Matala on the Libyan sea is a darling village on beautiful Bay. Hippies used to live in these caves and now it is a popular resort area on the south side of Crete. #matala #lybiansea #kriti #greekisles #southshore #nomadlife #travelgreece #cretanlandscape #beautifuldestinations #cavesbeach #caves #lovelyday
What do you think? Old architecture and new urban art are combined in Heraklion, the capital city of Crete. Well, most of the island keeps its ancient charm, the city was bombed by the Germans in World War II. Not much remains except for the cathedral and some of the Venetian walls. #heraklion #cathedral #urbanart #graffiti #crete #greek #venetian #greekislands
These are from villages near Chania, Crete where Judas is hanged and burned at midnight on Easter morning. Once everyone’s candles are lit there is a procession from the church and fireworks are also set off for a noisy display. Obviously not all were taken by me. Thanks to those who shared. #orthodox #easter #burning #effigy #celebration #judas #crete #greece #greek #traditions #fireworks #culture #newexperiences
Did you know that priests led the resistance against the Ottomans in many monasteries on Crete? In 1866 943 women and children sought refuge here. Rather than surrender, the Cretans blew up their ammunitions room, and themselves along with it. You will see this as a large room without a roof. Also noticed the shrapnel in the dead tree? This peaceful place with its Venetian baroque church has seen some violence in its day. #arkadi #church #monastery #tree #historic #venetian #cretan #ottoman #priest #resistance #refuge #kaboom #greek #1866 #traveling
Don’t you agree it is best to enjoy the journey? On the journey to Eleutherna the knotted olive trees, spectacular views of Mt. Psilioritis (home of the Greek god Zeus) and gorgeous foliage took precedence in my photos 😂. The fact is this is one of the most important cities of ancient Crete. Founded in 9 BC, the ancient Greeks spread the town out into the hills (1BC) and the Romans added streets, bathhouses, and luxurious homes (1-2 AD). The ancient fortress and hewn cisterns are the main archaeological features in the photos. #eleutherna #apollonia #archaeological #kriti #wildflowers #poppies #mountida #zeus #bronzeage #bronze #historic #greekmythology #roman
Isn’t this gorgeous? The Fortezza of Rethymno sits on a hill overlooking the sea. It was built by the Venetians in the 16th century, and was later captured by the Ottomans (this is why you see both a church and a mosque). By the early 20th century, many houses were built within the citadel. These were demolished after World War II, leaving only a few historic buildings within the Fortezza. I love the spring flowers! #fortress #fortezza #citadel #church #mosque #flowerstagram #wildflowers #travelbug #greecetravel #wanderlust #rethymno #aegean #mediterranean
Wouldn’t you rather take a bee tour than a detour? 😜 This certainly wasn’t on the agenda for today, but it turned out to be the funnest part of our adventure. after sampling Dousakis wine, raki, olive oil, honey and more, we went to say hi to the hive. #bee #beekeeping #hive #beehive #beesofinstagram #bees #dousakis #honeybee #honey #propolis #royaljelly #buzzing #greecetravel #greece #kriti
what do you think of the architecture in the village of Vamos, above Chania? I love the ancient buildings and the modern touches. I love the plumbing and motorcycles held together with duct tape. I love the quiet streets and sleeping cats. I love that nature is shining through. #naturevibes #sunnyday #walking #architecture_hunter #villagelifestyle #village #wanderer #wanderlust #discovercrete #vamos @madisonnonoasoprano
Don’t you love it when you can just act silly? A little bit of retail therapy and good food doesn’t hurt either. throw in some old ruins from the Venetian era and you’ve got it all.#girlsjustwanttohavefun #venetian #rethymno #crete #archaeological #northshore #shoptillyoudrop #shopping #lunchdate #clowning #travelgreece