The main historical attraction of Crete. Crete: attractions, photos and reviews from tourists. Map of attractions of Crete. Ruins of ancient Olus

The hospitable and sunny island of Crete is one of the most sought after beach destinations Mediterranean Sea. Tourists are waiting 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 Rethymno.

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.

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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 in different time owned 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, famous 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 park water activities on 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 plates earth's crust in the region of Eastern Crete. Nakhodki archaeological excavations indicate that Olus was an independent and developed city; it minted its own coins 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, the city was looted and burned. most of property. 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 this moment is located 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 impregnable fortress, which was supposed to protect settlements from pirates. On the ruins ancient acropolis such a powerful fort was erected that even the troops Ottoman Empire After the capture of Crete, they 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 believed that they lived in the lake evil spirits. Vulismeni is connected to the sea via a canal.

Another freshwater lake in Crete, located in a picturesque green valley. Kournas beaches are a great alternative seaside resorts Heraklion and Rethymno. On the banks and in water depths inhabited by a variety of birds, turtles and fish. 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 the Greek islands. The length of the 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 on site national park Vai. 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.

Some travelers prefer to plan their vacation to avoid surprises, while others would rather go with the flow and decide what to do on the spot. If you are planning a trip to Crete, make a list of some must-see places. Here is a list of 20 places to see while on holiday on this Mediterranean island.

The longest in Europe and visiting it will not leave you indifferent. The trail offers 18 kilometers of spectacular scenery and landscape. You may even see some endemic animal species such as the Cretan badger or the spiny mouse. Although this hike can be a little daunting, at the end you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the Libyan Sea washing South coast islands.

Knossos Minoan Palace

Knossos, located about five kilometers from Heraklion, is considered the oldest city in Europe and its Minoan Palace is a must-see. Knossos, opened in 1878 Minos Kalokerinos, was once the ceremonial and political center of Minoan civilization and culture. The palace had more than 1,200 halls, some of which have been reconstructed to reflect its grandeur. Earthquake destroyed main palace, built around 2000 - 1700 BC. A more magnificent palace was erected in its place, but there is evidence that it was destroyed in 1450 BC, possibly by a volcanic eruption on Santorini, the same thing that destroyed ancient city Akrotiri.

Elafonissi is a small piece of heaven on Earth. Situated 70 kilometers from Chania, Elafonissi stands out for its natural beauty, crystal clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches, is on the list of the environmental protection program Natura 2000. In some places, the sand appears pink, taking on an unusual color due to thousands of crushed shells. A great holiday opportunity for everyone, Elafonissi is a stunning place where you can spend the day sunbathing or exploring hidden coves.

Phaistos Minoan Palace

Another highlight of Crete and another echo of the Minoan civilization is the palace in Festose, located on a hill overlooking the plain. Less known and popular among tourists than the ruins Knossos, it displays simple architecture and boasts a central courtyard as well as what is believed to be the royal residence. This is also the place where the famous disk was found in 1908 - an artifact whose mysterious meaning has yet to be unraveled.

Balos Bay

Situated in the west of the island of Crete, it is a must-see. Like Elafonissi, this is one of the most picturesque places in Crete. Its exotic landscapes, stunning beaches and turquoise sea make it a popular destination among holidaymakers. But if you don't want to take vitamin D all day, you can visit a small uninhabited Gramvousa Island, famous for its Venetian fortress.

One of the best museums in Europe, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, located in the city center, is located on the site of a Venetian Franciscan monastery destroyed by an earthquake in 1856. Featuring an impressive collection archaeological finds from all over the island of Crete, the museum houses many treasures of the Minoan civilization found throughout the island.

Creta Aquarium Cretaquarium

One of the largest in Europe, the Cretan Aquarium, which first opened in 2005, gives visitors the opportunity to see a unique sea ​​world Mediterranean. With a variety of marine organisms such as fish, sharks, jellyfish and even tiny seahorses, the aquarium showcases a rich variety of marine life. The Cretan Aquarium will be entertaining and educational for guests of all ages, making it a must-see.

Travelers can find the Cave of Zeus, also known as Diktaio Andro, in the eastern part of Crete, near the village of Psychro. If not for its mythological significance, the cave would not be much different from the other 3,000 caves located on the island. But the Cave of Zeus is more than a simple cave. Legend says that this is the place where the goddess Rhea gave birth to Zeus. With such important significance, this place is very attractive to visitors these days.

Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Kourtaliotiko Gorge, or Asomatos Gorge, is a beautiful natural wonder located about 20 kilometers from Rethymno, near the village of Koksare. This place incredible beauty, with a spectacular wild landscape, diverse flora and fauna, including many rare species birds. About 2.5 kilometers long, the gorge ends at the Preveli Lagoon and is ideal for lovers of mountain scenery or those looking for an escapade in the wild.

Impressive Kules fortress, also called Rocca al Mare, is a Venetian construction located in the old port of Heraklion. The fortress, built in the early 13th century, is one of the most famous monuments in the city and a symbol of Heraklion. Today the fortress is open to the public and often hosts exhibitions and cultural events.

Housed in a former Venetian Franciscan monastery, the Archaeological Museum of Chania houses an extensive collection of Neolithic and Minoan artifacts, as well as treasures from the late Roman periods. The collection grew from donated objects from the collection of Konstantinos and Marika Mitsotakis, and the exhibits, which are arranged chronologically, include Minoan pottery, stone carvings, seals, jewelry and other objects.

Cathedral of Agios Minas

The majestic Cathedral of Agios Minas in Heraklion is one of the largest in Greece. Construction of the temple began in 1862 in honor of the city's patron saint, Saint Minas, and was completed in 1895, while Crete was still under Turkish rule.

Maritime Museum of Crete

Created in 1973 Maritime Museum Chania, located at the entrance to the Firka fortress in the old harbour, is home to an extensive collection of models of modern and ancient ships, navigational instruments, military relics and memorabilia, historical photographs and paintings, which are classified in chronological order. The exhibition includes several sections, such as symbols, the Venetian occupation, the Bronze Age, the post-war period, etc. A visit to the museum will be exciting for your family and friends.

Located near the village , dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a 17th-century Orthodox monastery built on a cliff. Legend has it that it got its name because the steps leading to the monastery were golden. The monastery, built in Venetian times, is famous place pilgrimage and includes a folklore museum.

Situated on the seafront in Heraklion, the Natural History Museum of Crete introduces visitors to the unique natural environment of Crete and the Mediterranean. Explore the ecosystems of Crete, mainland Greece and the Mediterranean Sea. The museum features various rooms where visitors can see the giant Deinotherium, which is the largest prehistoric animal that ever lived on the island, an earthquake simulator, an Erevnotopos discovery center and a section designed for children.

Located just outside the city and built in 1587, Arkadi Monastery is an example of one of the best Venetian churches on the island. During the 19th century, the monastery was one of the most prosperous on the island and served as the main center of resistance against the Ottomans. Indeed, during the uprising of 1866, villagers and partisans took refuge on the territory of the monastery. After a two-day siege, the soldiers and local residents were captured, locked in a gunpowder warehouse and burned. The monastery was heavily damaged by the explosion of gunpowder barrels and, although many were killed, including Turks and Cretans, this tragic event stimulated the Cretan independence movement.

Mount Psiloritis

The most high mountain in Crete, reaching 2.456 meters - is considered sacred mountain. Legend has it that this was the birthplace of Zeus. There is also the Cave of Zeus, which is located on the Nida plateau. Part of the European hiking trail E4, the mountain is ideal for hikes where you can see beautiful nature and discover small mountain villages.

Gortyna

Located south of Psiloritis complex Gortyna(or Gortys) is a Greco-Roman archaeological site with small ruins scattered across fields and olive groves. Explore the site and admire the Church of St. Titus, built in the 6th century. At the height of the Hellenistic era, Gortyna was the most powerful and prosperous city of the island and dominated Crete.

Although Crete is part of Greece, it has its own history and culture. Tourists love places such as Knossos and the Samaria Gorge. For those who love a relaxing holiday, we can recommend a relaxing holiday in cities and villages. Here are the top 10 attractions of Crete:

1. Knossos

European civilization began on Crete 9 thousand years ago. Little of it has survived to this day; it was replaced by the great Minoan civilization. Its center was Knossos with a huge palace that belonged to King Minos.

It is mentioned in the legend of Theseus, who killed the Minotaur - half man, half bull. In 1900, excavations were carried out here under the direction of British archaeologist Arthur Evans.

2. Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is 16 km long, one of the longest in Europe and the most beautiful. It is located in the southwest of Crete, near Chania. This national park holds miracles within itself wildlife.

In winter, the gorge is closed due to flash floods. In summer there are 6-hour walks here. They end nearby in Agia Roumeli; you can get back to the city by ferry or bus.

3. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

The building is currently being reconstructed, so most of the collections are inaccessible. In order not to disappoint tourists, a temporary exhibition hall was built next to the museum.

4. Chania Old Town and Harbor

Chania is considered the most beautiful resort islands. It was once the capital of Crete. Old city attracts tourists with its narrow cobbled streets and stunning examples of Venetian architecture.

There are many cozy cafes and restaurants where you can have a delicious lunch. The city is based on the ancient town of Cydonia during the Roman period. The best way to see the sights of Chania is by horse-drawn carriage.

5. Lake Kournas

Surrounded by lush fields, mysterious forests and the beautiful white mountains lies Lake Kournas - the only freshwater lake in Crete. Nearby there are a number of taverns and the attraction of Lappa - the Roman baths.

6. Lasithi Plateau

It is a huge fertile plain, covering 25,000 square kilometers, located in the Dictian Mountains. On the plateau there are hundreds of white windmills irrigating the fields. According to myths, Psychro Cave is considered the birthplace of Zeus. You can get to it along a steep path. The walk takes 30 minutes.

