CRETE : A YEAR ROUND DESTINATION

When I was living in Athens and my relatives lived in Heraklion Crete, I preferred visiting them during winter.

Most of them thought that this was weird, as most people prefer Crete on the Summer.

Yet Crete is beautiful in all seasons. As a visitor I do not like crowds, I prefer to stroll with the locals, visit the places locals prefer, and this can be done more easily during winter.
As a large island Crete offers wide variety of places that you can enjoy, walk around in a sunny winter day (most days of winter are sunny in Crete anyway...), restaurants, open for the locals try their best to satisfy their clients, museums and archaeological sites are far less crowded...
In all my trips I prefer to mingle with locals, not to be driven around by some guide...

Crete with a moderate winter and warm climate, with desperate need for winter visitors (that will offer the visitor not only hugely discounted prices but also far better quality for the money spent), with so many places to visit that dusring a crowded summer would not have the time to go and enjoy, with excellent activities like golf that you can play and enjoy with the marvellous weather, I think is still a place undiscovered.
You can be a smart traveler and discover it...why wait the Summer????

The Truth about conditions in Greece Now

We all hear in the media about what is hapenning in Greece. Some of us, especially us locals, we live things.

However, it is very different to live in a situation than to hear about it in the news. Sometimes the image is so distorted that you wonder : "Is this that just happenned?" "Were things really like that????".

Well, in Greece and especially in the tourism sector things are a little different than the general image the media produce on the country. Things are really hard. People are forced to live with fewer and to be honest some of them could not have their previous lifestyle based on their real income...therefore there is a sense of fairness in some levels of society. There are people indeed short of food, and these may increase the next days, months. Still the market operates normally, there is an abundance of food in the shops, and all the Hotel units that will operate for the coming season have made their orders to suppliers. Therefore, the rumor that a tourist might not find to eat in Greece is more or less ridiculous. Also restaurants, not only are open and working, but they also most of them have reduced their prices, therefore you can enjoy cheaper good meals and dinners.
Not only there is no problem with food in Greece, but now more than ever it is a bargain to visit.

As far as law and order is concerned. It is true that Greek people protest often against the situation. Major protests happen in Athens downtown. It is very unusual to select as your holiday place the center of Athens. You can check all major international newspapers, there were no protests in any of the Greek travel destinations, like Heraklion, Rhodes, Santorini, Corfu, Mykonos etc. Even if you find one it will be a peacefull gathering and march to a state building, nothing sinister...

The feelings of the Greeks might be bitter, towards their fellow europeans and particularly Germans. Yet, have in mind that the people that work in the tourism sector are skilled and exeprienced professionals. They work in this sector for years, and they know more than anyone, (politician or other...) that you, the tourist, the visitor of Greece you are their income, the benefit for their children...they do not feel hate towards the tourist...on the contrary...They wait for the tourist, to help and make his/hers stay in Greece and especially in Crete memorable. Therefore, scenaria that present greeks as angry towards the germans, are really out of this world.
Greeks, those working in tourism have nothing against Germans. In crete many germans live permanently and are much loved from their fellow Cretans. Nothing is held against german people...People saying that greeks remember the WWII and the German occupation of Greece and Crete are really to laugh...You can't be bitter about a situation that happenned 50 years ago. We all have moved forward. If there is really a score to settle this can be solved in the Hague Tribunal, with the good offices of EU, and will be solved friendly, peacefully and with good intentions.
To conclude, no food shortage in Greece, instead you will find the best prices ever. No problem with law and order. Greek people have no hate with our fellow Europeans and especially the Germans, who are more than welcome in Greece.
The economic crisis will be solved. We should not let the crisis undermine the real European Unity spirit.

Use the Greek Crisis on Your Benefit

For some time now, all you hear in the media is the Greek Debt crisis, the problems greeks are facing with their economy. Many countries, fellow Europeans are willing to support the Greek economy. This as nothing in life is a "free dinner", however it is a fair deal...
Now, ministers, and politicians, think practically and will support greeks to receive their share...Why not individuals do the same. It will be even more ethical and profitable as an individual will receive a profit from Greece immediately, and will directly help another person...
Let's explain...By selecting Greece now for your holidays, now with the raging crisis in the country, you help first of all yourself! You get excellent services, hotels, accommodation, dinners and so on, in specially discounted prices...Greek businesses are looking for customers and have reduced their prices at cost. Moreover you get to be a distinguished client these days with an economy budget...
Check the prices of Hotels and Villas in Crete and you can see for yourself the discounts and the value for money prices this summer.

