Top 10 Crete

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Top 10 Crete EYEWITNESS TRAVEL TOP10 CRETE N O ORO ID S U K B O OF M OR I EN 10 5 A UT LIKO MA 2 MA LI Best beaches K Agios E O S OUT PLATIA I Titos AGIOS I TOU ARI ADNI AS TITOS S T S 10 R IO IGI O Must-see museums & ancient sites AY F M I R A B E L O U Battle of Crete O B Loggia AN Museum S 10 O Venetian DHR K Spectacular areas of natural beauty HA M D ZID A K I U Walls IL DOU OG ATO O U S D EO HÍ D 10 K Best traditional tavernas D O Archaeological EDHALOU RA I APOUTIE Museum S THOU IDOMENEO N A 10 D Most exciting festivals 10 Liveliest bars & clubs 10 Best hotels for every budget 10 Most charming villages 10 Fascinating monasteries & churches 10 Insider tips for every visitor YOUR GUIDE TO 10THE 10 BEST OF EVERYTHING TOP 10 CRETE ROBIN GAULDIE EYEWITNESS TRAVEL Left Dolphin fresco, Knosos Right Rethymno harbour Contents Crete’s Top 10 Contents Ancient Knosos 8 Irakleio 12 Produced by Blue Island Publishing Reproduced by Colourscan, Singapore Printed Irakleio Archaeological and bound in China by Leo Paper Products Ltd First American Edition, 2003 Museum 14 11 12 13 14 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Chania 18 Published in the United States by DK Publishing, 375 Hudson Street, Phaestos 20 New York, New York 10014 Reprinted with revisions Rethymno 22 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011 Gortys 24 Copyright 2003, 2011 © Dorling Kindersley Limited Samaria Gorge 26 All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication The Amari Valley may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by and Mt Idi 28 any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the Gournia 30 above publisher of this book. Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersley Limited Moments in History 32 ISSN 1479-344X Ancient Sites 34 ISBN 978-0-75667-035-1 Within each Top 10 list in this book, no Art and Archaeological hierarchy of quality or popularity is implied. All 10 are, in the editor’s opinion, of Museums 36 roughly equal merit. Folklore Museums 38 Floors are referred to throughout in accordance with British usage; ie the “first Venetian and Turkish floor” is the floor above ground level. Castles 40 Churches and Monasteries 42 Beach Resorts 44 Islands and Boat Trips 46 The information in this DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide is checked regularly. Every effort has been made to ensure that this book is as up-to-date as possible at the time of going to press. Some details, however, such as telephone numbers, opening hours, prices, gallery hanging arrangements and travel information are liable to change. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of this book, nor for any material on third party websites, and cannot guarantee that any website address in this book will be a suitable source of travel information. We value the views and suggestions of our readers very highly. Please write to: Publisher, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, Dorling Kindersley, 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, Great Britain, or email: [email protected] Front – DK Images: Robin Gauldie bl; Superstock: age fotostock main. Back – DK Images: Nigel Hicks tc, tr; Robin Gauldie tl. Spine – DK Images: Peter Jousiffe b. 2 Key to abbreviations Adm admission charge payable Free no admission charge Contents Left Plakias Right Tavernas, Chersonisos Villages 48 Streetsmart Areas of Natural Beauty 50 Getting To and Mountain Walks 52 Around Crete 116 Wildlife 54 General Famous Cretans 56 Information 117 Myths and Legends 58 Things to Avoid 118 Music and Instruments 60 Special Interest Holidays 119 Festivals and Events 62 Eating and Drinking Markets and Shopping Tips 120 Streets 64 Shopping Tips 121 Food and Drink 66 Budget Ideas 122 Restaurants 68 Families and Disabled Tavernas 70 Visitors 123 Cafés and Ouzeries 72 Banking and Nightlife 74 Communications 124 Around the Island Health and Security Tips 125 Central Crete 78 Places to Stay 126 Western Crete 90 Eastern Crete 102 General Index 132 Left Castle, Paleochora Right Siteia harbour Following pages Siteia beach 3 CRETE’S TOP 10 Highlights of Crete 6–7 CRETE’S TOP 10 Ancient Knosos 8–11 Irakleio 12–13 Irakleio Archaeological Museum 14–15 Chania 18–19 Phaestos 20–21 Rethymno 22–23 Gortys 24–25 Samaria Gorge 26–27 The Amari Valley and Mt Idi 28–29 Gournia 30–31 Top 10 of Everything 32–75 Highlights of Crete Although it could not be more Greek, Crete is really a country within a country, with its own history, folklore and traditions. It was the birthplace of Europe’s oldest civilization, the enigmatic Minoan culture which flourished over 4,000 years ago. