Crete is unlike any other Greek island because of its more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline, magnificent beaches, and mountains that peak more than 2,400 meters. Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean is also one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Beautiful beaches and mountains complement the area's charming towns.
Check out our recommended destinations on the island of Crete to find out more about what to do and see while you're there.
- The Knossos Palace
The Palace of Knossos is Crete's top must-see destination, located in eastern Crete just south of Iraklion. The Minoan culture, which flourished here beginning about 1900 BCE, used Knossos as a huge palace. Knossos is a vast site with markets, large apartments, fascinating murals, secret corridors, rows of robust columns, and more. The place can easily be explored for several hours.
Avoid the throng and locate a quiet area to reflect on life 4,000 years ago during the busy summer. Since there is little signage, you should bring a guide from the site shop or sign up for a tour, which will give the site's important background and context. Lunch should be consumed in the stunning wine country to the south rather than the area's tourist-oriented eateries.
- Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos, a pretty tiny settlement on the north coast of eastern Crete, is located about 65 kilometers east of Heraklion and is surrounded by lovely beaches, and has views across picturesque Mirabello Bay. Compared to towns like Chania, it feels much less like a tourist destination.
The many beachfront cafés and restaurants along Lake Voulismeni and the port area adjacent, which offers views of the sea, are highlights of any trip to this location. A stroll around the point from the harbor to Kitroplatia beach passes through two renowned statues and offers breathtaking views of the soaring mountains of eastern Crete across Mirabello Bay. One of the most famous tourist sites in Crete is Agios Nikolaos.
- Spinaloga
The Gulf of Elounda's southwest entrance is guarded by the island fortification of Spinalonga. It was once a part of the neighboring Peninsula Spinalonga, but the Venetians built a canal across it to divide the two in 1526. Additionally fortified, the island served as Elounda's first line of defense for a considerable amount of time. Spinalonga served as a leper colony for patients with the disease from all across Greece from 1903 to 1957.
Today, Spinalonga is easily accessible by boat from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, and is a favorite destination for travelers who want to view the stronghold, several historic buildings, and the remains of an abandoned leper colony. However, due to the lack of hotels on Spinalonga, visits to this island are only permitted for a short period.
- Lasithi Plateau
Crete's largest plateau is Lasithi. Lasithi is a lush plateau flanked by the Dikti Mountains at 800–850m. Fresh produce has been cultivated for centuries on the lush Lasithi Plateau in eastern Crete, which is surrounded by the Dicti Mountains and Lasithi Prefecture.
The plateau, 44 miles from Agios Nikolaos and 850 meters above sea level, is large enough to explore. Additionally, east Crete's autonomy, tranquillity, and abundant agricultural production impress visitors.
The Dikti Mountains compose the world-like Lassithi Plateau in East Crete. The plateau's calm mountain pace distinguishes it from Lassithi's tourist-heavy, cosmopolitan culture. It is west of Lasithi, near Heraklion prefecture, at 850 m.
- Diktaion Cave
There are stories about the ancient Gods, their roles, lives, and beginnings all around Crete (and Greece, for that matter). Zeus, regarded as the most significant of the Greek gods, was the ruler of all other gods and humanity as well as the deity of the sky and thunder. This well-known god was created in Diktaion Cave for the benefit of all humanity.
Despite its legendary past, Crete's 4,500 caves and sinkholes rank the Diktaion Cave among its greatest. Its chilly environs offer a wonderful break from the heat and sun of Crete. As you go very far under the earth, you will pass through five antechambers. A lake the size of glass lies at the bottom of the cave, encircled by enormous stalactites and stalagmites. Zeus' alleged birthplace is located across the lake in a little chamber.
Posted on : 27/05/2023
