Not only is this a superb place to spend some quality time, visitors learn about one of the oldest civilisations, the Minoans, who had made this lovely island their home.

There have been many wonderful artefacts found at the site of the Palace and these include the spectacular Bull’s Head which in the 16th century had been used in sacred rituals in the Little Palace of Knossos. Visitors to the island can see this marvellous Rhyton of the Bull’s Head at the museum of Iraklion where it is on permanent exhibition.

This beautiful vessel is a stone carving that was meticulously made with the muzzle encrusted with mother of pearl, the eyes made from rock crystal and the horns were gilded. During the 16th century the Minoans had perfected the art of stone carving and many wonderful works were created during this time. Luckily for us today we can see and marvel at some of the most beautiful ancient art work from Minoan times that have been discovered in Crete by visiting the museums on the island.

One of the Minoan divinities was in the form of a snake and is known as the ‘Snake Goddess’. Also known as the Household Goddess, the goddess is thought by some to have bought good fortune to Minoan houses although the goddess was also a symbol of the underworld giving her a Chthonic aspect as well. There has been much discussion about the meaning behind the Snake Goddess and what she meant to the ancient Minoans. Many people do not believe that she was a household deity or the Chthonic aspect that has been given to her by the early discoverers of these beautiful objects. What we do know is that she was worshipped by all Minoans.

The two very famous faiences of Snake Goddesses were found at Knossos and they date back to 1600 BCE. These statuettes are beautifully made and depict the women of the palace court dressed in lavish classical Minoans clothes. On one of the Snake Goddesses

the snake is seen to sliding around her body whereas the other statuette shows her holding the snakes in both of her hands.

There is so much to learn about the Minoan civilisation and seeing these lovely objects from ancient times it gives us an insight into an incredible period of Cretan culture as it was so very long ago. It is an extraordinary experience to see both the Bull’s Head and the statuettes of the Snake Goddesses that meant so much to the cults and civilisations who made this beautiful island their home. These great and ancient cultures have left so much for us to see and wonder at.

We all feel privileged to know just a little bit more about the way of life in ancient Minoan Crete.

The fortress dates back to times long past, it was built by the Venetians during the 13th century. It is an impressive structure that was built to protect this busy and vital port on the island. But not only was it constructed as a guardian of the port, the Venetians stored many foodstuffs and other important supplies that its’ army needed. It was also a prison and living quarters for officers of their armies.

Koule fortress was completely destroyed during an earthquake in 1303 but it was rebuilt again, but this time by the Genoese. Over the following centuries it was restored many times over to become how we see it today. It was turned into a prison during the time the Ottomans ruled the island and it was in the dungeons of this notorious prison that many Cretans met their deaths because they had stood against the Ottomans, they

had revolted against these invaders and they paid a heavy price for their loyalty to their people and their beloved island.

As with so much ancient architecture in Crete, the styles and the impressive structures that were built during different periods. They are proof of the various powerful civilisations that inhabited the island. The fortress of Koules is a typical example of Venetian architecture on a very grand scale and the breakwater that protected the harbour can still be seen today.

There are three beautiful carvings of the Lion of St. Mark and visitors can see these, along with a minaret which was constructed by the , when they visit the fortress. Thousands of visitors flock here every year to admire the sheer size of the structure and to learn about the history that surrounds it.

Standing under the ramparts and looking up at the fortress visitors are reminded of the glory of the Venetians and the Ottomans who inhabited the island so very long ago. They can see how time has made this fortress such an important part of the Crete we all know today, it always shows us how important the port was to the island in ancient times.

Everyone who visits Heraklion cannot fail to admire the sheer size of the Koules fortress which has been restored to become one of the most important tourist attractions on the island. As with everything in Crete there is great pride in the history behind these incredible structures that have weathered the course of time so well. The island of Crete has many ruins from ancient times, every year visitors come to see, admire at marvel at them. The Koules fortress in Heraklion is just one of these amazing structures to be found on this amazing beautiful and historical island of Crete.

Most visitors leave Crete with mementos of their trip. Some take some locally brewed wine with them, others may take some of the delicious cheese they found in a mountain village shop and often many will take a bottle or two of the gorgeous olive oil that is produced on the island.

There are many things to buy to remind you of your holiday in Crete and these include the lovely jewellery you can find in many of the shops on the island. A lot of this exquisite jewellery is designed on the different cultures that inhabited Crete many centuries ago and include the Minoans, the Archaic and Byzantine people who loved their gold and silver jewellery so much.

If you have ever seen the fabulous bronze and ceramic reproductions of Minoan and Cretan art you will want to buy a piece to take home with you to remind you of the beauty of Crete.

There are paintings, tea shirts, soaps made from olive oil, traditional sweets, honey and the wonderfully aromatic herbs that grow in abundance all over the island, to name but a few of the objects and foods that you will find.

Cretans are very proud of their heritage and crafts today are done in very much the same manner as they were done in ancient times. The attention to detail in everything that you find will impress you. This lovely island in the Med has so much to offer you both during your visit and after you leave because your memory of your stay here will always bring a smile to your face.

It is great fun wondering through a town or a village discovering the lovely things you can buy for yourself or maybe as a gift for a member of your family or a good friend back home. You will always find something that you just have to buy when you are in Crete. From the artisanal gift to the delicious olive oil there is a taste of the island that you will want to take back with you.

Taking a souvenir home will remind you that this lovely island is calling you back to visit her again, sooner rather than later. Like the Lady of the Kournas Lake, the island will beckon you back so she can take care of you during your stay on the island of Crete.

