LE MAG by AMARANTE LVA

Known as the Europe´s oldest city, Knossos, a large archaeological site covering 22000 sq.m situated 6 km from Heraklion, Crete, keeps a lot of secretes. It is often associated with Minotaur, a creature with a head of a bull and a body of a man, a mythological son of the king Minos kept in the labyrinth. Th Minoan culture reached a peak of development between 1700 and 1450 BC, Knossos city-state suffered two earthquakes and was rebuilt twice and was discovered only in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos. The excavation started only in 1900 by a British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans.
The major spots of the ancient city are the Great Palace, the Little Palace, the Royal Villa, The Royal Sanctuary, the House of the high Priest and the Caravan Serai.

Knossos, Crete

Knossos, Crete

Knossos, Crete

Fresco from Knossos, Crete

Knossos, Crete

Knossos, Crete

Knossos, Crete To plan your trip to a dot, check our our luxury villas on Crete!

Good travel without good food is not that good a travel at all. Especially when talking about Greece with its mouth-watering rich cuisine that the gourmands and gourmets all over the world never fail to praise. There is a rationale to that, we all know it. Fresh cheeses and yoghurts, high-quality olives and olive oils, Mediterranean and Aegean seas grilled fish and seafood, delicious breads, savoury vegetables... Healthy-lifestylers and trencher-men, vegetarians and meat-lovers, paleo-eaters and wheat-fans, everybody will find something to their taste in the diversified Greek cuisine. Imagine you have had a misfortune to come to Greece just for a couple of days instead of at least one week and have to chose the top dishes not to miss out. Here is a hint.

Number 5. Moussaka
Probably the most well-known Greek dish after the Greek salad. The traditional moussaka is a casserole of layered eggplant, minced meat, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, spices, cheese and bechamel topping.



Number 4. Spanakopita
Filo pies stuffed with chopped spinach, onions, egg, feta and seasoning. You can find them in all the shapes one can imagine.



Number 3. Dolmathakia
Grapes leaves rolls stuffed with rice, pine nuts and herbs, though other fillings are available. Can be served warm or cold.



Number 2. Revithokeftedes
Chickpea fritters with authentic spices.  Pretty much often they are ball-shaped.




Number 1. Souvlaki
Grilled meat skewers that can be served as such or wrapped in some pita bread and served with some garnish and sauce.



And do not forget about another important piece of your travel, your accommodation. Enjoy our collection of luxury villas on Mykonos, Santorini and Andros benefiting form free concierge services.

Having decided to go to Greece, many travellers ask themselves where exactly to go. There are plenty of choices to all the tastes. You have Mykonos and Crete, Hydra and Santorini, Zakynthos and Corfu, Ithaka and Koufonissia, Kelafonia and Skopelos... However, many will narrow down their lists to Santorini and Mykonos. So which one to chose, Mykonos touching the sea or Santorini perched above it? Keep in mind the biggest three differences that will make your choice much easier!

1. Sandy beaches of Mykonos





vs volcanic beaches and stunning scenery of Santorini




2.Mykonos party paradise (though there are family-friendly corners as well)



vs family-oriented Santorini with quiet sunsets




3. Less-culturally-rich Mykonos (but still). Mind it is close to the mythology mecca, Delos.



Santorini with its caldera, Akrotiri, Imerovigli...






The best time to visit both islands for the weather is between May and October. Those who do not want to meet crowds on the streets, better avoid travelling in the highest season and take a trip in May, beginning of June, September or October. Santorini would be especially good for its cultural pearls, as you will not be bored not being able to swim yet or anymore.

Both islands have international airports and ferries, so it is easy to get there.

For a successful trip, do not forget to chose the right accommodation and check our luxury villas on Mykonos or luxury villas on Santorini.