The most interesting things in Crete: these places are a must-see! Crete: attractions, photos and reviews from tourists. Map of attractions in Crete Crete must-see places
Each of us is very familiar with the Greek island of Crete from the good old cartoons. The sights of this historical place begin to date back to the second millennium BC, and most often such ancient architectural monuments appear before us in the form of dilapidated, but still majestic and very beautiful palaces, temples and amphitheaters. The unique nature is also considered an important asset of the island. Here, in addition to the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean Sea, there are many unique tropical plants that envelop small cliffs and plateaus. Well, let's take a wonderful - albeit virtual - tour of this ancient island and try to discover new noble places.
general review
People who have never been here know, alas, only about the existence of the Knossos Palace and the labyrinth, believing that these are the only attractions of the island of Crete. Greece actually has a much more extensive cultural and architectural heritage. For example, a town called Gortys can immerse you in the Dorian era. There are mainly religious buildings dating back to the second century BC. Not far from this ancient complex stands an Orthodox church, which was built by Paul, a follower of Titus, in the 6th century AD. In the 16th century, the majestic Prevelli monastery was built on the island. And nearby there is a river flowing towards which palm trees lean, which gives the area even more charm and charm. In the old days, this place was considered the most picturesque on the entire island of Crete. The sights of nature were most clearly able to express themselves in the Dictey Cave. This is a very mysterious place, which was sacred to the ancient Greeks. Nowadays there is an internal lake and a large hall in which tourists can gather to explore the area.
Crete attractions
Heraklion is the capital city of a unique island. The entire cultural life of the region is concentrated here, including innovations of modern progress and monuments of past eras. In Heraklion you can go shopping, visit the spa, taste delicious delicacies, and also have fun from the heart. However, all these amenities pale a little compared to the cultural heritage, which was left by the ancient Greeks. The city itself is named after the mythical hero Hercules, and all the buildings that you will encounter here are literally imbued with antiquity and the grandeur of that era. You can get acquainted with the history of the city in national museum. In addition - and this is a must-do - you can buy a map and go on a tour. Walking through the streets of the city, you will encounter beautiful fountains, stairs and alleys at every step. The famous Knossos Palace, known to us from the myth of the Minotaur, is especially popular among tourists. By visiting this architectural miracle, you will be able to see a labyrinth overgrown with green thickets, and, most importantly, a bathroom and toilet that were built 3600 years ago!
Crete, Rethymnon
The sights of this island can be found even in such a small town as Rethymnon, which is located in its western part. In principle, this resort village does not boast any famous monuments of architecture or art. Here sandy beaches stretch for 16 kilometers snow-white beaches, almost all of which are marked with a blue flag. This is an ideal place for a holiday with children or for a honeymoon. But, despite the silence and harmony that the local nature bestows, there are also very noisy entertainment venues. With the onset of darkness, a very vibrant nightlife unfolds in the town, clubs and restaurants open, and sometimes beach parties are organized. The village of Bali is considered a very popular resort of Rethymno. Here, in addition to the most beautiful nature and the cleanest sea, fishing is very developed. Therefore, everyone can join this activity. Or you can simply go with the locals on a boat ride along the shores of the island.
Dedicated to all lovers of lazy relaxation
As a rule, tourists who come to Greece just to bask in the southern sun first of all start looking for the perfect beach. Sfakia is a region in which the most picturesque recreation areas are concentrated, and all this beauty is only the merit of nature. Local southern mountains and the hills seem to cascade down to the water, forming secluded bays and beautiful harbors. Let us note right away that local beaches can be divided into pebble and sandy beaches. There are also many recreation areas for nudists, so you need to know in advance how to organize your vacation. For example, Marmara Beach is a secluded place with a pebble surface. Here you can relax with the whole family or alone. The recreation area "Glika Negra" is considered the most beautiful in the region. It seems to be surrounded by cliffs and washed by clear turquoise water. On the other side, emerald greenery approaches the sea, and under your feet the rolled pebbles shimmer in the sun. But if you want to sunbathe naked, then feel free to go to the pebble beach of Filaki or the sandy beach of Agios Charalambos and Amoudi.
For lovers of extreme travel
If a boring beach holiday is not for you, then you can get a lot of new impressions and adrenaline in the Samaria Gorge. It is known to all tourists as the longest in Europe, because its length is 18 kilometers. You can only pass through it in one direction, since the road seems to rush upward. This journey will take you from 6 to 8 hours, and the excursion itself will cost approximately 5-8 euros. It is worth noting that all surrounding nature is strictly protected by the state. Therefore, along the way it is not allowed to pick off tree leaves, flowers, and especially whole branches of plants. The gorge is surrounded by a village of the same name. It is considered an architectural classic of the island of Crete. The attractions of the area lie in the snow-white houses that form narrow and winding streets. Small churches, chapels and theaters are made in a similar style.
