Crete: 12 Things to do in the Amazing Island

Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its distinctive and picturesque nature makes it occupy a distinguished position among the world’s countries. Greece is highly ranked among the most crucial tourist countries in the world, as all forms of tourism in Greece attract thousands of people to visit annually.

Greece contains many of the most beautiful islands in the world, including Crete, which we will discuss in this article. Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. 

Crete is considered one of the most important islands in Greece, historically and culturally; its length, from east to west, is about 255 kilometres, and its width is 50 kilometres. The total area of the island is about 8331 kilometres.

Crete is distinguished from others with a unique peculiarity in culture, music, and particular types of foods. It has many restaurants, hotels, beaches, and art galleries you would love to visit.

The History of Crete

Humans settled on the island of Crete a long time ago. About 4000 BC, a civilization was established in Crete, which was characterized by the beauty of its architecture and palaces.

It was occupied throughout history by the Byzantines, the Crusaders, and the Ottomans. In 1913, it was annexed to Greece.

Weather in Crete

The weather in Crete is mild. The winter is characterized by gentleness and moderation, and snow falls on its high mountainous heights. The average summer temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees. The south coast is located within the North African climatic region, which is characterized by higher summer rates and more sunny days. The best seasons to visit are autumn and spring.

Things to do in Crete

Crete is one of the most beautiful islands to visit in Europe, where you can enjoy the natural world, especially the beaches. You will have a fantastic vacation there with your family or friends. Now let us see this magnificent island’s most famous places and things to do. 

 Heraklion Archaeological Museum 

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the largest museums in Greece and one of the most important in Europe; it includes several beautiful exhibitions. It was built between 1933 and 1937 in the eastern part of the old town.

The museum consists of 27 halls that display artefacts spanning 550 years, and the glazed ceramic Snake Goddess dates back to 1600 BC. What will attract your attention to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion are its precise organization and the value of its treasures; along with each artefact, you will find its description and history, written in Greek and English, to help the visitor.

Heraklion

Heraklion is the capital city of Crete. Its old town consists of pedestrian streets full of shops and restaurants, and trees grow in every square.

From there, you can visit Knossos and other parts of Crete. You can also reach Heraklion by its international airport, which is located 5 km east of the city.

Heraklion gained its present layout under the Venetians, and at that time, the city witnessed a huge cultural blossoming. It is also home to the writer Nikos Kazantzakis, who wrote Zorba the Greek in 1946.

Chania

Chania was the capital of Crete until 1971 when it was moved to Heraklion. The city is located on the Aegean Sea with the White Mountains behind it, which are covered with snow in winter. It is a fascinating city to explore.

There, you will see a group of alleys with beautiful coloured buildings surrounded by the remains of a 16th-century wall. The city extends until the harbour, and there, you can see the Municipal Market, which was built in 1911 and contains fresh seasonal produce.

If you want to visit the city, you can reach it by an airport 12 km northeast of it, which is served by regular ferries from Athens’ port.

Knossos

Knossos is one of the most important and oldest archaeological sites in Europe. It was the first maritime power in the Mediterranean Sea and is located near Heraklion. It was said that the city was the place of the palace of King Minos, the legendary King of Crete.

The site contains the Minoan Palace, a residential complex. In the centre, you will find an expansive courtyard used for activities like running towards a bull and graphing it from its horn.

Rethymnon

Rethymnon is a beautiful old town located between Chania and Heraklion, its buildings were built in the Venetian era and some in the Turkish era. It is one of the perfect places to visit in Crete and spend a great day on one of its beaches.

When you are in town, you will see that some of its buildings have been turned into shops and restaurants. In the afternoon, you can walk its twisty streets and alleys and have a good time. Some top attractions near Rethymnon, such as Samaria Gorge and Mount Psiloritis, are also nearby. 

Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is considered one of the most beautiful tourist places on the island of Crete. It is also a wonderful national park that can be regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe. The most characteristic feature of the Samaria Valley is its green cliffs, which make it a haven for nature lovers.

The main reason tourists come to Samaria Gorge is to walk the popular 16 km hike that runs through the gorge, which is the longest gorge in Europe. The gorge is also home to more than 450 species of plants and many other animals. We advise you to visit it, discover the animals in it, and take wonderful photographs. 

Preveli Beach

Preveli Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. It is located on the south coast of the island, and many tourists visit this beach every year. That is due to its beautiful landscape, which includes the rocky cliffs that surround it and the palm trees that overlook it.

You can have a great time there on a day trip, but wear good shoes because you must walk about 30 minutes from the parking lot to the beach.

Preveli Monastery

Preveli Monastery is not far from Preveli Beach. It was built in the 17th century and is located near the top of a mountain. The monastery includes a terrace, a small museum that contains collections of religious artifacts, and courtyards.

For your information, to enter the monastery, you should wear a modest dress for the ladies. Skirts are provided for women if they are wearing clothes that don’t extend down to their knees.

Matala Beach

Malata Beach is another beautiful beach in Crete, located on the south coast. It is a large arc of sand with a rock wall on one side. Matala is also near cities like Heraklion or Rethymnon, where you can have a nice day trip.

On the beach, you can enjoy the beautiful sun, swim, explore some ancient caves located near the beach, and have a great meal in one of its restaurants.

Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi Beach is considered one of 25 critical beaches worldwide; it attracts tourists from around the world who love lying in the sun and relaxing in beautiful nature. You will also be attracted to the charming pink sand and the sky-coloured water.

Elafonisi Beach, located on an island with the same name, is also an important natural reserve in Greece and one of the most important landmarks of Crete. The island includes a group of wild plants, charming rocky cliffs, and some quiet caves.

Aquaworld Aquarium

One of the entertaining places to visit is Crete. It’s the place for animal lovers; fish and marine creatures have a designated place, and reptiles have a designated place. In the Reptile Rescue Center, you can learn about turtles, snakes, and other reptiles with many patterns.

Balos Beach

Balos Beach is the best place to spend a day for kids and adults. The water is shallow, making it a major gathering centre for families from the local city residents as well as tourists coming to the island.

Among the things that made Balos Beach one of the most important tourist destinations in Crete are its stunning turquoise waters, which give the beach a charming view that attracts the attention of all who visit it, and its soft pink sand, which makes it one of the most beautiful beaches of the Greek islands.