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10 Top Tourist Attractions in Crete
Last updated on August 15, 2020 in Greece, Tours Leave a Comment
Stunning Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands, and also the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. It boasts gorgeous beaches and mountains and is dotted with quaint villages. During the Bronze Age, this beautiful island was the home to the Minoan civilization, which is considered to be the first advanced European civilization, so there are also many historical attractions in Crete. Besides Minoan ruins, visitors can also still see the remains of Ancient Greece, the Venetian era, and the Ottoman period scattered around this island today.
10. Arkadi Monastery
The Arkadi Monastery was the site of one of the most tragic incidents in Crete’s history. In 1866, the Cretan residents, who were then under Turkish rule, decided to revolt. At one point during the rebellion, more than 940 Greeks, mostly women and children, took sanctuary in the monastery. The Turks lay siege to the monastery for three days and were finally able to break into its gates. At that point, the refugees decided to end their lives rather than be taken prisoner, and blew up barrels of gunpowder, which ended up killing hundreds of Turks and Cretans. The incident sparked sympathy and worldwide attention for the plight of the people of Crete. The monastery, which has been around since about the 12th century, was restored in 1870.
9. Rethymnon Old Town
The old town of Rethymnon (or Rethimno) is located in the midst of the modern city and features a rather unique blend of Venetian and Crete architecture. Rethymnon was established in 1204, after the Venetians had conquered Crete, so most of the remaining buildings in the old town area are of Venetian creation. The Old Town’s narrow streets and its small Venetian harbor are wonderful for walking, shopping, enjoying dinner at a small tavern and taking in Rethymnon’s remarkable architecture. Travelers will want to check out the nearby Fortezza Castle, which was built in 1590, and sits on a low hill in the middle of Rethymnon.
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8. Agios Nikolaos
Situated on lovely Mirabello Bay in eastern Crete, Agios Nikolaos offers visitors a mix of the modern and the traditional. It is a medium-size port town that is extremely picturesque and has some style and charm, which it exploits to the full. The town’s Lake Voulismeni, which is lined with charming small cafes and boutiques, has been the subject of a number of legends. One myth is that the goddess Athena used to bathe in this almost perfectly circular body of water. Another legend claims that this beautiful lake is bottomless. Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete’s most popular tourist destinations.
7. Elafonisi Beach
flickr/sez9
While all of Crete’s beaches are beautiful, there is something very special about the beaches that can be found on the island of Elafonisi. Located in South-west Crete, Elafonisi is separated from Crete’s shores by a very shallow lagoon. In fact, it is so shallow that visitors can easily walk the 200 meters (650 feet) to the island. The waters around this island are crystal clear, and its sand ranges from sparkling white to a soft pink hue. This island’s beaches are very popular with locals and visitors, so it can be a bit crowded in some areas. Travelers who want to avoid the crowds can just walk a little farther in, where they’ll find plenty of nice, quiet spots.
6. Spinalonga
Spinalonga is an island fortress on the southwestern entrance to the Gulf of Elounda. It used to be part of the nearby Peninsula Spinalonga, however in 1526, the Venetians cut a canal through it to separate the two. The island was also fortified and, for many years, was the first line of defense for Elounda. From 1903 to 1957, Spinalonga, was used as a leper colony for people from all over Greece who were suffering from the disease. Today, Spinalonga is just a short boat ride away from both Elounda and Agios Nikolaos and is popular with tourists, who come to the island to see the remnants of the abandoned leper colony, the fortress and numerous old structures. However, visits to this island are limited to a few hours, as there are no accommodations on Spinalonga.
5. Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum enjoys the reputation of being one of the most important museums in Greece, especially when it comes to its collection of Minoan artifacts and artwork. Visitors to this museum can enjoy seeing fragments of the original frescoes from the Minoan Palace of Knossos. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum also has exhibits dedicated to all of the periods of Crete prehistory and history, up until the late Roman periods. Highlights include statues of the Snake Goddess, the famous Bull-Leaping Fresco and the enigmatic Phaistos Disk. In addition, the artifacts found in this museum were all discovered in Crete.
