Crete

The beaches in Crete

The island offers a wide variety of beaches along its entire coastal perimeter. The large sandy beach of Amoudara is located near the capital Heraklion and the beaches of Hersonissos, Gouves, Malia, Elounda, Aghios Nikolaos, Almyros and Sitia are found to the east;  Vái is without doubt the most photographed and celebrated beach of the island. Located on the east coast, it is famous for its dense palm forest which extends to the shoreline. The beach of Matala, celebrated for its caves dug into the rock, is found in the south.

 

The beach of Vai. Photo: Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

 

From Matala it is easy to reach the nearby archaeological sites of Phaistos, Hagia Triada and Gortyna, while the more secluded beaches of Kokkinos and Red Beach lie across the rocks. Chryssi island, just of the coast near Ierápetra, is a paradise of fine white sand.

 

 Beach of Chryssi island. Photo: Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

Minoan Palace of Knossos

Don’t miss a visit to the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos, which stands on the outskirts of the capital Heraklion. Residence of the legendary king Minos, it is also site of the famous myth of the labyrinth of 2000 BC and was the political, economic and religious centre of the glorious Minoan dynasty.

 

Minoan Palace of Knossos. Photo: Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock 

 

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Xanthoudidou and Ηatzidaki Str., 71202 Herakleion
The foundations for the Heraklion Archaeological Museum were laid in 1935 by the architect Patroklos Karantinos. Its purpose is to acquire, safeguard, conserve, record, study, publish, display and promote the Cretan cultural heritage from the Prehistoric to the Late Roman period. A temporary exhibition of 400 selected exhibits, some of the finest and most representative finds of each period, is on display in a specially designed wing at the northeast corner of the museum building.

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CHANIA

The region of Chania (Hania), on the western side of the Island of Crete, is dominated by the impressive White Mountains (in Greek: Lefka Ori) and its famous National Park, which occupy the largest part of the region. The Prefecture of Chania provides tourist services and activities of all kinds, satisfying all the choices. The city of Chania maintains unaltered all of its characteristics, from the time of the Venetian Rule up until today.
 

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HERAKLION

The largest and most densely populated region on the Island of Crete is Heraklion (Iraklion). Nestling picturesquely among two imposing mountain ranges - Ídi (Mt. Psiloritis) to the west and Dikti (Lasithiótika mountains) to the east - Heraklion boasts exceptional archaeological treasures, significant coastal settlements, a series of picturesque villages, vast valleys with olive groves and vineyards. A unique combination of urban scenery and natural wealth makes the region of Heraklion an appealing all-year-round destination.

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LASITHI

Lasithi region is the easternmost and least mountainous region of Crete, where the population resides in four semi-urban centers: Ayios, Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia and Neapoli. The mythical palm tree forest of Vai, the Gulf of Mirabello, the windmills on the Plateau of Lassithi, beaches lapped by crystalline water, beautiful cities and luxurious resorts all make up a rather fascinating world.

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KOULES FORTRESS

Heraklion
The city of Heraklion is renowned also for the Medieval Fortress of Koules overlooking the Venetian harbour and the Venetian walls that still surround a part of the city. At the southernmost bastion of the fortress, Martinengo Bastion, lies the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, the famous Cretan author, whose epitaph reads: “I believe in nothing, I hope for nothing, I am free”.

 

 

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SAMARIA GORGE

Chania
Samaria Gorge, is the biggest and most imposing gorge in Greece. You need about seven hours to cross it but the rich landscape and rare flora and fauna will definitely reward you. There are also many other smaller gorges for you to hike: Aradaina, Agia Irini, Imbros and Polyrhenia. In Chania there are also beautiful walking trails (from Hrysoskalitissa to Elafonissi, from Palaiohora to Souyia and from Ayia Roumeli to Hora Sfakion), which make the region a beloved destination among nature enthusiasts from all over the world.

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SPINALONGA 

Spinalonga (meaning long thorn), although it is small and known as the island of the outcasts, has a rather interesting story to tell. The island forms a natural defence “mechanism” for Elounda Harbour. Today thousands of tourists visit Spinalonga by boat from Ayios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka each summer as it is the most popular archaeological site in Crete due to its historical and significance. On the Island there are no accommodation facilities therefore the visit here can last only a few hours.