Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. It is located 318 kilometers south of the port of Athens, Piraeus. With more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline, it combines dramatic mountains with deep rocky gorges. In addition to wonderful golden sand beaches. Know everything you can enjoy in Crete!
Being the southernmost point of Europe, its southern coast extends to the Libyan Sea, looking towards Africa. And the cultural influences of Asia Minor can also be felt from the period that passed under Turkish rule. Thanks to its fertile soils and a warm and sunny climate, the local economy is based on agriculture. While tourism is the second strong. Crete's ancient archeological sites, centuries-old port cities, and beaches attract visitors from around the world.

5 Crete Tourist Places For Travelers

1.Chania



Chania (Hania, Khania) is the main city in western Crete. And it was the capital of the island until 1971 when he moved to Heraklion. It overlooks the Aegean Sea and is backed by the White Mountains that are covered with snow in winter. The appearance of the old city dates back to the last centuries under Venice (1204-1645). Chania is a lovely city to explore on foot. It is a place of romantic streets with pastel-colored buildings enclosed within the remains of the defensive walls of the 16th century.
The city extends to a beautiful fishing port. The agora (covered market), built-in 1911, is worth a visit with its fresh seasonal produce and gifts such as Cretan cheese and honey. Chania has an airport (12 kilometers northeast of the city on the Akrotiri peninsula) and is served by regular ferries from the port of Athens, Piraeus. It is a good base for visiting the beaches of Elafonissi and Balos, and hiking in the gorge of Samaria.

2. Heraklion


Heraklion (Iraklion) is the capital of the island and the obvious base to visit Knossos and explore the center of Crete. Like many of the best coastal towns in Crete, it gained its current distribution under the Venetians. These ruled from 1204 to 1669, a period that saw a considerable cultural flowering on the island, producing artists such as El Greco, of Fódele, near Heraklion. The remarkable writer of the 20th century, Nikos Kazantzakis (author of Zorba the Greek, 1946) was also from Heraklion. Available rent a car Heraklion
Heraklion has an airport (five kilometers east of the city). It is served by the regular ferries of the port of Athens, Piraeus. And it is a popular port for cruise ships sailing the eastern Mediterranean.

3. Rethymnon


Halfway between Chania and Heraklion, the charming old town of Rethymnon consists mainly of Venetian-era buildings. Although there is some evidence of the past time under Turkish rule (1669-1898), such as the imposing minaret. Many historic buildings have been converted into small boutique hotels, shops, and taverns. And the long, narrow sandy beach east of the old town makes it easy to combine cultural tourism with a few hours of swimming and sun.
The mountains behind Rethymnon are home to rural villages and some excellent agrotourism centers. The area is a good base for visiting nearby attractions, such as the Samaria Gorge and Mount Psiloritis.

4. Agios Nikolaos


It is located along the north coast of eastern Crete, about 65 kilometers east of Heraklion. Áyios Nikólaos (Agios Nikolaos) is home to the most popular tourist resorts in Crete. Bathed in beautiful beaches, it sits on the slopes above Mirabello Bay near the hotels and elegant villas of Elounda Beach. The highlight of a visit here includes a walk along Lake Voulismeni, with its many waterfront cafes and restaurants. And a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, the set of the Greek TV series generated from the book The Island by Victoria Hislop.
Near Agios Nikolaos you can also visit the Diktean cave with its stalactites and stalagmites. Or venture into the mountains to the charming village of Kritsa where local artisans sell traditional handicrafts such as leather goods, pottery, and hand-woven rugs. On the way to Kritsa, go through the small 13th-century church of Panagia Kera (Our Lady of Kera) to admire the magnificent Byzantine frescoes.

5. Finikodasos


On the isolated east coast of Crete, the beautiful golden sands of Finikodasos (Palm Beach) are backed by a dense palm grove. According to local legend, palm trees grew from the stones brought ashore from Saracen ships in the ninth century. Whatever its origin, palm trees certainly bloom in the Mediterranean climate of Crete. With relatively mild and humid winters and completely dry summers of subtropical heat.
The beach is full of blue sunbeds and straw umbrellas. And tourists will find a cafeteria and basic water sports facilities here. At the southern end of the beach, a rocky outcrop with an observation deck offers good views towards the shore and is ideal for taking photos. The nearest complex is Agios Nikolaos 96 kilometers away on the north coast.