Oceanis 3 * (Greece / Corfu Island) - photos, prices and hotel reviews

Choosing for your holidays on the island of Crete Hotel Oceanis 3 *, the holidaymakers arrive reasonably and forward-looking. Of course, the well-known price-quality criterion plays an important role (and we'll talk about it below). The cost of the tour for 8 days and 7 nights for one guest with accommodation in a double room for a minimum of 406 €. This - half board (HB, ie breakfast and dinner), all inclusive, the price of full board - 500 €. Which of them should I choose? According to the reviews of holidaymakers, it is more profitable to take a full board. Half board in the end will cost more. In addition to the absence of lunch, HB does not include drinks for dinner. It is necessary for guests who are vacationing on a half-board in Oceanis 3 *, to buy for tea separately, coffee, cola for 2 €, mineral water, alcohol.

However, there are other factors for choosing a tour in Crete. With them, we and we will begin our narrative. Of course, any tourist, deciding to go to discover a new world, is trying to make the most of the natural potential of the chosen corner of the earth. So we ask ourselves: "When and where is the best time to rest in Cyprus?"

Season for rest

Some vacationers, having decided on a trip in the summer and choosing for their holiday boarding house on the south coast of the island, are perplexed: "As it is - in the Mediterranean can not only stand the summer heat at 35-40 ⁰ C, but, most surprisingly, the climate can be dry "The fact is that, despite its relatively small size (the island still), Crete has two climatic zones - the southern, defined by the winds blowing from the Sahara and the northern, classically Mediterranean, fenced off by the mountains. In the south of the island, due to dry and hot winds, the air temperature of 35-40 ⁰ C is not uncommon.

Note that the hotel Oceanis 3 * is located just on the north coast of the island, which has a classic Mediterranean climate.

On the other hand, deciding not only to rest, but also to travel (and excursions here are very interesting), it is useful to get acquainted with the optimal temperature regime for a resident of temperate latitudes (see Table 1).

Table 1. Weather in Crete

If you take into account also the price factor, it turns out that it is best to fly to the island in September-October, in the velvet season. The main influx of tourists, as well as prices, by this time are falling, the sea is warm, although it should be sunbathing at the height of the day, not in the morning and in the evening. Hotel Oceanis 3 * will be able to provide you a relaxing stay and a quality guesthouse at reasonable prices. Not far from the hotel is the most interesting for excursions the city of Heraklion, the world famous beach of Anissaras, the beaches of Falasarna and Frangokastello (where the ancient castle flaunts). The remains of the Minoan civilization await tourists near the town of Rethymno, an unforgettably clean lake Kurnas - at the foot of the White Mountains. However, let's pass in our story from external factors to the very hotel Oceanis 3 * (Crete).

Location and name of the hotel

The hotel complex was built directly in the village of Anissaras, two kilometers from the resort town of Hersonissos. However, in advertising brochures it is more often associated with the city of Heraklion, more famous in the tourist environment, located 25 kilometers from the hotel. It is characteristic that in the tourist business one and the same hotel has three names, and this can cause confusion. Let us explain the situation.

The village of Anissaras is famous for its picturesque hilly coast. Its territory has long been capitalized and equipped with chic hotel beaches and hotels, therefore it is perceived by the Cypriots themselves as a standard of successful provincial resort business. Therefore, in fact, the hotel correctly call Oceanis 3 * (Crete, Anissaras).

On the other hand, the city of Chersonissos, specializing in youth resort infrastructure, provides many visitors to a quiet provincial three-star hotel with its leisure facilities. Young people, choosing for themselves the place of the holidays, often focus on Chersonissos, where the night life bubbles up to 6-7 hours in the morning. There are active night clubs, among which are the Status Club, Camelot, Tiger, Bio Bio (the latter for older visitors). Perhaps this is why the hotel is called Oceanis Hersonissos 3 *. Testimonials indicate that the hotel itself provides a good and inexpensive guesthouse to its guests. And those actively travel, including taking a car for rent.

The third name of the hotel is connected with the city of Heraklion, which is one of the brands of Crete. It - for the holidaymakers "literate", ie, prepared theoretically for their tour to Crete. They are tempted by the trip to this recognized capital of Crete, which is also the oldest city and a comfortable resort. For them he is Oceanis 3 * (Heraklion). Meanwhile, tourist sites and reference books use any of their three above-mentioned names.

