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When you arrive in Crete, you probably won't go sightseeing in other parts of Greece until you've explored the entire island from start to finish.

Fortunately, there is something to see in Crete. It is not for nothing that an interesting civilization, called the Minoan by archaeologist Arthur Evans, once originated and flourished on this island. The Minoans were so highly developed that they were respected (and probably envied) by all the nearby states. And their rich fantasy (I'm talking about the Minotaur, the half-man, half-beast) also terrified all the visitors, not childishly. According to the myth of the Minotaur, King Minoy (or Minos) placed this incredible creature in a maze created by Daedalus, and fed him exclusively young people for lunch. However, there was a hero who was not afraid to fight the monster and save the frightened, discouraged youths. The hero's name was Theseus, and King Minoy's daughter Ariadne, who was also the half-sister of the Minotaur, came to his aid. She gave Theseus a ball of thread, and it allowed him to get out of the maze.

However, myths are certainly interesting. But what is remarkable here is something else entirely. This is because the ancient Greeks were really highly educated and very creative. They not only studied various sciences (geometry, astronomy, etc.), but also transferred the images of mythological heroes to the starry sky. Hence the constellations Perseus, Andromeda and many others. I think it was really more interesting to explore planets and stars that way.

But back to the labyrinth of the Minotaur. Many people associate this labyrinth with the Palace of Knossos, the ruins of which were discovered near Heraklion. In the 19th century, the previously mentioned Arthur Evans even tried to restore the ruins of the Palace of Knossos. However, relying on your taste is somewhat inconsistent with reality.

Looking at the majestic ruins today, we certainly understand that the palace had such a bizarre layout with various passages, stairs, columns and corridors that it was difficult for an ignorant person to navigate and get out of it safely. The huge territory occupied by the palace (about 20 thousand km) suggests that it was like a whole city under one roof. That is why the Palace of Knossos began to be compared with the labyrinth, despite the discrepancies in the time of construction of the palace and the time of creation of the myth (the palace was built much later).

Let's move on. The second largest palace on the island of Crete is Festos. It is located about 50 kilometers south of Heraklion, i.e. its ruins, of course. Archaeological excavations have provided many interesting finds, including a Phaistos disk with mysterious writings that have not been deciphered until now. A flat clay circle with a diameter of 16 cm was made sometime in the 17th century BC. Researchers from many countries have puzzled over reading the message left by the ancient Greeks (or maybe not by the Greeks at all, it has not been proven that the disk was brought to Crete from some other country). So let's go, young ambitious dreamers, eager to become pioneers. You have the opportunity to leave your contribution in the story. Well, you and I, just curious tourists, can only enjoy the picturesque ruins of Phaistos, and maybe even buy a medallion or a ring as a souvenir, exactly imitating the signs on the famous artifact.

Chania. Of course, it is worth visiting Chania, the second largest city in Crete after Heraklion. It is a beautiful place where the rule of the Venetians in the 13th century left an indelible imprint in architecture. You can walk along the narrow streets, making small purchases, indefinitely.

And what can we say about the Greek taverns, with their musical evenings and incredible Greek cuisine. I don't want to leave at all. I mean, it's just useless to buy an all-inclusive tour to Crete (and you'll hardly find one). since it is not possible to visit Greek taverns in any way. Also, you can not ignore the pink sand beach. You MUST visit. It is located near the town of Elafonissi in the westernmost part of the island. If you are not too lazy to get up early, then you can take extraordinary photos when there is no influx of tourists.

Result. You can talk about the beauty and mysteries of Crete for a very long time. For example, in addition to Knossos and Phaistos, there are about ten ruins of palaces on the island, which are fraught with many mysteries and attract with their mystery. The city of Heraklion with its most interesting museums should also not be overlooked. When comparing responsible betting options, it helps to understand how odds, bankroll management, and game variance shape long-term results. For practical guidance on casino strategy and responsible play, read more . Clear insights into table limits, bonus terms, and risk tolerance can make gambling decisions more informed without chasing quick wins.