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In an undefined time, someone laid the first stone to build what would later become one of the most beautiful castles in Tuscany: the castle of Montegufoni. From that moment on, he remained there, watching over the Tuscan countryside like a grandfather does with his grandchildren. He defended that place on the hill with all his strength, bowing to the attacks of the Florentines without ever surrendering. Its 'wounds' were tended to by the Acciaioli family, and brick by brick the castle was transformed: halls, external cottages, chapels and so on and so forth. Montegufoni was no longer a pile of stones, it was alive. This was the beginning of what can be defined as the golden age of the castle: from an unknown place to a meeting point for important people such as the King of Naples, Cosimo de Medici and many members of the Florentine high society. As the years went by, Montegufoni became more splendid, so much so that it was the eccentric George Sitwell who fell in love with the structure. The marriage between George and Montegufoni was the epitome of a dream marriage, something to make the happy endings of the best romantic films envious. Sitwell lavished attention on the entire castle, giving special treatment to some of the rooms: the walls of the bedrooms have the honour of housing the masks and harlequins of the illustrious Gino Severini. Since 1972 the Posarelli family has been taking care of this structure, trying to keep intact the great history of this idyllic place but adapting it to modern needs. Today's redesign takes us to the second floor of the castle in the flat Montegufoni 27. The flat can accommodate up to 5 people and offers a double panoramic view: on one side the inner courtyard, on the other the infinite Tuscan panorama. During the spring season everything is framed by colourful flowers, creating an unforgettable palette of colours. Once you open the door it is impossible not to notice the attention paid to the furnishings: the soft colours that bring out the brightness, the modern furnishings in cold colours contrasting with antiques in warm tones. Down a few steps you will find yourself in front of a large open space comprising a sitting room, dining room and kitchen. The mirrors behind the sofa give depth to the room, without making it dispersive and impersonal. The open space is overlooked by three rooms: two double bedrooms and a bathroom with a large shower.

When talking about Crete, the first thing that comes to mind is the cultural wonders that this island has to offer: from the Labyrinth of Knossos to the archaeological site of Phaestos, nicknamed "the bridge to Egypt", not to mention the beautiful capital Heraklion. Today, however, we want to change the perspective, we want to shift the focus from the immense artistic and cultural heritage to the natural and landscape heritage. In addition to the “Brocchetta di Guarnià” and the paintings with their bright colours and sharp outlines, Crete offers another type of artwork. Flowing brushstrokes, warm colours dipping into shades of turquoise blue, in stark contrast to the sharpness of burnt brown, and again flowing lines intertwining with each other to create bristling, sharp-edged areas. Which work of art are we talking about? The island of Crete itself. Close your eyes and imagine breathtaking panoramas, long stretches of golden sand, colours that mingle to the point of seeming surreal, tongues of white sand connecting beaches with uninhabited islands. If you book one of our houses you will no longer have to dream about it, you can live it. Now all you have to do is put a pair of shoes in your suitcase and read on! Voulisma beach This beautiful beach is located in the south-east of the island in the beautiful region of Lassithi. Thanks to the deep turquoise sea that washes the sandy beach, Voulisma beach is reminiscent of the tropics. Behind it, a high rocky cliff covered with Mediterranean vegetation gives it the unique touch and the rightful reputation it has so far earned. The waters of Voulisma beach are clean and transparent with a gently sloping seabed, perfect for children. This paradise is seven hundred meters long and for the most part is well equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. The bay is ideal for those who love long swims and for those who adore snorkelling: plunge your head under the crystal clear waters and you will find a real playground of marine flora and fauna. If you like to keep your feet on the ground, our advice is to venture to the top of the promontory, where you'll find a snack bar and a breathtaking view. Trust us, the long flight of steps will be well worth it. Elafonisi beach Located on the southwest coast of Crete Island, Elafonissi (or Elafonisi) is also called the 'Caribbean of the Mediterranean' for its white beach with pink hues and warm turquoise waters. The main beach is well-equipped with facilities for renting umbrellas, sunbeds and several bars. The jewel in the crown? The small island of Elafonissi in front of the beach of the same name, which, depending on the tides, is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand on some days, while on others it is