Explore Crete

Agia Galini, holidays in Agia Galini in Crete

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:51:15 GMT

Agia Galini is in south Crete. Agia Galini has a harbour and what makes the village special is the way the houses are arranged in an amphitheatre shape. There are many hotels and apartments in Agia Galini

Agia Galini history, the name Agia Galini

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:51:08 GMT

History of Agia Galini, the ancient city of Soulia, the Arabs destroy Agia Galini, Agia Galini today. Theories and legends on the name Agia Galini

Agia Galini beaches

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:51:01 GMT

The beaches of Agia Galini. Satellite images of the Agia Galini beaches and the bridge over the River Platys. The main beach of Agia Galini has umbrellas, cafeterias and tavernas, while the east beach is on the other side of the River Platys

Agia Galini Video

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:51:10 GMT

Agia Galini video. This video of Agia Galini is from Lambi Municipality. In the video, Agia Galini is described as a small paradise with enchanting beaches and picturesque little tavernas

Kapsa Monastery in Crete, Monastery of St John Kapsas

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:43:36 GMT

Kapsa Monastery or the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Kapsa is in east Crete near Makrygialos. Kapsa Monastery was destroyed in 1471 but restored in 1861 by Agios Iosif Gerontoyiannis. The feast-day of Kapsa Monastery is on 29 August, while that of St Gerontoyiannis is on 7 August

Kournas Lake, information on Lake Kournas

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:15:08 GMT

Kournas Lake, the only natural lake in Crete. Lake Kournas is near Georgioupoli and was known as Lake Koresia in antiquity. At Kournas Lake there are tavernas and you can swim from the banks, try the pedalos or feed the ducks

Kournas, the village of Kournas in Crete

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:13:33 GMT

Kournas, namely the village of Kournas near the lake of Kournas in Crete. It is a picturesque traditional village with old houses, good food at the Agapinakis taverna, the Byzantine church of Agios Georgios and the cave of Kournas

Video of Diving in Lake Kournas

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:15:08 GMT

Video of diving in Lake Kournas. This video of Lake Kournas shows us the depths of the lake and the creatures living in it

Video of Kournas Lake

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:15:08 GMT

Video of Lake Kournas. In this video you will see a slideshow of photos of Lake Kournas, its banks and the ducks swimming on its surface

The old town of Malia, Sightseeing in Malia

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:31:04 GMT

At the old town of Malia you must visit the churches of Agios Nektarios, Agios Ioannis and the church of Panagia Galathiani. The newer part of Malia, mainly consisting of hotels, apartment, restaurants and bars

Malia location and history, why to go to Malia

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:31:04 GMT

Malia is located 34 kilometers east of Heraklion, on the way to Agios Nikolaos. You can get to Malia either by a car or by bus. In Malia you will find many hotels, tavernas and restaurants and many clubs and bars

Malia, The History of Malia

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:31:04 GMT

The history of Malia goes back to Minoan times. At Malia was the kingdom of Sarpedon with the famous Minoan Palace of Malia. Malia was given to the Sultan when the Turks conquered the island in 1646. Malia was occupied by the Germans during World War I. Malia beacame a tourist resort after the 1950s

Malia beaches, every beach in Malia

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:06:25 GMT

There are many beaches in Malia and around the area of Malia. The nearest beach in Malia is 1 km from the center of the town, at the end of the beach road. Other beaches in Malia are Sun Beach, Tropical beach and Potamos Beach

Pictures of beaches in Gouves - Pictures of Pano Gouves village

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:49:48 GMT

Pictures of Gouves, pictures of Gouves beach and marina, pictures of Pano Gouves village with the village square, kafeneia and old houses

Analipsis in East Crete, Beaches of Analipsi

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:49:48 GMT

Analipsis in east Crete is a village with lovely landscape and beautiful beaches. In Analipsis you can find many hotels from the more luxurious to the informal catering apartments

Gournes, Pano and Kato Gournes, Beaches of Gournes

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:37:20 GMT

Gournes is a small village in east Crete near Kokkini Hani. The name Gournes comes from gourna which means basin. Most beaches of Gournes are sandy, with chairs and umbrellas.

Anissaras, Beaches of Anissaras

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:29:52 GMT

Anissaras is a hilly area in east Crete just outside of Hersonissos. In Anissaras there are only a few small hotels and some apartments. In Anissaras you can find some excellent man-made sandy beaches in front of the hotels which are open to the public

Paleochora in west Crete

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:04:49 GMT

Paleochora is located south of Chania in south-western Crete. In Paleochora you’ll find small hotels, rooms and apartments for rent. Paleochora is the ideal place for holidays in south Crete, with a lot of beaches in the Libyan Sea and its special beauty

Paleochora history, ancient Kalamyde, Paleochora in the times of the Venetians and Turks, Paleochora today

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:45:01 GMT

Paleochora and its history from the ancient city of Kalamyde, Paleochora in the time of the Venetians who built Castel Selino, the Turks and the Germans in Paleochora

Sightseeing and activities in Paleochora, What to do in Paleochora

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:13:17 GMT

Sightseeing in Paleochora, nightlife in Paleochora, food tavernas and restaurants, hiking at Anidri Gorge, the path form Paleochora to Lissos and Sougia, ferry to Gavdos and Elafonissi, visit Azogire and the village Anidri

Paleochora beaches, information in beaches in and outside Paleochora

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:05:10 GMT

Paleochora beaches, Pachia AmmosBeach and Votsala Beach in Paleochora, Anidri and Gianiskari or Gyaliskari beaches east of Paleochora, Volakas, Plakaki, Karavopetra, Grammeno and Krios beaches west of Paleochora

Kokkini Hani

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:58:25 GMT

Kokkini Hani in east Crete is located 8km from Heraklion Airport. Kokkini Hani is developed along the coastline. Kokkini Hani beaches offer many umbrellas, beach chairs and bars

Piskopiano, the traditional village of Piskopiano in Crete

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:04:27 GMT

Piskopiano traditional village in Crete. Piskopiano is between Ano Hersonissos and Koutouloufari, with a panoramic view of the sea. Piskopiano has many old houses in the traditional Cretan style and is ideally located for holidays in Crete

Koutouloufari, the traditional village Koutouloufari in Crete

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:03:31 GMT

Koutouloufari is a traditional village in Crete near Hersoniissos and PIskopiano. In Koutouloufari you will find old tradional stone houses, you will eat at traditional tavernas and restaurants and you will stay in hotels and apartments in restored old buildings. There are no beaches in Koutouloufari, but you can many in Hersonissos

Asterousia Mountains, what to do in the Asterousia in south Crete

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:59:05 GMT

Asterousia Mountains in south Crete, their history, tourism in the Asterousia and activities, hiking, rock climbing, fishing and scuba diving, why the Asterousia are known as the Mt Athos of Crete

Monastery of Koudoumas in south Crete - What to do at Koudoumas

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:39:21 GMT

Koudoumas Monastery is located in south Crete under Kofinas in the Asterousia Mountains. Koudoumas Monastery is dedicated to the Virgin and its feast-day is on 15 August. The beach at Koudoumas is wonderful and you can walk to St Anthony’s Cave or the Avvakospilio Cave

Koudoumas Monastery, Saints Parthenios and Eumenios

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:38:38 GMT

The history of Koudoumas Monastery begins in the 14th century, but it seems to have been destroyed by pirates. Koudoumas Monastery was rebuilt in 1878 by Saints Parthenios and Eumenios, whose feast-day is celebrated on 10 July

Pictures of Koudoumas Monastery

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:38:38 GMT

Photographs of Koudoumas Monastery and its environs, photos of the route from Sternes to Kofinas and Koudoumas Monastery, the monastery, the beach, photos of St Anthony’s Cave, Avvakospilio

