There is an island in the Mediterranean where Greeks believe that Zeus was born. It is a land that embodies the beauty of nature, together with the charm of history and mythology. Yes, we are talking about the stunning island of Crete!
There's no better place to spend a wonderful holiday in Greece. Actually, Crete meets every need that a tourist can have, both adults and children. It is rich in history and archeology, but its pristine beaches and crystal clear sea will leave the youngest breathless, making them enjoy a memorable time.
There is just a negative thing about Crete: it cannot be visited during one single holiday, as it takes a lot of time to visit it all. You really need to give it more time, as we are talking about the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
Ready to go? Discover the best places to see in Crete and the top localities to visit during an unforgettable vacation!
Crete is divided between four provinces, called Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithy. Each one offers unique beauties to discover and it is suitable fora different kind of traveller. Check them out!
The province of Chania hosts amazing beaches and traits of coast. Falassarna, Balos and Elafonissi are the most beautiful beaches of Crete and sea lovers will surely appreciate their charm. If you like sunbathing in one of the best beaches you'll ever visit, you won't be disappointed! Among these, Elafonissi is perhaps the one you must see at all costs, as this strip of sand where you can often meets sea turtles.
However, Chania is not sea and sun: the famous Archaeological Museum of Chania preserves findings from the Neolithic to the Roman periods and is surely an attraction to include in your to-do-list. Leave some room for culture and discover more about Greek art and history!
Instead, Rethymno is the smallest and most mountainous province of Crete. Tiny villages alternate with magnificent beaches in a beautiful landscape, where you can also find the charming monasteries of Arkadi and Preveli. Don't miss the small towns of Agia Galini and Balì, where you'll be enchanted by some gorgeous beaches!
Also Lasithy presents some lovely beaches: the best-known is Vai beach, which is surrounded by a surreal palm forest. You can also visit the cave of Psycro: according to the myth, Rhea chose this secret place to give birth to Zeus, so Cronus could not find him and kill him.
Actually, one of the children of Zeus was Minos, the god who gave the name to the famous locality in the province of Heraklion. This town hosts the legendary labyrinth where the creature called Minotaur was closed, as well as traces of the Minoan civilization. Heraklion is surely the province that attracts more tourists, as it boasts beautiful beaches and unique archaeological sites. The most famous one is surely the archaeological site of Knossos, which houses an impressive Minoan palace enriched by colorful frescoes and a wonderful throne room. Did you know that the legend of the Minotaur was born because the city was shaped like a labyrinth?
Another important archaeological site in Heraklion is that of Phaistos. Being less touristy, you can visit it with tranquility enjoying the natural landscape and the absolute silence. After its discovery, the site has never been object of reconstruction works. It's here that archaeologists found the Phaistos Disc, a famous terracotta disc with double-sided engravings with hieroglyphic designs.
The weather in Crete is on the side of tourists: a very short winter next to a very long summer make every moment of the year the ideal time for a holiday.
© Alice Pilastri