a real island that can be reached by walking through knee-deep waters. On the small island, you can relax on the free beach and feel as if you are in the Caribbean, when in fact you are in Europe. If you want to get away from civilisation, venture to the back of the island: the most rural and characterised by small bays where peace and tranquillity reign. At the far end of the island is a promontory where you can find a lighthouse and the small chapel of Agia Irini . Be sure to stay on this beach until sunset - here you can admire the best sunsets in Crete. Preveli beach Preveli beach takes its name from the monastery located at the top of this part of the south coast of Crete. Together with the monastery, it is one of the most visited places on the island. Since the late 1960s, the beach and its surroundings have been inhabited by hippies from all over the world for a long time. The beauty of the landscape and the atmosphere were perfect for their ideals of peace and freedom. The curiosity of this beach lies in the river Megas Potamos: the freshwater stream ends in the sea and the beach of sand mixed with tiny light-coloured pebbles acts as a watershed. It is not every day that one can swim in both the fresh water of the river and the salt water of the sea. In addition, behind the beach is a dense palm grove that lines the river bed creating an exotic atmosphere; hence the name Palm Beach. To get to Palm Beach you have to leave your car in the car park (for a fee) and then walk up almost 500 steps. What are you waiting for? Hurry up and book one of our villas .Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to discover the second part of this guide and much more. © Rebecca Taizzani

Here amid the stark nature and crystal-clear waters of Sicily, the Italian island famous for its rich cultural and historical heritage, there is a place that takes visitors’ breath away. It is the magnificent Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, an open-air archeology museum that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The 1300-hectare archeological area is a souvenir of the ancient hilltop city of Akragas, the center of the future Agrigento. The city flourished in the 5th century BC and was a Greek colony, as can be seen by the style of its art and architecture. The Valley of the Temples includes some of the most important examples of classical Greek art and culture and the ruins tell us history from thousands of years ago. The city of Akragas went through many vicissitudes and was constantly in foreigners’ sights because of its important strategic location on the Mediterranean sea. It was conquered by the Carthaginians in 410 BC, who razed it to the ground; then by the Romans a few centuries later, who gave new splendor to the city, naming it Agrigentum. Together let’s discover the most important sights to visit at the Valley of the Temples. The archeological area of the Valley of the Temples has a total of 8 temples, some of which are very well preserved. 1. Temple of the Dioscuri Also called the Temple of Castor and Pollux. The temple actually lies in the Sanctuary of the Chthonic Deities and was therefore probably erected in honor of the gods of the Earth (Demeter, Persephone, Dionysus) and not Castor and Pollux. 2. Temple of Zeus Once one of the largest temples in the world, comparable to the famous Parthenon in Athens. It was as big as a soccer field and could hold up to about 42,000 people. Now only the base of this magnificent temple remains, but there is a reconstruction model in the Agrigento Museum of Archeology that gives an idea of how its architecture would have been. 3. Temple of Heracles Or Temple of Hercules, the the main cult in ancient Akragas. This is one of the oldest temples of the valley, and was destroyed by an earthquake. Today we can see only eight of the original columns. 4. Temple of Concordia It is the best-preserved temple and the symbol of the Valley of the Temples, built in 480 BC to honor Zeus. One of a kind, it remained intact because it was converted to a Christian church in the 6th century AD. Special to the temple were the telamons: stone giants representing Atlas, almost eight meters tall that held up to the temple roof, figuratively the sky. At the valley there is a copy of a telamon, while the only original, the Telamon of Olympian Zeus, along with the remains of three others, are housed at the Agrigento Museum of Archeology. 5. Temple of Juno Or of Hera Lacinia, where weddings were celebrated. Architecturally similar to the Temple of Concordia, the base and columns have remained intact. The temple was about 20 meters tall and surrounded by 34 columns. It was constructed in about 450 BC and was destroyed by the Carthaginians when they took control of the city. The other three, less famous temples not to be overlooked are: 6. The Temple of Vulcan 7. The Temple of Demeter 8. The Temple of Asclepius (God of Medicine) which accommodated sick people. There are various other areas in the Valley of the Temples to look out for as you move among the temples: - Necropolis: stretches along the road to Temple of the Concordia, and its characteristic catacombs are still well-preserved. - The Agora areas, which