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The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.
Platanias is a popular tourist destination located on the north coast of Crete, located between Chania and Maleme. It is only about 13 km from Chania and 7 km from Maleme. These types of holiday resorts, located especially on the northern coast, provide tourists primarily with a hotel base and a broadly defined leisure base. It is rare that, apart from the entertainment sphere, they offer any local tourist attraction related to the local history. The exception to this rule is Platanias, where there are tunnels from World War II. This very interesting place should be visited not only by people interested in this part of the history of Crete.
The tunnels, which were cut under the church of Agios Dimitrios in Pano Platanias, were built in 1942 by order of German officers stationed here. One of the surrounding hills has been designated for their location. Within six months, underground corridors with a total length of 120 meters were dug into the soft rock by the hands of forced laborers. Initially, they were used by the Germans as a shelter, and later to store ammunition and weapons. The place of their creation was not accidental. But let's go back a bit in time….
Invasion of Crete
On May 20, 1941, Nazi Germany launched the unprecedented Battle of Crete. An aerial invasion, known as Operation Mercury, met with tremendous resistance from the civilian population. The German paratroopers had a painful taste of the stubbornness with which the Cretans defended their land. On the German side, there were over 3,300 killed and over 2,600 wounded. The losses were so great that Hitler never gave permission to launch an airborne attack on such a large scale. To this day, historians consider this battle as one of the most heroic that took place during World War II.
However, despite the large number of dead and wounded, the Germans managed to capture the airport in nearby Maleme and deploy their troops, artillery and supplies to the island. After the 11-day campaign, the whole of Crete was captured by the Germans, and the Allied forces defending it were either destroyed or forced to evacuate. Some of the German forces were then transferred to Platanias, where the local hill was a good strategic point to control both land and sea. Officers seized the best houses, and barracks were built for ordinary soldiers. Underground tunnels were built at various locations to store ammunition, military equipment and other supplies, and one of the bunkers was to be built on a hill near the main church of the village to protect the structure from Allied attacks. The second advantage of this location was soft limestone, in which you can easily drill tunnels.
The sacred olive tree
The decision to build tunnels in this place caused panic among the inhabitants of the village. Where did this reaction come from? Well, during the recent battle for Crete, a seriously wounded German pilot died in Platanias. His life could not be saved despite the fact that the residents previously looked after him with care.
Strong fear of reprisals and executions of innocent civilians forced the villagers to secretly bury this soldier not in the local cemetery but in a strict anonymous grave dug right next to St. Demetrius. Unfortunately, a few days after the burial, this exact area was indicated by a German officer as the starting point for excavations for the construction of the shelter. Residents feared that the secret would come to light during the works and would lead to brutal retaliation against the local community. It became obvious to everyone that this could not be allowed to happen.
The intervention of the church commissioner Michalis Stamatakis turned out to be crucial, as he persuaded the Germans to shift the starting point of the excavations by 3 meters. With his boldness and cleverness, he saved the inhabitants of Platanias from a certain mascara.
What argument did Stamatakis use in the talks with the Germans? He argued that the location indicated was not good because the oil from the "holy" olive tree that grew there was used in religious ceremonies. If the excavation was to start in the place indicated by the German officer, the tree would have to be cut down. Fortunately, the German officer was persuaded and the excavation site was moved by a few meters. To this day, the legendary "holy" olive, marked with an appropriate plate, is still located at the main entrance to the shelter.
The fate of the tunnels
It is worth knowing that these tunnels were still used even after the end of World War II. This time, however, not for military purposes, but for typical civilian purposes. Their specific microclimate and the constant low temperature meant that local residents stored their crops here, in particular tomatoes and potatoes. Thus, for many years the tunnels served as a kind of cooling store for vegetables and fruit.
