One thing that any visitor to Crete will notice is the sheer friendliness of its people. The people of Crete spend their afternoons in the company of their friends. It seems like every day there is a gathering of some sort. Relatives, friends, distant cousins from the village all stop by to say “geia sou” and spend some time together. It is a habit, in order to catch up on happenings over a coffee, raki and a few cigarettes.

Every Cretan takes pride in their history, culture and natural beauty of their island.

The Cretan hospitality holds without a doubt. All Cretans make sure to treat you as royalty when you step foot in their house, making a feast for you to enjoy. In villages it is also very common for the villagers to share their produce with you as a gesture of friendliness. Many leave the village with fresh eggs and meat and wine which has been cultivated using traditional methods by the villagers themselves.

All Cretans cherish the opportunity to share a plate of food and their local wine with you, both in a formal and informal setting. Informal gatherings begin with a few people and often take the form of a party as people keep joining in the company with music, drinks and food.

This fertile island has given birth to the most admirable men and women who go to great lengths to make you feel comfortable and see the beauty of their island and home through their eyes.

Crete is a dynamic island, both socially and geographically; this is evident in the fact that Hania (Chania) is a vibrant commercial town during the day and a wonderful place to visit in the evenings. Meanwhile, the island itself is not sitting still either, in fact Crete is slowly rotating in a clockwise direction around Mt. Idhi (Psiloritis).

What does that mean to you the potential house buyer? Well, if you take a long term view of life, the west of the island is moving toward a northeastern aspect, and rising at the same time, while the eastern end is moving in a more a southwesterly direction.

Of course, they do say, that the sun always shines better in the south, but before you decide to abandon the idea of living towards the western end of the island, we must add that in the long term the current eastern end (which will become the future south) is slowly dipping below sea level. Far from being alarmist, we just feel that you need to know these things when deciding on making an investment as important as a new home. The west of the island is a secure investment, socially, financially, and in the long run geographically!

How fast is the island moving? Well, in keeping with the relaxed pace of life that Crete is generally famed for, you will be relieved to discover that the speed of rotation is relatively modest in as much as during the last 5000 years, we've moved less than one full degree.

Situated at an equal distance from three of the world's five continents Crete was looked upon by the ancients as the center of the world. It is the second largest Mediterranean island with a surface of about 8,390 km2 (3,200miles2). 160 miles long; and between 38 and 12 miles wide, depending on where you're standing. For those with a passion for travel Crete certainly is in a very central position with North Africa, the Near East, Asia Minor and Southern mainland Europe all being just a short boat trip or flight away – not to mention the hundreds of Greek Islands on our doorstep.

Crete is not a flat island.
With several very pronounced mountain ranges the island cannot fail to leave an impression on the visitor. They are the dominant feature on the landscape standing from west to east: the White Mountains or Lefka Ori, rising to 8,045 ft.; Mount Idhi or Psiloritis to 8,058 ft.; the Dhikti Mountains to 7,047 ft. and the Siteia Mountains to 4,843 ft. More often than not, snowcapped in the winter months.

In contrast the plains of Mesara and Khania provide Crete with a productive agricultural basin which provides the inhabitants of the island a self-sufficiency that is lacking on many of the smaller Greek Islands. Between the mountain ranges you will find many other plains and valleys, and of course the famous and other not so well known gorges that attract many visitors.

Generally, the weather is pretty predictable - mainly hot and dry in the summer months, with lovely long lazy days; in contrast the winter period is noticeably cooler, the days are shorter, and a spot of rain or the odd windy day occurring between October and March. Some people would have us believe that there is a pattern, year in, year out. Some say it's to do with the seasons. Who knows, though what we can say is that the climate is very agreeable.

On the southern side of the island there are many more hours of sunshine per year than on the northern side. Temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s are the norm during the warmer months. Ideal for lazy days on the beach, or in the taverna, under a shady tree. During the cooler months snow is evident on the higher ground.

The climate is most definitely suited to outdoor living, the beach and water sports, though don't forget, Crete offers much to those who enjoy hiking, cycling and secluded peaceful surroundings.

What attractions and activities are there in the Apokoronas region and surrounding area? Obviously, during the summer there is the coast with beautiful clean European Blue Flag beaches and coves to enjoy.

In Almyrida there is a very well organised and licensed water sports club, offering sailing, canoeing and windsurfing activities.

There are several short walks and hiking trails which offer the chance to enjoy and explore the local area. Many locals can offer advice on which ones have tavernas along the way. 

Chania town is full of reminders of the past and should not be left off the itenary of any visitor. It has its very well kept working Ventetian Harbour and the recently restored lighthouse, where the surrounding tavernas and kafenion provide the opportunity to stop and admire the view.

The old town with its warren of streets and old tall houses provides a rich contrast to the more modern part of the town. There is also the well kept and uncrowded 30 hectare Park for the Preservation of Flora and Fauna; administered by the Technical University of Crete, and located 5km north east of Chania, on the Akrotiri Peninsular. 

The park aims to ensure that the bio-diversity of Crete is preserved in some small way. Plenty of heathers, birds, and other indigenous wildlife along with some carefully constructed lakes and wetlands. It also houses a few features such as traditional well, olive press and lime kiln. .

Visits to the Maritime and the Archaeological museums of Chania will illustrate the history of the island, for those who wish to discover what makes Crete what it is.

The large village of Gavalochori was once the personal domain of the Byzantine Gavaladon family. it now boasts many pretty restored houses lining the narrow streets, a small museum of 19C household objects and an ancient settlement with 30 Byzantine wells on the outskirts. The local woman's co-operative produces Cretan Lace, which can be purchased from the co-ops premises.

A little way beyond the Apokoronas area you can find Lake Kournas, the only fresh water lake on Crete, which is home to ducks, terrapins and pedalos. A relaxing place to eat, paddle and to watch the changing colours of the lake as the sun moves across the rim of hills that surround the lake .

Perched above the entrance to Souda Bay lay the remains of the 3rd Century BC Hellenic town of Aptera (later used by the Romans and the Byzantine rulers), and the remnants of an old Turkish fort. The views from these locations can really put the Apokoronas region into clear perspective. If you have a pair of binoculars, take them!