The highlights of East Crete - what a traveler should see. Attractions on the map of Crete, which are worth seeing

Greek island Crete is one of the most popular in mythology Ancient Greece. It is Crete that is considered the birthplace of Zeus, as well as many other mythological figures. Crete is one of the most famous resorts Europe thanks to its unique climate and beaches. The island is washed by several seas and has an ideal tourism infrastructure for lovers beach tourism. But even if you like to sunbathe on the beach, you should not deprive the attention of the sights of Crete. In this compilation, I will tell you about the most popular places on the island that are worth exploring during the tour.

The ancient city of Gortyn

Among the ancient sights of Crete, you should pay attention to ancient city Gortyn. It belongs to the most important archaeological sites in Greece and is located a few tens of kilometers south of the capital of Crete. Many different peoples lived on this land over the centuries, whose cultures are reflected in the partially preserved ruins. You will find here elements of Greek, Roman and even Egyptian cultures. Another interesting place nearby is the catacombs, which were formed during the extraction of stone during the construction of Gortyn. Unfortunately, this labyrinth is not accessible to travelers due to security measures.

Fortress of Spinalonga

For centuries, these territories of Crete were empty and only after the advent of the Venetians began to develop, as they discovered rich reserves of salt here. Spinalonga was based on small island in 1579. The fortress was built for defensive purposes, as the settlement was often attacked by pirates and Turks. The history of the island and the fortress of Spinalonga is very rich in numerous events. This place constantly changed owners and passed from one owner to another. To this day, there are many ancient buildings and defensive walls. There are also dark spots in the history of the island. For example, at the beginning of the 20th century, Spinalonga was a kind of prison for lepers from all over Greece. However, it was here that electricity first appeared on the island of Crete. The fortress is one of the must-see attractions in Greece.

Dicteian cave

Among the natural attractions of Crete, it is worth noting the Diktea cave, which is located in the mountains of the same name. This is one of the most beautiful places on the entire island, where, according to myth, the god Zeus was born. During excavations, many ancient artifacts in honor of this ancient Greek deity were found here. The cave is very popular among travelers who visit en masse. legendary place. Dikteyskaya cave consists of the so-called vestibule and the main hall. Here you will find a big underground lake with special wooden bridges that lead along fantastic stalactites and other geological formations. To diversify your journey, you can get to the cave with the help of donkey excursions.

Lake Kourna

The attractions of Crete include several lakes, but this is one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in Crete. Kourna is very popular among the other natural wonders of Crete. The lake is located 50 kilometers southeast of Chania. You will surely be surprised to meet turtles and other rare inhabitants here. fresh lakes. For this reason, the lake is a nature reserve and is protected by European nature protection laws. Numerous studies claim that lake water is so pure that it can be drunk even without purification and boiling. There is also a nice cozy beach where both locals and numerous tourists relax. Qurnas can be safely included in the list of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Lake Voulismeni

Another wonderful lake Krita is Voulismeni. This freshwater reservoir is located in the city of Agios Nikolaos. The lake is famous for its round shape and great depth several tens of meters. There have long been myths that Vulusmeni is completely bottomless. According to these legends, the goddess Athena herself bathed here. It is a proven fact that during the Second World War, the inhabitants of Crete flooded the German military equipment. Voulismeni was the object of research by the legendary Frenchman Jacques Yves Cousteau, who dived here with his bathyscaphe.

Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge in Crete is the most great gorge Europe. This is one of the most picturesque natural sights of Crete. This gorge has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has managed to preserve elements of ancient buildings and shrines. About a century ago, the Samaria Gorge became a national park and protected reserve. Thus the government decided to protect the unique animal world and flora of Samaria. A special hiking trail through which hundreds of thousands of tourists pass each year. Sometimes there are so many people here that even traffic jams form. The Samaria Gorge is open to tourists during the summer and autumn period, when there is the least rainfall. Traveling here is dangerous during the rainy season, as the gorge often fills with water.

