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The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.
Less than 50 km from Chania between Topolia and Koutsamatados is an interesting cave known as Agia Sofia and Wisdom of God. It is located on the main road connecting Elafonissi beach and Kissamos village. This road leads along the spectacular Gorge Topolia. This is one of those roads on Crete that are not forgotten. On one side of the road there is a high and steep rock, on the other hand a chasm leading to the bottom of a 300 meter gorge. In addition, a narrow tunnel was designated on this route, to which entry is only possible in a shuttle.
Coming from the Elafonissi beach, the Agia Sofia cave is just before this tunnel. It is located at a height of about 400 meters, so when we look at it from the bottom, we see only a not too big entrance opening. There is also a small belfry and a metallic star that reflects on sunny days.
Leave the car on the road at the Panorama Café tavern, where the path leading to the entrance to the cave begins. Climbing up a steep rocky slope is marked by stone stairs climbing up sharply. We visited this place in the spring afternoon, when the cave is in the shade. It definitely made our climb easier. Despite the fact that the cave did not give us a large impression at the bottom, we changed our mind during the approach. It is inhabited by dozens of pigeons, whose multiplication coincident by the echo, intensifies the growing anxiety during approach.
When we reached the top it turned out that the cave Agia Sofia is quite large and high. Its area is about 70 m in diameter, and the height reaches even 20 meters. Our surprise caused that in the cave on the left there is a small chapel of the same name. Although its decoration is modest and very typical of Orthodox sacral objects, its location has made us feel that extraordinary presence. After years of learning about Crete, we are not surprised by the fact that chapels and churches are located under rocks, in various hollows. However, in Agia Sofia there is something unusual, one could say that it is a cave of God.
The name of the cave and the chapel of Agia Sofia comes from the icon that is located here. Probably it comes from a temple formerly located in Constantinople. According to the legend, the Cretan seamen defended the city's shores against attacks by the Turks. When Sultan Mehmed II announced a truce, he allowed them to sail home. They could not take a gun with them, but in exchange they got permission to take something in return. A part of the Cretans from Kissamos, she took the icon with her and hid it in this cave. Later, a chapel was built here.
After seeing a sacral part of the church, we started exploring the cave itself. There are a lot of stalactites and stalagmites in its area, the size of which reaches even about 6 meters. This is where the pigeons are in operation, which are constantly making noise and flying. There is a lot of humidity in the cave, so the rocks cover moss in many places.
According to the sources, Agia Sofia was once a place of worship, and many artifacts from the Neolithic times were found in its area. They were mainly clay figurines and ceramic vessels.
On one of the larger stones is a strange shape reminiscent of a horse shoe. According to some sources, it is the imprint of the horse's hoof. George. This cave has not been fully researched, so there are suspicions that it extends into neighboring small caves and rooms. Some time ago, two skeletons without heads dating back several centuries were found in the cave. It is believed that these were the remains of the Psaromilingos brothers who were hiding in the cave during the Venetian occupation. They were to die in a fight during the rebellion led by Leon Kallergis, who did not agree to an amicable policy towards the occupant. The heads of the brothers delivered to the Venetians were to save the lives of other insurgents.
Today, two holidays are celebrated each year at Agia Sofia: on Tuesday after Easter and on December 24. Entrance to the cave is possible every daybetween 8-20. Admission is free so far.
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Interesting places on Crete
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W 2002 roku Falasarna zdobyła tytuł najlepszej plaży w Grecji. Wyróżnienie to nie jest bynajmniej przypadkowe, gdyż miejsce to jak na standardy Krety jest naprawdę unikalne.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Aptera is a city whose history dates back to at least a thousand years before our era. In the peak period, about 20,000 lived in it. people, of which only 1/5 were free people.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
Located 47 km from the city of Chania, it is the only freshwater lake in Crete. Its area is about 580 thousand. sqm. and the maximum depth is about 45 meters
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
The steel crossing, which in the central part is separated from the ground by nearly 150 m, is at the leading position of the places where the longest bungee jumps are made.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
The cave is less than 1 km from Moni Gouvernetou Monastery. You will reach it using the pedestrian trail that has been marked out along the slope of the Avlaki Gorge.
Balos is one of Crete's flagship beaches if not all of Greece. We can assure you that the landscapes you see during your trip to Balos will remain with you for a very long time.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
On the north-western coast of Crete, at the foot of the Gramovous peninsula, there are ruins of the ancient port of Korikos, later known as Falassarna.
Polyrinia was one of the most important city-states of western Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was built amphitheater on a steep hill, rising to a height of 481 meters above sea level
The island of Gramvousa, or in fact Imeri Gramvousa (Ήμερη Γραμβούσα), is an inseparable point of a trip that combines a stay in the Balos Lagoon with visiting the remains of a fortress located on the top of the island of Imeri Gramovousa.
There is a beach in Crete that literally makes some people shiver. This place is Seitan Limania which can be translated as Satan's Ports or Cursed Ports.
Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge, is perhaps one of the most spectacular natural attractions available in the central part of Crete.
Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.
This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.
Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.
Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.
The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.
In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.
When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.
Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl
Only a few kilometers separate the bustling city of Rethymno from Mili, a village abandoned by its inhabitants. This place is also known as the village hidden in the gorge.
Information about one of the more known tourist cities of Crete, or about Malia. Description of attractions located in the city of Malia and a description of the specificity of this town.
The Lasithi Plateau is located about 70 kilometers from the capital of Crete - Heraklion. The average height at which the terrain of this plateau is located is 840 m above sea level.
One of the tourist attractions eagerly visited by people spending their holidays in Crete is the Dikte (Psychro) cave. The main factors that attract people to this cave are a rich and varied dripstone robe and a close connection with mythology.
Among the olive groves in the place called Logari, which is less than a kilometer from the village of Kritsa, there is a small Byzantine church of Panagia Kera from the 13th-14th centuries.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Most people crossing the route between Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra will definitely notice the large crack which is marked by the mountain located east of this road. This majestic geological creation called Ha was probably created as a result of an earthquake.
Xerokambos is a small settlement in which you will find literally several taverns, and most of the buildings are single-storey and one-story houses. The big advantage of this beach is a gentle sandy descent to the sea.
Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a small town with less than 20,000 inhabitants. permanent residents (according to statistical data from 2001). This city is the capital of the Lasithi nomos.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
The first palace was built around 1900 BC. in the place where there was a quite impressive settlement whose remains were later transformed into the central part of the city.
The ruins of the ancient city of Itanos are located at the eastern tip of Crete, less than 3 kilometers north of the famous palm beach of Vai. Although there are also nice beaches at Itanos, unlike its well-known neighbor, this place does not attract crowds. There are either accidental stray tourists or excavation enthusiasts here.
Less than 10,000 population of Sitia makes the city the smallest in Crete. Some even go a step further and say perversely that it is rather the largest village of Crete.
Napoleon's house is one of the few typically tourist attractions in Ierapetra. About what could have happened here in the summer of 1798 and possibly how much in this legend is the truth we write in the article on the page below.
Moni Kapsa Monastery is one of the most interesting monasteries in Crete. Its massive buildings were erected on rocky, gray slopes surrounding the nearby Pervolakia Gorge.
The cave is less than 1 km from Moni Gouvernetou Monastery. You will reach it using the pedestrian trail that has been marked out along the slope of the Avlaki Gorge. In the middle part of this cave there is a large stalagmite next to which there is a small water tank. Standing at the right angle and arming with a large dose of imagination can be seen in this stone block of bear that gave the name for this place.
One of the tourist attractions eagerly visited by people spending their holidays in Crete is the Dikte (Psychro) cave. The main factors that attract people to this cave are a rich and varied dripstone robe and a close connection with mythology. This cave, according to the beliefs of ancient Greeks, was considered the birthplace of Zeus. It is mythology that distinguishes this cave among 3,000 other caves located in Crete. It is also worth emphasizing that the history of human existence in this place is over 6,000 years.
This ancient quarry, consisting of two parts by modern times, is called Λαβυρινθάκι and Λαβύρινθος. According to some scientists, it was here in Knossos that there was a mythical labyrinth of King Minos.
gość PiotrWie Wczoraj zaczęło przybywać ludzi na wyspie, dziś ( czwartek) przybyło wyraźnie więcej - przyjechali Grecy na święta. Zobaczymy na jak długo.
gość PiotrWie My lecieliśmy ( co prawda 10 kwietnia, więc 9 dni przed Wielkanocą ) z Aten na Paros i w samolocie było zdecydowanie poniżej połowy miejsc zajęte. Na dzień dzisiejszy jest bardzo mało ludzi - co nas bardzo cieszy. Ponieważ planujemy pozostać na Cykladach do 4 czerwca zobaczymy kiedy ilość turystów zacznie narastać.
gość zecia Moussaka to greckie danie, które zawsze mnie urzeka swoim smakiem. Robię ją z bakłażanem, mieloną wołowiną, ziemniakami i kremowym beszamelem. Bakłażana smażę na oliwie, mięso doprawiam cynamonem i pomidorami – aromat roznosi się po kuchni. Układam warstwy i zapiekam, aż wierzch jest złocisty – wygląda jak z obrazka. Dla nas wrzucam odrobinę ostrej papryki – polski sznyt dla wyrazistości. (...)
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...byłam tam. Pięknie :)
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Potwierdzam :-)
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Przepięknie. Będę zawsze tam wracać
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Byłam
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Byłam,widzialam-niesamowite
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Ja tez
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I tez widzialam, nawet dwa razy. Jak będę na Krecie to zawsze tam wstapię.
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A ja będę
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Byłam we wrześniu
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Παρολίγον να μη γνωρίσω το μέρος, έχω φωτογραφίες εκει.
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Zrobila na mnie wrazenie...
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