Crete

"The Venice of the East", Chania is characterized by a blend of Venetian, Ottoman and Neoclassical monuments and architecture. Its streets are narrow, colorful and picturesque, passing by flowered balconies, traditional knife shops, Cretan boot shops, lively restaurants and cozy cafes. Don't miss the beautiful promenade along the Venetian port, where you can see the Venetian lighthouse, one of the symbols of Chania.

The Venetian Koules Fortress, also known as Castello a Mare (which means "fort on the sea"), is one of Heraklion's main landmarks and is located on the old harbour. This big, square-shaped structure was built in the 16th century to protect the city and was subsequently armed with cannons. The rooftop offers scenic views over the sea and Heraklion city.

Founded in 1953, the Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion hosts a permanent collection showcasing the history of Crete from the third century AD to the end of the Second World War. Artefacts, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and other objects of interest are displayed in chronological order, with visual materials, multimedia and audio guides available during your visit to help you learn more about Crete's fascinating past. A section of the museum is dedicated to the famous writer Nikos Kazantzakis. Another highlight of the exhibition are two paintings by the Greek artist El Greco: The Baptism of Christ and View of Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions.

The ruins of the Palace of Knossos, the largest and most brilliant centre of the Minoan civilization, are located 5 kilometres south of the historical centre of Heraklion. Twisting corridors and stairwells, which used to connect as many as five storeys, create a truly labyrinthine complex which rivals the mythological Minoan "Labyrinth".

The gorge of Samaria is the longest and one of the most imposing gorges in Europe. Perhaps the most popular trekking path of Greece runs along its course, passing by varied landscapes, water springs, different types of trees, cliffs, pools and impressive rocks. The gorge is 18 kilometres long and its width varies between 150 and 3-4 metres at its narrowest point, which is known as "Sideroportes". The walk down the gorge begins at "Xiloskalo", in Omalós (at an altitude of 1,200 metres), and takes between 4 and 8 hours, depending on walking speed.

Another way to explore the island of Crete is by walking and hiking. The E4 European Walking Trail section in Crete features 91 hiking routes, for a total length of 560 km, traversing diverse landscapes and rare ecosystems. If you wish to complete the entire path, you should allow 3 or 4 weeks to do so, but you can also choose the trails that appeal the most to you. For more information about the path in Crete, visit the website below.

The fortification works of Heraklion are rightfully counted among the most important in the Eastern Mediterranean. Built in the First Byzantine period (330-840 AD), these fortifications were supplemented by the Arabs (840-961), the Byzantines (961-1204), and the Venetians (after 1211). Under threat of invasion by the Turks, a three-kilometre long wall with four gates and seven bastions was added on in 1462, and is still visible today.

This museum is dedicated to the famous Cretan author Nikos Kazantzakis, who wrote "Zorba the Greek" and "The Last Temptation of Christ". Among the exhibits are his personal correspondence and diaries, souvenirs from his travels, photographs, models of theatrical sets and costumes from performances of his plays, rare audio-visual material, and works of art inspired by his books.

Panagia Akrotiriani (Our Lady of the Cape) Monastery, colloquially known as Toplou Monastery, is one of Crete’s most impressive historic sights. It is a true bastion and a living museum of the island’s monastic history. There is a small but solemn and stirring two-aisled church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and to Saint John the Theologian, decorated with murals that still survive and featuring a chancel screen with noteworthy 18th century icons. The Ecclesiastic Art Museum houses some of Crete’s most significant icons, including Megas ei Kyrie' (Great Art Thou, Lord), a 1770 icon by Ioannis Kornaros. The icon is made up of four main sections, further separated into 57 smaller areas, and includes hundreds of faces which come together magnificently to depict the Great Blessing of Waters. The organic vineyards on the monastery’s grounds produce organic wine of excellent quality and it is also possible to visit the winery.

The palace complex and the city of Phaistos were built on a hill, offering a jaw-dropping panoramic views. Sights to look out for include the Lasithi mountains in the background, and the verdant hills which surround the city. Phaistos was the second largest Minoan city and an important administrative centre of south-central Crete. The Minoan city covered a large area around the palace complex. Mythology links Phaistos to Rhadamanthus, a brother of Minos, whose dynasty is believed to have ruled in the city. According to another story, it was founded by Phaistos, a son of Hercules. Homer mentioned that the city took part in the Trojan War, led by Idomeneus, king of Knossos and the whole of Crete.

Between the cities of Chania and Rethymnon, at the north edge of the White Mountains, you can find Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete.