The beautiful island of Crete

We have always been sun worshippers and went on annual vacations to countries where the sun shines more often than here in the Netherlands. We also increasingly wanted to own a holiday home in a warm and sunny country.
When we first visited the island of Crete in 2004, we were immediately sold. We had booked a hotel in the city of Rethymnon and from there we made several trips with a scooter. Through the mountains to the south, walking in the Samaria and Imbros gorges and cycling in the Amari valley. What a beautiful landscape and diversity of possibilities this island has. What struck us in particular was the enormous hospitality and helpfulness of the inhabitants, we have not experienced that anywhere else as much as on Crete. We were convinced that we would come back more often.
In the same autumn we returned for a short holiday and then explored other parts of the island and visited many historical places. What unprecedented possibilities you have on Crete to spend your holiday. Something for everyone and no matter which village you go to, everyone is friendly and hospitable.
We also really like the Greek cuisine, the fresh fruit, vegetables and fresh fish and meat. All so tasty, partly due to the many hours of sunshine but also the fresh herbs and olive oil that they use in the kitchen. We have been the owners of a holiday home near Rethymnon for 15 years now and we go there regularly, also for longer periods. We have experienced all seasons there. Recently in February we swim in the sea in the south and a few days later we were standing in the snow on the Psiloritis! What a contrast, but what an experience.
The prices of houses and daily life, groceries and eating out, have risen considerably in recent years, but are still in no way comparable to the prices here in the Netherlands. You can still easily eat and drink deliciously for between € 15 and € 20 per person, with a dessert almost always provided by the house accompanied by a glass of Raki, a local delicacy. In short, Crete is, partly because of its size, a wonderful island to spend your holidays or to live there. Whether you stay on the North or South coast, the cities of Chania, Heraklion and Rethymnon are also more than worth a visit.
I wish everyone a lot of fun on this beautiful island.
Kind regards, Ruud