A Bicycle Trip to Minotaur's Palace

Malta, Rhodes Island, Sicily, Crete... They are united not only by the Mediterranean sea, but also by tourists, who are ready to say goodbye to the big land and get acquainted with the smaller one. Island vacations will make you perceive space and time in a different way. Even if there are only several kilometers from the island to the mainland, you can't surmount this way on feet or by bicycle. That is why travelers prefer to spend their time observing the island. Such isolation is the reason why travelers concentrate on one thing only. For instance, on diving or windsurfing. Or the Antique ruins.

A talk about Crete may be compared to the erudition exam. Historians associate this island with the ancient Mycenaean civilization which appeared about three thousand years BC, or with the bronze age (at the same time, any professional will specify that when we talk about Crete we should call it a Minoan civilization, as king Minos once ruled here). Bibliophiles who read lots of Greek myths are likely to remember that Zeus was born here, and bull-headed Minotaur lived in the labyrinth. Archeologists will honour Sir Arthur Evans, without whom we would never know about the Minoan civilization.

However, it would be wrong to say that the most interesting period of Crete's life was left far behind. It's present is really fascination as well. One of the best ways to get familiarized with this present is to get here, hire a car or a bike, get a good and detailed map and a guide book, and start you trip.

You might ask: "What has a bicycle to do with Crete observations?" This is all very simple. The advantages of a bicycle when getting acquainted with the island (as well as its disadvantages, especially if we compare it with a car), are obvious. Bicycle rental centers are not as widespread as car hire. Still, there are some. But there is even a better variant! Some Crete travel companies offer bicycle tours of different levels. The first and the easiest level is, for example, a 38-kilometre descent down the Psiloritis mountain or a programme that starts with a visit to the Monastery of Arkadi and a further trip around the picturesque suburbs of Rethymnon and Adele, during which you will visit the Agreko farm.

The second level is more difficult. It may start in Arsani, then you will climb the Gargani hill (700 meters along the graveled paths with a bicycle in your armpit), and further make a difficult descent to the Amari Valley. After you cross the river (don't forget that you're still carrying a bicycle with you), you again will have to climb 450 meters high, and will then overcome hummocks, pits and bumps when descending to Rethymno. Despite differences in expenses, these two programmes cost almost the same amount. In addition to bike, you will be provided with a helmet, a lock, a pump and a map. They can also provide you with a saddle for you child.

If you were not planning to spend your vacations in such an active way, you can use a bike for other purposes - for instance drive to Knossos excavations. Knossos is located 5 km east of Heraklion. It was here that in 1900 BC a famous labyrinth palace was built. Its corridors are so tangled that once you come in, you won't get out. According to the legend, this palace was the masterpiece of Daedalus. Here Minos kept his wife's (Pasiphae) son, who was a terrible beast with man's body and head of a bull. In theory, every schoolchild should know what it ended with. But Crete children have got more reasons to know this story: they can not only hear it on their lessons, but also see the site (with the throne and a sepulchre) after school.

If you liked the palace of Knossos, there are two other objects that you are advised to visit. Those are the Palaces of Malia and Festos. Each of them was the centre for a settlement. Radamanthis, brother of king Minos, once owned the palace of Festos (Phaistos) and in contrast to Knossos, it was never reconstructed. That is why you can not only walk around here, but also free your imagination. As for Mallia, many exhibits of the Heraklion museum were found in this palace. There must be something left there!

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Travel Destinations" article category.

People interested in the above article "A Bicycle Trip to Minotaur's Palace" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

Study Spanish and Discover Mexico’s Biodiversity

As you study Spanish in Mexico you will get in touch with a great variety of animals and flowers. Lush vegetation, forests and jungles made up of Mexico on of the 18 megadiverse countries in the world, a perfect place to study Spanish for those who are curious and adventurous.

Glacier National Park - Crown Jewel of Montana

The most visited place in Montana, Glacier National Park is a crown jewel in America’s National Park System. The park derived its name from the more than 50 perennial ice fields within its 1600 square miles of pristine wilderness that spans the Continental Divide. The park has over 200 alpine lakes, 700 miles of maintained hiking trails and almost 1000 miles of creeks, rivers and waterfalls.

Compendium of Useful facts for your Bahamas Vacation

Ever since Columbus landed at San Salvador in 1492 The Commonwealth of the Bahamas has been a very popular tourist destination. You will enjoy your Bahamas vacation whether you investigate a lot of islands as part of a cruise or just visit one. Between the alluring beaches and the fun activities boredom is not an option. Between the special tours boats water sports and kids activities there is a lot to do. Whatever you do on your Bahamas vacation a lifetime of memories is guaranteed.

Top 10 Places to See in Charleston, SC

If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, there are several sites and attractions that should be on your list of things to do. I’ve included a list of the top 10! Keep in mind that Charleston hosts a variety of festivals and annual events throughout the year. So, for example, if you’re planning on coming at the end of May, check to see you’ll be here during the Spoleto Festival (since it’s one of the biggest events in Charleston). Or, in December there is a spectacular holiday lights display at James Island County Park. You’ll find special events almost every month of the year, so be sure to check those out!

Phuket Still A Worthy Holiday Destination

If you were to pay attention to expat forums and travel websites, you'd soon come to the conclusion that Phuket wasn't worth visiting. Long-time expats and grumpy travelers have been known to paint a very gloomy picture of Phuket. It's the same old story: overdevelopment has spoiled the beaches, there are too many people, everything is expensive and it just ain't like it used to be. All of this is true, to an extent, but only if you choose to hang out in the island's tourist traps.

Sestriere, Via Lattea Ski Resort

Before France even thought of building high in the mountains, and well before Austria or Germany thought they had the ski world cornered, Sestriere in Italy had been bringing in holiday skiers for over three decades. Sestriere put the purpose in "purpose-built", as they were the first to have a ski area, town, village and amenities catering to skiing tourism. The Sestriere Italian ski resort was finished in the early part of 1934 solely for skiing-there was no town that had to be updated or remodeled, for no town even existed.

Les Arcs, Summer Land of Felicity

These five resorts (Arc 1600, 1800, 1950, 2000 and Bourg Saint-Maurice), together with several touristy areas in the region, are a land of felicity for every mountain activities enthusiast under the sun. First, the Bourg Saint Maurice ski resort is the place to be for those who love adventure and extreme sports, from white water rafting and canoeing, to paragliding and riding hot air balloons, without forgetting mountain biking, fencing and even kick boxing. The Bourg Saint Maurice is the most animated ski resort in the area.