Minotaur Labyrinth

Not surprisingly, many sights of Crete are associated with myths and legends. In the case of the labyrinth of the Minotaur, it was here that the monstrous monster was kept, terrorizing the inhabitants of Athens. With his help, King Minas collected requisitions from people, but the brave hero Theseus saved the inhabitants of the city from the minotaur. And so another myth of Ancient Greece appeared. Interestingly, the exact location and plan of the labyrinth are not known. It is believed that ancient labyrinth was in the ruins of the Palace of Knossos in northern Crete. Some of the underground routes have indeed survived to this day, but none of the researchers have been able to decipher its plan and real purpose.

Knossos palace

The Palace of Knossos is mentioned in the list of architectural sights of Crete as an integral item. This palace was the main building of one of oldest cities in Greece called Knossos. You can find the famous Ruins in the north of Crete, near the current city of Heraklion. Throughout history, the palace was repeatedly damaged by earthquakes, but was soon restored again. When the archaeologist Evans bought the land in the north of Crete, he tried to partially recreate it ancient building. It is thanks to his efforts that today it is possible to look deep into history and see some elements of the Knossos Palace.

Ruins of ancient Olus

A very popular place among scuba divers is the Ruins of the ancient city of Olus. The city was under water after a powerful earthquake, being a powerful port and shopping mall. Thanks to diving under water today, scuba divers have unique chance observe the heritage of several civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. Here you can rent diving equipment and even hire a private guide to take you on an underwater tour. Not everyone can visit this unusual attraction of Crete, as certain diving skills are required. Olous is included in the list of the most mysterious underwater cities in history.

Kera Kardiotissa

A less visited attraction in Crete is one of the island's most important shrines. The monastery of Kera Kardiotissa includes a number of buildings that are about 800 years old. Today it's quiet quiet place where services are still in progress. Orthodox tourists are attracted here by a copy of the icon of the Virgin, which is considered a healing disease. Many believe that by touching this icon they will be able to recover, or gain longevity. This peaceful place creates an atmosphere as if life had stopped many centuries ago.

Museum of Agios Nikolaos

One of the attractions of Crete is the Museum of Archeology in the city of Agios Nikolaos. Here you can see many archaeological finds found during excavations. The exposition of the museum reveals to the visitor the history of the island of Crete. Various epochs of the life of the island are presented, but the most outstanding exhibits are the statue of the goddess Metra and the skull of a young Roman.

Water City Waterpark

Many will certainly be interested in the modern landmarks of Crete, including the WaterCity water park in the city of Anapolis. Numerous tourists rest here after a tour of the ancient ruins. The water park can be found near the village of Kokkini Hani. There is waterslides both for adults extreme sportsmen and for small children. The most modern range of attractions is presented, which can only be found in European resorts.

Rethymno city

In the western part of Crete is picturesque town Rethymno. It was built by the Venetians during their reign on the island. Many sights of this city are perfectly preserved to our time. But among them it is worth highlighting the magnificent Fortezza fortress from the 16th century. There are also museums here, including the archaeological and historical-ethnographic ones. Numerous tourists like to gather near the Rimondi Fountain in the port of Rethymno.

Elafonisi beach

Elafonisi beach is included in the list of the best beaches in Greece and is located 20 kilometers from the city of Chania. Elafonisi is famous for its pink sand and scenic views. It is for the sake of this beach that many tourists from different countries Europe choose the island of Crete as a destination for holidays. Such an unusual color of the sand was formed due to the remains of special corals, and the water in the lagoon is always crystal clear. Here is everything you need for quality rest, therefore, I strongly advise you to visit this attraction of Crete during your trip.

Vai beach

In the final part of our review, let's go through the best beaches of Crete. Among them is the palm beach of Vai on the territory of the national park of the same name. It is famous for the largest palm forest in European Continent. Even more surprising is that endemic Theophrastus palms grow here. Vai Beach is very popular with tourists, so in summer season it's always very crowded here. However, this place is recommended to visit thanks to scenic views and the opportunity to watch the sunrise.

