The hospitable and sunny island of Crete is one of the most sought-after beach destinations. mediterranean sea. Tourists are waiting for the best beaches in the picturesque bays of the island, the azure and clear sea, as well as the historical antiquities of Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymno.

The first civilization originated in Crete several thousand years before the advent of our era. Many historical monuments have come down to us through the thickness of centuries. Today, guests of the island have the opportunity to explore the mysterious labyrinths of the Knossos Palace, admire impregnable Venetian fortresses or look at the ruins of ancient cities.

The swimming season in Crete lasts from the end of May to the end of October. The winter months are ideal for sightseeing, as even in January daytime temperatures rarely drop below 15°C.

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What to see and where to go in Crete?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

The ancient historical center of the island of Crete, named after the mythological hero Hercules. According to Geography ancient Greek thinker, geographer and historian Strabo, the city already existed in the 1st century AD. and was the seaport of the Minoan city of Knossos. Heraklion at various times was owned by Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks. In the Middle Ages, there was the largest slave market in the entire Mediterranean. The island joined with Greece only at the beginning of the 20th century.

The city is located in the western part of Crete. It was built by the Venetians during their reign on the island. Many sights of Rethymno have perfectly survived to this day, the central place among them is occupied by the Venetian Fortezza fortress, built at the end of the 16th century. Of the visited and popular places, one can single out the Archaeological and Historical and Ethnographic Museums, the ancient fountain of Rimondi and the Venetian port.

A small town in the north of Crete, a famous and popular tourist destination. The predecessor of modern Agios Nikolaos arose on the site of the ancient Dorian settlement of Lato, but gradually fell into decay. New inhabitants appeared already in the Middle Ages during the Venetian rule. In 1646, as a result of the war with the Turks, the Venetians burned the settlement. Agios Nikolaos was reborn for the third time in the middle of the 19th century.

The water park is located in Heraklion, its territory covers an area of ​​more than 80 thousand m². This is the largest water amusement park in Crete. It includes 13 pools and many high-speed slides different levels difficulties. Also in the water park there are less extreme rides, so every visitor will find something to do. For children, there are separate pools and playgrounds with a variety of water games.

An ancient monument of the Minoan civilization that flourished in Crete at the time Bronze Age. According to legend, the Palace of Knossos is the same legendary labyrinth where the terrible Minotaur lived. The monster was defeated only by the hero Theseus. It was the bizarre architecture of the palace-temple with numerous passages, dead ends, rooms and passages that gave rise to the myth of the Minotaur.

The ancient city is 30 km. from Heraklion, founded presumably in the 20th century BC. in the pre-antique era. The settlement witnessed many civilizations: Mycenaean, Dorian, Greek. During the reign of the Roman Empire, Gortyn was the capital of the island of Crete and the residence of the governor. The city existed until the 9th century AD, in 828, during the Arab conquest of Crete, it was turned into ruins.

An ancient city that went under water around the 2nd century AD. as a result of local displacement of the plates of the earth's crust in the region of East Crete. Finds of archaeological excavations indicate that Olus was an independent and developed city, they minted their own coin here and supported friendly relations with neighboring settlements. Foreigners were allowed to settle in Olus, as evidenced by documents found during excavations.

One of the largest museums in Greece, which contains a rich collection of artifacts of the Minoan civilization. Also exhibited in the exhibition halls are exhibits from other periods of the history of the island from the Neolithic era to the time of the rule of the Roman Empire. In total, the museum has 20 rooms, arranged in chronological order. During the excavations, new specimens are constantly found, which replenish the museum collections.

A unique architectural monument, which was founded in the 5th century AD. The monastery church dates back to the 16th century. The monastery is located on the slopes of Mount Ida at a height of 500 meters. In the 17th century, Turkish invaders looted the premises and drove the brothers out, but later the monks were allowed to return. In 1866, during the Cretan uprising, the monastery withstood the siege of a 15,000-strong Turkish army.

Greek Orthodox monastery of the 17th century. The founders of the monastery are brothers Lavrentiy and Jeremiah, who come from a respected Venetian family. Construction works continued until the second half of the 19th century, as the monastery was repeatedly attacked by the Turks. As a result of such raids, most of the property was looted and burned. Only after the Cretan Revolution the monastery was restored.

A picturesque monastery of the 16th century, built on the slope of a mountain. The monastery is under the jurisdiction of the Constantinople Orthodox Church. In the 17th century, the building was destroyed by the Turkish authorities. In the 20th century, Preveli was once again plundered and destroyed by fascist troops. The monastery was closed in 1970, followed by many years of reconstruction. In 2013 the monastery was opened to the public.

Convent of the XIII century (or X century according to alternative sources). The first written mention of it dates back to the 14th century. The miraculous icon of the Mother of God of the Heart (Kardiotissa), or rather its copy, is kept within the walls of the monastery. The original was stolen in the 15th century and is currently in Rome. It is believed that a copy of the icon also has miraculous properties and is able to cure diseases.