span many terraces and were the center of public life, where you can glimpse the Bouleuterion (the “Town Hall”) and the Oratory of Phalaris. - The Kolymbetra Garden, lush with plants and citrus trees, managed by the FAI, the National Trust of Italy. True history and archeology lovers won’t want to miss out on the Museum of Archeology, which houses excellently-preserved amphoras, mosaics and statues found in the Valley of the Temples and surrounding areas. You can also visit the Valley of the Temples at night, an unforgettable experience! Especially in the summer, it can also be a more comfortable time to visit. The best time to arrive is about 6:30 pm, so you can enjoy the splendid sunset over the temples. Now is the time to book your trip to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples! This important archeological site can be reached from our splendid holiday villas in Sicily, such as Villa Agorà, Villa Camemi and Villa Dimora Pura

Salento: place of historical and cultural heritages, of centenary culinary traditions and above all of natural beauties, among which marvellous beaches and crystal clear water bays. In this area of the Heel of Italy, you get lost in breathtaking and scenic landscapes and in Roca Vecchia, between the coastal locations of San Foca and Torre dell'Orso, there is one of the most suggestive and visited attractions all over Apulia. The so-called "Salento Pearl" is the renowned Poetry Cave: a natural pool at 30 metres from the seaside. Its popularity is due to popular legends and historical testimonials which animate it. As its name suggests, this natural pool was previously a cave: it was therefore covered by rock that has been eroded over time and collapsed by rain, sea and karst phenomena. The term posìa, deriving from Greek, names a place where you can find fresh water to drink, a source now extinct. However, the beauty of the Cave, with its emerald water and its white rocks, is also linked to a special legend: it is told that a charming princess used to swim in its water and that poets and singers, enchanted by the girl, would write poems and songs in her honor. It is obviously an invented history to justify the name of the cave, but the human presence in this historical site is proved by testimonials left here, such as Messapian inscriptions (but also Greeks and Latins) discovered on the walls in God Taotor honor. A few metres from here you could also admire remains of city walls, ruins of a sixteenth-century watchtower and of a manor overlooking the sea and the sanctuary of the Madonna di Roca, dating back to the seventeenth century. It should be remembered and underlined that since last year there is a bathing ban in force, as the cliffs surrounding the Poetry Cave are increasingly fragile, but access to the archaeological area of Roca Vecchia is in any case possible from 9 to 19 by paying a ticket that allows you to visit the area and participate in events and workshops. There is certainly no shortage of beautiful beaches in the surroundings where you can bathe and swim in equally beautiful waters, like Torre dell'Orso. The Potery Cave can be easily reached from our villas in Puglia , like Trullo Pascarosa and Lamia Santo Arcangelo

The Alcantara Gorges, also called Larderia Gorges, represent one of the most suggestive and less known place in Eastern Sicily. This paradise is located between the provinces of Messina and Catania, more precisely between the municipalities of Castiglione della Sicilia and Motta Camastra. The canyon was formed by the lava stone erosion, which took place over thousands of years by the Alcantara river, one of the most important rivers in Sicily. The most impressive and famous gorge of Alcantara is located in Fondaco Motta and is more than 6 km long, but only the first 3km can be reachable. The lava stone walls, eroded by Alcantara, date back to more than 8000 years ago! In fact they are the result of lava flows open at that time and in more recent times as a result of volcanic eruptions, which have created overlapping different prismatic forms of the lava stone itself. The territory of the Alcantara Gorges obtained in 2010 the European recognition of European Destination of Excellence (EDEN). The access routes to the gorges are different and varied: you can choose between a visit to the small gorges, the path of the Gole di Larderia and the of Montagna Grande, the path of Castiglione di Sicilia, the path of the Castello di Calatabiano or the one that runs along the banks of Alcantara. The difficulty levels are different, to give the possibility to beginners and advanced to enjoy this wonderful place. Even if you are not an expert in walking, the Alcantara Gorges are worth a visit for its crazy panoramic views and its naturalistic landscape. For sports lovers, the activities proposed are many. There is, in fact, the possibility of practicing canoying, body rafting, kayaking, trekking in the gorges and quad excursions. In addition, you can organize bike tours, hiking between Etna and the gorges, wine tastings and much more! This little hidden paradise can be easily reached from our villas in Eastern Sicily, such as Villa La Boeme, Torre Isola Bella, Villa Angelina and Villa Torre Etnea.

