Page 251 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

5
1 Sculptures in the Iráklio
Archaeological Museum.
2 The cloister of Arkádi monastery.
3 Canoeing on Lake Kourná.
4 The path to the top of Samariá Gorge.
4 5 Boats in Loutró’s beautiful bay.
Day 6
(p252). The many years of Venetian
occupation are clear in this port town’s Pack a small overnight bag and take a
grand Italianate buildings. After a wander morning bus from Haniá up to Ómalos
around, dine at busy Tamam (p253), per­ and the top of the Samariá Gorge (p266).
haps tasting a few local beers. If you want This national park is one of Europe’s
to extend your evening, have a nightcap longest gorges, and the 7­hour hike
at Ta Chalkina (www.chalkina.com) while through the valley drops steeply through
listening to live Cretan music. the mountains on the way to the coast.
You will arrive at Agía Rouméli in time
Day 5 for a late­afternoon swim and a well­
deserved dinner. Crete is blessed with
Spend part of your morning browsing the clear skies, so spend some time admiring
collection at the small but exquisite the stars before spending the night in
Byzantine Museum in the Venetian San this sleepy port.
Salvatore church, before pilgrimaging to
the nearby Etz Hayyim Synagogue (p253). Day 7
This restored building is the sole legacy
of Hánia’s Jewish community, many of Take the morning ferry further along the
whom were victims of the Holocaust in wild Sfaria coast, hopping off at the tiny
World War II. Pop into the market hall to village of Loutró for a swim and an
shop for souvenirs – and pick up a few explore. Hike further along the coast to
snacks for a picnic on the beach at Ágii Hóra Sfakíon (p269) for lunch and another
Apostóli (p253). Spend the afternoon swim, before boarding a bus back to
swimming at the two sandy coves found Haniá and retrieving your car. Your flight
here. Back in Haniá, have dinner in the out may be from Haniá, in which case
colourful Splántzia Quarter at Well of the airport is close by – though clarify
the Turk (p253). Afterwards, catch jazz – one­way­car­rental charges beforehand.
recorded or live – at Fagotto Bar (Angélou Otherwise, it’s a challenging drive back
16, 28210 71877). to Iráklio.
251

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