The Seven Ladders Canyon (Canionul Șapte Scări) is a stunning natural wonder located in the Piatra Mare Mountains near Brașov, Romania. Carved by the Șapte Scări Brook, the canyon features a series of seven waterfalls cascading down a narrow gorge. The tallest waterfall plunges an impressive 35 meters, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

The Kolyu Ficheto Bridge in Bulgaria, also known as the Belenski Most, spans the Yantra River in Byala, Bulgaria. It's considered one of the most significant achievements of Bulgarian National Revival engineering and architecture. It was built at the request of Midhat Pasha, the Vali of the Danube Vilayet, to connect Ruse, the main town of the region, with Tsargrad, the capital of the Ottoman Empire. We enjoyed a visit to the bridge's museum; though small, it's well-curated and provides a realistic look at how the bridge was built.

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.

The Melidoni Cave, also known as Gerontospilios, is a captivating historical and archaeological site nestled in the Cretan mountains.  Once a place of worship for the Minoans, it's filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The cave also holds a tragic story, as it was the site of a massacre during the Greek War of Independence in 1824 where hundreds of villagers were killed. Today, the cave serves as a poignant reminder of Crete's struggle for freedom and offers visitors a glimpse into the island's rich and complex history.

Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance and sacrifice, is a must-visit. This 16th-century Orthodox monastery, with its stunning Venetian-influenced architecture, played a pivotal role in Crete's fight for independence from the Ottomans.  In 1866, it became the site of a tragic but heroic event where hundreds of Cretans, including women and children, chose to blow themselves up rather than surrender. Today, Arkadi stands as a monument to their bravery and a reminder of Crete's enduring spirit.

Patsos Gorge is a relatively short but scenic gorge located in the Amari Valley of Crete.  Known for its lush vegetation and peaceful atmosphere, the gorge features a small river that flows through it year-round.  Hikers can follow the trail, crossing the river on wooden bridges and encountering the historic cave church of Agios Antonios.

Unfortunately, we couldn't complete the entire trail because it was raining and streams had formed on the path in some places. It is certainly much more beautiful to walk in good weather.

Rethymno's historic center is a captivating blend of architectural influences, reflecting the city's rich past under Venetian and Ottoman rule.  Narrow, cobbled streets wind past elegant Venetian mansions, adorned with wrought-iron balconies.  The impressive Rimondi Fountain, a 17th-century landmark with ornate carvings, still provides a refreshing respite from the Mediterranean sun.  Exploring the Old Town is like stepping back in time, with its charming alleyways, hidden courtyards, and historic landmarks. We visited the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon, which houses a fascinating collection of artifacts from the surrounding area and enjoyed wandering through this atmospheric district.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking Souda Bay, the ruins of Aptera offer a glimpse into Crete's rich history, dating back to Minoan times and flourishing through the Hellenistic and Roman periods. We spent a fascinating morning exploring the site, impressed by the well-preserved water cisterns, the Roman baths, and the ancient theatre.  We especially enjoyed the tranquility of the site, with only a few other visitors sharing the experience.

The drive to Seitan Limania was an adventure in itself!  The steep, winding road with its sheer drops definitely got our adrenaline pumping.  But the views were incredible, and we were excited to reach the parking area above the bay.  From there, we hiked down a rocky path to the small beach nestled between towering cliffs.  The water was an unbelievable shade of turquoise, but the waves were crashing against the shore, so we decided to skip the swim. 

Katholiko Monastery is a historic cave monastery located in a gorge on Crete's Akrotiri peninsula. Dating back to the 11th century, the monastery is built into the cliff face and is accessible via a steep path.  The ruins offer a glimpse into the lives of the monks who once inhabited this isolated retreat.  The surrounding gorge provides stunning views of the Cretan landscape and a sense of tranquility. We particularly enjoyed the hike to the monastery itself, and the continued walk down to the sea through the spectacular gorge. The path is steep, but the views and the sense of discovery make it well worth the effort. This was definitely one of our favorite hikes in Crete!

