Ierapetra

If you drive from Ierapetra on the south, to the east side of the island, then we will fall into one of the most mysterious places in Crete - Kato Closed. Here, between 1600 and 1450 BC was built by one of the famous Minoan palaces. Archaeological excavations reveal more interesting facts from the life of the people of that time. However, to get to their place, we must walk through the valley of the dead. The name comes from the time before the building of the palace, when the Minoans were buried here died. Body of loved ones left in the rocky caves, as believed that their souls will go to this valley to the sea. The oldest of the tombs found by back almost 4,5 thousand years. The atmosphere in the Valley of the Dead is truly extraordinary - not audible hubbub of tourists, just silence all around, bushes and bare rocks. Ierapetra - another city of Crete, full of legends. They say he founded the Kirby, who arrived here from Rhodes with Rhea, the mother of the Zeus. Ierapetra is located in the eastern part of Crete on the south coast and is the closest town to the African continent. Due to the fact that the distance to Africa here is only 300 km, in the ancient city was the site of the conclusion of important trade deals. The Romans, seeing an important strategic point is Ierapetra, tirelessly fought for it. The town was defended by 2 years and the result was completely destroyed. The Romans decided to rebuild - in a big way. In addition to elegant villas here have theaters and temples, baths and aqueducts. Alas, by that time nothing has been preserved. During the reign of the Venetians brought Ierapetra small fortress, and the period of Turkish Mosque. Today the castle of the XIII century with turrets and towers are only interested experts. Mosque with a minaret and restored the adjacent fountain, too, awakens no particular emotion. Residents of the city's - really proud of the house where Napoleon spent the night. Indeed, in the narrow streets of old town lies a small house, which allegedly spent the night future French emperor. It is hard to tell why this event is so important for the residents of Ierapetra, that story about him repeat so many years. Napoleon was forced to dock here on his way to Egypt, to replenish stocks of fresh water. On this occasion, he went into the city, talking with a local notary, and was invited to visit. The owner did not recognize the French hero, and probably nobody ever would have known about his visit, if not the card, which left a guest. Apart from these few sites, Ierapetra has one undeniable advantage: the wonderful beaches and warm sea. Even in December and January, water temperature in the Libyan Sea is ideal for swimming. Heatwave in the summer is dangerous, especially when the winds from Africa. Then it is better not to leave the hotel without a protective cream and a hat. Frappe glass at a local coffee shop - the best antidote.