We all know just how gorgeous the island of Crete is and we all learn something new about this wonderful place in the sun every time we visit her. These are the principle reasons that we all love holidaying in Crete so very much. It was only very recently that I learnt how eco-friendly the island has become and I have to say I was impressed. It really does feel like things just could not get any better when it comes to the subject of Crete. But is does….

Alternative Tourism in Crete is on the up and up for the visitor who wants an ideal holiday destination that allows them to take part in the day to day running of traditional farming methods that exist on the island. Visitors who choose this way of passing a wonderful time in Crete, knows that it offers them an experience of a lifetime. They are realising just how beneficial it is both for them and the local communities on the island.

You get to partake in the daily life of village people, eating just what they eat (the words ‘delicious food’ come to mind). You get to be involved in the agricultural aspects of farms and learn about how stock breeding is planned and implemented to improve Cretan herds.

There are some glorious rustic villages in Crete that appear to be lost in time. You feel that the world around you is as it was centuries ago when things were done at a slower pace and the land kept the people alive. The air around you is clear and clean in these villages and the plants and crops that you tend are healthy, robust and full of goodness. This is a typical description of the type of place that an alternative holiday in Crete will take you to.

To find out more about this wonderful aspect of Crete, you can go online and discover many places, specialised hotels and eco farms where you will be welcomed in the traditional warm Cretan manner. You will participate in their daily lives and tend their crops and stock with them, and you will love every minute of it.

The countryside of Crete is beautiful and it is loved and respected by the country folk who look after it. What better way than staying among these friendly open hearted people than to stay amidst them, to appreciate and enjoy their way of life. It is the best, the most natural and the healthiest way of visiting and exploring the Crete that we have all come to love so much.

Situated at the village of Kournas, the tale of the prettiest daughter of a priest who was the last virgin in the region lives on. The tale is one of a village (Kournas) that had become enveloped with sinful practices which angered God. He reacted by flooding the valley of Kournas with torrential rains in order to cleanse the village of their sinful ways. The priest’s daughter’s soul was saved because she was still pure of body and it is her soul that has never left the fresh waters of this idyllic and peaceful lake in Crete.

It is believed by all Cretans that her soul now watches over all the animals and wildlife that inhabit the shores of this beautiful freshwater lake making this lovely legend live on for us to enjoy in these modern times. At midnight every night she appears to feed the goldfish which is such a romantic and mysteriously enchanting myth of the Lady of the lake at Kournas that visitors from all over the world visit the valley to witness for themselves this charming and captivating area of Crete.

The area is one of superb natural beauty where no motor boats are allowed to go. The waters are as pure as they were centuries ago.

People in pedaloes criss-cross the lake in the hope of catching a glimpse of the pretty lady but she is shy and very few people have had the pleasure of meeting her on the lake.

But should you be one of the many who has been disappointed at not meeting the lady of the lake, there is one aspect of this beautiful spot that will never disappoint anyone, and this is the beach at Kournas. It is truly a lovely sheltered spot that many visitors discover and fall in love with.

The absolute beauty of the area makes the whole region an enchanting place to visit for the day. You can soak up the sun and bathe in the cool clear water of one of the most beautiful lakes in Crete. An amazing experience to do is go to the beach in the morning and swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea then to drive up to Kournas for a freshwater dip before relaxing in the evening at your villa or hotel.

Another beautiful freshwater lake is Agio where in springtime rare flowers are found in abundance. There are some exquisite birds that inhabit this part of the island and it is one of the most popular areas for bird watching enthusiasts who flock here from all over the world to ‘twitch’ their time away. The natural beauty of the region is also one that all nature lovers come to discover and marvel at.

One fantastic way of exploring this amazing coastline is to charter a yacht and begin an adventure of a lifetime.
Sailing through the clear blue waters that surround this gorgeous island you will think that you have arrived in paradise. Crete is truly the ‘Shangri-la’ of the Mediterranean Sea. With no hotels to book or cars to hire, you will be free to explore and discover the exquisite places and things that Crete has to offer the eager visitor.

The ports around the island make wonderful stopovers where you can relax on deck or go ashore and explore the towns or villages in the evening. This is when Cretans begin to enjoy and share their night time activities with all who come to their island. You can relax on a balmy evening sampling the wines and dining in traditional restaurants or Tavernas. You will truly taste the uniqueness of Crete.

You can anchor off a wonderful beach and delight in the Mediterranean sunsets knowing that tomorrow will bring yet another glorious sunny day. Should you wish to really pamper yourself you can charter a fully crewed yacht and sit back and relax in the expert hands of people who know just where to take you.

For the experienced sailor the waters around Crete are some of the best areas to sail in the Med.

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You can take your time as you explore the coast without having to rush anywhere – that is after all the beauty of sailing. With so much to see and explore in Crete a 2 week sailing holiday will let you enjoy life as the ancient Cretans used to do and with the selection of luxury yachts or budget sail boats that are available to charter, you are bound to find the perfect plan which will make your time sailing around Crete as perfect as it could possibly be.

What better way to explore such a beautiful island and sample a lifestyle that will have you coming back the following year to start your adventure all over again. To relax on your sail boat in the Med off Crete is a sailors dream.

By going on the Internet you will discover the many tour operators that specialise in this type of holiday in Crete. These operators will help you find everything you need for the perfect relaxing and leisurely holiday on one of the most beautiful islands in the Med.