Knossos, the supreme Minoan Palace, just 5 klms south of Heraklion, is a sight not to be missed. There is evidence that it was inhabited during the neolithic times (6000 B.C.). On the ruins of the neolithic settlement the first Minoan palace was built and the dynasty of King Minos ruled and it became the prosperous capital of Minoan Crete. . It was multi-storeyed and had an intricate plan, which is why the Palace is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. It was discovered in 1878 and excavated by Sir Arthur Evans to reveal the most civilized center in Europe.

Leaving Knossos the first stop on the scenic route towards central Crete is the Monastery of “Kera Kardiotissa”. It’s dedicated to Virgin Mary, is run by nuns and is locally known as Little Lourdes, with people making pilgrimages to pray for relief from their sins.

Driving south and up to the mountain, we venture inland, where we reach the fertile Plateau of Lassithi, which may have been the crater of an ancient volcano. This unique place is a patchwork of green and yellow fields hemmed into the Diktean Mountains, each patchwork area irrigated by its own windmill. The Plateau is a wonderfully cool and fertile area where you will find orange groves, vineyards, small towns αnd a very warm welcome. Lunch stop will be at Tzermiado and then you may visit the Dicti Cave, an impressive site with its stalactites and stalagmites, where Zeus, the father of the Greek Gods, is said to have been born.

Crossing the villages of the Plateau we pay a short visit at a traditional potter’s factory, this ancient ceramic art, which completes today more than 8000 years. Leaving the Plateau the views down to Pediada Plain are truly magnificent and a short photo-stop will complete the day.

Not included

a) Entrance fee to Knossos: 6,00€
b) Entrance fee to Cave of Zeus: 4,00€
c) Entrance fee to Kera: 2,00€