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We reveal five of the most romantic holiday destinations that await you on the enchanting island of Crete.

Blessed with sun-kissed summers, unparalleled scenery, world-class beaches, and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, the Greek island of Crete sets the perfect scene for a romantic love affair. Its otherworldly villages, historic cities, hidden mountain retreats and lush vegetation form a cloistered contrast to the sun-soaked bliss of its world famous coast.

Whether you seek time alone together, a snug hideaway, or breathtaking moments to rekindle the spark, a journey around this jewel of an island is where your romantic adventure begins. Allow us to share five of the most romantic holiday destinations that await you on the enchanting island of Crete:

1. The Venice of Crete: Chania

For more than four centuries, the seaside towns of Chania and Rethymno lived, breathed and imbued all the charm of Venetian high society, and today the spirit of Venice lingers on in the exquisite architecture, intimate alleyways and expressive, sweeping allure of the Venetian harbour.

The allure of the Venetians radiates along Chania’s shore, with the magnificent harbour, sweeping from an arsenal of Renaissance shipyards in the east to the commanding Firkàs Fortress in the west. Enjoy the beauty of the city from the water, set against the backdrop of the White Mountains. A romantic stroll along the harbour pier offers stunning views of the city, or perhaps you would rather the romantic thrill of riding the waves on a cosy fishing boat, or majestic yacht? Local fishermen await you with every marine vessel imaginable at the quayside.

Chania by day is a wonderland for the senses. Chania by night is a fairy tale that’s yours to write. As the moon rises, the Venetian dream unfolds…

2. Return to Eden: The Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete

If your image of a botanical garden is a row of greenhouses amid freshly clipped lawns – think again! Walk in the footsteps of Adam and Eve as you descend into the lush green oasis of Eden, recreated. Awaken your senses as you absorb the sights and scents of hundreds of plant species from across the planet.

The Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete is one of its kind in all of Europe, marrying plants and herbs from across the continents in a unique range of micro-climates. This lush environment is a phoenix, risen from the ashes of a devastating fire, which turned 20 hectares of olive plantation to dust as recently as 2003.

The park is not only a setting of lush and verdant beauty, which you can enjoy on 2 hours of scenic walking trails through the valley, but also a spiritual and philosophical retreat, combing restful tranquillity with visual pleasure. Crown your experience with a romantic dinner for two on the stunning terrace, commanding panoramic views of the park below. The exquisite dishes are entirely organic, seasonal and locally sourced, with much of the produce harvested from the park itself. Paradise has never felt so close.

3. The Corissia Wellness & Private Spa

Nothing says luxury like a romantic spa retreat for two. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, or seeking special moments together, Corissia has created a space of tranquillity and indulgence for you to enjoy as a couple in complete privacy.

The private spa suite in the Harmony Hotel is open to guests of the Corissia Resort, and was especially created for couples. Hydrotherapy, atmospheric lighting and massage combine to offer the ultimate romantic experience. Enjoy the private use of a sauna and Jacuzzi for two, complemented by a relaxation area, showers and beauty and massage treatments to enjoy as a couple. A bottle of bubbly and fresh fruits are your only companions in a space set aside just for you.

4. Ripening Relationships: The Pleasures of the Vine

Couples and honeymooners come to Crete with an image of exquisite beaches, and crystal-clear, warm waters. They will not be disappointed – as this collection of our favourite Cretan beaches shows. But few realise that high up in its mountainous interior, Crete is home to what the Financial Times has called, “Greece’s most vibrant wine region”.

A scenic drive from Georgioupolis up into the majestic White Mountains, embellishing the skyline, will take you far from the beach-goers, and into an idyllic, secluded world of lush, verdant nature, olive groves, and ripening vines.

The Dourakis Winery is a mere 15-minute drive from Georgioupolis, but already feels like a world apart from the quaint seaside village. This stone winery was lovingly built by hand by Andreas Ntourakis, and the family-run vineyards are now in the hands of his children. Nature, wine and art are married here into a perfect harmony for the senses. The glorious scenery offers a wonderful backdrop for your wine-tasting adventure at the cellar door, whilst an ancient stone wine press in the yard is proof that the love and lore of wine was practised on this site as early as Minoan times, the birth of European civilisation.

Enjoy a glowing ruby red, or sweet glass of “Euphoria”, amid this verdant Cretan paradise. Whether sampled at the cellar door, or together with a delicious buffet at the Corissia Park restaurant, the taste of this labour of love will weave its way into your aromatic memory of this special, romantic excursion.

5. Renaissance Romance: Rethymno

Renaissance romance awaits you amid the historic architecture of Rethymno. Crowning the peninsula, its 16th-century Fortezza offers commanding views of the surroundings. Stroll hand in hand through picturesque alleyways, where Venetian charm weds Oriental flair, or soak up the sweep of the centuries at one of the most beautiful historic ports in all of Greece, the Venetian Harbour of Rethymnon.

Rethymno by night is a serenade to the soul. Odós Vernardou Street (number 5 on our map) comes alive when the sun sets, with live music and row on row of traditional Rakadika, perfect if you are both in the mood to celebrate. For those seeking a more tranquil retreat, the Venetian Harbour turns into a sparkling jewel against the night sky, in the light of a dozen tavernas. Enjoy the sight from the terraced cafés above the Aegean, where you can sip a glass of wine and propose a toast to happily ever after.

Let us play cupid!

Enjoy Chania by night or a guided tour of Rethymno on a fascinating excursion from the Corissia Hotels and Resort. Residing with us in Georgioupolis, you are perfectly poised to explore either Chania or Rethymnon at your leisure. Let us play cupid and have you fall in love with our beautiful cities on one of our guided excursions.

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