Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
leys. From Iraklio head east along the northern coast to the relaxed resort-town of
Agios
Nikolaos
, which dishes out charm and hip ambience in equal portions. This makes a
great base for exploring the surrounding region. Check out
Golden Beach
(Voulisma
Beach) and
Istron Bay
for long stretches of sand, and the massive fortress on
Spin-
alonga Island
, a fascinating spot that's just a short ferry ride across the Gulf of Mira-
bello. Visit the surrounding Minoan ruins, such as
Malia
, a palace still filled with mys-
teries, and rent a bike to explore the tranquil villages of the fertile
Lasithi Plateau
, lying
snugly between mountain ranges and home to Zeus' birthplace.
Continue on to
Sitia
from where you can head for the white sand of
Vaï
, Europe's only
natural palm-forest beach. You can also head south from here to
Kato Zakros
to hike
through the dramatic Valley of the Dead.
From Sitia, get settled on a 10-hour ferry ride to
Rhodes
. Spend a couple of days ex-
ploring Rhodes Town's walled medieval Old Town and checking out its burgeoning
nightlife. Visit some of the surrounding beaches and stunning Byzantine chapels. Catch
one of the daily catamarans to lush
Nisyros
to explore deep within its bubbling caldera
and then carry on to
Patmos
to experience its artistic and religious vibe and to visit the
cave where St John wrote the topic of Revelations. There are also some laidback beaches
here and excellent restaurants. Backtrack to
Kos
to spend a final couple of days on gor-
geous, sandy
Kefalos Bay
and to sip coffee and cocktails in Kos Town's lively squares.
From Kos Town you can catch onward flights to
Athens
.
