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Crete's capital, Heraklion, is often dismissed as an overpopulated urban sprawl and
many visitors to the island just catch a glimpse of it when visiting Knossos or
the Archaeological Museum. However, those who care to look a little more deeply
will find Heraklion a fascinating blend of the traditional and the modern faces
of Crete and a perfect base for exploring the best of the island’s Minoan and
Classical heritage.
Nestling in the foothills of the island's central mountain range, the little village of
Pendamodi may only lie 15 km south of Heraklion, but its sleepy atmosphere
could not be further from the hustle and bustle of Crete's busy capital. All around is a bucolic landscape with
silvery green olive groves and lovingly tended fields, mainly devoted to the
region's famous grapes, draped like a patchwork quilt over rolling hills as far
as the eye can see. A pretty, buttercup-yellow church is the village's main focal point, whilst a pair of
traditional kafenions are popular meeting places for locals and visitors alike.
A few kilometres from Pendamodi is the larger village of Agios Myronas, where
traditional village houses, some beautifully restored, are hidden along the
cobbled side streets. The village has a selection of tavernas and shops,
including an enticing bakery, in addition to a the large and impressive Byzantine church, named after a local man who
became the bishop of Knossos in the 4th century A.D.
The local area provides ample opportunity for walkers to explore the verdant
landscape and timeless villages of the heartland of Crete or alternatively
visitors can appreciate the surrounding countryside on horseback as there are
some excellent stables in Pendamodi. Although Heraklion and the sandy beaches
of the north coast are only a short drive away, for more relaxing days out the
relatively unexplored central south coast with its unspoilt beaches is just a
little further. However, many guests adapt so easily to the villages' unhurried pace that they devote their entire
holiday to unashamed idleness in this most relaxed and serene of settings.
Many of the island’s most popular resorts lie just to the east of Heraklion and are
a little overcrowded for our tastes but a visit to one of their sandy beaches
or a browse through their tourist shops can make a diverting family outing as
can a day at the extensive Water Park or the nearby Creta Golf Club. Although
our accommodation in the area is in a rural setting there is certainly
something for all tastes within easy range.
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