Crete: Itanos, the ‘plan B’

Crete, Itanos
vaiWe left Xirokambos with a heavy heart. Heading north but not in the mood yet to deal with the crowds, we decided to ‘skip’ for the time being the world famous palm beach of Vai and to stop in Itanos just 2 km further. The area is also known as Erimoupolis which means Desert City. It isn’t deserted of course but comparing to the bustling Vai it almost seems so. Great beaches, free access to the ancient ruins and even palm trees. This is our place!

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Crete: Zakros and the Dead’s Gorge

Crete, Zakros
zakrosKato Zakros is definitely worth visiting although it is not quite ideal for overnight stay. It is highly recommended, however, for a day-long visit far from the tourist trail. This is really strange because a major archaeological site and an easily accessible gorge are nearby, in a distance of 500 m. from the picturesque, seaside village. Yet very few people visit the place. Who can ever know what is in the tourist mind?

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Crete: Gortys and its laws

Crete, Gortys
gortysConcluding our tour in the past of Messara’s plain, we headed east to the archaeological site of Gortyn, located 15 km from of the Palace of Phaestos and 18km from the Royal Villa of Agia Triada. Surprise! Unlike to what happened at these sites, where all their treasures were transferred to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, one of the most impressive find of the excavation of Gortyn is still here. Maybe it was too heavy for transportation…

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