The northwest part of Crete’s Lassithi Province is known for its unique landscape, bordering one of Europe’s most beautiful bays, Mirabello Bay. On this scenic driving tour, you’ll discover Spinalonga island and the village of Milatos, parts of Crete that were heavily influenced by years of Ottoman occupation. This four-hour tour departs from Malia Palace Archaeological Site where I’ll tell you about its history, dating back to the Bronze Age. From there, you’ll drive through several traditional Cretan villages while gaining insight into local customs. I’ll tell you how the Cretan government banished Mesquinis (lepers) to Spinalonga island, transforming it into a leper colony. The tour ends in Agios Nikolaos, the city which owes its name to the patron saint of sailors. Here, you can enjoy a delicious drink at Lake Voulismeni in the center of the city, a short distance from where our tour ends in front of the marina. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to: • Hear the story of Helliniko Livadi who, in 1880, discovered golden leaves on the beach of Malia, marking the beginning of archaeological excavations to unearth the palace of Sarpedon • Learn about the area’s history of salt panning, successively practiced by the Venetians, Ottomans, and Greeks until 1972 • Listen to how Who Pays the Ferryman, a British television series set in Crete in 1977, caused tourism to flourish here • Discover the brutality of Ottoman-Turkish General Hassan, who massacred 3,600 Cretans in 1827 by covering and setting fire to the Milatos Cave where they sought refuge • Find out about the Vassilakis family and their knowledge about olive fields, the cultivation of olives, and the production of extra virgin olive oil • Stop at the Amazonas Park, where monkeys harmoniously coexist with donkeys, parrots, and goats • Learn about Raki, a potent local drink made from leftover wine skins produced during the wine production process It is only fitting that, as we end this tour on Crete, I tell you about some of the island’s festive and musical traditions, from instruments like the iconic lyre to the famous Greek wedding dance, the iconic Sirtaki.