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Sunday in Crete
Knossos - Elounda - Spinalonga - Agios Nikolaos
Heraklion, the biggest city in Crete is the economic and commercial centre of the island, mostly due to “N. Kazantzakis” International Airport and the Port. Although an urban centre, its beauties and particularities will excite the visitor. Lions Square (Liontaria), Morozini’s Fountain, 25th of August Street with Neoclassical buildings, the city’s Market in 1866 Street, Venetian “Lotzia” (The Town Hall), St. Markus Basilica (Gallery Museum), St. Minas Cathedral Church, Venetian Fort “Koules” and the city’s museums are some of the sites worth enjoying while visiting Heraklion.
“Knossos” was the centre of Minoan civilization which flourished as a maritime power from approximately the 27th century to the 15th century BC. The palace receives annually more than 1000000 visitors. It had been the seat of legendary King “Minoas” and is linked to many famous Greek Myths such as the “Myth of Dedalus and Ikarus” and the “myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaurus”.
On the way to Lasithi, into the wild landscape, St George’s Male Monastery in
Selinari, welcomes hundreds of visitors every day. According to a local tradition, all passers-by stop there to light a candle.
Plaka beach is located 5km away from the world famous Elounda. The crystal clear waters, the pebble beach protected by the winds, the taverns, cafeterias, bars, shops and luxury hotels, create a perfect scenery.
Opposite Plaka, surrounded in mystery and magic, is the island of
Spinalonga which became famous worldwide by Victoria Hislop’s book “The Island” and a TV series that followed based on that book. Spinalonga is also known as “the Island of the Lepers”. It was used as a Leper Colony from 1905 up to 1957 when cure of the disease was found. Every year, till the end of October, Spinalonga is been visited by thousands of people charmed by the islands’ history.
In the picturesque bay of Mirabello is Agios Nikolaos a small town built around Voulismeni Limni (Sunk Lake) which according to a local legend has no bottom. Agios Nikolaos, one of Crete’s top tourist destinations, is famous for its wonderful climate. |
