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CRETE - HERAKLION

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I heard a few people saying that Heraklion is an ugly town. But for me it wasn´t ugly at all. The only thing I didn´t like was the amount of cars and motorbikes everywhere as they were too noisy. Fortunately our hotel located close to the centre had good double glazing and in our room we didn´t hear anything from outside.   Heraklion is the largest city of Crete and the island´s capital. Its history begins in post-Minoan times. It is a modern, lively town and important economic centre with many cute tavernas serving amazing food. And on top of all that, I could finally visit Nikos Kazantzakis grave memorial.   He is considered one of the most important greek writers of all times and is best remembered for his book Life and Time of Alexis Zorbas ( Zorba the Greek ). Before I left Crete, I bought one of his books - Report to Greco , which I carry with me when I travel and read on the plane. The grave memorial is located at the hill with a nice view of the town.  Anot
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CRETE - RETHYMNO

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Crete, the huge, beautiful island and only full four days. With five weeks of holidays per year you can´t  make miracles, but here we are and going to use and enjoy every minute of this picturesque place.  After visiting Knossos and Agios Nikolaos there were two options for our next excursion  - Rethymno or Chania. But because of long drive from Heraklion and not having enough  time, the decision was clear, lets see Rethymno. (Chania is still on my list :-) ) We parked our car cca 1 km away and had a nice walk towards the town. It was November, about 19 degrees that day and you could still see people swimming.  I am a palm tree lover and this place was full of them. In order to spend some time and having this lovely view, we decided to take a short break, sit down and drink a cold coffee. When you see these photos so far, you would not believe it was taken before Christmas. In the Czech Republic I was already wearing winter coat but here, 
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CRETE - AGIOS NIKOLAOS

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How I mentioned in my previous post, we left the beautiful outside cafe in Knossos in order to spend some time and relax by the sea. After arriving in Agios Nikolaos we were looking for a parking space quite for a while (the locals don´t like to walk here I guess as the amount of cars and motorcycles was incredible) but we managed to find some.  Immediately I got out of the car, I was amazed. The town was just soooo cute and I felt over the moon. Look at the turquosie water and so beautiful bars and tavernas. What we usually do, we explore the area first and when we feel like it, we try local coffee ( in Greece mostly my favourite Freddo cappucino ). It is end of November and yes, we are drinking ice coffee. The temperature is about 17 degrees and the Sun is so warm. Many people asked me why I am going to Greece in November.... because... it is worth it...trust me :-)                                          Agios Nikolaos is one of the most picturesque towns in E
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CRETE - KNOSSOS

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Crete´s greatest attraction is indisputably Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete located just 5 km outside Heraklion.  The most interesting ruins are the reconstructed palace and the regions round it, including the Propulaea, the long passageways, the strorehouses, porches and courtyards.  The entry fee was 8 euro and you can walk around as long as you want. I love to feel the atmospere and imagine who lived here many years ago. It is believed that the first palace complex of Knossos was probably built in the 19th century BC and was destroyed in the 17 th BC in a remarkable, functional way. The Palace of Minos included the magnificant pillared sets of stairs, the maize of rooms, and the throne-room of the oldest great kingdoms of Europe.  To be here in November was actually great, it was warm but not too hot, the temperature in Summer can be about 40 degrees at this place. I would stay and explore the palace  much longer but we a
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CRETE IN NOVEMBER

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After amazing time in Naxos this Summer I wanted to spend at least a few more days by the sea and enjoy the fresh air and Sun after so many days in the office. But I couldn´t ask for vacations for lack of staff and instead of that, I had to work 12 hours shifts from 7 am to 7pm and vice versa. Anyway, I survived and when the opportunity appeared, to fly for a few days to Crete, I didn´t hesitate a minute. As the weather changed a lot and temperatures dropped down in Brno, it looked like a really good idea. And I must say, it definitely was.  The lovely sunny island where Nikos Kazantzakis was born, full of history, beautiful sites and beaches, wonderfull food and friendly people was a perfect destination. Despite of no direct flights and changing plane in Athens, the flights with Aegean airlaines were very enjoyable.  Having some food and wine made the journey  fast and pleasant. After short time we landed in Heraklion and went to pick up the car which we booked in
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