Sightseeing in Crete
Crete is the located in the southernmost part of Greece and is it’s largest island with a coastline of 1046 kilometers. It is known throughout the world for its unique landscape, history and culture. The four prefectures of Crete, from West to East are Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lasithi and each of them are definitely worth a visit.
Chania
Take a stroll through the cobble streets of the graphic town of Chania, the old capital of Crete, and visit the Samaria Gorge which is located in the White Mountains of Crete and is the largest in Europe. Bring your hiking shoes as it is 18 kilometers long! You will end up in Agia Roumeli where you can have a refreshing swim.
Rethymnon
Visit the old town of Rethymnon with its Venetian harbor and old city walls. Visit the cave of Idaeon Antron which is located on the mountain of Psiloritis, 80 kilometers from the town of Rethymnon and is, according to Mythology, the place where God Zeus was born and brought up.
Heraklion
Heraklion, being the capital of Crete, is the largest city supporting approximately 200.000 people and increasing annually. It is worth visiting the old city walls, the Venetian Fortress, the Natural History Museum, the Aquarium of Crete and walking around the city as there are numerous shops and restaurants.
The archaeological site of Knossos is the largest and most significant Minoan palace in Crete and open throughout the year.
Phaistos is the second most significant archaeological site, is also open throughout the year.
A day trip to the island of Dia from Heraklion for a relaxing day in the sun is highly recommended.
Lasithi
Lasithi is the sunniest, easternmost part of Crete. The graphic town of Agios Nikolaos is the capital and it is well worth visiting. The town of Elounda is roughly a 20 minute drive from Agios Nikolaos. Follow this road and you will end up the in scenic village of Plaka, opposite of which is the world-famous former leper colony of Spinalonga (Victoria Hislop – the Island)
On the eastern tip of the prefecture you can visit the palm forest of Vai. Thousands of visitors are attracted to this palm forest, the only one of its kind in Europe.
