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OFH, has been a football team of Iraklio for 78 years which had the support from the people of Iraklio and all of Crete from the begining. After moving up to B'National Category, OFH gatherd no more than 2000 fans in the field all over Greece. When OFH was found at A' National Catergory, their feild, known as Gentikoule, became one of the hottest in all of Greece and the guest fans would never be more than 1000. The fans and hooligans of Iraklio are honered from the fans alla over Greece (despite some cities such as Giannena) and to those who are very famous at Greek fields. Just like once when Bagevits wanted to characterize the football field at porto saying "Think that we are playing in Iraklio" OFH's clubs at this period are the fowlloing: Snakes Heraklion Club Snakes Pateles Club Snakes Hersonissos Club TEI heraklion Club OAE Chania Club S.F IFC Ae?i?i Salonica club Soon more clubs will be opening and Crete will probably once again become black & white. OFH has more than 3000 tickets at all football games as derby's tickets run out soon. ÒFH fans have friendly realations eith Paok fans. OFH fans are known in all of Greece and we don't beleive that this will chage because OFH = sickness!!

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El Greco (1541-1614).Cretan-born painter, sculptor, and architect who settled in Spain and is regarded as the first great genius of the Spanish School. He was known as El Greco (the Greek), but his real name was Domenikos Theotocopoulos; and it was thus that he signed his paintings throughout his life, always in Greek characters, and sometimes followed by Kres.Little is known of his youth, and only a few works survive by him in the Byzantine tradition of icon painting, notably the recently discovered Dormition of the Virgin (Church of the Koimesis tis Theotokou). In 1566 he is referred to in a Cretan document as a master painter; soon afterwards he went to Venice (Crete was then a Venetian possession), then in 1570 moved to Rome. El Greco excelled also as a portraitist, mainly of ecclesiastics (Felix Paravicino, Boston Museum, 1609) or gentlemen, although one of his most beautiful works is a portrait of a lady (Pollock House, Glasgow, c. 1577-80), traditionally identified as a likeness of Jeronima de las Cuevas, his common-law wife. He also painted two views of Toledo (Met. Museum, New York, and Museo del Greco), both late works, and a mythological painting, Laocoon (National Gallery, Washington, c. 1610), that is unique in his oeuvre. The unusual choice of subjects is perhaps explained by the local tradition that Toledo had been founded by descendants of the Trojans. El Greco also designed complete altar compositions, working as architect and sculptor as well as painter, for instance at the Hospital de la Caridad, Illescas (1603). Pacheco, who visited El Greco in 1611, refers to him as a writer on painting, sculpture, and architecture. He had a proud temperament, conceiving of himself as an artist-philosopher rather that a craftsman, and had a lavish life-style, although he had little success in securing the royal patronage he desired and seems to have had some financial difficulties near the end of his life.Some of his most beautiful and popular works are: View of Toledo (1597), El Espolio (1577-79), The Adoration of the Shepherds (1612-14), The Annunciation, Christ on the Cross Adored by Donors (1585-90), St. Martin and the Beggar (1597-99), Madonna and Child with St. Martina and St. Agnes (1597-99), Baptism of Christ (1597-1600), The Repentant Peter (1600), Portrait of a Cardinal (1600), Saints John the Evangelist and Francis (1600), Christ Driving the Traders from the Temple (1600), Christ Carrying the Cross (1600-05), Laocoon (1610), The opening of the Fifth Seal of the Apocalypse (1608-14), Baptism of Christ (1608-14).

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Far side of Kamares with nice sandy beach and rocks beyond the settlement for nude bathing and snorkling.

Easy road access from Hania (9 km) and from the National road. Frequent buses from Hania.

