Watch your step as you cover rocky terrain, walk along wooden platforms across the water, and traverse steep inclines and declines. You’ll also spot an interesting array of fauna. Marvel at Mother Nature’s handiwork as you hike the trail and keep your eyes open for wildlife like the hardy and endangered goat-like kri-kri, birds, spiny mice, and Cretan badgers. Admire the vistas from the viewpoint and pass through The Gates-a narrow section of gorge flanked by towering rocks. What to do there: Don sturdy footwear and fill up your reusable water bottle, which should definitely be on your Greece packing list, ahead of your hike and make your way to the starting point on the Omalos Plateau. You should be physically fit to undertake the hike and you should pay attention to any safety warnings. Home to various creatures and plants and boasting glorious views, the challenging hike is a top way to enjoy the great outdoors and appreciate Crete’s picturesque landscapes. Covering some 18 kilometres (11+ miles), the scenic gorge takes around six hours to hike. Why it’s awesome: Samaria National Park is home to the Samaria Gorge, one of the most stunning natural hotspots in Crete and the longest gorge in Europe. #2 – Samaria National Park – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Crete Observe creatures from the ocean deep at Cretaquarium and cool down in the heat at the fun water parks of Aqua Plus and Water City. Mark’s Basilica, and snap a picture of the handsome Morosini Fountain. Admire beautiful old religious buildings, like St. Pay your respects at the burial site of Nikos Kazantzakis, a revered local intellect, and learn more about the eminent figure at Nikos Kazantzakis Museum. Dig deeper into the past at the informative and comprehensive Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Cretan Ethnology, and the Natural History Museum of Crete. You can also walk along sections of the old Venetian walls. Dating back to the 13th century, it’s one of the most recognisable landmarks in Crete today. Visit the grand Koules Fortress, built by the Venetians at the old port. ![]() Walk through the courtyard, see the split-level royal apartments, admire glorious frescoes, and learn more about local mythology. Said to have been the home of King Minos, the labyrinth was built to contain the fearsome Minotaur. The enormous palace was rebuilt after being destroyed by an earthquake, with the present remains constructed some 3,000 years ago. What to do there: Spend time exploring the awesome Palace of Knossos, often referred to as the oldest city in Europe and steeped in legends. Outdoor activities include sailing, rock climbing, and horse riding. There are fascinating museums that transport visitors thousands of years back in time, stunning churches, family-friendly attractions, remains from the Venetian era, nearby beaches, and much more. Despite being a modern city today, the area was once the home of the ancient Minoan civilisation the Palace of Knossos is a Crete must-see. There are many historical and cultural attractions, and the city boasts a number of the most famous places in Crete. Why it’s awesome: Crete’s capital, Heraklion is a bustling city with a long past. Spoiler alert: some of these best places to visit in Crete are bound to blow you away! You might not manage to see everything but you’ll definitely see the best. With a great mixture of popular attractions in Crete to suit diverse tastes and hidden gems, we really have got you covered. Narrowing down where to include on your Crete itinerary for a shorter vacation can be tough!ĭon’t panic, though! Our team of dedicated travel writers has compiled this awesome list of the best places to visit in Crete to make planning your trip so much easier. You could spend months on Crete without uncovering all of its gems. Covering more than 8,000 square kilometres (3,000+ square miles), it takes some six hours to drive from one end of the island to the other. There are many reasons to add Crete to your bucket list!Ī popular holiday destination, many visitors are surprised by how large Crete actually is. Although part of Greece, it has its own distinct cultural aspects and cuisine. From its vibrant cities to its tiny traditional villages, Crete offers myriad things to see and do. It also boasts stunning beaches, incredible landmarks, rugged mountains, and lush countryside. Once home to the ancient Minoan civilisation (Europe’s oldest known civilization), the large island is steeped in history, culture, myths, and legends. ![]() A beautiful island gem in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is the biggest of the Greek Islands.
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