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.
Room Types
Double Rooms
Garden view
VIP sharing pool
Sea view
Amenities
::Air-conditioning 24 hours/day (mid-May to mid-September, minimum)
::Colour satellite television with music channels
::King-size bed/twin beds
::Magnifying mirror
::Sofa-bed
::Direct dial telephone
::Marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower
::Refrigerator (mini-bar upon request)
::Hair dryer
::Electronic Safe
::Furnished balcony or veranda
The hotel offers guests
Upon arrival: wine, fruit basket, mineral water, an Aldemar bath kit (soap,
shampoo, shower gel, nail file, shower cap and sewing kit, cotton swabs), slippers,
beach towels, welcome cocktail.
The hotel offers VIP guests
Upon arrival: wine, fruit basket, mineral water, a bouquet of flowers, luxury
bath set (soap, shampoo, shower gel, body lotion) as well as an Aldemar bath
set (nail file, shower cap, sewing kit, cotton swabs, shoe shine kit), bath
robe, slippers and beach towels, welcome cocktail. Daily: fresh fruits, mineral
water and afternoon maid service
Daily: fresh fruits, mineral water and afternoon maid service.
Suite Types
::Junior Suite Pool/ Garden view - Iphigenia & Athena (1 sitting-room/ bedroom
and 1 bathroom-49 sq.m., 2-4 pax)
::VIP Suite Sharing Pool - Harmonia (1 sitting-room, 1 bedroom and 2 bathrooms,
one of which has a hydromassage-59 sq.m., 2-4 pax)
::VIP Suite Sharing Pool - Electra & Dimitra (1 sitting-room, 1 bedroom
and 2 bathrooms, one of which has a hydromassage-59 sq.m., 2-4 pax)
::VIP Suite Sea Front - Aphrodite & Ariane, upper floor (1 sitting-room,
1 bedroom and 2 bathrooms, one of which has a hydromassage-59 sq.m.,
2-4 pax)
::Junior Suite Sea Front Sharing Pool - Ariane (1 sitting-room/ bedroom and
1bathroom-49 sq.m., 2-4 pax)
::Executive Suite Sharing Pool - Erato (1 bedroom, 1 sitting-room, 1 dining-room
and 2 bathrooms, one of which has a hydromassage-98 sq.m., 2-4 pax)
::VIP Suite Sea Front Sharing Pool - Aphrodite & Ariane, ground floor (1
bedroom, 1 sitting- room, 1 dining-room and 2 bathrooms, one of
which has a hydromassage-98 sq.m., 2-4 pax)
::Presidential Suite Sea Front – Aphrodite, private pool (1 bedroom/ sitting
room, 1 bedroom/ sitting-room/ study, 1 sitting-room/
dining-room,2 bathrooms with hydromassages and 1 WC-147 sq.m., 2-6
pax
Suite amenities
::Air-conditioning 24 hours/day (mid-June to mid-September, minimum)
::Marble bathroom with bathtub and separate shower
::King-size bed/twin beds
::Direct dial telephone
::Double sofa-bed
::Mini-bar
::Colour satellite television with music channels
::Stereo/CD player (not available in Junior Suites)
::Coffee and tea making facilities
::Balcony or veranda with wooden furnishings
::Electronic Safe
::Hair dryer
The following can be installed in VIP Suites, the Executive Suite, as well
as the Presidential Suite:
::VCR
::Fax machine
::PC with DSL Internet access
::ISDN telephone line
Suite services
::Personal Guest Relations service
::Limousine transfer to and from the airport
::Express check-in
::Late check-out
::Laundry/dry cleaning service (at extra charge / same-day delivery)
::VIP breakfast in the Candia Gourmet restaurant and in the El Greco traditional
Greek restaurant
::Daily newspaper of your choice
::Priority booking for special nights and shows
The hotel offers suites
guests
Upon arrival: wine, fruit basket, a bouquet of flowers, mineral water, slippers,
a Trussardi bath set (shampoo, shower gel, body lotion) as well as an Aldemar
bath set (soap, nail file, shower cap, sewing kit, shoe shine kit, cotton swabs),
bath robe, beach towels.
Welcome cocktail and an informative personalised tour of the facilities from
our guest relations service.
Daily: fresh fruit, mineral water and afternoon maid service.