7. Anogia and Zoniana caves

There is a sad story associated with the Anogia cave. During World War II, occupying German troops destroyed the village near the cave to the ground, killing all the men in revenge for a captured German soldier. In memory of tragic events a memorial has been erected.

Nikos Xylouris, the legendary Cretan musician who died in 1980 at the age of 43, was born in this village. Every year the village hosts a musical and theater festival Yakintha in honor of the musician. Nearby there is another remarkable cave - Zoniana, which is famous for its very beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

8. Agios Nikolaos

– a very nice town, a popular Cretan resort. There is a picturesque harbor where fishermen can often be found. There are many taverns on the lake shore with delicious food and drinks. Almost in the center of the city there is Kitroplatia beach.

9. Spinalonga Island

This is a charming place near the coast of Elounda. 800 years ago, the Venetians built fortifications here to guard the entrance to Elounda. Later, lepers lived here, who were brought here from all over Greece. The colony was closed in 1957.

10. Loutro

Do you want a relaxing holiday? Get on the boat and sail to the village of Loutro. This is a typical Greek village with white and blue houses. Enjoy leisurely walks, swim in the azure sea, and relax from the bustle of the city on the pebble beach.

The attractions of the island of Crete primarily include ancient ruins, temples and monasteries and magnificent beaches. There is more than enough of both in Crete and they are all scattered across the island at a considerable distance from each other. This article will be of interest to those for whom visiting the sights of Crete is not the last thing.

Valuable advice for those who like to travel, and not just swim and sunbathe: in order to see as many sights as possible and get to know them as closely as possible, you should choose a vacation spot in the central part of the island of Crete, i.e. in the region of Rethymnon. This city and its surroundings are located in the middle of the island, which means that getting to everyone interesting places It is from here that it is most convenient and closest. At the same time, it doesn’t matter whether you travel by rented car or public transport.

I’ll say right away that the most visited does not mean the most interesting. I hope this is clear, because everyone has their own tastes and attitude towards beauty. So, let's go. Perhaps all travel agencies and bureaus offer tourists to visit the island . Thousands and thousands of tourists, seduced by advertising brochures and photos of these places, almost without any persuasion, instantly agree to this excursion. This is a full day trip and, having reached the place by boat or ferry, you will see a gorgeous beach in the bay and an ancient fortress. During the high season, there are a lot of people who want to visit this attraction on their own, not just for the simple reason that there will be a problem with ferry tickets to Gramvuz Island. There is a way to get to Balos Bay without the help of a ferry, but that's a different story. In addition to seeing gorgeous picturesque beaches, this trip is also educational from a historical point of view.

Gramwooza Island

Balos Bay

The next one of the most popular and visited attractions of Crete is, the history of which is known to many from history textbooks. If you are a fan of ancient Greek myths, then you will most likely like the Palace of Knossos. By the way, almost everything there is new, with the exception of some ancient columns, ancient statues and stone slabs. In the extreme heat during peak season, this excursion may not be enjoyable for everyone. But, be that as it may, the Palace of Knossos is visited by almost all tourists who have flown in and sailed to vacation in Crete. Perhaps the popularity of the Knossos Palace is explained by its convenient location; it is located within the city of Heraklion, the capital of Crete.

Ruins of the Palace of Knossos, where the Minotaur lived

Among tourists there are quite a few who want to get acquainted with Cretan caves. There are many of them in Crete, but one of the most famous, and therefore the most visited, is the Cave of Zeus or the Dictaean Cave. The place is significant and very interesting, the cave is located in the eastern part of the island in the Lassithi region. There is another interesting cave called Melidoni.

Fans of hiking will be interested in visiting one of the gorges, of which there are also many in Crete. The most famous, the most beautiful and the most visited is the Samaria Gorge. Its length is 16 kilometers. This nature reserve with many interesting ruins and picturesque corners. At the bottom of the gorge there is a river, along which there are routes and wild goats jumping around on the rocks.

Lake Kourna is also a fairly visited place. Mostly tourists come to the lake with children, who enjoy riding a catamaran on the lake. There are many wild geese and ducks around. If you are lucky, you can see freshwater turtles in the lake. Lake Kournas is located near the city of Rethymnon, which allows both organized tourists and groups to visit it. The lake is especially beautiful in the first half of the day.

The island of Spinalonga is also one of the top most visited attractions in Crete. Once upon a time there was a leper shelter on Spinalonga. The history of Spinalonga Island is very rich and interesting, so it is best to book an excursion. Now this place is not at all dangerous and there are many tourists here.

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.

1. 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 big amount bright impressive details. As a place for beach holiday the city itself is not suitable, but there are small ones near it 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 views from the fortress are crazy 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 Rethymno 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 on the beach appeared due to the content of a large number of impurities in the sand, as well as small fragments of shells, seashells 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 quiet rest. 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 travel by car along the E75 highway, which turns into E65 closer to 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. IN summer season There is a bus service 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 on 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 - beautiful 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.