A TRIP ROUTE
INTERESTING FACTS
The Greek island of Santorini, known in antiquity as Thira, has a very interesting history. It is located in the Aegean Sea, about 110 km north of the coast of Crete, and is part of the Cyclades archipelago. One island that existed before around 1600 BC was flooded as a result of a strong volcanic eruption, creating one of the world's largest calderas with a diameter of 10 km. In antiquity, the Minoan civilization developed here, the majority of which left the island just before the volcanic eruption, after the great earthquake. It is believed that the outbreak and the resulting tsunami also contributed to the significant destruction of the island of Crete and the beginning of the decline of the Minoan culture. One of the hypotheses equates the destruction of the island with the destruction of the mythical Atlantis described by Plato.INTERESTING STORIES
The Minotaur is a character from Greek mythology usually depicted as a man with a bull's head. He was born from the union of Pazyfae, the wife of Minos and a bull sent by Poseidon. The menacing Minotaur was locked up by King Minos of Crete in a Labyrinth designed by Daedalus, which was located under the Palace of Knossos. Minos defeated the Athenians and demanded that every year, 7 youths and virgins be sent as a sacrifice to the Minotaur. Prince Theseus, who was supposed to kill the monster, volunteered for the third victim. He was helped by Minos' daughter, Ariadne, who was fascinated by the courage of the young man, which, using a ball of thread, made it easier for him to return from the Labyrinth, and the magic sword allowed him to kill the Minotaur.July 2005
Holidays in Crete were our first trip to the Greek islands together. The choice of Crete was not accidental, as we really wanted to visit Santorini. During the one-day trip, we visited the towns of Thira and Oia, and the island enchanted us.
As a place of rest, we chose the town of Kavros on the northern coast of Crete, famous for its beautiful, wide sandy beaches. We came across a small family hotel, which, with a few shortcomings, turned out to be a big plus. The host was a very hospitable man, devoting much more attention to his guests than his duties required. The local bar was also visited by the locals after work, with whom we perfectly integrated over glasses of ouzo or a cold beer. During our stay, we met a young couple from Krakow with whom we visited western Crete in a rented car.Coast of the Cretan Sea
The coast of the Cretan Sea is endlessly wide, sandy beaches where most of the tourists visiting the island rest. Contrary to appearances, there is enough space for everyone and we have never felt a lack of space. Most of the large cities and villages of Crete are also located here, and we like Chania the most. The picturesque houses in pastel colors with red tiles surrounding the waterfront make it one of the most beautiful cities on the island.
Knossos and Phaistos
Knossos is a showcase of Crete. The vast ruins of the Minoan palace complex are truly impressive. However, the crowds of tourists swirling around took away the pleasure of sightseeing. We liked Phaistos much more, where the remains of the Minoan palaces are not much inferior to those from Konossos, and the tour itself was much more comfortable. In the price of the ticket we also got for free, beautiful views of the picturesque hills stretching around.
Libyan Sea coast
The coast of the Libyan Sea is characterized by high cliffs, rocky coves and picturesque beaches, where there is no such crowd of tourists as in the north. We were most enchanted by the beautiful beaches of Elafonisi with pink sand, crystal clear water and small coves. The shallow water made it easy for us to go to the nearest island, continuing the lounging. If it wasn't for the long drive back to Kavros, we would love to linger here until sunset.
Santorini
Santorini is simply phenomenal and it is difficult to find a more beautiful place not only in Greece, but even in all of Europe. Bare cliffs, made of layers of red, white and greenish rocks, surrounding a huge caldera filled with the sea, make an amazing impression. The white houses in Fira or Oia are perched around steep slopes, and every step you will meet beautiful churches, covered with blue domes. If it weren't for the crowds of tourists, the island would be the best place to get potatoes.