Traveling around the island by car
Seeing the sights of Crete by car is much more convenient and interesting than by car. tourist bus. The conditions for renting a car here are very favorable (70 euros for two days), so we’ll start the excursion “on our own” right now. While exploring the local trails, you can see Lake Kournas. It is considered the largest freshwater body of water on the island. Stop here and book a catamaran trip - you won't regret it! The water of the lake is so clear that all its inhabitants are visible. And you can see the reservoir all the way to the bottom! The next point is the family cemetery, which is located on the way to Chania. Here, surprisingly, there is a very peaceful atmosphere that allows you to think about eternal values. Arriving in Chania, you can park and go on foot to explore the Old Town. There are small chapels and simply beautiful old houses, but the local lighthouse is considered the main asset. Leaving Chania, head to Arkadi Monastery. It is considered one of the oldest on the island.
"Artificial" island of Spinalonga
In the eastern part of Crete there is a small island with chiseled shores called Spinalonga. It is believed that the Venetians separated it from the main part of Crete during constant military conflicts. In the old days, this place was a refuge for Christians who were in exile. Later it became a colony for lepers, who ended their days here. Today these lands are considered ancient and unique and are part of the administrative structure of the island of Crete. The attractions here are taverns, beaches, clear seas and gorgeous horizons. There are also fortresses, chapels and towers that were built in different eras. Therefore, the architectural style of this mini-island is very diverse and is considered completely atypical for Crete.
The Cave Where God Was Born
According to legend, the ancient Greek deity called Zeus was born in the Dikti cave in the east of the island of Crete. It is located 1050 meters above sea level, and, most importantly, the entrance to it is completely inconspicuous. However, once inside, everyone is amazed by the exciting beauty of nature. Majestic stalactites, figured passages and arches, stone silhouettes, which with their growth really remind us of the deity... At the bottom of the cave there is a lake, which in the old days was considered a cult place. Before visiting this property, you need to consider the following: you need to wear comfortable shoes, because you will have to climb over rocks. You should also take hats, as it takes a long time to get to the grotto. And one more thing: photography is prohibited in the cave. Therefore, if you want to bring unique photos from your vacation, just don’t use a flash and don’t catch the eye of the guides.
Anapolis Waterpark Watercity
This entertaining summer complex is the largest on the island of Crete. Its attractions lie in the fact that it contains a wide variety of attractions that are designed for both adults and children. The largest wave pool in Europe is built here, there is a bungee over the water, descents of various structures and heights. The water park itself is located quite high above sea level. The only negative is that there is not a single indoor attraction. Therefore, if you find it raining, there will simply be nothing to do there.
Conclusion
A visit to the island of Crete is a real fairy tale. This journey will be a real revelation for you. You will discover a lot of new, useful and interesting things. Get acquainted with the culture of this wonderful country, and, of course, have great fun. There are the oldest architectural monuments of our planet, buildings from the Middle Ages, modern cities and a very vibrant nightlife. Therefore, when going here, you need to be ready for adventure.
What to see in Crete? This question is becoming increasingly popular today, and no wonder. Thousands of tourists every year strive to visit a land steeped in myths and legends. Crete is rich in both man-made and natural attractions. Let's look at what exactly attracts travelers.
Knossos palace
Knossos is one of the oldest cities on the planet. In its northern part there is a grandiose monument. This is the Palace of Knossos. The most developed areas of the island during the Minoan civilization were the settlements formed around palaces. The latter were complexes of grandiose scale and complexity, which were places of concentration of economic, social and political life. Such structures existed not only in Knossos, but also in other cities - in Phaistos and Zakros.
Labyrinth of the Minotaur
What to see in Crete for lovers of secrets and mysteries of antiquity? Of course, the Minotaur's labyrinth! It is located on the territory of the Knossos Palace. Back in our school history lessons, all of us were captivated by the legend of a monster wandering through endless labyrinthine corridors. Excavations here have been carried out for decades, and during all this time archaeologists have not found any remains in the mysterious structure - neither animals nor people.
Samaria Gorge
Is your holiday destination Crete? What is a must-see if you want to enjoy natural beauty? Go to national park White Mountains The largest gorge in Europe is located on its territory. Tourists who prefer active recreation enjoy walking the sixteen-kilometer route. The length of the gorge is thirteen kilometers. Anyone who wants to enjoy beautiful views in a real concrete jungle does not wonder what to see in Crete. They go straight to the Samaria Gorge and get an unforgettable experience.
Monastery of the Holy Trinity
Agia Triada is one of the richest and most famous monasteries not only on the island in question, but throughout Greece. This legendary building is located fifteen kilometers from Chania. The construction of the monastery began in the sixteenth century. The construction was carried out by the Tsagorolon brothers - representatives of a noble Cretan-Venetian family, which at that time was the most influential in the region.
Melidoni
When figuring out what to see in Crete, you will probably come across information about this amazing cave. Melidoni is located next to the village of the same name. In ancient times, this cave was a sacred place. It was there that Zeus, Hermes and Talos, the powerful Greek gods, were worshiped.
