Things To Do, Crete
Crete has to be one of Europe’s richest landscapes for ancient history and culture… it also has some incredible beaches, weather, gastronomic treats and is only a hop, skip and a jump from pretty much anywhere in Europe.
But what drives most people to this enchanted land is the huge selection of ancient monuments to experience. This is our essential selection to visit if you’re lucky enough to be staying here:
Arkadi Monastery
A rather scary but exhilarating drive up some twisty mountain tracks, but the end result is well worth it. This monastery has become a symbol of the islanders’ struggle for independence from the invading Turks as many Cretans were killed here in 1866 – their bones and sculls are still preserved and displayed.
Ayios Nikolaos
Best known for its twin harbours, Ayios Nikolaos is possibly one of the most picturesque towns on Crete. Definitely well worth a trip out but in high season this place can fill up with tourists fast. If you get a chance we advise you check out the Archaeological Museum and a little Folklore Museum.
Gortys
Once a busy Greco-Roman city, Gortys is now a ruin that sprawls over picturesque fields and olive groves, which are great fun to explore. Be sure to check out The 6th-century church of Ayios Titos, the agora, or market and also the 500BC huge stone blocks that have etched into them the first Code of Law in Europe.
Gournia
Dating from 1500BC, Gournia is in fact a site that houses the ruins of an ordinary working Minoan town. You can walk among them and discover the houses and workshops. There is still a huge amount of digging to do, what you see is just ¼ the size of the original town.
Hania
Check out Hania’s beautiful Venetian harbour, which houses some of Crete’s best restaurants and bars. Lots to see and do here including great shopping and museums.
Iraklion
Crete’s capital… a lively place with plenty to do including the Archaeological Museum, its Venetian harbour, the Historical Museum, the Icon Museum, several interesting old churches, and plenty of good restaurants too.
Knossos
A stunning Minoan Palace, which is one of the biggest attractions on Crete and well worth checking out. Thde first palace was built here around 2000BC and it was destroyed by an earthquake 300 years later. A new palace was built, which was also destroyed in 1450BC when Santorini colcano erupted causing a giant tidal wave.
Malia
Built around 1900BC, Malia is Crete’s third-largest Minoan Palace. It was also destroyed in an earthquake then rebuilt in about 1650BC. Its remains with a reddish tinge to the stone make a great place to wander around, and because it’s usually less crowded you have more time to make sense of the ruins.
Panagia Kera
Panagia Kera is a small Byzantine church andone of the most famous on Crete. You have to check out its 14th- and 15th-century frescoes. They seem to cover every inch of the walls, and make a great impact when you first walk into the church.
Phaistos
Yet another impressive Minoan Palace, which are set on a hill overlooking a plain and nowhere near as crowded as Knossos. Check out the central courtyard, royal apartments, the grand staircase, and the place where the famous Phaistos Disc (right) was uncovered in 1903. This small disc was made in about 1700-1600BC and no-one has ever worked out what its spiralling series of pictograms are meant to be.
Rethymnon
Best known for its huge Venetian fortress, which dates back to the 1570’s – definitely worth half a day of your time.
Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe 11 miles (18kms), but if you’re half fit then you may consider a hike here. The scenery is breathtaking but it can get busy in the summer months. At the end of the walk you are rewarded with an incredible view of the Libyan Sea at the southern end.
Sitia
This little town has an incredibly laid back vibe to it and offers a stunning waterfront and some interesting museums. The drive to it along the coast from Ayios Nikolaos is one of the most beautiful drives on Crete.