| Crete is an island of amazing diversity and | | | | Matala |
| exquisite natural beauty; East Crete is famous for | | | | After spending some time at the site of Phaistos, |
| its unique setting and long history and with a hire | | | | you are most likely to be craving for a refreshing |
| car you will be able to explore it with comfort and | | | | swim. Matala Beach is very close by; Matala is a |
| convenience. | | | | long and beautiful sandy beach with caves, where |
| Setting Heraklion as a starting point of our trip we | | | | hippies used to live during the 60s, celebrating |
| will be driving towards popular and important | | | | freedom and diversity. |
| destinations in the Eastern part of Crete, where | | | | Anogia - Zoniana Cave |
| there is an abundance of towns, villages, historical | | | | If you are interested in visiting some of the most |
| sites, places of ecological interest and pretty | | | | traditional villages in Crete, you should definitely |
| much everything you might think of. | | | | head towards Anogia, a village whose residents |
| Knossos - Arhanes | | | | are known for their pride and boldness, as well as |
| One of the most famous places of archaeological | | | | their characteristic Cretan outfits; they are |
| interest lies almost 5km away from Heraklion: | | | | dressed in black. |
| Knossos, the largest and most famous Minoan | | | | The drive towards Anogia will take you through |
| Palace in Crete, center of the Minoan Civilization, | | | | scenic yet wild scenery, as you will be passing by |
| built in 1900 BC, is an absolute must see. The | | | | smaller settlements untouched by tourism. Shops |
| Palace was brought to light by Arthur Evans who | | | | and houses of Anogia will give you an insight on |
| reconstructed parts of it, offering us an insight to | | | | the traditional way of living that was practiced |
| its original layout. | | | | once upon the time on the island of Crete. Woven |
| Ten kilometers south from Knossos is the | | | | fabrics and tavernas catering traditional flavors |
| famous village of Arhanes, an awarded traditional | | | | and dishes of Anogia are among the major |
| village that preserves its originality and style; take | | | | attractions here. |
| some time to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the narrow | | | | If you take the road up the mountain you will |
| streets and admire the beautifully restored | | | | reach the village of Zoniana and one of the most |
| traditional houses. | | | | known caves in the area: the Sfendoni Cave, |
| Gortys - Phaistos | | | | featuring stalagmites and stalactites. |
| Gortys, lying almost 45 minutes away from | | | | Koutouloufari |
| Heraklion, is a much known site in Crete, due to | | | | Setting off from Heraklion and driving for almost |
| its historical value and past. The once upon a time | | | | 30 kilometers, you will find the village of |
| Roman capital of Crete features a large | | | | Koutouloufari, a traditional hillside village offering |
| archaeological site, where the oldest legal code in | | | | magnificent views to the coast and country side. |
| Europe was discovered several decades ago. | | | | Koutouloufari is known for its traditional |
| The plane tree that dominates the site offered its | | | | architecture, featuring houses with arches, as well |
| shadow to Zeus and Europe, who coupled and | | | | as the beaches of Hersonissos that lie down the |
| gave birth to Minos, Sarpedon and Radamanthys, | | | | hill. |
| the three important kings of Crete. Gortys also | | | | Driving the Cretan countryside is an amazing |
| features an old Episcopal Church, St Titus. | | | | experience you cannot afford to miss; make sure |
| In close proximity to Gortys, almost 10km away, | | | | that you have a reliable hire car that can take |
| stands the imposing Palace of Phaistos, the | | | | you to the remote villages and places of Eastern |
| second most important and known palace of the | | | | Crete. Check a well appointed fleet at Heraklion |
| Minoan Era. This is the place where the famous | | | | Car Hire and hire a car that will make your |
| disk of Phaistos featuring Linear A was found. | | | | transportation easy and comfortable. |