Tabakarya
This architectural complex is located in the eastern part of Chania. It was erected in the mid-nineteenth century. All facilities in the Tabakarya region are adapted for processing leather and making things from this material. This part of the city was not chosen by chance, since the local soils are saturated with groundwater with a low percentage of salt. Leather treated in such a liquid becomes softer and more pleasant to the touch.
The architecture of Tabakarya cannot be called ordinary. The houses included in this complex are two- to three-story gray boxes built directly on the rocky coastal area.
Sfedoni
What to see on the island of Crete if the secrets of the underworld are of particular interest? Travel to Zoniana Village. On its territory there is the Sfedoni Cave, which is called the most spectacular and memorable on the island. Going underground is allowed only when accompanied by a guide and at a certain time.
Kournas
This is the largest freshwater lake in Crete. It is located several kilometers south of Georgioupoli, a popular resort village (next to it is the beach of the same name). Previously, the lake had a different name - Coresia - in memory of Athena Coresia. The modern version - Kournas - is translated as “lake” from Arabic. What to see in Crete if you are attracted by natural attractions? Head to the lake described above! Kournas will greet you with beautiful mountain landscapes, as if reflected in a mirror in crystal clear fresh water (it is so transparent that from the shore you can observe the local inhabitants - fish and turtles).
Preveli Monastery
It is located on the southern coast of the island, near the village of Plakias. The monastery consists of two separately located complexes. One of them - Kato Preveli - was erected in honor of St. John the Baptist. The second - Piso Preveli - is dedicated to John the Theologian.
As historians suggest, the foundation of the monastery dates back to the Second Byzantine period (10-11 centuries). The oldest documented date is 1594. It was engraved on the bell of the building. During the period when the Turks occupied the island, the Preveli monastery played the role of a center of social and religious life in the southern part of Crete.
Chania
What to see on Crete on your own? Don't miss the city of Chania. It is located one hundred and fifty kilometers from Heraklion, on the site where the ancient settlement of Kydonia was located. Chania is the administrative center of the homonymous region of Crete. It is the second largest city on the island. More recently (until 1971), Chania played the role of the capital of Crete.
Currently it is a calm and cozy town. It is inhabited by almost sixty thousand inhabitants. In Chania you can admire both modern buildings and ancient architectural monuments (located in the old part of the city).
Cave of Zeus
Are you enjoying your stay on a beautiful island and have already enjoyed the nearby beaches? It's time to leave the hotel! What can you see in Crete? A tour of the Lasithi Valley will definitely not disappoint you. Tourists are particularly attracted to the cave system located in one of the mountain ranges of Crete. Its name was inspired by ancient myths about powerful gods. The Cave of Zeus has two peaks, the height of which exceeds 2 km. These are Lazaros and Aphentis-Christos. The peak of the cave system in question is called Spathi. It rises 2148 meters above sea level.
In the nineteenth century, the first excavations began in this place. As a result, unique altars, figurines of Zeus and ceramics created in different historical periods were found. After studying all the artifacts, archaeologists concluded that this cave system was used for about two thousand years as a place of worship to the god of lightning and thunder. The findings currently form part of the exhibition at the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion.
Rethymnon
This city is the administrative center of the district of the same name. Crete. Rethymno (there is always something to see here), despite its impressive size, has retained the charm and comfort inherent in small European settlements. And all this thanks to the Byzantine Empire, Venetian rule and Turkish rule.
It is not without reason that Rethymnon is called an open-air museum. It will seem like a real labyrinth of narrow streets, in which even a map does not always come to the rescue. The main attraction of the city is the Venetian fortress of Fortezza. This is the largest coastal fortification on the island. In ancient times, the city played the role of a transit point between Chania and Heraklion. Taking into account the threats from the Turks, the construction of the fortress began in 1573 without much hesitation. The construction process lasted seven years. It employed more than one hundred thousand people. As a result, two-meter walls appeared, reaching a thickness of 1.5 m.
The Archaeological Museum is no less interesting. It is located near the fortress, in a building where there was a prison many centuries ago. In the museum you can look at statues, jewelry, dishes, weapons, coins and seals from various eras - classical, archaic, geometric, Hellenistic, late and middle Minoan, as well as Roman.
On Arapatzoglou Street, which is located almost in the very center of Rethymno, you can see the Museum of Marine Life. It occupies the building of a restored monastery. On the Square of the Four Martyrs there is a church of the same name. In it you can touch the relics of three residents of Crete who died at the hands of the Turks in 1824. What was the reason for their execution? The decision not to betray the Christian faith.
On Paleologou Street, not far from the harbor, there is a Venetian Loggia. In ancient times, political, financial and economic issues were resolved within its walls. Currently there is a souvenir shop open here. While walking through the Old Town and the embankment, it is impossible not to notice such ancient monuments as the Guora Gate, the Kara Mussa Pasha and Neradze mosques.
Heraklion
This is the capital of the island. The city abounds with beautiful buildings. To get to know the daily life of Heraklion, it is recommended to take a leisurely stroll through its charming narrow streets. The most beautiful of them is st. Illusions.