The Durrells is a magnificent TV series on air since 2017, produced by Sid Gentle Films and Masterpiece and which made the whole world discover the beauties of a Corfu of the past, when there were still no holiday villages, discos and luxurious clubs on the beaches of the island. The series is in fact set starting from 1935, when an entire family with British origins decides to change their lives and move to Corfu. The progenitor of the Durrells, however, died during the war, so Louisa, the mother, has to face a series of events that take place between the tragedy and the comedy together with her children and the inhabitants of the island, still unaccustomed to foreigners. Did you know the Durrells really existed? The Durrells, indeed, is the television reinterpretation of the trilogy of autobiographical books "My Family and Other Animals Birds", "Beasts, and Relatives" and "The Garden of the Gods" written by the real Gerald Durrell, a British naturalist, zoologist and explorer who lived in Corfu with his family between 1935 and 1939. Compared to the book and fiction, however, the eldest son had already moved to Corfu with his wife a few years earlier and was then joined from his family. The house where the daily life scenes of the Durrells are filmed has become a tourist spot and is known as the "White House" of the Bay. It still exists and is super requested to stay! The locations on the island where the series was filmed are mainly Kalami, Agni Beach, Corfu Town and Danilia, all located in the northern part of Corfu. If you want to spend a stay in the same locations as the Durells, take a look at our Villas in Corfu as Villa di Giovanni! SEE OUR HOLIDAY RENTALS IN CORFU CORFU Corfu is the second largest island of the Ionian archipelago after Kefalonia. The island is known for its lively nightlife and its dream beaches, which frame the crystal clear water of the Ionian Sea. Few people know that it was under Venetian, French and English rule, before the island became part of Greece in 1864 and therefore hosts architectural examples attributable to each of its governments, making it a destination suitable for all types of travelers! Its villages and its nature are certainly destinations to go to as an alternative to the aforementioned paradisiacal beaches. Take a look at our travel tips and search for the right one for you! Old Perithia: a Charming Ghost-town In Corfu. Where To Stay In Corfu: 5 Travel Tips. 7 Beautiful Places You Need To See In Corfu.

Florence is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, rich in history, art and wonderful places. Before getting lost in the delightful streets of its historic center, why don't you try to see the city from another point of view? Florence offers numerous panoramic points from which you can admire breathtaking landscapes that will make you fall in love. But what are the best scenic spots to see in Florence? Discover it by continuing to read this article!

Everybody knows that Corfu is a nice holiday destination to choose. However, how to choose the best place to stay? There are tens of villages, beaches and towns to see, but where should your villa be located? Don't worry, we are here to help you! We have selected the best properties to rent depending on the part of Corfu you'd like to explore. Seaside, mountains, towns or traditional villages...what do you prefer? Read more to discover what to see in each tourist destination and which villa you should book for your magical stay in Corfu! 1. Sidari Sidari is a place to explore with calm, as its bays are hidden between hills and rocks. It offers some of the most charming beaches to see in Corfu, as well as the local atmosphere of a Greek village that hasn't lost its charm with the passing of times. Sidari is suitable for families, but also for couples and friends who look for a comfortable place to sunbathe and enjoy the sea. Our suggestion for you is Sidari Beach Villa, situated 600 m from the nearest beach. This is the ideal choice if you are a large of friends looking for a comfortable villa to reach the sea in a bunch of steps. Also, the sunset views will leave you breathless! 2. Corfu Town Corfu Town is the major city of the island. In this mix of architectural styles and tourist attractions, you will get lost in a labyrinth of winding lanes where street signs are written in Greek characters. The center presents a Venetial influence and offers a large variety of restaurants and bars where you can taste some flavours of the local cuisine. The best villa to choose if you'd like to stroll in the streets of Corfu Town is Villa Jewel, a luxury property with a strategic position that can host up to 10 guests. With its pools and lovely interiors, Villa Jewel always guarantees a wonderful stay in the best area of the island. 3. Acharavi Acharavi is a renowned holiday destination, but it hasn't lost its traditional charm. Plunged in the green, this is a modern town with all comforts and activities, as well as a long stretch of sand beach where families can enjoy their afternoons. If you love adventures and extreme sports, this is the place for you! Hiking, trekking trails and water sports are just some of the things you can do during your holiday here. Looking for a villa to rent? Book our Acharavi Beach Villa,one of the most charming properties in the region. Made in marble, wood and stone, it is a luxury house that satisfies the needs of the hardest guests. Check it out! 4. Dassia Dassia is a popular destination located on the coast, filled with hotels, resorts, bars and restaurants. You will find everything you need to enjoy a fantastic vacation in Greece! Its lovely narrow streets lead to a child-friendly beach made of sand, where families can have a relaxing time under the sun. If you like water sports, this is surely the place for you! Banana boats, paragliding and water ski are some of the memorable things you can do here. For those visiting Dassia, the best property to rent is Villa Eleni! Located 500m away from the wonderful village fo Barbati, it offers a stunning panoramic pool that will make you fall in love with Corfu. 