By selecting Greece you not only help yourself int saving substantial amounts of money, but you help the people of Greece to stand on their own feet, work their businesses and finally pay off their debt.

Now is the time to help the Greeks and help yourself, by getting a bit of the Greek debt crisis on your behalf. Even better if you have the funds to invest safely in Greece, this can be a better opportunity as well. Investing in land and real estate in crisis prices will give you soon added value and profits even only by reselling later on.

Crete-Greece and the Economic Crisis

These days, Greece is having a very hard time financially. In fact is having a hard time long time ago, yet we were somehow managing to put the problem under the carpet and move on.
This 'strategy" sometime ends, and now all greeks (or most of them at least...) are having a hard time.
Most tourist can "profit" somehow from the hard times the country is having. They will profit and have more services for their money, and we as Greeks will profit having our tourism increasing and having some extra money on our wallet (or on our loan bills...)
First of all let's state that Greece is a peacefull European country. The people, other than a bit hot-tempered they are peaceful and hospitable (especially Cretans). No fears for riots, protest, damages...Some protests might take place in Athens in Constitution Square, yet Crete visitros do not plan taking a swim in the fountain there...
Prices eventually will fall in order to attract more clients. Still the government is not easing this self-preserving business process by increasing the VAT, so even some services' prices might fall, the end-user might not be able to profit from this decrease.
As we are not financial analysts nor economics professors, what we want to say here is that Greece and especially Crete, will soon become not only the perfect (we believe that it already is) but the best value for money place for vacations.

Consider a paradise island with plenty of activities of every kind for the visitor (tennis, golf, scuba, hiking) with free falling prices, peace, quiet and above all a European destination, with no hassles, no terrorism, and the best beaches of southern med...

"The Island" - A Must-See when you visit Crete

Although Cretan-born but living all my life in Athens, the capital of Greece, everytime I came to Crete for a visit, I was mysteriously attracted to Spinalonga Island.
The island of Spinalonga, to cut a long story short, hosts an ancient venetian fortress, later was inhabited by Turks, and after that it was used as camp to limit the lepers in there as it was easy to confine them there.

Therefore, the island carries the aura of at least three civilisations, numerous stories, dramas, wars, myths, plus it is a wonderful sight from Plaka...
After Victoria Hislop's best selling book "The Island" which if you check on prior posts we strongly suggested last summer for a summer beach reading, now may we suggest to take the time and visit the island of Spinalonga.
You will find yourself after you step in the island in a completely different place, an excellent venetian island-fortress, meant to guard the passage with heavy cannons, and you will have the chance to check the poor small houses that lepers used to live there, their hospital etc.
The surrounding is really beautiful as you might see in the photos we attach, the stories the guides can tell you numerous, the historical facts breathtaking.
All in all, you will never regret spending your valuable vacations time to go to Spinalonga.
You can either arrange yourself, or you can contact http://www.beeinnet.com/ to participate in the scheduled excursions they have there, and continue your swim, trouble free...

Have fun in Spinalonga. We would like to know your thought and experiences there....

BeeInNet's Facebook Page

Here at BeeInNet we LOVE Crete! And we are doing our best to show to the whole world how nice is to visit Crete for the Summer. How well you can spend you time, how relaxing this can be, and also how Crete offers the best value for money vacations in the world!

So we created a Facebook page named "Summer In Crete", where you can check the latest BeeInNet offers, discounts and specials. You can find pictures from Cretan Life, Videos from activities PLUS you can check the available Hotels and Villas of BeeInNet.

Please support our Page by "Liking" it, in order to stay tuned with the latest news of BeeInNet.

See you on Facebook!!!!!

A Winter Experience in Crete

For the most of us, Crete is a Summer destination. That is mostly correct. Perfect beaches, the sun...wonderful hotels and villas to stay, lively bars and clubs. And above all reasonable prices.
Yet Crete has more to offer. Think this : You play golf, and with the northern Europe heavy weather, you can only play during late spring or summer. In Crete you can have really bargain vacations, as hotels are dramatically reducing their winter prices, and play as long as you desire in the exceptional Cretan Golf Club.
In fact your hotel will be happy to arrange transfers to and from the club and make all the necessary reservations for you.
Now if you are more the bon viveur type, and you are looking for gourmet dinners, and fine wines. Also Crete is the place for you. Appart that you can schedule excursions in the beautiful cretan mountains and try local specialties with the locals, there are numerous restaurants, and wine bars in the main cities (heraklion, rethymno, chania, Agios Nikolaos) where you can dine like a king.

