The Austrian newspaper Oberösterreichische Nachrichten features an article entitled “Minoan civilization, perennial trees and lots of nature”. The article on Crete starts by mentioning that “In northeastern Crete apart from the refreshing rest one can discover history, gastronomy and lots of nature. It is indeed worth leaving the sandy beach so as to enjoy authentic culture from the Arkadi monastery, which played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule, and the island of lepers in the Bay of Elounda, to the old town of Rethymnon where old George prepares the dough to make the “baklava” sweet”.

As it is mentioned in the article, Crete is no more than two hours away by plane and invites Austrians to experience a different kind of vacation in Greece. The article encourages the audience to visit the land of the ancient Minoan civilization, the rocky landscapes and endless olive groves, the place where well -equipped hotels remind of ancient temples and where visitors can combine rest and exercise.

The author describes a trip in the bay of Elounda and the island of Spinalonga with its castle which was originally a fortress and later a quarantine station for leprosy patients. The ruins of the village stand still since it hosted patients until 1957, whereas tour guides narrate the story of the place.

Also, the impressive story of Arkadi Monastery is included in the article, where today only five monks live. It is noted that around the monastery there are trees that are more that 2,000 years old, while the article refers to the products of the region and the engagement of residents in agriculture and animal husbandry.