Creta

The island of Crete is located in the Aegean Sea, is the largest of the Greek islands and is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
The island is dominated by towering mountains along the sea. Mount Idi (2,456m) is its highest point. Along the northern coast there are several natural ports, near which the major cities have arisen: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion. It has a temperate to tropical climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The landscape is characterized by Mediterranean scrub and is rich in olive and citrus groves. The cornerstone of the island's economy is agriculture.
The territory of the island is divided into 4 zones: Chania, Heraklion, Lassithi and Rethymno.
The island offers the tourist a spectacular landscape: mountains, beaches, caves, cities with a characteristic architectural style, traditional villages, suggestive ruins such as that of Knossos and a great nightlife.

The territory of Chania
It is located in the eastern part of the island. The capital is the city of Chania where modern, Venetian, Turkish and traditional architecture create a perfect harmony. Various archaeological sites, villages, churches, caves, splendid beaches embellish this very fascinating area.

The territory of Rethymno

It is located between the territory of Chania and that of Heraklion. The capital is the city of Rethymno where it is still possible to see numerous and sumptuous buildings built in the Venetian style. It has magnificent beaches, very interesting archaeological sites, Byzantine-style churches, very characteristic villages and places.

The territory of Heraklion

It is located between the territory of Heraklion and that of Lassithi. The capital is the city of Heraklion, which is also the capital of the island. The territory is the economic center of the island. It has splendid beaches, interesting archaeological sites, fantastic landscapes, very characteristic villages.

The territory of Lassithi

It is located in the western part of the island. The capital is the city of Agios Nikolaos where it is possible to see a very characteristic port. It is full of mountain villages, verdant plateaus (such as the Lassithi plateau), ancient mills and beautiful beaches.

The island of Crete can be reached by plane or by ferry. The island has in fact two international airports, Heraklion Airport is the largest one, while Chania Airport is the second largest on the island. The low-cost airline that flies from Europe to the airports of Chania and Heraklion is Easy Jet. The airports are connected to the main cities of Crete by city buses and taxis. Several hotels offer a free shuttle service or buses or private cars.
Heraklion and Chania airports have regular flights to Athens (45 minutes), Thessaloniki (about 1.5 hours); Heraklion airport also carries out flights to the island of Rhodes (about 1 hour)
Crete also has a small airport near Sitia which only flies internally to and from Athens and Karpathos.

For more information:

Heraklion Airport:
Tel.: + 30 2810 397129 / 136
E-mail: kahktl@otenet.gr

Chania Airport:
Tel.: + 30 28210 83800 / 83805
E-mail: kaxntl@otenet.gr

Sitia Airport:
Tel.: + 30 28430 24424
E-mail: dasttl@otenet.gr

It is also possible to reach the island of Crete by ferry.
The main ports are located in Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Sitia and Kastelli-Kissamos.
The ferry connects Piraeus to Heraklion (the journey takes about 8 hours), Chania (about 5-8 hours) and Rethymno (about 4.5 hours). From Heraklion it is possible to reach Thessaloniki by ferry via Santorini, Paros, Tinos, Naxos, Syros, Skopelos and Skiathos. The whole trip, from Heraklion to Thessaloniki, takes about 30 hours. Also from Heraklion there is a hydrofoil that goes to Rhodes in one hour. The hydrofoil also connects Heraklion to Santorini (approx. 30 minutes), Folegandros (approx. 3 hours), Myconos island (approx. 1.5 hours), Ios (approx. 3 hours) and Paros island (approx. 4 hours).
The port of Kastelli-Kissamos, near Chania, makes trips to Kythira island, Antikythira island and Gytheio in about 4-5 hours. Ferries to the island of Kasos and Karpathis leave from the port of Sitia. The ports of Rethymno and Chania are connected only to Piraeus.

On the island there are splendid and suggestive places to visit.

In the territory of Chania
Chania
It is located in the northern part of Crete. With its Venetian and Ottoman architecture, it is one of the most beautiful cities on the whole island. The best known monument of the city is the old port and its lighthouse.