Crete is really beautiful every season. Yet during winter it will be a memorable break conidering you might spend for 10 days what you might spend for a weekend in a ski resort in France.

15th of AUGUST IN CRETE

One of the most important Bank Holidays in Greece is the 15th of August. Celebrating the grace of Virgin Mary, as well as the remebrance of an historical event, the sinking of the Battleship "Elli" in Tinos on the 15th of August 1940, by an Italian submarine.
This day for the whole country not only has religious and historical meaning, but for the modern Greeks marks the week of summer holidays.

During the weeks before and after the 15th, all beaches will be crowded, beach bars will be packed with people having fun.
Therefore as exeperienced travelers would do if they want to visit Crete during this time, please make prior reservations practically for everything. Not only for accomodation, where even the doghouses will be overboked, but restaurants, clubs, sunbeds, make arrangements, and you will have a far better time than the rest.
For the visitor of Crete, these days of August offer the possibility to be able to visit monasteries that are all over the island. Monks will be more than happy to offer you a cup of coffee, a glass of wine and talk about the history of the place. If interested in that it will be a unique opportunity.
Moreover during mid August as the travelers are quite a lot, many towns in Crete organize festivals, concerts and other cultural activities that will entertain the visitor.

If you have not yet decided to visit Crete, moreover, if you have not visited Crete yet, now is the time.
And do not forget that BEEINNET has the best last minute offers for Crete INCLUDING Car rental!

ORDER RESTORED IN THE GREEK FUEL MARKET

Order is restored in the Greek fuel market, after causing major confusion and problems in transportation.

As from today, by a mandate of the Greek government, fuel transportation trucks are ordered to stop their ilegal strike and make deliveries.
This will restore the market into normal as fuel was scarce, and in Greece this time of year with almost all rented cars on the road by visitors was a major loss for many Rent A Car companies.

In Crete there were major problems, many visitors abandoned their rented cars in the hotels and requested a fair refund. By the end of the day, tomorrow the latest in many spots there will be adequate gas for cars and trucks and transportations begin to work again. Business as usual!

Remember that Crete is a great place to discover, with fantastic secluded spots, waiting to visit. Natural beauty mixed with the friendliness of the locals and their hospitality, plus an excellent healthy cuisine make Crete on of the best destinations to visit in without beaking your bank account!!!!

August - The SPA Month

Dear Friends of Beeinnet,

Some people believe that during August Greece, due to extreme winds, might not be the best place to be...

Although meteorological conditions are a fact and usually the north coast of Crete is troubled by winds in August, there are really a million things to do during August vacations in Crete.

Many of the hotels that you can check extensively at our site http://www.beeinnet.com/ offer SPA treatments to the customers, some free, some for a nominal fee.

As all of us are tired and troubled during work and city living, it is a great opportunity to grab and treat yourself in a SPA.
There you will find (in most of them at least) swimming pools with salt water, face and body treatments, massages, Yoga classes, shiatsu massage, sauna, turkish baths etc.

Many of these Hotels have exclusive premium offers in beeinnet, that you should not miss...

Drop the sea for a while, and treat yourself in order to charge for the rough city life. Enjoy Crete in a SPA...

HERAKLION SUMMER 2010 FESTIVAL

Dear friends of Beeinnet,

As the summer is here, the city of Heraklion, is pereparing a wide range of cultural events.

Find the message of the mayor of the city following concerning the Festival :

"Welcome to the 2010 Heraklion Summer Arts Festival, and to one of the


best established cultural institutions run by our Municipality, which has

been held every summer for the past 32 years.

Through the plays, music, dance and open air cinema shows on offer in this

year’s programme, held in the historic, highly attractive venues around the

Venetian Walls, we aim to offer enjoyment and optimism in the tough times

we are currently experiencing.

In addition to the performances in the main festival, we have arranged various

other events in all the neighbourhoods in the central and outlying municipal

wards, to which admission is free.

In doing so, we attain one of our fundamental goals, which is to support and

showcase local groups of artists via the programme.

At the same time, we have included events that promote our tradition and

hand on the lasting values in our culture to younger people.

We firmly believe that contact with cultural values is a fundamental need for

all citizens, which the state and the Town Hall have an obligation to meet on

their own. Despite the tough financial climate now prevailing, the Municipality

of Heraklion is doing everything in its power to cater for that need.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, healthy and optimistic

time this summer."
 