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Venetians and Turks also left their mark. This rich human heritage is set against the backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery and beaches lapped by a deep blue sea. Crete’s Top 10 @ Irakleio A good place to see a slice of everyday Greek street life, Crete’s capital is an eclectic mix of medieval Venetian fortifica- tions, bustling markets and ! Ancient Knosos modern streets (see pp12–13). Knosos is among the most impressive #HANIA relics of the ancient 0LATANIAS 4FBPG$SFUF Mediterranean +ASTELLI 3OUDA +ISSAMOU !LIKIANOS world. The Minoan 0ANOMOS palace was 'EORGIOUPOLI 2ETHYMNO imaginatively #(!.)! /MALOS 0ERAMA reconstructed in J 0S 3AMARIA LB the early 20th 'ORGE -FG 2%4(9-./ century (see 0ALEOCHORA *E pp8–11). #HORA3FAKION !MARI J 0LAKIAS 3PILI 6ALLEY NJMFT LN !GIA'ALINI £ Irakleio .FEJUFSSBOFBO 0HAESTOS Archaeological 4FB Museum -ATALA Crete’s leading museum houses amazing finds from Knosos and other great archaeological sites (see pp14–15). Chania $ Once the island’s capital, this pretty little harbour town, % Phaestos with good beaches One of the most important nearby and lots of Minoan palace sites in Crete, open-air restaurants Phaestos is a fascinating maze and shops, makes a of walls, stairways and court- great base for yards on a hillside overlooking exploring Crete’s wild the Messara plain and the Libyan west (see pp18–19). Sea (see pp20–21). 6 Share your travel recommendations on traveldk.com ^ Rethymno Crete’s third largest city is packed with remind- ers of a multi-layered history. A huge castle, Turkish mosques, Venetian Crete’s Top 10 town houses and bustling markets are part of the charm, along with a beach esplanade (see pp22–3). * Samaria Gorge Gortys & The “White Mountains” of The bases of the Sfakia region dominate toppled Roman southwest Crete. This rugged columns, the ruins of massif, most of which can only a Byzantine basilica, be explored on foot, as there are post-Minoan few roads, is cloaked in pine fortifications, an trees and traversed by the lovely agora, acropolis and Samaria Gorge (see pp26–7). remains of temples to Athena and Apollo all hint at the chequered past of Gortys (see pp24–5). &ODELE )RAKLEIO ,IMIN 4FBPG$SFUF #HERSONISOS -ALIA !NOGEIA +NOSOS .EAPOLIS 0 3ITEIA 6AI SP !GIOS.IKOLAOS T +ASTELI 3KOPI +RITSA 6ARVARI 0S 'OURNIA )2!+,%)/ PT% JLUJ 'ORTYS ,!3)4() !NO6IANNOS :AKROS !GIOI -AKRYGIALOS $EKA )ERAPETRA .FEJUFSSBOFBO 4FB ( The Amari Valley & Mt Idi Old-fashioned villages, empty mountain pano- ramas and legend- ) Gournia laden caves seem The best preserved like part of a Minoan town on Crete different world, has a honeycomb-like and can easily be labyrinth of tiny houses explored with a and narrow lanes sur- rented car or rounding a small palace escorted coach overlooking the Gulf of tour (see pp28–9). Mirabello (see pp30–31). 7 Ancient Knosos Knosos is steeped in mystery and enchantment. In legend, it was the seat of King Minos, beneath whose palace the bull-headed Minotaur hunted its victims in the labyrinth built by Daedalus. In reality, it was the hub of a Bronze Age empire that held sway over the Aegean more than 4,000 years ago. This part of the Knosos story only began to be unearthed at the beginning £ Dolphin Frescoes of the 20th century, when British archaeologist The queen’s rooms Sir Arthur Evans began excavations of the site. were lavishly decorated with frescoes of leaping dolphins and well equipped Crete’s Top 10 Crete’s Top Top 10 Sights with a bath and even a 1 Central Court flush lavatory. 2 Piano Nobile 3 Dolphin Frescoes 4 Storehouses 5 Central court South Portico 6 Great Staircase If possible, visit 7 Hall of Double Axes Knosos in spring or 8 autumn, when cooler North Entrance Passage 9 weather makes Throne Room exploring more 0 Bust of Sir Arthur Evans pleasant than in high summer. But if you are holidaying in ! Central Court peak season, get to All Minoan palaces the site as soon as it were built around a opens, before most central courtyard. This coach tour groups would have been the hub have arrived. of the complex and would probably have been used There are several for ceremonial purposes tavernas and snack and for royal audiences. bars within a few The courtyard of Knosos steps of the site has a commanding view entrance, along the of the valley. Storehouses main road to Irakleio. $ The storehouses or @ Piano Nobile “magazines” contain giant • Map K4 • Route 97, Evans dubbed this earthenware jars called 5 km (8 miles) south of expansive room on the pithoi, which the Minoans Irakleio • 28102 31940 upper floor of the palace used to store olive oil, • Summer: 8am–8pm building the “noble hall”, olives, grain and daily; winter: 8:30am– believing that it might other supplies.