5. Benitses This small town with romantic charm is made of colorful houses and splendid views. Benitses is not so popular among the youngest groups, so it is a quiet place for a couple's getaway. However, the ruins of an ancient Roman bath make this destination suitable for history lovers! There are also a few walking paths to try in its surroundings: we recommend discovering the natural springs located in the green and do some hiking in the mountains! There is no better way to discover Benitses than staying at Beachfront Villa Rania, where you'll be able to listen to the sound of waves touching the beach underneath. A relaxing holiday in a luxury property is all you need! © Alice Pilastri

Maremma is a splendid area located in the south of Tuscany , famous for its green landscapes, enchanting villages and dream beaches! You don't really need to go to the Caribbean Sea to dive into crystal clear waters and see the turquoise shades of a wonderful sea! Thanks to the fine sand and the stunning locations, the beaches in Maremma can be some stunning travel destinations to spend a summer holiday. Do you want to know which are the most beautiful beaches in Maremma? Read on and check out the list of the best places to see on a summer holiday in Maremma! 9. Gulf of Follonica The first stop on a trip to Maremma is the Gulf of Follonica, where you can spot some wonderful beaches. This stretch of coast is made up of fine sand and the seabed slopes gently, so as to allow people of all ages to enjoy their holiday. One of the most suggestive bays is Torre Mozza, located just 3-4 kms away from the center of Follonica. In front of the crystalline sea, there are the remains of a coastal watchtower from the 16th century. 9. Il Bagno delle donne (Women's Baths) in Talamone The name of this beach has fascist origins, because during this period, the entrance was allowed only to women. Now, it is a suggestive place frequented by snorkelers and trekking lovers, as you have to walk for a couple of kilometers between stones and rocks to reach the bay. However, the colors of the sea will reward all the effort! Bagno delle Donne stands on a fine gravel beach and the colors of its waters are truly spectacular. 8. Beach of Ansedonia If you love sand, but also history, you can't miss the beach of Ansedonia! As well as being a beautiful bay, Ansedonia houses a medieval defensive tower (where the composer Giacomo Puccini has also lived) and the "Tagliata Etrusca", an engineering work made by Ancient Romans. Another impressive site is "Spacco della Regina", a natural fissure in the rock where, according to a legend, Queen Ansedonia hid an enormous treasure. 7. Beach of Marze "Spiaggia delle Marze" is a perfect bay for those looking for comfort and a wonderful place to swim with friends and family! The coast is located between Castiglione della Pescaia and Marina di Grosseto, it is 100 meters wide and 6 km long. So, it is suitable for everyone, both for those who practice extreme sports, both for those who want to relax under the sun on the large free beach. What makes this beach enchanting is the contrast between the bright blue of the sea, the golden color of the sand dunes and the green of the Mediterranean scrub: you really cannot miss it! 6. Cala di Forno Cala di Forno is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Maremma Natural Park, a green area near Marina di Grosseto. Unfortunately, it is not easy to reach it: you must be accompanied by a park guide to walk the natural path, which is 12.4 km long. However, the walk will be rewarded with a beautiful place at the end! This paradise on earth is a long strip of white sand surrounded by the green and it is often possible to meet deer, fawns, seagulls and other wild animals walking on it. 5. Beaches of Giannella and Feniglia Giannella and Feniglia are two twin beaches located in the Orbetello lagoon and they connect the mainland to the Argentario promontory. Both are sandy, 8 km long and recognized as two of the most beautiful traits of coast in Tuscany. However, they also present some differences between them: Giannella beach faces north and it offers numerous services, while La Feniglia is mainly a free beach surrounded by a splendid natural reserve. Based on the wind and on your particular needs, you can choose the beach that suits you best! 4. Beaches of Argentario The Argentario needs no introduction! This famous tourist destination is loved by many VIPs and tourists looking for the beauty of wild nature. The promontory offers many beaches and coves, such as Cala di Gesso, La Soda, Bagni di Domiziano or Cala Grande. Some can be reached on foot via paths, but others can only be visited by arriving from the sea with a boat. The view from the top of the Argentario is always breathtaking: immersed in the vegetation, the rocky coves are bathed by a turquoise sea that create a splendid landscape! 