Elounda, Heraklion, Knossos, Anogia, Stalida, Malia, Hersonissos

Day 30: from Agios Nikolaos to Heraklion

From Sitia we drive to Agios Nikolaos and Elounda These are major touristic resorts but definitely worth-visiting.

day 31

We take the road to Neapoli and Lassithi Plateau. Here is Diktaion Antro, a cave considered as the birthplace of Zeus (Dias, the major god of ancient Greece).

We continue to Krasi, Mohos, Stalida, Hersonissos and look for a room at Koutouloufari. This night is definitely devoted to nightlife in Hersonissos!

day 32

30 Km to the west is Heraklion. A visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Knossos are a good reason for a trip to the island by themselves alone. Here you may see the glory of the Minoan Civilization, the first high-level civilization of Europe with deep respect to nature and peaceful life.

Loggia Iraklion Heraklion — The Venetian building of Loggia. Today it is used by the Municipal Authorities of Heraklion

Another place of interest is the Venetian fortress of Koules (by the port), as well as the Historical Museum and the Museum of Natural History of Crete (Knossou avenue).

the venetian fortress of Koules at Iraclion port

If you stay in Heraklion pay a visit at Arhanes village (15 km from Iraclion), which was a major Minoan city. Today it’s a small town that does a lot to preserve its traditional character. There is a fine archaeological museum here.

Inside the town there is a sign showing the way to the summit of Mt Youchtas or Giouchtas (850m). You may approach it either by a dirt road or by a path leading to the top in one hour. If you are interested in the path ask someone to show you the way there. There is a panoramic view to Iraklion from the top of the mountain. Another attraction is the Minoan Villa in Vathipetro.