The enormous palace was rebuilt after being destroyed by an earthquake, with the present remains constructed some 3,000 years ago. What to do there: Spend time exploring the awesome Palace of Knossos, often referred to as the oldest city in Europe and steeped in legends. Outdoor activities include sailing, rock climbing, and horse riding. There are fascinating museums that transport visitors thousands of years back in time, stunning churches, family-friendly attractions, remains from the Venetian era, nearby beaches, and much more. Despite being a modern city today, the area was once the home of the ancient Minoan civilisation the Palace of Knossos is a Crete must-see. There are many historical and cultural attractions, and the city boasts a number of the most famous places in Crete. Why it’s awesome: Crete’s capital, Heraklion is a bustling city with a long past. Spoiler alert: some of these best places to visit in Crete are bound to blow you away! You might not manage to see everything but you’ll definitely see the best. With a great mixture of popular attractions in Crete to suit diverse tastes and hidden gems, we really have got you covered. Narrowing down where to include on your Crete itinerary for a shorter vacation can be tough!ĭon’t panic, though! Our team of dedicated travel writers has compiled this awesome list of the best places to visit in Crete to make planning your trip so much easier. You could spend months on Crete without uncovering all of its gems. Covering more than 8,000 square kilometres (3,000+ square miles), it takes some six hours to drive from one end of the island to the other. There are many reasons to add Crete to your bucket list!Ī popular holiday destination, many visitors are surprised by how large Crete actually is. Although part of Greece, it has its own distinct cultural aspects and cuisine. From its vibrant cities to its tiny traditional villages, Crete offers myriad things to see and do.

It also boasts stunning beaches, incredible landmarks, rugged mountains, and lush countryside. Once home to the ancient Minoan civilisation (Europe’s oldest known civilization), the large island is steeped in history, culture, myths, and legends. A beautiful island gem in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is the biggest of the Greek Islands.

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