10 PLACES NOT TO MISS IN CRETE
A few kilometres south of Crete’s modern capital, Heraklion was the capital of Minoan Crete. Knossos is the name of a palace and its encompassing city, which had a population of up to 100,000 in the 18th century BC. The palace was built around 3,000 years ago and features in Greek mythology as the seat of King Minos, where he had Daedalus build a labyrinth to hold his son, the Minotaur.
2. Samaria Gorge
Walking this ravine, the real way, from the Omalos Plateau is something that will stay with you for a lifetime. The 16-kilometre hike begins at a viewing platform at the bottom of a circuitous path and wooden steps, where you’ll be bowled off your feet by the walls of rock that climb to almost 300 metres.
3. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
To better understand the past of the mysterious Minoans, visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum located in the centre of the capital of Crete. This way, you’ll be able to appreciate the objects found on the site as well as in many other settlements around Crete.
Crete is an island with a complex history. Located in the centre of the Mediterranean, this rich land has attracted virtually every civilization ever ruling in the region. Conquered by the Romans, the Venetians, and the Ottoman Empire, the cities of Crete combine different architectural styles creating an eclectic landscape.
5. The White Mountains
The Samaria Gorge is just one of many gorges in the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) of Crete. They got their name from the grey limestone that appears white throughout the year (even after the snow melts in late spring.) The jagged mountain range is a striking image.
Not everyone is aware that Crete was one of the first ex-pat communities in the world. Hippies and rebels from the 1960s left everything behind to lead a light-hearted life in the caves of this southern beach. Matala never got rid of this flower-power vibe.
7. Hania
A magical city that has retained the atmosphere of a small seaside village. As in Rethymnon, here you’ll also come across traces of Venetian and Ottoman architecture. Just go to Venetian lighthouse or Mosque of Kioutsouk Hasan.
The tiny island of Spinalonga is so close to Crete and easily reached by a little boat over to the island. Perched in the northeast of Crete (within the Gulf of Elounda), it’s one little spot to explore some of the Venetian histories of the island.
9. The views of Balos Lagoon
One of the best hiking routes in Crete has to be around Balos Lagoon. Well, for views at least. Arrive pretty early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the mercury that will inevitably be rising around midday.
You can easily access the tiny island next to the beach by crossing over the shallow water. The islet offers extraordinary landscapes of the Elafonisi beach itself, mystic mountains, and a sun-soaked, shimmering sea.