Crete, the largest island of Greece, is known for its amazing beaches and breathtaking views. This is why many people visit this place to enjoy its breathtaking scenery and relax.
In this blog post, we will list some of the best places to visit in Crete, Greece.
The Beaches of Crete
You probably already know about the beautiful beaches of Crete. There are more than 120 beaches in Crete and it is one of the most popular Greek islands. So, if you plan to visit this amazing place, it’s better to make a plan of where you want to visit.
There are many beaches and each of them is different. If you want to get away from the crowd, then you should go to the remote beaches. They are mostly uninhabited and you will find a lot of peace and quiet here.
In the south, you can find several small beaches with clear water. One of the most famous ones is Kalamaria.
If you want to see a sunset in Crete, then you can choose between the beaches on the north and south of the city.
Kalamai, Agios Stefanos, and Alikanas are the best known beaches in the north. On the south side, you can visit Ayia Triada, Moudros, and the famous Paleokastritsa.
Rethymno
Rethymno is a city located in the northern part of Crete Island. It is the capital of the region of Rethymnon Prefecture.
There are many famous things in Rethymno, such as the Venetian Walls, the White Tower, and the Church of St. Nikolaos. Also, you can enjoy a walk along the seaside promenade, where you can find many restaurants and cafes.
The best time to visit Rethymno is in spring and autumn.
The Palace of Knossos
One of the most important sites in Crete, The Palace of Knossos is a site of archaeological interest. It is located at the small village of Knossos, which is on the northern coast of Crete.
The palace is famous because it is believed to have been the birthplace of the Minoans, who are a pre-Hellenic civilization.
Samaria National Park
Samaria National Park is one of the biggest national parks in Greece. It is located at the eastern part of the island, and it covers an area of about 1,600 hectares. The park has a unique ecosystem due to its varied topography and the fact that it is isolated from the rest of the country.
The park is home to numerous species of plants and animals. It is considered to be the only habitat of the endemic Cretan wall lizard, the rare Cretan hare, the endangered Cretan ibex and the Cretan wild goat.
There are many hiking trails throughout the park, and you can explore it during the day or at night. There are two “huts” in the park, and you can stay there if you are planning to spend a night there.
You can also rent a car and explore the area.
Chania
Chania is the capital of the Crete region. It is located on the southern part of the island, near the Greece–Turkey border. The city is famous for its beaches and its Old Town which is the second oldest in Europe.
The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways where you will find shops, cafes, restaurants, churches, museums, and more.
The Old Town also has a number of interesting attractions. For example, the Venetian Fortresses, the Chania Municipal Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the St. Vladimir Cathedral, and the Archaeological Park of the Kasteli.
One of the most popular things to do in Chania is to go to Loutraki Beach. The beach is located 10 km east of the town. It is the biggest and most popular beach in Crete.
Here you will find many shops, cafes, and restaurants.
You can also visit the Agia Irini Monastery. The monastery was built in 16th century.
The monastery is located about 3 km from the Loutraki Beach.
Other popular attractions in Chania include the Spili village, Fourni Castle, and Paleokastritsa.
Arkadi Monastery
Arkadi monastery is a monastery located in the small village of Arkadi, in the northwestern part of the island of Crete, Greece.
The monastery was founded in the 14th century and is still in use today. The complex consists of a church and a number of buildings.
It was built on the site of an earlier Byzantine church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which was built around the year 1100.
The church itself has a typical Minoan design, with a rectangular plan, an eastern apse and a narthex with two semicircular recesses.
Architecturally, the church is one of the most notable works of the Cretan school of architecture.
The complex has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge is located in Greece. Samaria Gorge is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Crete. It is known as the longest canyon in Europe.
It is believed that the gorge was formed by the sea and is now a part of the Mediterranean coast. The gorge is an ideal place for tourists, especially for those who love nature and wildlife.
The gorge is a natural reserve and an ideal place to relax. You can enjoy a walk along the narrow path of the gorge. You can go for a hike in the gorge or you can also enjoy a cable car ride.