DK Travel : Crete

Although it could not be more Greek, Crete is really a country within a country, with its own history, folklore and traditions. It was the birthplace of Europe’s oldest civilization, the enigmatic Minoan culture which flourished over 4,000 years ago. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Venetians and Turks also left their mark. This rich human heritage is set against the backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery and beaches lapped by a deep blue sea.

Mint

This ubiquitous wild herb scents the air on rural walks and flavours dozens of dishes.
Mirtos

An amiably unpretentious farming and fishing village with a long, south-facing shingle beach, which is far less crowded than most in eastern Crete, even in high summer.
MoCafe, Irakleio

Handily located opposite the Irakleio Archeological Museum, MoCafe has a cool, arched interior with marble floor and an eclectic collection of modern art on the walls. It serves filled baguettes, juices, shakes, beers and coffee.
Mochlos

Leaving Gournia, drive on along the coast highway to Mochlos, 11 km (7 miles) east of Gournia. This tiny fishing hamlet has a handful of tavernas, and a small boat will take you to the pretty island where the foundations of Minoan houses can be seen.
Mochlos

Mochlos, 32 km (20 miles) east of Agios Nikolaos on the coast road, is a tiny fishing hamlet with a handful of tavernas. Just offshore is the island of Mochlos, which in ancient times was connected to the mainland by an isthmus. This has been eroded by earthquakes and waves. On the island are the remains of Minoan houses and a Minoan harbour, much of which is now under water. Seal stones, superb gold jewellery and vases carved from quartz, alabaster and black steatite have been discovered in rock tombs on the island and are displayed in the Agios Nikolaos and Siteia archaeological museums.
Monastery of Agia Irini

This restored 14th-century monastery is now a nunnery and also a centre for traditional weaving and needlework.
Monastery of Hozoviotissa, Amorgos, Greece

In the enchanting isles of Amorgos, part of the Cyclades chain of islands, you come across the famous monastery of Hozoviotissa. An 11th century structure built by Alexius Comnenus I, the monastery was created as an ode to the Grace of Panagia, or more popularly known as the Virgin Mary, who is also the protector of the island. Her icon was believed to have arrived on an unmanned boat from Palestine.

A perfect blend of nature and the beauty of man's creation, it symbolizes man's tribute to the Holy Mother. Built into the face of a cliff, it provides a breathtaking view of the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean Sea. It is, no doubt, the pride of Amorgos – with its pristine walls lined with portraits of monks and other leaders, the smell of incense and numerous little treasures.Being a place of remarkable historical relevance, there is a dress code, which requires men to be dressed in trousers and women to not wear trousers. Visitors are greeted first by signs reminding them of the dress code and then by monks, who act as guardians of this architectural marvel, and are given refreshments in the form of glasses of honey, raki liqueur and loukoumi.
Moni Agia Triada

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity stands among its own olive groves, and although its monastic community has dwindled to just a few members, its lovely old buildings are gradually being restored. Visitors are welcome, and the monks will happily sell you some of their home-grown olive oil, which is of high quality.
Moni Arkadiou

Though founded in the 5th century, most of the monastic buildings here date from the 16th century. Moni Arkadiou has a special significance for Cretans. During the great revolt of 1866, the monastery – crowded with refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters – was besieged by the Turks. Rather than surrender, the rebel defenders blew up their gunpowder stores, killing themselves and many of their enemies.
Moni Chrissopygis

The Convent of the Source of Life, like so many Cretan monasteries, looks more like a castle than a religious dwelling. It is relatively new, built in 1863, and has a studio in which icons are painted using age-old techniques.