Crete is the largest island in Greece located in the southern Aegean Sea neighboring three continents Europe, Asia and Africa. Crete is a land of great history that can be traced back to the first myths and legends. According to Greek mythology, Crete was the birthplace of Zeus "The Father of Gods and Humans" who later abducted the beautiful nymph from Phoenicia Europa and moved her to Crete. Through marital bliss she then gave birth to Minos, who then became the "King of the Minoans" and King to the first European civilization named after his mother Europa who gave her name to the continent known as Europe.
How to Get to Crete
Crete is the largest and most popular island in Greece, located in the southern Aegean Sea that hosts millions of passengers from around the world each year. It can be easily accessed by any of the two major international airports in Heraklion and Chania or the smaller airport in Sitia. It can also be reached from the ferry dock ports located in Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Sitia and Kissamos. Once you arrive to the island, avoid the inconvenience of waiting for a bus or taxi and rent a car Heraklion so you can begin your journey on the island. You can rent a car Chania from any of the well-known rent a car agencies including Hertz, Avis, Budget and Imperial Car Rental. If you don't know your way around the island, request that a GPS device be included in your rent a car Hersonissos. It is the best way to come and go as you please to any and all locations you desire easily with no hassle or delays.
Top Destinations you should not miss
Rethymno
Visiting Rethymno should definitely make it to the top of your list of "things to do in Crete." Narrow streets packed with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, mosque minarets, Greek vibes, magnificent Venetian fortress, and in the center of the town... pedestrian promenade with palm trees and beach. All in one place! Moreover, in July there is the Wine Festival here! In fact, you can spend your entire holidays not leaving this place.
Agios Nikolaos
Many people decide to spend all their holidays here. An incredibly scenic town situated on the so-called bottomless lake Voulismeni salt. Walking along the waterfront, you will have the chance to see the renowned Mirabello Bay, regarded to be the most picturesque in Crete. Agios Nikolaos looks a little less "Greek" than the rest of Crete, but it's still worth staying here for a while.
Heraklion
Although the city itself isn't the most beautiful in Crete and looks a bit touristy, you should stop here even for a couple of hours. We were impressed by the waterfront with the Venetian Fortress. History-lovers should visit the Archaeological Museum – surprise! The majority of the frescoes you admired in Knossos are actually displayed here – which means, you saw copies in Knossos. You may also enjoy a local market, near the Morosini Fountain, where you can buy delicious olives, aromatic honey or the famous "mountain tea" straight from the producers.
Chania
Chania is the second largest city in Crete, located on the northwest coast of the island. The gateway to western Crete with an international airport and a ferry port. Chania is a unique city bearing a rich history and culture. Journey through the narrow streets of the old town that offer nostalgic images from the past and admire the beautiful architecture. Then visit the Old Venetian Harbor, the most photographed place in all of Greece that features an old lighthouse, the trademark of the city. Stop at any of the waterfront taverns and taste the exquisite Cretan gastronomy and local wine. Be sure to visit the ancient archeological sites and historic monuments along the way.
Hersonissos
This fascinating destination hosts some of the most famous resorts in all of Crete, located on the north east coast of the island. Begin your adventure at this fun filled location and visit all the sites including the Golf Club, Hersonissos Aquarium, Labyrinth Theme Park and Dinosauria Park. Stop at one of the many beach resorts where you can soak in the sun, take a swim in the crystal clear sea waters and walk in the golden sand.
Visit Picturesque Villages
Matala popular seaside village with sandy beaches & caves carved in the mountains
Elounda beautiful coastal village, popular summer holiday destination
Malia seaside village and the most popular destination in Crete
Bali spectacular seaside village that combines sea and mountains
Maleme charming seaside village, residents are known for their Cretan hospitality
Kolymbari quiet, picturesque traditional village surrounded by sea & olive groves
Milatos hillside village with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea
The most seductive beaches in Crete
Pictures of the heavenly Balos lagoon in Chania are featured in all the travel guides and glossies, as is the endless beauty of famous Falarsana, one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. Exotic Elafonissos attracts thousands of visitors every year. Crete's 'hidden jewel' and the largest beach on the island is located on the outskirts of Rethymno – 12km of sand that boasts a Blue Flag.
Episkopi and Petres have fervent young fans, while noteworthy in the south are the alluring beaches of Preveli, Plakia, Ligres, Triopetra and Agios Pavlos, with its huge sand dunes. In Heraklion, Malia and Hersonissos attract tourists from all over the world. Endless kilometres of golden coastline surround Ierapetra, in the Lassithi prefecture. The celebrated palm forest in Vai is one of the most spectacular sights in Crete, where palm trees embrace the golden sand, while the beaches of Elounda and those around Agios Nikolaos are not to be missed.
Crete: A priceless gift of culture and history On Crete, you'll find some of the most significant attractions in Greece: famous archaeological sites such as the Minoan palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Kato Zakros. You'll also visit important monasteries, some built in the 15th century or even earlier, including Preveli monastery in southern Rethymno, the monasteries in southern Heraklion and the historic Arkadi and Toplous monasteries.
You'll be transported to another time wandering around the castles of the region erected by Venetians and Byzantines. Particularly noteworthy are Kastelli in Chania, the Fortezza in Rethymno, the castle of Heraklion, Frangokastello in southern Chania, the Kazarma castle in Sitia, and the Monte Forte in Lassithi. More of the island's riches are displayed in its many museums. Visit those in Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion. Impressive also are the Cretaquarium, the Museum of Natural History and the Historical Museum of Crete. In Myrtia, there is the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum and in Fodele you'll find the El Greco Museum.