One of the most famous attractions of the capital is the Archaeological Museum. It stores more than five and a half thousand unique artifacts - antiquities from the Neolithic to the Roman period. The most beautiful structure that appeared on the island during Venetian rule is the Venetian Walls. They were erected in the 17th and 18th centuries. Their total length is three kilometers. The Panigra, Lazaretto, Pantocrator gates, as well as the Jesus gate, have been preserved within the walls. The highest point of this amazing monument is the Martinego Bastion. At the indicated location the walls close into a triangle.
The Fountain of Lions amazes travelers with its pompously decorated pools and four stone statues of powerful kings of nature. This attraction is located in the heart of the capital of Crete.
Heraklion - what else can you see in this city? Everyone interested in the mysterious underwater world strives to visit the Thalassocosmos Aquarium. It is noteworthy that the inscription Cret@aquarium is found everywhere - both on huge advertising billboards and on small road signs in remote corners of the country. The aquarium opened in 2005 in a building that was previously used as a military base. Tourists often include a visit to the Cretan Sea Aquarium as part of their mandatory travel program. The large halls house just under forty tanks of varying sizes. These aquariums are home to thousands of representatives of the Mediterranean depths.
What to see on Crete on your own? While walking around the capital, don’t forget to check out the History Museum. It is located in a beautiful building, built in the best traditions of the neoclassical style. Twenty-two rooms house valuable archaeological finds from the Byzantine period to the Second World War.
Cars do not drive on the central streets of Heraklion. The heart of the capital is reserved for walking.
The destination of your trip is the island of Crete? What to see while driving? Don't miss the waterfalls. The most beautiful of them are located in the regions of Rethymno (in the west it borders on the Chania region, in the east on the Heraklion region) and Lassithi (80 km east of the capital).
In addition, exploring the cities and villages that fill the island of Crete will leave an unforgettable impression. What to see in the Lasithi area? Travel to Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, Kritsa, Makrigialos, Elounda and Xerokambos. The Rethymnon region is known for such settlements, like Agia Galini, Lappa, Panormo, Bali and Plakias. Traveling around the region. Heraklion, don't forget to visit Heraklion, Matala, Archanes, Gouves and Malia.
When traveling around the island of Crete, what to see? The sights of a land shrouded in myths are not only the creations of human hands. Local beaches are no less popular among tourists. The beauty of some of them is famous throughout the world. For the most part, such beaches cannot be found in popular resorts. How to get to them? To do this, you will have to drive a little away from the main road route. You will see beaches with red and pink, stone sculptures and dazzling white dunes. Such beauty is worth seeing at least once in your life. So that you can create the optimal route, we list best beaches islands by region:
Chania - Falasarna, Balos, Kedrodasos, Elafosini, Glyka Nera, Frangokastello, Stefanou and Kourna.
Rethymno - Schinaria, Episkopi, Triopetra, Preveli, Agios Pavlos.
Heraklion - Agiofarango, Red Beach, Trafoulas.
Lassithi - Chrissi, Voulisma, Xerokambosa, Koufonisi, Vai.
Note for travelers with children
So, you are going to spend your holiday on the island of Crete. What to watch with your child? Numerous legends and myths, of course, are interesting for both children and adults, but what to do if the child is tired of hours of excursions? Head to one of the water parks. There are five of them on the island. The largest is Water City. It is located between Heraklion and Hersonissos. You and your children can have a lot of fun on various attractions, splash in the pools and stand under waterfalls.
Not far from Hersonissos there is another water park called Aqua Plus. For older children, there are thrilling rides such as Black Hole, Stormy River and Kamikaze. Little ones can take a dip in the shallow pool and have fun in the playground.
Water parks such as Star Beach Water Park, Lumnoupolis Water Park and Grekoblog are not as large, but they are no less popular among travelers with small children. Most of them have cafes, bars and spa centers.
Where is your holiday - Greece, Crete? What else to watch with your child? Many parents go to Cretaquarium. This unique aquarium is home to more than two thousand inhabitants of the deep sea - starfish and urchins, huge sharks and a variety of fish.
If you want to soak up the gentle sun on the seashore with your whole family, choose beaches such as Malia, Elafonisi and Plaka. Judging by the reviews of experienced travelers, these places are best suited for families with children.
Conclusion
We have described in detail what to see on the island of Crete. The sights of this amazing place preserve the spirit of the times. If you want to touch history, walk through the labyrinth of the Minotaur, visit where the mighty Zeus was worshiped for several thousand years, lie on a red sand beach, go to Greece. The island of Crete is a great place for a versatile holiday. This island will charm everyone - pensioners and young people, children and their parents. Have a nice rest!
The hospitable and sunny island of Crete is one of the most sought-after beach destinations in the Mediterranean. Tourists will find the best beaches in the picturesque bays of the island, the azure and clear sea, as well as the historical antiquities of Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymnon.