4. Balos Lagoon
Last updated on August 15, 2020 in Greece, Tours Leave a Comment
Stunning Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands, and also the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. It boasts gorgeous beaches and mountains and is dotted with quaint villages. During the Bronze Age, this beautiful island was the home to the Minoan civilization, which is considered to be the first advanced European civilization, so there are also many historical attractions in Crete. Besides Minoan ruins, visitors can also still see the remains of Ancient Greece, the Venetian era, and the Ottoman period scattered around this island today.
10. Arkadi Monastery
The Arkadi Monastery was the site of one of the most tragic incidents in Crete’s history. In 1866, the Cretan residents, who were then under Turkish rule, decided to revolt. At one point during the rebellion, more than 940 Greeks, mostly women and children, took sanctuary in the monastery. The Turks lay siege to the monastery for three days and were finally able to break into its gates. At that point, the refugees decided to end their lives rather than be taken prisoner, and blew up barrels of gunpowder, which ended up killing hundreds of Turks and Cretans. The incident sparked sympathy and worldwide attention for the plight of the people of Crete. The monastery, which has been around since about the 12th century, was restored in 1870.
9. Rethymnon Old Town
The old town of Rethymnon (or Rethimno) is located in the midst of the modern city and features a rather unique blend of Venetian and Crete architecture. Rethymnon was established in 1204, after the Venetians had conquered Crete, so most of the remaining buildings in the old town area are of Venetian creation. The Old Town’s narrow streets and its small Venetian harbor are wonderful for walking, shopping, enjoying dinner at a small tavern and taking in Rethymnon’s remarkable architecture. Travelers will want to check out the nearby Fortezza Castle, which was built in 1590, and sits on a low hill in the middle of Rethymnon.
Best Places to Visit in Greece
8. Agios Nikolaos
Situated on lovely Mirabello Bay in eastern Crete, Agios Nikolaos offers visitors a mix of the modern and the traditional. It is a medium-size port town that is extremely picturesque and has some style and charm, which it exploits to the full. The town’s Lake Voulismeni, which is lined with charming small cafes and boutiques, has been the subject of a number of legends. One myth is that the goddess Athena used to bathe in this almost perfectly circular body of water. Another legend claims that this beautiful lake is bottomless. Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete’s most popular tourist destinations.
7. Elafonisi Beach
flickr/sez9While all of Crete’s beaches are beautiful, there is something very special about the beaches that can be found on the island of Elafonisi. Located in South-west Crete, Elafonisi is separated from Crete’s shores by a very shallow lagoon. In fact, it is so shallow that visitors can easily walk the 200 meters (650 feet) to the island. The waters around this island are crystal clear, and its sand ranges from sparkling white to a soft pink hue. This island’s beaches are very popular with locals and visitors, so it can be a bit crowded in some areas. Travelers who want to avoid the crowds can just walk a little farther in, where they’ll find plenty of nice, quiet spots.
6. Spinalonga
Spinalonga is an island fortress on the southwestern entrance to the Gulf of Elounda. It used to be part of the nearby Peninsula Spinalonga, however in 1526, the Venetians cut a canal through it to separate the two. The island was also fortified and, for many years, was the first line of defense for Elounda. From 1903 to 1957, Spinalonga, was used as a leper colony for people from all over Greece who were suffering from the disease. Today, Spinalonga is just a short boat ride away from both Elounda and Agios Nikolaos and is popular with tourists, who come to the island to see the remnants of the abandoned leper colony, the fortress and numerous old structures. However, visits to this island are limited to a few hours, as there are no accommodations on Spinalonga.
5. Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum enjoys the reputation of being one of the most important museums in Greece, especially when it comes to its collection of Minoan artifacts and artwork. Visitors to this museum can enjoy seeing fragments of the original frescoes from the Minoan Palace of Knossos. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum also has exhibits dedicated to all of the periods of Crete prehistory and history, up until the late Roman periods. Highlights include statues of the Snake Goddess, the famous Bull-Leaping Fresco and the enigmatic Phaistos Disk. In addition, the artifacts found in this museum were all discovered in Crete.