3. Beach of Capalbio Are you looking for a fascinating, tropical beach that is frequented by VIPs and celebrities? Then you can't miss the beach of Capalbio, one of the southernmost bays in Tuscany! This sandy stretch of coast is famous for its beautiful dunes, which follow each other for all its 10 km in length. Capalbio offers a free beach, but also a series of bathing establishments and bars where you can have an aperitif at sunset. The crystal clear water is the setting for an enchanting place, ideal for groups of young friends or couples. 2. Beach of Rocchette This magnificent beach is located near Castiglione della Pescaia and has been elected as one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy for two consecutive times! This bay presents some light and fine sand, but also a trait of coast with pebbles and reddish stones. It is perfect for families because it offers all kinds of services, for couples looking for an intimate place , but also for snorkelers, who can look for wild animals in the pebble bottom. Well, this tropical island is worth visiting at all costs! 1. Cala Violina For the top of the ranking we have chosen Cala Violina, a small paradise beach located in a natural reserve. The water is crystal clear, the view is gorgeous and the bay is surrounded by lush vegetation. The name of the beach can be traced back to the sound that the sand makes when it is stepped on, which looks just like that of a violin. This is due to the quartz grains that mix with the white sand! Cala Violina can be reached via some paths traced in the park and about 1 km long: a short walk is enough to discover the unique charm of this beach! Book your holiday in Maremma to see these magnificent beaches! If you are looking for a villa for rent in Maremma, then check out our some splendid properties in this area! © Alice Pilastri

There is an island in the Mediterranean where Greeks believe that Zeus was born. It is a land that embodies the beauty of nature, together with the charm of history and mythology. Yes, we are talking about the stunning island of Crete! There's no better place to spend a wonderful holiday in Greece. Actually, Crete meets every need that a tourist can have, both adults and children. It is rich in history and archeology, but its pristine beaches and crystal clear sea will leave the youngest breathless, making them enjoy a memorable time. There is just a negative thing about Crete: it cannot be visited during one single holiday, as it takes a lot of time to visit it all. You really need to give it more time, as we are talking about the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. Ready to go? Discover the best places to see in Crete and the top localities to visit during an unforgettable vacation! Crete is divided between four provinces, called Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithy. Each one offers unique beauties to discover and it is suitable fora different kind of traveller. Check them out! The province of Chania hosts amazing beaches and traits of coast. Falassarna, Balos and Elafonissi are the most beautiful beaches of Crete and sea lovers will surely appreciate their charm. If you like sunbathing in one of the best beaches you'll ever visit, you won't be disappointed! Among these, Elafonissi is perhaps the one you must see at all costs, as this strip of sand where you can often meets sea turtles. However, Chania is not sea and sun: the famous Archaeological Museum of Chania preserves findings from the Neolithic to the Roman periods and is surely an attraction to include in your to-do-list. Leave some room for culture and discover more about Greek art and history! Instead, Rethymno is the smallest and most mountainous province of Crete. Tiny villages alternate with magnificent beaches in a beautiful landscape, where you can also find the charming monasteries of Arkadi and Preveli. Don't miss the small towns of Agia Galini and Balì, where you'll be enchanted by some gorgeous beaches! Also Lasithy presents some lovely beaches: the best-known is Vai beach, which is surrounded by a surreal palm forest. You can also visit the cave of Psycro: according to the myth, Rhea chose this secret place to give birth to Zeus, so Cronus could not find him and kill him. Actually, one of the children of Zeus was Minos, the god who gave the name to the famous locality in the province of Heraklion. This town hosts the legendary labyrinth where the creature called Minotaur was closed, as well as traces of the Minoan civilization. Heraklion is surely the province that attracts more tourists, as it boasts beautiful beaches and unique archaeological sites. The most famous one is surely the archaeological site of Knossos, which houses an impressive Minoan palace enriched by colorful frescoes and a wonderful throne room. Did you know that the legend of the Minotaur was born because the city was shaped like a labyrinth? Another important archaeological site in Heraklion is that of Phaistos. Being less touristy, you can visit it with tranquility enjoying the natural landscape and the absolute silence. After its discovery, the site has never been object of reconstruction works. It's here that archaeologists found the Phaistos Disc, a famous terracotta disc with double-sided engravings with hieroglyphic designs. The weather in Crete is on the side of tourists: a very short winter next to a very long summer make every moment of the year the ideal time for a holiday. © Alice Pilastri