The second largest Minoan palace in Crete is located 62km South of Heraklion, on top of a hill overlooking the plains of Messara. Like its brothers (Knossos, Malia and Zakros) it is located pretty far from the shore, around 6km. The Minoans were aware of the dangers of the sea, not only the force of… Read More Phaistos – Knossos’ little brother
I first heard of Lato Archaeological site in the summer, when we went to Kritsa. Our tour guide mentioned that you can hike for around 45 mins from Kritsa, but our time there didn’t allow me to get there, see the site and come back to the bus. So I researched and put it on… Read More Ancient Lato – the hidden gem next to Agios Nikolaos
As I mentioned in many of my previous posts, Crete is not only beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, good food and nice people. It has a lot of history, we are talking here about 5000+ years and remember that it is sometimes considered the cradle of the European civilization. I am a history geek and I… Read More Gortys Archaeological Site – “The Queen of the Inscriptions”
If you are staying anywhere between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, a visit to Lasithi Plateau is a must. You don’t have to sacrifice a day of beach-ing, half a day is more than enough, if you wake up early. Why is it a must? Well, because the landscape is spectacular. Just like its name says,… Read More Lasithi Plateau – the place of contrasts
Just 15 min away from Heraklion you will find the charming village of Archanes. You can stop here after a long visit to Knossos, as it is only a few kms away. It was an important hub in the Minoan times, as archaeology discovers recently revealed. It has an Archaeological Museum and also a Minoan… Read More Archanes Village
I have always said that the beaches from southern Crete are special. I don’t know if it’s because they are non-touristy as everyone flocks in the north or west, but they have a magical vibe. Also, on all I’ve been so far (Myrtos, Preveli, Ierapetra) they look gray from the distance, as they are pebbled… Read More Matala – a place with a unique vibe
If you are staying in Chania area, a visit to the Ancient Olive Tree is a must 😊 it is located in the village of Ano Vouves (don’t use translate for this, you will regret it), approx. 30km from Chania. The tree is said to be one of the oldest in the world that still… Read More World’s oldest olive tree that still produces olives
Just a few kilometers away from Chania, in the Souda bay, lies an impressive tribute to all those who lost their lives in the World War II to defend Crete. It was built and is preserved by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and 1527 soldiers are buried here. · United Kingdom: 862 soldiers · New… Read More Allied War Cemetery from Souda Bay
Aptera archaeological site is overlooked which means that is not that touristy. That is because it’s not as famous as Knossos or Malia, for example. And because only a history geek will search and read about it and then go visit it 😊. It is located a few kms away from Chania, on the way… Read More Aptera Archaeological Site – history at its finest
When we first arrived in Crete and stayed in Rethymno, we received a city map from the hotel and the first thing the girl from the reception circled was the Fortezza. I have read about it on several blogs and websites and that is a must see at sunset. And this is what we did… Read More Fortezza of Rethymno – a must see at sunset
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