The first civilization arose on Crete several thousand years before our era. Many historical monuments have reached us through the centuries. Today, guests of the island have the opportunity to explore the mysterious labyrinths of the Knossos Palace, admire the impregnable Venetian fortresses or look at the ruins of ancient cities.
The swimming season in Crete lasts from the end of May to the end of October. The winter months are ideal for exploring the many attractions, as even in January daytime temperatures rarely drop below 15°C.
The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.
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What to see and where to go in Crete?
The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
Ancient historical Center island of Crete, named after the mythological hero Hercules. If you believe the “Geography” of the ancient Greek thinker, geographer and historian Strabo, the city already existed in the 1st century AD. and appeared seaport Minoan city of Knossos. Heraklion was ruled at various times by Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks. In the Middle Ages, here was the largest slave trading market in the entire Mediterranean. The island united with Greece only at the beginning of the 20th century.
The city is located in the western part of Crete. It was built by the Venetians during their rule on the island. Many sights of Rethymno have survived perfectly to this day; the central place among them is occupied by the Venetian fortress of Fortezza, built at the end of the 16th century. Visited and popular places include the Archaeological and Historical-Ethnographic Museums, the ancient Rimondi Fountain and the Venetian port.
A small town in northern Crete, a well-known and popular tourist destination. The predecessor of modern Agios Nikolaos arose on the site of the ancient Dorian settlement of Lato, but gradually fell into decay. New inhabitants appeared already in the Middle Ages during Venetian rule. In 1646, as a result of the war with the Turks, the Venetians burned the settlement. For the third time, Agios Nikolaos was reborn in the middle XIX century.
The water park is located in Heraklion, its territory covers an area of more than 80 thousand m². This is the largest water park in Crete. It includes 13 swimming pools and many speed slides of varying difficulty levels. The water park also has less extreme attractions, so every visitor will find something to do. There are separate pools and playgrounds for children with a variety of water games.
An ancient monument to the Minoan civilization, which flourished in Crete during the Bronze Age. According to legend, the Palace of Knossos is the same legendary labyrinth where the terrible Minotaur lived. Only the hero Theseus managed to defeat the monster. It was the bizarre architecture of the palace-temple with numerous passages, dead ends, rooms and passages that gave birth to the myth of the Minotaur.
The ancient city is 30 km away. from Heraklion, founded presumably in the 20th century BC. in the pre-antique era. The settlement witnessed many civilizations: Mycenaean, Dorian, Greek. During the rule of the Roman Empire, Gortyn was the capital of the island of Crete and the residence of the governor. The city existed until the 9th century AD; in 828, during the Arab conquest of Crete, it was turned into ruins.
An ancient city that went under water around the 2nd century AD. as a result of local displacement of crustal plates in the region of Eastern Crete. Archaeological finds indicate that Olus was independent and developed city, they minted their own coins here and maintained friendly relations with neighboring settlements. Foreigners were allowed to settle in Olus, as evidenced by documents found during excavations.
One of the largest museums in Greece, which houses a rich collection of artifacts of the Minoan civilization. Also in the exhibition halls are exhibits from other periods of the island's history, from the Neolithic era to the reign of the Roman Empire. In total, the museum has 20 rooms, arranged in chronological order. New specimens are constantly being found at excavations and adding to museum collections.
A unique architectural monument, which was founded in the 5th century AD. The church at the monastery dates back to the 16th century. The monastery is located on the slopes of Mount Ida at an altitude of 500 meters. In the 17th century, Turkish invaders plundered the premises and expelled the brothers, but the monks were later allowed to return. In 1866, during the Cretan uprising, the monastery withstood a siege by a 15,000-strong Turkish army.
Greek Orthodox monastery of the 17th century. The founders of the monastery are considered to be the brothers Lavrenty and Jeremiah, who come from a respected Venetian family. Construction work continued until the second half of the 19th century, as the monastery was repeatedly attacked by the Turks. As a result of such raids, most of the property was looted and burned. Only after the Cretan Revolution was it possible to restore the monastery.
A picturesque monastery of the 16th century, built on the slope of a mountain. The monastery is under the jurisdiction of the Constantinople Orthodox Church. In the 17th century, the building was destroyed by the Turkish authorities. In the 20th century, Preveli was once again plundered and destroyed by fascist troops. The monastery was closed in 1970, followed by many years of reconstruction. In 2013, the monastery was opened to the public.
Convent of the 13th century (or 10th century according to alternative sources). The first written mentions of it date back to the 14th century. Within the walls of the monastery there is kept a miracle icon of the Mother of God of the Heart (Cardiotissa), or rather a copy of it. The original was stolen in the 15th century and is currently in Rome. It is believed that a copy of the icon also has miraculous properties and can cure diseases.
The Venetian fort in the city of Rethymno, one of the most significant city attractions. It was erected in the 16th century. Fortezza rises above Rethymno and can be seen from any part of the city. The fortress constantly changed its appearance; during numerous wars with the Turks, the outer walls and buildings suffered. The last restoration lasted almost 20 years, as a result of which Fortezza acquired the appearance it had under the Venetians.