Recommended publications
  • Chania : Explore & Experience
    INDEX INDEX .......................................................................................................................................... 1 THE BYZANTINE WALL OF CHANIA ............................................................................................. 3 THE EGYPTIAN LIGHTHOUSE ...................................................................................................... 4 GIALI TZAMISI ............................................................................................................................. 5 VENETIAN NEORIA ...................................................................................................................... 6 FIRKA FORTRESS ......................................................................................................................... 7 CENTER OF MEDITERRANEAN ARCHITECTURE (GRAND ARSENAL)............................................ 8 ANCIENT KYDONIA (PROTO-MINOAN SETTLEMENT OF KASTELI) .............................................. 9 ANCIENT APTERA ......................................................................................................................10 ENTRANCE OF THE RENIER MANSION ......................................................................................11 GATE AND RAMPART SABBIONARA .........................................................................................12 THE MINARET OF AGIOS NIKOLAOS .........................................................................................13 THE GRAVES OF VENIZELOS FAMILY ........................................................................................14
    [Show full text]
  • The Gulf of Messara Underwater Survey NEH Collaborat
    Maritime Landscapes of Southern Crete from the Paleolithic to Modern Times: The Gulf of Messara Underwater Survey NEH Collaborative Research Grant Proposal November 2017 Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World Institute of Nautical Archaeology Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities Karl Krusell Brown University STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT Maritime Landscapes of Southern Crete from the Paleolithic to Modern Times: The Gulf of Messara Underwater Survey This proposal seeks to gain funding for a major three-year collaborative research project aimed at characterizing the maritime landscapes of southern Crete from the island’s earliest human presence to the expulsion of the Ottomans at the very end of the 19th century CE. The maritime significance of Crete was already established in Greek oral tradition by the time the Iliad and Odyssey were first written down sometime in the 8th century BCE. Clues about the island’s seafaring history derived from such sources as Bronze Age wall paintings and New Testament scripture have provided the basis for much scholarly speculation, but ultimately leave many questions about the long-term development of maritime culture on the island unanswered. A recent debate among Mediterranean archaeologists was prompted by the discovery of lithic artifacts in southern Crete dated to the Paleolithic, which have the potential to push back the earliest human presence on Crete, as well as the earliest demonstrable hominin sea-crossings in the Mediterranean, to around 130,000 years ago. The project team will conduct an underwater survey of the Gulf of Messara, collecting data through both diver reconnaissance and remote sensing in order to ascertain the long-term history of social complexity, resource exploitation, and island connectivity.
