VAULTED CISTERN IN ANCIENT TOWN APTERA
PHAISTOS Often likened to a simpler and smaller-scale version of Knossos, Phaistos was the second-largest city of ancient Crete. The site of the former Minoan palace occupies a hilltop in central Crete and, in mythology, was the seat of power for King Radamanthis, the brother of King Minos. Phaistos is also said to have been the birthplace of Epimenidis, a Greek soothsayer considered one of the seven wise men of the ancient world. The rebuilt palace structure here dates to 1700 BCE, with well-preserved foundations, a main courtyard with its original stones and some of the best views in all of Crete. Stand here and admire the Messara Plain, patchwork villages and Mount Ida at your feet. MATALA BEACH This beautiful bay on Crete’s south-central coast bookended by towering sandstone cli¡s is a popular place to swim and sunbathe, with bars and tavernas that invite you o¡ the sand to sip something frosty and share plates of grilled fish, Cretan cheeses and olives. As Homer told it, this is where Helen of Troy’s husband, Menelaus, swam ashore after being shipwrecked. And in Greek mythology, these shores are said to have beckoned Zeus, too, who clambered ashore here after crossing the sea with princess Europa (in the form of a white bull) on his back. Freelance travel writer Terry Ward is based in Florida but is frequently on the road (or at sea!) to report stories. Her work has been published by such outlets as Travel Channel, the Washington Post, Travel+Leisure and Cruise Critic. Visit her website to learn more, www.terry-ward.com.
MINOAN PALACE OF PHAISTOS FROM HERAKLION
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