Hidden gem
Itanos Beach
Three little coves next to the ruins of ancient Itanos, north of Vai.
Secluded coves · Sitia
Archaeological sites
Knossos, Phaistos and more
Minoan palaces and ancient cities. Sites are mostly open-air with little shade: go early, wear a hat and consider a guide to bring the ruins to life.
Hidden gem
Palekastro Minoan Town
Ruins of a big Minoan town.
Archaeological sites · Sitia
Hidden gem
Karfi
A Minoan refuge town high above the Lasithi plateau.
Archaeological sites · Lasithi Plateau
Hidden gem
Ancient Praisos
Hilltop ruins in eastern Crete.
Archaeological sites · Sitia
Hidden gem
Minoan Town of Vasiliki
An early Minoan settlement.
Archaeological sites · Ierapetra
Hidden gem
Trapeza Cave
A cult cave near Tzermiado.
Caves · Lasithi Plateau
Hidden gem
Minoan Petra
A Minoan complex near Sitia.
Archaeological sites · Sitia
Hidden gem
Tripitos
A Hellenistic settlement by the sea.
Archaeological sites · Sitia
Hidden gem
Fournou Korifi
An early Minoan settlement near Myrtos.
Archaeological sites · Ierapetra
Hidden gem
Pyrgos Myrtos
A Minoan villa on a hill.
Archaeological sites · Ierapetra
Hidden gem
Minoan Villa of Chamaizi
An oval Minoan house on a hilltop.
Archaeological sites · Sitia
Hidden gem
Minoan Villa of Makrigialos
A small Minoan palace by the sea.
Archaeological sites · Ierapetra
Hidden gem
Platyskinos Tholos Tomb
Bronze Age tomb near Sitia.
Archaeological sites · Sitia