The most beautiful places in Crete. The main attractions of Crete. “Little Sicily on Crete”
TOURISTS' ANSWERS:
Crete, with its amazing nature and centuries-old history, is so rich in various attractions that it will take quite a lot of time to explore them all, and even in several vacation trips, you will not be able to see everything. Therefore, I will tell you about some of them that you can see or visit by combining these excursions with a vacation on the island.
The first thing that tourists who come to Crete for the first time are probably trying to see is the Palace of Knossos, which is associated with many different myths and legends, the most famous of which is the myth of the Minotaur, who lives in the labyrinths of the palace and devours young men and women who were sent here in the form of donations . As a result, Theseus managed to defeat the Minotaur and use the ball of thread that Ariadne gave him to get out of the labyrinth. The history of the palace goes back more than four thousand years, during which it was damaged by earthquakes and rebuilt. The Palace of Knossos is located not far from the capital, or more precisely the administrative center of Crete, the city of Heraklion, named after the hero of Greek mythology, Hercules. You can get to it yourself by bus, which departs from a kiosk located next to the bus station with the inscription “Palace of Knossos”. The bus runs quite frequently and the round trip fare is approximately four euros. You can also get there by rented car; there shouldn’t be any problems with the search, since there are signs everywhere that you can navigate quite easily. It is, of course, better to visit the palace accompanied by a guide, since the main interest is the stories associated with the Knossos Palace. There are signs installed on the territory of the complex, by which you can navigate what this or that section of the palace is like, as well as the direction of further travel for inspection. The Palace of Knossos is open to the public from 8.00 to 19.00 in summer and from 8.00 to 15.00 in winter. The entrance ticket costs six euros. 
Right there in Heraklion, the coastal fortress of Koules immediately catches your eye. It was built in the 14th century, but what we see now is a building of a later period, restored after an earthquake in the 16th century. It acquired its current name after Turkish rule, and the original name was Rocca al Mare. The lower floors served as housing for the defenders of the fortress, storage facilities and even a prison. A walk through the territory and interior of the fortress will seem quite interesting and exciting. The citadel is open to tourists from 8.30 to 15.00 every day except Monday. The entrance fee is two euros. 
On the east coast of the island you can visit the excavations of the settlement of Zakros, with an approximate age of about four thousand years and which belongs to the Minoan civilization, named after Minos, who was the mythical king of Crete. Zakros on the territory of ancient Crete was one of the administrative centers and is currently the best preserved. During excavations, the ruins of a palace and about a dozen different buildings were discovered here, which served as workshops, storage rooms, a bathroom, a swimming pool and even an archive. In addition, many different objects were found, including tablets with linear writing, rock crystal dishes, and in one of the amphorae well-preserved olives were discovered, the age of which is approximately three thousand years. For an independent trip, you need to get to the village of Kato Zakros, near which this open-air museum is located. Don't forget to take a supply of drinking water with you, especially if your travel time falls in July or August, when Crete is especially hot. Entrance to the complex costs three euros, opening hours are from 9.00 to 15.00 daily, except Mondays. 
One of the most visited places in Crete is the Dictian Cave, which is located in the Dictian Mountains on the southern part of the island near the village of Psychro. It is also called the cave of Zeus, since according to legend, the goddess Rhea, hiding from her husband, gave birth to Zeus in this cave, where he grew up. The cave is decorated with its bizarre shapes by stalactites and stalagmites; during excavations, offering tables and an altar were discovered. In the depths of the cave itself there is a small mountain lake in which Zeus swam. You can buy an excursion to visit the Dictaean Cave at any travel agency in Crete. For a more comfortable journey, I advise you to wear comfortable shoes, since from the bus stop to the cave itself it’s about eight hundred meters to walk, and uphill, since the cave itself is located at an altitude of more than a thousand meters above sea level, and the road is quite difficult. Also, do not forget to take some warm clothes with you, since it is quite cool and damp inside, where again you will need comfortable shoes to avoid slipping on the wet stones. Entrance to the cave is paid and costs four euros; when purchasing an excursion, they are usually included in the price. 
