Things to do in  Crete

Once the glorious capital of Minoan Crete and one of the most powerful cities in the eastern Mediterranean, ancient Knossos is a place steeped in legend. Crowned by the hilltop Palace of Knossos, which dates back at least 4,000 years, today, it’s Crete’s largest and most important archaeological site. Recognized with UNESCO World Heritage status, its remains tell a story that dates all the way back to the earliest European civilizations.

Discover one of Crete’s most important archaeological sites during a visit to the ruins of Archanes. Along with learning about the area's history and seeing evidence of aqueducts, a reservoir, and a theater, you'll see more personal remnants, such as ancient musical instruments, pottery shards, and cooking pots, at this archaeological site and museum.

With shallow waters, pale pink-tinted sands, and sweeping dunes, Elafonisi is frequently listed among Europe’s—and the world’s—top beaches. As the tide shifts, the beach is intermittently connected to a protected island nature reserve, which is home to a variety of rare plants and animals, including loggerhead sea turtles.

Bridging the gap between the Gramvousa Peninsula and Cape Tigani in Crete’s far west, Balos Beach and Lagoon is a pocket of paradise. Framed by a backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, as well as pale gold and pink sand, the startlingly blue lagoon offers visitors an idyllic waterfront escape that’s prime for relaxation. Unsurprisingly, Balos Beach is one of Crete’s most-photographed natural beaches.

With artifacts covering thousands of years, from the Neolithic era (c. 7000 BC) through to Roman times (c. AD 300), the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Crete is second only in size and importance to Athens’ National Archaeological Museum. It’s also widely regarded as one of the most important historical museums in Europe.

Situated in southwestern Crete, the Samaria Gorge is the longest canyon in Europe. A popular hiking destination and a favorite with walkers, the rugged river valley trail runs 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Xyloskalo in the White Mountains to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. The gorge is part of Samaria Gorge National Park, located along the Libyan Sea coast, and visiting it is a must-do for adventurers visiting Crete.

Built in the 13th century when Crete was under Venetian rule, Koules Fortress is known by many names. Sometimes called Rocca al Mare, or simply the Venetian Fortress, it was initially designed to protect Heraklion from invasion. Today it houses exhibits on the history of Heraklion.

The now-uninhabited island of Spinalonga (Kalydon) sits in the Elounda Gulf along Crete’s northeastern shore. During the 16th-century Venetian occupation, the invaders built a defensive fortress here protecting Mirabello Bay. Today visitors can tour the massive structure and the abandoned buildings that sit along its turreted walls.

Situated in a valley surrounded by dramatic mountains, Lake Kournas offers a picturesque alternative to Crete’s many beaches. It’s the only freshwater lake on the island, and its warm, turquoise, spring-fed waters reflect the rocky peaks above like a mirror. Summertime visitors come to swim, boat, or just loll on the beach.

The third-largest settlement on the Greek island of Crete, the port town of Rethymno (Rethimno) has been occupied since the Late Minoan period. Its Venetian- and Ottoman-era old town—a knot of narrow, flower-bedecked lanes overlooked by a fortified Venetian castle—oozes history and character. A series of sandy beaches stretch out along the coastline to the east.

Located in southwestern Crete, Imbros Gorge is the second most popular gorge on the island. A less strenuous and less crowded alternative to the more famous and imposing Samaria Gorge, Imbros Gorge offers beautiful scenery and some spectacularly narrow sections along a 4.9-mile (8-kilometer stretch suitable for hiking.

Perched at the end of the breakwater, the Venetian Lighthouse—constructed around 1570 when Chania was under the control of the Republic of Venice—is the most striking building on the town’s Venetian Harbor. One of the oldest lighthouses in the world, its spectacular architecture makes it one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.

Lions Square is a popular Heraklion meeting point. Here visitors cross paths with locals on their way to work, to meet friends, or go shopping. Although the official name is Eleftherios Venizelos Square (after the former prime minister), the area is known as Lions Square thanks to the four stone lions gracing the ornate Morosini fountain.

The Megalopotamos River runs through this cliff-hemmed canyon for almost 1.8 miles (3 kilometers before flowing out into the Libyan Sea at Preveli Beach, a scenic stretch of palm-shaded sand. The Kouropa and Xiron Mountains rise up on either side of the gorge, adding to the dramatic natural scenery, while birds of prey circle overhead.

Venice ruled Crete for more than 400 years and built Chania’s scenic port during the 14th century. Today, the Old Venetian Harbor is the beating heart of Chania Old Town, with restaurants, bars, and stores nestled beside landmarks from the Venetian Lighthouse to the Firkas Fortress, Grand Arsenal, and Hassan Pasha Mosque.