Page 250 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

EXPERIENCE Crete 2

1
7 DAYS

in Western Crete 3

Day 1 paradise. Continue to the Minoan palace
Big and bustling Iráklio (p256), Crete’s of Phaistos (p265), which, unlike recon-
main port and capital, can feel a bit structed Knosós, was left as a ruin. After-
manic. Spend an hour wandering the wards, cool down in the water at craggy
pedestrianized Platía Venizélou, before Damnóni beach, before finally arriving in
escaping into the past at the Iráklio Réthymno (p254). Tonight, enjoy dinner at
Archaeological Museum (p258), which has the special Ta Dyo Rou (Pánou Koronéou 28).
the best collection of Minoan treasures
in the world. After spending a few hours Day 3
exploring the 27 galleries, head to Efta
Baltades (p257), a friendly taverna in the Drive southeast out of Réthymno to
middle of town, for lunch in its sunny historic Moní Arkadíou (p279), with its
courtyard. Many of the artifacts in the glorious Baroque façade and a shrine to
Archaeological Museum were dis covered the failed 1866 revolt against the Ottoman
in the Palace of Knosos (p260), which occupiers. After a few hours at the monas-
rewards an afternoon’s exploration. In tery, head to nearby Margarítes for lunch
the evening, come back to the present and to pop into some of the village’s
with a movie at summer-only open-air renowned potteries. Return to Réthymno
cinema, Bethlehem, in Iraklio’s old walls. in time for dinner. To Pigadi (Xanthoudídou
31) is a fantastic option.
Day 2
Crete is imbued with the ruins of numerous Day 4
civilizations and the remains at Gortys Bid farewell to Réthymno with breakfast
(p273) are particularly impressive. After at one of the charming eateries on
so much food for thought, replenish at Dimitrakaki, and then make your way to
Alekos (Odos Stefanidi; 28920 91094) in Lake Kourná – Crete’s only natural lake –
nearby Vóri, which serves traditional for a morning swim. Have lunch at a
dishes in a courtyard-meets-garden lakeshore taverna, then carry on to Hánia
250

250-251_EW_Greek_Islands.indd 250 18/12/2018 15:45

EW Itineraries template v1.3 – 20th July 2018
Fonts: Aptifer Sans LT Pro, Posterama Text, Soho
Gothic Pro, Soho Pro, ITC Caslon 224