4. Balos Lagoon
One of Crete’s most beautiful beaches, Balos Lagoon is located near the town of Kissamos. Sandwiched between the small island of Imeri Gramvousa and Crete itself, the beach is accessible by boat or car. Visitors are greeted with a stunning vista created by an outcropping of rock that is surrounded by pink sand and blue and turquoise water. This is arguably the most photographed natural attraction in Crete, which causes tourists to visit in massive numbers. The months of July and August are the busiest.
3. Chania Old Venetian Harbor
This harbor was built between the years 1320 and 1356 by the Venetians and was an important trade center until the early 20th century. The harbor could not accommodate larger ships, so the port was eventually abandoned by big vessels in favor of Souda’s harbor. Today, though, Chania’s old harbor is still used by smaller boats and yachts. The harbor’s crowning jewel is its lighthouse, which was built by the Venetians around 1595 to 1601, and is one of the oldest in the world. Most people come here to enjoy a stroll through the harbor, sip their coffee or have breakfast with a view of the lighthouse or enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants and ouzo shops.
2. Samaria Gorge
Some sites require more effort to enjoy than others, and Samaria Gorge is one of those. Located in the National Park of Samarai in the White Mountains, this stunning gorge is a ten-mile downhill hike that ends at a black-sand beach in Agia Roumelli on the Libyan sea. It passes through forests of ancient cypresses and pines, then cuts between vertical cliffs through the mountains. Depending on a person’s speed and fitness level, this hike can take between four to seven hours. At the end of the trek, most hikers hire a boat to take them to Chora Sfakion.
1. Palace of Knossos
Located some 5 km (3 miles) south of Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos is the most important and best known Minoan site in Crete. Knossos is also often associated with the legend of the Athenian hero Theseus killing the Minotaur. The great palace was built gradually between 1700 and 1400 BC, with periodic rebuildings after destruction until it was devastated once and for all by fire. Knossos incorporated numerous rooms such as the Throne Room, named for a large chair that is built into the wall, facing several benches. The main function of the palace is still under debate. It could have been used primarily as an administrative or a religious center.
https://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-crete/
The Beaches of Crete
Voulisma beach | Photo Copyright: Lana Law
Most visitors coming to Crete between spring and fall are here to lounge on the island's beautiful beaches. Not all beaches here are created equal. Some of Crete's beaches are pebble, but some are among the most beautiful soft-sand beaches in the world, with crystal-clear water that glows a turquoise color under the Mediterranean sun.
The most famous beaches are Elafonissi, known for its white and pink sand, and Balos, or the Balos Lagoon as it's also frequently called. Both of these are within striking distance of Chania. And while these are must-see places, these are really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to outstanding beaches on Crete.
For dramatic scenery, head to the remote south coast. Here, you'll find Matala, a lovely small town with a fantastic stretch of beach, lined at one end by caves. Preveli beach, set at the end of a gorge and backed by huge cliffs, yet still accessibly via a short hike, is another top attraction on this side of the island.
On the north coast, you may also want to set your sights on beaches around Agios Nikolaos, on picturesque Mirabello Bay. One of the top choices here is Voulisma beach, but if you have time to explore a little further afield, Vai Beach, also known as Palm Beach, is one of the top beaches on Crete.
Best Beaches on Crete
Most visitors coming to Crete between spring and fall are here to lounge on the island's beautiful beaches. Not all beaches here are created equal. Some of Crete's beaches are pebble, but some are among the most beautiful soft-sand beaches in the world, with crystal-clear water that glows a turquoise color under the Mediterranean sun.
The most famous beaches are Elafonissi, known for its white and pink sand, and Balos, or the Balos Lagoon as it's also frequently called. Both of these are within striking distance of Chania. And while these are must-see places, these are really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to outstanding beaches on Crete.
For dramatic scenery, head to the remote south coast. Here, you'll find Matala, a lovely small town with a fantastic stretch of beach, lined at one end by caves. Preveli beach, set at the end of a gorge and backed by huge cliffs, yet still accessibly via a short hike, is another top attraction on this side of the island.
