Summer Holiday Tips

Zante is the beach holiday island that dreams are made of. With a coastline roughly 123 kilometers in length, the island of Zante is trimmed with beautifully tranquil coves, broad white - sandy bays and resort beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Zante is known to locals as “Zakynthos” and only in English as “Zante”. Nicknamed centuries ago as “flower of the East” by the Venetians who once colonized it, Zante gets its Greek name from an ancient mythical character: Zacynthus, son of the legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus

Third largest of the Ionian Islands and most Southerly, Zante has a thriving tourism industry which caters for everyone. Party seekers dance the night away in the bars and clubs on Zante’s vibrant club scene; then recover by day on one of Zante’s many quiet coves and beaches. ‘Laganas’, situated on the South coast is the biggest and liveliest resort on Zante, well renowned for its nightlife. Laganas has possibly the best beach on the island, and this is where Zante’s endangered loggerhead turtles nest. From here, it is easy to venture to the most photographed spot on Zante - the famous Smuggler’s Cove.

Parents with young families come to Zante to take advantage of the rather more quiet and family focused resorts on Zante, which provide entertainment for the kids and a well earned rest in the Zante sunshine for mum and dad. Argassi and Tsilivi are the contenders here.

For those with the curiosity to explore Zante’s interior, Zante is an island of contrasts offering stunning scenery, white cliffs, sleepy olive groves and dusky mountains. The roads on Zante are driveable and there are car hire companies aplenty. Zante also has some amazing cave dives, with marine life rich in moray eels, monk seals, octopus, and loggerhead turtles (caretta caretta).

International air travelers to Zante arrive via Zakynthos International Airport. Olympic Airways flies 2-3 times daily to Zante from Athens - even in winter. Zante is also well served by ferries running from the Greek mainland; plus ferries sail regularly from Brindisi in Italy, direct to Zante’s shores.

Zante is a picturesque island with a village atmosphere. Holiday makers are as welcome in Zante’s friendly tavernas and local shops, as they are in Zante’s resort bars and shopping complexes. The natural beauty of the island and the variety of holidays available on Zante, combine to make it one of the top tourist destinations in Greece.



By: Derek Both

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DAY 1: ARRIVAL

Pick up from the airport on arrival and transfer to Nairobi Hilton hotel for Dinner and Overnight stay

DAY 2: NAIROBI- SWEET WATERS

Pick up from your hotel at 0830 hrs and drive towards the slopes of Africa’s second largest mountain at 5199m - Mt Kenya .Lunch at Mt.Kenya safari Club followed by afternoon game drive at Sweetwater’s game ranch to see the wildlife including rehabilitated chimpanzees. We spend the night at the Sweetwater’s Tented Camp. The private ranch at Sweetwater’s is the o¬nly sanctuary for rehabilitation in Kenya of these widely abused chimpanzees with two groups living in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. The site is also a dedicated black rhino breeding area.

DAY 2: ABERDARES – LAKE NAKURU

Depart the lodge soon after breakfast and drive to Lake Nakuru National park. Lunch at a lodge followed by a full afternoon gamedrives at the Kenyas Park famed by its numerous species of birdlife. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Nakuru Lodge or Similar.

Lake Nakuru’s claim to fame is anchored on its flamingo’s and the over 400 species of birds found here. The lake itself is a soda lake on the floor of the rift valley. The sight of the at times millions of flamingos is quite spectacular. From a distance the lake appears ringed in pink. The Lake has also earned a reputation as an important haven for endangered species- particularly the Rothschild Giraffe and the black and white rhino. Lions, waterbuck, buffalo and baboons are all residents here.

DAY 3 LAKE NAKURU – LAKE NAIVASHA

Breakfast at leisure before driving to Lake Naivasha. A visit to the hells gate national park this park can be explored on foot or you could also cycle around the park. Afternoon boat ride to Crescent Island can be arranged .Dinner and overnight at Naivasha Sopa Lodge

DAY 4 : LAKE NAIVASHA – MAASAI MARA

Drive to via the Great Rift Valley to arrive at Maasai Mara in time for lunch at a Lodge. Full afternoon game drive till dusk when we return to Mara Sarova camp for dinner and overnight stay.

The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures.

DAY 5/6: MAASAI MARA

Full days spent exploring the park in search of the big 5- Optional balloon safari can be arranged at an extra cost of US$ 395 per person. Visit to the Maasai villages for children to learn their culture and their ways of life.

