Crete
Crete is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea and the biggest Greek island. Crete is considered to be of great cultural and and economical importance as it used to be the centre of Minoan civilization.
Known as one of the most popular tourist destinations,Crete offers the visitors a great variety of beaches and hotels in Crete, night-life and restaurants.
The main cities in Crete are: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos which represent 600.000 citizens. Heraklio is the capital of the Greek island which is also the main access point for the Greek island by plain or ferry as well.
5 most popular attractions of Crete
Everyone is impressed by the Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre. Adults and children can enjoy this experience of seeing reptiles and other sea animals that have been rescued and since kept in the Aquarium.
About 25 km far from Rethymno city is situated the Monastiri of Zarkadi, which dates back to the Byzantine era. The monastery was considered to be a significant part of the island’s culture in the 16th century. Going there you will have the opportunity to visit the museum which is housed inside the monastery and many religious icons.
One of the great and most important historical monuments of Crete is the Knossos Palace,dating back to the Bronze Age. Knossos Palace used to be the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan Cililization and culture. Located in the suburbs of Heraclion city, tourist have the opportunity to see the 1400 rooms of the palace,connected with corridors that create a Labyrinth. The frescoes on the wall are also of great importance as they represent life of the Minoan Civilization.
Definitely your vacations in Crete must be combined with spending a day at Elafonissi beach,in the south east side of Crete, known for its white pure sands. In certain light you will probably be able to see the pink sand that exists there, caused by the coral that over time has been broken down by Mother Nature.
There are also 4 big water parks in Crete, that can offer a great day out for any family or group of people. The Water city Water Park in Heraclion is the biggest and the most famous of them. It is also considered to be one of the best water parks in Europe and it offers pure amusement, with more than 34 water activities.
Things to do in Crete
Spinalonga island is only a few minutes by boat far from Agios Nikolaos port in Crete and is also well known as films have been produced there. Why do not go and have a look by yourself?
Whichever city you choose to stay you should definitely visit Chania. There you can visit the old Cross Market and let yourself get lost in the narrow streets.
Not to mention that you have to go out during the night at “New Chania”, a place where all local and tourists choose to go at night for partying.
During the day you can try to have a coffee at the picturesque coffee shops in the centre of all towns. It is a good way to relax before going to the beach.
You should also try to visit a local festival and have a closer look at the traditional dances of Crete. You will be impressed.
If you like exploring local drinks, you can try the tsikoudia or raki. Distilled from what is left over from pressing grapes. Locals say that the advantage of this drink is that t is a strong and clean spirit, meaning that you'll get drunk on it quickly but will feel human the next day.
Forget about a Greek salad and try the Dakos Salad or the Kritiki salad. It is almost the same,but better!
If you are fan of nature and sports (walking is ok as well), you should try to go to the gorge of Samaria. One of the most famous tourist attractions.
And while driving in the nature, look around you. There are plenty of Kri Kri, sometimes known as the Cretan goat, Agrim. This animal can be found only in Crete nowadays. Just to help you recognise it, The Kri-kri has a light brown coat with a darker band around its neck. It has two horns swept back from its head. They avoid tourists and can leap some distance or climb seemingly sheer cliffs.
People living in Crete have a different accent, so do not feel sad if you cannot understand the few Greek words you probably already know.
Crete districts
Heraclion: Heraklion or Iraklion is the largest city and capital of Crete. It is also the 4th largest city in Greece, and the economic centre of the island.By visiting Heraclion you will have the opportunity to go to the picturesque beaches around the city,go for shopping and enjoy some meals in the quaint port of the town.The famous Minoan Palace of Knossos lays about 5 km south of Heraklion Town.
Chania: Chania is said to be one of the oldest, still inhabited city in the world. It is the second largest city in Crete with almost 70.000 citizens. There are many beautiful beaches available in the city of Chania , many of which are organised for bathers and are combined with exceptional hotel units.
Chania is divided by the Lefka Ori mountains into two completely different natural landscapes. Intense night life is also one of the characteristics of the city.
Rethymno: One of the four cities of the Greek Island of Crete, lying between the prefecture of Chania and the one of Heraklion. Rethymno is full of breathtaking beaches and interesting archaeological sites,small picturesque villages and lively resorts.