Iraklio

Lonely Planet was a bit too harsh on this city. Rather being a totally drab business city with little to see or do, there were the Venetian fortifications, pretty good Greek restaurants at low prices, and a lot of museums including a large one dedicated to Minoan artifacts. Plus there were nice beaches a few miles to either side of town.

By this time Alyssa had pretty much had it with her parents draging her around Greece with just two small backpacks and a stroller. We started taking more and more time out to do fun things for her. We've learned to plan more kid stuff into the next trip.

Of course none of the above is a compelling reason to visit Iraklio above some other, perhaps prettier Greek town. The real reason to visit Iraklio is that it is the best jumping off point to visit Knossos.