The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures.

DAY 7 : MAASAI MARA -NAIROBI - MOMBASA

Breakfast then transfer to the airstrip to board a Mara – Nairobi flight departing at 1100 to arrive at approx 1230 hrs . On arrival our guide will meet you and take you to the Carnivore restaurant for Lunch. After Lunch we will transfer you to the airport to catch flight to Mombasa to start the beach holiday. Overnight at Sarova White Sands Hotel

DAY 8/9 MOMBASA

Days spent sunbathing at the beach hotel

DAY 10 – MOMBASA – NAIROBI

Full morning spent on your own then transfer to Moi international airport after lunch to catch your flight back to Nairobi arriving in good time to connect you’re your homebound flight.



By: purity mwangi

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Planning your Tuscany beach holidays comprise you also visit to the curved stretch of the Ligurian coastline, wich is situated, in the slope of the tirrenico Alps, Maritime and Appenino Ligure, where the sea breeze makes the summers fresh and it also lessens the cold of winter.

Tuscany beach holidays through the mountainous terrains of the region, which help in fighting the northern colds, can be an adventurous experience. Perfectly suited for lush green vegetation, the climate nurtures the pines, palms, ulivos, cypresses and laurels, which add beauty to the landscape of Liguria.

The long, narrow stretch of the coastal area in Liguria is a place where the agricultural activity and fishing is limited. Flowers, decorative plants, fruits and vegetables are cultivated in the available land.

The industrialized zones in the region include Genoa and Savona, but tourism plays a vital role in the economy of the region. Termed as one of the most splendid places in Italy, the coast’s unique hotel structures, roads, camping facilities and environment preservation make it a must see place in the whole of Italy.

The Cinque terre is a famous place in the coast and is a great sight seer’s and hiker’s destination. The olive orchards and the vineyards of this beautiful seaside village enhance the look of the landscape of the region. For Tuscany beach holidays that also include a visit to the vineyards, the Cinque Terre is a great spot. The terraced vineyards of the place are a major attraction and are great specimens of landscape architecture.

The endangered land and marine species are protected in this region. This rocky stretch of the Ligurian coast is a place filled with scenic beauty and one can witness a combination of seafaring and traditional Mediterranean agriculture and cuisine. The Cinque Terre ranks among the top summer spots among all the Tuscany beach holidays.

The small fishing village of Portofino is a great spot in the Ligurian Riviera. Embellished with palm trees, olive groves, oaks, cypress trees, swimming cove at Paraggi, and a clear sea, this place mesmerizes the tourists. This panoramic setting is also home to a variety of flora and fauna.

A tourist can stroll through the vineyards, orchards and olive groves and enjoy the pristine natural splendour of the region, in one of the Tuscany beach holidays to this alluring region. Genoa is a charming city, near Portofino and it is filled with palaces and galleries that display beautiful paintings, tapestries, sculptures, Oriental ceramics and world renowned paintings.

Journey to Levanto, a modern and charming town that houses an eighteenth century Parish church and castle and the place offers delightful scenic views of splendid villages. The tranquil atmosphere in the place makes it a must see stop in any Tuscan itinerary. The Gulf of poets is another prominent destination in Ligurian region. The taste of the local white wine, hailed Vino delle Cinque Terre lingers on along with the delectable pesto.

Tuscany beach holidays become more exciting with the visit to Liguria, which offers a unique view of the sandy beaches, charming scenery, panoramic views, conducive climate, exotic tourist spots, clear sea, lush green vegetation and tranquil atmosphere. A visit to Liguria is interesting, exciting and thrilling at the same time!



By: Robert

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Personally, there is nothing better than lying in the sun somewhere tropical with a good book, the sound of the sun lapping the shore in the background and hotel staff pandering to your every need. It is just the tonic needed to recover from the hectic lifestyle many of us lead on a day to day basis.

When I arrive back in the UK though, I do get a sense that I haven’t really done enough to see the real destination. It is easy to remain in a resort grounds and sometimes the wonders that a country has to offer can be overlooked.

One way to ensure you do get out and see more than just the hotel pool is a combination holiday such as beach and safari. 

Spend five nights in a top African and enjoy magnificent sights – elephants roaming in the distance at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, lions relaxing in the shade on a hot day, hippos wallowing in rivers alongside deadly crocodiles! 

African safaris really do capture the real Africa – endless savannah grasslands, giant trunked Baobab trees and a huge sun that bathes the sky and land in earthy tones. 