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Palaiochora is a new town, which did not come into existence until the end of the 19th century. Till then there were in this area only scattered cottages for the local farmers to live in, while they were working in the fields, or to use as storerooms for tools and crops. They had quite a big production of particularly olives, which were brought to Chania by sea. Some olive exporters therefore founded the future town here, where the ships could berth sheltered by the old Venetian castle. The castle was built in 1279, originally to fight "the wild population's rebellion" as Gerola describes the locals. But the rebels captured it and destroyed it. The Venetians decided in 1325 to rebuild the castle and colonise the area. In 1536 the fortress was bombarded by Barbarossa and destroyed once more. Even though it was later rebuilt, it never obtained its earlier importance. In 1653 the Turks again captured and destroyed it from dry land. 76 km from Chania is Palaiochora. This is the southernmost town in the Prefecture of Chania, on the Libyan Sea. It has a population of 1,500, most of them former residents of Sfakia or Gavdos. The town straddles a peninsula on the southern end of which, in 1282, the Venetians built their Castelo Selino, which gave its name to the whole district. On the outside, the castle is quite well preserved. Palaiochora has numerous churches and the ruins of buildings from both ancient and Roman times. On both sides of the peninsula there are excellent beaches, with fine sand and stands of tamarisks. The fine climate, the long spells of sunshine and the high temperature of the sea make this spot ideal for winter swimmers. The western beach, with fine sand and plenty of shady trees, is marginally better. It is 2 km long. There are more sandy coves to be found along the road to Yialos, at a distance of 7 km.
The beach on the eastern side of the peninsula has no fresh water; there are pebbles and it is less busy. Still further to the east there are more little coves with sand and pebbles. Two boat trips are possible from Palaiochora.
The first is to the little islet of Gavdos, and the other to the coastal village of Sougia. In Palaiochora we can also decide whether to return by the road along which we came or to continue to Sougia and then turn north for Chania. The passage across to Gavdos is accomplished by caique. This islet is the most southerly inhabited extremity of Europe, lying 28 miles from Crete and approximately 150 from the shores of northern Africa. It is triangular in shape, with an area of 37 square kilometres. The 80 inhabitants are shared out between the four hamlets, Kastri (the 'capital'), Vatsiana, Ambelos and Karaves, a tiny harbour.
According to some, this is the mythical Ogygia, Calypso's island, where Homer says Odysseus was shipwrecked. As evidence, the supporters of this theory point to the cave at Errikia, on the north-east cape of the island, as the place where Calypso had her palace and kept Odysseus captive for seven whole years. A beautiful bay with an excellent sandy beach (shade is supplied by scattered cedars and bushes) is only part of one's compensation for the voyage to Gavdos. The islet also has pine forests and a rare species of cypress grows there.

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It is a small, picturesque village with a traditional settlement of stone built houses, on a hill. It bring back past times of 1900 with the old quarter and the narrow allies that give a sense of tranquility and simplicity. The traditional coffee shops serve tsikoudia (local strong alcoholic drink) and Cretan rusks with olives from the local production and wine made from the famous grapes of Kalessa. At the square of the village there is Evagelismos church (Annunciation church), typical sample of the Venetian domination in Crete of 13th century. Another significant church is Ai Yiorgi church (St. George church), stone built in basilica manure, which dates back to 1300. The itinerary to Kalessa has been described to be not only naturalistic but also historic due to the monuments of the area. The route up to the village is passing through vineyards and olive groves, having sea as background from the one side and mountains from the other. Kalessa is built on a hill, the foot of which has many caves known since Minoan times that; were later developed by the Venetians and were modified with chiseled arches.

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crete beaches

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And this is why the town unfolds in front of you under two faces, the one of the old and the other of the new town.
In the prefecture of Rethymnon, there are lots and beautiful beaches, archeological places, museums, churches and monasteries, gorges and caverns; including the famous cavern of Ideon Andron.
Travelling is performed through beautiful, small or big, full of green villages. If one doesn't have his own transportation, he could use the buses from the central bus station of short or long distance buses (K.T.E.L.) Transportation is performed through an old road network, or through the highway. Artistic exhibits and traditional festivals are being organized in towns and certain villages.
These are open to everybody. Rethymnon is the home of a great representative of Cretan literature, namely of Hortatzis George. He was one of the firsts to bring to Crete the poetic and theatrical influence of the Renaissance.Modern ferries perform connection with Piraeus and with some other islands. Rethymnon doesn't have its own airport.
The Chania and Heraklion international airports service it. Olympic airlines, the Greek flag carrier airline, provides bus transport between these airports and Rethymnon.

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AMMOS BEACH: Next to the coach station, practically within the city center, this marvellous beach, offers easy swimming near the city and various water sports.
MUNICIPAL BEACH: Within Ammos beach, surrounded by plants, right after the National swimming pool, one can find the well organized Municipal beach, offering a children's swimming pool, play grounds, snack bars, mini golf e.t.c.
GARGADOROS BEACH: Right after Ammos beach, in a rather isolated, secret place, Gargadoros beach lies next to splendid hotels and offers quiet swimming.
KITROPLATIA BEACH: This is another beach for swimming and sports, right in the heart of the city. Surrounded by taverns, restaurants, hotels, banks e.t.c., it is a lively and busy place offering a great many opportunities for interesting walks. This place was named after the citrons which, many years ago, were gathered at this very spot and were packed, in order to be exported.
HAVANIA - MUNICIPAL BEACH: Along the coast road to Elounda, one can find the organized Havania Municipal beach. A marvellous sandy beach for swimming , sun-bathing and sports.

