May 2023 – Holiday Home Lets Blog

Top Attractions of Crete

Crete, the largest Greek island, is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. Here are some of the top attractions of Crete:

Knossos Palace is located near the capital city of Heraklion, Knossos Palace is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. It was the center of the Minoan civilization and offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world with its well-preserved ruins, colourful frescoes, and intricate architecture.

Samaria Gorge Crete — Samaria Gorge at Agia Roumeli Crete

Samaria Gorge is one of the longest and most breathtaking gorges in Europe, stretching 16 kilometers through the White Mountains of Crete. Hiking the Samaria Gorge may take several hours but allows you to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty, with towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and the opportunity to spot unique wildlife. At the end of the Gorge is the village of Agia Roumeli where you can find refreshments and enjoy a swim.

Balos Lagoon is located in the northwest of Crete, Balos is a stunning lagoon with turquoise waters, pink-hued sandy beaches, and rugged rocky landscapes. It is a popular destination for boat trips and offers a picturesque setting for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the panoramic views.

Elafonisi Beach is known for its pinkish sand and crystal-clear waters, Elafonisi Beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Located in the southwestern part of Crete, it offers a paradise-like setting for relaxation, swimming, and snorkelling.

Panoramic view of Heraklion city and harbour.

Heraklion is a port city and the capital of Crete. Its Venetian port features the 16th-century Koules fortress. Heraklion is known for the Palace of Knossos archaeological site that dates back thousands of years to the Minoan civilization. It is also home to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum which showcases artifacts from ancient Crete, including those from the Minoan civilization, providing a comprehensive overview of the island’s rich history and culture.

Chania Old Town is located on the western part of the island of Crete, it boasts a charming and well-preserved old town. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, colourful buildings, boutique shops, and tavernas. Exploring the Old Town allows you to soak up the atmosphere, visit historical sites, and enjoy delicious Cretan cuisine.

Spinalonga Island is situated in the Gulf of Elounda, Spinalonga Island is known for its Venetian fortress and its history as a former leper colony. Boat trips to the island offer the opportunity to explore the abandoned buildings, learn about its intriguing past, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding sea.

Rethymno Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets of Rethymno’s old town and admire its Venetian Renaissance and Ottoman architecture, with its honeycomb of cobblestone alleyways lined with museums, cafes, tavernas, restaurants and promenade offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Agios Nikolaos is a beautiful coastal resort surrounded by water on three sides, here you will find a harbour dotted with yachts and small boats and many areas where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere of this picturesque town its bars, taverns, cafes, trendy shops and the beautiful Lake Voulismeni.

Preveli Beach: Relax on the sandy shores of Preveli Beach and admire the palm forest and river that flow into the sea.

Arkadi Monastery: Visit this significant monastery known for its historical importance and impressive architecture.

Phaistos Archaeological Site: Explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan city of Phaistos and marvel at the views from its hilltop location.

Minoan city of Phaistos and marvel at the views from its hilltop location.

Agia Triada Monastery: Discover this peaceful monastery with beautiful frescoes and a tranquil atmosphere.

Dikteon Cave: Venture into the legendary birthplace of Zeus, a stunning cave with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Loutro Village: Visit this picturesque fishing village accessible only by boat, known for its relaxed atmosphere and crystal-clear waters.

Vai Beach: Enjoy the unique beauty of Vai Beach, famous for its palm forest and stunning natural surroundings.

Gortyna Archaeological Site: Explore the ancient ruins of Gortyna, an important Roman and Byzantine city.

Agios Pavlos Beach: Relax on the secluded shores of Agios Pavlos Beach and admire the impressive rock formations.

Imbros Gorge: Hike through the scenic Imbros Gorge, offering beautiful views and a less crowded alternative to Samaria Gorge.

Psychro Cave: Visit the mythical cave of Psychro, also known as Dikteon Cave, and explore its fascinating chambers.

These attractions showcase the rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage of Crete, making it a captivating destination for travellers. The island is also dotted with traditional villages, ancient ruins, monasteries, and scenic landscapes, making it a diverse and captivating destination for travellers.

Top attractions on Mykonos Greece

View of Mykonos Town on the Island of Mykonos Greece

Mykonos Town also known as Chora, is the capital and main town of the island of Mykonos. It is a charming and picturesque town with a unique blend of traditional Cycladic architecture, narrow streets, and vibrant atmosphere. Matoyianni Street is a lively and bustling pedestrian street and the main shopping hub of Mykonos Town where you’ll find a wide range of boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries, and jewelry stores, offering both local and international brands. The Archaeological Museum located in the heart of Mykonos Town houses a collection of artifacts from the island’s ancient past.

Little Venice is a beautiful and picturesque neighborhood in Mykonos Town, where the houses are built right up to the edge of the sea. It’s a popular spot offering offering breathtaking views, particularly during sunset and is dotted with many cozy bars and restaurants.

The Windmills of Mykonos are one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mykonos. There are several windmills located on a hill above Mykonos Town and they offer great views of the town and the sea.

Mykonos Town is the main town in Mykonos and is a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with whitewashed houses and shops. It’s a great place to explore, with plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Paradise Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos and is known for its crystal clear waters and lively party atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax during the day and party at night.

Delos is a small island just off the coast of Mykonos which is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. It was once a thriving center of trade and religion and there are many ancient ruins to explore. Boat tours and excursions are available from Mykonos to Delos and Rhenia Island allowing visitors to enjoy excursions to these beautiful and secluded islands. These tours often include stops at pristine beaches, for swimming and snorkelling.

Panagia Paraportiani is a beautiful white-washed church in Mykonos Town, which is considered to be one of the most photographed churches in Greece. It’s a great spot for taking pictures and enjoying the beautiful architecture.

Super Paradise Beach is another one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos, it is known for its beautiful sandy beach and clear blue waters. It’s a great place to relax during the day and party at night with several bars and restaurants.

Psarou Beach is a beautiful and upscale beach in Mykonos, known for its crystal clear waters and luxury beach clubs, elegant ambiance, and vibrant parties popular with celebrities. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Water sports facilities are available on the beach, allowing you to enjoy swimming and snorkelling, jet skiing, paddle boarding, parasailing and wake boarding among other exciting options.

Ano Mera is a traditional village located in the center of the island of Mykonos, away from the bustling tourist areas. It offers a more tranquil and authentic experience of the island’s local life. Ano Mera is known for its authentic Greek tavernas that serve traditional cuisine. Visitors can savour delicious local dishes, such as freshly caught seafood, grilled meats, and classic Greek specialties, while experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals in more serene surroundings.

Overall, Mykonos is a beautiful island with plenty of things to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a lively party atmosphere, Mykonos has something for everyone.

There are many great holiday homes and villas to let directly from owners here on Mykonos but it is always a good idea to book luxury self catering holiday homes and villas and other accommodation in advance, especially during peak holiday season.

Top Attractions of Bilbao Spain

Bilbao is a beautiful city in the Basque region of Northern Spain and there are many interesting things to do and see. Here are some of the top attractions:

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a contemporary art museum located in the city of Bilbao, in the region of northern Spain. It is an iconic architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry that opened in 1997. The museum with it’s curvy titanium-clad exterior has become a symbol of Bilbao’s transformation from an industrial city to a modern and vibrant cultural center in Spain.

The Guggenheim museum Bilbao houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons. The collection focuses on art from the mid-20th century to the present day. The museum also includes a range of amenities for visitors, including a restaurant, cafe, bookstore and auditorium.

Casco Viejo: The old town of Bilbao is full of charming streets and historic buildings. You can stroll around, visit the Plaza Nueva, or try some pintxos (Basque tapas) in one of the many bars and restaurants.

Santiago Cathedral: Located in the old town, the Santiago Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic cathedral dating back to the 14th century.

Ribera Market: This is the largest covered market in Europe, and a great place to experience the local food culture of Bilbao. You can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and much more.

Arriaga Theatre: This beautiful theatre is located in the heart of Bilbao, and hosts a range of cultural events and performances throughout the year.

Zubizuri Bridge: This stunning white pedestrian bridge spans the Nervion River and offers beautiful views of the city.

Basque Museum: The Basque Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Basque people, including their unique language, traditions, and art.

San Mames Stadium: If you’re a football fan, you can visit the home of Athletic Bilbao and see a match, or take a tour of the stadium and museum.

Alhondiga Cultural Center: This former wine warehouse has been transformed into a cultural center, featuring a library, cinema, gym, restaurants, and much more.

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: This museum houses a collection of Spanish and Basque art from the 12th century to the present day, including works by Goya, El Greco, and Picasso.

There are plenty of places to stay in Bilbao but it is always a good idea to book self catering holiday homes, villas and apartments and other accommodation in advance, especially during peak season or during popular events in Bilbao, such as the Bilbao BBK Live music festival or the Aste Nagusia (Great Week) festival.