What better way to follow on from a safari holiday than with our earlier beach scenario. Kenya not only offers fantastic game spotting opportunities, it also has some of the best beaches in the world along Mombasa’s coastline.

There are some fantastic resorts out there with the signature thatch roofs, like the beautiful Alfajiri Villas or the Flamboyant on the stunning Diani Beach just south of Mombasa.

On the other side of Mombasa is Hemingways, also set on stunning beachfront, on a stretch recently voted in the top ten beaches in the Sunday Times, the resort is also renowned for its fantastic game fishing on Watamu Marine Park – possibly the finest marine park Kenya with a numerous species of tropical fish located in a magnificent coral garden.

You won’t be alone in the resort gardens either, swinging in the trees or charging through the hotel you will find the black faced Vervet monkeys, and on occasion you might see the shyer Colobus monkey in the trees.



By: Simon

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Are you looking for family holidays that will build those lasting memories? The time is now to consider Greek island holidays for the entire family. Light up their faces and yours when you book cheap holiday deals to Sani on the western coast of the Kassandra Peninsula of Halkidiki. You will find that there are plenty of appealing package holidays to Sani to choose from and that you might be in the perfect position to explore all the peninsulas of Halkidiki while you are in the area.

There is plenty to explore while enjoying family holidays to Sani. You can begin with the beaches. There are more than 7 km of beaches lined with golden sand to enjoy during your holidays to Sani. In addition to the entertainment you’ve come to expect from beach holidays over the years Sani offers safe swimming in these stunning and clear blue waters during the daytime hours as well as sunset cruises to enjoy these beautiful waters in an entirely different light.

A new word that is being used quite often when it comes to holidays and holiday adventures applies when it comes to Sani. That word would be ecotourism. You will find many package holidays to Sani that promise an adventure for the entire family that is dedicated to helping you preserve the environment and enjoy some of the most beautiful pieces of scenery this planet provides. If you are a true lover of nature you will definitely want to check out how responsible cheap holiday deals to Sani can be.

Some things you will definitely want to include on your list of things to do in Sani include: the Orpheus open-air Cinema, The Dolphin Theatre, and the Marina Ampitheatre. The marina itself provides a great opportunity for exceptional dining, entertainment, and nightlife so you will definitely want to check it out. There is fairly lively nightlife to enjoy in Sani so don’t discount this charming resort if you are in search of a little night time recreation during your holiday.

Cheap holiday deals to Sani are the very thing that many holiday travelers dream of. The idea of Greek island holidays that are not only gorgeous and fun but also ecologically responsible is appealing on many levels. If you want family holidays that teach important lessons to your children about the planet then package holidays to Sani are a great beginning.

 



By: wayne bromiley

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Where Croatia’s northwest coast meets Slovenia, a triangular shaped peninsula juts out into the Adriatic. This is the beautiful region known as, Istria. Historically, Istria has shifted back and forth from Venetian to Croatian rule and it still has a significant Italian-speaking population, a fact highlighted by the dual language road signs. Many of its historic buildings reveal Venetian style architecture. Add the piazzas, pizzas, local ice cream and superb Istrian wine to this Italianesque atmosphere and it is little wonder that some travel writers have dubbed parts of the Istrian hinterland as “The New Tuscany”.

Istria has been a popular holiday destination since the sixties, especially with tourists from Austria, Germany and the U.K. The climate of the coastal areas is very much a Mediterranean one, providing warm sunny weather throughout June, July and August. Package tour holidays have made their impact in one or two coastal towns but on the whole Istria remains an unspoilt gem, which appeals mainly to independent travellers.

Away from the coast, the landscape of vineyards and rolling hills that are often topped with pretty little towns, does indeed have all the looks of Tuscan scenery. But the comparison does not stop at appearances. Many of the vineyards produce wines of Tuscan standard and the world’s finest truffles are to be found growing in the woodlands.

The only city in Istria is Pula. At first glance, you might be tempted to write it off as a ramshackle port, devoid of any charm or beauty. This is a pity as Pula has a wealth of Roman history to reveal. Its amphitheatre is the largest Roman arena still standing, anywhere in the world and it is more than just a museum to ancient gladiatorial spectacles. In fact, it is regularly used on summer nights for both classical and pop music concerts when up to 23,000 people pack into the seats once occupied by Romans.