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Welcome

Here you can find interresting maps and info about the most beautiful island on the world

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OLYMPIAKOS AND CRETE.CRETE IS THE BIGGEST ISLAND IN GREECE.CRETE IS A VERY BEAUTIFUL ISLAND THE 4 PROVINCES OF CRETE ARE:HERAKLION,CHANIA,RETHYMNO,LASITHI.OLYMPIAKOS HAS 4 CLUBS IN CRETE:IN HERAKLION OLYMPIAKOS HAS 2 CLUBS,1 IN CHANIA,1 IN RETHYMNO AN 1 IN LASITHI.THE CLUB IN HERAKLION IS THE 12 BIGGEST CLUB OF OLYMPIAKOS. OLYMPIAKOS IS THE GREATEST TEAM IN GREECE (FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, WATERPOLO, VOLLEYBALL) OLYMPIAKOS IS THE TEAM WITH THE GREATEST HISTORY IN GREECE.OLYMPIAKOS HAS WON 8 CHAMPIONSHIPS IN A ROW AND 32 IN TOTAL. OLYMPIAKOS HAS GOOD FOREIGN PLAYERS SUCH AS : GIOVANNI, KAREMBEU,DJORDJEVIC,CASTILLO. ALSO HE HAS GOOD GREEK PLAYERS SUCH AS: STOLTIDIS,GEORGIADIS,GEORGATOS,MAYROGENIDIS,KAFES AND OTHERS. OLYMPIAKOS HAS MORE FANS THAN ANY OTHER GREEK TEAM. THE FANS OF OLYMPIAKOS FOLLOW HIM EVERYWHERE.
www.olympiakos.gr
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olympiakos videos
Gherudos place

Why? In prayer for a loved one? A gesture of thanks for a new birth? Who knows. The candle I light and place in the tray of remembrance with all the others, is for B.... If God is looking down then he'll get better. If not I can only pray he dies without pain The prayers abruptly cease and, at the four corners of the bier, new and larger candles are lit. Not even the most devout unbeliever could but help be moved by the enfolding ritual.

From the church the procession begins. Led by lanterns and followed by candle-lit symbols of the sun, the bier emerges, the priest behind. For a moment, no more, there is absolute silence. No bombs explode, no tiny child cries. It seems that for this brief time there is an acknowledgement that on this day Christ died. That something momentous and mysterious; something beyond our ordinary grubby days, has happened. We must wait another day before, at midnight tomorrow night, we celebrate Him rising once again. The bombs erupt and echo round the village once more. The young men posture, being 'brave' in their apparent indifference to the potential danger. Young girls squeal and pretend to be afraid, behaviours which are as much a part of the ritual as the slow procession through the village streets before the bier is returned to the church to rest in silence. In deference to the young and, one suspects, the tourists, Friday evening continues with loud music and the occasional brilliantly coloured firework, scintillating against the backdrop of the star-hung sky. Whilst in Iraq, or the aids-rife villages of Africa, it may seem as if the ultimate sacrifice of one young man, 2000 years ago, is of no greater significance than that of the latest suicide bomber. There have been so many sacrifices. Down by the small port, a faint breeze disturbs the pond-still surface of the ink-black sea. We will wait through Saturday, behaving as if it is just another ordinary day, but in truth we are aware of an air of suppressed excitement in the village, especially amongst the children. We wait for midnight, for that one brief moment when everyone is drawn together in the common recognition of Christ risen and the common belief of a brighter, cleaner future - however each of us as individuals perceive that new dawning day to be.

Saturday evening and the air of almost impatient waiting becomes more palpable. Bombs explode in the streets and by 11.30 the church is full. Tonight I light candles for both our mums - not that I believe they need my prayers. T feel sure that they are watching us. I can only hope they are smiling as they do so! The clocks tick round to midnight We know from other Easters in Greece that as the church doors are thrown open, there will be an outpouring of goodwill that you can almost taste and touch. If only we could spread this across the world - this one moment when every single person could stop and ask 'Why the slaughter?' 'Why the carnage?' 'In whose name?' 'Is this the best that we can be?' It's suddenly midnight. The lights in the church are darkened and the faintest glow from a solitary candle is the only light to be seen. The light is passed from candle to candle and what was a flicker becomes a flood of light, bursting across the church, down the steps and into the square. In moments there is light everywhere. 'Christos aneste!' (Christ is risen) the priest intones as he steps outside. And everywhere, with every person, regardless of creed or colour, nationality, friend or family, visitor or resident, the greeting is repeated. Christ has indeed risen again in this small Greek village. A huge bonfire leaps into flame as more bombs explode. An image of Judas is burned Shoals of coloured fireworks flash and splinter in the night sky. We walk back down to the port and sing the words of Norah Jones 'Come away with me.' The clouds of early in the day have gone and the inverted black umbrella of the sky is splashed with sparks of white. It seems immense but close and warm.

At the local bar the table is laid - not for twelve but only eleven, for someone is missing from the feast. We have the traditional Easter lamb soup, lamb chops, fresh bread and 'fight' with the red eggs, (A game like conkers but without the PC influence). I feel immensely grateful to these people - just ordinary people like you and me - who still have the capacity to open their hearts and their families to us as foreigners. Who still have the desire to share the highlights of their lives, the good things which their work has earned, with whomever happens to be around.

Sunday morning has arrived too quickly. It's 3.30 and time we went to bed. There is an urge to linger, to try to make the magic of this evening stretch another minute, another hour. But Richard is tired and the wine is catching up with me. Christos aneste (Christ has risen.) Aneste ine. Indeed He has Lin Bulloch Milatos Easter 2005