On the north coast, you may also want to set your sights on beaches around Agios Nikolaos, on picturesque Mirabello Bay. One of the top choices here is Voulisma beach, but if you have time to explore a little further afield, Vai Beach, also known as Palm Beach, is one of the top beaches on Crete.
Best Beaches on Crete
Preveli Monastery
Preveli Monastery | Photo Copyright: Lana Law
Set near the top of a mountain and offering extensive views over the Libyan Sea, the 17th-century Preveli Monastery makes a nice day trip from nearby towns and cities, like Rethymnon or Georgioupoli. Highlights include the courtyards and terraces, the mountain spring, and the small air-conditioned museum with a collection of religious artifacts. You'll also find a host of friendly cats here waiting to greet visitors.
A small fee is charged to enter the monastery, and modest dress is required. Skirts are provided for women if their clothing does not extend down past their knees.
The monastery is located just a short drive from the seaside village of Plakias, which makes a nice lunch stop. Not far from the monastery is Preveli Beach, another of Crete's popular tourist attractions. It's a bit of a walk down to the beach, but you can simply stop for a view over the beach and coast if you don't want to go right to the water's edge.
Official site: http://www.preveli.org/files/moni/enindex.htm
Preveli Beach
Set near the top of a mountain and offering extensive views over the Libyan Sea, the 17th-century Preveli Monastery makes a nice day trip from nearby towns and cities, like Rethymnon or Georgioupoli. Highlights include the courtyards and terraces, the mountain spring, and the small air-conditioned museum with a collection of religious artifacts. You'll also find a host of friendly cats here waiting to greet visitors.
A small fee is charged to enter the monastery, and modest dress is required. Skirts are provided for women if their clothing does not extend down past their knees.
The monastery is located just a short drive from the seaside village of Plakias, which makes a nice lunch stop. Not far from the monastery is Preveli Beach, another of Crete's popular tourist attractions. It's a bit of a walk down to the beach, but you can simply stop for a view over the beach and coast if you don't want to go right to the water's edge.
Official site: http://www.preveli.org/files/moni/enindex.htm
Preveli Beach
Preveli beach | Photo Copyright: Lana Law
Preveli Beach is considered one of the most spectacular beaches on Crete. Located on the south coast, it is set at the mouth of a small river and hemmed in on both sides by towering cliffs, and looks out over the Libyan Sea.
Easily reached from the north coast across good roads, this beach makes for a great day trip. However, bear in mind that from the parking area, you will need to walk down 30 minutes along a rock pathway. This may not seem that difficult, however, coming back up in the blazing afternoon sun will definitely be more onerous, so bring good shoes and plan accordingly. You can also reach Preveli Beach by boat from nearby Plakias.
If you are out for a day of sightseeing, combine a trip here with a stop at nearby Preveli Monastery. Then, head over to Plakias for lunch and enjoy some traditional Greek food.
Plakias
Preveli Beach is considered one of the most spectacular beaches on Crete. Located on the south coast, it is set at the mouth of a small river and hemmed in on both sides by towering cliffs, and looks out over the Libyan Sea.
Easily reached from the north coast across good roads, this beach makes for a great day trip. However, bear in mind that from the parking area, you will need to walk down 30 minutes along a rock pathway. This may not seem that difficult, however, coming back up in the blazing afternoon sun will definitely be more onerous, so bring good shoes and plan accordingly. You can also reach Preveli Beach by boat from nearby Plakias.
If you are out for a day of sightseeing, combine a trip here with a stop at nearby Preveli Monastery. Then, head over to Plakias for lunch and enjoy some traditional Greek food.
Plakias
Plakias | Photo Copyright: Lana Law
What once started as a humble fishing village has now changed into one of the most relaxed and enjoyable beach towns on the south coast. Unlike many of the northern beach areas, which are highly developed, Plakias retains a small-town feel and has some of the best dining in the surrounding area.
