Cretanvista Site & Local News - JULY 1st 2003  Issue 7

No links to sites with adult content accepted 

JUNE WEATHER WAS...
We understand that June on Crete finished the way it started - very hot and sunny.  As it happens  we are in no position to give a view on the latter part of the month as we were on holiday in England where we gained excellent experience of a long forgotten summer happening - Heavy rain!!  But look what awaited our return.....

The Bay of Chania from Astratigos

   
   

Before we left we had the impression that at least in North-Western Crete, house buying was achieving the status of the Great American Gold Rush!  Whilst we could not read every newspaper and magazine in the UK, and of course none from other European countries, we didn't have to look very far to see some names we already knew from Chania.

Hellenic  Homes www.hellenichomes.com are well represented in UK publications, have several developments here in NW Crete and what looks like a very good package.  English reps who live here are a strong selling point.  And no, Hellenic Homes did not ask for a plug or buy this space.

Another advertiser in the UK press was Cretan Traditional homes - another specialist in homes in NW Crete and who also have resident English representation. www.cretantraditionalhomes.com  Again, this company did not ask for a plug.

There are several more local Real Estate Companies in Chania - they seem to have mushroomed in recent months.  Particularly those selling newly built property.  Remember though, unless perhaps you simply seek investment or holiday property, buying a home to live in is a very serious business.  Unless you understand the practicalities of living here you may find a few unpleasant surprises go with every dose of paradise!  Don't jump!!

Have a glance at our own advice right here on Cretanvista 'Buyhouse' page.  We don't sell anything and our advice is based on practical experience.

*One piece of practical advice we emphasize is that if you intend to move to Crete and claim tax exemption on your personal belongings, especially your car, start with the Greek Embassy in London and check with the British Consul in Iraklion.  The importation of cars especially can be seriously problematic.  It can be so even for people following the rules, and failure to do so may cost you your car, a large fine and maybe your sanity!!  Remember that it is the local customs officers who will make the final decisions....

Countryside Page & Gallery Open!  
At last!  Although we have had the bird watching section of our countryside pages open for a long time now, it has certainly been a long wait for the rest.  Well, here it is, the first full page completed - which in itself is not too dramatic...  But!  But we have now started the flower galleries and in a while longer will have the first gallery showing something of the more mobile wildlife here on Crete. FLOWER GALLERIES

Photo Galleries En-Route...

1. Gathering olives and makes oil with
    Kolimbari Co-op..
2. Barrel making with the Cooper of Kastelli!
3. Cheese making the traditional way - real
    milk!

Page Addition...
A recent addition to the page covering some of the possible day trips you can make whilst holidaying on Crete is a voyage to Santorini - the legendary volcanic island off the north coast of Crete - it is well advertised by travel agents and if you are staying in tour company accommodation their information boards and tour reps may well have the trip organised from your front door!

The picture strip: Some of the contributed bird photographs generously supplied by visiting birdwatchers who have taken them on visits here to Crete.  Grateful thanks for the generosity go to Gerald Rozemier and his wife from Holland and Chris Hobart from the UK.  We are hoping to produce a gallery soon but meanwhile pictures from visitors are most welcome.  Please contact us first.
  

_______________________

        STOP PRESS               ________________________

Can you or anyone you know help make a new Channel 4 documentary? 

NEW Accommodation in Astratigos... 
OPEN.  The first house on the left as you enter Astratigos - a magnificent cream and green affair sporting two balconies and a small pool at the front contains two holiday apartments.  

Maybe More shortly..  Another local owner has carried out some superb traditional renovation on a ruined house - and is currently renovating what what was his own accomodation - maybe for your holidays!

The New hotel  in Kolimbari is, we believe open... If you want information visit:-

The Grand Bay Beach Hotel

 at Interdynamic's website.

FERRY SERVICES

Both ANEK and Blue Star Ferries have car ferry services between Souda Bay and Piraeus.
  
Although an obvious competitor to the resident Anek Lines the Blue Star service times do not conflict from Souda.

SUMMER WEATHER
Crete is in summer mode.  If you have a holiday booked - the only brolleys you are likely to need is one to keep the sun off!

ROAD SAFETY REPEAT
Following a series of fatal accidents involving heavy goods vehicles and passenger coaches in Greece the Traffic Police are unlikely to overlook traffic violations of any kind.  In some areas they test erring drivers not only for alcohol but also drugs.

Although there have been recent reductions in Road accidents and deaths Greece is still bottom of the EU league table

*Motorcyclists - the alcohol limit here is almost Nil.. Don't drink.
    

MORE FUN & SERIOUS PLEASURE PLEASE!

I offer no apologies for keeping the next paragraph - which seems to have taken root on the news  page!.....

To our visitors who have taken the time to tell us that they have found our site enjoyable/ informative/ helpful/ or otherwise complimented the site - very many thanks.  We are trying very hard and it's really good to know that you like it".  Besides, my wife notes that many of you are ladies!  Please don't stop!!
          ___________________


Here's another Guest Book comment..........

Remote User:13 Jul 2001
Time:10:56:28
comments: Bravo.  A very impressive and comprehensive site, well done all round.  Treat yourself to an Amstel.  We are looking forward to coming over in September.

Nicola, Heath & Harry.

Kid-safe.
Free.
Unbiased.
Innovating.
Informational..

Cretanvista!

Mirror Sites at:-
www.cretanvista.co.uk
www.cretanvista.com
www.cretanvista.info

COPYRIGHT
All material on the site is strictly copyright.  Any use in mass distribution - in print or on websites for example, needs our consent.  All the material on the site is original and represents considerable time; effort and no little expense.

Also at
www.cretanvistas.com

 

And
www.cretanvista.net