A beach holiday on the Greek islands is always a very interesting adventure. In addition to the sun and the sea, tourists will find magnificent landscapes and ancient sights. I want to see them since my school days, when such names as "the labyrinth of the Minotaur" or "the Palace of Knossos" flashed in history lessons. For those interested in where to go in Crete by car, travel guides to Greece recommend both natural masterpieces and architectural monuments.
Classics of the genre
Among the most famous buildings of Crete, the labyrinth of the Minotaur on the ruins of the Palace of Knossos stands out. According to an ancient legend, this structure appeared in Crete during the reign of King Minos. The labyrinth was intended for the monster Minotaur, to whom Minos fed the most beautiful youth sent from Athens enslaved by the bloody king.
The heroic hero Theseus defeated the Minotaur with the help of Minos' daughter, who was tired of the annual bloodbath organized by her father. Then Theseus and Ariadne lived happily ever after, and in the labyrinth of the Minotaur, anyone from among the Greek holidaymakers now risks getting lost.
The Palace of Knossos is located 5 km from the city of Heraklion. From its central square, follow the signs. There is a free parking lot at the entrance, so if you decide to drive around Crete, be sure to visit the place that you first heard about during your history lesson.
Pilgrims to note
The famous Greek monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, located in Crete, has long been a place of pilgrimage for Orthodox believers. People come here to worship the icon of the Mother of God Kardiotissa. Its original was written in the 7th century by Saint Lazarus and, unfortunately, was stolen. A copy of the sacred image has existed for three hundred years and, according to eyewitnesses, is also capable of performing miracles. The icon helps childless women become mothers, heals from many diseases and a date with her brings family happiness.
To get to the monastery follows the highway leading to the Lassithi plateau. The distance from the monastery to the nearest resort village of Malia is about 13 km. There is a small car park in front of the entrance to the monastery.
Useful information
- A full entrance ticket to the Palace of Knossos will cost 6 euros. The architectural monument works from 8.00 to 18.00 in summer and from 8.00 to 15.00 - in winter.
- Consider siesta when planning your visit to a museum or attractions located in smaller towns. From 13.00 to 17.00, many facilities may be closed.
Where to go by car in Crete with a child?
There are many amusement parks on the island where children and adults alike have fun. The most popular among tourists is the Watercity water park, which can be quickly reached from the popular resorts of Heraklion, Hersonissos and Malia.
Located outdoors, the water park is replete with attractions. It offers water slides of varying difficulty, pipes and slopes, bungee over the water and funnels. For the lazy, there is an opportunity to raft down the river on an inflatable "cheesecake", and active visitors will love the free-fall rides.
The water park is decorated with many green lawns and picnic areas, for which you are allowed to bring your own food and drinks. The exception is liquids in glass containers. You can also grab a bite to eat at the café serving traditional Greek cuisine. For the convenience of visitors, the park is equipped with locker rooms with lockers, shower rooms, souvenir shops and car parking.
Life as it is
The easiest way to learn as much as possible about local customs and get to know the life of the inhabitants of the island is in the folklore museum in the town of Agios Nikolaos. It contains a unique collection of handmade items, souvenirs and products by Cretan craftsmen. The pride of the exhibition is home carpets and coins, old costumes and paintings by local artists. Even a model of a traditional Cretan house is on display for visitors.
Folklore Museum is open at the address: st. Kondilaki, 2 daily, except Saturday.