For lovers of ecotourism, an excursion to the Samaria Gorge, which is considered the largest not only in Crete, but throughout Europe, may be very interesting. For many years it served as housing and refuge for the inhabitants of the island, first from the Turks during the Ottoman invasion, who were never able to take possession of the gorge. In the last century, rebels dissatisfied with the dictatorial regime and resistance fighters fighting against German troops were hiding here. Half a century ago, the gorge received the status of a National Park and the population living on its territory was resettled. Every year this gorge is visited by more than two hundred thousand tourists from different countries. Here, in addition to the amazing and unique nature, you can see preserved buildings, local residents living at different times, and the creation of a reserve on the territory of the gorge involves preserving interesting species of animals and fauna, as well as the nature of the White Mountains. I would like to immediately warn tourists planning to walk through the gorge that this is a rather difficult excursion, it’s definitely not worth taking children, and it’s not worth talking about supplies of drinking water and comfortable equipment, it’s clear that you can’t do without it. It is best to choose a non-hot period, then the trip will be more comfortable. The entrance ticket costs five euros. 
In ancient Greek mythology, Crete is the most mentioned island, the birthplace of the god Zeus, the habitat of the Minotaur in a terrible labyrinth. King Minos, Ariadne, Theseus, Daedalus, Icarus - the list of mythological characters associated with Crete is endless. And today it is one of the most popular European resorts, washed by many seas. The largest Greek island, with a very developed tourist infrastructure. All this is Crete! But later in the article we will not talk about a beach holiday, but specifically about visiting interesting and beautiful places, of which there are quite a few on the island. So, what sights of Crete need to see?
The best places in Crete
1. Sunken City of Olous
Owned by the ancient Greeks and later by the Romans, the rich port city was located in the east of Crete, attracting many tourists. It went under water after one of the earthquakes that periodically shake the outskirts of Europe. Today, you can enjoy the preserved remains of the architecture of several civilizations that left their mark on the city using scuba diving equipment. By visiting this attraction of Crete, you can almost literally plunge headlong into the mysteries of ancient Greece, which will be very interesting and unusual.
2. Knossos Palace
An acquaintance with Crete and its attractions will not be complete if you miss a visit to the famous palace, which is the basis of the ancient Greek city of Knossos. It is located in the northern part of the island, near modern Heraklion. The Palace of Knossos is a striking example of a reconstructed ancient architectural structure. In its original form, the building was several times exposed to the destructive effects of the elements (earthquakes and fires). When the Englishman Evans bought the land near the Cretan administrative center, restoration work began here, the purpose of which was to recreate the appearance of the building based on reliable sources.
Currently, only certain parts of the architectural ensemble are available for tourists to see. An image of a panoramic view adorns postcards sold everywhere in local souvenir shops. The ancient monument dates back to the heyday of the Minoan civilization. At the best of times, the interior space could accommodate a thousand spacious halls. The luxurious interiors housed nobles belonging to the ruling elite of Knossos.
3. Labyrinth of the Minotaur
According to Greek mythology, the monstrous Minotaur of Crete was kept in a labyrinth and terrified the Athenians. King Minos used it to impose tribute, and the hero Theseus delivered the Athenians from the Minotaur, at the same time freeing the beautiful Ariadne. Another beautiful Greek myth. Geographically, many are inclined to locate the ancient labyrinth precisely in the ruins of the Knossos Palace, in the north of the island of Crete. Many of the surviving fragments of the palace are arranged in such an intricate order that they can indeed bring to mind the sinister labyrinth of the Minotaur.
4. Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is the largest in Europe. It rightfully belongs to the most popular and beautiful attractions in Crete. Inhabited since ancient times, the gorge contains the remains of ancient settlements and temples. In the middle of the 20th century, this beautiful natural area acquired the status of a national park and reserve with its unique flora and fauna. The tourist trail through the Samaria Gorge is so popular that walking along it you can get stuck in a traffic jam - often the number of tourists can number up to three thousand. The park is closed to visitors in winter and spring, at a time when rain pours on the area and streams of water run along the bottom of the gorge, and stones are torn off the walls.
