by Henriette Laursen
If you, like thousands of other viewers, were addicted to the TV show KAOS you may have noticed that the land of the gods and living is the island of Crete. This Greek haven is considered to be the birthplace of Zeus, and the surrounding islands are the very creatures he defeated, turned to stone, and threw in the water.
Not only is the biggest island of Greece worthy of being home to the ancient gods and goddesses, but we have also made it worth exploring on your next Villa Plus holiday. Going from East to West, experience everything from ancient tales to excellent cuisine, local tavernas, breathtaking views, historical ruins, and stunning beaches fit for gods and humans alike.
Plaka at the end of the world
Travelling East through stunning peaks and arriving at the coastal shore with crystal clear water, Plaka makes it feel like you’ve reached the end of the world – and what a beautiful end it is. Gaze at the spectacular floating fortress of Spinalonga, or why not jump on a boat to visit this tiny island. Here, you can climb up the fortress to enjoy the picturesque views of the ruins set against the backdrop of the navy blue sea and distant mountains of Crete.
A Malia Party fit for Dionysus
Malia is one of the great cities built by the Minoans, a people named after King Minos (who is President Minos in the TV show). Today, the town is not only coveted for its sandy beaches and pulsing nightlife, but it is also home to the Palace of Malia. Discover this archaeological site just before closing hours to watch the sunset-lit ruins and for a chance to capture some magical shots without too many lurking tourists. Then head back into the resort centre for a long line of bars with endless cocktails and partying till the sun rises back up.
Heraklion – the heart of human KAOS
Heraklion, the biggest city on the island, and the human political centre of the TV show serves as a historical landmark influenced by many nations throughout time. Start your day at the Old Arsenal Docklands and continue your walk through history gazing at the Venetian-made city walls and the Koules Fortress. End your day outside of the city at the famous archaeological site; the Palace of Knosses, which according to legend was built to capture Ariadne’s brother, the mythical bull-like Minotaur, in its underground labyrinth.
The sunbathed city of Rethymnon
Venturing west of the island, you’ll pass by Rethymnon which is well worth a stop, as it is not only home to a historical Old Town with an ancient harbour and Venetian Fortress, but also hosts a 13-kilometre stretch of Blue Flag beaches. You’ll be spoiled for choice of places to unwind near the shore, and when food cravings hit, you can indulge in a wide selection of cuisine from one of the many local tavernas.
The grass is always greener in Chania
As you drive through winding mountain roads, approaching the ancient city of Chania, you’ll discover why the west side of the island is considered the greener picturesque part. With pink sand shores, white mountains, and hidden beaches, the natural beauty of the landscapes is truly unbeatable. Treat yourself to godly wine at one of the family wineries, and feast like a local in Chania with an exciting array of authentic street food, or stroll through markets of homemade olive oil and honey (…although we can’t promise the latter wasn’t made by Hera’s bees).
So whether you want countryside, seaside, or beachside – explore our Crete villas today and walk in the footsteps of the characters and gods of the ancient and modern world of KAOS with us.
A little insider note: the actual filming took place in Andalucia and Costa del Sol, so if you want to discover the live set of KAOS, have a look at our villas in one of these destinations too!
