16 Breathtaking Attractions in Crete You Won't Want to Miss

Before a visit to Knossos, to better understand the ancient history and people of Crete, go to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in the centre of the city. The findings from the palace are stored, preserved and displayed in the museum. There are frescoes, pottery, jewellery, weapons and sculptures from the Minoan civilisation, but also discoveries from the Neolithic and Roman eras. Don’t miss the implausibly delicate Malia Pendant, made circa 1800 BCE.

Just outside the capital city of Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos once served as the political centre for the Minoans, who created the first sophisticated civilisation in Europe. At the entrance you’ll find dozens of certified guides eager to show you the wonders of the palace, from important archaeological discoveries to the mythological stories of King Minos and the minotaur. Get there early to avoid the crowds, as it is one of the most popular sites in Crete.

Just a few kilometres off of the National Road, between the cities of Rethymno and Chania, is Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete. Flanked at one end by tree-cloaked mountains, and at the other by white-sand beaches, this startlingly blue body of water is dotted with birds and ducks. Bring your cossies for a swim and snorkel, or rent a pedalo from one of the beachside vendors to explore the lake.

The largest of its kind in Europe, Samariá Gorge starts from the mountain village of Omalos and carves its way through the countryside to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli. It takes about five to seven hours to complete the 16km (10mi) hike, but don’t worry, it’s downhill all the way. You’ll want to bring plenty of water and snacks, and your swimming things for cooling off in the sea when you finally reach the end.

If you don’t fancy doing battle with the crowds at Knossos Palace, this fabulous, but much less crowded, site is a must-see. It’s in the south of Heraklion, on the Messara Plain near Matala Beach. It is believed that the brother of King Minos, Rhadamanthus, built the palace for his own pleasure. The Phaistos Disc was found here, and those with puzzle-solving brains may want to take a careful look at the characters inscribed on it, which remain undeciphered.

Heading to Chania? You’ll undoubtedly end up heading to the pink-sand beaches of Elafonisi on the southwest coast. But before you run splashing into the sea, stop in to Chrisoskalitissa Monastery (bring a scarf to cover your shoulders). This important religious and historical site was built to venerate the Virgin Mary. The name means “golden step” and refers to the belief that one of the steps leading to the monastery was made of gold, but only those without sin could see it.

The highest point in Crete lies 2,456m (8,058ft) above sea level, and is known to the Cretans as Psiloritis. The mountaintop is drenched in mythology, and legend has it that it may have been the birthplace of Zeus himself. Though it’s a strenuous hike, and not recommended for beginners, you can reach the top in a day if you’ve got a decent level of fitness. If you make it, don’t forget to ring the bell at the ruins of Timios Stavros church.

The other legendary birthplace of Zeus is the large Psychro Cave in the Lasithi prefecture in eastern Crete. It’s a small hike to get to the entrance of the cave. Once inside, you’ll see a staircase that takes you down into the cave where there are amazing stalagmites and stalactites. The view across the Lasithi Plateau is breathtaking, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can take in the sights.

The Minoan civilisation flourished on Crete from around 3000 BC to 1100 BC, and there are plenty of wonderfully evocative sites that recreate the life and times of the island’s art-loving inhabitants. Pick of the crop is the Ancient Eleutherna site and museum, where you can gawp in awe at 7th century BC burial grounds and learn all about Minoan funeral rites. Eleutherna is only 10 miles (16 kilometres) from the cave where legend has it Greek god Zeus was born, so make sure you hike to this breathtaking site. Recommended by Heidi Fuller-Love.

For best-value island food, meze snacks – often served with punch-packing local spirit raki (also called Tsikoudia) – can’t be beat. Sample the best mezes in kafeneia (traditional coffee houses) near the old market in the Cretan capital Heraklion, or head east to traditional tavernas in the tiny port of Mochlos. For really off the tourist path supping, drive high into the mountains to Vyzari for crisp courgette fritters (kolokithokeftedes) and other homemade goodies at I Strofi tis Gefseis. “The best meze dishes are from the fields: garlicky kochloi snails or horta wild greens doused in lemon and olive oil,” says Giannis from local travel company Crete Urban Adventures. Recommended by Heidi Fuller-Love.

From the sandy stretches surrounding Rethymno, to golden swathes near Chania, Crete is a beach paradise. Best of the lot (and undoubtedly the most Instagrammable), has to be Elafonisi’s pristine pink sands and sweeping dunes that are separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon. At the other end of the island, beach bums will adore Vai, a sandy stretch surrounded by Europe’s largest natural palm forest – made famous when it served as the filming location for the “Taste of Paradise” Bounty ad in the 1970s. If you love your sun and sand with a side of music, head for Matala’s horseshoe bay for the (free) rock, folk and jazz festival in June. Recommended by Heidi Fuller-Love.

Spinalonga, the leper island of Victoria Hislop’s best-selling novel, is just a short ride from the shop-lined streets of Agios Nikolaos with its ‘bottomless’ Voulismeni Lake. Head for neighbouring Elounda to hop on one of the traditional wooden boats that ply the route back and forth to this barren island in pretty Mirabello Bay, where Greece’s lepers lived in quarantine until the 1950s. To get the best out of the trip – and hear lots of anecdotes – make sure you hire one of the professional guides: they are waiting when you get off the boat. Recommended by Heidi Fuller-Love.

You won’t see tigers or elephants on a Cretan safari, but exploring wild landscapes, following dusty off-piste trails and swimming in isolated, hard-to-reach coves is almost as thrilling. Safaris in the west of the island explore traditional villages high in the White Mountains or discover hidden coves near stunning beaches such as Preveli, while eastern safaris travel to hotspots including the windmill-studded Lasithi plateau and rugged Ha Gorge. Bring a change of clothes, plenty of sunscreen and a good hat for these four-wheel drive trips along dusty tracks. Recommended by Heidi Fuller-Love.

The Holy Monastery of Arkadi is one of the most important and historic monasteries of Greece’s largest island, Crete. It is located 23 km away from the city of Rethymno, on a strategic point northwest of the mount Idi. It was established during the 5th century and became world widely known due to its participation in the struggle against the Turkish occupation, with the sacrifice of its defendants on the 8th of November 1866 considered a highlight of the war. UNESCO has recognized the monastery as a European Monument of Freedom because of this event. Recommended by Evangelos Tsirmpas.

The old city of Rethymno is the result of the fusion of the eastern Turkish elements with the Venetian architecture of the Renaissance. The visitor passes by a number of Venetian and Turkish sights, temples and public buildings. The atmosphere of the old city and its narrow streets narrates the rich history of the place in a fascinating way. Recommended by Evangelos Tsirmpas.

The mountains of Rethymno host about 800 caves of special archaeological and folkloric interest. Idaion Antron is the cave where, according to the Greek mythology, Zeus was raised by Amaltheia. It used to be a place of worship, according to the golden jewelry, ceramics and various metal objects that were discovered there. The cave of Agios Antonios in Patso is wonderful and includes the homonymous church, the church Sfentoni in Zoniana impresses with its 14 corridors and the countless stalactites and stalagmites, while the cave of Melidonio was once place of worship of the god Hermes and was the place of sacrifice of the residents of Melidonio, whose bones are still to be seen inside the cave. Recommended by Evangelos Tsirmpas.