5. Lake Vulismeni
In addition to architectural attractions, two freshwater lakes are worth visiting in Crete. One of them, Voulismeni, is located in the town of Agios Nikolaos. The reservoir is almost ideally round in shape, in some places reaching a depth of more than 60 meters. And based on urban legends, there is no bottom here at all. According to legend, the goddess of military wisdom Athena herself swam in the lake! Perhaps this is why the inhabitants of Crete at one time dumped the military equipment of the fascist invaders to the bottom of the reservoir. Lake Vulismeni was also the object of close study by the famous French explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
6. Lake Kourna
Kournas is the second largest freshwater lake on the island of Crete. The attraction is located 48 km southeast of the city of Chania. This is the source of the Delfinas River. Freshwater turtles live here, and the corresponding area is fenced. The site is under the protection of the organization for the protection of natural beauty with the self-explanatory name Natura 2000. This is the ideal place in Crete for an outdoor picnic in the lap of nature. Those who wish can stay overnight by renting an apartment in the nearest village. The water in the lake is not entirely transparent, the bottom is covered with silt, algae, and in some areas it drops below sea level. A trip to the lake can be combined with a visit to Agriroupoli, a village where elements of aqueducts have been preserved since Roman times.
7. Dictey Cave
A unique attraction of Crete is located in the mountains of the same name at an altitude of over 1000 m. Here, according to legend, the supreme god of the Greek Olympus, Zeus, was born. Behind the unremarkable entrance lies a large-scale depression of amazing beauty and grandeur, framed by stalactites and stalagmites. A stunning spectacle is formed, visual solemnity, a mystical flair is created due to subdued lighting. This is not one cave, but a whole underground complex of karst origin. You can only photograph underground treasures without flash: bright light destroys the structure of the formations. The culmination of the excursion is a view of the inland lake. For ease of movement, walkways have been built inside the cave.
8. Spinalonga Island Fortress
This stretch of land in Crete is famous for several controversial episodes. Enterprising Venetian merchants discovered salt deposits here, so they hastened to strengthen the most valuable location with fortresses and high walls. Businessmen feared raids by sea robbers, and later by Ottoman Muslims.
In the 20th century, the island served as a kind of closed zone where sick people were exiled to avoid the spread of epidemics. This order scared the Turkish invaders away from the attractive-looking land for a long time. The organization of the leper colony turned the picturesque place into a citadel of pain, sorrow, alienation, and exile. Only in the middle of the last century, when the necessary vaccines reached these places, patients began to leave the refuge, and soon the island turned out to be deserted, a silent keeper of the secrets of the past. Currently, the authorities are striving to revive the attractiveness of this landmark of Crete not only visually, but also historically, focusing on Byzantine monuments.
9. Fortezza Fortress
In the north of Crete, at an altitude of 17 meters above sea level, is the large city of Rethymnon. An interesting attraction here, from a historical point of view, is the fort built in the city during Venetian patronage. The fortification dates back to the 16th century. The need for construction was due to the presence of a clear threat of attack by Turkish hordes, and the Venetians wanted to strengthen their positions on the island, which was a significant transit point along trade routes.
Previously, there were temples on the hill that were erected by the Hellenes as a sign of admiration for Artemis and Apollo. In the present it is a platform for holding holidays and festivals. Tourists visit observation platforms that offer panoramic views of the sea and the city. Several outbuildings and a church have been preserved behind the fortress walls.
10. The ancient city of Gortyn
If you don’t know what attractions to see in Crete, don’t miss it. This is one of the most valuable archaeological sites in Greece. The ruins of the ancient city are located 50 km from Heraklion. It was built in the “heart” of a fertile valley and reached its peak of development when the Dorians represented the local government. More than 2 thousand years ago, a strict system of legislation already existed here, a set of strict regulations and laws, carved into the wall of the amphitheater and strictly observed by the aborigines. The first market square appeared here. This is a real treasure trove of antique building elements: columns, marble floors of the Roman theater, its stone seats. There are sculptures; you can only look at them through the fence, due to security reasons. Along the perimeter of Gortyn, covering 2000 square meters, you can study ancient history, starting with the Hellas Empire and ending with the period of the birth and spread of Christianity.
11. Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa
Although not the most important attraction on the island of Crete, the monastery of Kera Kardiotissa is nevertheless able to offer its visitors a powerful argument for its worth. Several buildings built almost eight hundred years ago, a quiet, peaceful place, a small contingent of servants. But it is here that there is a copy of the icon of the Mother of God of the Heart, which, like the original, is considered miraculous. For Orthodox visitors to the monastery, the icon is the object for which they actually come, because the monastery cannot boast of an abundance of other interesting objects. However, many who have visited the monastery of Kera Kardiotissa in Crete speak of it as evoking calm and tranquility.
12. Elafonisi Beach
There is a small island near Crete. Between the land areas there is a sand spit. The uninhabited island and the beach of the same name (on the spit) are famous for the unique color of the sand. It's pink. The peculiar shade was formed due to the “erosion” of shells and corals that found themselves in shallow water and were constantly being polished by waves. An interesting color consonance is formed by combining the shade of the beach strip and azure water. Despite the fact that no one lives on the island permanently, there is no hotel service, the beach is landscaped and well-groomed, equipped with the necessary attributes of a comfortable holiday at sea. On the Mediterranean coast, this natural landmark of Crete, due to its original location against the backdrop of steep mountains, is conventionally considered the most picturesque place and is popular among tourists.
13. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
An outstanding museum that stands out noticeably from similar institutions in the country in terms of the scale of its exhibition and the size of its territory. The peculiarity of the museum's collection is the most complete collection of the achievements of the Minoan civilization. In the space of two floors, objects are concentrated not only related to the arrangement of everyday life of Hellenic society; many artifacts are related to the development of culture and art in the context of the development of ancient states around the world. A special source of pride for the indigenous population is a written monument discovered during excavations in Festos. This is a round object with images of people, animals, and weapons on both sides. The dating marks the Bronze Age, coinciding in part with the development of the Aegean civilization of Crete.
14. Anopolis Watercity Waterpark
You can relieve fatigue after a tiring exploration of the natural and architectural sights of Crete in the local water park. It is located near the village of Kokkini Hani. Watercity water park embodies the idea of modern relaxation, as opposed to other archaeological tourism. A variety of attractions will satisfy any water-loving taste. A dozen different pools, hydrotubes, rivers, water tracks, super races, cyclones - this is the small list of services provided by the water park. This and much more awaits visitors on its territory, so be sure to take a look here too.
15. Arkadi Monastery
This religious landmark of the island is associated with a sad story that occurred during the famous Cretan uprising. At the end of the 19th century, the monks hid behind the monastery walls 7 hundred women and 300 Greek soldiers who desperately fought for independence from the Ottoman yoke. Turkish soldiers managed to penetrate the gates, then the desperate rebels set fire to the gunpowder arsenal. An explosion occurred that took the lives of all the partisans and finally enraged the Ottomans, tormented by rage from impotence. The feat of the common people inspired the Greeks to continue the struggle and informed the world about the cruelty and mercilessness of the invaders. On the territory of the monastery, in addition to the dominant feature, there is a refectory and a mill. Behind the first one you can see a preserved Turkish shell, near the second there is a crypt where the remains of the brave rebels who fell in the unequal struggle were laid to rest.
16. Faneromeni Monastery
On the eastern side of Crete there is a monastery - the monastery of Faneromeni. Like many similar attractions in Crete, it is located on a natural hill (about 500 meters). This is a famous place of pilgrimage, where many believers flock to touch the shrine and pray to the icon of the Virgin Mary Faneromeni. The legend tells of a shepherd who watched over the sheep grazing in the highlands. Every day one ram separated from the flock and went to the cave. Having followed his path, the shepherd saw a source of water among the rocks, and in the recess there was an icon. It was impossible to move her. Locals claim that the face appears periodically to this day. In mid-August every year, the space turns into a platform for a bright holiday, the veneration of the main Shrine.
The features of the architecture of the monastery clearly show the features of a fortification: there are small windows resembling loopholes, there are high walls and holes from which in the old days hot liquid based on lead, resin or oil poured onto the heads of approaching enemies.