Gouves or Kato Gouves | Pano Gouves village

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:38:38 GMT

Gouves in east Crete is a quite large municipality that includes the smaller villages Kato Gouves and Pano Gouves. In Kato Gouves, there are many excellent beaches to satisfy every preference

Kofinas peak in the Asterousia

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:29:57 GMT

Kofinas or Mt Kofinas, the highest peak in the Asterousia Mountains in south Crete. The apples of Kofinas on 14 September and climbing the peak by the path on the north slope

Koutouloufari Pictures

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:35:06 GMT

Pictures of Koutouloufari in Crete, a stroll through the village streets with photographs of old houses in traditional Koutouloufari, the church of Agios Vassilios, tavernas and restaurants in the village

Azogires in western Crete, what to do in Azogires

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:37:59 GMT

Azogires village is near Paleochora in south-west Crete. Azogires looks like an unimportant mountain village but there is a lot to do in Azogires, like visiting the Historical Museum, the Monastery of Holy Fathers, hiking to Holy Fathers cave or hiking from Azogires to Anidri or Anidroi village and to Paleochora through the Anidri gorge

Holy Fathers Monastery and Zoures Cave in Azogires

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:01:16 GMT

The Holy Fathers monastery in Azogires is next to the Holy Fathers church where you will admore byzantine icons by the painter Ioannis Pagomenos. Hiking to the Zoures cave is also possible in Azogires, the cave of the 98 holy fathers who lived here together with Saint John the Hermit many centuries ago. The Holy Fathers Monastery in Azogires continued to flourish under the guidance of Father Gavriel Papagrigorakis

History of Crete by Theoharis Detorakis

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:07:01 GMT

The book History of Crete is necessary to understand the complicated history of Crete. The book History of Crete has been written by Theoharis Detorakis and it describes in details the history of Crete

Guide to Cretan Antiquities by Costis Davaras

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:07:01 GMT

The Guide to Cretan Antoquities is a book by Dr. Costis Davaras, Ephor of Antiquities for Eastern Crete, Director of the Archaeological Institute of Crete. This is a book for anyone interested in the history, culture, art and archeology of Crete

Hersonissos weather

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:11:50 GMT

Hersonissos weather conditions, Summer weather in Hersonissos, Spring, Autumn and Winter weather in Hersonissos. In July and August the Hersonissos weather is dry and hot

Greek - English Compact Visual Dictionary

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:53:10 GMT

The Greek - English visual dictionary is a compact 600 pages dictionary with pictures and greek words

Greek Nature Guide Book

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:48:35 GMT

Greek nature guide is a book about the plants and animals in Greece. This book will allow you to explore the Greek nature. In the book there is information about nature in Crete as well

Destruction of the Minoan Civilization

30 Apr 2009 17:12:35 GMT

The destruction of the Minoan Civilization started with the tsunami generated by the eruption of the Santorini Volcano. The destruction of the Minoan Civilization has been recently researched by Sandy McGillivray, Hendrik Bruins and Kostas Sinolakis

Crete Aquarium Video

30 Apr 2009 17:11:52 GMT

Crete Aquarium is also known as Thalassokosmos, meaning Sea World. Crete Aquarium has more than 200 different kinds of fish of the Mediterranean

Pictures of Autumn in Crete

31 Mar 2009 10:05:15 GMT

Crete in the autumn is different to the Crete you remember from your summer holidays. The beaches which are full of umbrellas and people in the summer, empty in autumn and are left to the seabirds and the few fanatics who enjoy swimming in the sea, which still retains much of its summer warmth. In the autumn, the Cretan landscape in the lowlands is coloured with the yellow, brown and gold of withering vine leaves.