The Venetian Fort in the city of Rethymnon is one of the most significant city attractions. It was erected in the 16th century. Fortezza rises above Rethymnon, it can be seen from any part of the city. The fortress was constantly changing its appearance, during numerous wars with the Turks, the outer walls and buildings suffered. The last restoration lasted almost 20 years, as a result, Fortezza acquired the appearance that it had under the Venetians.

Sea fortress in Heraklion, built by the Venetians in the XIV century. Bas-reliefs depicting a lion, the symbol of the Venetian Republic, are embedded in the main walls of the fort. The name "Kules" was given by the Turks, while the creators of the fort themselves used the name "Rocca al Mar". Which, loosely translated from modern Italian, means "fortress on the sea." The Turks built a small mosque on the territory of the fortification, and also completed the embrasure and space for artillery.

Military Venetian building of the XIV century in the territory of the Cretan community of Sfakion, which was built to protect against pirate raids. In those days, the fortress was called "Castle of St. Nikita", but the name "Frangokastello" was assigned to it, which means "Castle of the Franks". The fort withstood many sieges and assaults, but its walls have survived to this day in relatively good condition.

Spinalonga is a small island in the eastern part of Crete, located opposite the peninsula of the same name. In the 16th century, the Venetians turned this place into an impregnable fortress, which was supposed to protect the settlements from pirates. On the ruins of the ancient acropolis, a fort so powerful was erected that even the troops Ottoman Empire after the capture of Crete, Spinalonga could not be taken for another 46 years.

A freshwater lake around which is located the Greek "Saint-Tropez" - the city of Agios Nikolaos. In depth, the reservoir reaches 64 meters. According to ancient legend, the beautiful Aphrodite and the huntress Artemis took baths in the waters of Voulismeni. Until the very mid-nineteenth For centuries, locals believed that evil spirits lived in the lake. Voulismeni is connected to the sea by a canal.

Another freshwater lake in Crete, located in a picturesque green valley. The beaches of Kournas are a great alternative to the seaside resorts of Heraklion and Rethymnon. A variety of birds, turtles and fish live on the banks and in the water depths. The silence and tranquility of the lake are conducive to long boat trips. Once there was a temple of Athena of Coresia, but the building has not survived to this day.

Cave system located within the Dikteysky mountain range. According to ancient Greek mythology, here the goddess Rhea hid the newborn Zeus from her husband, the god Kronos. The child was destined to overthrow the power of his father and become the supreme god of the entire Greek pantheon. The cave bore the name of Zeus for a long time and was sacred to the worshipers of the god of thunder.

A fertile plateau in the eastern part of the island, raised above sea level by 820 meters. The plateau is known as the "Valley of a Thousand Mills" (with their help, water was extracted for irrigation of agricultural land for a long time). On the territory of the valley there are orchards and large plantations of vegetables. The generous lands of the Lassithi plateau have been cultivated since the time of the Minoan civilization.

Natural attraction of Crete, one of the largest gorges on the Greek islands. The length of the tourist route along the gorge is about 16 km. In ancient times, the temples of Artemis and Apollo stood here, as evidenced by the preserved ruins. In the VI century BC. in the Samaria Gorge there was a city of Tarra. Since 1962, the territory has been declared a National Park.

A sandy spit of rare beauty, a few dozen kilometers from the resort of Chania, covered with pink sand. Many tourists consider Elafonisi the most picturesque beach in the entire Mediterranean. Gentle pink color is obtained from the remnants of coral and small shells that cover large areas of the spit. The water in the lagoon is always clean, warm and clear. The beach is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay.

A beach located in the bay of Messara in the small town of Matala. It is surrounded by rocks in which numerous caves have been carved. It is believed that ancient people originally lived in them. In the early Christian era, followers of Jesus hid from persecution in the caves of Matala. This fact is evidenced by the remains of catacomb temples and burials of believers.

The bay is located in the western part of Crete. Here is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches, which is famous for its clean white sand with pink splashes and magnificent turquoise water. Despite enough a large number of wishing to swim in the waters of the bay, there is no tourist infrastructure on its shores. In this way, they try to preserve nature in its original form.

Beach on site national park Wai. Here grows the largest palm forest in Europe, consisting of endemic Theophrastus palms. It is believed that the plantations appeared thanks to the Phoenician sailors. The beach is very popular with tourists, so in the high season there are always a lot of people sunbathing and swimming here. Particularly picturesque views of Vai can be seen in the rays of the dawn sun.

Although Crete is part of Greece, it has its own history and culture. Tourists love places like Knossos, Samaria Gorge. Those who love a quiet holiday can be advised relaxing holidays in towns and villages. Here are the top 10 attractions of Crete:

1. Knossos

European civilization originated in Crete 9 thousand years ago. Little of it has survived to this day, it was replaced by the great Minoan civilization. Its center was Knossos with a huge palace that belonged to King Minos.

He is mentioned in the legend of Theseus, who killed the Minotaur - half man, half bull. In 1900, excavations were carried out here under the direction of the British archaeologist Arthur Evans.

2. Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is 16 km long, one of the longest in Europe and the most beautiful. It is located in the southwest of Crete, not far from Chania. This national park contains the wonders of nature.

In winter, the gorge is closed due to flash floods. In summer, 6-hour walks are held here. They end nearby in Agia Roumeli, back to the city can be reached by ferry or bus.

3. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

The building is currently undergoing renovation, so most of the collections are not available. In order not to disappoint tourists, a temporary exhibition hall was built next to the museum.

4. Chania old town and harbor

Chania is considered the most beautiful resort on the island. Once it was the capital of Crete. The old town attracts tourists with its narrow cobbled streets and stunning examples of Venetian architecture.

There are many cozy cafes and restaurants where you can have a delicious lunch. The city is based on the ancient city of Cydonia in the Roman period. The best way to see the sights of Chania is by horse-drawn carriage.

5. Lake Kournas

Surrounded by luxurious fields, mysterious forests and beautiful white mountains is Lake Kournas - the only freshwater lake in Crete. Nearby are a number of taverns and Lapp's landmark - the Roman baths.

6. Lasithi Plateau

It is a huge fertile plain covering 25,000 square kilometers, located in the Dictian Mountains. On the plateau are hundreds of white windmills that irrigate the fields. According to myths, the Psychro cave is considered the birthplace of Zeus. It can be reached by a steep path. The walk takes 30 minutes.

7. Caves of Anogia and Zoniana

A sad story is connected with the cave of Anogia. During the Second World War, the occupying German troops destroyed the village near the cave to the ground, killed all the men in retaliation for the captured German soldier. A memorial has been erected in memory of the tragic events.

This village was the birthplace of Nikos Xylouris, the legendary Cretan musician who died in 1980 at the age of 43. Every year the village hosts the Yakintha music and theater festival in honor of the musician. Nearby is another remarkable cave - Zoniana, which is famous for its very beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

8. Agios Nikolaos

- a very nice town, a popular Cretan resort. There is a picturesque harbor where you can often meet fishermen. There are many taverns on the lake shore. delicious meals and drinks. Almost in the center of the city is Kitroplatia beach.

9. Spinalonga Island

This is a charming place near the coast of Elounda. 800 years ago, the Venetians built fortifications here to guard the entrance to Elounda. Later, lepers lived here, who were brought here from all over Greece. The colony closed in 1957.

10. Loutro

Would you like a relaxing holiday? Get on the boat and sail to the village of Loutro. This is a typical Greek village with white and blue houses. Enjoy leisurely walks, swim in the azure sea, take a break from the bustle of the city on a pebble beach.

Tatyana Solomatina

What to see on the island of Crete?

Hello dear readers! I am with you again, and today we will talk about paradise Greece - the island of Crete. Crete is not just one of the most famous and attractive Greek islands for tourists, it is a special territory, practically a “state within a state”. It has its own history, its own traditions and customs, culture and folklore.

And if it is generally accepted that it is in Greece that European civilization originates, then we can safely say that, in turn, Greek civilization originates from the Minoan culture, the cradle of which is the island of Crete to this day. Be sure you will have something to see in Crete!

And this article will help you figure out which attractions are most interesting to tourists and what is worth seeing if you decide to relax on the island of Crete.

The city of Agios Nikolaos is located just 70 kilometers from Heraklion - the administrative center, the capital of the island. Tourist information on the resort can be viewed.

The city is located on the shores of the famous (at least by name!) Mirabello Bay. Mirabello Bay is able to win the hearts of even the most demanding and demanding tourists, which is not at all surprising, because literally translated from Italian its name means "beautiful view".

In the central part of the city of Agios Nikolaos there is a lake with interesting name Vulizmeni. A couple of centuries ago, it was connected to the bay by digging a channel. And now this natural complex gives a special charm and beauty to the city, attracting true connoisseurs of natural beauty and landscapes to it.

Seeing Agios Nikolaos is a must. You should definitely take a walk along the local embankment, which is literally "strewn" with various restaurants, taverns and cafes, where you can try a variety of local dishes, as well as cuisines of other countries.

The museums of the city present interesting expositions dating from both the pre-Christian period and our era. In the western part of the bay is the beautiful church of Panagia Vrefotrofou, built in the 12th century. It is also worth seeing if you happen to be in the beautiful Agios Nikolaos.

Western part of the island: the city of Chania

Chania is the main city in the west of the island, it is located 160 km from the capital. It is rightfully called one of the most beautiful settlements on the entire island, not to mention the fact that the city is old. Its main attraction is the part of the city known as the "old city", as well as the Firax fortress (of Venetian origin) located in it and the local harbor.

In Chania, even today you can easily find cobbled streets, they fit very harmoniously into general design resort, preserving the spirit of past times and giving the city a special atmosphere.

Numerous restaurants allow you to taste local cuisine, which further strengthens the attachment to this city, which every tourist feels after parting.

