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Being a Greek island, Crete is all about beaches. One of the most famous is Elafonisi. It's known as the "pink beach" due to the pink coral sand deposited along the coast.
Heraklion is a useful base from which to explore the ruins of Knossos, said to be Europe's oldest city. This is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, but it's principal draw is the partly restored Minoan palace of Knossos (pictured). The Greek painter, sculptor and architect El Greco (1541–1614) was born near here.
You'll doubtless begin your Crete adventure in Heraklion, the island's capital city. A pleasant eye-opener for first-time visitors, spend a few days here exploring the Old Town and the harbor, still guarded by a 16th-century Venetian fortress.
It's certainly worth browsing Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in Greece. It contains the most notable and complete collection of Minoan art in the world, and serves as an engaging introduction to the Minoan civilization of Crete.
Picturesque Vai Beach, which overlooks Palekastro, Sitia, and the Dionysades islands, is renowned as the location of one of the largest natural palm forests in Europe, made up of Cretan date palm. It sits on the Cavo Sidero, a designated area of particular biodiversity and archaeological importance (the 15th-century Toplou Monastery stands nearby).
Another monastery worthy of discovery is Arkadi, situated on a plateau to the southeast of Rethymnon. Dating back to the 16th century, the monastery played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the revolt of 1866. As is the requirement at all monasteries in Crete, visitors are asked to dress modestly—no shorts or swimwear.
Located south of Rethymnon is Preveli Beach, one of Crete's most dazzling strands of sand. Fringed by palm trees, it lies at the mouth of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where the river Megalopotamos empties into the Libyan Sea.
From Agios Nikolaos it's just a short haul inland to Diktaen Cave, in Greek mythology the supposed birthplace of the god Zeus. The cave interior is a glorious confusion of stalactites and stalagmites, all illuminated in different colors.
Samariá Gorge is set within the Samariá National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A hiker's dream, the 16-km (10 mi) trail that runs through the gorge presents adventure tourists with a section known as the "Gates," where the sides of the gorge close in to a width of only four meters (13 ft) and soar up to a height of almost 300 m (980 ft).
The uninhabited island of Chrysi is anchored off the southern coast of Crete, in the South Creten Sea. Idyllic and unspoiled, it's possible to visit Chrysi by sea during the summer months from the towns of Ierapetra and Myrtos. Chrysi is protected as an area of natural beauty, and while snorkeling and diving are popular activities, mass tourism is actively discouraged.
Gorgeous Seitan limania is a heavenly beach, which nestles between a narrow canyon on the east side of the Akrotiri peninsula, not far from Chania. Confusingly, it's also known as Stefanou Beach. Either way, its simply one of the most sensational beaches in Crete.
Elafonisi Beach lies near Chania, on the north coast of the island. Chania is the site of the Minoan settlement the Greeks called Kydonia, incidentally the source of the word quince. The Old Town, huddled around the harbor district, features an ancient Venetian shipyard.
Not far from Matala is Rethymno. Founded by the Venetians, this attractive port town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with buildings dating back to the 16th century. This is a charming base from which to explore several outdoor visitor attractions, including the amazing Samariá Gorge.
Picture-perfect Agios Nikolaos lies east of Heraklion. Touristy but not to the point of overcrowded, staying here rewards the visitor with Lake Voulismeni, the banks of which are dotted with numerous bars, cafés, and restaurants. Kitroplatia beach is just around the corner, which faces tranquil Mirabello Bay.
Another beach within striking distance of Chania is Balos. Lapped by warm, turquoise water, Balos lagoon and its powder white sand is often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
If dramatic scenery in a remote location is your thing, head south to Matala, a village located 75 km (46 mi) south-west of Heraklion and blessed with its own stunning beach.
Venturing further inland, rural Crete unfolds in front of you in isolated and mountainous splendor. Consider calling into Krista, a village known for its handicrafts. On the way, stop by the little 13th-century church of Panagia Kera ("Our Lady of Kera") to admire the superb Byzantine frescoes.
Elounda was once the ancient Greek city of Olous, though today the only visible remnants of the metropolis are some scattered wall bases. Elounda is a lively resort of upscale hotels and posh villas, and popular with local celebrities and VIPs.
