MINOAN PALACE OF ZAKROS
The Minoan Palace of Zakros is located 45 km to the south east of Sitia town. Excavations show that the floor plan of this palace was similar to other Minoan palaces in Crete and that it was first built during the 19th century BC but it was later modified in around 1600 BC. The palace had a central courtyard surrounded by a cluster of buildings with labyrinthine corridors and many rooms. The findings in the area include pieces of cisterns, jewelry, parts of sanctuaries, tools and signs with ancient writing of Linear A style.
TOPLOU MONASTERY
Toplou Monastery also known as Panagia Akrotiriani, meaning “Virgin Mary of the Peninsula” is one of the greatest monasteries across Crete. The monastery had been fortified with strong 10m height-walls for protection against the pirates and other invaders during the previous centuries. A trip to this serene place could be comfortably combined with a visit to the winery of Toplou which is known for the production of great local wine and raki of high quality and ingredients coming from organic cultivations.
MINOAN PALACE OF KNOSSOS
Knossos Minoan Palace and the wide region are full of archaeological findings coming from the Minoan era. Knossos palace used to be King Minoa’s residence and represents the beginning of the first European civilization during the Copper era.
SPINALONGA
A tiny island just across from the fishing village of Plaka at the northern tip of the Kolokytha Penninsula. Before becoming the last known leper colony in 1903, Spinalonga served as a fortress built by the Venetians in order to protect the Mirabello Bay. It has recently been catapulted into modern culture thanks to Victoria Hislop’s bestselling novel “The Island” and is currently a nominated UNESCO World Heritage Site.