Rethymno
The picturesque town of Rethymno, is the capital town of the province of the same name. This province extends from the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) to the Idi Mountains through to the borders of the provinces of Chania and Heraklion. Rethymno is positioned on the north coast of Crete, 80 km west from Heraklion, and 75 km east of Chania, where the two airports of Crete are to be found, about an hour’s drive away by car. Rethymno harbour has a direct ferry connection with the mainland of Greece. The mediaeval old town of Rethymno, with its narrow streets, Venetian palaces and Turkish minarets has a distinct atmosphere. Along with the numerous seemingly unlimited sights to see and the beautiful old town, with the Venetian “Fortezza” or fortress, the scenic harbour, and the many enticing tavernas, cafes and restaurants with wonderful Cretan delicacies, Rethymno has one of the most magnificent fine sandy beaches, which stretches to the east almost as far as the eye can see. The beach, which is the longest in Crete, continues for several kilometres, here and there en route broken into small shingle coves where here and there one can find the scattered tiny hamlets reminiscent of the mountain villages. Altogether between Rethymno to the town of Prinos there are no less than 8 beaches, which have been awarded the European Blue Flag. There is much to delight in exploring the many different archaeological sites, monasteries, churches, Venetian and Turkish monuments and memorials, and of course there are archaeological, historical and folk museums, as well as other art museums waiting to be visited. Exploring one of the many Cretan gorges in this area, is sure to reward you with the sight of numerous caves and little grottos. Those of you who delight in traditional customs, will enjoy the numerous cultural festivals and traditional days of celebration in Rethymno, where you get the opportunity to experience a slice of Cretan life. Religious days, the seasonal times of the year and many other reasons mostly form the basis for the regional and public festivities. So in the middle of July you will find for example the Cretan wine festival with its 500 year old tradition, which lasts three weeks and is attended by thousands of people. Of further interest, in the many outlying villages not far from Rethymno, traditional handicrafts are still very much alive. For example, the lovely pottery in Margarites, or the basket weaving of Mixorrouma, the traditional stone masonry in Alfa, or the village of Anogia where lengths of material are still woven on traditional weaving looms, and where traditional Cretan folk art is still being produced. There are also interesting wood carving workshops in Argyroupoli, Agios Konstantinos and Margarites. In the wonderful surrounding area of Rethymno we have chosen some lovely villas and apartments. We feel sure that you and your family will be simply delighted with the beaches, and will thoroughly unwind and relax through your experience of Cretan life. There are endless opportunities to indulge oneself at the many little tavernas with delicious freshly cooked fish and seafood, and the huge variety of other Cretan culinary specialities. Because of the central position of Rethymno and the excellent bus service, there is also the chance, should you wish, to visit virtually all of Crete on day outings.

Bali 
This was originally a small fishing hamlet, but over the years has grown into a bustling tourist village, with pretty white houses and lots of flowers set closely around little hillsides, overlooking the little fishing harbour and the sea. The delightful way in which this tucked away village hugs the coastline of hills and valleys makes it a very attractive and romantic spot, with restaurants and tavernas jumbling together close to the waters edge. Life is easy going and simple with lots of opportunity to bask in the sun or to enjoy the clear calm sea at number of tiny sand and shingle beaches, and Bali offers a large choice of tavernas, restaurants, little shops, and a disco. One of the little coves is for naturist sun bathing. It is 32 km to Rethymno and about 46 km to Heraklion or 45 minute drive, with the main highway just about 2 km out of the village and a regular bus service on the highway to both towns. From Bali there are plenty of worthwhile sightseeing opportunities, for example the Melidoni cave in the traditional mountain village of Margarites, or the old pottery works.

Georgioupolis
The village of Georgioupolis with it’s particularly beautiful setting between sea and mountain, is situated between the towns of Rethymno, a 30 minute journey by car and Chania which is a 45 minute drive away. This charming village with its long stretch of sandy beach and river running into the sea, was until recent times a sleepy little fishing village in an out of the way place. Over the past 20 years it has slowly grown into a very popular little holiday resort, with a wide range of tavernas, shops, cafes, boutiques and other tourist amenities. The beautiful countryside surrounding the village is ideal for those keen on walking, while the splendid sandy shore and relaxed sea side atmosphere make it ideal for beach lovers. There is an excellent bus service in all directions and thus it is possible to go quite far afield, for example to Heraklion (90 min journey) or the south coast perhaps to visit Phaistos or Matala. An outing to Frangokastello is also worthwhile. Closer to home there are interesting visits to be made to the old quarters of Chania and Rethymno. Lake Kournas, famed as the only fresh water lake on Crete and haven for wild life, is within walking distance from Georgioupolis. Some distance outside the village, a long row of hotels sits alongside the sweeping almost 10 km long pale fine sandy beach and crystal clear waters. However, a part of timeless old Georgioupolis remains very much in place. As in years gone by, the eucalyptus tree lined square remains the perfect place to sit and watch the villagers meet each other in the kafenions to exchange the news of the day over a coffee or ouzo.

Panormo
The small seaside village of Panormo lies between Heraklion (about 50 min) and Rethymno (about 15 min) on the north coast of Crete. Visitors have always been welcomed into a warm and friendly traditional atmosphere, which the locals retain to the present day. Panormo is ideal for children, not only because they are given a warm welcome in the village, but because there are small sand and pebble beaches and shallow waters. This authentic Cretan village with its narrow streets and bright geraniums is the perfect place for those who want to escape a little and enjoy the peace and tranquility of Cretan life. There is a good selection of cafes, traditional tavernas, a butcher, a baker and shops where you can sample the local food  and drink at reasonable prices. Panormo is the site of an old port using during Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine times, and there is still much to see from the past. The beautiful surrounding area is ideal for walkers who wish to explore the countryside. There are buses, which go regularly to Rethymno or to Heraklion (about 50min journey) making Panormo an ideal base from which to explore many parts of Crete. For culturally interested outings you may choose to visit the Monasteries of Arkadi and Prevely, and the world famous Minoan Palace of Knossos. Otherwise you may wish to explore the wilderness wonders of the Samaria Gorge, or simply take time to visit the mountain villages, for example the village of Margarites where traditional pottery and wood carving are sill being produced.