Daedalus and Icarus Video for Kids

30 Mar 2009 09:16:21 GMT

Children’s video on Daedalus, the greatest inventor of Ancient Greece, and his son Icarus. The video shows representations of Daedalus’s inventions and the flight of Daedalus and Icarus, with the tragic finale of Icarus’s death and the lonely journey of Daedalus to Sicily

Daedalus, the great inventor Daedalus

30 Mar 2009 09:17:29 GMT

Daedalus was the greatest inventor of Ancient Greece. Daedalus became the greatest architect and sculptor of Athens, but later he moved to Crete. Daedalus served King Minos of Crete for many years and he built the Palace of Knossos and the Labyrinth

Icarus and Daedalus, Icarus tragic death

30 Mar 2009 09:17:03 GMT

Icarus and his father Daedalus escaped from Crete flying with wings made of feathers and wax. Icarus ignored the instructions of his father, he flew close to the sun, the wax feathers melted and Icarus drowned into the sea. The myth of Icarus has a strong didactic character

Daedalus in Sicily, King Minos' death

30 Mar 2009 09:16:21 GMT

Daedalus managed to reach Camicus or Cumae in Sicily, the kingdom of Cocalus, after the loss of his son Icarus. King Minos of Crete did not stop hunting him. He located him in Sicily but Cocalus killed Minos in a boiling bath. The acropolis of Camicus and other works are attributed to Daedalus in Sicily

Pizza in Zaros

30 Mar 2009 09:16:21 GMT

Who feels like having a pizza in Zaros, a mountain village in Crete? It sounds absurd, as if saying let’s have "Sushi at Anogia"!

Sougia, How to go to Sougia and what to do in Sougia

25 Mar 2009 10:06:06 GMT

Sougia is a small seaside village in south Crete, south of Chania. Sougia lies at the mouth of the Agia Eirini gorge. In ancient times Sougia was the city of pigs, as its ancient name, Syia, from sys (pig) indicates

Koustogerako, Mountain trekking excursions around Koustogerako

25 Feb 2009 10:06:06 GMT

Koustogerako is a small mountain village in the south of Chania Prefecture, 10 kilometres from coastal Sougia. Three kilometres after Koustogerako there is a small road leading to the church of Agia Ekaterini. There are two mountain trekking excursions around Koustogerako the first one is Sougia - Koustogerako - Omalos and the second Koustogerako - Cyclops Cave - Sougia.

Lissos an ancient city between Paleochora and Sougia

25 Feb 2009 10:06:06 GMT

Lissos is an ancient city whose ruins are preserved between Paleochora and Sougia, on Chania Perfecture. In antiquity, Lissos was known for its famous Temple of Asklepios, where people came from all over Crete to be cured by the local waters of Lissos

Mirtos, seaside village Mirtos in southeast Crete

4 Feb 2009 07:30:19 GMT

Mirtos is one of the jewels of Crete, a picturesque seaside village in southeast Crete, near Ierapetra in Lassithi Prefecture. Many tourists visit Mirtos in the summer, and there are rooms for rent, small hotels, restaurants, tavernas and café-bars. Mirtos boasts one of the best beaches in the area, with ash-grey sand and clear water, just the place to dive in and enjoy the blue sea. Visit the little church of Agios Antonios and the old school next to it, which houses the Mirtos museum, with Minoan finds and local folk art and implements. Two important Minoan settlements have come to light near Mirtos: Fournou Korifi, one of the oldest settlements in Crete, and Pirgos. Visit our new photo album of Mirtos and Mirtos settlements

Elafonissi Pictures

28 Jan 2009 10:13:00 GMT

If you come to Crete on holiday, Elafonissi is a name you are sure to hear. Elafonissi is a tiny island with white sand, separated from the shore by a lagoon no more than a metre deep. The sand of Elafonissi is white, but in many places it is pinkish due to the thousands of broken seashells it contains. The limpid, blue-green waters will remind you of an exotic paradise.

