If you like walking in the midst of history, legend and romance, without forgoing the hustle and bustle of modern life, you'll love walking in Crete! The largest of the Greek islands and also the most highly-populated, Crete's local culture-dialect - art and music - is distinct from general Greek culture, so it has its own unique charm. It's definitely a must-stop place on your holiday in the Greek Isles. Where to start? Heraklion!
Your Doorway To Crete
The island capital, Heraklion (also called Iraklio or Candia) is an international port and a popular stop for cruises - making it the perfect setting-off point for a holiday walking in Crete. At first glance, what will greet you is a seemingly bustling, modern city- just what you'd expect of a major port- humming with activity, with scooters zipping up and down city streets. Go a little further (preferably with a guide or a guidebook) and you'll find pretty much everything you could want to see - whether it's shopping, culture, history or just great beaches.
Walk Backward In Time
One of the best reasons to go walking in Crete is the sense of experiencing life as it was in ancient times. The best place to learn a bit of the history is the huge Heraklion Archaeological Museum. This famous landmark, converted from an old power station, houses a massive collection of relics covering a period of time that spans around 5,500 years: from the Neolithic Period through Minoan, post Minoan and later periods - all sourced from Cretan archaeological sites such Knossos, Phaestos, Zakros and Archanes (Arhanes). It is best visited either early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the rush hour, especially in summer. If you have some spare time, you could also make a quick stop to the Battle of Crete Museum nearby.
The Palace of Knossos, five kilometres south-east (around 20-30 minutes) from the centre of Heraklion is another important stop when you go walking in Crete. Here, you will be able to see where King Minos (and his Minotaur!) is said to have lived, and from where Daedalus and his son Icarus took their tragic flight. Other sites you may want to visit in order to make the most out of Crete's capital city are the Venetian Walls and the Loggia, Agios Minas, Koules Fortress and Transanades.
Say Hello to the Flora and Fauna
If you'd like to meet more of the denizens on your holiday walking in Crete, check out the Natural History Museum of Crete, where you will find great exhibits showcasing Cretan wildlife. Children will enjoy the area designed specially for them, complete with caves and other play materials. Don't miss the earthquake- experience platform at the basement!
Another great place to visit if you're on a holiday walking in Crete with children is the Thalassocosmos, a wonderful aquarium of tanks representing Cretan life under the sea. You can view almost 2500 specimens of Mediterranean marine species, including hunter sharks and beautiful jellyfish. There are some 50 viewing areas, while modern touch-screens provide additional facts in five languages.
Exploring the city of Heraklion is a wonderful starting point for your holiday. Walking in Crete can be so much more enjoyable if you know a little about the history of the island. Spending time in this fascinating city will enable you to better understand Crete and its culture.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us walking in Crete to see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Maniscalco
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6374323
没有评论:
发表评论