Crete

Crete is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Greece, with a long history and plenty of must-visit attractions associated with some of the most fascinating ancient Greek myths. And one of the most noteworthy sites on the island is Knossos; the palace that became the center of the Minoan civilization. The myth says that King Minos, looking for a way to retain this half-man half-bull son, turned to Daedalus to ask for help. And Daedalus made him the labyrinth; a large maze where the Minotaur was trapped. Every nine years, King Aegeus of Athens was required to send seven young boys and seven young girls to be eaten by the Minotaur. One year, his son, Prince Theseus, volunteered to go to the labyrinth and try to kill the beast. And so he did. With the help of Ariadne, King Minos’ daughter, and the sword and ball of the thread she gave him, he managed to kill the Minotaur and find his way out of the labyrinth.In the center of Crete, you’ll find Ideon Andron; a cave of great mythological importance on the island’s highest mountain, Ida (or Psiloritis). According to the myth, Cronus – the youngest but most ambitious of the Titans – overthrew his father with Gaia’s help, but his fear of having the same fate led him to swallow his own children. His wife and sister Rhea managed to save their last child, Zeus, by hiding him in the Ideon Andron cave and giving Cronus a stone wrapped as a baby to swallow. The cave’s entrance was guarded by the Kouretes, who performed a war dance, striking their swords on their shields so that Cronus would not hear baby Zeus crying. According to a different myth though, the birthplace of Zeus is located in a sacred cave on the Lassithi plateau; Dikteon Andron. This cave is believed to be the place where Amalthea – sometimes depicted as a goat and sometimes as a goat-tending nymph – nurtured the infant Zeus as his foster mother.

IMG 8225 scaled
Palace of Knossos with Kids in Crete | Important Tips for your visit

Have you been to the Palace of Knossos with kids? If not, stay tuned and…

Elafonissos island with kids ©familyexperiencesblog.com
Elafonissos island in Greece with Kids

So often I had heard about the magical sandy beaches of mysterious Elafonissos. Last year,…

IMG 9397 scaled
Balos and Gramvousa island in Crete with Kids

Balos (together with Elafonissi beach) is one of the most famous and most photographed beaches…

Crete with kids where to stay
Where to Stay in Crete with Kids?

Crete is Greece’s largest island and one of the most popular for families. It is…

tavern 1362960 1920
Family Hotel in Crete: Arolithos Traditional Village

Have you ever thought your overnight stay would turn into be a cultural experience?  During…

IMG 8776 scaled
Archaeology for Kids in Crete

Archaeology for kids doesn’t have to be boring. We visited a special place in Crete…

IMG 8645 scaled
Mayday at Falassarna Beach in Crete

Countless hours of sunbathing, swimming, and watching the sunset; Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Awards…

IMG 7438 scaled
Spring Break at Ancient Aptera Chania

Ancient Aptera Today we’ll take you to Ancient Aptera located on the outskirts of Chania! …

kournas lake crete anastasia ©
Kournas Lake with Kids

Kournas Lake One of our favorite excursions is a combination of lake and beach! Although…

IMG 6971 scaled
Anastasia’s Family Friendly Crete

Agii Apostoli Chania I live in Agii. Apostoli Chania. We are blessed to be living…

IMG 7063 1 scaled
Douliana in Chania – A magical escape in the countryside of Crete

Douliana in Chania is the destination of this post. Before the summer breaks in for…