Travel to Greece # 1 (Iraklio, 🏛 "The Origins of Europe"🏛)

Crete, known as Candia until the beginning of the 20th century, is the largest island in Greece and the fifth in size of the Mediterranean Sea. It was in Crete where the earliest civilization that has records in Europe was established, the Minoan civilization. We are talking about a civilization that existed more than 4700 years ago!

Old town of Heraklion

Old balance used at local market in Heraklion

Crete is one of the 13 peripheries (top-level administrative units) of the Modern Greece. However, given its size and cultural differences, it’s often said that Crete could be its own country.

Old map of Crete (source)

Heraklion:

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and the main entrance to the island. In the city center you will find the Morosini Fountain (also called the lions' fountain), through which you pass to go almost anywhere in the city. Located at Eleftheriou Venizelou Square, it is one of the main attractions of the city and is surrounded by bars, restaurants and shops.

Morosini Fountain

Street market in a park in Heraklion

As Heraklio is the main entrance to the island (for some travelers also the first contact with Greece), it is necessary to take into account some details to acclimatise to the country and as the saying goes <<When in Rome, do as the Romans do>>:

Greek coffee:

The tradition of drinking coffee is deeply rooted throughout the country and it is a also great way to tackle the second part of the day. If you visit Greece and you like coffee, do not pass up the opportunity to drink a very cold Frappé.

Frappe is coffee shaken with ice, sugar and milk according to one's preferences

The graffiti:

Graffiti in Greece have become part of the landscape, being a symbol of social struggle in times of economic crisis.

Graffiti on one of the streets in Heraklion

Rules & Regulations:

Greece is one of those countries where "attention to some rules is a bit lax". For example, in Greece wearing helmet when riding a motorbike is unusual, despite being mandatory.

3 people on a motorbike and without a helmet in Heraklion city center

Comment: This series of post is considered to be "mini travel guide", ignoring any other information the country. However, it is impossible to forget about the difficulties the country is having to overcome a crisis that threatens to become eternal. Just one piece of information: it is estimated that since 2010 Greece has lost 25% of its GDP.

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Thanks for reading the post, I hope you liked it and maybe it might be useful if you visit Greece!

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