The Travelling Celts

A Week in Crete

by Michael Cameron

Crete, Greece's largest island, is known for its varied terrain, which ranges from fine-sand beaches at Elafonisi to the White Mountains. Mt. Ida, the tallest of the range, is home to the Ideon Cave, which was the birthplace of Zeus, according to Greek mythology. The capital, Heraklion, is home to the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum, housing Minoan artifacts, and Knossos, a Bronze Age settlement.

We spent a few hours in Heraklion, but most of our time was used up exploring the whole island. From the east coast to the west, from the north to the south. Knossos was interesting and dissapointing, knowing that whilst the location was Knossos, the buildings and artwork were 20th century replicas.

Driving was interesting, the speed limits appeared to be for guidance only as car after car after car sped past us. My favourite afternoon was spent at a vinyard - we saw it, drove in and found ourselves chatting to the owner and his wife. He didn't export outside of Greece, provided us (at no cost) with samples, cheese and biscuits. It was probably good business we likely bought a few more bottles than we normally would.

Our hotel was fine, a family run affair. We had our meals there a couple of times. A beautiful, and quite filling mousaki was followed up by the most alcohol rich tiramasu I've ever had (didn't matter that we said no, the mother insisted we have it (and i'm really glad she did). I can't remember too much about our Greek Night out, other than I enjoyed it and of course the very lovely belly dancer.

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