Kissamos
It is located in the eastern part of the island and 41km from Chania. It is the second largest city in the territory of Chania. It has beautiful beaches and is surrounded by mountain villages.

Sfakia
It is located southeast of the island and 72 km from Chania. It is a place steeped in history: many wars of the Cretan Revolution were fought here. The wild landscape and the tranquility of the beaches are an exceptional place for holidays.

Paleochora
It is located in the southwest of the island and 80km from Chania. It is the best known place in the territory of Chania. In recent years the city has seen a significant increase in the presence of tourists.

Cathedral of Chania
Imposing and beautiful, the Cathedral dates back to the 13th century. It has three naves which are dedicated to the Holy Virgin, to San Nicola and to the three Hierarchs.

Monastery of San Giovanni l'Eremita
It is the oldest monastery on the island of Crete (built around the 11th century). It is located north of the Gouverneto Monastery and was entirely carved out of the rock.

Zagarolo Monastery
It was built in the 17th century by two monks and is the largest monastery on the island of Crete.

Gouverneto Monastery
Also known as the Lady of the Angels, it is located on the northern coast of the Akrotiri area, 4 km from the Monastery of Agia Triada. Built in 1548, the Monastery looks like a fortress and has 4 towers on its sides.

Church of Agioi Anargyroi
It was the first cathedral on the island of Crete and it is the only one that continued to function during the Ottoman occupation. Inside there are frescoes and Byzantine icons.

Venetian lighthouse
It is located in Chania, in the Venetian port, and is the symbol of the city. Built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the lighthouse was rebuilt by the Egyptians in the 19th century.

Ottoman baths
They are located near the Venetian Port of Chania and used to be public baths. Currently they are no longer in use but have become the landmark of the city.

Samaria Gorge
It is the largest gorge in Europe. It extends for 17km. Here there are several species of flora and fauna and an abandoned village.

Frangokastello Fortress
Built by the Venetians in the 14th century, the Fortress is a fundamental stop and absolutely not to be missed for anyone who comes to visit the island. It is a very impressive building with an exciting and mysterious history: it is said that it is possible to spot ghosts of horsemen on the beach during some dawns in May.

In the territory of Heraklion
Hersonisos
It is located to the east and 28km from the city of Heraklion. It is one of the most touristic cities in the Heraklion territory. It has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a very nice port.

Malia
It is located to the east and 36km from the city of Heraklion. It is a well known tourist city, with a very well organized beach. The city attracts millions of visitors during the summer season. Near the city is a Minoan palace.

Church of San Marco
It is located in Venizelos Square (or Krini), in Heraklion. The church, built by the Venetians, is dedicated to St. Mark and is the largest church in Greece. The Turks added a minaret to the church and transformed it into a mosque. The church was then renovated in 1956 and is currently used as a venue for concerts and exhibitions.

Church of San Tito
It is located in the square that bears the same name and is dedicated to San Tito, patron saint of the island.
It is a beautiful monument, dating back to the Byzantine period, in which Western and Eastern architectural elements are mixed. It was used by the Venetians as a Catholic Cathedral. The Turks then transformed it into a mosque, altering its architecture once again. It was destroyed by a very strong earthquake in 1856. Later the locals rebuilt it on the old ruins in 1872 and transformed it into a Greek Orthodox church. Inside is the holy relic of San Tito.

Palace of Minos
It is located in Knossos 5km from Heraklion. It is the most famous place in Greece. It was discovered in the 20th century by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. The building was found almost intact and covered in ashes. This leads scientists to believe that the place was destroyed by a tsunami caused by the volcanic eruption of Santorini in 1550 BC.

Koules Fortress
It is located at the entrance to the port and is the symbol of the city of Heraklion. It was originally built by the Venetians in the 13th century and underwent various modifications by the Ottomans who dominated the island until the 19th century.

Palace of Phaestos
It is the second most important site in Crete, after the Palace of Minos at Knossos of which the Palace of Phaestos is a miniature but without the many labyrinths.

