Further to John on 7th May, we visited the newly (completely) reopened Archaeological Museum on Monday 12th May, and it is magnificent. Open all day, and endless galleries: too much to get through in a week, never mind a day. Written guidance pretty sparse thus far (museum map and guide very basic,  exhibit labelling a bit haphazard and not very informative), but it is OPEN, and can only improve. Guides/invigilators (who must all be new) not too clued up yet, and a bit bossy and protective of their new facility, as they should be. Take Blue Guide. Surprising they haven't spent more effort on the gift shop, where Knossos booklets seem to be the main (just about the only) offering. Admission 3 Euros (OAP rate): think full price is 6. Lots of school groups (excellent!), so suggest you start early.

As John says, the NNR now bypasses Hersonissos, Stalida and Malia, but much of the new carriageways are roped off to single lane in each direction, with rather alarming midi-roundabouts coming up suddenly for exits to Hersonissos and Malia/Sisi. Work continues(?) on construction of proper access/exit ramps (Kombos!).

Incidentally, (Limenas) Hersonissos seemed quite lively (i.e. populated by tourists), whereas Malia was less so: assume it's not teen season yet.

Repeat, if you're going to Crete, go to the museum.

Thanks John and Kieran. I believe the museum has perhaps a couple of rooms open, but not necessarily in the actual museum location itself. Can anyone else help? Hope not to make (long) trip to Heraklion to be disappointed. Anyway will provide details of the situation on return to UK. Anyone else travelling this month with updates on general Cretan news?

 John L.

Anyone know what the state of the New National Road is between Hersonissos and Pirgos, i.e. do you still have to go through Stalis and Malia on the ONR? It's a while since we were in the East, and last time you could only look optimistically at the soaring brand new unopened section, expecting it to be open imminently, but imminence had been going on a long time.

Additionally, what is the current status of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, i.e. how much open, where, and when?

Regards to all  jql