17. Maritime Museum of Crete
There are 2 ports on Crete, one in Heraklion, the second in Chania. The latter houses an exhibition space dedicated to the kingdom of Poseidon. Tourists have the opportunity to trace, using visual sources, how the Greek fleet developed, as well as what role the maritime location played in the urban planning and political life of Greece. Guests are presented with 13 halls located on two floors. The values are grouped according to their belonging to a specific chronology. On the second floor there is an echo of the war with the German fascists, on the first floor there is evidence of the previous period, when Crete became part of Greece. In addition to ship models and exhibits of the technical equipment of ships, the museum contains a collection of stamps and shells.
18. Historical Museum of Crete
On the sea coast in the middle of the 20th century, a museum was opened with an extensive exhibition consisting of many artifacts inherited by contemporaries from past eras. It clearly demonstrates the extent to which the development of Cretan art and culture was influenced by the peoples of Europe, Asia and the African continent.
The museum has a separate exhibition dedicated to the Second World War. The general museum space is organized in accordance with chronological order regarding the dating of the exhibits presented. Icons, engravings, ceramics, sculptural monuments, weapons samples - this is not a complete list of what can be seen within the walls of this landmark of Crete. The original paintings by El Greco are considered the true decoration of the halls dedicated to painting. In Crete there are only two paintings by the famous painter, both of which are presented in the spacious perimeter of the mansion, built in the classical style with modernist features.
19. Imeri-Gramvousa
Imeri Gramvousa is part of an uninhabited archipelago of two islands. A small “piece” of land is a subject of curiosity for many tourists. The Venetians traditionally built a fortress here. When the republic lost control over the territory, the island on the border of two seas (Tyrrhenian and Aegean) was chosen by pirates. Since ancient times, the castle and the Church of St. George have been preserved here. A modern landmark is the ship "Dimitrios", which crashed off the coast in the late 60s of the last century.
After visiting the island of Imeri-Gramvousa, you can relax on the beach; you can get to the island by pleasure boat. The location is often visited as part of the route leading to Balos Bay, famous for its clear emerald water and picturesque views.
20. Frangokastello Fortress
This landmark of Crete is an example of Venetian defensive architecture. Focused on successful trade, representatives of the state controlling the island tried in every possible way to secure the territory susceptible to attacks by the Ottomans and pirates from the sea. The protective facility was named after Catholics in Greek. Bas-reliefs, portals and coats of arms remained from the Venetians.
Many legends and traditions are dressed in extremely simple architectural forms. In the 19th century, Crete was under Turkish rule, but the Greeks did not give up hope of returning their ancestral lands. The rebels gathered in detachments and decided to attack the fortress, but to no avail. The authorities brutally dealt with the rebels: their ghosts, according to legend, remained imprisoned within the stone perimeter. Locals see ghosts in the morning, but as soon as dawn gains strength, weightless entities dissolve into the air.
Tatiana Solomatina
What to see on the island of Crete?
Hello, dear readers! I am with you again, and today we will talk about the paradise of Greece - the island of Crete. Crete is not just one of the most famous and attractive Greek islands for tourists, it is a special territory, practically a “state within a state.” It has its own history, its own traditions and customs, culture and folklore.
And if it is generally accepted that it is in Greece that European civilization takes its origins, then we can safely say that Greek civilization, in turn, takes its origins from the Minoan culture, the cradle of which to this day is the island of Crete. Rest assured, you will have something to see in Crete!
And this article will help you figure out what attractions are most interesting to tourists and what is worth seeing if you decide to vacation on the island of Crete.
The town of Agios Nikolaos is located just 70 kilometers from Heraklion, the administrative center and capital of the island. Tourist information for the resort can be viewed.
The city is located on the shores of the famous (at least by name!) Mirabello Bay. Mirabello Bay is able to win the hearts of even the most demanding and discerning tourists, which is not at all surprising, because literally translated from Italian its name means “beautiful view.”
In the central part of the city of Agios Nikolaos there is a lake with the interesting name Voulizmeni. A couple of centuries ago it was connected to the bay by digging a canal. And now this natural complex gives a special charm and beauty to the city, attracting true connoisseurs of natural beauty and landscapes.
