Top 10 Sights to Visit in Crete

Since we have already given you the detailed information about the best beaches of Crete, see here, in this article we will not talk any more about this subject, so let us introduce the main sights of Crete Island.

Knossos Palace (Heraklion city)

This is the first attraction that you can see on all advertisements – the Minotaur, the red columns of the Palace and many other monuments of the Minoan civilization. Indeed, if you have not been to the Palace, it should visit it. It is better to give preference to a combined tour with another object, for example, the next one in our list. Thus, your day will be full of impressions of ancient Greek myths and Gods, as well as you will fully plunge into the atmosphere and culture of the locals.

Zeus Cave (Lasithi)

By itself, the road among the highest mountains and the views are already impressive. The cave located at an altitude of 1025 meters above the sea, with distance of 250 meters between the car parking and the entrance to it: the path is comfortable for walking, but still you must be ready for it. So, take care of comfortable shoes and a hat. It is convenient to combine a visit to the cave of Zeus with the Knossos Palace.

Kournas Lake (Georgioupoli)

This is the only freshwater lake in Crete. Cool clear water, shade from tree crowns and silence attract visitors on hot summer days. You can swim in the lake, as well as ride catamarans and see endemic species of turtles and other animals. The depth of the lake is about 22 meters; it is fed by mountain streams and underground sources. Near the lake there are some local taverns where you can have an inexpensive, but tasty meal.

Samaria (Chania)

This is one of the most famous gorges in Europe. For many visitors, this attraction is the purpose of their visit. The descent takes 5-7 hours and starts from a height of 1250 meters above sea level. The total length of the route is 14.5 kilometers. Approximately in the middle of the way, there is an abandoned village where local residents lived until 1962. The gorge is incredibly picturesque and does not require special training. You just need good sports shoes and to be in good health.

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, as well as one of the most significant in Europe. Its exhibits include representative examples from all periods of Cretan prehistory and history, spanning approximately 5,500 years from the Neolithic to the Roman era. However, the largest part of the collection consists of unique masterpieces of Minoan art, which can be admired in their evolution. The collection of Minoan antiquities is the most significant in the world, and the museum is rightfully considered a museum of Minoan culture.

Monastery of Preveli (Rethymno)

The crusading and patriarchal monastery of Preveli has been mentioned since the beginning of the 11th century and has a rich history and a glorious past thanks to the active participation of its monk in all national battles for the freedom and enlightenment of all people. That is why it deserves respect and honor not only by locals, but throughout Greece. Since the monastery is located on a high cliff, it offers a unique view. In addition, a beach of incredible beauty with the consonant name “Preveli” is located nearby.

Monastery of Arkadi (Rethymno)

Arkadi Monastery was built at an altitude of 500 m above sea, on a fertile plateau with olive groves, vineyards, pines and cypresses. Around the monastery there are many picturesque chapels, and next to it begins the beautiful gorge of Arkadiotiko. The exact date of the founding of the monastery is unknown, but it is assumed that it was founded by Emperor Arcadius in the 12th century. According to another version, the monastery was named after the monk Arcadius, who founded the monastery in the 16th century. Undoubtedly, Arkadi is the most historic monastery of Crete, which was destined to become the holiest symbol of the Cretan struggle for freedom, since here the tragic holocaust of 1866 took place, when the wine warehouse was blown up, due to the stored here gunpowder. This event was a beginning of the liberation of the island in 1898, and today the UNESCO organization has declared Arcadi as European monument of freedom.

Spinalonga Island (Lasithi)

Spinalonga, a small island in Elounda bay, is associated with Hansen's disease, as lepers from all over Greece were exiled there until 1957 when a cure was found. However, since ancient times it has had a special strategic importance and a long history. Due to its location and Venetian past, the island is still attractive and nowadays.

Richtis Waterfall (Lasithi)

The path to the waterfall runs through a picturesque gorge. The total length of the route is about 3 kilometers, and the elevation difference is about 350 meters. The trail starts from the stone arched bridge of Lachanas and continues into the lush landscape of the river, which is like an oasis during the hot summer days in Crete. Plane trees, oleanders and sage are countless, and the smells of various herbs alternate with floral ones. The old watermills that are found along the way are so impressive. But the highlight of this place is the beautiful Richtis waterfall of 20 m high, which forms a pond at its base and gives its name to the entire gorge. The waterfall is flooded even in summer, and you can swim in its pond. The perfect end to the route is the exit from the gorge to the beautiful pebble beach of Richtis, with a small forest with tamarisk trees, stone seats, tables and a fountain of fresh water.

Archanes village (Heraklion region)

Archanes is a traditional village located 380 meters above sea, among archaeological sites, vineyards and olive groves. Beautiful neighborhoods with well-maintained colored houses, flowering terraces and atmospheric enclosed courtyards create a unique setting. Retro lampposts, marble fountains, carved lintels, well-polished mirrors – all these testify to a hard-working and established community that loves and keeps its land alive. Archanes is one of the few settlements in Greece with underground electrical cables and has received a number of European awards as an exemplary traditional settlement. Not far from the village, at the foot of Mount Yukhtas, there is a coniferous forest Fourni, where excavations of ancient burial places of the Minoan civilization are still taking place.

All the above mentioned places are far from all that we could advise you to visit in Crete. The island is actually much larger than it seems, and being on it even for the hundredth time, you will always find for yourself a piece of unexplored paradise. Travel and enjoy the authentic places of Hellas. 🚩 Find Excursions in Crete