Samaria, hiking in Crete's longest gorge

28 Jan 2009 10:13:00 GMT

Samaria or the Samaria Gorge is one of the main sights of Crete. Every tourist who visits Crete will have heard of this beautiful gorge or soon will. Remember that there are lots of gorges in Crete, but only on Samaria have the locals bestowed the honorary title of "Farangas”, "Great Gorge”, in recognition of its unique beauty and majesty. Visit our pages and find all the beauties through our Samaria Gorge photo album

Balos and Gramvoussa pictures

28 Jan 2009 10:12:59 GMT

The Balos lagoon is at the northwestern most point of Crete, on Cape Gramvoussa, near the town of Kissamos or Kastelli in Chania Prefecture. Watch a video showing Balos beach and the Gramvoussa island and visit our photo album with pictures of Balos Lagoon and Gramvoussa

Crete beaches

28 Jan 2009 10:12:59 GMT

Crete beaches are divided to the beaches along the north coast of Crete which are usually shallower and the water is slightly warmer, and the beaches along the south coast which are less crowded and ideal place for campers. All beaches in Crete are listed in the following pages:

Read also our guide with useful tips for Crete beaches

Chania Airport

28 Jan 2009 10:12:59 GMT

Chania Airport is officially known as the “Ioannis Daskalogiannis” International Airport, in honour of the 18th-century Cretan rebel against the Ottoman Empire. Chania Airport is on the Akrotiri or Souda peninsula, about 20 minutes’ drive from Chania. Chania Airport was constructed in 1954 at Maleme and served only domestic flights until 1959.

Rethymnon, the old town of Rethymnon

9 Jan 2009 11:10:41 GMT

The old town of Rethymnon is one of the best-preserved towns of the Renaissance and it is lying in the heart of modern Rethymnon in Crete.

Hersonissos, the synonym of tourism in Crete

9 Jan 2009 11:10:40 GMT

Explore Crete is a travel guide with useful information for your holidays in Crete. Read about Crete and its history, about Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos, Hersonissos and Stalis, about archaeological sites in Crete like Knossos, Phaistos, Gortys and Malia Palace. Our travel guide also includes a detailed beach guide, recipes, hotel reviews and many pictures of Crete

Stalis or Stalida

9 Jan 2009 11:10:39 GMT

Stalis is 30 kilometres east of Heraklion, 3 kilometres after Hersonissos and 3 kilometres before Malia. Stalis is more suitable for family holidays. Read about Stalis, Stalis beach and see pictures of Stalis and the map of Stalis

Knossos, the Minoan palace of Knossos in Crete

9 Jan 2009 09:48:20 GMT

Knossos, the famous Minoan Palace lies 5 kilometres southeast of Heraklion town. The Palace of Knossos is the monumental symbol of Minoan civilisation and it was excavated by Sir Arthur Evans and Minos Kalokairinos. Take here a tour of Knossos Palace that starts at the West Entrance to the Palace and circles back to the starting point.

Phaistos, the Minoan palace of Phaistos in Crete

9 Jan 2009 09:48:19 GMT

Phaistos, or more correctly the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, is located in south-central Crete, 55 kilometres south of Heraklion. Phaistos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete

Malia Palace, the Minoan Palace of Malia in eastern Crete

9 Jan 2009 09:48:19 GMT

Minoan Palace of Malia is located in eastern Crete at Malia. Malia is loceted 37km east of Heraklion. The Malia Palace is the third-largest Minoan palace in Crete

Zakros Palace, the Minoan Palace of Zakros in eastern Crete

9 Jan 2009 09:48:18 GMT

Zakros Palace in Crete is one of the latest vestiges of the ancient Minoan civilization that was unearthed in our time. Zakros Palace is the last of the Minoan Palaces that has come into light as a whole.

Gortys or Gortyn, the archaeological site of Gortys in south-central Crete

9 Jan 2009 09:48:18 GMT

Gortys, also known as Gortyn or Gortyna is one of the most important cities in Crete with an unbroken history of 6,000 years and one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Greece. Gortys is about 40 minutes drive south of Heraklion, on the same road that will take us to Phaistos and Matala.

