Kriti

If anyone spent anytime at all here in the 70’s or  80’s  for sure you met up with fellow travellers at this rendezvous spot in Heraklion.  It’s still a meeting spot but now is in a pedestrian walkway and surrounded by cafes and internet stores.  All  ferries lead to Heraklion and should you find yourself here you will pass by this fountain.  Miss the old man with the ancient camera taking photos for a few drachmas. 

The Four Lions Fountain – a Venetian remnant 

The Magnificent Minoans – all the way back to 3000BC. 

Kriti has much to offer and a big draw for many is following in the footsteps of the Minoans.  Arthur Evans gets criticized for taking some artistic license with his restoration of the Palace of Knossos.  It does however make the other major palace sites come to life easier.   I’ve always felt moved by Knossos and the excellent National Archeological Museum in Heraklion.  Last visit to the museum 12 years ago the fresco room was closed for renos – thrilled we got to see it again this time – my favourite section. 

Pics include Knossos and Museum highlights, including the frescos. From pottery to bathtubs to  jewelry this culture knew how to live the good life.  

Phaestos 

A major Minoan Palace site on the south central area of the island.  This and following palace sites is when Arthur Evans’ recreation at Knossos is a great aid to the imagination. 

They really knew how to pick stunning locations. Gee I believe I have said that before about The Peloponnese.    But is is true!

Pics include overview of the site. 

Ode to Joni

Hard not to have Joni’s refrain of 'The winds are in from Africa and last night I couldn’t sleep' from Carey off the Blue album running through your mind when you are at Matala.  She hung out in these caves.  We went there as it was the closest place to the small inland village where we were staying that had a cash machine.  It had its time in the sun but now is very much a manufactured tourist town.  The surrounding area is beautiful and we loved our few nights in Pitsidia only 6 kms away from Matala.  Great location for exploring the many Minoan sites both major and off the beaten track. 

Pics include Matala and Komos Beach only a few coves away from Matala and close to where we stayed.  

You thought we were done with Minoan Sites?? – no chance.  

Aghia Triada 

Very close to Phaestos where splendid finds of beautiful pottery were found and are now seen in the Heraklion Museum.  Most impressive thing on site to me is the extensive drainage system throughout.   Victoria could learn a thing or two about this pesky issue. 

 Malia

Back on the north coast. We were last here in ’83 when we travelled around Europe on bikes and camped pretty much everywhere.   Including a campsite that no longer exists on the edge of the site. Worth a visit; especially during the off season.  The nasty part is driving through the kilometres of rampant holiday maker package hotels that run pretty much from Heraklion to the other site of Malia.  Tourism at the lowest level.  I like a sun holiday but this is disgusting .

Relief.  That nasty tourism blight drops away as you head east.   But fear not there is one more Minoan site to visit.  

Mochlos

A very small fishing village between Agios Nicholas and Sitia on Crete’s NE coast.  This is our first visit to this picture perfect  little village.  Our landlady tells us we are only the 3rd Canadian guests she’s had in 20 years. Loved by the French and Italians.  Not only is it a postcard but a short  boat ride away to an island is another Minoan site.  It gets the award for being the least uncovered but no less important than other sites.  Brian was in heaven. I could drink in the views forever. The colour of the sea is magical. 

Cats and Greece

This one perched here much of the afternoon while I sorted pictures and wrote this. I named him Pirate for his eyepatch and black tail. 

We are only 45 minutes away from Sitia where I hung my backpack up for a year back in the 70’s.  We have been back a couple of times and now I’m prepared for the changes.  This part of Kriti is still the quietest and least developed and I still love it.  The family from Ontario will meet us in Sitia so it will be a very special time. Counting the days till we are there.