You can find some of the evnets in our site http://www.beeinnet.com/

ANOTHER BEEINNET SUGGESTION

As we try to give you the best of everything here in the Beeinnet Travel Blog, here is another suggestion to have a wonderful time in Crete.

Just a few minutes off Heraklion in the village of Gouves, the most successful nightlife team in heraklion opened the beach bar/restaurant Isla.

Although the sea in the specific spot is not the best compared to other secluded spots in Crete, the whole feel is more than great. You will find excellent wooden sunbeds with matresses, umbrellas, a 5*+ service on the beach. The waiters will try to help whatever your requirement might be.
You can have coffee, drinks or a light lunch on your sunbed.

The restaurant for lunch is excellent also. Not to mention dinner where you can dine on the deck by the sea...

The plates are executed very nicely most of the times. The meat used is of very good quality! It is not very often to find waiters that know how to service you and isla is one of these places that will remind you a micelin restaurant by the sea, in a quite affordable price.

A BEEINNET BLOG SUGGESTION

As holidays, especially in the summer are not only about lodging and hotels, and Villas etc. It is also about good food, nice wine, tasting local specialties, relaxing under the stars by the sea...

We thought to suggest one of the places we prefer to spend our nights, eating out.

This is the Olive & Mint Restaurant in Skalani. Skalani is a little village just outside Heraklion, it is very close to the city, it was actually planned to host the office of the prefecture. Just 5 min. drive off the city center you will be able to experience the narrow streets of a little cretan village, people sitting on their porch...
It is very easy to find Olive&mint as there are signs everywhere, plus you can ask the locals to guide you.

Argyro the lady owner of Olive&Mint is a really talented chef, a multi winner of the greek gourmet awards. The restaurant, her pride and joy is really a temple of good fooding.

The backgound of Argyro is local, so the basis of her recipes is the local traditional cretan cuisine, however, understanding that the modern Cretan needs a refinement in taste she has made minor inspirational alterations in traditional plates so they will easily fuse the needs of a foreigner or a younger person, without insulting nor the taste nor tradition.
By visitng Argyro you will have a clear and full idea of what the Cretan cuisine is all about. In the experience you can add one of the selected Cretan wines of the restaurant or a specially selected wine from Chile (I admit my personal favourite...) or a red full wine from northern Greece or even France...

Argyro and her daughter will make the extra mile to satisfy your needs and make you enjoy your dinner there.

During your visit please mention Beeinnet to Argyro to enjoy a privileged treatment.

A BOOK FOR UNDER THE SUN

VICTORIA HISLOP - "THE ISLAND"

This Book that got excellent critique from The Times and other Book reviews will accmpany your holidays in Crete and imagine reading it somewhere in Elounda, having a great view of Spinalonga that is all about this book.
Also there is a TV series shoot about this Book for the Greek TV these days and who knows you might bump into the crew or the actors and have a chat about the book and how the are going to turn it into a mini TV series.

Beware of Rumours About Greece

Dear Friends of Beeinnet,

In the last few days we have observed a certain behaviour in some internet forums regarding Greece.
Some forum authors are constantly trying to disseminate rumours that Greece is unsafe, that there are violent rioting that might endanger ths safety of visitors.
Let us put things straight here.
There are no special traveling advises from governments like USA or UK that advise their citizens to avoid Greece.
Greece despite the financial problems that escalated recently, is a democratic, constitutional country with deep respect to the tourist that decides to visit Greece.
It is true that there are protests outside the parliament but they rarely go out of hand and never these protests endangered the life of any of the thousands of tourists that are visiting Athens.
One other factor, in the islands like Crete the protests are almost non existent, there is peace and quiet and no one is going to harm a tourist that is in the area to have decent fun, enjoy the sun and the sea and relax. Greece like any other country has laws that must be obeyed by everybody like we do at home but that's understandable I think...Therefore anyone who expects to go out of hand in Greece and get away with it is far from it.

Greece is in the EU, and a coup or an airport occupation (even for protesting reasons) is far from truth and not a possibility.

Persons or services disseminating these rumours together with some bogus state department reports are those who profit to damage greek tourism, especially now.

Crete is a beautiful island, worth to discover. People in the villages are polite, hospitable, beaches are clean and magical, food is healthy and tasty, plus that prices are competitive and worth the investment...

If you plan your holidays in Greece come and you will have a great time. It is more than certain you will come back again and again...

A NEW SERVICE FROM BEEINNET - FERRY TICKETS!!!!

We are always thinking of ways how to facilitate the holidays of the Beeinnet friends.

Thinking how to make their life during holidays a lot easier, we have established a cooperation with major Greek Ferries shipping companies. Superfast ferries and Seajets.
Now any beeinnet visitor will be able to issue ONLINE his/hers ferry ticket and travel to the Greek islands, easily, cheap, and -above all- hassle free...

WHY NOT ENJOY THE WOLRD CUP IN CRETE?

The World Cup is about to start in a few days. Do you have tickets and arrangements for South Africa? No? You are right, too far away, and the prices these days....sky rocketing.
Then we have another suggestion for you. You might not be able to smell the sweat of the players, yet you can enjoy few days or relaxation without taking another mortgage.

You can visit a hotel in Crete, in Greece. These days, due to the economic crisis, Greece is an ideal destination. Prices are falling as all local businesses are desperately looking for money. Hotel deals are on their best, qulaity of sun, and sea is exceptional.

Plus all hoteliers are well equiped with large screens, where you can enjoy the football matches together with free drinks, beers local finger food...

Is there anything better, than having a great time with less money? Plus not to miss the World Cup?

A Beeinnet Suggestion

Although making dine&wine suggestions from Beeinnet will be arranged formally in a while, and all Beeinnet.com visitors will have the chance to try our selections, we are tempted to propose a restaurant that is great every time we have the time to visit and try it's delicious food.

It is called Don Rosario and it is based in Chania.
The restaurant used to be last summer in a great place by the sea, near the Ravdoucha village, yet now is situated in the Souda Interchange, just over the National Road.
The environment is now more civilized but simple. No extravagant decoration, no extra luxuries. Plain simple quality Italian cuisine.

All pasta come served in a large pan and the tastes and the quality are way above average. In fact to eat similar food in any European capital you will be needing 3-4 times more money.
Service is smart and polite, they try to be more smart than polite though, yet they are fast and try to meke you comfortable and help with any request you may have.
The owner is like coming out from an old Italian movie. Although I believe he is Greek he speaks fluently italian and he prefers to act like an Italiano around the restaurant to support his image.

The wine list improved during this winter, yet do not expect to find a large variety of wines. Some basic Italians are on their wine list, yet with substantial absences (no Frascati etc).

Call them to make a reservation on 28240-23781, it will make your visit and your money worth.

Beat the Crisis Travelling

The recent economic turbulence has created high levels of uncertanity to all. Most of us consider travelling a luxury and it is the first expense to cut back when in financial trouble.

However, consider that you need recreation to be able to cope with work problems, get some sun, a suntan, relax with your wife or girlfriend, have a good relaxed time, and get back to work ready to struggle for some more months.
Expenses for travelling can be quite high, especially when travelling abroad. Yet smart choices can help you save lots of money and be able to still have these moments you deserve in the sun.
Now with the interent you can search easily for the best price and for an affordable lodging, rent a car, book tickets. If you do all these early enough, you can save up to 50% from the expenses.
You can start of course by visiting www.beeinnet.com if plan to travel to Crete or Santorini. There you will find excellent Hotels, Villas, Apartments, Houses, carefully selected, in great value for money prices.

EUROPE REOPENS FOR FLIGHTS

London, England (CNN) -- Airports across Europe began reopening Wednesday, six days after ash from an Icelandic volcano forced the shutdown of airspace and stranded thousands of passengers around the world.

The airspace over the United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium and Ireland was open again, and German and Danish airspace was expected to reopen fully later in the day, air traffic authorities said.
French authorities said all long-haul flights were leaving from Paris airports, along with 60 percent of short-haul flights.

A British Airways flight from Vancouver was the first to land at London's Heathrow Airport late Tuesday, and a total of 25 mostly long-haul flights had landed by the morning, the airport said. There were no takeoffs by Wednesday morning, though, and the airport warned that not all flights would operate right away.

Latest air travel developments
Manchester Airport said four planes would land there Wednesday morning but no departures had yet been scheduled.
More on http://www.cnn.com/

Moreover, according to Crete local press, more than 8,000 tourists are stranded in Crete due to the volcanic activity, and the cost of this situation is estimated approx. 500,000 € daily. To help tourists move to their destination, the cretan agency Cretan Holidays S.A hired coaches to manage to send tourists with health problems or in emergency to Germany, using vessel to Piraeus and then by road to Germany.