Of the museums in Chania, it is definitely worth visiting the Maritime and Archaeological. In the Maritime Museum you can see the exact layout of what the city was like in the 17th century, with shipyards and a harbor. The second museum presents the richest expositions that fully reflect the history, life and culture of the island of Crete in its western part.

Spinalonga and Elounda

On the coast of Mirabello Bay, a few kilometers from the resort of Agios Nikolaos, there is the fashionable resort town of Elounda, beloved by many tourists, known throughout the world. Looking at it today, it's hard to believe that it was once a small fishing village.

Nevertheless, the modern inhabitants tried to preserve the fishing port of Elounda as one of the characteristic features and main attractions of the city. Even today, the special atmosphere reigns in the port, which was typical for an old village where ordinary fishermen lived.

The beaches of Elounda are known as one of the best, they are annually and almost traditionally marked with the Blue Flags, which are a symbol of the impeccable purity of the waters and the coastal zone.

In the boundless waters of the sea, not far from Elounda, the island of Spinalonga is located, on which powerful defensive structures have been preserved to this day, equipped here back in 1579 by the Venetians. It was these fortresses that allowed Spinalonga to maintain its independence from the Ottomans, even when in 1669 the rest of Crete was subjugated by them.

Another interesting fact about the island of Spinalonga is that from 1903 until 1957, its territory remained the last and already the only colony where lepers were taken.

It will not be difficult to make an excursion to the island to get acquainted with its history and admire it now. Both from Elounda and from Agios Nikolaos, boats regularly go to the island of Spinalonga.

Anoia and the ancient cave of Sfedoni

Anogia ((another name is Anoia) is a village, although by the standards of the island it is a rather large settlement. It is located high (more than 700 meters above sea level) and geographically belongs to Rethymnon (the name of the prefecture). During the 2nd World During the war, the village was almost completely destroyed by the Nazis, but today it has been revived.

Anoia was the birthplace of Nikos Xilouris, one of the most famous Cretan musicians, who later became a real legend of the island. For many years, in the month of July, in honor of his memory, in his homeland, in the village of Anoia, a festival is held, dedicated to almost all types of arts and music.

But the main interest of tourists in this part of the island is undoubtedly the 145-meter Zoniana Cave (its other name is Sfedoni Cave). It is located near the village of Anoia. The cave is known, firstly, for its age (preliminarily it is more than 8 million years old!), Secondly, it has great amount the most beautiful stalagmites and stalactites of red, white and gray colors.

Lasithi Plateau and the legendary Dikteon Andron Cave

The Lassithi plateau is often perceived as a kind of border between the Eastern and Central parts of Crete. By right, this place is considered one of the most beautiful on the island. And there are a number of reasons for this:

• this is the highest plateau in all of Greece, and not just the island, which is inhabited.
• here the flora is not characteristic of Greece, rather reminiscent of the Alpine.
• this is a picturesque corner of nature, the beauty of which is complemented by man-made canals, gardens and mills, which literally abounds with "special" places.

The must-see places here include the village of Krassi. The Laundry, dating back to the Venetian period, has been preserved in it to this day. A huge plane tree grows here, which is considered to be the oldest tree on the entire island. Not far from the village is the monastery of Our Lady of Kera Kardiotissa, which houses a miraculous icon. Be sure to come here and ask the Mother of God for the cherished ...

Finally, be sure to see the famous Dikteon Andron Cave in Crete. It was here, according to ancient legends, that the great Zeus was born. But the relationship with the Supreme Ancient Greek God is far from the only reason for the popularity of this cave.

Located at an altitude of more than 1 km above sea level, it is rightfully considered the most beautiful among those in Crete (and there are more than 200 of them here). In the Dikteon Andron cave there are amazingly beautiful stalactites.

The longest gorge in Europe Samaria

In the southwest of the island of Crete, the Samaria Gorge is located, which is considered the longest in all of Europe. For this reason, or because it is amazingly beautiful here, but this place in terms of tourist attendance takes a confident 2nd place among the attractions on the island.

The tour of the gorge is a 17-kilometer walk, during which every step you take will be surrounded by the beauties of the unique local nature. And although at first the length of the route may scare many tourists, do not rush to give up the walk. The point is this: most the way you just need to go down, so to overcome this "test" is quite within the power of even tourists who are not quite prepared in terms of sports.

The journey through the gorge begins, usually in the village of Omalos, and if the first half of the journey may seem somewhat monotonous - there are simply beautiful natural landscapes around, then in the second part you will find an amazing surprise. We are talking about the so-called Iron Gates of Sidiroportes. This place is a passage in which the width is about 3 meters, and above your head there are slopes that can reach a height of up to 300 meters!

The walking route ends in the village of Ayia Rumeli, from where further there is direct access to the sea. By sea, regular transport can easily reach the settlements of Sougia or Hora Sfakion, and then by bus to the city of Chania. By the way, the village of Omalos (the starting point of the walking route along the gorge) from the city of Chania can also be reached by bus.

