The Island of
Spinalonga
Spinalonga is a
small island at the entrance of the Merabello gulf, and during the
ancient times it was used as a fortress by the Oloundians.
In 1579 the Venetians built a powerful fortress, which remained under
their dominance even after the Turks took over the island in 1669.
It is supposed to be one of the most important fortresses in Crete and
it was supplied with a considerable number of weapons and canons.
Together with the fortresses in Souda and Gramvousa they are the only
and unique fortresses in the island that were never occupied by the
Turks, when the former invaded Crete in 1669. During the final years of
the Turkish occupation it was a safe place for the ottoman families to
stay. In 1903, with the decision of the Cretan state, Spinalonga has
been designated to become the island of the lepers of Crete.
Spinalonga
remained under the Venetian occupancy for half a century after it was
conquered by the Turks and was a hideout for the Christians that were
hunted by the Turks. Finally, in 1715 the Venetians turned in the
island to the Turks with a special agreement. Today, Spinalonga remains
one of the most interesting monuments to visit.
Kritsa
Kritsa is a
beautiful traditional village, approximately ten kilometres on the west
of the city of Agios Nikolaos and in 375 meters height. Kritsa is one
of the mostly visited villages in Crete because of its fame from the
movies that were filmed there and because of the high quality weavers
that are sold.
Its worth the while to sit in a small coffee shop inside the village,
overlooking the Merabello gulf. The village is also famous for its
traditional and rather unique ways of weaving the wool and creating
masterpieces that they sell afterwards on the small streets of Kritsa.
Especially after the 15th of August, visiting the village is a great
opportunity to witness a number of cultural events and most of all the
revival of the traditional Cretan wedding that is sponsored by the
Historic Folklore Company.
Behind Kritsa,
there is a road leading to the mountain range of Dikti and which offers
a one of a kind view.
Kritsa has a big number of Christian churches with amazing wall
paintings from the 14 -15th c. Its inhabitants are the descendants from
the ancient city of Lato whose reminisces are on the northeast of the
village. The few excavations that took place, brought to light the
market, the Prytaneum, and the Temple of the city.
The most impressive church is located a kilometre outside the village
in the area of Logari, the famous "Panagia Kera". A little bit further
outside, on the road leading to the village of Krousta, one can see the
monastery of Saint John the Theologian, that was founded in 1215 and
was the center of the weapon holders of the East Crete during the
revolution.
Right outside the village you can see the head village on the base of
the Castello. The village is full of life, especially during the summer
when the number of the permanent inhabitants goes up to 2.500 people.
Kritsa is a very special society of people with its own cultural
spirit, its own tradition and its own dialect. If one wants to be part
of this society, he must, first of all, realize the spirit of their
place.
The
Forest of Vai
It is located on
the east side of Crete, right next to the sea, a little northern from
the village Palaikastro and close to the city of Agios Nikolaos. The
palm tree forest that has already been characterized as the "Aesthetic
Forest" is the largest area covered with palm trees that exists in
Crete, while in many other areas one can see few trees but never a
whole forest. The forest is enclosed and inside this area there is a
small spring with a small rivulet. In its eastern side, towards the
beach there are sandy hills which help the growth of the palm trees.
That location
is very important for Europe because of its uniqueness. There is no
other place in Europe that such a forest can be seen or found. The
specimen is one out of the two palm tree specimens that are traced in
Europe (the other specimen can be found in the Canarian Islands). The
forest of Vai is the biggest palm tree forest in Greece as well.
The
Golden Coast Island (Gaidouronisi)
This is a
graphic uninhabited island with a forest of ciders and tempting golden
beaches, with the old church of Saint Nicholas- well preserved, is
awaiting you for hours of swimming and sunbathing and relaxation, and
is close to the cities of Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra.