Heraklio, Hersonissos , Heraklio Hotels

Knossos Royal Villas

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Crete is the biggest Greek island. Its total surface is 8,336 sq m and has 1,100 km of coastline and approximately 600,000 inhabitants. Crete is also considered to be one of the most prosperous areas in Greece. Development on the island has been favoured by its geographical location, climate and diverse natural beauty, as well as, its unique cultural and historical heritage. Crete is renowned for its breath-taking mountain ranges and long sandy beaches that take you right down to its deep blue seas.
The climate and geography of Crete provide for many different species of wildlife. Over 100 different sorts of flowers and plants can be found: in the high mountains and the thirteen deep gorges on the island (the best known of which is Samaria gorge). Visitors may encounter interesting flora and fauna in its valleys and semi-mountainous areas, including the rare species of wild goat called the kri - kri, unique to this area. Crete is noted for its geographical diversity, which ranges from many small surrounding islands to splendid plateaus like Lassithi, with its eye-catching windmills.

The history of Crete dates from the pre-historic era. Millions of years ago, Aegis, the land that joined Greece to Asia Minor, sank into the Mediterranean Sea and only the peaks of its mountains remained above the surface of the waters to form Crete and its surrounding islands.

Its location, has meant that Crete has been a crossroads for several civilizations. From 2000 BC onwards, the unique Minoan Civilization built 100 cities and the island also boasts remains dating back to the Ancient Greek and Roman periods, the early Christian era, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian rule, and the Ottoman occupation, as well as, the trappings of modern Greek civilization.
Venetian fortresses can be found in its harbours and beautifully preserved old towns and many monasteries and Byzantine churches are scattered throughout the island. Nowadays, there are many sites to be visited.

The current population of Crete is approximately 600,000 people. The majority of the inhabitants lives in the four main towns on the island, Hania, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos and Iraklio (Heraklion), which is the biggest of the towns. The remainder of the population is located in the smaller towns and scattered fishing villages. For administrative purposes, the island was divided into four prefectures.
All three Aldemar hotels are located on the northern coast of the island, 25 km from the town of Iraklio (Heraklion) and its international airport. The famous tourist resort of Hersonissos is within walking distance of the hotels.
Iraklio (Heraklion), which has been a settlement from as far back as the Neolithic era, served as the port of Knossos under the Venetian rule in the 13th century and became known as Candia, the capital of Aegean Territories. Today the island's capital harbour is a wealth of Venetian architecture, including its city walls and the Fortress (Koule). The Archaeological Museum holds the largest collection of Minoan Art in the world. Visitors can also visit the Minoan Palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Gortyna and Malia which are not far from Heraklion.

A visit to both Knossos and Phaistos is highly recommend. Knossos features the ruins of the largest and most luxurious Minoan palace, originally built in the middle of a glorious town. The first palace was built around 2000 BC and destroyed around 1700 BC. The second, which was built immediately afterwards, was also destroyed around 1450 BC, most probably by the effects of the violent eruption of the volcano of Santorini.
Phaistos is best known as the site of the mythical palace of Radamanthys, the brother of Minos. As this palace was also built twice, it is mainly the ruins of the second palace that visitor can still see today.
The city of Iraklio (Heraklion) has a number of other museums in addition to the Archaeological Museum. The Historical Museum traces the history of Crete from early Christian times and the 16th century Venetian church of Aghia Irini, famous as a centre of Art and Literature, now houses the Museum of Religious Art, and houses a magnificent collection of Byzantine icons. Traditional Cretan life is recreated at the open-air museum at Lychnostatis in Hersonissos - the most popular holiday resort in the Iraklio (Heraklion) region where exhibits include a windmill, a stone house and a gallery. In this village visitors can also explore the fascinating Museum of Cretan Ethnology.
In the heart of Iraklio (Heraklion) the ornate 17th century Morozini Fountain, the 17th century Loggia, the 16th century church of Aghios Titos and the town's Aghios Minas cathedral are not be missed. Apart from this, the region around Iraklio (Heraklion) is blessed with a beautiful surrounding countryside. Places to visit are Zaros, a surprisingly green oasis famous for its clear spring water and Matala, an idyllic bay with pitted sandstone cliffs looming dramatically over the beach.
Fodele is located along the coast north of Iraklio (Heraklion) and is a small village at the top of a steep cliff which claims to be the birthplace of the world famous painter El Greco. His house lies above the village's Byzantine church. For visitors looking for a livelier holiday, Hersonissos, Gouves and Malia on the northeast coast are the ideal places for exciting nightlife. Visit the centre of European civilization, Visit Iraklio (Heraklion)!!!
Wherever you are on Crete you will be able to enjoy Crete's history, admire its beauty and, of course, meet Cretan people.
Cretans are people who preserve their traditions that have been kept alive and expressed in many forms right up to modern times. They are also people with a strong religious awareness. They are direct, honest and extremely hospitable. This is the glorious island of Crete, the island of proud and friendly people.

