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One of the most known archaeological sites in Crete is the famous Minoan Palace in Knossos which stands for the power of the Great Ancient Minoan Civilization. The palace is an “architectural jewel” that survived through centuries and consists of the main part of the palace, the royal residence, the room of murals and the tombs.

Labyrinth was the name given to the specially designed corridors which according to the ancient myth was the house of Minotaur, a creature with a human body and bull’s head. Wonderful murals, great materials, innovative drainage system in a very early period and an overwhelming energy of an ancient landscape is what you would expect from a visit in Knossos.

Spinalonga island is a symbol of human strength and willingness to survive as it nested the patients with Hansen’s disease, widely known as leprosy from 1904 to 1957. This island was meant to be the new home for all these people infected by the disease. Not only did they form a strong community which was a microcosm of society with stores, services and hospital but also attracted public’s attention with their struggles for sick people’s rights. Nowadays guests can walk around the wonderful island and get a glimpse of the way of life in Spinalonga during the first half of the 20th century.

Lychnostatis Open air museum is a very loyal but also artistic approach of the older days in Crete. Visitors will be familiarized tools that Cretan people used to handle everyday agricultural chores, Cretan flora and nature collection including but not limited to trees, herbs and garden with a variety of plants and even Cretan poems also called “Madinades”. All these and many more are blended together in a pleasant environment where guests are often welcomed to interact with exhibits.

It is worth mentioning that the buildings and some of the exhibits are crafted with local raw material like stone, wood and clay under the founder’s and collector’s creative architectural vision, Mr. Yiorgos Markakis. The widely known Cretan professor of ophthalmology, lecturer, and writer conveyed his passion to his son Mr. Yiannis Markakis that continues his legacy up to this day.

Next to the sea in the Region of Gouves, approximately 15 km from Heraklion there lies the Cretaquarium also known as Thalassocosmos which is one of the largest in Europe. The aquarium hosts more than 200 different marine species that can be found in the Mediterranean Sea. The exhibition includes a wide variety of fish, from tiny colorful ones to sharks and sea turtles. For those looking for a moment of relaxation, a café located within the building features breathtaking sea views, making it an ideal place to savor a coffee or a refreshing beverage.

Another archaeological place worth visiting is the Dictaean Cave or Psychro Cave. There as the myth had it, Zeus was nourished and protected by the Goat Amalthea. Zeus’ mother, Rea, wanted to save him from her husband Kronos who used to eat his children after the child’s birth because a prophecy foretold that one of his children will take his throne. Apart from the mythology part, the cave is located at the top of Mount Dicte. The view of Lasithi Plateau from up there is incredible and visitors can become part of the strong energy emerging from the landscape making it more than worth the visit.