    [Show full text]
  • Crete 8 Days
    TOUR INFORMATIONS Crete White mountains and azure sea The village of Loutro village The SUMMARY Greece • Crete Self guided hike 8 days 7 nights Itinerant trip Nothing to carry 2 / 5 CYCLP0001 HIGHLIGHTS Chania: the most beautiful city in Crete The Samaria and Agia Irini gorges A good mix of walking, swimming, relaxation and visits of sites www.kelifos.travel +30 698 691 54 80 • [email protected] • CYCGP0018 1 / 13 MAP www.kelifos.travel +30 698 691 54 80 • [email protected] • CYCGP0018 2 / 13 P R O P O S E D ITINERARY Wild, untamed ... and yet so welcoming. Crete is an island of character, a rebellious island, sometimes, but one that opens its doors wide before you even knock. Crete is like its mountains, crisscrossed by spectacular gorges tumbling down into the sea of Libya, to the tiny seaside resorts where you will relax like in a dream. Crete is the quintessence of the alliance between sea and mountains, many of which exceed 2000 meters, especially in the mountain range of Lefka Ori, (means White mountains in Greek - a hint to the limestone that constitutes them) where our hike takes place. Our eight-day tour follows a part of the European E4 trail along the south-west coast of the island with magnificent forays into the gorges of Agia Irini and Samaria for the island's most famous hike. But a nature trip in Crete cannot be confined to a simple landscape discovery even gorgeous. It is in fact associate with exceptional cultural discoveries. The beautiful heritage of Chania borrows from the Venetian and Ottoman occupants who followed on the island.
    [Show full text]
  • CURRICULUM VITAE Antonis Papoutsidakis MD, Msc, Phd
    A. PAPOUTSIDAKIS Curriculum Vitae CURRICULUM VITAE Antonis Papoutsidakis MD, MSc, PhD Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine Specialist December 2020 1 A. PAPOUTSIDAKIS Curriculum Vitae CONTENTS A. PERSONAL DATA B. DIPLOMAS AND TITLES C. EDUCATION AND TRAINING D. PARTICIPATION IN MEDICAL REPORTS E. PARTICIPATION AS LECTURER IN SEMINARS F. PARTICIPATION AS ORGANIZING COMMITTEE IN COURSES AND SEMINARS G. PARTICIPATION AS CO-ORDINATOR IN COURSES AND SEMINARS H. PARTICIPATION IN TRAINING COURSES AND SEMINARS J. ATTENDANCE TO CONGRESSES - MEETINGS AND SEMINARS K. PUBLICATIONS L. TEACHING M. HOBBIES N. REFEREES 2 A. PAPOUTSIDAKIS Curriculum Vitae A. PERSONAL DATA Surname : PAPOUTSIDAKIS First name : ANTONIS Date of birth : 2 May 1971 Place of birth : Crete, Greece Nationality : Greek Languages : English, German Marital status : Married, two children Permanent address : Dimitrakaki 31, 74132, Rethymno, Crete, Greece Tel.: +302831052316 Fax: +302831052377 Mobile: +306944397316 E-mail: [email protected] GMC Specialist Registry 1/6/99 : 4607937 3 A. PAPOUTSIDAKIS Curriculum Vitae B. DIPLOMAS AND TITLES 1. July 1996 (31-7-1996) : Ptyhio Iatrikes (Medical Degree) University of Crete, Heraklio, Greece. 2. August 2004 (24-8-2004) : Specialty Exams. Title: Orthopaedic Surgeon. Heraklio, Crete, Greece. SOCIETIES 1. 1997-2004 : Member of the Hellenic Anticancer Association 2. Since 1997 : Member of the Sports Medicine Association of Greece. Since 15/12/2003 member of the board of the association. 3. 1997-2011 : Member of the International Federation of Sports Medicine 4. 1998-2002 : Member of the European College of Sports Science 5. Since 1998 : Member of the Greek Association of General Practitioners. 6. Since 1999 : Affiliate member of RCSE. No: 995031 7.1999-2002 : Member of British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine membership 050574 8.