The hotel has 40 deluxe villas, all housed in building complexes.

Villas Types
:: Junior Villas, pool front (1 sitting-room/bedroom and 1 bathroom - 45 sq.m., 2-4 pax).
:: Knossos Villas, pool- garden- or sea view
  * A': (1 bedroom, 1 sitting-room, 1 bathroom, and either 1 WC/shower or a 2nd bathroom -59.5 sq.m., 2-4 pax).
  * B': (Ground floor: 1 sitting-room/dinning room/study and 1 WC/shower. First floor: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 WC-67,2 sq.m, 2-4 pax).
:: Royal Maisonette, sea view. (Ground floor: 1 sitting-room/dinning-room/study and 1 WC/shower. First floor: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom -
  115 sq.m., 2-4 pax).
:: Royal Maisonette, sea view. (Ground floor: 1 sitting-room/dinning-room/study and 1 WC/shower. First floor: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom -
  pax).
:: Imperial Villas
  * Evropi: seafront, with a 100 sq.m private pool and 400 sq.m. of outdoor areas (2 bedrooms one with a fireplace and a study, 1 walk-in
    wardrobe, 2 bathrooms, 1 sitting-room/dinning-room/study, fitness room with sea view, sauna, hydromassage -235 sq.m., 4-6 pax).
  * Phaedra: seafront, on the first floor with panoramic view and a 100 sq.m. private pool along with 200 sq.m. of outdoor areas (3
     bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 sitting-room/dinning-room/study, sauna, hydromassage -227 sq.m., 6-8 pax).

Villas Amenities
::Air-conditioning 24 hours/day (mid-June to mid-September, minimum)
::Remote controlled ceiling fans (Royal Maisonette, Royal Villa, Imperial Villas)
::King-size bed/twin beds
::Direct dial telephone
::Double sofa-bed
::Furnished balcony or veranda
::Marble bathroom
::Stereo/CD player (Royal Maisonette, Royal Villa, Imperial Villas)
::WC
::Safe
::Colour satellite television with music channels
::PC with Internet DSL access (Imperial Villas)
::Direct dial telephone
::Fax machine (Imperial Villas)
::Refrigerator/Mini-bar
::Exercise bicycle (Phaedra Imperial Villa)
::Coffee and tea making facilities

Villas Services
::Personal Guest Relations service
::Secretarial services (upon request)
::Limousine transfer to and from the airport (upon request/at extra charge)
::Laundry/dry cleaning service (at extra charge)
::Limousine transfer to and from the airport (free of charge/Imperial Villas only)
::Daily newspaper of your choice
::Express check-in
::Priority booking for special nights and shows
::Late check-out
::VIP breakfast in the Villas restaurant
::Lear-Jet and helicopter service (upon request)

The hotel offers villas guests
upon arrival: wine, champaign, fruit basket, a bouquet of flowers, mineral water, slippers, an Aigner bath set (soap, shampoo, shower gel, body lotion) as well as an Aldemar bath set (nail file, shower cap, sewing kit, shoe shine kit, cotton swabs), bath robe, beach towels, Vip Welcome cocktail.
daily: fresh fruit, mineral water and afternoon maid service.