The tunnels that have been bored here are 120 meters long. In addition to the main entrance, they have two additional external exits and 10 blind chambers. 60 years after their inception, the Platanias Church Committee and the villagers decided to reconstruct this war facility and use it as a small museum from World War II and in memory of the Battle of Crete. Inside, you can see many very interesting exhibits from this period. What moved us especially were the very unique photographs documenting the dramatic moments taking place in various places in Crete. You will also see everyday items from the war times, uniforms, and weapons. Larger exhibits are displayed outside. This place is treated as a monument in honor of the Cretan Resistance Movement against the Nazi occupation.
Opening hours and the cost of the visit
Entry to the tunnels is free, but at the end of the tour, the persons in charge of this facility ask for a voluntary fee. It is worth to fork out a few euros to support the activities of this very interesting place. The tunnels are open to visitors from 10 am to 12 am and 5:30 pm to 7:45 pm
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Interesting places on Crete
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W 2002 roku Falasarna zdobyła tytuł najlepszej plaży w Grecji. Wyróżnienie to nie jest bynajmniej przypadkowe, gdyż miejsce to jak na standardy Krety jest naprawdę unikalne.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Aptera is a city whose history dates back to at least a thousand years before our era. In the peak period, about 20,000 lived in it. people, of which only 1/5 were free people.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
Located 47 km from the city of Chania, it is the only freshwater lake in Crete. Its area is about 580 thousand. sqm. and the maximum depth is about 45 meters
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
The steel crossing, which in the central part is separated from the ground by nearly 150 m, is at the leading position of the places where the longest bungee jumps are made.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
The cave is less than 1 km from Moni Gouvernetou Monastery. You will reach it using the pedestrian trail that has been marked out along the slope of the Avlaki Gorge.
Balos is one of Crete's flagship beaches if not all of Greece. We can assure you that the landscapes you see during your trip to Balos will remain with you for a very long time.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
On the north-western coast of Crete, at the foot of the Gramovous peninsula, there are ruins of the ancient port of Korikos, later known as Falassarna.
Polyrinia was one of the most important city-states of western Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was built amphitheater on a steep hill, rising to a height of 481 meters above sea level
The island of Gramvousa, or in fact Imeri Gramvousa (Ήμερη Γραμβούσα), is an inseparable point of a trip that combines a stay in the Balos Lagoon with visiting the remains of a fortress located on the top of the island of Imeri Gramovousa.
There is a beach in Crete that literally makes some people shiver. This place is Seitan Limania which can be translated as Satan's Ports or Cursed Ports.
Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge, is perhaps one of the most spectacular natural attractions available in the central part of Crete.
Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.
This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.
Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.
Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.
The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.
In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.
When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.
Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl
Only a few kilometers separate the bustling city of Rethymno from Mili, a village abandoned by its inhabitants. This place is also known as the village hidden in the gorge.
Information about one of the more known tourist cities of Crete, or about Malia. Description of attractions located in the city of Malia and a description of the specificity of this town.
The Lasithi Plateau is located about 70 kilometers from the capital of Crete - Heraklion. The average height at which the terrain of this plateau is located is 840 m above sea level.
One of the tourist attractions eagerly visited by people spending their holidays in Crete is the Dikte (Psychro) cave. The main factors that attract people to this cave are a rich and varied dripstone robe and a close connection with mythology.
Among the olive groves in the place called Logari, which is less than a kilometer from the village of Kritsa, there is a small Byzantine church of Panagia Kera from the 13th-14th centuries.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Most people crossing the route between Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra will definitely notice the large crack which is marked by the mountain located east of this road. This majestic geological creation called Ha was probably created as a result of an earthquake.
Xerokambos is a small settlement in which you will find literally several taverns, and most of the buildings are single-storey and one-story houses. The big advantage of this beach is a gentle sandy descent to the sea.
Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a small town with less than 20,000 inhabitants. permanent residents (according to statistical data from 2001). This city is the capital of the Lasithi nomos.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
The first palace was built around 1900 BC. in the place where there was a quite impressive settlement whose remains were later transformed into the central part of the city.
The ruins of the ancient city of Itanos are located at the eastern tip of Crete, less than 3 kilometers north of the famous palm beach of Vai. Although there are also nice beaches at Itanos, unlike its well-known neighbor, this place does not attract crowds. There are either accidental stray tourists or excavation enthusiasts here.
Less than 10,000 population of Sitia makes the city the smallest in Crete. Some even go a step further and say perversely that it is rather the largest village of Crete.
Napoleon's house is one of the few typically tourist attractions in Ierapetra. About what could have happened here in the summer of 1798 and possibly how much in this legend is the truth we write in the article on the page below.
Moni Kapsa Monastery is one of the most interesting monasteries in Crete. Its massive buildings were erected on rocky, gray slopes surrounding the nearby Pervolakia Gorge.
Maleme zrobilo na mnie ogromne wrazenie: piekny cmentarz....szkoda mlodych chlopcow....przeklete wojny
Wojtek Arciszewski
2020-02-10 23:26:33
komentarz z
Mariola Maj Też byliśmy na tym cmentarzu w Maleme, lecz odczucia mieliśmy inne. Tych poległych Niemców nikt na Kretę nie zapraszał. „Wprosili” się siłą , siejąc zniszczenie i śmierć. Kreta do dzisiaj to pamięta, aczkolwiek szanuje cmentarze . Niedaleko portu Souda jest cmentarz aliancki, gdzie leżą obrońcy Krety, w tym i jeden polski lotnik.
3
Mariola Maj
2020-02-11 06:23:44
komentarz z
I owszem,ale coz ..
CRETE - Kreta
2020-02-11 07:50:50
komentarz z
Przygnębiające miejsce też jest w Kandanos, gdzie Niemcy dokonali rzezi wśród mieszkańców. Wybili nawet zwierzęta aby ci co przeżyli nie mieli co jeść. Teraz jest tam tylko pomnik i kilka tablic. Nic wielkiego. Jednak ci co przeżyli i ich potomkowie nadal pamiętają.
1
Joanna Gumienna- Zalewska
2020-02-10 21:26:35
komentarz z
Mieszkaliśmy w Agia Marina, w Platanias byliśmy niemal codziennie, jaka szkoda, że nie wiedzieliśmy o nich :/
2
Iwona Skubis
2020-02-10 22:23:30
komentarz z
Joanna Gumienna- Zalewska dokładnie tak samo pomyślałam przed chwilą. To
CRETE - Kreta
2020-02-11 07:45:09
komentarz z
Mamy wrażenie że sporo osób które wypoczywają w tej okolicy nie wie o istnieniu tych tuneli. Może są mało reklamowane przez miejscowych.
1
Gosiak Kawalec
2020-02-11 08:44:34
komentarz z
Joanna Gumienna- Zalewska wypoczywaliśmy w tym rejonie, szkoda że nie wiedzieliśmy o tunelach
Kinga Lademann
2020-02-15 18:32:41
komentarz z
Platanias.. to tam 3 lata temu wszystko się zaczęło ❤️
1
gość Janina
2021-06-01 19:22:54
Cmentarz w Maleme
Polecam poczytać nazwiska na tabliczkach nagrobnych - wiele polskich, prawdopodobnie chłopaki ze śląska, w większości bardzo młodzi. Zachęcam do poczytania o tej dramatycznej bitwie (np Kreta 1941, aut. Callum MacDonald). Ale o tunelach też nie wiedziałam.
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From the outside, this plant makes an impression of being extremely modern and very neat. Behind a solid wall, a number of several modern buildings have been built, whose aesthetics perfectly fits the Cretan architecture. In the basement of the main building there is the previously mentioned Tasting room, where you will be able to taste one of the three types of wines produced here on site.
Koufonissi is a small island in the Libyan Sea, located just a stone's throw from the southern coast of Crete. Due to the natural shape and beauty, it can be easily added to the list of tourist attractions that are worth seeing for yourself.
