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.