The Thermopylae hot springs, located near the legendary battlefield, are a hidden gem in Greece. These natural springs, known for their therapeutic sulfur-rich waters, have been used since ancient times. Knowing about them beforehand, we were happy to include a stop here on our drive to Athens. It offered a welcome respite after many hours on the road. The springs are freely accessible and offer a unique opportunity to relax and rejuvenate amidst a historically significant landscape. 

Piraeus has been a vital port since ancient times, serving as Athens' gateway to the sea. Today, it's a major hub for trade, tourism, and transportation, with modern facilities and infrastructure to handle millions of passengers and tons of cargo every year. From this bustling port, we embarked on an overnight ferry to Crete. Despite a stormy night at sea, we arrived safely in Heraklion the following morning. 

Knossos Palace, located near Heraklion, is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is considered Europe's oldest city. It was the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and is thought to be the mythical labyrinth of King Minos. The palace complex is a sprawling network of reconstructed rooms, courtyards, and corridors, featuring vibrant frescoes depicting scenes of Minoan life. 

Even though we visited on a rainy day, we were completely captivated by the grandeur of these structures built in such distant times. It was incredible to walk through the ruins and imagine the lives of the people who once inhabited this magnificent palace.

After our visit to Knossos, we headed to Heraklion, the lively capital of Crete. Heraklion is a a city where the echoes of the past resonate with the pulse of the present.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't on our side - it was a rainy and windy day.  This limited our exploration of the historic center. However, we still got a sense of the Christmas atmosphere, although it was quite different from what we're used to back home in Transylvania, where Christmas is synonymous with snow.  It was interesting to experience the holiday spirit in a warmer climate, with festive decorations adorning palm trees instead of snow-covered pines!

Palaiokastro Fortress stands as a silent sentinel overlooking the Aegean Sea. Its weathered walls whisper tales of Venetian power and Ottoman conquest, while offering nice views of the Cretan coastline.

Reaching the fortress might be a challenge for people who are afraid of heights, but once inside, the ruins are easily accessible and fascinating to explore. 

Anogia is a mountain village in Crete, known for its brave and independent people. Throughout history, they have always resisted those who wanted to conquer their land. During both the Ottoman and Nazi occupations, the people of Anogia fought fiercely for their freedom.

However, while Anogia has this impressive history, the village itself didn't particularly grab our attention. We didn't see many signs of local traditions, and the overall atmosphere felt a bit touristy. It seems like the main draw for visitors might be the restaurants, rather than the village's history or culture.