In the village of Anissara, near Hersonissos, you can admire the remains of Messerschmitt Bf 109, which, 800 meters from the shoreline, rest on the seabed. It was a relatively small one-seater machine, which was the basic type of fighter aircraft used by the German air force. Today for wreckers, this wreck is one of the biggest attractions that can be enjoyed in the middle of Crete.
gość PiotrWie To my chyba jednak pojedziemy tak jak planowaliśmy w kwietniu i maju na Cyklady - mamy w planach Paros, Iraklię, Amorgos, Koufonissię i Schinoussę.
Gosia | crete.pl Jeśli chodzi o te wstrząsy to trochę się wyciszyło. Próbują nadrabiać straty w rezerwacjach i planują wdrażać jakieś procedury awaryjne gdyby jednak coś się zaczęło w trakcie sezonu.
gość PiotrWie Na ferries.gr 1 osoba + samochód osobowy powyżej 4,5 metra kosztuje 179,70 więc wygląda że będzie samochodowy - za to nie ma kabin, same siedzenia co przy takim czasie rejsu ma sens.
A tak przy okazji Milos a właściwie całych Cyklad - czy stan zagrożenia na Santorini i Amorgos się skończył?
Gosia | crete.pl Piotrze, na stronie SeaJets niby możńa wybrać opcję z samochodem, choć nie zmienia się cena za rejs, co jest nieco dziwne.
gość PiotrWie A to będzie tylko osobowy prom czy samochodowy też?
Jak płynęliśmy szybkim Sea Jetem w 2022 z Sifnos na Santorini to był to prom wyłącznie osobowy.
Komentarze
komentarz z
Maleme zrobilo na mnie ogromne wrazenie: piekny cmentarz....szkoda mlodych chlopcow....przeklete wojny
komentarz z
Mariola Maj Też byliśmy na tym cmentarzu w Maleme, lecz odczucia mieliśmy inne. Tych poległych Niemców nikt na Kretę nie zapraszał. „Wprosili” się siłą , siejąc zniszczenie i śmierć. Kreta do dzisiaj to pamięta, aczkolwiek szanuje cmentarze . Niedaleko portu Souda jest cmentarz aliancki, gdzie leżą obrońcy Krety, w tym i jeden polski lotnik.
komentarz z
I owszem,ale coz ..
komentarz z
Przygnębiające miejsce też jest w Kandanos, gdzie Niemcy dokonali rzezi wśród mieszkańców. Wybili nawet zwierzęta aby ci co przeżyli nie mieli co jeść. Teraz jest tam tylko pomnik i kilka tablic. Nic wielkiego. Jednak ci co przeżyli i ich potomkowie nadal pamiętają.
komentarz z
Mieszkaliśmy w Agia Marina, w Platanias byliśmy niemal codziennie, jaka szkoda, że nie wiedzieliśmy o nich :/
komentarz z
Joanna Gumienna- Zalewska dokładnie tak samo pomyślałam przed chwilą. To
komentarz z
Mamy wrażenie że sporo osób które wypoczywają w tej okolicy nie wie o istnieniu tych tuneli. Może są mało reklamowane przez miejscowych.
komentarz z
Joanna Gumienna- Zalewska wypoczywaliśmy w tym rejonie, szkoda że nie wiedzieliśmy o tunelach
komentarz z
Platanias.. to tam 3 lata temu wszystko się zaczęło ❤️
Cmentarz w Maleme
Polecam poczytać nazwiska na tabliczkach nagrobnych - wiele polskich, prawdopodobnie chłopaki ze śląska, w większości bardzo młodzi. Zachęcam do poczytania o tej dramatycznej bitwie (np Kreta 1941, aut. Callum MacDonald). Ale o tunelach też nie wiedziałam.
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lub kliknij w poniższy link aby skorzystać z możliwosci komentowania przez facebooka:
https://www.facebook.com/crete.poland/posts/10156837316587551