A tour of the Samaria Gorge is not easy in terms of physical activity a task for tourists, but the vivid impressions received will fully justify all this. The main thing is not to forget to bring comfortable and strong sports shoes, as well as water.

Ancient Knossos and Knossos Palace

The most popular and visited place by tourists on the island of Crete today is considered to be the ancient Palace of Knossos, which was excavated and reconstructed, albeit partially, at the beginning of the 20th century. It is believed that the first buildings in these places arose about 6 millennia before the birth of Christ, but the heyday of the Minoan civilization (the predecessors Ancient Greece) scientists tend to attribute to the period 2700 - 1450 BC.

The Palace of Knossos is considered to be the center of this very Minoan civilization, which at one time was one of the most developed and advanced on a global scale. The palace of Knossos has about 1300 rooms and was able to accommodate approximately 12,000 people!

The archaeological garden in Knossos is accessible to tourists, and a huge number of them annually begin their acquaintance with the sights of the island from it!

Of course, not all are here. interesting places islands, but I have indicated the most basic and popular sights of Crete. This material will help you decide what to see in Crete. Now it will be easier for you to figure out which excursions to choose during your vacation on the island.

Here .

Do not forget to leave comments, the response of readers always pleases. I would be grateful if you share the article on social networks.

On this I say goodbye to you, I'll go to think about the next article. Subscribe to blog updates, there are many interesting materials ahead.

Tatyana Solomatina

Accommodation in Agios Nikolaos and routes in East Crete: Elounda, Sitia, Toplou Monastery, Vai palm beach, Ierapetra, Chrissi island, Lassithi plateau, Diktea cave. Description of attractions with a map and video.

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos (Agios Nikolaus) was chosen as our base in Crete on the basis of proximity to the main attractions, infrastructure development and beautiful views. We booked the Miramare Resort & Spa 4 * hotel on the outskirts of Agios Nikolaos, we liked the fact that it stands on the shore, but away from the main road. .

It is easy to travel from Agios Nikolaos by public transport, but independent travel by car gives more freedom and comfort. For those who travel all day, it makes sense to take only breakfast from food.

Agios Nikolaos is a beautiful city, there are main hotels along the coast, restaurants around Lake Voulismeni, clothing and souvenir shops at every step. The youth from our hotel spent all evenings in the center of Agios Nikolaos. Hotels in Agios Nikolaos

Sea excursions from the port of Agios Nikolaos with fishing and swimming:

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Sights of East Crete

Agios Nikolaos is the center of the Lassithi district. The most interesting natural attraction of this place is Lassithi Plateau(Lassifi). When you climb a mountain, and then stop and look down into the valley, you are struck by its size, the incessant bleating of sheep and the number of mills. From the side of the village of Psychro there is an entrance to Dicteian cave where, according to legend, Zeus was born. This is a very touristy place, so we arrived early and did not stay late. It's cold in the cave, you need to take a sweater with long sleeves and comfortable shoes. The small villages around live off the sale of souvenirs and textiles, all tourist prices.

The closest attraction to Agios Nikolaos is Church of Panagia Kera in Krits. You pay for the entrance and look at the frescoes of the XI-XIV centuries.

We also liked this part of the island. Elounda, it is located only 10 km to the north, but away from the main road. The town is built around the harbor, we had lunch in a psarotaverne (fish restaurant), watching the work of the fishermen. We drove along the length of the sandy spit to the peninsula, walked and swam on the cleanest, almost empty beach. Last years Elounda is developing into a popular resort with all-inclusive club hotels. Elounda Hotels

The most visited attraction in Elounda is spinalonga island, here is a Venetian fortress, which first served as a shelter for the Cretans from the Turks, and then was a place of isolation for patients with leprosy. When climbing from Plaka to Cape St. Ioannis, a panoramic view of the bay opens up.

Twice we went to the very East of Crete. The road to Sitia is very winding, the constant turns make you dizzy. - This is a large city with an airport and a port, but it cannot be called a tourist center. The mandatory program includes climbing to the fortress, a walk along the embankment and lunch in a tavern on the shore. The shops have good prices for souvenirs, local alcohol and olive oil. When you stay in Sitia, you can feel like a local and save a lot of money. Sitia Hotels

15 km northeast of Sitia is the famous Toplou monastery(Moni Toplu), with a valuable collection of icons. Even further - palm beach Vai, where tourists are brought, the place is beautiful, palm trees and white sand.

The easternmost point of Crete where we got to - ancient Itanos, once it was a large port city that went under water, from which "unorganized" ruins remained on the hill. Winds blow on the East Coast, surfers come here, on Xiona Bay beach there is a windsurfing school and equipment rental, many nudists were immediately noticed. Rooms for rent everywhere.

In the Libyan Sea, 10 km from Ierapetra, there is a small chrisi island(Chrisi or Gaidourounisi). We sailed on Chrissi on a boat, we bought tickets right at the port. The island is sandy with dwarf trees, the arrivals go swimming at Golden beach.

