dotted with museums, tavernas, and famed pastry shops offering traditional specialties. All our Rethymno properties are a 10 – 15’ minute drive or one can even follow the coastline for a beach walk into town.