The ancient place of Gortyna
It is located southwest and 44 km from Heraklion, near the villages of Agioi Deka and Kasteli. The city of Gortyna was one of the strongest cities of ancient Crete. The finds bear witness to its power as an ancient city, an ally of Rome and the capital of Crete.

Territory of Lassithi
Ierapetra
It is located to the south and 35km from Agios Nikolaos. It is a beautiful seaside city with many historical sights and beautiful beaches.

Elounda
It is located to the north and 11km from Agios Nikolaos. It is a small town and is one of the busiest in the summer. It has beautiful beaches and is famous for the islet of Spinalonga.

Sitia
It is located east and 70km from Agios Nikolaos. The city has an important port and also a small airport. It is an excellent starting point for interesting excursions.

Toplou monastery
Also called Panagia Akrotiriani, it is located north east and 16km from Sitia and dates back to the 15th century. The Monastery is very famous for having inside a fantastic 18th century icon painted by Ioannis Kornaros, having 61 scenes representing the Orthodox liturgy.
The walls are solid and massive, with very heavy doors placed at the entrance. High above the door is a saint who was used by the monks to throw boiling water or oil on the heads of the soldiers who attacked the monastery. The monastery is also equipped with a cannon from which it takes its name (Toplou means "with cannon"). Inside the Monastery there is a small museum displaying Byzantine icons and frescoes.

Spinalonga Island
Here is a solid fortress built by the Venetians. The islet is uninhabited but is very popular with tourists during the summer.

Kazarma Fortress
It was built by the Venetians in medieval times to protect the city from enemies. Today many cultural events are organized especially in the summer.

Territory of Rethymno
Rethymno
It is located in the northern part of Crete. It is characterized by a Venetian and traditional architecture. The most characteristic monument of the city is the Fortezza, a castle dating back to the medieval period.

Church of Agios Ioannis Antzoussis
It is located 3 km from Rethymno. It is the oldest church on the island.

Arkadi Monastery
It is located 23km from the city of Retymno and is the most famous Monastery of the territory and of the entire island of Crete. Its great fame is due to a historic event that took place in 1866. The Turks sent hundreds of soldiers for the insurrection on the island. Hundreds of men, women and children found refuge in the monastery. To avoid being massacred by the conquerors and surrendering to them, the Cretans set fire to a gunpowder warehouse and the whole building exploded, killing Cretans and Turks.
The Monastery has become a symbol of defiance of those who seek to subjugate the Cretan people and an immense proof of their patriotism.

Basilica of Panormos
It is located about 30km from Rethymno. It was unearthed by archaeological excavations in 1948 and dates back to the 5th century. The Basilica is dedicated to Hagia Sophia.

Fortress
It was built in 1573 to protect the city of Rethymno from enemy invasions. Today it is the symbol of the city

Ideon cave
It is located 20km from the city of Anogia. According to mythology, this was the cave where Zeus was hidden to protect him from his father Kronos who would have eaten him.

The capital of the island of Crete
The city of Heraklion
It is located in the northern part of the island. It is the largest city in Crete. It is distinguished by its large fortress at the entrance to the port. Numerous beautiful beaches surround the city. It is the commercial, administrative, agricultural and industrial center of the island and has a population of 130,000. The fast development of the city, the traffic, the parking problem, the very aseptic surroundings, make the city have nothing in common with the beautiful cities of Chania, Rethymno, Agios Nikola. However some corners and buildings of the city have been well preserved, creating a pleasant atmosphere and bringing back the memories of its glorious past.

To visit
The Old Port
It is located on the left side of the Modern Port and was, during the Venetian period, an important commercial and military centre. It is well preserved and is ideal for pleasant evening walks.

The Venetian Walls
They constitute one of the most important Venetian fortifications in Greece. One of its four gates is called Porta Pantocrator because it has a sculpted bust of the God Pantocrator on its outer facade, and a medallion with the same bust on its inner facade and bears the inscription of "Omnipotents" (Pantocrator in Latin). This is the Chania Gate because the city communicated from here with western Crete. On its external façade, the winged lion of San Marco is carved in relief on marble. Porta Nuova is located in the southern part and has a decoration, the name of the governor Mocenigo and on its internal facade the date of its construction: 1587. Near the door the space has been transformed into a modern open-air theatre.
Inside the walls is the bastion of Martinengo. On a hill is the grave of the famous Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis, with the tombstone engraved with his famous words: “I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free”.

