The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is unsurprisingly packed with tourist attractions. From ancient ruins to stunning beaches, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Crete:
1. Visit the Palace of Knossos – This ancient palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Crete. Dating back to 1700 BC, it’s home to some of the most impressive Minoan ruins in the world.
2. Explore the Venetian Harbour of Chania – This charming harbour town is a must-see for anyone visiting Crete. With its narrow streets, Venetian architecture and stunning sea views, it’s easy to see why Chania is such a popular tourist destination.
3. Relax on one of Crete’s beautiful beaches – With over 1000 km of coastline, Crete is home to some of the best beaches in Europe. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or a beach with plenty of activities, you’ll be able to find the perfect beach for you on Crete.
4. Take a hike in the Samaria Gorge – This stunning gorge is a must-see for nature lovers. At 16 km long, it’s one of the longest gorges in Europe.
5. Sample some of Crete’s delicious cuisine – From fresh seafood to traditional Cretan dishes, Crete’s cuisine is sure to please everyone’s taste buds. Be sure to try some of the local delicacies, such as dakos and moussaka.
This article is a part of the guide : What to do in Crete? that you should discover !
Is it worth visiting Heraklion?
Heraklion is the largest city on the island of Crete and the capital of the Heraklion regional unit. It is also the fourth largest city in Greece. The city has a population of 175,441 inhabitants within its administrative limits and a metropolitan population of almost half a million. Heraklion is the birthplace of the mathematician and inventor of the differential calculus, René Descartes.
The city of Heraklion is situated on the north coast of Crete, at the mouth of the river Kairatos, about 7 km east of the site of Knossos. The centre of the city is generally congested, even though there are wide open spaces in the outskirts. The Venetian port, now a busy shopping district and the ferry terminal to Piraeus and the Greek mainland, is to the east of the centre. The airport is about 5 km south of the city.
Heraklion offers visitors a wide variety of attractions. These include archaeological sites such as Knossos and Phaistos, Venetian fortifications and architecture, a lively nightlife, and a variety of shops. The city is also home to several museums, including the Archaeological Museum, which is one of the most important museums in Greece.
The Archaeological Museum is located in the centre of Heraklion and was founded in 1882. It houses collections of artefacts from all over Crete, as well as from other parts of Greece. The most famous exhibit in the museum is the bronze statue of Minos, which was found on the site of Knossos.
Other museums in Heraklion include the Museum of Natural History, which is housed in a Venetian palace, and the Museum of Byzantine Art, which is located in a restored Venetian convent.
Heraklion is also home to a number of churches, including the Cathedral of St. Mark, which was built in the 18th century in the Venetian style, and the Church of St. Titus, which was built in the 9th century and is one of the oldest churches in Crete.
Overall, Heraklion is a fascinating city with something to offer visitors of all ages and interests. It is well worth a visit for those who want to experience everything that Greece has to offer.
Does Heraklion have an old town?
Heraklion is the largest city on the island of Crete and the capital of the Heraklion regional unit. Heraklion is a busy commercial center and the main entry point to Crete, both for tourists and for goods from the rest of Greece. The city has a population of 175,000 and is served by Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport. The old town of Heraklion is located on a hill overlooking the harbor. The Venetian fortress of Koules is located at the entrance to the harbor. The old town is home to a number of churches and Venetian-era buildings.