Sea fortress in Heraklion, built by the Venetians in the 14th century. Bas-reliefs depicting a lion, the symbol of the Venetian Republic, are built into the main walls of the fort. The name "Kules" was given by the Turks, while the creators of the fort themselves used the name "Rocca al-Mar". Which, loosely translated from modern Italian, means “fortress on the sea.” The Turks built a small mosque on the territory of the fortification, and also completed the embrasure and space for placing artillery.
A 14th-century Venetian military structure on the territory of the Cretan community of Sfakion, which was built to protect against pirate raids. In those days, the fortress was called “Castle of St. Nikita”, but the name “Frangokastello” was assigned to it, which translated means “castle of the Franks”. The fort withstood many sieges and assaults, but its walls have survived to this day in relatively good condition.
Spinalonga is a small island in the eastern part of Crete, located opposite the peninsula of the same name. In the 16th century, the Venetians turned this place into an impregnable fortress, which was supposed to protect settlements from pirates. On the ruins of the ancient acropolis, such a powerful fort was erected that even the troops of the Ottoman Empire, after the capture of Crete, could not take Spinalonga for another 46 years.
A freshwater lake around which the Greek “Saint-Tropez” is located - the city of Agios Nikolaos. The depth of the reservoir reaches 64 meters. According to ancient legend, the beautiful Aphrodite and the huntress Artemis took baths in the waters of Vulismeni. Until the very middle of the 19th century local residents They believed that evil spirits lived in the lake. Vulismeni is connected to the sea via a canal.
Another freshwater lake in Crete, located in a picturesque green valley. The beaches of Kournas are an excellent alternative to the seaside resorts of Heraklion and Rethymnon. A variety of birds, turtles and fish live on the shores and in the depths of the water. The silence and tranquility of the lake are conducive to long boat trips. Once upon a time there was a temple of Athena of Coresia, but the structure has not survived to this day.
A cave system located within the Diktean mountain range. According to ancient Greek mythology, here the goddess Rhea hid the newborn Zeus from her husband, the god Kronos. The child was destined to overthrow the power of his father and become the supreme god of the entire Greek pantheon. The cave for a long time bore the name of Zeus and was sacred to worshipers of the thunder god.
A fertile plateau in the eastern part of the island, raised 820 meters above sea level. The plateau is known as the “valley of a thousand mills” (with their help, water was extracted for a long time to irrigate agricultural land). In the valley there are orchards and large vegetable plantations. The generous lands of the Lasithi plateau began to be cultivated during the time of the Minoan civilization.
A natural landmark of Crete, one of the largest gorges on greek islands. Length tourist route along the gorge is about 16 km. In ancient times, temples of Artemis and Apollo stood here, as evidenced by the surviving ruins. In the 6th century BC. in the Samaria Gorge there was a city of Tarra. Since 1962, the territory has been declared a National Park.
A sand spit of rare beauty a few tens of kilometers from the resort of Chania, covered with pink sand. Many tourists consider Elafonisi the most picturesque beach in the entire Mediterranean. The delicate pink color comes from the remains of coral and small shells covering large areas of the spit. The water in the lagoon is always clean, warm and clear. The beach is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay.
Beach located in Messara Bay in the small town of Matala. It is surrounded by rocks in which numerous caves have been carved. It is believed that ancient people originally lived in them. In the early Christian era, followers of Jesus took refuge from persecution in the caves of Matala. This fact is evidenced by the remains of catacomb churches and burials of believers.
The bay is located in the western part of Crete. Here is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches, which is famous for its purest white sand with pink splashes and magnificent turquoise water. Despite the fairly large number of people who want to swim in the waters of the bay, there is no tourist infrastructure on its shores. In this way they try to preserve nature in its original form.
Beach in Vai National Park. It is home to the largest palm forest in Europe, consisting of the endemic Theophrastus palm. It is believed that the plantings appeared thanks to Phoenician sailors. The beach is very popular among tourists, so during the high season there are always a lot of people sunbathing and swimming here. Particularly picturesque views of Vai can be seen in the rays of the dawn sun.
April 28, 2015 9:20 am Crete, Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Kissamos, Bali + 1 city - Greece August 2014
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. Its length from west to east is 250 km and from 14 to 37 kilometers from north to south. The huge size of the island allows any traveler to find here exactly the place that will be especially to their liking, because Crete is famous for both popular tourist areas and calm, secluded mountain villages.
On the eve of the holiday season, it suddenly occurred to me that this year, as usual, many will decide to spend their holidays on the Greek island of Crete. And I wanted to make travel a little easier for those who plan to actively travel and see the whole island, as we once did, and make a brief announcement of Cretan attractions and places that are definitely worth visiting.
- The first place in this ranking undoubtedly goes to city of Chania. You can get to Chania by regular buses and car. You can also fly directly to Chania airport.
