Crete is an island, however it packs in a complete nation’s value of unmissable websites inside its beautiful shores. From the colourful historic great thing about Hania to the deeply symbolic monastery at Moni Preveli, there’s a lot to see on Greece’s largest island.
Do not miss the 4000-year-old wonders of the Palace of Knossos – one of many world’s prime historic websites – and permit loads of time for the handfuls of beautiful seashores. Oh, and you’ll tour some advantageous vineyards as nicely on days away from the coast.
No matter your temper, you will discover lovely locations to remain in and round our eight favourite locations in Crete.
Hania
Finest metropolis for eating and strolling
Crete’s second-largest metropolis has oodles of wonderful locations to eat, lining the labyrinth of historic stone lanes that make up its Seventeenth-century Venetian quarter. A few of the best meals in all of Greece will be present in Crete, because of its bountiful produce and ingenious cooks, and Hania is the island’s culinary capital. Whilst you stroll, snack on boureki, a wealthy layered cheese pie, and marvel on the myriad methods Cretans use regionally produced olive oil, which is a number of the greatest within the Mediterranean.
Earlier than and after a meal, stroll all the way down to the Venetian Harbour, which is studded with pastel-colored buildings and fortifications constructed throughout the centuries. Comply with the breakwater stroll out from shore for beautiful views of all of the magnificence.
Crete’s Southwest Seashores
Finest for sand, sea and solar
The journey to Crete’s greatest seashores begins with a twisting drive by the mountains and all the way down to the idiosyncratic little port city of Hora Sfakion. As you loop round bend after bend, panoramic views throughout the Libyan Sea present the rocky Cretan coast in all its filigreed glory.
Stretching off to the horizon are coves enclosing good little seashores, usually backed by a tiny village with waterfront tavernas. Make a beeline for Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Paleohora and the crowning glory that’s Elafonisi, famend for its pinkish-white sands and the dune-blanketed islet offshore.
You possibly can attain most of those strands by automobile, however it’s higher to seize a journey on one of many coastal ferries that function from Could to September, making it simple to beach-hop from one strip of sand to the following.
The Palace of Knossos
Finest for reliving Minoan historical past
Simply south of Iraklio in japanese Crete, the Palace of Knossos is Crete’s prime unmissable attraction. As soon as a mighty palace for the Minoan civilization, which thrived right here from 1900 BCE, Knossos is a sprawling web site of marketplaces, grand chambers, inspiring frescoes, hidden passages, rows of sturdy columns and extra. You possibly can simply spend a number of hours exploring the location.
Throughout the busy summer season, escape the crowds and discover a quiet nook to ponder life 4000 years in the past. Signage is sparse, so include a information from the location store or be a part of a tour, which is able to present important background and context to convey the location to life. Keep away from the touristy eating places within the space and have lunch within the lovely wine nation to the south.
Bali’s Seashores
Finest for household seashore days
No, you do not have to go all the best way to Indonesia, simply come to this azure bay on Crete’s north coast. The title Bali is derived from a Turkish phrase for honey, which was as soon as harvested regionally, however these days are lengthy gone and trendy guests come to reap fabulous vacation reminiscences.
A string of seashores with distinct personalities dot the coves lining the shore. Livadi is ideal for households with youngsters who revel within the celebration vibe on the cafes and golf equipment alongside the water. {Couples} in search of a romantic night get pleasure from Varkotopo with its elegant bars oriented in direction of the sundown views. Karavostasi is the quietest seashore, and it is well-suited for smaller children, who can construct castles on sand lapped by light waves.
Samaria Gorge
Finest for pure magnificence
The Samaria Gorge is one among Europe’s prime geological wonders. Sheer rock partitions tower over 150m (500ft) excessive, standing lower than 3m (9ft) aside in essentially the most dramatic stretches. In different areas, the gorge opens up into a large inexperienced valley framed by hovering hills, tracing the trail of a year-round river. One of the best ways to see it’s by mountain climbing its size from an elevation of 1230m (4035ft) all the way down to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, which has a refreshing seashore.
Solely open from Could to October, the mountain climbing path is over 16km lengthy (10 miles) and it will get busy on the peak of summer season. Sights embody previous church buildings and seasonal wildflowers; in the event you’re fortunate, you could spot a kri-kri, a species of mountain goat native to Crete. For those who’re not up for the complete hike, you may get a way of the gorge on quick walks out and in from the beginning and endpoints.
Moni Arkadiou
Finest for a deep dive into Cretan historical past
In 1866, scores of native males, girls and kids fled their villages and sought refuge on this hilltop monastery when Ottoman troops violently tried to place down island-wide revolts. Utterly surrounded, the villagers selected to blow themselves up with a cache of explosives, which additionally killed greater than 2000 Turkish troops, slightly than give up.
At present the location is a potent image of the Cretan spirit and the Greek quest for independence. Shows, statues and memorials recall the tragic occasions of the siege. The monastery’s Sixteenth-century Venetian church survived and is a stunning spectacle, with glittering decor and sacred icons. Do not miss the previous wine cellar the place the gunpowder utilized by the villagers was saved.
Iraklio Wine Nation
Finest for thirsty {couples}
Crete’s wine is in style far past the island and 70% of it comes from the plush valleys and plains south of Iraklio and the Palace of Knossos. Quiet again roads meander over and round light hills which can be lined with grape vines. Among the many varietals grown listed here are Kotsifali, Mandilari and Malvasia.
It looks as if there’s one other winery, tasting room or taverna round each curve. You possibly can be a part of organized wine excursions of the area or simply go exploring, letting your whims, temper and tastes information you. Greater than two dozen wineries will be discovered right here – notable stops embody the massively in style Boutari and Minos-Miliarakis, which sits proper in the midst of the stunning village of Peza.
Moni Preveli
Finest for mixing seashores and historical past
One among Crete’s most lovely and historic monasteries is perched on a bluff excessive above one among Crete’s greatest seashores. What extra might you ask for on a time out? The star of Moni Preveli is its ornate chapel which options artworks courting again to the thirteenth century. Memorials on the web site recall the 1866 resistance to the Ottoman empire and the function the monastery performed in sheltering Allied troops escaping from the Nazis in WWII.
Far beneath the complicated, Preveli Seashore is shaded by palm bushes and has river-fed freshwater swimming pools. Crystal-clear turquoise seawater laps the sand and the seashore’s low-key seaside tavernas are supreme stops for lunch.
