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5 Crete Tourist Attractions You Shouldn't Miss!

Posted on Friday 10th August 2018 by Crete Escapes

Before committing to a holiday in a location you have never been before, a question often asked is ‘what is there to do?’ particularly if you are travelling with children or the more adventurous amongst us!

For those asking that very question of Crete, here are just some of the wonderful tourist attractions you could visit on the 260 km long Island.

Palace of Knossos

The palace of Knossos was built between 1700 and 1400 BC and is believed to have been the home of King Minos, providing a tantalising glimpse into Crete’s ancient history as Europe’s oldest city. Boasting over 1,200 rooms as well as a vast courtyard, the palace was unfortunately destroyed by a tragic earthquake but was later rebuilt.

While today, Knossos Palace lies ruined and abandoned due to mysterious circumstances, much archaeological work has taken place in past years making it a busy tourist attraction for those looking for some Cretan history. As one of Crete’s major tourist attractions, it is definitely something we would recommend taking time out to see!

Knosso Palace, Crete - Crete Escapes

Samaria Gorge

Located in the famous White Mountains of Crete, Samaria Gorge provides some of the most stunning views Crete has to offer. The gorge itself is 18-kilometers wide and descends 1,250 metres down to a black-sand beach on the Libyan Sea.

This attraction is definitely for the more athletic visitors, with the full trek taking anything up to 7 hours to complete! It is also worth noting that the Gorge can only be visited between months of April and November due to the occurrence of dangerous flash floods during the other months.

However, the views and landscapes you will see during the hike are truly breath-taking and something you won’t find anywhere else. Samaria Gorge and its scenery are one of Crete’s most valuable gems!

Samaria Gorge, Crete - Crete Escapes

Chania

The wonderful city of Chania is a must see for anyone visiting Crete. It offers prime photography opportunities, romantic scenery and of course the famous Venetian harbour. The narrow, winding streets and waterfront restaurants make for wonderfully quaint scenery and allow for an ideal opportunity to enjoy some real Cretan cuisine while watching the world go by- absolute bliss!

There are also plenty of souvenir and craft shops to explore as well as the archaeological museum to give you an insight into the fascinating culture and history of Crete. With so much to see and do in Chania it should surely be part of your to-do list while visiting!

West Chania - Crete Escapes

Lake Kournas

One of the many beautiful landscapes Crete has to offer is that of Lake Kournas which some say, is the only freshwater lake on the island. Lying just to the East of Chania, the lake is an ideal place to take an afternoon stroll or even a whole day trip to make the most of the scenery and enjoy the wonderful Cretan sunshine. You can even take a dip in the cool blue waters and relax on one of the many sun loungers for some true tranquillity.

For those who like a little more action, there is plenty of opportunity to participate in water sports on the lake including kayaking and pedal boating, so you really can make a day of it!

Kournas is also an ideal place to visit for keen bird watchers as Kingfishers, Cormorants and Herons are often spotted darting into the water- certainly not something you get to see every day!

Balos Lagoon

If you’re coming to Crete to spend time at the beautiful white sand beaches, then Balos Lagoon is an absolute must see! The lagoon itself is situated between Crete and the island of Gramvousa and is surrounded by a wealth of pink, white sand and crystal-clear waters. A real natural beauty!

Classed as one of Europe’s top 10 beaches by Trip Advisor, this is one of the most visited and photographed tourist attractions in Crete with peak months being July and August.

Balos Lagoon, Crete - Crete Escapes

Places to Stay

If any of the above attractions appeal to your wanderlust but you aren’t sure where to stay in Crete, take a look at our range of villas for inspiration! Most villas come with a private pool, sea views and stunning scenery so you can set up a home away from home during your stay in Crete.

During off-peak months you can also enjoy low-occupancy discount rates for a low-cost holiday if you are travelling as a pair.

Get in touch if you would like more information or give a member of our friendly team a call on 0330 111 0061.

Sources

  1. http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20170921-the-abandoned-greek-island-shrouded-in-mystery
  2. http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-crete/
  3. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/crete/articles/crete-attractions/