Cretetour

07/11/2024

Preveli Beach Crete

28/10/2024

The Mysterious Blade of the Griffin Warrior: Exploring Bronze Age Aegean Secrets 😳😳😳

In 2015, an extraordinary discovery was made by archaeologists in Pylos, Greece—the burial site of a warrior dating back to 1450 B.C., referred to as the ""Griffin Warrior"" due to a beautifully carved ivory griffin plaque uncovered with his belongings. This remarkable find shed light on the intricate connections of the Bronze Age Aegean civilization, with a bronze sword featuring an elaborate gold pommel at the heart of the intrigue.

Among the treasures within the tomb, the bronze sword with its gilded pommel captivated attention. Its craftsmanship displayed striking resemblances to the renowned swords of the Minoan culture from Crete, celebrated for their advanced artisanship.

Minoan swords were characterized by their distinctive ""horned"" hilt design, which included protrusions at the base that served as hand guards. This distinctive style exemplified the skill of Minoan metalworkers and was frequently represented in their artistic works, as well as being discovered in various archaeological sites throughout Crete.

26/10/2024

🇬🇷 Happy National Food Day with amazing food!

20/10/2024

Heaven ports. Southern Crete.

14/10/2024

# #🇬🇷 #🇬🇷❤️ #🇬🇷❤️🇬🇷 #🇬🇷❤️🇬🇷❤️ #🇬🇷❤️🇬🇷 🇬🇷

08/10/2024

Greek salad 🥗🇬🇷☀️❤️🪬

08/10/2024

🌸 Κρίνος της Θάλασσας (Pancratium maritimum): The Beautiful Sea Daffodil 🌸
The Κρίνος της Θάλασσας or Sea Daffodil (Pancratium maritimum) is one of the Mediterranean’s hidden gems, commonly found along the sandy beaches of Crete and other Greek islands. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and blooms from August to October, adding a touch of wild beauty to the coastline.
Where You Can Find It 🌍
You can find the Sea Daffodil along the sandy beaches of Crete and many other Greek islands, such as Rhodes, Naxos, and Santorini. This flower thrives in undisturbed coastal environments, particularly in areas with loose, well-draining sandy soil. Its natural habitat includes dunes and sandy cliffs, where it enjoys full sunlight and is sheltered from strong winds.
In addition to Greece, the Sea Daffodil can also be found in various Mediterranean countries, including parts of Italy, Spain, and Turkey. It typically grows in locations that are away from heavy human activity and coastal development, making it a vital part of the ecosystem in these regions.
When Does It Bloom? 🌸
The Sea Daffodil blooms between August and October, thriving in hot and dry conditions. Its white, star-shaped flowers appear during this time, adding beauty to coastal dunes.
A Vulnerable Species 🛡️
Due to beach development, human activity, and climate change, the Sea Daffodil is becoming increasingly vulnerable. It is protected in many regions, including Greece, where laws exist to conserve this species and its habitat.
Can It Be Grown in a Pot or Garden? 🌱
While some might be tempted to grow this stunning plant at home, the Sea Daffodil is highly specialized to its coastal environment and does not survive well away from the beach. Here’s why:

Sandy, nutrient-poor soil: It thrives in the sandy dunes of the Mediterranean, where the soil is loose and well-draining.
Salt tolerance: The plant has adapted to the salty conditions near the sea, which are hard to replicate.
Deep root system: Its roots are designed to stabilize sand dunes, not garden soil or pots.

While you may be able to move it to a pot, it’s unlikely to survive long-term. This plant belongs on the beach, where it plays an essential role in the ecosystem.
Cultural Significance 🎨
The Sea Daffodil has historical importance, especially in the Minoan civilization. Archaeologists have found depictions of this flower in frescoes from the Palace of Knossos, indicating its significance in ancient Minoan culture. The plant was associated with fertility and beauty, reflecting the connection between nature and daily life.
Conservation Efforts 🌱
Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting the Sea Daffodil and its habitat. Local organizations and communities work together to monitor these beautiful flowers and promote awareness about their importance. Engaging in beach clean-ups, reducing plastic waste, and promoting eco-friendly tourism can significantly contribute to preserving coastal ecosystems.
True Stories and Historical References 📜

Historical Uses: In ancient Greece, the Sea Daffodil was used in traditional medicine. The bulb was sometimes utilized for its purported healing properties, though it is important to note that the plant is toxic if ingested.
Cultural Symbolism: In Crete, the Sea Daffodil symbolizes the natural beauty of the island and is often featured in local art and poetry as a representation of the connection between the land and sea.

Let It Stay in Its Natural Habitat! 🌿
We kindly ask everyone to enjoy the beauty of the Sea Daffodil where it naturally grows and not attempt to remove it. Taking it away harms not only the plant but also the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems. If you come across this beautiful flower, admire it, take photos, but leave it be so that future generations can enjoy its beauty too.
Let’s help preserve this incredible species by leaving it where it belongs—on the beaches of Crete and beyond. 💙

02/10/2024

Crete in October.

30/09/2024

Coming to Crete is coming home 💙

20/09/2024

Παναγία Χοζοβιώτισσα / Αμοργός 🌹☘️✝️
Panagia Hozoviotissa / Amorgos.

19/09/2024

Σφακιά - Χανιά / Κρήτη 💙🇬🇷💙
Sfakia - Chania / Crete.

18/09/2024

🏙 Oia, Santorini, Greece

17/09/2024

🇬🇷Raki: The cure for everything.👌
Have a cold? Drink raki.
Stress? Drink raki.
Broken heart? You guessed it: drink raki.😅😉

📸Photo by Olivia Nì Gealabháin. Visual by For The Love of Crete

01/09/2024

11/08/2024

Monemvasia, Peloponnese, Greece ❤️