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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.
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.
According to some sources, the founders of Itanos came from Phenicia. The first mention of the existence of the city already appear in Homer. In later centuries, the Greek historian Herodot wrote about him:
[...] then it did not rain on the Tara for seven years; all the trees on the island have died, except for one. So when the Teutons asked the oracle what to do, they advised Pitia to found a colony in Libya. Since they had no other remedy against evil, they sent envoys to Crete to investigate whether any of the Cretans or settlers had already reached Libya. Messengers, wandering around the island, came to the city of Itanos; there they met with a purple dye sculptor named Korobios who told them that, windswept, he got to Libya, namely the island of P late a. They rented this man and took him to Terra. [...]
Excavations at Itanos
The first excavation work in Itanos began in 1900 Federico Halbherr. He is a well-known Italian archaeologist who worked at the famous archaeological sites in Phaistos, Gortina and Agia Triada. It was thanks to him that he discovered the boards of Gotez with the code of rights he had. Further research was conducted here by Conrad Bursian, French Archaeological School, currently archaeological works are organized under the tutelage of the Institute for Mediterranean Studies.
Although the current excavations in Itanos are not very impressive and extensive, it is necessary to know that in the past this place, due to its strategic location, was an important center of trade with Egypt and the Middle East. At that time, it was also one of the most influential cities in eastern Crete. For a long time, it controlled a few nearby islands. Porphyry, sponges, glass and fish were exported on trade routes. Profits from sales and revenues related to the control of the Zeus sanctuary in Palekastro have made the city extremely rich, as evidenced by the marble from which the temples were built and luxury homes in ancient Itanos.
Fight for domination in the region
The dynamic development and increasing influence of this city caused that it later fell into conflict with nearby Praisos. The point of this dispute was the Itanos control over the aforementioned Temple of Zeus. In view of the growing conflict in 146 BC, the inhabitants of Itanos turned to Ptolemy VI called Filmmoror, the ruler of Egypt, to help them in conflict with Praisos. The Pharaoh, in response to his request, sent on Kreta armed forces and guards who effectively contributed to the end of this war.
Another conflict, in which Itanos was involved, was also fought between this village and Ierapytna. Here the bone of discord became the island of Lefki (formerly Koufonissi), which was an important center for the production of red dye, known for its tyranian purple. This island eventually became the property of Itanos. This is indicated by the stone plaque, which is built into the wall above the entrance to the nearby Moni Toplou monastery.
The end of the dispute with Praisos and Ierapytna did not mean the end of the troubles of the inhabitants of Itanos. Local conflicts broke through this area of Crete until the Roman invasion, which took place in 67 AD. The new rulers of the island allowed Itanos to regain dominance in this region of Crete. The Romans also agreed that the city would beat its coins and that its representatives would find themselves in the Cretan parliament. The autonomy and wealth of the city lasted until the Byzantine times.
The final fall
Despite the fact that in 795 the city was destroyed as a result of a strong earthquake, it was rebuilt by the inhabitants. In the fifteenth century, after a series of pirate attacks, Itanos was finally destroyed and abandoned by the then inhabitants.
Formerly, the city was located on the plain between twohills. Today, among the ruins spread on the eastern hill are the remains of an ancient acropolis, a three-nave basilica from the 5th-6th centuries and a graveyard with a grave from the Hellenistic period located north of Itanos. The remains of the walls of old buildings are full here. The impression is made of cracked overturned columns and fragments of broken pottery, which in many places densely cover the ground. A large part of excavated artifacts such as coins, pots, gold earrings and inscriptions is stored in the archaeological museum in Sitia and Heraklion. It is worth mentioning that despite the excavation work carried out here for years, most of the old city is still underground and waiting to be discovered.
Place of three beaches
There are three beaches at Itanos called Erimoupolis, which is also the name of this region. One is right at the end of the road, the other two can be reached on foot. The best one is hidden behind the hill to the north of the parking lot located on the main road. These beaches are not crowded, so exploring the excavation can be combined with rest and swimming.
As a result of earthquakes that have haunted Crete for centuries, the western part of the island is slowly floating (6-9 meters in the last 2000 years), while the eastern part is slowly decreasing. As a result of these changes, part of the ancient Itanos is now under water and is now a habitat for marine animals and plants, which makes it a paradise for diving enthusiasts.
How to get
To get to Itanos, first of all, head towards Vai , but at the last turn heading for this beach you should not turn in the right direction, just go straight on. One and a half kilometers further, at the end of the road, there are excavations. In 2015, the admission was free.
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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.
My mieliśmy pecha - jak dojechaliśmy do Itanos zaczął padać deszcz - w czerwcu!! - i to nie taki deszczyk jak sie zdarza ne Krecie, a konkretny - jak w Polsce. Jak dojechaliśmy potem do Palokastro to była taka ulwea że przez 15 min nie dało się wysiąść z samochodu. Ale na pewno tam wrócimy.
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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. Very little is known about this palace, although some fragments of the floors and its walls have been preserved and encountered during works carried out in the younger buildings. This palace survived until 1700 BC when it was destroyed, and in its place the Second Palace was built, in many respects similar to the first one. It is its ruins that you can admire today, its end was laid in 1450 BC, when all the Minoan centers in Crete were destroyed.
At present, the beginnings of settlement in this place date back to 1200 BC. Later, after 630 BC Azoria developed into a small town, whose population is estimated at between 2 and 5 thousand people.
About 60 kilometers southwest of the capital of Crete - Heraklion are the ruins of the second largest ancient palace - Phaistos. Visiting the various Minoan palaces of Crete, it is impossible not to compare them with each other, and in the case of Phaistos comparing it with the most famous Minoan Knossos imposes itself. In my opinion, it falls out of favor for the palace in Phaistos.
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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I was there. Beatifull place.
My mieliśmy pecha - jak dojechaliśmy do Itanos zaczął padać deszcz - w czerwcu!! - i to nie taki deszczyk jak sie zdarza ne Krecie, a konkretny - jak w Polsce. Jak dojechaliśmy potem do Palokastro to była taka ulwea że przez 15 min nie dało się wysiąść z samochodu. Ale na pewno tam wrócimy.
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