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EXPLORE / CRETE

CRETE

THE ISLAND

OF THE GODS

A glistening jewel of an island
floats between three continents
and two mythical seas.

ALMOST A COUNTRY of its Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collec-
own thanks to its distinctive tion Resort, Crete, Domes of
character, history and passion, Elounda, Autograph Collection
Crete – Greece’s largest island and soon-to-be- Domes Re-
– is distinct in every way. A sorts & Reserves, Elounda Blu
dazzling landscape made up in beautiful Agios Nikolaos.
of mountains, valleys, fertile The basis of the Mediterra-
plains, sun kissed beaches, nean diet, the Cretan diet and
a cliff-lined coastline and rug- products are often considered
ged canyons make for natural one of the healthiest in the
beauty that is beyond compari- world. Visit any rural taverna
son, matched only by the rich- to be spoiled with organically
ness of Crete's history. The is- grown meats, cheeses, olive oil,
land hosted the first advanced fiery raki and wine in age-old
European civilization in his- recipes and dishes that you’ll
tory, the Minoans, who ruled only find on the island.
some 4000 years ago. Stand- But it is perhaps Crete’s spir-
ing at the crossroads of three ited people who will take your
continents, the island went on breath away the most. Proud,
to be ruled by Romans, Byzan- free and generous, they uphold
tines, Arabs, Venetians, Egyp- their unique culture and cus-
tians and Ottomans. Today, toms, through their music, cel-
it's a popular vacation desti- ebrations and time-honored re-
nation that remains authentic gional dances – for this is an
and unique as ever, and the island where, despite the dif-
site of Domes Noruz Chania, ficulties of the past, life is truly
Autograph Collection, Domes celebrated.

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