Here, you'll find a long crescent beach set in a very wide inlet. The beach close to the town center is a mix of pebbles and sand and is backed by tavernas and shops, but farther to the east, is quieter and has soft sand.
Plakias is a good place to base yourself for trips to Preveli Beach; Preveli Monastery; Souda Beach; and Rethymmon, which is 40 minutes away.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Plakias
Matala Beach
What once started as a humble fishing village has now changed into one of the most relaxed and enjoyable beach towns on the south coast. Unlike many of the northern beach areas, which are highly developed, Plakias retains a small-town feel and has some of the best dining in the surrounding area.
Here, you'll find a long crescent beach set in a very wide inlet. The beach close to the town center is a mix of pebbles and sand and is backed by tavernas and shops, but farther to the east, is quieter and has soft sand.
Plakias is a good place to base yourself for trips to Preveli Beach; Preveli Monastery; Souda Beach; and Rethymmon, which is 40 minutes away.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Plakias
Matala Beach
Matala Beach | Photo Copyright: Lana Law
Matala Beach is one of the most interesting and most visited beaches on the south coast of Crete. The beach is a huge arc of sand with a rock wall on one side riddled with ancient caves that look down on impossibly blue waters.
Matala makes for a great day trip from destinations on the north coast, like Heraklion or Rethymnon. You can lounge in the sun, swim, explore the ancient caves, and have lunch at a seaside restaurant. Afterwards, do a bit of souvenir shopping at one of the shops along the pedestrian-only walkways behind the beach.
The caves were the haunt of hippies in the 1960s. Travelers of a certain age will recognize the name of the beach from the famous Joni Mitchell song called Carey.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Matala
Frangokastello
Matala Beach is one of the most interesting and most visited beaches on the south coast of Crete. The beach is a huge arc of sand with a rock wall on one side riddled with ancient caves that look down on impossibly blue waters.
Matala makes for a great day trip from destinations on the north coast, like Heraklion or Rethymnon. You can lounge in the sun, swim, explore the ancient caves, and have lunch at a seaside restaurant. Afterwards, do a bit of souvenir shopping at one of the shops along the pedestrian-only walkways behind the beach.
The caves were the haunt of hippies in the 1960s. Travelers of a certain age will recognize the name of the beach from the famous Joni Mitchell song called Carey.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Matala
Frangokastello
Beach at Frangokastello | Photo Copyright: Lana Law
If you are searching for a friendly small town with not a whole lot going on, FrangoKastello may be just what you're looking for. This seaside town does not have tourist shops but does have good restaurants, an ancient fort, and some lovely beaches. It's one of Crete's true hidden gems.
Located on the south coast, about a 45-minute drive west of Plakias, Frangokastello is out of the way and off the usual tourist route. The drive here either takes you via Plakias, over a mountain pass with incredible views up and down the south coast, or down through the impressive Imbros Gorge and across the small plains, with the soaring mountains on one side and the sea on the other.
In Frangokastello, you can lie on the beach and gaze out at the blue waters of the Libyan Sea, or turn your chair towards the mountains behind and be staring at the town's imposing Venetian fortress. You can also walk a short distance from town and be on a completely undeveloped beach backed by sand dunes.
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/crete-gr-cre-crete.htm
If you are searching for a friendly small town with not a whole lot going on, FrangoKastello may be just what you're looking for. This seaside town does not have tourist shops but does have good restaurants, an ancient fort, and some lovely beaches. It's one of Crete's true hidden gems.
Located on the south coast, about a 45-minute drive west of Plakias, Frangokastello is out of the way and off the usual tourist route. The drive here either takes you via Plakias, over a mountain pass with incredible views up and down the south coast, or down through the impressive Imbros Gorge and across the small plains, with the soaring mountains on one side and the sea on the other.
In Frangokastello, you can lie on the beach and gaze out at the blue waters of the Libyan Sea, or turn your chair towards the mountains behind and be staring at the town's imposing Venetian fortress. You can also walk a short distance from town and be on a completely undeveloped beach backed by sand dunes.
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/crete-gr-cre-crete.htm
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