From Ierapetra you can travel both ways along the South Coast. To the left (southeast) is a beautiful Kapsa monastery, during our visit, except for monks and monastic cats, there was no one at the top of the cave where the hermit lived. Near the monastery is the entrance to the Pervolakskoye Gorge. Unlike the well-known one, this is a short and easy route. We reached the town of Goudouras, where the road ends. Agriculture is developed in this side, along the way there are many greenhouses.

To the right of Ierapetra (to the southwest) the road leads to the seaside village of Myrtos, where individual tourists from Europe stop. We drank coffee and took a swim. Climbing up through the villages, you can go to Heraklion, but this is a long route.

A week is enough for the described routes. On this trip, we examined another area of ​​\u200b\u200bEast Crete -.

In ancient Greek mythology, Crete is the most mentioned island, the birthplace of the god Zeus, the habitat of the Minotaur in a terrible labyrinth. King Minos, Ariadne, Theseus, Daedalus, Icarus - the list of mythological characters associated with Crete is endless. And today it is one of the most popular European resorts, washed by many seas. The largest Greek island, with a very developed tourist infrastructure. All this is Crete! But later in the article we will talk not about a beach holiday, but specifically about visiting interesting and beautiful places, which are not so few on the island. So what sights of Crete need to see?

The best places in Crete

1. The sunken city of Olus

Belonging to the ancient Greeks, and later the Romans, the rich port city was located in the east of Crete, attracting many tourists. He went under water after one of the earthquakes that periodically shake the outskirts of Europe. To date, you can enjoy the preserved remains of the architecture of several civilizations that left their mark on the city, using scuba diving equipment. By visiting this attraction of Crete, you can almost literally plunge headlong into the mysteries of ancient Greece, which will be very interesting and unusual.

2. Palace of Knossos

The acquaintance with Crete and its sights will not be complete if you miss visiting the famous palace, which is the basis of the ancient Greek city of Knossos. It is located in the northern part of the island, near modern Heraklion. The Palace of Knossos is a vivid example of a reconstructed ancient architectural structure. In its original form, the building was several times subjected to the destructive effects of the elements (earthquakes and fires). When the land near the Cretan administrative center was bought by the Englishman Evans, the restoration work, the purpose of which was to recreate the appearance of the building from reliable sources.

Currently, only parts of the architectural ensemble are available for viewing for tourists. The image of a panoramic view adorns postcards sold everywhere in local souvenir shops. The ancient monument is related to the heyday of the Minoan civilization. At the best of times, the interior space could accommodate a thousand spacious halls. The luxurious interiors housed noble persons belonging to the ruling elite of Knossos.

3. Labyrinth of the Minotaur

According to Greek mythology, the monstrous Minotaur of Crete was kept in a labyrinth and terrified the Athenians. King Minos used it to impose tribute, and the hero Theseus delivered the Athenians from the Minotaur, at the same time freeing the beautiful Ariadne. Another beautiful Greek myth. Geographically, many tend to locate the ancient labyrinth in the ruins of the Knossos Palace, in the north of Crete. Many of the surviving fragments of the palace are arranged in such an intricate order that they can indeed lead to thoughts of the ominous labyrinth of the Minotaur.

4. Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is the largest in Europe. It rightfully belongs to the most popular and beautiful sights in Crete. Inhabited since ancient times, the gorge keeps the remains of ancient settlements and temples. In the middle of the 20th century, this beautiful natural area acquired the status of a national park and reserve with its unique flora and fauna. The tourist trail through the Samaria Gorge is so popular that walking along it you can get into a "traffic jam" - often the number of tourists can be up to three thousand. The park is closed to visitors in winter and spring, when it rains on the area and streams of water run along the bottom of the gorge, and stones fall off the walls.

5. Lake Voulismeni

In addition to architectural sights, two freshwater lakes are worth visiting in Crete. One of them - Voulismeni - is located in the town of Agios Nikolaos. The pond is almost perfectly round in shape, in some places it reaches a depth of more than 60 meters. And based on urban legends, the bottom is completely absent here. According to legend, the goddess of military wisdom Athena herself bathed in the lake! Perhaps that is why the inhabitants of Crete at one time dumped on the bottom of the reservoir military equipment fascist invaders. Also, Lake Voulismeni was the object of close study of the famous French explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

6. Lake Qurna

Kournas is the second largest freshwater lake in Crete. The attraction is located 48 km southeast of the city of Chania. This is the source of the river Delfinas. Live here freshwater turtles, the area is fenced off. The object is under the protection of the organization for the protection of natural beauties with the speaking name Natura 2000. This perfect place in Crete for an outdoor picnic in the lap of nature. Those who wish can stay overnight by renting an apartment in the nearest settlement. The water in the lake is not entirely transparent, the bottom is covered with silt, algae, in some areas it falls below sea level. A trip to the lake can be combined with a visit to Agriroupoli, a village where elements of aqueducts have been preserved since Roman times.