Chania is mainly famous for the fact that the Venitians had a hand in its construction. And there is a well-preserved embankment, similar to Venice. But past the embankment, the whole city consists of narrow quaint streets with beautiful houses and a lot of bright, impressive details. The city itself is not suitable as a place for a beach holiday, but next to it there are small cozy villages with good beaches. Accommodation in Chania is quite expensive and finding a place to stay during the season will be difficult, but it is quite possible.
For example, we went to almost every house and ended up renting a very nice room with all the amenities and a stone’s throw from the embankment.
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Chania. Houses.
2. I rightfully give second place Balos Bay. According to the stories of the Greeks, this is the confluence of three seas. The place is very beautiful. Balos Beach is a breathtakingly beautiful and unusual beach in Crete! Former pirate harbor with ancient fortress Gramvousa on top of the mountain and with white sand on the beach. It is located in the north-west of Crete, at the very edge of the Gramvousa peninsula. There are two ways to get there yourself. By land by car (the closer to the bay, the worse the road). Or by sea on a boat from the city of Kissamos. The ship also sails to the Gramvousa fortress. Time is given to climb the fortress. The fortress offers incredibly beautiful views. So I'm for the boat. Moreover, it is still dangerous to puncture, for example, the wheels on a rented car.
Personally, I stayed overnight in Kissamom, bought a boat ticket in the evening and sailed from there to Balos in the morning. This trip will take a whole day. The ship returns back around 6 pm. You can get to Kissamos by car or by regular bus from Rethymnon or Chania.
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Balos Bay.
3. I will give third place to the fresh mountain Lake Kournas. You can only get to the lake by car or on a guided tour. The lake is located among the mountains and has clear water of a beautiful turquoise color. Ducks wander along the shore, and turtles live in the water.
On the shore there are several cafes, free sun loungers and umbrellas. You can also rent a catamaran and sail around the lake in search of turtles that are hiding on the other side of the lake. A wonderful place where you can spend the whole day enjoying nature.
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Freshwater lake Kournas.
4. Pink Elafonisi Beach- amazing a natural phenomenon. There are two versions of its origin. The first, rational: this color near the beach appeared due to the content large quantity impurities in the sand, as well as small fragments of shells, sea shells and corals. The second, historical: in 1824 Elafonisi was attacked by the Turks; More than seven hundred local residents were killed in the massacre. In memory of the bloody massacre of the Greeks at the very high point A memorial has been erected on the island. And the pink color of the coast of Elafonisi to this day is a reminder of those tragic days. This island is separated from Crete by a small narrow strait, about 100 meters. At any time of the year, the depth in this strait does not exceed 20 centimeters, and therefore there will be no problems fording this strait. People come to this island to relax with children for a quiet holiday. Due to the fact that the sea depth near Elafonisi is shallow, it is possible to swim safely even during a storm. The island of Elafonisi is located in the southwest of Crete, 42 km from Kastelion and 76 km from the city of Chania. From Heraklion to Elafonisi you can drive by car along the E75 highway, which turns into E65 closer to the west coast. Before the town of Castellion, you need to turn left, deeper into the island, and continue moving. Be careful: when approaching Elafonisi, a mountain serpentine will begin, with sharp ascents and descents; the road winds its way to the southwestern coast of Crete. Since this is a mountainous section of the route, the journey will usually take longer than planned. For example, the road from Chania to Elafonisi may take an hour, but the colorful views of Crete that open from the steep descents are worth it. During the summer season, a bus runs from Chania to Elefonisi. From other cities you can get there with a change in Kissamos, from where regular buses depart several times a day. Also, from May to October, you can visit the pink beaches of Elafonisi by purchasing sightseeing tour for 1 day.
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Elafonisi.
5.Matala- a very interesting, original place. And it is not the beach itself that is original, but the rock into which it rests. The rock has a layered structure, thanks to which nature has created multi-tiered long balconies. And at different levels, people dug caves - rooms that were used for burial in the Byzantine era. However, in the 1960s, the caves were occupied by hippies from different parts of the world and American young people hiding from the army. Even such famous personalities as Bob Dillan and Joni Mitchell lived there. But one bad day a man fell to death in one of the caves, and the hippies were kicked out of the caves. Now no one lives there, but the caves can be visited. You can get to Matala on your own by car or bus, or with a guided tour. Along the way there will be beautiful views of the central mountainous part of the island of Crete, small villages where locals live, as well as the zero kilometer of Crete - its central point.
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Matala. Aegean Sea.
6. The town of Rethymno. The sweetest Cretan town. Located in the west of the island of Crete between Heraklion and Chania. The northern part of the city has an endless beach with hotels and cafes. Rethymno is a very convenient place to live while traveling around the island. From there you can take buses to any part of Crete, and you can also fully enjoy the sea and walks around the old town.
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7. Spinalonga Island. Leper Island, which can be reached by boat from the village of Agios Nikolaos.
The island offers very beautiful views. Be sure to take hats with you; there is absolutely no place on the island to escape the scorching Greek sun.