Chania Archaeological Museum

9 Jan 2009 09:48:18 GMT

Chania Archaeological Museum is on Halidon Street in the centre of the old town, and houses the Archaeological Collection of Chania Prefecture. Finds from the wider Chania area are exhibited in the Chania archeological museum

Chania

24 Dec 2008 12:14:29 GMT

Chania lies on the north coast of west Crete and is the capital of Chania Prefecture. The heart of Chania is the old town with its narrow streets, the Venetian harbour, the lighthouse and the turkish mosque. You can get to Chania by plane or ferry

Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:21:00 GMT

Heraklion is the largest city in Crete and the 4th largest city in Greece. The name Heraklion, it probably comes from the Idaean Herakles, legendary founder of the Olympic Games. Heraklion most popular sights are the Lions in the center of Heraklion, Koules, the old Venetian harbour, Loggia and the Archaeological Museum

Heraklion History

23 Dec 2008 07:21:39 GMT

The history of Heraklion can be divided into the following periods:

Minoan Heraklion, creation of the first settlement by the name of Heraklion (9th century BC)
Byzantine Heraklion or Kastro
Arab Heraklion or Chandax Great Castle
Second Byzantine Period
Venetian Heraklion or Candia
Turkish Heraklion
Heraklion at the turn of the 20th century Heraklion in the Second World War

Heraklion in its history has change many names such as Kastro, Chandax, Candia and Kandiye.

Koules in Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:44:15 GMT

Koules, the Venetian fortress, dominates the entrance to the Venetian harbour of Heraklion. Today the fortress of Koules gazes proudly out across the Sea of Crete, reminding us of the glory of Venetian Chandax

Heraklion Airport

23 Dec 2008 07:40:58 GMT

Heraklion Airport is Crete’s main gateway to the world. Officially known as the Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, is the second-busiest airport in the country. Read more about the History of the Heraklion Airport

Heraklion Port

23 Dec 2008 07:41:44 GMT

The Heraklion Port serves as a harbour for travellers to and from Heraklion as well as for the shipment of cargo. The Heraklion Port is the third busiest in all of Greece. It serves around two million passengers and approximately 300,000 vehicles every year.

Heraklion Harbour

23 Dec 2008 07:41:08 GMT

The Venetian harbour of Heraklion is the old harbour of Heraklion, now used by fishing boats and yachts. In the Venetian harbour of Heraklion stands the fortress of Koules.

Archeological Museum of Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:40:43 GMT

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum, regarded as one of the most important museums in Europe, is located in the center of Heraklion city. Heraklion archaeological museum in Crete features exhibits of the Minoan Civilisation. Important exhibits at the Heraklion archaeological museum are the Kamares vessels, the Phaistos disc, the minoan frescos and the minoan jewels.

Historical Museum of Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:59:48 GMT

The Historical Museum of Crete is at 27 Sofokli Venizelou Avenue, the coast road. The Historical Museum is housed in a Neoclassical building dating to 1903 which was owned by Andreas Kalokairinos. The Historical Museum of Crete is open Monday to Saturday, from 09.00 to 17.00.

Eleftherias Square in Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:20:59 GMT

Eleftherias Square is the main square of Heraklion, near the Archaeological Museum, the Prefecture and the Gate of Saint George. The free space where Eleftherias Square lies today was used in the Venetian period as a training ground for the Venetian mercenary army, and was called Campo Marzio or Piazza d’Armi.

Saint Minas, protector of Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:42:18 GMT

Saint Minas is the patron saint of Heraklion and his feast-day, on 11 November, is a public holiday. The foundations of the imposing cathedral of Saint Minas, one of the largest in Greece, were laid on 25 March 1862 as a token of gratitude by the citizens for the saint's protection of the city.

Loggia in Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:40:29 GMT

The Loggia now standing in Heraklion was constructed in 1626-28 by Francesco Morosini. Today the Loggia has been restored to its former glory and houses the Town Hall. The Loggia is considered the finest Venetian monument on Crete

25th of August Street in Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:43:42 GMT

25th of August Street has always been the main thoroughfare of Heraklion, linking the town centre to the harbour. At 25th of August Street are located the Basilica of St Mark, the Loggia and the church of Agios Titos. 25th of August Street is now a paved pedestrian street, and boasts the most beautiful Neoclassical buildings in Heraklion