A rewarding excursion out of Elounda is a visit to the island of Spinalonga. During Venetian rule, salt was harvested from salt pans around the island. Spinalonga later served as a leper colony, as late as 1957 in fact, and was one of the last active colonies in Europe.
If you want to take things a step further however, consider climbing Mount Ida, at 2,456 m (8,058 ft), Crete's highest mountain. It's located in the Psiloritis massif, and the trail to the summit is relatively easy to follow, though it's best to tackle the peak in the company of an experienced guide. Note that summer temperatures can be scorching, while in winter the mountain is often carpeted with snow.
Artifacts spanning 550 years are displayed across 27 different halls. Don't-miss pieces include the glazed ceramic Snake Goddess dating from 1600 BCE, and the extraordinary Phaistos Disc (pictured). Fired from clay and dating back to 100 BCE, it's covered on both sides with a spiral of curious stamped symbols.
Up in the mountains behind Preveli Beach is Preveli Monastery, founded in the Middle Ages. The upper monastery contains numerous religious relics and icons, and many of its buildings, now heavily restored, are open to the public. During the Second World War the monastery provided sanctuary for Allied soldiers fleeing German troops after the invasion of Crete in May 1941.
A rewarding diversion from Preveli is the delightful village of Plakias, a peaceful beach destination known for its band of golden sand and some excellent dining options.
Matala Beach is overlooked by a gingerbread cliff pocked with a series of caves. In the 1960s, these were occupied by dreamy hippies seeking respite from a turbulent world. The location is mentioned in a song by Joni Mitchell called 'Carey.'
If your idea of a Crete vacation is to base yourself well away from anything that's going on, consider a stay at Frangokastello. This scattered and secluded settlement is characterized by a 14th-century Venetian castle, dubbed by the locals as Frangokastello, meaning the Castle of the Franks (e.g. Catholic foreigners). Besides this ancient garrison, a near-empty beach, and one or two restaurants, the place is yours.
Sources: (Ancient History Encyclopedia)(Greek Mythology)
See also: Idyllic islands of the Mediterranean
The Lasithi Plateau in eastern Crete is famous for its early 20th-century white-sailed windmills (more accurately, wind-pumps), made to a traditional design and still used to irrigate the land.
Speaking of food, don't forget to try a plate of dakos, a Cretan meze consisting of a slice of dry barley rusk topped with chopped tomatoes and crumbled feta or mizithra cheese. It's garnished with herbs such as dried oregano, and olives and pepper can also be added. Delicious!
Crete's rugged interior is home to the kri-kri, a species of goat found only on the island. The peaks of the 2,400 m (8,000 ft) White Mountains of western Crete are their last strongholds. There are about 2,000 kri-kri on the island, and the animals are considered vulnerable.
Housed in the former Venetian Monastery of Saint Francis, this museum contains a substantial collection of Minoan and Roman artifacts excavated from around the city of Chania. One of the more unusual artifacts is a clay oxen wheel made as a child's toy (pictured), which dates back to 800-700 BCE. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)
Heraklion's imposing cathedral was completed in 1895. Inside, it's worth craning your neck to admire the huge dome, decorated with a fresco of Christ.
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and one of the most popular travel destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. Blessed with dazzling bands of golden beaches, ancient Minoan ruins, and spectacular mountain scenery, it's no wonder several Greek gods called the island home. Crete's picture-perfect charm is no myth, but with global travel currently restricted, how can you find out more about this bewitching, sun-kissed destination?
Click through this gallery and discover Crete without leaving your seat.
Discover Crete without leaving your seat
Explore Greece's largest island virtually
TRAVEL Mediterranean
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and one of the most popular travel destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. Blessed with dazzling bands of golden beaches, ancient Minoan ruins, and spectacular mountain scenery, it's no wonder several Greek gods called the island home. Crete's picture-perfect charm is no myth, but with global travel currently restricted, how can you find out more about this bewitching, sun-kissed destination?
Click through this gallery and discover Crete without leaving your seat.