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8. The volcano island of Santorini. There are speed boats to Santorini from the Heraklion pier. They can be purchased either independently or with a tour. Santorini is a wonderful place. But during the season there is a big drawback - a huge number of people. It is also hotter in Santorini than in Crete. My advice to you is that when sailing to the island, take a quad bike and a map, that’s all you need to feel a surge of happiness on this island. Drive around the island. Let the warm sea wind blow on you. Visit all the different beaches of the island: with red sand, with black volcanic sand... Get up early and walk along the streets of the island empty of tourists, among the white houses of its cities. In the evening, take a seat in a restaurant with a view of the sunset in advance. In the evening, it will be very difficult to find a free seat, not only in a restaurant, but also just on the street. The sunset in Santorini is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. And the island itself is one of the most romantic places.
Crete is not an ordinary Greek island. It was once the center of the Minoan civilization, one of the oldest in Europe. Therefore, if at the origins of European culture stands, then at the origins Ancient Greece- Minoan culture. All the peoples who ruled the island left their mark here, and there were many of them: the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians, the Turks.
In general, the tourist infrastructure in Crete is better than on other Greek islands; it is one of the most popular European resorts. And if you are going on vacation to Crete, then here are the TOP 8 places that you definitely need to see.
TOP 1: Knossos Palace
The Palace of Knossos is the most visited attraction in Crete. The first buildings in these territories date back to the sixth millennium BC, and the heyday of the Minoan civilization occurred in the period from 2700 to 1450. BC. Most of the finds date back to this period.
The Palace of Knossos is very impressive: just imagine, there were approximately 1300 rooms that could accommodate up to 12 thousand people. This is a gigantic figure even by today’s standards (for example, today’s record is 1,788 premises). This is roughly what it looked like:
Well, it was in this palace that the legendary King Minos lived, and some researchers believe that it was here that the labyrinth of the Minotaur, built by Daedalus, was located.
TOP 2: Samaria Gorge
About half a million tourists visit the Samaria Gorge every year. It is located in the southwest of Crete and is one of the longest in Europe. The length of the gorge is 18 kilometers. Are you scared of such a long walk?))
In fact, tourists usually start in the village of Omalos early in the morning (here they stay overnight), and almost the entire route is downhill, so the huge distance is not felt. And while you are looking around and taking in the local beauties, time flies by, and the path seems easier.
And there is something to see here: in some places the gorge narrows to 3 meters, and steep cliffs rise up to 300 meters into the sky.
TOP 3: Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
The Archaeological Museum is the real pride of Heraklion. This is where all the artifacts from excavations are brought.
Of course, the main highlight of the museum is the exposition of the Minoan civilization; no other corner of the world has such a huge collection. But it is only a small part of a huge number of collections that cover approximately 5 thousand years: from the Neolithic era to the Greco-Roman period.
TOP 4: Old Town and Harbor of Chania
Chania - main city Western Crete and probably the most beautiful on the island. Venetian buildings give Chania a special beauty: the Firkas fortress, cobbled streets, and stone houses that you don’t want to part with.
And restaurants and souvenir shops. What can we say, they knew a lot about beauty and comfort.
Well, if walking around the Old Town gets boring for you, then you can visit the Archaeological and Maritime Museums, which are dedicated to the history of western Crete.
TOP 6: Elounda and Spinalonga island
Elounda is a former fishing village, and today fashionable resort. They are very proud of the city in Crete; there are very good, world-famous hotels here. Well, the beaches of Elounda are awarded annually Blue Flag for its purity. But, despite the fact that the village has become a very fashionable holiday destination, it has not lost its charm.
Connected to the city by a sand spit is the island of Spinalonga, on which the Venetians built a fort to hide from the Ottomans. And they managed to hold the fortress for a long time: for half a century it stood unconquered, although all of Crete was already subjugated to the Turks.
TOP 7: Lasithi Plateau and Dicteon Andron Cave
The Lassithi plateau is located approximately on the border between Eastern and Central Crete. And do you know what is especially remarkable about it? The fact that the local landscape bears little resemblance to Greece, but rather to the Alps. Mills, canals and gardens add a special flavor to these places; travelers are left impressed.
Well, nearby there is a picturesque mountain village Krasi, which preserves a Venetian-era aqueduct, as well as one of the oldest trees on the island - a giant plane tree.
And, of course, the most beautiful of all the island’s caves is the Dikteon Andron cave: it was here, according to myths, that Rhea gave birth to Zeus.
There is even a small lake where, according to legend, Rhea bathed the little god.
TOP 8: Agios Nikolaos
This city is called local; it is believed that here are the best hotels on the island. Just go here not for the beach and sea, but just to gawk, immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and hang out in the crowd. There are many restaurants in the city, although the prices for dishes here are often overpriced, but the food is excellent. But Agios Nikolaos is especially good at night, when all its nightclubs and bars open. Therefore, for everyone who is tired of history, antiquities, hiking through caves and gorges, there is an excellent opportunity to have a good time.