Directly about the hotel

The hotel consists of two buildings, built in 1983 and renovated in 2009. This hotel complex consists of a main building with an elevator and two additional buildings. The buildings - four-story white buildings - are architecturally given the modernist style thanks to the semi-circular arches above the loggias, the modernist arrangement of the balconies. It is buried in greenery: stylish neat lawns, two types of palm trees and olive trees give the guests an atmosphere of peace and contribute to the motion. On the territory of the Oceanis 3 * Hotel (Greece) there are two outdoor swimming pools: children's and adults. Adult - large enough, suitable for swimming and for playing polo. Next to it is a bar in the daytime, where you can have a bite of Greek cuisine in addition to drinks.

Rooms of the hotel

The hotel has 129 rooms. The design of the hotel complex involves three types of rooms. Standard is designed for two or three guests. It overlooks the garden. Family suites provide rest for four or five vacationers. They have a larger area than standart, and are located more profitable: from their windows you can observe the seascape. The third type of rooms Oceanis 3 * (Greece) - single, however, they settle there for two people.

Various hotel suites are landscaped as standard. They have a bathroom, a balcony, necessary for a good rest home appliances: TV, telephone, hairdryer, refrigerator, air conditioning (the last two - for an additional fee.

Food

Meals for the guests in the hotel are organized according to the universal buffet system. Holidaymakers highly appreciate the preparation of food by the restaurant, note the desire of the chefs to withstand two styles of cuisine (European and Mediterranean).

The guests Oceanis 3 * (Crete, Heraklion) breakfast from 7-30 to 9-30, lunch from 12-30 to 14-00. After lunch, you can have a snack, just taking yourself food (toast and pastries from the public large refrigerator). Holidaymakers snack around 17-00 and have supper from 19-30 to 21-30.

On the eve of departure for the excursion, the previous day (until 16-00), you can order a lunch box for your journey, which will be prepared and collected.

Every day the hotel's kitchen offers several main dishes. For a week they vary. Various kinds of meat are cooked: pork, beef, veal, lamb, turkey, chicken, liver, tongue, ribs. Also in the menu there are several kinds of fish, squid and crab.

Cheese, sausage - in the range, a lot of vegetable dishes, constantly - baked goods, ice cream.

In the restaurant and bar drinks (beer, red and white wine, coffee, tea, juices, sprite, fanta cola) are provided by all inclusive system.

Prices and Transportation

The distance from the hotel to the sea is 900 meters. To the nearest beach and to the city of Hersonissos four times a day - in the morning (10-00), in the afternoon (12-45, 13-00) and in the evening (15-45) - makes a free bus ride from the hotel Oceanis 3 *. Reviews of tourists indicate that most of them go to the beaches of the island (they are all municipal, and comfortable, clean), for shopping, for excursions with the help of regular buses. The price of the flight is 1,5 €, the ticket is valid from the moment of purchase of 90 minutes. Beaches of Crete are landscaped, many of them are awarded with "Blue Flags". To use the trestle and an umbrella, you should pay 3 €.

The bus service connects Chersonissos with all the cities of Crete. The flight schedule allows you to plan trips and excursions from the Oceanis 3 * hotel. Feedback from travelers indicate the regularity and reliability of the message. From the hotel complex to the nearest bus stop - 800 meters.

Even more convenient option - to get acquainted with the beauty of the island with the help of car rental service. If you take a car at the rental office of Hersonissos, then the middle class car will cost € 100 for three days. This same service from the hotel will be much more expensive.

Using a car and armed with sightseeing materials and maps, you will save real money. The fact is that excursions around the island traditionally have a price inflated. Excursion offices carry out only the delivery of tourists to the site. And then you will have to pay every guide - this is how Greece makes money on the tourist business. Hotel Oceanis 3 * also offers excursions, however they are significantly more expensive. If you buy them in Chersonissos on average Greek rates, then averaged tour will cost 50 € per adult and 25 € - per child. Count yourself how much you can save on a rental car.

Excursions

Guests of Crete can choose for themselves numerous excursions. The central one is a visit to the remains of the Palace of Knossos, built under the Minoan civilization back in antiquity. It existed one and a half thousand years: from 2600 BC. E. To 1100 BC. E. Thus, the ruins of this castle are three thousand years old! Its territory stores the places connected with the princess Ariadna, the king Minos and the hero Theseus.

The ancient architecture of Heraklion is remarkable: Lviv Square, decorated with the Morozini fountain, St. Titus Cathedral ... This amazing city has an interesting architecture, it was built on the territory of Greece, then it was conquered by Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians, Turks. And, finally, in 1913 he was again returned to Greece. The architecture of all these countries left its imprint on it.

