Aptera is a unique Archaeological site near the city of Chania Aptera is an amazing Archaeological site high on a hill overlooking the entrance to Souda Bay and the modern port of Chania, just a few kilometres from Chania’s city centre. End of Minoan Period The decline of Aptera began around 1450 BCE, which coincided…
There’s a certain allure to the Greek islands that captivate the hearts of travellers from across the globe. Amongst these enchanting gems, the city of Chania on the island of Crete holds a special place in the hearts of those who venture beyond the traditional tourist routes. As a non-Greek ex-pat, I was enamoured with…
Modern Agia Galini is a charming and picturesque village south of Rethymno that has maintained its authentic Cretan atmosphere while adapting to the needs of its visitors. Nestled on the slopes of the surrounding hills and overlooking the Libyan Sea, it offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, history, and modern amenities. Modern Agia Galini…
The rotating drums full of water, tannins and hides. There seem to be so many people who have never even heard of the Tanneries of Chania. The tanning process in Chania has remained unchanged over the years. The craftsmen use traditional techniques in the tanneries and specialise in tanning cow, goat and sheep hides. To…
I bought a field in Kriti where grew an olive tree,I watered it and pruned it with assiduity,Until I found I owned the groundBut did not own the tree. So I bought the tree, for weeks I thoughtThe haggling would not stop.Now I can pick my olives, and start a little shop.Oh No, they cried,…
High in the Crete White Mountains
The Magnificent City of Gortyn Crete is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea and is known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture. Its history is vast and dates back centuries, but all you will hear of are the Minoans. With the earliest inhabitants arriving in the late Neolithic period. One of the most…
People have been producing Raki for centuries in Crete, Greece. The production of Raki also known as Tsikoudia is an ancient practice and involves a unique distillation process that sets it apart from other spirits. The first step in the distillation process is to create the mash. They mashed the grapes, grape leaves and debris…
Michael Ventris was a British architect and linguist who made an extraordinary contribution to the field of archaeology and philology. He is best known for his groundbreaking decipherment of Linear B, an ancient script that had been undeciphered until Ventris cracked it in 1952. He was also a talented architect, designing a number of notable…
By Evangelos Vallianatos The Finding Just before Easter 1900, Greek sponge-fishers were on their way to the waters of Tunisia when a violent storm threw their boats to Antikythera, a tiny island located just north of Crete in the Aegean. After the storm, the sponge-fishers explored the waters of Antikythera for sponges. One of the…
When you look at the advertisements for Crete, usually provided by the Greek tourist board, a huge amount of publicity is given to the ‘great Minoan civilisation’ discovered by Arthur Evans at the turn of the 20th century. Coach tours are offered to Knossos, the Disneyland of archaeology, where Evans poured concrete to recreate his…
The City and the countryside of the Province Of Chania, Crete. I am writing my blog today to share with the world, the place where I live. I live and will probably die here in the Province of Chania, perhaps Crete’s finest part. This province lies in the west of Crete and is arguably the…
