Knossos and Agios Nikolaos

Breakfast was a buffet in hotel, usual continental stuff, with a very helpful waitress who served us delicious freshly squeezed orange juice. After breakfast we had a look around the grounds, it had a nice swimming pool etc.

Then we checked out as we are driving about 120 miles to the east today. We stopped at ancient Aptera only about ten minutes along the road, it has Minoan, Roman and Venetian archaeology.

We drove some more and stopped for drink at Agia Pelagia in a taverna overlooking the beach.

On then to the famous Knossos Palace just outside Iraklion. We took a guided tour, it was good to get some of the background information. For example in Minoan times there was 8 times as much rainfall in Crete as there is today - explains the gorges I suppose.

Back on the road to drive to apartments at Mirabella Apartments, on the road from Agios Nikolaos to Elounda.

After checking in and dropping off our luggage we drove into Ag Nik for a walk round town. We had a drink in a taverna at the side of Lake Voulismeni and went to a mini market for some shopping.

Then back to apartments to relax before dinner. We caught the bus back into town and went to the Knossos Taverna. Dinner was Mezes, Lamb Stifado and a Greek Plate (selection of local dishes). We got a taxi home.