Pula’s amphitheatre is only the beginning of Pula’s Roman treasures however. The Archaeological museum displays many artefacts from Roman times and the Triumphal Arch of Sergius is another well preserved Roman monument that has been standing in Pula for nearly 2000 years. In the Roman Forum you will also find the Temple of Augustus which dates from the first century and still has intact columns.

Rovinj is the most attractive town on the Istrian coast. Its Venetian appearance is underlined by the number of Italian speaking inhabitants and excellent Italian restaurants. After a day spent on one of the beautiful beaches in the area, Rovinj is just the place to spend a summer evening.

For a major tourist resort that has attracted the package tour holiday crowds, Porec is still worth a visit for its well-preserved Roman streets and compelling old town. There is no shortage of bars, restaurants, hotels and things to do in this very tourist conscious town.

Tranquillity and quiet are never far away from even the busiest of Istrian resorts however, and the whole coastline is dotted with small islands, peaceful bays, and secluded beaches. Hidden coves with sparking, white pebbles dazzle and invite naturists to skinny dip in a crystal clear sea. Larger bays and flat platforms of rock provide idyllic spots from which sunbathers can lay back and apply copious amounts of factor thirty whilst listening to the mixed sounds of gently lapping waves, birdsong and cicadas. The many walking trails around pine-fringed inlets, lagoons and through beautiful woodland offer naturalists opportunities to observe rare and diverse specimens of flora and fauna.

Holiday destinations in Istria are easy to get to with cheap flights to Pula and other airports in the region being available from several U.K. airports including Gatwick and Stanstead. These flights can be booked on line. As well as cheap flight offers, there are many Internet sites advertising accommodation throughout the Istrian peninsula and especially around the coastal resorts.



By: Stewart Palmer

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Russia, which was once a communist country has now discarded that mask and is a country with vast diversities providing an enchanting experience for the tourists. You can explore the imperial St.Petersburg to Siberian villages and understand the true culture prevailing Russia. The ancient cities of Russia namely Moscow, Petersburg and Murmansk are widely popular around the world and attracting more and more tourists every year.

The history and the ancient culture of Russia have encouraged many travel enthusiasts to spend their holiday in Russia. You will find Russia as an amusement for the entire family. There are many sights in Russia that demand the tourists to visit. Russia is a beautiful place that provides everything for everybody.

The hermitage stands as evidence for the western European art taking about the tsars who ruled Russia for more than one and a half centuries. The magnificent construction has five buildings linked together to form the hermitage collections. This is 20 times bigger than any normal museum and you can see all the ancient things in the vault. You must plan ahead properly to visit these buildings on the river side that contain 1057 rooms and 117 staircases.

Lizhi is a pilgrimage site that contains two churches with a bell tower in-between. It is one of the world heritage sites dating back to the 17th and the 18th centuries. The churches depict the exact Russian architecture. The marvellous decorations on the walls stand as a masterpiece of the wooden architecture. The little Church of the Resurrection of Lazarusis the oldest building made of wood in Russia built during the 14th century. Kremlin in Moscow stands as evidence of the various political powers in Russia. Various important political meetings and speeches are made by many ancient Russian rulers.

To fascinate the kids, Russia has Lapland Biosphere Reserve, it is a great natural reserve in Russia. You can find different species of birds and animals in this reserve and you can explore their life style naturally in this reserve. Mamaev Kurgan is the site where a fierce battle took place which lasted for four months. It now stands as a memorial of the battle where the land is blooded with people who died in the battle. You can find memorials, statues and ruins of forts in this place. Lake Baikal is famous for its pure water and the surrounding shores provide a peaceful ambiance.

If you want to spend your holiday in a beautiful place, spending all your time viewing the different scenes of nature you should be visiting Russia. The forts, museums and the park will definitely make your holiday to Russia a memorable one.



By: Andrew Gibson

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Sunny Beach is the largest beach resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It annually attracts hundreds of thousands of holiday seekers from Germany, Ireland, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and a number of other countries. It was one of the most popular beach destinations in Eastern Europe during communism and has enjoyed spectacular growth since the start of economic and political transition. Sunny Beach is located about 30 miles from the Bourgas international airport with access to most major European cities. For independent travelers, getting from the airport to the resort is usually done by taxis or through one of the property management companies that routinely organize transfers. Many hotels and property owners give advice on transport or even provide transport to the airport.