7. Dicteian cave

The unique attraction of Crete is located in the mountains of the same name at an altitude of over 1000 m. Here, according to legend, the supreme god of the Greek Olympus Zeus was born. Behind the unremarkable entrance is a large-scale recess, amazing in beauty and grandeur, framed by stalactites and stalagmites. An amazing spectacle is formed, visual solemnity, a mystical flair is created due to subdued lighting. This is not one cave, but a whole underground complex of karst origin. Photographing underground treasures is possible only without a flash: bright light destroys the structure of formations. The tour culminates with a view of the inner lake. Walkways have been built inside the cave for ease of movement.

8. Spinalonga Fortress Island

This piece of land in Crete is famous for several controversial episodes. Enterprising Venetian merchants discovered salt deposits here, so they hurried to fortify the most valuable location with fortresses and high walls. The businessmen feared the raids of sea robbers, later - the Ottoman Muslims.

In the 20th century, the island served as a kind of closed zone, where sick people were sent to avoid the spread of epidemics. Such an order for a long time scared the Turkish interventionists away from the seemingly attractive land. The organization of the leper colony turned the picturesque place into a citadel of pain, sorrow, alienation, exile. Only in the middle of the last century, when the necessary vaccines reached these places, patients began to leave the shelter, and soon the island turned out to be a deserted, silent keeper of the secrets of the past. Currently, the authorities are trying to revive the attractiveness of this landmark of Crete, not only visually, but also historically, focusing on Byzantine monuments.

9. Fortress Fortezza

In the north of Crete, at an altitude of 17 meters above sea level, there is a large city of Rethymnon. An interesting attraction here, from a historical point of view, is the fort built in the city during the Venetian patronage. The fortification dates back to the 16th century. The need for construction was due to the presence of a clear threat of an attack by Turkish hordes, and the Venetians wanted to strengthen their positions on the island, which was a significant staging post on the way of trade routes.

Previously, temples flaunted on the hill, which the Hellenes erected as a sign of admiration for Artemis and Apollo. In the present, it is a venue for celebrations and festivals. Tourists visit observation platforms, which offer a panoramic view of the sea and the city. Outside the fortress walls, several outbuildings and a church have been preserved.

10. The ancient city of Gortyn

If you do not know what sights to see in Crete, do not miss it. This is one of the most valuable archaeological sites in Greece. The ruins of the ancient city are located 50 km from Heraklion. It was rebuilt in the “heart” of a fertile valley and reached its peak of development when the local authorities were represented by the Dorians. More than 2 thousand years ago, there already existed a strict system of legislation, a set of strict regulations and laws carved into the wall of the amphitheater and strictly observed by the natives. The first market square appeared here. This is a real storehouse of antique building elements: columns, marble floors of the Roman theater, its stone seats. There are sculptures, you can look at them only through the fence, due to safety reasons. Along the perimeter of Gortyna, covering 2000 square meters, you can explore ancient history, starting with the empire of Hellas and ending with the period of the birth and spread of Christianity.

11. Kera Kardiotissa Monastery

Although not the most important attraction of the island of Crete, Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, nevertheless, is able to offer its visitors a weighty argument for its viability. Several buildings built almost eight hundred years ago, a quiet place, a small contingent of ministers. But it is here that there is a copy of the icon of the Mother of God of the Heart, which, like the original, is considered miraculous. For Orthodox visitors to the monastery, the icon is the subject for which they actually come, because the monastery cannot boast of an abundance of other entertaining objects. However, many who visited the monastery of Kera Kardiotissa in Crete speak of him as bringing peace and tranquility.

12. Elafonisi Beach

There is a small island near Crete. Between the land areas is a sand spit. The uninhabited island and the beach of the same name (on the spit) are famous for the unique color of the sand. He is pink. A peculiar shade was formed due to the “blurring” of shells and corals, which ended up in shallow water and are constantly being polished by waves. An interesting color consonance is formed by combining the shade of the beach strip and azure water. Despite the fact that no one permanently lives on the island, there is no hotel service, the beach is ennobled and well-groomed, equipped with the necessary attributes of a comfortable holiday at sea. On the Mediterranean coast, this natural landmark of Crete, due to its original location against the backdrop of steep mountains, is conditionally considered the most picturesque place and is popular among tourists.

13. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

An outstanding museum that stands out noticeably against the background of similar institutions in the country in terms of the scale of its exposition and the size of the territory it occupies. The peculiarity of the museum's collection is the most complete collection of the achievements of the Minoan civilization. In the space of two floors, objects are concentrated that relate not only to the arrangement of the life of the Hellenic society, many artifacts are related to the development of culture and art in the context of the development of ancient states around the world. A special pride of the indigenous population is a written monument discovered during excavations in Phaistos. This is a round object, on both sides there are images of people, animals, weapons. The dating marks the era of the Bronze Age, coinciding in part with the development of the Aegean civilization of Crete.

