CRETE, AN ISLAND STEEPED IN MILLENNIA OF HISTORY

A UNIQUE AND VIBRANT CULTURE UNVEILS ITELF, A HISTORICAL NARRATIVE OF MYTH AND IMAGINATION IN A LAND BLESSED WITH NATURAL WONDERS

EXPLORE THE MEDITERRANEAN

EASTERN CRETE, THE ESSENCE OF SUMMER

An endless coastline of fine beaches, hidden coves, and sparkling bays awaits on the largest Greek island. Explore eastern Crete, where mountains soar above pretty villages, seaside towns, and deep gorges and valleys drop into the sea, and reminders of the Minoan empire wait to be discovered everywhere here. Where better to enjoy the exceptional food and local drinks than by the shimmering seas that surround eastern Crete?

THE ISLAND OF MINOANS

Crete's history is a tapestry woven across countless centuries, with the Minoan civilization standing as one of humanity's most significant cultural eras. Sprawling palaces including the renowned and magnificent Knossos, Phaestos, and Zakros, serve as testaments to Minoan grandeur. Masters of the seas, the Minoans forged a formidable naval empire in the heart of the Mediterranean.

EROTOKRITOS

The epic poem "Erotokritos," a cherished romantic saga authored by Vitsentzos Kornaros in early 17th-century Crete, marks a pinnacle of cultural achievement during the island's prosperous era under Venetian rule—a period celebrated as the Cretan Renaissance. It gives our Cretan resort Rocrita its name.

CRETAN CUISINE

Cretan cuisine is one of the world's oldest and healthiest culinary traditions, shaped by the island's geographical bounty, rich history, and abundant local ingredients. Renowned for its simplicity, Cretan cooking celebrates the purity of fresh, local tastes, with olive oil reigning supreme as a cornerstone of its flavours.

THE ISLAND OF MINOANS

EROTOKRITOS

CRETAN CUISINE

INDULGE

STAY IN ELLA RESORTS. LIVE THE EXPERIENCE

Here, you can admire the remnants of brilliant civilisations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountains, hidden headlands, fertile valleys, and steep gorges, and immerse yourself in the island’s rich gastronomic culture.

EXPERIENCE ELLA

ATMOSPHERIC SPINALONGA

A short boat hop from the mainland, Spinalonga, a former leper colony on an islet in the Mirabello Gulf, is an imposing and evocative sight.

VERDANT VAI

Exotic Vai beach with white sands and emerald green waters looks like it belongs in the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean, a sensation enhanced by the palm tree forest behind the beach.

MINOAN MAGIC

Step back nearly four millennia to one of Greece's most significant archaeological sites at Kato Zakros, a reminder of the magnificence of the Minoan civilisation.

A PALACE FIT FOR A KING

Knossos is the jewel of Crete’s historical sites, the ancient palace of King Minos. Admire the impressive frescoed walls, and marvel at the royal thrones in the mythical home of the Minotaur.

PRETTY AS A PICTURE

Plaka is a postcard-perfect fishing village, and if your idea of paradise is a handful of tavernas, clear water, and dramatic mountains set against cloudless blue skies, this is the place for you.

IN VINO VERITAS

Part monastery, part winery with impressive 10-metre-high walls and a reaching bell tower, Toplou is surrounded by an unspoilt landscape in the far northeastern tip of Crete.

GORGEOUS GORGES

Countless ravines and valleys carry streams and rivers down to the sea from the elevated Lasithi plateau in eastern Crete, while Samaria to the west attracts hikers from all over the world.

SLEEPY SEASIDE STAY

A quiet and friendly village, Mochlos has retained its traditional Cretan character. Small boats run out to the island of Agios Nikolaos, an ancient Minoan settlement.

Our resorts collection

CRETE

ROCRITA

FAMILIES & FRIENDS

Inspired by the rugged terrain of Crete and named after a romantic poem, Rocríta promises a truly unforgettable experience. Located on the pristine coastline of Crete, this resort has been carefully created to offer contemporary luxury to discerning families and couples.

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