Lions Square in Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:39:00 GMT

The Lions in Heraklion is the square of the Fontana Morosini, the ornate Venetian fountain with four lions with water gushing from their mouths. Lions Square is one of the busiest parts of Heraklion. It is never quiet, unfolding its various aspects 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Saint Titus in Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:43:29 GMT

In 961, Nicephorus Phocas drove the Arabs from Crete, bringing the island back under the wing of the powerful Byzantine Empire. This is when the first Orthodox church of St Titus must have been built, to rekindle the Christian faith and tradition in Crete, which had declined due to the corsair conquest of the island. Today, Saint Titus is one of the most important monuments in the centre of town

Basilica of Saint Markus

23 Dec 2008 07:43:15 GMT

The Basilica of Saint Mark is one of the most important Venetian monuments in Heraklion. Basilica of Saint Mark was the place where the official ceremonies of the Venetian administration were held, and where the Venetian nobles were buried.

Kalokairinou Avenue, the Platia Strata of Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:42:49 GMT

Kalokairinou Avenue is one of the main shopping streets of the Heraklion city, with many modern shops. The people of Heraklion often refer to it as Platia Strata (Broad Street), as did the Venetians

Heraklion Coastal Road

23 Dec 2008 08:01:41 GMT

West of Koules runs the western coast road of Heraklion, Sofokli Venizelou Avenue. Right on the sea wall is a pedestrian area with a wonderful view of the sea, where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll. The locals call it the Bedenaki, meaning "Little Wall". Across the coast road of Heraklion you can find Dominican Church of Saints Peter and Paul, the Natural History Museum, Talos and the Pancretan Stadium of Heraklion

Daidalou Street in Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:38:17 GMT

Daidalou Street is in the centre of Heraklion, starting from Eleftherias Square and ends on Lions Square. Daidalou Street is named by Daedalus. Daidalou street is a paved pedestrian area lined with offices, shops and tourist shops

Saint Catherine in Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:42:34 GMT

Saint Catherine Square is a pleasant oasis in the heart of town. There are cafés for grown-ups, while children have lots of space to play safely. The Monastery of St Catherine was founded in around the 10th century and the building preserved today was its main church. From 1967 to the present, the church of Saint Catherine has housed an important exhibition of Byzantine icons and religious objects.

Kornarou Square in Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:42:07 GMT

Kornarou Square or Falte Tzami, as the people of Heraklion still call it, was named after the great Cretan poet Vincenzos Kornaros. Today, Kornarou Square is adorned with a fountain and a statue of Erotokritos on horseback, bidding farewell to his beloved Aretousa

Meidani, the central crossroads of Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:39:54 GMT

The Meidani is also known as the "cross" of Heraklion. This is where the three Epitaphioi, the biers of Christ, from the churches of Siant Minas, Saint Titos and Agios Dimitrios, meet on Good Friday. Today the Meidani is the heart of the commercial centre of Heraklion and the entrance to the central market

Heraklion Central Market

23 Dec 2008 07:39:25 GMT

The central market of Heraklion is on 1866 Street, running from the Meidani to Kornarou Square. The Heraklion central market is lined with shops selling souvenirs, cheap clothes and shoes, fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, cheese and meat, along with small cafés and tavernas

Venetian Shipyards in Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:44:01 GMT

The Venetian shipyards in Heraklion are in the Venetian harbour.The shipyards are elongated, vaulted chambers for the construction and repair of the ships of the Venetian fleet

Bembo Fountain and Turkish Sebil

23 Dec 2008 07:41:52 GMT

Bembo Fountain and Turkish Sebil are located at Kornarou Square, at the central market of Heraklion. Bembo Fountain is named after the Venetian Provveditor General (governor) of Heraklion Gianmatteo Bembo, who built it in 1552-54. A sebil was a public fountain in the street, today the sebil has been converted into a café

Korai Street in Heraklion

23 Dec 2008 07:38:40 GMT

Korai Street is a pedestrian area, like the parallel Milatou and Dedalou Streets. What makes Korai and Milatou Street stand out is that here are concentrated most of the café-bars in Heraklion. The cafés are open all year round and attract the younger generation.

