Landmarks
Look through the list of the most significant and inspiring attractions of our planet and make your personal ‘must visit’ list for future adventures
Spinalonga
First called Kalydon, the island was re-named Spina Lunga (meaning long thorn) by the Venetians. Its long and interesting history has fascinated people for decades.
On the 30th of May 1903, Spinalonga’s fate as a leper colony is sealed when an aggressive outbreak of leprosy strikes Greece, and Prince George decides to establish a leprosarium called “Agios Panteleimon.” Lepers were previously kept and treated outside Meskinia on the outskirts of Heraklion, in complete isolation so as not to infect others. But the total isolation that Spinalonga provided seemed to be more effective, especially after the unification of Crete with the rest of Greece.
Elounda
A world famous destination, featuring ultra-luxurious facilities, Elounda welcomes royalty, heads of state, celebrities and members of the international jet set that wish to spend relaxing holidays in one of the most exquisite natural landscapes of Greece. Cave lovers will also be pleased to know that there is a remarkable cave in Katevati.
Modern Elounda is built upon the ancient Minoan city of Olous, one of the most powerful cities of ancient Crete with over 30,000 inhabitants. Other names that have also been attributed to the ancient city over the centuries are Alyngos, Naxos, Axos, Oxa, Tallaion Oros, Kadistos, Chersonisos, Amylka, Amykloion, Olous, Olounta and Kolokytha Olous.
The sunken ruins that were found in the area of Poros, next to the salt marshes, are likely to belong to Olous. Pausanias even says that the statue of the goddess Artemis Vritomartis, one of the works of the sculptor Daedalus, belonged there. The city also worshiped the gods Zeus and Ares.
Aghios Nikolaos
Historically the harbor of the ancient city of “Lato pros Kamaran” and with origins dating back to the Middle Minoan period (2100-1560 BCE), Agios Nikolaos, considered the center of the Earth by Plutarch, is a meeting point of three continents with enviable flora and fauna, world famous tourist infrastructure and unique archaeological and historical sites.
Lake Voulismeni, around which the town of Agios Nikolaos is built, with its red cliffs, lush vegetation and the narrow channel that connects it with the sea are among the interesting sites of the island.
According to legend the goddesses Athena and Artemis were so struck by the lake’s natural beauty that they chose it as their personal bathing spot.
Vrouchas
Two hundred meters above the lagoon of Elounda, the village of Vrouchas has stood since the 17th century. The windmills that have contributed greatly to the local economy in the past and welcome incoming guests are the trademark of a settlement with a long and rich history.
Vrouchas welcomes a large number of visitors while it maintains its image as a traditional Cretan village with windmills, stone houses, churches, footpaths, wells and cisterns intact. Olive cultivation, livestock rearing and fishing are the main occupations of the residents, who live in neighborhoods harmoniously combining the modern and traditional way of life.