We boarded another ferry from Santorini to Crete, this time settling in for a more mellow ride. Fewer islands to gawk at, so I read in my seat, letting the Aegean rock me toward Heraklion.
From the port, a driver whisked us away to the Domes of Elounda, a Marriott property nestled in the hills above Elounda Bay, with a front-row view of Spinalonga Island. This resort was incredible—chic yet family-friendly. If Greece were a bit closer to Nashville, we’d make it an annual destination.
Myth & Ruins: Knossos + Heraklion
Our first full day in Crete, we drove back to Heraklion to visit The Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum—and wow, did this awaken my inner mythology geek.
Knossos is the legendary palace of King Minos, Ariadne, and the Minotaur. This Minoan city felt alive, even now. The ruins sprawled out beneath us, whispering stories of labyrinths and bull dancers. My husband and I used a self-guided podcast audio tour, which allowed us to explore at our own pace while hearing the deeper stories behind every room and fresco.
The Minoans were shockingly advanced. Running water, multilevel buildings, artwork with sophisticated symbolism—if this society had survived longer, it would’ve rivaled 19th-century technology, according to our guide.
The Archaeological Museum gave us even more context. After seeing the palace, each pottery shard and sculpture felt richer. I even stumbled across a clay cauldron that looked exactly like the one from ACOTAR—yes, really. (IYKYK.)
I found a beautiful ceramic Kamares-style vase by local artist Vassilis Politakis at a shop called Spirit of Greece, which now lives on a shelf in my living room.
Gold Jewelry & Anniversary Pasta
That night, we returned to Plaka with our friends to share a special dinner, celebrating my husband’s and my 12-year wedding anniversary together. First, we went shopping—champagne-fueled, naturally—and I bought a gold necklace at Emerald, a jewelry store with a kind, helpful owner. I wear it every day now as a sweet reminder.
Dinner was at Giovanni’s, and it was hands-down our favorite meal of the trip. The fresh lobster pasta, the wine, the view—it was perfection.
Spinalonga’s Complex Past
Monday was our slow day. After massages at the resort, I took a short ferry to explore Spinalonga. Once a Venetian fort and later an Ottoman settlement, Spinalonga’s most recent history as a leper colony gave the island a somber, haunting feel. Though the structures are remarkable and beautifully preserved, the emotional weight is undeniable. The island remained a leper colony until the 1950s, which felt shockingly recent for such a tragic reality.
That night, we stayed in ordering room service. The next morning, we headed back to Heraklion to catch a flight to our final destination: Athens.
Read more adventures from Greece:
- A Greek Getaway | 12 Days of History, Mythology & Island Magic
- Paros – Myth, Magic & My Favorite Day in Greece
- Santorini – Sunsets, Caldera Views & Island Magic
-
Athens: Mythology, Rooftop Views & a Walk Through Time