How to drive to Heraklion airport or Heraklion Port

23 Dec 2008 07:47:08 GMT

Driving instructions to Heraklion airport and Heraklion port. How to drive to Heraklion airport from east or west Crete, from Heraklion airport to the Heraklion city centre and to other towns of Crete, Chania, Rethymnon, Hersonissos, Agios Nikolaos, Malia and Sitia

Gas Stations in Crete

23 Dec 2008 07:49:34 GMT

Gas stations in Crete are plentiful and although gas stations in Crete are mostly closed at night and on Sundays, the law requires that at least one of the gas stations in each area should stay open during these times.

Petrol Prices in Crete

23 Dec 2008 09:18:19 GMT

Petrol prices in Crete are a bit higher compared to petrol prices in mainland Greece. More useful information about gas station prices and where you can find the cheapest gas in Crete can also be found below.

Curutes and Idaean Dactyls

16 Dec 2008 10:59:50 GMT

The Curetes and the Idaean Dactyls are benevolent mythical figures of Crete. Curetes protected Zeus from Cronus and were also the founders of the Olympic Games. The Idaean Dactyls have many features in common with the Curetes, sharing the same names, characteristics and legends.

Amalthea, the goat or nymph that suckled the infant Zeus

16 Dec 2008 10:59:51 GMT

Amalthea was the goat that suckled the infant Zeus in a cave in Crete. One day, as Amalthea played with little Zeus, he accidentally broke off her horn. As a sign of gratitude, Zeus made the broken horn always be full of whatever its owner desired. It became known as the Horn of Amalthea.

Similarities between the stories of Christ and Zeus

16 Dec 2008 10:14:28 GMT

Between the birth stories of Christ and Zeus there are many similarities. Both Zeus and Christ were born in a cave, were helped by animals to survive and both of them faced ruthless tyrants.

The birth of Zeus in Crete

16 Dec 2008 10:59:51 GMT

Zeus was born on Crete according to Greek mythology. Two caves of Crete contest the honour of being known as the birthplace of Zeus, Dikteon cave and Ideon Cave. Zeus grows up hidden in the mountains of Crete and was raised up by Amalthea and Melissa. Zeus was protected by Curetes.

Hymn to Dictaean Zeus

23 Dec 2008 09:33:17 GMT

Hymn to the Dictaean Zeus was sang by Minoans during the annual rebirth of Zeus in the Dicteon Cave. At Hymn to Dictaean Zeus Cretans was beseech for the same things as today ask Christians for God. Read here the Hymn of Dictaean Zeus

Talos a mythical bronze giant in Crete

16 Dec 2008 10:59:50 GMT

Talos was not born but made, either by Zeus himself or on Zeus’s orders by the ingenious Daedalus or Hephaestus. Talos had a duty to protect Crete not only from enemies but also from any kind of injustice.

Ideon Cave in Crete

16 Dec 2008 10:14:19 GMT

The Ideon Cave in Crete is famous for being the birthplace of Zeus. The Ideon Cave or Ideon Andron is located 20 kilometres after the village of Anogia.

The Dikteon Cave or Dikteon Andron

16 Dec 2008 10:13:54 GMT

Dikteon Cave is one of the most famous caves in Crete. There are a lot of myths about the Dikteon Cave, according to one of them Zeus was born in Dikteon Cave. Dikteon cave is near the village of Psychro, which is why it is also known as Psychro Cave.

Zominthos

23 Dec 2008 09:35:03 GMT

Zominthos is a minoan town that has been discovered by archaeologist Yannis Sakellarakis in Crete. Zominthos is a short distance from the Ideon Cave, Anogia, Nida and Psiloritis.

Winter Sky of Crete

16 Dec 2008 10:14:45 GMT

Stars and constellations in the Crete sky. Now that the autumn has showed us a lot of beautiful constellations and planets, the winter months in Crete are here with some interesting bright objects.