Sunny Beach is located in a bay surrounded by Nessebar and St. Vlas. Nessebar is an ancient Greek town with beautiful cobblestone streets lined with preserved old houses. It has been designated a UNESCO historical destination and is visited by thousands of tourists on a daily basis. St. Vlas used to be a quiet village until a few years ago but has transformed into a resort with dozens of hotels and vacation homes. The entire bay spans about 20 km with 12 km of beaches. Regular and inexpensive public transportation take tourists to various attractions along the bay.

Sunny Beach has been one of Bulgaria’s main holiday destinations for decades but its current state offers only a distant reminder of the socialist era resort that used to feature outdated hotels and a few restaurants. Perhaps the most impressive development has been the construction of numerous apartment buildings along the beach. Whereas hotels used to dominate in terms of accommodation options, it is now the holiday apartments that are leading the way. The real estate boom during the last few years generated thousands of rental properties that have come on the holiday rental markets. These are in new buildings with modern facilities and brand new furnishing.

And they offer a great deal. First of all apartment rentals are often cheaper than comparable hotels in terms of facilities and location. Furthermore, tourists can save on meals utilizing the fully furnished kitchens. They can also rest more comfortably in a home-like environment and can accommodate more people in one rental. One of the main reasons for the affordability of the rental apartments is that property owners don’t have administrative overhead and heavy marketing campaigns. With little or no overhead they can offer good prices. Also, they are eager to generate some revenue to cover the various expenses related to owning a holiday home such as utility bills and property taxes. So what can one expect to pay? For example, based on recent prices obtained from international holiday rental websites, a one bedroom apartment that sleeps four can be rented for about 150 euro per week in the early season. Many apartments and the building are licensed as a three star hotel for comparison. Prices increase in the high season during July and August but are still significantly lower than alternative destinations in Europe. It is therefore well worth looking through a few apartments to decide whether to explore that option as opposed to going through a touroperator or booking a hotel. Chances are that travelers will find something that they like in terms of both quality and price.



By: Stefan Valev

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Albania has a long coastline on the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Much of it is very pretty with many sandy beaches, virtually untouched by main stream tourism. Identifying beach resorts in Albania and obtaining sufficient information about them to plan a vacation is still not easy. The Albania beach holiday travel tips that follow are intended to help identify and describe three of the country’s beach resorts.

Himara

The small port of Himara is situated at the foot of the Keravnia mountain in southern Albania, about eighty miles north of the Greek border and nearly opposite the Greek island of Corfu. As well as its close geographical proximity to Greece, the local inhabitants are mainly Greek speaking and the general atmosphere of the area provides an insight into how Corfu must have been in the days before mass tourism arrived.

Himara Travel Tip:

You will find several travel web sites listing accommodations in Himara. If you feel insecure about making your own arrangements in such an undeveloped country, holidays in this resort can also be booked through Sunvil, an ABTA tour operator.

Dhermi and Drymades Beaches

Several spectacularly beautiful beaches can be found in the Dhermi and Drymades area. There is even an over-sized, open air club called the Havana Bar on the main Dhemi beach. But otherwise the beach has made few concessions to tourism. The sea here is crystal clear and must surely be amongst the cleanest on the planet.

Between Dhermi and the next major beach at Drymades, there are numerous pebble beach coves located between picturesque, rocky outcrops. They are all totally deserted and most are ideal for swimming or snorkelling.

Drymades Beach is enormous, yet even at the height of summer, there are usually very few people to found on it. It has one relaxing little beach bar and behind it is a campsite and beach bungalows. There is also a holiday village complex offering good accommodation in the form of villas, cottages and hotel rooms. The complex has been developed tastefully and does not in anyway spoil this beautiful area.

Drymades Beach Travel Tip:

Consider staying at the Drymades Beach Complex if you are looking for a high standard of accommodation at very reasonable prices.

Golem Beach Mali Robit Resort

Mali Robit is a resort, situated on the Adriatic coast at Golem Beach. It is situated about 30 miles from Tirana, the capital of Albania and six miles from the port of Dures. The beach here is sandy and provides safe bathing. It is a resort with a spectacular backdrop of rugged mountain scenery but it has made more concessions to tourism than most, with its beach being one of those long, straight, sun-bed and parasol types you find all over the Mediterranean. The major provider of accommodation is the Mali Robit resort hotel. This offers modern facilities, forty five apartments and five villas. There are other modern hotels at Golem beach and plenty of other types of accommodation.

Golem beach travel tip:

Although there is plenty of unspoilt places to visit in the surrounding area, only consider this resort if you prioritise high standards of accommodation and tourist facilities over staying in the “Real Albania”

Go to Albania now before it is spoilt

Albania remains one of Europe’s poorest countries and it may take some time to develop its tourist potential to the extent where it becomes a mass tourist attraction. However, development of beach resorts in a country that is desperate for income can often occur haphazardly and without official sanction or well thought out planning. A picturesque village one year can be turned into a mess of half built concrete shells the next. Sadly, there are already plenty of examples of this having occurred. The best travel tip for enjoying the tranquillity and beauty of Albania’s coastal areas is to go now before it is too late.



By: Stewart Palmer

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The Greek island of Crete was the home of the Minoans, an ancient civilisation who preceded even the ancient Greeks. The Minoan civilisation is in fact the oldest of all European civilisations and was the first to use a written language. Considering that Minoan palaces on Crete were built 4000 years ago and devastated when the Greek Island of Santorini erupted 3600 years ago, it is surprising that so much of them still remains.

A travel tip for finding a holiday destination in Crete that combines the best in beach vacations with the exploration of three Minoan palaces, is to stay in the resort of Matala. Matala was just a sleepy fishing village, that very few Non-Cretans had visited until it was discovered by groups of hippies in the 60’s. Stories, claiming that Bob Dylan and Mick Jagger were amongst those who set up home in the caves that surround Matala are probably untrue. Much more likely candidates for Matala’s famous “hippie” visitors are Donovan Leitch, Cat Stevens, and possibly Joni Mitchell. If so they would have arrived having undertaken a long journey over mule track, mountain passes to get there, as this was then the only way to reach Matala. These days the road from Heraklion airport is an easy drive by car, taxi or bus.

Just a short walk, along the coast from Matala you will come across an area of excavation where remains of a Minoan port have been discovered. This is at the beginning of Komos Beach, a beautiful place to find secluded spots for sunbathing and swimming. A few kilometres inland from here is Agia Triada, the site of the Minoan’s summer palace.

Agia Triada is situated on a hillside, looking out towards the Bay of Mesaras. It is the least visited of the Minoan palaces, making its exploration even more enjoyable. Four thousand years ago, the sea would have been closer, so the palace must have been dramatically sited, probably perched on a cliff top, overlooking the sea. Some of the finest remains of Minoan art ever found were unearthed from this site. They are on display in the Heraklion archaeological museum (see below) and include a sarcophagus depicting a Minoan burial procession.

Just a few more kilometres inland is the palace of Faistos. This is a much more popular tourist attraction and you will need to purchase a ticket to enter. The original palace of Faistos was built nearly four thousand years ago in 1900 B.C. but this was replaced by a much grander palace around two hundred years later. The leaflet provided with the entrance ticket does not make easy reading and fails to do justice to this magnificent archaeological site. The leaflet does however succeed in drawing the visitors attention to what is probably the most striking example of just how advanced Minoan civilisation was. It points out the remains of a plumbing system that included flush toilets. The irony of distant ancestors of modern day Greeks having invented flush toilets is rarely lost on tourists staying on Greek Islands!

The major Minoan site in Crete is the palace of Knosos which is situated five kilometres from Heraklion, making it the furthest of the sites from Matala. The best travel tip for anyone staying in Matala is to make the visit to Knosos part of a full day excursion to Heraklion and allow time to include the Heraklion Archaeological museum where you will be able to see the many artefacts that were dug up from the three Minoan sites you have visited.

Knosos is where Minoan civilisation grew and flourished. It was the largest and most important of the palaces in Crete. As such, you can expect Knosos to be crowded with tourists throughout the holiday season. An estimated average of four thousand per day arrive by the coach-load from every holiday resort, all over Crete. Because of this large number of visitors, raised walkways have been erected around the palace to protect it. Much of what you see is a reconstruction but it is done in a way that raises your awareness of just how magnificent the palace must have been when the Minoan kings reigned. The supposedly, mythological King Minos may have been one such king, although it is more likely that “Minos” was the generic Minoan word for king. Either way, thinking about the myth of the Theseus defeating the Minotaur at the centre of a labyrinth, hidden deep below the palace, just adds to the enjoyment of the tour.

Getting back to Matala, after the crowds of Knosos is a relaxing experience. You will probably want to chill out at a bar overlooking the sea and with the help of a beer, chased down by a complimentary glass of Raki - “Cretan Firewater” - you may even be able to visualise a treasure laden Minoan ship on its way back form Egypt sailing into the bay below.



By: Stewart Palmer

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