Agios Nikolaos is a must see. You should definitely take a walk along the local embankment, which is literally “strewn” with various restaurants, taverns and cafes, where you can try a variety of local dishes, as well as cuisines from other countries.
The city's museums display interesting exhibitions dating from both the pre-Christian period and our era. At the western end of the bay is the beautiful church of Panagia Vrefotrofou, built in the 12th century. It is also definitely worth a look if you find yourself in the beautiful Agios Nikolaos.
Western part of the island: Chania city
Chania is the main city in the west of the island, located 160 km from the capital. It is rightly called one of the most beautiful settlements on the entire island, not to mention the fact that the city is old. Its main attraction is the part of the city known as the “old town”, as well as the Firax fortress (of Venetian origin) and the local harbor located in it.
In Chania, even today you can easily find cobbled streets; they fit very harmoniously into the overall design of the resort, preserving the spirit of past times and giving the city a special atmosphere.
Numerous restaurants allow you to try local cuisine, which further strengthens the attachment to this city that every tourist feels after parting.
Of the museums in Chania, it is definitely worth visiting the Maritime and Archaeological. In the Maritime Museum you can see an exact model of what the city was like in the 17th century, with shipyards and a harbor. The second museum presents rich exhibitions that fully reflect the history, life and culture of the island of Crete in its western part.
Spinalonga Island and Elounda Resort
On the coast of Mirabello Bay, a few kilometers from the resort of Agios Nikolaos, the fashionable resort town of Elounda, beloved by many tourists, is located throughout the world. Looking at it today, it’s hard to believe that it was once a small fishing village.
However, modern residents have tried to preserve the fishing port of Elounda as one of the characteristic features and main attractions of the city. The port still has that special atmosphere that was typical of the ancient village where ordinary fishermen lived.
The beaches of Elounda are considered one of the best; they are annually and almost traditionally celebrated with Blue Flags, which are a symbol of the impeccable cleanliness of the waters and coastal zone.
In the boundless waters of the sea, not far from Elounda, there is the island of Spinalonga, on which powerful defensive structures, equipped here back in 1579 by the Venetians, have survived to this day. It was these fortresses that allowed Spinalonga to maintain its independence from the Ottomans, even when in 1669 the rest of Crete was subjugated by them.
Another interesting fact about the island of Spinalonga is that from 1903 until 1957, its territory remained the last and only colony where lepers were taken.
Taking an excursion to the island to learn about its history and admire it now is not difficult. Boats regularly go from both Elounda and Agios Nikolaos to the island of Spinalonga.
Anoia and the ancient cave of Sfedoni
Anogia ((another name is Anoia) is a village, although by the standards of the island it is quite a large settlement. It is located high (more than 700 meters above sea level) and geographically belongs to Rethymno (the name of the prefecture). During the 2nd World War During the war, the village was almost completely destroyed by the Nazis, but today it has been revived.
Nikos Xylouris, one of the most famous Cretan musicians, who later became a real legend of the island, was born in Anouia. For many years now, in the month of July, in honor of his memory, a festival dedicated to almost all types of art and music has been held in his homeland, in the village of Anoia.
But the main interest among tourists in this part of the island is undoubtedly the 145-meter high Zoniana Cave (its other name is Sfedoni Cave). It is located near the village of Anoia. The cave is famous, firstly, for its age (preliminarily it is more than 8 million years old!), and secondly, it contains a huge number of beautiful stalagmites and stalactites of red, white and gray colors.
Lassithi Plateau and the legendary Dicteon Andron Cave
The Lasithi Plateau is often perceived as a kind of border between the Eastern and Central parts of the island of Crete. This place is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful on the island. And there are a number of reasons for this:
- this is the highest plateau in all of Greece, not just the island, which is inhabited.
- The flora here is not typical for Greece, but rather reminiscent of the Alpine.
- This is a picturesque corner of nature, the beauty of which is complemented by man-made canals, gardens and mills, which literally abounds in “special” places.
One of the must-see places here is the village of Krassi. The Laundry dating back to the Venetian period has survived to this day. A huge plane tree grows here, which is considered to be the oldest tree on the entire island. Not far from the village there is the monastery of Our Lady of Kera Kardiotissa, which houses the miraculous icon. Be sure to come here and ask the Mother of God for your cherished...
