´óÏó´«Ã½

JJ Chalmers and Holly Hamilton report from the island of Crete. They kick off in the capital Heraklion, first visiting the port with its 13th-century Venetian fort, Koules, before heading into town to Lion’s Square, where they try boukatsa, a traditional sweet or savoury Greek pastry.

One of JJ's highlights is the Palace of Knossos – the ruins of a Minoan palace. Crete is the birthplace of the Minoan civilization and known not only for its architecture, pottery and jewellery, but also for its myths and legends, the story of the Minotaur - half-man, half-bull - being the most famous. JJ also visits the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of Greece’s largest and best, with its world-class collection covering over 5,500 years of history.

Holly and JJ also check out the main attraction for the millions of tourists who fly and flop here each year – the beaches. Their itinerary includes Elounda and Elafonisi beaches, but also travel inland to see one of the natural wonders of the island - the impressive ten-mile long Samaria Gorge.

They take a boat trip to Spinalonga, once an ancient fortress but in more recent times known as Leper Island, due to those with the disease once being quarantined there.

They then head to Chania, where they come across a unique museum specializing in modern football shirts, including jerseys worn by legends such as Pele, Maradona and Messi. And Holly meets some village ladies who practise the art of macramé, leading her to have a go herself.

And in this week’s Short Getaway, actress and comedian Diona Doherty is in County Longford to road-test Center Parcs, one of Ireland’s newest family attractions.