    [Show full text]
  • This Pdf Is a Digital Offprint of Your Contribution in E. Alram-Stern, F
    This pdf is a digital offprint of your contribution in E. Alram-Stern, F. Blakolmer, S. Deger-Jalkotzy, R. Laffineur & J. Weilhartner (eds), Metaphysis. Ritual, Myth and Symbolism in the Aegean Bronze Age (Aegaeum 39), ISBN 978-90-429-3366-8. The copyright on this publication belongs to Peeters Publishers. As author you are licensed to make printed copies of the pdf or to send the unaltered pdf file to up to 50 relations. You may not publish this pdf on the World Wide Web – including websites such as academia.edu and open-access repositories – until three years after publication. Please ensure that anyone receiving an offprint from you observes these rules as well. If you wish to publish your article immediately on open- access sites, please contact the publisher with regard to the payment of the article processing fee. For queries about offprints, copyright and republication of your article, please contact the publisher via [email protected] AEGAEUM 39 Annales liégeoises et PASPiennes d’archéologie égéenne METAPHYSIS RITUAL, MYTH AND SYMBOLISM IN THE AEGEAN BRONZE AGE Proceedings of the 15th International Aegean Conference, Vienna, Institute for Oriental and European Archaeology, Aegean and Anatolia Department, Austrian Academy of Sciences and Institute of Classical Archaeology, University of Vienna, 22-25 April 2014 Edited by Eva ALRAM-STERN, Fritz BLAKOLMER, Sigrid DEGER-JALKOTZY, Robert LAFFINEUR and Jörg WEILHARTNER PEETERS LEUVEN - LIEGE 2016 98738_Aegaeum 39 vwk.indd 1 25/03/16 08:06 CONTENTS Obituaries ix Preface xiii Abbreviations xv KEYNOTE LECTURE Nanno MARINATOS Myth, Ritual, Symbolism and the Solar Goddess in Thera 3 A.
    [Show full text]
  • Three Different Defensive Networks in 13Th–19Th C. Crete: the Contemporary Perspectives
    Proceedings of the 4th Biennial of Architectural and Urban Restoration, BRAU4 host of the Itinerant Congress Hidden Cultural Heritage: Under Water, Under Ground And Within Buildings 15–30 April, 2018. Three different defensive networks in 13th–19th C. Crete: the contemporary perspectives Nikos Skoutelis Technical University of Crete email: [email protected] Abstract The subject of this research is the planning, location political agendas of defensive structures in Crete in three different periods: 1212 - 1527 The first period of the Venetian rule on the island, with the reinforce- ment of the Byzantine coastal towers and the completion of the city walls from the second half of the 15th century, to 1527. 1527 - 1669 From 1527 to the second half of the 17th century, in the cities of the Venetian realm in Crete, Candia, Rettimo and La Canea. The study aims to investigate the joint evolution of town-planning structures, in these cities, which are controlled on various scales, from defensive organization to the architectural scale. 1866-1869 During the last great insurgency of the Cretans, which forced the Ottoman government to built fortresses in the most strategic areas, especially in the mountains. The territory of the island has been redesigned in these different moments, through large-scale fortification projects. The construction of flexible cultural networks, involv- ing local communities, enterprises and tourism, is proposed. 1 Three different defensive networks thin 13 –19th C. Crete: the contemporary perspectives The territory of the island of Crete has been studied, represented, designed and remodelled in three different moments of its history, under three different sets of historical circumstances, mirroring the political intentions regarding the defensive structures.
    [Show full text]
  • The Example of Olive Oil LIFE08 INF/GR/000581 Report on the Evaluat
    Promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns: the example of olive oil LIFE08 INF/GR/000581 Report on the evaluation of the characteristics of olive oil production in Crete (Summary) Organization responsible for the action: ELGO DEMETER - Institute of Olive Tree & Subtropical Plants of Chania Scientific Coordinator of the action: Dr. I Metzidakis Chania 2011 Organization responsible: ELGO DEMETER –Directorate General of Agricultural Research, Institute of Olive Tree & Subtropical Plants of Chania Scientific Coordinator: Dr. I Metzidakis, with the cooperation of Mrs. A. Giannakaki Agrokipio, 73100 Chania Tel: +30281083434, Fax: +302821093963, Email: [email protected] 1 INTRODUCTION Oliviculture has always been connected to the history of Crete and apparently dates back as far as 8.000 years. It is connected to the tradition, religion, art as well as the social and economic life of the inhabitants ever since civilization started leaving its mark on the island. Today, olive orchards constitute one of the most dominant elements in the natural environment of the island, covering 65% of the farming land, and offer employment to almost the majority of its farming families. Oliviculture together with tourism make up two of the most important economic resources in Crete. It offers a significant income to the island and constitutes an interesting and cherished activity to a large part of its inhabitants. The aim of this study was to identify the problems, to come up with ways to take advantage of new possibilities-opportunities and to apply modern proposals – trends in the field of oliviculture. The main topics of this study are: • Identification and study of oliviculture systems.