Dining
Restaurants & Bars*
::Main Restaurant (07:00 - 10:00 & 18:30 - 21:00)
::"Fontana Amorosa" Gourmet Restaurant (19:00 - 01:00)
::Taverna "Artemis" (19:00 - 01:00)
::Snack Bar & Restaurant (10:00 - 16:00)
::Ouzeri (18:00 - 01:30)
::Beach Bar & Restaurant (10:00 - 18:00)
::Villas Restaurant (08:00 - 11:00)
::Children's Restaurant (18:30 - 20:00)
::Pool Bar (10:00 - 18:00)
::Main Bar (18:00 - 01:30)
::"Aquarius" Night Club (21:00 - 01:30)
::"Cellar" Wine Bar (18:00 - 01:30)
::Room Service (07:30 - 00:30). Between 22:00 - 00:30: snacks and beverages only

*Some bars & restaurants may be open during certain periods only.

Meals
::Breakfast (08:00 - 11:00):
  Served in the Villas-Restaurant, American style buffet
:: Dinner (18:30 - 21:00):
  Served in the Main Restaurant
  Three theme nights per week
  VVilla guests can dine at the Gourmet Restaurant Fontana Amorosa.

  Notes
  Drinks are not included.
  Missed meals cannot be replaced
  Dress code: guests are kindly requested to dress appropriately in all restaurants, bars and the night club during the evening (no shorts or bathing suits
  please).

Facilities
Facilities & Services for Children
::Baby cots (upon request / free of charge)
::Babysitting (upon request / extra charge)
::2 outdoor children's pools
::Waterslide 45 metres long
::Mini Club (4-12 years old, 7 days a week, 10:00 - 18:00)
::Children's restaurant with special menu
::High-chairs (Restaurants)
::Playground
::Multi-lingual animation staff
::Recreation and activities programmes at the mini-club
::Mini buffet at the Mini Club (4-12 years old, 7 days a week, 10:30 - 12:30 & 15:30 -17:30) includes a selection of cakes, pies and
  sandwiches, water, juices and one ice cream per child

Shops
::Boutiques
::Traditional arts shop
::Jewellery shop
::Mini-market
::Kiosk
::Hair Salon
::Internet area

Other Services
::Guest relation services
::Laundry and Dry Cleaning service (at extra charge)
::Beach towels (with deposit)
::24-hour hotel security service
::First-aid
::Lifeguards
::Luggage service/luggage room
::Currency exchange
::Horseback riding centre (22 kilometres from the Hotel - at extra charge)
::Organised excursions (at extra charge)
::Transfer to and from your room (upon arrival and departure)
::Transfer to and from the Royal Mare Thalasso/Spa Centre
::Daily bus service to and from Heraklion and Aghios Nikolaos
::Daily hotel - bus service (once a day) to and from Hersonissos (free of charge)
::Limousine transfer (at extra charge)
::Car, motorcycle and bicycle hire service
::Taxi service (upon request)

Sports & Recreation
There are 13 swimming pools on the hotel grounds:
::4 outdoor main pools (2 seawater & 2 fresh water)
::6 outdoor pools exclusively for the Villas section (fresh water)
::Indoor heated pool (fresh water)
::2 children's pools (fresh water)

Free of charge
::Sandy Beach
::Beach/pool umbrellas
::Four large outdoor pools (2 seawater & 2 fresh water)
::3 tennis courts (2 Quartzsand & 1 Quick)
::Waterslide 45 metres long
::Beach/pool lounge chairs
::Indoor heated pool (fresh water)
::Beach Volley facilities
::Outdoor showers
::2 table tennis
::Mini-golf course
::Bridge room
::Workout programmes with fitness instructors (aerobics, aquafit, gym workouts, body firming)
::Evening programmes and shows by the animation team
::Giant outdoor chess board
::Open amphitheatre
::Large screen TV & video room
::Games room

At extra charge
::Night tennis (floodlit courts)
::Massage and Physiotherapy
::Tennis lessons
::Billiards
::1 Squash court
::Fitness centre
::Water sports centre: diving, canoeing, windsurfing, water skiing, pedal boats, parachuting, sailing, sailing (catamaran), banana-rides,
  ringos
::Thalasso programmes at the Royal Mare Thalasso/Spa Centre
::Sauna, hydromassage

Thalasso/Spa
Model thalasso spa centre Royal Mare Thalasso, for relaxation, well-being and beauty treatments, at the neighbouring hotel Aldemar Royal Mare Village.