Crete is an island in Greece that is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are ten great places to visit on your trip to Crete:
The Palace of Knossos: This ancient palace, in Heraklion, is a must-see for anyone visiting Crete. The palace was the centre of the Minoan civilization and is full of fascinating artifacts.
The city of Heraklion: Heraklion, the 4th biggest city in Greece, is the capital of Crete and is a great place to learn about the island’s history. There is an old harbour, Venetian architecture, a WWII resistance museum, football clubs, a public aquarium, St Titus Cathedral, defensive walls dating back to the middle ages, to name just a few. There is also loads of shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy.
The city of Chania: Chania is a beautiful city on the west coast of Crete. The city’s Venetian harbour is a great place to relax and watch the boats.
Samaria Gorge: This gorge is a national park of Greece and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, located in the White Mountains. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Crete. The Gorge is a great place to hike, wildlife watch and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It is home to the rare kri-kri, a wild goat, that was down to just 200 in existence, when the park was founded in 1962. https://samaria-gorge.gr/
Elafonisi: Elafonisi is a small island off the southwest coast of Crete. The island is famous for its pink sand beaches.
Balos Lagoon: Balos Lagoon is a beautiful lagoon on the north coast of Crete. The lagoon is surrounded by coral reefs and is a great place to go swimming.
Preveli Beach: Preveli Beach is a gorgeous beach on the south coast of Crete. The beach is surrounded by palm trees and has a river running through it.
Rethymnon: Rethymnon is a city on the north coast of Crete. The city is full of Venetian architecture and has a beautiful old town.
Matala: Matala is a small town on the south coast of Crete. The town is famous for its beaches and is a great place to relax.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum: The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the best museums in Greece. The museum is located in the city of Heraklion and is full of fascinating artifacts. https://www.heraklionmuseum.gr/en/
Image
- Balos Beach, Crete / Eleni Afiontzi - Unsplash