    [Show full text]
  • Memorial Services
    BATTLE OF CRETE COMMEMORATIONS ATHENS & CRETE, 12-21 MAY 2019 MEMORIAL SERVICES Sunday, 12 May 2019 10.45 – Commemorative service at the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral and wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Syntagma Square Location: Mitropoleos Street - Syntagama Square, Athens Wednesday, 15 May 2019 08.00 – Flag hoisting at the Unknown Soldier Memorial by the 547 AM/TP Regiment Location: Square of the Unknown Soldier (Platia Agnostou Stratioti), Rethymno town Friday, 17 May 2019 11.00 – Commemorative service and wreath-laying at the Army Cadets Memorial Location: Kolymbari, Region of Chania 11.30 – Commemorative service and wreath-laying at the 110 Martyrs Memorial Location: Missiria, Region of Rethymno Saturday, 18 May 2019 10.00 – Commemorative service and wreath-laying at the Memorial to the Fallen Greeks Location: Latzimas, Rethymno Region 11.30 – Commemorative service and wreath-laying at the Australian-Greek Memorial Location: Stavromenos, Region of Rethymno 13.00 – Commemorative service and wreath-laying at the Greek-Australian Memorial | Presentation of RSL National awards to Cretan students Location: 38, Igoumenou Gavriil Str. (Efedron Axiomatikon Square), Rethymno town 18.00 – Commemorative service and wreath-laying at the Memorial to the Fallen Inhabitants Location: 1, Kanari Coast, Nea Chora harbour, Chania town 1 18.00 – Commemorative service and wreath-laying at the Memorial to the Fallen & the Bust of Colonel Stylianos Manioudakis Location: Armeni, Region of Rethymno 19.30 – Commemorative service and wreath-laying at the Peace Memorial for Greeks and Allies Location: Preveli, Region of Rethymno Sunday, 19 May 2019 10.00 – Official doxology Location: Presentation of Mary Metropolitan Church, Rethymno town 11.00 – Memorial service and wreath-laying at the Rethymno Gerndarmerie School Location: 29, N.
    [Show full text]
  • Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Management of Water Resources in the Island of Crete, Greece
    water Review Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Management of Water Resources in the Island of Crete, Greece V. A. Tzanakakis 1,2,*, A. N. Angelakis 3,4 , N. V. Paranychianakis 5, Y. G. Dialynas 6 and G. Tchobanoglous 7 1 Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter (HAO-Demeter), Soil and Water Resources Institute, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece 2 Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Science, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Iraklion, 71410 Crete, Greece 3 HAO-Demeter, Agricultural Research Institution of Crete, 71300 Iraklion, Greece 4 Union of Water Supply and Sewerage Enterprises, 41222 Larissa, Greece; [email protected] 5 School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece; [email protected] 6 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus; [email protected] 7 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 12 April 2020; Accepted: 16 May 2020; Published: 28 May 2020 Abstract: Crete, located in the South Mediterranean Sea, is characterized by long coastal areas, varied terrain relief and geology, and great spatial and inter-annual variations in precipitation. Under average meteorological conditions, the island is water-sufficient (969 mm precipitation; theoretical water potential 3284 hm3; and total water use 610 hm3). Agriculture is by far the greatest user of water (78% of total water use), followed by domestic use (21%). Despite the high average water availability, water scarcity events commonly occur, particularly in the eastern-south part of the island, driven by local climatic conditions and seasonal or geographical mismatches between water availability and demand.
