Archaeological sites · Heraklion
Knossos Palace
The largest Bronze Age site on Crete and the ceremonial and political heart of Minoan civilisation.
Sights & History
Minoan palaces, Venetian forts, monasteries
Crete was the centre of the Minoan civilisation, Europe’s first advanced Bronze Age culture, and later ruled by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans. You can walk through Minoan palaces in the morning, a Venetian harbour at lunchtime and a monastery that symbolises Cretan independence in the afternoon.
Forts & castles · Chania
Chania Old Venetian Harbour
Crete’s most atmospheric waterfront: lighthouse, mosque and Venetian arsenals.
Museums · Heraklion
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
One of Europe’s great museums, home to the world’s finest collection of Minoan art.
Forts & castles · Agios Nikolaos
Spinalonga Island
Venetian sea fortress that later became a leper colony until 1957.
Sandy beaches · Kissamos
Falasarna Beach
Long, wide sandy beach on the west coast and Crete’s favourite sunset spot.
Sandy beaches · Phaistos
Matala Beach & Caves
Sandy bay overlooked by cliffs honeycombed with ancient caves.
Churches & monasteries · Rethymno
Arkadi Monastery
Symbol of Cretan resistance and the 1866 revolt against Ottoman rule.
Forts & castles · Rethymno
Rethymno Fortezza
Massive late-16th-century Venetian fortress crowning Rethymno’s old town.
Archaeological sites · Phaistos
Phaistos Palace
Minoan palace on a ridge above the Messara plain, with sweeping views to Psiloritis.
Hidden gem
Villages & Towns · Anogeia
Anogeia
Proud mountain village on Psiloritis, famous for lyra music, weaving and shepherd cuisine.
Sandy beaches · Sfakia
Frangokastello Beach
A wide sandy beach with shallow water right below a Venetian castle on the south coast.
Sandy beaches · Kissamos
Imeri Gramvousa Beach
The sandy cove on Gramvousa island, below a Venetian fortress and next to a shipwreck.
Hidden gem
Secluded coves · Sitia
Itanos Beach
Three little coves next to the ruins of ancient Itanos, north of Vai.
Villages & Towns · Heraklion
Heraklion Town
Crete's busy capital, with museums and Venetian walls.
Forts & castles · Chania
Venetian Lighthouse of Chania
The symbol of Chania, at the end of the harbour.
Forts & castles · Heraklion
Koules Fortress
The Venetian sea fortress guarding Heraklion harbour.
Villages & Towns · Rethymno
Rethymno Old Town
Venetian lanes, a fortress and a long beach.
Archaeological sites · Hersonissos
Minoan Palace of Malia
The third great Minoan palace, right by the sea.
Museums · Hersonissos
Cretaquarium
One of the largest aquariums in the Mediterranean.
Villages & Towns · Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos
A lakeside harbour town.
Landmarks & old quarters · Heraklion
Morosini Lions Fountain
Four stone lions in the heart of Heraklion.
Archaeological sites · Gortyna
Ancient Gortyn
Roman capital of Crete and the famous law code.
Villages & Towns · Sfakia
Loutro
A car-free village reached by boat.
Villages & Towns · Hersonissos
Hersonissos
A big resort with a small harbour.