The Venetian Fortress
It was built at the entrance to the old Venetian port to protect the city from pirate attacks. It is open to the public and has a splendid open-air theatre.

The Lodge
It is the most elegant building in the city of Heraklion. It was built between 1626 and 1628 by General Francesco Morosini and was the palace where the nobility met. It has a rectangular shape and has two floors. The building was destroyed and what tourists see today is its reconstruction. The town hall is located in the Loggia.

Morosini Fountain
It is located in the center of the Venetian square and was built by General Morosini. The square in which the fountain is located is a miniature of the Piazza San Marco in Venice. The fountain is decorated with scenes from Greek mythology and the water falls into eight interconnecting cups and forms a giant flower.

Bembo Fountain
It is located in Kornaros square and is the oldest fountain in Crete. It was built by the Venetians who adorned it with reliefs of Venetians covered in weapons and with Roman statues.

The Public Services Building
It was built by the Venetians in the 16th century. Inside there were the barracks of San Giorgio which were destroyed and then rebuilt by the Turks. The old Venetian gate is still clearly visible.

Vikelian Library
It was founded in 1910 and the first books are a donation from Demetrios Vikelas. The library currently houses 80,000 books.

Municipal market
It is very characteristic and is a very colorful and lively outdoor place where all kinds of Cretan items can be bought.

Crete Archaeological Museum

Museums
Territory of Chania
Archaeological Museum
It is housed in the Venetian Church of San Francesco, in the city of Chania, and exhibits important finds dating back to the Neolithic and Minoan periods up to Roman times. The most important part of the exhibition is a collection of vases from the Minoan necropolis, a collection of Hellenic statues, a collection of splendid mosaics from Chania, a collection of coins and other objects. The museum is located on Halidon Street.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 3pm (November to March) and 8.30am to 7.30pm (April to October).
Ticket price: €2 (full price) €1 (reduced)
Special ticket: €3 valid for visiting the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum of Chania.
For more information:
Tel.: +30 28210 90334

Nautical Museum
It is located northwest of the Venetian Port of Chania. It exhibits a collection of models of ancient and modern ships and a collection of wrecks from historical battles and portraits of important Greek admirals.
The museum is open daily from 09:00 to 14:00 (November to March) and 09:00 to 16:00 (April to October).
Ticket price: €2.50 (full price) €1.50 (reduced)
For more information:
E-mail: mar-museum-crete@cha.forthnet.gr
Tel.: +30 28210 91875

Territory of Heraklion
Archaeological Museum
It is located in Heraklion and is one of the most important museums in Greece. It houses, in its 20 rooms, finds from excavations carried out in Crete, which bear witness to its glorious past and ranging from the Neolithic to the Roman period, passing through the Minoan period. Visitors can admire sculptures, jewels, frescoes and the remains of some Minoan palaces of Crete.
The museum is open from April to October from 12:00 to 19:00 (Mondays) and from 8:00 to 19:00 (Tuesdays to Saturdays).
Ticket price: €6
Special ticket: €10 (full price) €5 (reduced price) valid for visiting the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and the archaeological site of Knoss.
For more information:
Tel.: +30 2810 226092 / 224630 / 226470

Territory of Lassithi
Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos
It is located in Paleologou street and was founded in 1970. It exhibits many archaeological finds ranging from the Minoan to the Roman period.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 08.30 to 15.00.
Ticket price: €3
For more information:
Tel.: +30 28410 24943 / 22462 / 22382

Museum of Folk Art
It is located on the ground floor of the Port Police building in Agios Nikolaos and exhibits examples of folk art such as wood carvings, weaving and embroidery tools, traditional local costumes.
The museum is open Monday to Sunday (closed on Tuesdays) from 10:00 to 14:00.
For more information:
Tel.: +30 28410 25093

Territory of Rethymno
Archaeological Museum
It is located in the city of Rethymno and is housed in a building located at the entrance to the Fortezza. It houses exhibitions of archaeological excavations ranging from the Paleolithic to the Roman period.
The museum is open Monday to Sunday (closed on Tuesdays) from 08.30 to 15.00.
Ticket price: €3
For more information:
Tel.: +30 28310 / 54668

Beaches

Territory of Chania
Beautiful beaches with colored sand or pebbles, crystal clear water, caves and beautiful bays.

