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About the Kritsa area of Crete

The traditional villlage of Kritsa sits approximately 8km southwest of Agios Nikolaos with a stunning mountainous backdrop. The road's ascent from the prefecture capital on the coast may seem relatively gradual but by the time one arrives in the village over 300m of altitude have already been gained. The approach shows a village that appears to be built in tiers up the slopes of the mountainside. Kritsa has an inimtiable charm and consists of many older village houses, modern buildings, a main street with numerous tourist shops and cafes / restaurants plus many of the trappings of a larger town including a school. Its permanent population is probably around the 2000+ mark and whilst not often used as a tourist holiday accommodation base this is to miss out on the essential character of the village. During the peak of the season the village can be thronged by tourists during the daytime who then disappear again in their coaches as evening approaches. For those wishing to stay in the village there are a couple of small hotels / rental apartments allowing for a more leisurely time in which to visit the local sights, shops, kafenion and restaurants.

One of the village's nicknames is the 'scorpion village' not due to any venemous stinging inhabitants but the shape it seems to assume when viewed from further above on the road up to the village of Kroustas.

The entrance to the main car-park is on the right hand side as you approach the village (after the turning for the remains of the ancient city of Lato) and it is important to use it. Parking is impossible in the narrow streets of the village itself and it is only really necessary to follow the road beyond the car park if one intends to follow on up to Kroustas or into the mountains. Much of Kritsa's charm lies in its narrow lanes which are only suitable for use on foot or by donkey. Even the relatively new resident can often find themselves hopelessly lost on the paths that criss cross many parts of the village.

Kritsa is a village famed for its fabric, lace and handicraft sales. During the summer the main street is a sea of colour with tablecloths, rugs and other goods hanging outside many of the shops. Pottery, leather goods and general tourist souvenirs may also be found.

It has a strong claim to be the largest village on the island and its bewildering maze like collection of streets, alleys and pathways are further evidence of the densely packed nature of its buildings. Many of the older buildings are uninhabited but often used for storage and the likes by family owners who remain in the village.

In recent years Kritsa has seen a small but steady influx of expat buyers, often looking for an alternative to the larger communities of the big resort towns. These have, in many cases, renovated and breathed new life into older properties that had previously fallen into disrepair.

Lying well above sea level Kritsa's climate can often be considerably different from that found in the coastal resorts, often giving misty nights and mornings in the winter and a welcome relief in the summer from the heat down below.

Find local Kritsa updates, bargain travel deals, cheap holidays and hotels on the Greek island of Crete, plus other local Greece related information with Kritsa.net