Finally, be sure to see the famous Dicteon Andron cave in Crete. It was here, according to ancient legends, that the great Zeus was born. But the relationship with the Supreme Ancient Greek God is far from the only reason for the popularity of this cave.
Located at an altitude of more than 1 km above sea level, it is rightfully considered the most beautiful among those in Crete (and there are more than 200 of them here). In the Dikteon Andron cave there are stalactites of amazing beauty.
The longest gorge in Europe, Samaria
In the southwest of the island of Crete there is the Samaria Gorge, which is considered the longest in all of Europe. For this reason or because it is amazingly beautiful here, this place in terms of tourist attendance occupies a confident 2nd place among the attractions on the island.
A tour of the gorge is a 17-kilometer walk, during which every step you take will be surrounded by the beauty of the unique local nature. And although at first the length of the route may scare many tourists, do not rush to give up the walk. The point is this: most of the way you just need to go down, so even tourists who are not fully prepared in terms of sports can overcome this “test”.
The journey through the gorge usually begins in the village of Omalos, and if the first half of the journey may seem somewhat monotonous - there are simply beautiful natural landscapes around, then in the second part an amazing surprise awaits you. We are talking about the so-called Iron Gates of Sidiroportes. This place is a passage in which the width is approximately 3 meters, and above your head there are slopes, the height of which can reach up to 300 meters!
The walking route ends in the village of Ayia Roumeli, from where there is direct access to the sea. By sea, regular transport can easily reach the settlements of Sougia or Chora Sfakion, and then take a bus to the city of Chania. By the way, the village of Omalos (the starting point of the walking route along the gorge) from the city of Chania can also be reached by bus.
A tour of the Samaria Gorge is not an easy task for tourists in terms of physical activity, but the vivid impressions received will fully justify it all. The main thing is not to forget to take comfortable and strong sports shoes with you, as well as water.
Ancient Knossos and Knossos Palace
The most popular and visited place by tourists on the island of Crete today is considered to be the ancient Palace of Knossos, which was excavated and reconstructed, albeit partially, at the beginning of the 20th century. It is believed that the first buildings in these places arose approximately 6 thousand years before the birth of Christ, but scientists tend to attribute the heyday of the Minoan civilization (predecessors of Ancient Greece) to the period 2700 - 1450 BC.
The Palace of Knossos is considered to be the center of this very Minoan civilization, which at one time was one of the most developed and advanced on a global scale. The Palace of Knossos has about 1,300 rooms and could accommodate approximately 12,000 people!
The archaeological garden in Knossos is accessible to tourists, and a huge number of them every year begin their acquaintance with the sights of the island from here!
Of course, here are not all the interesting places on the island, but I have indicated the most important and popular attractions of Crete. This material will help you decide what to see in Crete. Now it will be easier for you to figure out which excursions to choose while vacationing on the island.
Here .
Don't forget to leave comments, the response from readers is always pleasing. I would be grateful if you share the article on social networks.
With this I say goodbye to you, I’ll go think about the next article. Subscribe to blog updates, there is a lot of interesting material ahead.
Tatiana Solomatina
Crete is not an ordinary Greek island. It was once the center of the Minoan civilization, one of the oldest in Europe. Therefore, if the origins of European culture are at the origins, then the origins of Ancient Greece are the 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 beauty, 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 is the main city of 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 fit harmoniously into all this beauty. 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 a 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 annually awarded the Blue Flag for their cleanliness. 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 Lasithi 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 is the picturesque mountain village of Krasi, where a Venetian-era aqueduct has been preserved, 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 Dicteon 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 mingle 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.
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.
from 500 rubles/day
What to see and where to go in Crete?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
The ancient historical center of the 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 was the seaport of the 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. Agios Nikolaos was revived for the third time in the mid-19th 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. Findings from archaeological excavations indicate that Olous 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. The exhibition halls also display exhibits from other periods of the island’s history, from the Neolithic era to the times 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 the monastery was restored.
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 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 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 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.