Platanias
It is located 11km from the city of Chania. The beach is long and sandy. It is a very characteristic tourist place and also very close to Chania.

Stalos
It is located 7km from the city of Chania. It is one of the best known and closest places to Chania. It is a very touristic area and its beach is very beautiful.

Kiani Akti
It is located 17km from the city of Chania. It is a beautiful beach between Kalami and Kalyves.

Golden Beach
It is located 1km from the city of Chania. It is the closest beach to Chania and can be reached on foot from the city centre. This makes it very populated and crowded during the summer.

Territory of Heraklion
Throughout the northern and southern coast of the territory, tourists can discover fantastic and relaxing beaches. Alongside typically touristic places, where you can find hotels, taverns and water sports centres, there are bays and beaches which guarantee total privacy and relaxation.

Matala
It is located 67km from the city of Heraklion. It is the most famous beach, very well organized and offers a very relaxing environment.

Amnissos
It is located 9km from the city of Heraklion. It is a long organized beach with sun loungers, umbrellas, water sports centers and bars.

Stalida
It is located 33km from the city of Heraklion, between Hersonissos and Malia. It is a very popular beach with a large number of hotels.

Territory of Lassithi
Magnificent beaches can be found along the coast of Lassithi.

Go
It is located 94km from Agios Nikolaos. It is a beach surrounded by the only palm forest in all of Europe. The forest has about 5,000 palm trees and is a protected area.

Almiros
It is located 3km from Agios Nikolaos. It is a very touristic place due to its centers where it is possible to practice all kinds of water sports.

Agios Nikolaos beach
It is located very close to the center of Agios Nikolaos so much that it can be reached on foot. It is a small beach with pebbles.

Territory of Rethymno
The beaches are known for their peaceful environment and clean water. The most popular ones are located along the north coast. The southern coasts instead offer very quiet beaches.

Bali
It is located 32km from the city of Rethymno. In summer it becomes very popular for its landscape and very peaceful atmosphere.

Perivolia
It is located 2km from the city of Rethymno. The proximity to the city makes it very crowded during the summer.

Agios Georgios
It is located 62km from the city of Rethymno, near Agia Galini. It is a secluded beach that has no tourist services. It is ideal for those looking for some privacy.

Agios Pavlos
It is located 58km from the city of Rethymno. It is one of the most characteristic places in the southern part of the island of Crete. It has a small pier bay. Only partially organized for tourism, it gives the possibility to enjoy great relaxation.

Having fun in Crete
Greece is well known for its dynamic and active nightlife. Crete is considered the island with the most nightlife. The island offers a great choice of bars and clubs located in the main cities and along the beaches.
In the territory of Chania the night life is particularly intense especially in the capital, the city of Chania, and in the beaches of Platanias and Paleohora. Modern bars offer all kinds of atmospheres and music, and clubs and bars are open until late.
Nightlife in the territory of Lassithi is especially lively in the capital, the city of Agios Nikolaos, and on the beaches of Elounda, Makrigialos, Sitia, Neapolis, Ierapetre. Here you will find bars that play all kinds of music and clubs open until the following morning.
The territory of Heraklion offers a particularly intense nightlife in the capital, the city of Heraklion, and in the beaches of Malia, Limenas Hersonissou. Modern bars offer all kinds of atmospheres and music as well as clubs, open until late.
In the territory of Rethymno, nightlife is particularly lively in the capital, the city of Rethymno, and in the beaches of Agia Galini and Plakias.