The 10 most beautiful sights on Crete

Join us as we explore the Mediterranean island of Crete, a Greek tropical paradise!

Looking for an exotic European vacation that delivers unique attractions while still being affordable? Then look no further: Crete, one of the most popular Greek islands, offers all this and much more!

1. Enjoy the sun on the palm beach of Vai

Located in the north-eastern region of the island of Crete, about a kilometer from the small town of Vai, this wonderful beach is a true tropical paradise! With palm trees framing the soft sand and dreamy blue sea, Vai Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a little seaside downtime. The so-called Cretan date palm forms the largest natural palm grove in Europe. Legend has it that the numerous palm trees grew from the pits of the dates that pirates ate here after a successful sea robbery. The forest in the background and the beach itself are under protection and are therefore only accessible during the day. A little tip: From a viewing platform you have a wonderful overview of the whole area!

2. Travel back in time to Greece at the Palace of Knossos

The former high seat of the Minoan Empire, the Palace of Knossos is a unique historical complex that takes you straight back to the 14th century BC. It is located about five kilometers south of Heraklion in Knossos on the Kefala hill near the Knosano Gorge. The palace was the seat of Kings Minos, believed to be the sons of the two gods Europa and Zeus, and is associated with the legend of the Minotaur – a hybrid of man and bull – and his struggle with Theseus in the dark labyrinth. The palace is a must-see for all history buffs among you as it is the most visited archaeological site in Crete with over 1,000,000 visitors a year.

3. Wander through the gorge of Samaria

The Samaria Gorge is the longest trekking gorge in Europe at about 16 km and is located in the southwest of Crete. Especially in the summer season, many visitors from all over the world come to trek from Omalos settlement to Agia Roumeli village. This hiking route comes with a wonderful view of the natural beauty of the island of Crete. Just don’t forget to pack enough water bottles, comfortable shoes and enough layers! The best travel time is in spring, when the weather is still quite cool and the vegetation is at its best. In summer it is not advisable to do so due to the constant heat wave.

4. Enjoy the view from the Lasithi plateau

The Lasithi Plateau has some of the most beautiful views in Crete, making it one of the most impressive places in all of Greece. We recommend packing a picnic basket and spending some time feasting while taking in the natural beauty of the area. A circular road leads around the plateau, on the way you drive through about 20 villages. The so-called cave of Psychro, in which the main god Zeus is said to have been born according to ancient Greek belief, is particularly well-known here.

5. Explore Agios Nikolaos

Crete’s most popular resort town, Agios Nikolaos, lies to the east of the beautiful island in Mirabello Bay and is Crete’s quintessential tourist magnet, offering unique taverns, bars and cafes. Despite everything, the city has retained its Cretan, rural flair and radiates a lot of tranquility despite the growing tourism. An absolute highlight is the street market, which takes place here every Wednesday and even attracts visitors from the surrounding towns. Those who long for a party will also find an extremely lively nightlife in Agios. Especially in summer and at weekends, the Greek youth like to let it rip until the early hours of the morning!

6. Experience the culture of Greece at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Located in Heraklion, this must-see museum displays fabulous pieces from the archaeological history of both the Roman and Minoan civilizations. It is considered the most important collection of antiquities in Greece after the National Museum in Athens and one of the most important museums in Europe in this area. Here you can travel through a period of more than 5,000 years and learn more about the life of the early Cretans. The museum was built between 1937 and 1940 by the architect Patroklos Karantinos and includes 27 galleries.

7. Pay a visit to the Monastery of Arkadi

The oldest monastery in Crete trumps with its unique architecture and is already over 1,600 years old. Not only did it once serve as one of the most important religious centers on the island, but one of the most important battles in Crete’s history took place here when the people rebelled for their independence from the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. Evidence of this siege can still be seen in the monastery today. Before the introduction of the euro in Greece, the monastery was depicted on the 100 drachma note.

8. Witness the birth of European law in Gortyn

In the year 500 BC in Gortyn, also called Gortys or Gortyna, the first historically recorded code of laws in Europe was completed. Today Gortyn lies in ruins; However, traces of the town’s former church and market can still be found and serve as popular tourist attractions. The largest archeological site in Crete features a small amphitheater, some Greek statues, a basilica and the charter of Gortyn, which is carved in stone. Really impressive!

9. Admire the sunset in Chania

The picturesque seaside town of Chania on Crete’s north-west coast is best known for its unique sunsets, 14th-century Venetian harbor, narrow streets and waterfront restaurants. The Greek cuisine is also highly praised here, because culinary enjoyment is very important to the residents of Chania. Follow the hustle and bustle in the market hall, stroll through the lively harbor and admire the old faro (lighthouse), which is considered the symbol of the city. The mixture of cosmopolitanism and tradition gives the harbor town an incomparable flair that will captivate you!

10. Feel confident of victory in the Fortezza of Rethymno

Built in the 16th century to ward off Turkish invaders, Rethymno Town’s fortress now serves as a wonderfully eerie reminder of Crete’s long and far from peaceful history. A tour of the Fortezza can be warmly recommended to any visitor to Crete, while also not to be missed is the view from the fortress walls over the Mediterranean Sea.

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