Dining
Restaurants & Bars
::"Symposio" Main Restaurant (07:00 - 10:00 & 18:30 - 21:15)
::"Candia" Gourmet Restaurant (8:00 - 11:00 & 19:00 - 01:00)
::"Harmonia" Diet Restaurant (08:00 - 10:00 & 12:00 - 15:00 &
19:00 - 22:00)
::"El Greco" Traditional Greek Restaurant (19:00 - 01:00)
::"Allegro" Snack Bar & Restaurant (10:00 - 18:00)
::"Albatros" Beach Bar & Restaurant (10:00 - 18:00)
::"Allegro" Pizzeria (16:00 - 18:00)
::"Kalypso" Pool Bar (10:00 - 18:00)
::Children's Restaurant (18:30 - 20:00)
::"Dionyssos" Wine Bar (18:00 - 01:30)
::"Minos" Main Bar (18:00 - 01:30)
::"Apollo" Night Club (21:00 - 01:30)
::"Delfinia" Pool Bar (10:00 - 18:00)
::Room Service (24 hours)
Meals
::Breakfast (07:00 - 10:00):
Served in the Main Restaurant "Symposio", American style buffet.
:: Dinner (18:30 - 21:15):
Buffet service in the Main Restaurant "Symposio". Choice
of three main dishes (waiter service) (inclusive: HB/FB)
Three special buffet theme nights a week (inclusive: HB/FB)
Notes
Drinks are not included.
Missed meals cannot be replaced.
For guests following a dietary meal programme, breakfast, lunch
and dinner are served in the "Candia" restaurant.
For suite and VIP room guests, breakfast is served in the "Candia"
and "El Greco" restaurants.
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
Shops
::Aldemar Shop
::Hair Salon
::Boutiques
::Mini-market
::Traditional arts shop
::Kiosk
::Jewellery shop
Other Services
::Guest Relation services
::First-aid
::Laundry and Dry Cleaning service (at extra charge)
::Horseback riding centre (22 kilometres from the Hotel - extra charge)
::Beach towels (with deposit)
::24-hour hotel security service
::Lifeguards
::Currency exchange
::Luggage service/luggage room
::Organised excursions (extra charge)
::Transfer to and from your room (upon arrival and departure)
::Transfer to and from the Knossos Royal Village Conference 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 (extra charge)
::Car, motorcycle and bicycle hire service
::Taxi service (upon request)
Facilities & Services for Children
::Baby cots (upon request/free of charge)
::Babysitting (upon request / extra charge)
::1 outdoor children's pool
::Multi-lingual animation staff
::High-chairs (Restaurants)
::Playground
::Mini Club (4-12 years old, 7 days a week, 10:00 - 18:00)
::Recreation and activities programmes at the mini-club
::Children's restaurant with special menu
::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
Facilities for Persons with Special Needs
::10 rooms
::Ramps throughout the hotel
Sports & Recreation
There are 14 fresh-water swimming pools on the hotel grounds:
::2 large outdoor pools and 1 open-air hydromassage 9 outdoor pools for the
VIP rooms and suites
::1 indoor heated pool 1 outdoor children's pool
::1 outdoor, private pool for the Presidential suite
Free of charge
::Sandy Beach
::Beach/pool lounge chairs
::Two large outdoor pools (fresh water)
::Open-air hydromassage (fresh water)
::Indoor heated pool (fresh water)
::4 tennis courts (Quartzsand)
::Beach/pool umbrellas
::Outdoor showers
::2 table tennis
::Mini-golf course
::Archery facilities
::Beach Volley facilities
::Fitness centre
::Games room
::Workout programmes with fitness instructors (aerobics, aquafit, gym workouts,
body firming)
::Evening programmes and shows 1 or 2 times a week by the animation team
::Large screen TV & video room
::Bridge room
At extra charge
::Night tennis (floodlit courts)
::Tennis lessons
::Squash (2 courts)
::Billiards
::Sauna, Turkish bath, hydromassage
::Water sports centre: diving, canoeing, windsurfing, water skiing, pedal boats,
parachuting, sailing (catamaran), banana-rides, ringos
::Thalasso programmes at the Royal Mare Thalasso Spa Centre
Conferences & Meetings
Meeting room with a capacity of 80 pax
Conference facilities at the neighbouring Aldemar Knossos Royal Village Conference
Centre with a capacity of 900 pax
Thalasso/Spa
Model thalasso spa centre Royal Mare Thalasso, for relaxation, well-being
and beauty treatments.