    [Show full text]
  • “International Handbook on Green Local Fiscal Policy Models”
    “International handbook on green local fiscal policy models” LOCAL Policies for GREEN Energy – LOCAL4GREEN 1 Meritxell Bennasar Casasa Contents 1. Introduction 1.1. Background. Description Local Policies for Green Energy Project 1.2. About this document: main objectives and characteristics of this manual 1.3. Target Groups: Local authorities Consultants specializing in public management Decision makers of national and regional authorities Other interested parties in the promotion of renewable energy sources 1.4. Partners 2. Description of the 9 Mediterranean countries 2.1. Albania Lezha Vau i Dejës Kukës 2.2. Croatia Brdovec Jastrebarsko Klanjec Dugo Selo Pregrada 2.3. Cyprus Lakatamia Nicosia Aradippou 2.4. Greece Amariou Edessa Farsala Kozani Lagadas Leros Malevizi Milos Pilea-Hortiatis Platania Sithonia Tanagra Thermi Volvi 2.5. Italy 2 2.6. Malta San Lawrenz Sannat Kercem 2.7. Portugal Albufeira Alcoutim Aljezur Castro Marim Faro Lagoa Lagos Loulé Monchique Olhão Portimão São Brás de Alportel Silves Tavira Vila do Bispo Vila Real de Santo António 2.8. Slovenia Grosuplje Ivančna Gorica Kamnik Kočevje Kranj Križevci Lenart Trebnje 2.9. Spain Dolores Muro d’Alcoi Pedreguer Alfàs del Pi Altea Callosa d’en Sarrià Almussafes Godella Quart de Poblet Alaquàs Xeresa 3. Comparative study of national regulations 3.1. Albania 3.1.1. Albanian Tax System 3.1.2. Description of Fiscal Policies of Pilot Municipalities 3.2. Croatia 3.2.1. Croatian Tax Sytem 3.2.2. Description of Fiscal Policies of Pilot Municipalities 3.3. Cyprus 3.3.1. Cypriot Tax Sytem 3 3.3.2. Description of Fiscal Policies of Pilot Municipalities 3.4.
    [Show full text]
  • Registration Certificate
    1 The following information has been supplied by the Greek Aliens Bureau: It is obligatory for all EU nationals to apply for a “Registration Certificate” (Veveosi Engrafis - Βεβαίωση Εγγραφής) after they have spent 3 months in Greece (Directive 2004/38/EC).This requirement also applies to UK nationals during the transition period. This certificate is open- dated. You only need to renew it if your circumstances change e.g. if you had registered as unemployed and you have now found employment. Below we outline some of the required documents for the most common cases. Please refer to the local Police Authorities for information on the regulations for freelancers, domestic employment and students. You should submit your application and required documents at your local Aliens Police (Tmima Allodapon – Τμήμα Αλλοδαπών, for addresses, contact telephone and opening hours see end); if you live outside Athens go to the local police station closest to your residence. In all cases, original documents and photocopies are required. You should approach the Greek Authorities for detailed information on the documents required or further clarification. Please note that some authorities work by appointment and will request that you book an appointment in advance. Required documents in the case of a working person: 1. Valid passport. 2. Two (2) photos. 3. Applicant’s proof of address [a document containing both the applicant’s name and address e.g. photocopy of the house lease, public utility bill (DEH, OTE, EYDAP) or statement from Tax Office (Tax Return)]. If unavailable please see the requirements for hospitality. 4. Photocopy of employment contract.
    [Show full text]
  • Bonelli's Eagle and Bull Jumpers: Nature and Culture of Crete
    Crete April 2016 Bonelli’s Eagle and Bull Jumpers: Nature and Culture of Crete April 9 - 19, 2016 With Elissa Landre Photo of Chukar by Elissa Landre With a temperate climate, Crete is more pristine than the mainland Greece and has a culture all its own. Crete was once the center of the Minoan civilization (c. 2700–1420 BC), regarded as the earliest recorded civilization in Europe. In addition to birding, we will explore several famous archeological sites, including Knossos and ancient Phaistos, the most important centers of Minoan times. Crete’s landscape is very special: defined by high mountain ranges, deep valleys, fertile plateaus, and caves (including the mythological birthplace of the ancient Greek god, Zeus) Rivers have cut deep, exceptionally beautiful gorges that create a rich presence of geological wealth and have been explored for their aromatic and medicinal plants since Minoan times. Populations of choughs, Griffon Vultures, Lammergeiers, and swifts nest on the steep cliffs. A fantastic variety of birds and plants are found on Crete: not only its resident bird species, which are numerous and include rare and endangered birds, but also the migrants who stop over on Crete during their journeys to and from Africa and Europe. The isolation of Crete from mainland Europe, Asia, and Africa is reflected in the diversity of habitats, flora, and avifauna. The richness of the surroundings results in an impressive bird species list and often unexpected surprises. For example, last year a Blue- cheeked Bee-eater, usually only seen in northern Africa and the Middle East, was spotted. Join us for this unusual and very special trip.
    [Show full text]