This is a continuation of the story of my journey to the Greek island of Crete. In this part I will talk about our trip to the city of Agios Nikolaos and the island of Spinalonga. And with previous posts can be found in my blog.
Since we rented a car, the road did not take long. Approaching the city of Agios Nikolaos, which literally translates as Saint Nicholas, we have a beautiful view of the sea:
Having passed the whole city along the coast, we stopped at a small pier where you could buy a boat ticket to Spinalonga Island. Having bought tickets, we went to the nearest tavern and had dinner, enjoying a beautiful view of the island with the fortress. Just like a small bonus, a small video =)
Having eaten dinner and waiting for the time of departure of our boat, we finally set off!
Few facts about this wonderful place. The island of Spinalonga was not always an island, according to the Venetian cartographer Vincenzo Caronelli, at the beginning of the 16th century the Venetians separated part of the Spinalonga peninsula for the construction of an impregnable fortress. This fortress allowed to defend itself against pirate raids, until the whole of Crete was captured by the Ottoman Empire. Despite the fact that over the island managed to maintain control for another 46 years, as a result, it was given in 1715. After Greece proclaimed itself independent, the island remained under the control of the Turks. They managed to drive them out, having leprosy lepers from all over the island. The Turks, frightened of the disease, fled.
The very fortress I really liked, it is not bad preserved and there is practically no new replica there. The higher we climbed, the less grew around the tourists. At the very top of them and not at all. But be careful, there is a very strong wind above and very easy to stumble. Next, I will attach a few photos that I made in the fortress:
As usual, we did not manage without adventures. When we returned, we sat in the wrong boat and drove us to the other end of town to the local marina:
Well, we are not much upset. After drinking a cocktail at the nearest bar, we caught a taxi and drove to the parking lot where our car was thrown.
There is another wonderful place in Agios Nikolaos: Lake Vulizmeni. This is one of the two lakes of Crete with fresh water. The lake has a circle shape, in the deepest part it is more than 60 meters. In the 19th century, a canal connecting the lake with the sea was dug.
Well and in addition a photo of a colorful local street:
To all who read this post, thank you so much! If you have any questions for me, ask them in the comments, I will definitely answer.
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Goodluck for everyone!