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
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 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
Rethymno was the place where we stayed when I first came to Crete. It was love at first sight. Why did we choose it? Well, I had Balos and Elafonissi on my list, therefore we needed a place pretty close to them, as we landed on Heraklion airport (in 2020, flights to Chania were once… Read More Rethymno – the place where I fell in love with Crete
Did you know that Crete is not only beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, sun and delicious food? Well, taking into account what I read on a daily basis on multiple FB groups, where people ask so many questions I wanted to share with you some things you can do here and that do not imply a… Read More Things you can do in Crete, other than beach-ing
One of the most iconic places in Crete is Arkadi Monastery. Its façade appears on all tourist leaflets that promote the island, together with the beaches of Balos, Vai, Preveli and the landmarks of Heraklion (Koules), Rethymno (Fortezza) and Chania (Venetian Harbour and Mosque). Arkadi (Μονή Αρκαδίου – Monastery of Arkadi in Greek) has played… Read More Arkadi Monastery – “Freedom or Death” (Ελευθερία ή θάνατος)
Spinalonga (Σπιναλόγκα or Καλυδών – Kalydon, as it is officially named in Greek) is an island in the Elounda Bay and the second most visited place in Crete (after Knossos). The origin of the name, although it sounds Italian (spina = thorn, longa = long), has its roots in the Greek phrase στην Ελούντα (stin Elounda)… Read More Spinalonga – the last leper colony of Europe
When I booked the trip to Vai, I saw that a visit to Toplou Monastery was also in our schedule. I am not a religious person, but I know that all monasteries in Crete have a story to tell. And that usually involves hundreds of years of existence, the Ottoman resistance, earthquakes, WW2 resistance and… Read More Toplou Monastery
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