02.01.2024
The Palace of Knossos in Crete is one of Greece’s largest and most important archaeological sites, and its history goes back to the 7th millenium BC. It was the political, religious, and commercial center of the Minoan civilization. When visiting Crete, it simply cannot be missed because of its architecture, murals, and unique historical significance.
The Palace of Knossos was inhabited for several thousand years, starting in the 7th millennium BC. It existed until 1375 BC, which was the end of the Minoan civilization. Knossos (the city where the palace was located) is considered Europe’s oldest known city. The palace is made of many parts. On the east side, there were the royal apartments, a sanctuary, and the Queen’s Apartment. The throne room was found on the north side of the sacred apartments, with an entrance from the main courtyard. It was said to be designed by Daedalus, the most famous inventor of the time. Once a visitor entered, it was said to be a maze inside, and it was almost impossible to leave.
Some say that the Minoan Palace of Knossos is the same palace mentioned in the Minotaur story of Greek mythology. In the story, a prince named Theseus from Athens sailed to Crete and fought a creature called the Minotaur. Zeus is also associated with the area around Knossos and the island of Crete in general, since he was raised in the Psiloritis mountains and was the island’s first ruler. The story of Icarus from Greek mythology is also set at the Palace of Knossos. Supposedly, according to the myth, Minos punished Daedalus and his son Icarus, locking them in the labyrinth. However, they later escaped with Daedalus’s wings, which he made from candle and bird feathers. We all know how the story ends, though, with Icarus flying too close to the sun and then drowning in the sea (which is now called the Icarus Sea). One of the most incredible facts about the Palace of Knossos is that only about 3% has been excavated. Most of the excavations today focus on the highest levels of Minoan society. There may be other parts of the palace complex which were for the common people of the time -- the everyday citizens of the Minoan civilization.
One other popular Minoan site in Crete is Phaistos, which also has a well-preserved palace from the second millennium BCE. There are beautiful frescoes and stonework inside, and an inviting courtyard.
Next, Gortyn city in the Messara valley is the home of an ancient Roman theater, a basilica, and palace ruins from Hellenistic times. One notable artifact here is the Law Code of Gortyn, which is a set of ancient laws inscribed in a massive stone wall.
Finally, Malia is a Minoan settlement on the northern coast of the island of Crete. The ruins are found close to the town with the same name, and it includes a network of streets and courtyards. Its most famous stonework is a depiction of a ceremony with bulls. When you are done visiting Malia's ruins, you can also relax at the nearby beach.
The closest city to Knossos is Heraklion, which is the capital city of the island of Crete and is on the north side of the island. It is an ideal base for exploring the north side of Crete, and it is typically most busy in the summer. Heraklion features Venetian and Ottoman sites, many museums, and plenty of beaches close by. Some highlights in the old town are the harbor, lighthouse, and, of course, the Cretan hospitality. Knossos is about ten minutes away by car.
05.10.2026
Leonard Cohen's poem "Days of Kindness", from 1985, describes Greece as being a good place to read by moonlight on the terrace. He knew this from experience. Hydra was his home for much of the 1960s. He arrived in the spring of 1960, aged 25, and bought a house on the island, where he wrote much of his early work. Many places on Hydra still carry traces of him, even now that Hydra has become far better known.
16.04.2026
Greece is often associated with ancient history, island landscapes, and carefully preserved traditions. Less discussed, however, is another layer of its identity: its place names. Across the mainland and the islands, thousands of villages carry names that can sound unexpectedly funny or strikingly literal to a modern Greek speaker. These are not recent inventions or deliberate attempts at humor. Most date back centuries, shaped by geography, daily life, local dialects, and historical circumstances. What makes them stand out today is the shift in language over time. Words that once served as straightforward descriptions of land, resources, or communities can now feel unusually direct or unexpectedly humorous. Looking at these names more closely offers insight into how earlier generations observed their surroundings and chose to define them.
20.03.2026
Greece has long been more than a travel destination. For centuries, writers have been drawn to its history, natural beauty, and authenticity, finding in Greece not just a setting, but a source of inspiration that shapes narratives, characters, and perspectives.
19.02.2026
02.01.2026
In Greece, the holiday season does not end on New Year’s Day. Instead, it culminates in one of the most symbolic celebrations of the year: Epiphany, known in Greek as Theofania. More than a religious holiday, Epiphany in Greece represents the triumph of light over darkness, a spiritual “new beginning” for individuals and communities. For anyone living in Greece, or dreaming of owning a home here, Epiphany offers one of the most authentic snapshots of local culture. From the blessing of the waters to ancient folk rituals, this day reveals the deep connection between the Greek people, nature, and tradition.
30.12.2025
Crete is stepping into the global spotlight once again. According to Airbnb’s latest travel trend insights based on worldwide search data from Q3 2025, the island — and especially the iconic Samaria Gorge National Park — ranks among the most sought-after nature destinations for 2026. This surge reflects a broader shift in how people choose where to travel, live, and invest. Travellers are no longer looking only for beaches or city breaks. Instead, they are drawn to authentic natural environments, outdoor experiences, and destinations that offer both beauty and balance, qualities that Crete delivers effortlessly.
19.12.2025
Greece is known mostly for its pristine beaches and its endless summers. Also, Greek cuisine, with its unique Mediterranean dishes, is widely sought after. What might feel surprising is the magical beauty during Christmas in Greece. The country has a long festive season that runs from Christmas to Epiphany (the “Φώτα” on 6 January), full of local customs, food traditions, and small village rituals that still matter to people today. Winter destinations are also famous in Greece, as according to the latest Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel report (Wave 23) by the European Travel Commission (ETC), Greece ranks among the top 10 most desired European destinations for travel between October 2025 and March 2026, holding a solid 7th place.
19.12.2025
Spending New Year’s Eve on Greek islands is about much more than fireworks, food and champagne. It’s about little family rituals, centuries-old customs and the warm feeling of being part of a close community. For anyone dreaming of a holiday home or a new life in Greece, New Year's Eve is one of the unique moments to experience the soul of island life, when most tourists aren’t there, and you can experience authentic community moments with locals. As we’ve mentioned in an older blog post, cutting the famous Vasilopita, a special bread to honour the Greek Santa Claus, is the most important custom happening in almost every house in Greece at the turn of the year. A lucky coin is baked into the cake, and whoever finds it will have good luck for the next year or may even take a gift. But let’s explore a bit more of Greece’s rich traditions and local communities, from its enchanting islands to the unique customs celebrated on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