Kolokasia is an abandoned village in the Sfakia region of Crete. Its name derives from the "kolokasia" plant, known for its potato-like root. Historically, the village offered panoramic views of the valleys of Agios Nektarios and Frangokastello, providing protection from pirates and invaders. Due to its inaccessibility, residents relocated to Agios Nektarios in the 1970s. Today, Kolokasia is characterized by its traditional architecture, with many houses in ruins and some restored by new owners.

Zamek Frangocastello, a Venetian fortress perched on the southern coast of Crete, bears witness to centuries of history, including a pivotal battle during the Greek War of Independence. Its weathered walls and strategic location speak to a turbulent past.

Unfortunately, we were unable to visit the fortress inside because it was closed.

Preveli Beach, a protected haven on Crete's southern coast, captivates with its lush palm forest, where a winding river flows into the turquoise sea, framed by dramatic cliffs.  The towering palms create a serene oasis, offering a tranquil escape amidst breathtaking natural beauty. We really enjoyed taking a walk through the palm trees and crossing the clear, refreshing river.

Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as Asomatos Gorge, is a stunning natural wonder located on the southern side of western Crete. The Kourtaliotiko River has carved a deep gorge between the imposing Kouroupa and Xiron mountains, creating towering cliffs, caves, and a 40-meter high waterfall. We tried to reach the iconic spot where you can get into the water, but unfortunately we couldn't find it. There was no one in the area to ask either. Anyway, it being January, the water would have been pretty cold. So we just admired the whole area from the edge.

The name "Triopetra" translates to "three rocks" in Greek, and it's easy to see why. Three striking rock formations rise dramatically from the sea, creating a unique and picturesque backdrop.  Triopetra is actually comprised of two beaches separated by a small cape. One is sandy with some rocks, while the other is known for its coarse sand and deep blue waters. We made our spot on the fine sandy beach, a slice of heaven where it felt like we had the sea all to ourselves. Beyond us, only the silhouettes of three campers could be seen in the distance. An idyllic setting where we fully enjoyed the beauty of the sea.

We're back for our dose of culture and history: We visited the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, where we strolled among the ruins on a sunny day.

The Palace of Phaistos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete. It was built in the Bronze Age and was destroyed by an earthquake in the 15th century BC. The palace was never rebuilt, but the ruins are still impressive. They show that the palace was once a large and complex building with many rooms and courtyards. 

Martsalo Gorge delivered an absolutely memorable hike.  Camping at the entrance, under a vast starlit sky and surrounded by sheep, was magical.  The next day, the gorge unfolded before us, a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and hidden wonders.  We discovered a monastery nestled into the rock face, a testament to faith and perseverance.  The unexpected sight of palm trees provided a welcome respite before we finally reached a breathtaking gulf, its turquoise waters inviting us to rest and reflect.

Back to history: Gortys holds a prominent place in Cretan history.  From its Minoan origins to its rise as a major Doric city and its subsequent importance under Roman rule, Gortys witnessed the ebb and flow of civilizations.  The city's legal code, inscribed on the "Great Code" (found inscribed on the walls of a building), is a significant contribution to ancient law.  The ruins of Gortys offer a unique opportunity to study the evolution of a city over centuries, reflecting the diverse influences that shaped its destiny. The ancient olive trees stand as silent sentinels, their twisted trunks a testament to the passage of time.

Despite the discouraging weather, we set out to visit the impressive Rouvas Gorge. Rouvas Gorge, nestled in the Psiloritis mountain range, is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring a lush forest of maple, pine, and cypress trees, a rarity in the often arid Cretan landscape. It's also home to diverse flora and fauna, and the Karteros River flows through it, creating waterfalls and pools in the spring. At one point, as the trail became very exposed and rain began to fall, we decided to turn back. We will definitely return to hike the entire gorge because we were fascinated by it.

After some busy days, we felt the need to chill down. Dermatos beach was the perfect place for this. Quiet, sunshine, and several swims in the crystal-clear sea were the perfect ingredients for relaxation.

Agios Nikolaos is too well-known to miss. The town itself didn't particularly impress us. Only the inner gulf with the fishing boats makes you imagine what it was like once. The commercial streets with new buildings are not to our taste. After visiting the marina and admiring the various boats, we moved on.

These ancient stone windmills, built by Venetians in the 13th century, stand proudly on the shore of a beach area in Kalydon, Greece.  They're a picturesque and historically significant landmark.