  |
|
|
|
Crete's Best Day TripsFive Great Excursions on Greece's Mythical Isle
Full of sandy beaches, quaint villages, and ancient historical sites, the Greek island of Crete is a true island paradise.
Crete – the largest island in the Mediterranean – is a land of history, myth, and stunning natural beauty. Not surprisingly, these qualities make it a popular holiday destination for many Europeans. From ancient Minoan palaces to traditional seaside villages, Crete has something for everyone. The following is a list of just a few of the island's gems, each guarnateed to provide a sense of excitement, adventure, and culture. KnossosOne of Crete's most popular tourist attractions is Knossos, the ancient Minoan palace that is fabled to be the site of Theseus's battle with the minotaur. Knossos is a must-see for any first-time visitor to the island. If you can look past the other tourists, you'll be amazed at the ruins of this once magnificent palace. Even today, archaeologists are still uncovering interesting new finds from this ancient civilization. Knossos is located just outside the capital city of Heraklion and is easily accessible by car or public bus. AnogeiaFar from the typical beach towns that populate the island is the village of Anogeia, nestled within the Psiloreitis mountain range. Anogeia has a bloody history, destroyed twice by the Turks in the nineteenth century and again by the Germans – who rounded up all the men they could find in the village and executed them – during World War II. Today, the village flourishes as a center for traditional Cretan crafts, such as handwoven rugs, tapestries, and tablecloths. Lasithi PlateauThe Lasithi Plateau lies 2,600 feet above sea level. This vast, arid plain is dotted with stone windmills, and several traditional villages outline its perimeter. Surrounded by the Dikti Mountains, it would be easy to confuse this place in the clouds as Mount Olympus, the home of the gods. In fact, according to myth, the nearby Diktian Cave is the birthplace of Zeus. SpinalongaOn the western fringes of the island lies the former leper colony of Spinalonga. This tiny island is now deserted, but you can still explore the homes, church, and imposing sixteenth-century Venetian fortress that dominates the horizon. Tours regularly operate from Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, and other nearby resorts. South Coast BeachesTourists flock to the beach resorts on Crete's northern coast, but for a more authentic – and less crowded – taste of the island, head to the south coast. With a landscape that is much more rugged than the north coast – think dramatic cliffs that tumble into the turquoise Mediterranean, steep mountain passes that give way to incredible views of the sea, and whitewashed villages that seem to be perched vertically on hillsides – the south coast is perfect for a scenic drive. Scattered across this part of the map are several isolated beaches and coves, as well as some traditional fishing villages. For help planning your trip to Crete, visit Explore Crete or CreteTravel.com.
The copyright of the article Crete's Best Day Trips in Greece Travel is owned by Angela D. Stancar. Permission to republish Crete's Best Day Trips in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
