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.

There are many advantages to hiring a car whilst you are on holiday in Crete. It gives you the freedom to go wherever and whenever you like to visit the marvellous places of interest that are literally dotted all over the island. You can stop where you please and enjoy the scenery as well as eating at a Taverna or restaurant that is off the beaten track. It is in these places that you will have the added bonus of sampling some of the best traditional Cretan dishes and their unique wines.

For the traveller who wants to plan ahead, you can book you hire car from the comfort on your home by going on the Internet. This makes things that much easier on your arrival in Crete because your car will be waiting for you as you get off the plane or even the boat should you choose to get to Crete by way of the sea.

The price of petrol varies from area to area with the lowest price being found in Heraklion. The reason that fuel costs more in the other areas is because of the transport costs involved in getting petrol delivered to these other areas of the island. Also in Heraklion the gas stations are owned by the bigger petrol companies whereas in other places they tend to be smaller companies such as Avin and EKO.

To give a rough idea of much you must expect to pay for petrol and diesel when you are on holiday in Crete you can go on the Internet and check out the current prices, but as a rough guide expect to pay €1.563for unleaded, €1.824 for super unleaded and about €1.337 for diesel. These are approximate prices that you will find at petrol stations in Heraklion.

There are some useful tips that are worth knowing when hiring a car in Crete and these are that the minimum age required to hire one is 21 years old, there are some rental companies who will not consider renting a vehicle to anyone over the age of 70. Drivers under 25 may be asked to pay a surcharge when they rent a car. Seatbelts are mandatory and a child who is 4 years old or younger must be safely secured in a child seat. All drivers who wish to hire a car must have held their licences for longer than 12 months. Drivers who are from outside the European Union must have International driving licences or European Driver’s Permits.

As elsewhere in the world it is always worth checking the exterior of the car before setting off from the rental agency. Third party car insurance is mandatory with an optional theft protection that can be taken out if the hirer wishes to do so. The collision damage waiver works much the same as it does all over the world and this said is always worth taking out in case of accidents.

You will be able to explore the Cretan countryside on horseback and enjoy the amazing vistas as you trek through mountains or along the beaches of Crete.

Cretan horses are beautiful – they are called ‘Messara’ or ‘Georgalidiko. They are native to Crete and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It is believed the Cretan horse predates the Minoan age and is considered to be the oldest breeds of horse in the whole of Europe.

The name ‘Messara’ comes from an area of the island in the Heraklion Prefecture, it is a beautiful natural valley called the Messara Plains. Protected by the Asterousia Mountains, this sheltered valley was the home of the Cretan horse in ancient times.

You will love getting to know your horse as you ride through the most beautiful countryside and you will understand why Cretans favour these beautiful creatures so much.

In the 90’s there were only 80 of these horses left on the island. Today with a fantastic well organized breeding program the numbers are rising all the time. It is hoped that the horse population will reach a thousand in the not too distant future.

These light but strong native horses are well suited to the rugged terrains on Crete. They have superb stamina and survived in ancient times because they coped so well with the hard work on rough ground they had to do. Today these horses are used for trekking, casual riding along the splendid beaches and for equestrian events that take place all over the island.

Believed to have been brought over to Crete by the ancient Egyptians, although some people think they are descendants of the magnificent Russian horse, the Tarpon, the Cretan horses of today are proud, elegant and as naturally friendly as the Cretans themselves. They have an extraordinary gait and can pace like a camel which explains why they can cover great distances without getting tired. Cretans call this unique style of gait ‘arayani’.

One well organized horse riding holiday is run by the marvellous tour operator EcoGreece. They organize adventure holidays around the island to beautiful areas where only the horse can take you. To find the many riding holidays available on the island of Crete, you can go on the Internet and discover some wonderful deals that will take you to places you never thought existed.

You will ride on the beautiful beaches around the coastline and trek into the marvellous mountains discovering yet another aspect of the wonderful island of Crete. Many of the riding holiday package deals to Crete include your hosts picking you up at the airport for the start of your adventure. You will have 7 days of wonderful riding and at the end of your stay – you will be accompanied back to the airport to catch your plane home.

An amazing course with challenging holes which will be interesting both to experienced and amateur golfers. What is also stunning, is the view of the spot. Enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding mountainous landscape as you play…

Crete’s Golf Club provides excellent services. You can choose hiring high quality clubs and/or  being transferred around the course, with a special vehicle.

Visit the official website of the Golf Club of Crete, by clicking here or visit http://www.crete-golf.com/.

One of the most friendly and trusty rental companies in Heraklion is Car Hire Crete.

• 1 glass of orange juice
• 3 soup spoons of extra virgin oil
• 4 soup spoons of water
• 3 cups of flour
• salt
• light frying oil

for the syrup
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1cup of honey

for the sprinkle
• sesame
• cinnamon
• walnut melt in thick pieces

Preparation

1. Put the flour into a basin and make a hole in the middle. Put the juice, the oil, the water and the salt in the hole and make an elastic dough. Then leave it for two hours.
   Routing Number CITIZENS BANKK

2. Split it in two pieces and open them to thin puff pastries upon a floury surface. Cut them into thin ribbons with a round tool.
3. Put the oil inside a frying pan until it burns.
4. Sink a fork in the oil and wrap a pastry ribbon around it until it looks like a snail. Do the same for all the ribbons and put them into the pan.
5. Raise down the cooker a little bit and turn the ribbons around after a while so they can be fried in both sides.
6. When they get browned take them out and place them on a absorptive towel.
7. Boil the syrup and when it gets ready, place a little of it on the kserotigana. Then you can powder them with the sesame, cinnamon and walnut.

Bon apetit!