14. Anopolis Watercity Waterpark

You can relieve fatigue after a tiring acquaintance with the natural and architectural sights of Crete in the local water park. It is located near the village of Kokkini Khani. Watercity water park embodies the idea of ​​modern recreation, as opposed to the rest of the archaeological tourism. A variety of attractions will satisfy any water-loving taste. A dozen different pools, hydraulic pipes, rivers, waterways, super races, cyclones - this is a small list of services provided by the water park. This and much more awaits visitors on its territory, so be sure to check it out here.

15. Arkadi Monastery

This religious attraction of the island is associated with a sad story that occurred during the famous Cretan uprising. At the end of the 19th century, the monks sheltered 7 hundred women and 300 Greek soldiers behind the monastery walls, who were desperately fighting for independence from the Ottoman yoke. Turkish soldiers managed to get through the gate, then the desperate rebels set fire to the gunpowder arsenal. There was an explosion that claimed the lives of all the partisans and finally enraged the Ottomans, tormented by rage from impotence. The feat of the common people inspired the Greeks to continue the struggle and informed the world about the cruelty and ruthlessness of the invaders. On the territory of the monastery, in addition to the dominant, there is a refectory and a mill. Behind the first - you can observe the preserved Turkish shell, at the second - a crypt was organized, where the remains of the brave rebels who fell in an unequal struggle found their rest.

16. Faneromeni Monastery

On the eastern side of Crete is a male monastery - the monastery of Faneromeni. Like many similar sights of Crete, it is located on a natural elevation (about 500 meters). This is a famous place of pilgrimage, where many believers flock to touch the shrine, pray to the icon of the Virgin Mary Faneromeni. The legend tells of a shepherd who watched the sheep grazing in the highlands. Every day one ram separated from the flock and went to the cave. Following his path, the shepherd saw a source of water among the rocks, and in the recess was an icon. She couldn't be moved. Locals claim that the face periodically appears to this day. In mid-August each year, the space turns into a platform for happy holiday, veneration of the main Shrine.

According to the architectural features of the monastery, the features of the fortification are clearly visible: there are small windows resembling loopholes, there are high walls and holes from which, in the old days, a red-hot liquid based on lead, resin or oil was poured onto the heads of approaching enemies.

17. Maritime Museum of Crete

There are 2 ports in Crete, one in Heraklion, the other in Chania. The latter housed an exhibition space dedicated to the kingdom of Poseidon. Tourists have the opportunity to use visual sources to trace how the Greek fleet developed, as well as what role the maritime location played in urban planning and political life Greece. Guests are presented with 13 halls located on two floors. Values ​​are grouped according to belonging to a specific chronology. On the second floor - an echo of the war with the German fascists, on the first floor - evidence of the previous period, when Crete became part of Greece. In addition to models of ships and exhibits of the technical equipment of ships, the museum has a collection of stamps and shells.

18. Historical Museum of Crete

In the middle of the 20th century, a museum was opened on the sea coast with an extensive exposition, consisting of many artifacts inherited by contemporaries from past eras. It clearly demonstrates the extent to which the development of Cretan art and culture was influenced by the peoples of Europe, Asia and the African continent.

The museum has a separate exhibition dedicated to the Second World War. The general museum space is organized in chronological order in relation to the dating of the exhibits presented. Icons, engravings, ceramics, sculptural monuments, weapons samples - this is not a complete list of what can be seen within the walls of this attraction of Crete. The true decoration of the halls dedicated to painting are the original paintings by El Greco. In Crete - only two paintings by the famous painter, both - are presented in the spacious perimeter of the mansion, built in the classical style with modern features.

19. Imeri Gramvousa

Imeri Gramvousa is part of an uninhabited archipelago of two islands. A small "patch" of sushi is a subject of curiosity for many tourists. The Venetians traditionally built a fortress here. When the republic lost control over the territory, the island on the border of two seas (Tyrrhenian and Aegean) was chosen by pirates. Since ancient times, the castle and the church of St. George have been preserved here. The ship "Dimitrios", which crashed off the coast in the late 60s of the last century, has become a modern landmark.

After visiting the island of Imeri Gramvousa, you can relax on the beach, you can get to the island by a pleasure boat. Often the location is visited as part of the route leading to Balos Bay, famous for its clear emerald water and picturesque views.

20. Fort Frangokastello

This landmark of Crete is a model of Venetian defensive architecture. Focused on successful trading representatives of the state controlling the island sought in every possible way to secure the territory subject to attacks by the Ottomans and pirates from the sea. The protective object was named after the Catholics on Greek. Bas-reliefs, portals and coats of arms remained from the Venetians.

Many legends and legends are dressed in extremely simple architectural forms. In the 19th century, Crete was under Turkish rule, but the Greeks did not give up hope of returning their ancestral lands. The rebels gathered in detachments and decided to attack the fortress, but to no avail. The authorities brutally dealt with the rebels: their ghosts, according to legend, remained imprisoned in the stone perimeter. Locals see ghosts in the morning, but as soon as the dawn is gaining strength, weightless entities dissolve into the air.