View from the balcony of the Portobello Apartments, Elounda, Crete

Preparing lunch for the Ferrymen...

The Island of Spingalonga from the sea

We watched him make phyllo (filo) pastry on his turntable.

The Phaistos or Phaestos Disk is a curious archaeological find. Most likely dating from about 1700 BC, its purpose, meaning and even its original geographical place of manufacture remains disputed, making it one of the most famous mysteries of archaeology.

The Boar's-tooth helmet from the Herkalion Museum

The legend of the Minotaur, (half man, half bull) seems to have originated from this area. We know that the Minoans had a fascination for bulls. Their most mysterious art shows human figures, some of them girls, grabbing the horns of a bull and leaping over it.

The base of the Palace walls still standing.

A beautiful room in the Palace.

The Minoan Palace of Knossos lies at a distance of 5 km from the town centre of Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete along the road to Archanes.

Exhibited in the Heraklion Museum

Clay figures from Knossos in the Heraklion Museum. Visitors may admire sculptures, clay figurines, superb jewels and astonishing frescos and remains from the various Minoan palaces of Crete (especially from the palace at Knossos).

There is a temporary museum in Iraklio whilst the main Knossos museum is being renovated. We do have a framed poster of this wonderful bull's head.

The House of the Frescos. Situated near to the throne room in the ceremonial west wing, there are several beautiful frescos celebrating the nature of Crete. Notable is a scene of exotic gardens full of flowers and plants. Also in the scene are a blue bird and two tame blue monkeys with ribbons...

The minaret towers over most of Retyhmnon

The Neratze mosque on the corner of Ethniki Antistaseos and Vernaridou was known as the Church of Santa Maria during Venetian times. It used to be part of an Augustinian friary. From the original building only the East and the North side survived. The elaborate entrance on the North side gives...

Minotaur still hiding!

Knossos, also known as Labyrinth, or Knossos Palace, is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and probably the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization and culture.The Palace was a little spoilt by Arthur Evans and his concrete!

Not big enough for the cruise liners!

The beautiful Chania harbour is wonderful, and at any particular time of day the light produces a different result, creating a "different place". The atmosphere has a touch of Florence and Venice, combined with the culture and character of Cretan people and traditions.