Family Excursion: From Sea Wonders to Mythical Realms Adventure

CretΑquarium is an expert in presenting species and ecosystems of the Mediterranean, a sea of unique biodiversity that gave birth to ancient civilizations and welcomes millions of visitors every year from all over the world. Offering 61 tanks of different sizes, containing a total amount of 1.800.000 litres of sea water, it is home to 2000 sea animals, 200 different species found in the Mediterranean basin, and together with the appropriate scenery, it successfully represents the Cretan and Mediterranean sea beds. Additionally CretAquarium designs and implements educational programmes and other innovative services, treats injured animals and is constantly enriched with new marine species. The expertise possessed by the Aquarium on the presentation of the Mediterranean species and ecosystems is backed up by the long experience of the Centre in Mediterranean marine research.

Dinosauria Park is located in GOURNES on the Old US Base. The park’s facilities host over 50 different
species of dinosaurs, statues and robotic exhibits, on a route that takes the visitor from the present to
prehistory and the imposing world of dinosaurs. During his walk through the park the visitor will pass by
the fossil museum, the time machine, the dinosaur hospital and the special excavation sites. In addition,
the visitor has the opportunity to watch augmented reality movies in the specially configured 5D Cinema
and also in the simulators with VR masks. There is also a large, outdoor certified (TUV) playground for
more carefree time, as well as a well-organized snack bar/restaurant. Finally, the little visitors at the park
can buy all kinds of educational toys that they will find in the shop before leaving. So every visitor has
the opportunity to spend an interactive and fun day for him and his whole family!

THE MOST FAMOUS MYTHS
In the park, you will get to know the ancient Greek myths. The special lighting and sound effects, in combination with the audio tour, make the tour in the park very enjoyable, even for small children. Visitors feel that they are wandering from the dark tunnels of the labyrinth to the bright Greek temples.

You will have the chance to learn about 4 eras of Greek history and myths.

Starting from the Minoans and ancient Athens to Byzantium and the folklore tradition of the Lassithi Plateau in the late 1960s.

Your adventure starts at the mythological Cave of Zeus on the Lassithi Plateau. This is where Zeus was born, according to legend, and it used to be a sacred place of worship in ancient times. Today, you can explore its vast chambers and check out the stalactites and stalagmites with your guide. This is a super experience for both young and old and one you will remember long after you leave.

A shelter of nature and Cretan Tradition

Lasinthos offers numerous interactive activities and attractions. The main goal of the park is to revive techniques of Cretan traditional art. Around a scenic square you can find spots where artisans are sharing their knowledge and skills with you. Doing so, you will watch artisans, who enjoy giving out their knowledge, manufacture traditional woven, clay pots and much more. Guests will have the chance to taste olive oil, Cretan wine and “raki” – the traditional spirit of Crete. The whole visit can combine culture and taste, fun, action and pleasure.

Enjoying lunch at one of the best local taverns at Lasithi Plateau. Four-course meal with great local delicacies and wine.

In the Megali Vryssi square in village Krasi, province Pediada, near Malia, there are three plane trees, the trademarks of the village. The most important of them is the great platan in the center of the square, which is considered to be the oldest and most majestic of the plane trees in Crete and one of the oldest in Greece.

The perimeter of the trunk is about 24 meters and its age is estimated at 2400 years, as it is said that each meter of the perimeter represents 100 years of growth. It is bulky, has huge branches and dense foliage covering the entire square. Next to the tree there are two springs that have crystal clear water throughout the year.

The plane tree over its long history has witnessed countless events. It was the center of the social and intellectual life of the area. It is known that Nikos Kazantzakis, the most famous Greek writer, spent several summers of the decade 1910-1920 with his friends in Krasi, the birthplace of his wife Galatia Alexiou.