Interesting for tourists is also a visit to the plateau of Lassi, its picturesque landscapes with windmills are remembered . Here, in the middle reaches, is one of the most beautiful caves in the world - the cave of Zeus, its stalactites and stalagmites are impressive. According to legend, in a small lake, located in a cave, God was bathed after birth. The stalactites, which hang over this pond, are called the mantles of Zeus.

Guests of the island should always see the Palm Paradise located near the town of Vai. The amazing nature of this corner is protected by a special European eco-program. The local palm grove and white sand beaches are adorable!

Unforgettable sea excursion to the ancient Venetian fortress of Spinalonga. This structure kept the defense for another 50 years after the conquest of the rest of Crete by the Turks. On a small ship, tourists go to him across the Gulf of the Aegean Sea of Mirabello. On the way, tourists visit the legendary Lake Vulismeni, where, according to legend, the goddesses of Artemis and Athena, the classical folklore fishing village of Eloundu bathed.

Children will be interested in visiting the water park Water City, which is located between Heraklion and Hersonissos. In addition to all kinds of water slides, distributed in three categories - for adults, for teenagers and for young children, there are also equipped with fascinating attractions. Among them, the "River for the Lazy", the pool with artificial waves, the "Black Trumpet", and the "Kamikaze" are very popular. Adults will enjoy the spa and hydromassage.

There is a wonderful route for lovers of outdoor activities. The largest gorge in Europe Samaria stretched for 17 kilometers. 6-hour excursion does not deter tourists from hiking. By the way, this is the second excursion object of the island. Since ancient times people have erected ritual structures in the gorge. The Greeks built here an altar to Apollo, Byzantines - small churches, early Christians arranged their burials.

Shopping

Lovers to tie together shopping and boarding holidays go to Crete in the holiday season, starting in July. At this time, the markdown of summer collections begins. Discounts (Εκπτωσεις) start in July with 20%, and in the velvet season, in September, lucky buyers find discounts up to 70%. However, such enthusiasts are few in the hotel Oceanis 3 * (Anissaras), its visitors prefer sightseeing tours. Moreover, the prices for Crete are not lower than in Moscow.

What do the motivated guests of Crete buy themselves?

In Hersonissos most often - fur and skin. The most popular are the fur salons "Voss", "Alexandro Bosso". The prices in the last one are lower. Moreover, this commodity, as we have already mentioned, is not so cheap even with Moscow. For example, the price for a fur coat from a goat starts from 500 €, from a mink - from 2800 €. Really actual fashionable fur coat costs 4,5 thousand €. Fur coats are sewn at factories in northern Greece.

Weaving products of local crafts are more profitable to buy in mountain villages. For example, an originally embroidered linen napkin can be bought there for 10 €, at a time when its price in the city is 15 €.

Those who wish to buy handmade jewelery in Crete in the city of Chania, in the shops of Katerina Garofalaki and Kreta Gold. These shops are recommended by the visitors of the Oceanis 3 * Hotel (Crete). Their testimonials are not at all about low prices, but about the amazing quality of products. Some ladies write that they found in the aforementioned jewelry stores those jewels they had been looking for and wanted to buy.

What tourists buy for souvenirs

An extremely short shopping guide for a tourist-beginner in Heraklion can be written in three sentences. In boutiques in Delalu street branded things are sold. Lovers of souvenirs prefer merchants from the streets of 1866. On the same street is the central market of Heraklion.

To buy yourself a relatively inexpensive, but memorable souvenir, you can choose from vases and statuettes made by local artisans, depicting heroes of the ancient Greek epic. A good option is hand-made products made of fabrics: tablecloths, napkins, curtains.

Most often as a souvenir, holiday-makers buy food such as olive oil, pickled olives of Kalamata, olives, cheese halumi, Cypriot sausages lucunica with coriander, grape vodka rakia, aniseed vodka ouzo, cognac "Metaxa".

Conclusion

Crete brought together a wonderful beach holiday and exciting excursions. It is the oldest European resort with centuries-old infrastructure. Therefore, tours to the island are invariably popular. The benevolence and hospitality of the local residents are admirable.

Come on a tour to Crete and spend all the rest without leaving the hotel grounds? Such a statement of the question can cause only bewilderment. Therefore, three-star hotels, like the hotel Oceanis 3 *, providing quality basic services, are in demand. Tourists save, choosing for their tour is not a five-star service. But, while in the hotel, they spend money saved for car rental and excursions.

Unlike countries whose only wealth is the paradise climate, this largest Greek island is one of the centers of European civilization. A decent standard of living for Cretans is the reason for the low crime rate. Therefore, tourists have little to fear outside the walls of their hotel. They freely use cars rented, wheeling around the island. And, to the credit of the islanders, they are greeted with guests with a smile, always ready to help and answer questions.