Bay of Balos

Many people come to Crete for this very reason. amazing place where one of the most beautiful beaches peace. The beach of Balos bay with white-pink sand and turquoise water in shallow water is surrounded untouched nature. There is no infrastructure here, as Balos Bay is protected area. Numerous tourists come here on foot from the nearest parking lot, but such a journey is worth it. As an alternative, donkey rides can be booked, especially for children.

Matala beach

This is not just a beach, but an important historical place near the small Greek settlement of Matala. Matala is located in a cozy bay formed by rocks. People have lived in this place since prehistoric times, and supporters of Jesus Christ hid from persecutors in numerous rocky caves. The ruins of ancient temples and burials are still preserved here. This is the case when history, picturesque beach and the beauty of nature.

Although Crete is part of Greece, it has its own history and culture. Tourists love places like Knossos, Samaria Gorge. Those who love a quiet holiday can be advised relaxing holidays in towns and villages. Here are the top 10 attractions of Crete:

1. Knossos

European civilization originated in Crete 9 thousand years ago. Little of it has survived to this day, it was replaced by the great Minoan civilization. Its center was Knossos with a huge palace that belonged to King Minos.

He is mentioned in the legend of Theseus, who killed the Minotaur - half man, half bull. In 1900, excavations were carried out here under the direction of the British archaeologist Arthur Evans.

2. Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is 16 km long, one of the longest in Europe and the most beautiful. It is located in the southwest of Crete, not far from Chania. This national park holds wonders wildlife.

IN winter time the gorge is closed due to flash floods. In summer, 6-hour walks are held here. They end nearby in Agia Roumeli, back to the city can be reached by ferry or bus.

3. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

The building is currently being renovated, so most of collections is not available. In order not to disappoint tourists, a temporary exhibition hall was built next to the museum.

4. Chania old town and harbor

Chania is considered the most beautiful resort islands. Once it was the capital of Crete. Old city attracts tourists with narrow cobbled streets and stunning examples of Venetian architecture.

There are many cozy cafes and restaurants where you can have a delicious lunch. The city is based on the ancient city of Cydonia in the Roman period. The best way to see the sights of Chania is by horse-drawn carriage.

5. Lake Kournas

Surrounded by luxurious fields, mysterious forests and beautiful white mountains, Lake Kournas is the only freshwater lake on Crete. Nearby are a number of taverns and Lapp's landmark - the Roman baths.

6. Lasithi Plateau

It is a huge fertile plain covering 25,000 square kilometers, located in the Dictian Mountains. There are hundreds of whites on the plateau windmills irrigating the fields. According to myths, the Psychro cave is considered the birthplace of Zeus. It can be reached by a steep path. The walk takes 30 minutes.

7. Caves of Anogia and Zoniana

A sad story is connected with the cave of Anogia. During the Second World War, the occupying German troops destroyed the village near the cave to the ground, killed all the men in retaliation for the captured German soldier. A memorial has been erected in memory of the tragic events.

This village was the birthplace of Nikos Xylouris, the legendary Cretan musician who died in 1980 at the age of 43. Every year the village hosts the Yakintha music and theater festival in honor of the musician. Nearby is another remarkable cave - Zoniana, which is famous for its very beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

8. Agios Nikolaos

- a very nice town, a popular Cretan resort. There is a picturesque harbor where you can often meet fishermen. There are many taverns on the shore of the lake with delicious food and drinks. Almost in the center of the city is Kitroplatia beach.

9. Spinalonga Island

This is a charming place near the coast of Elounda. 800 years ago, the Venetians built fortifications here to guard the entrance to Elounda. Later, lepers lived here, who were brought here from all over Greece. The colony closed in 1957.

10. Loutro

Wish a relaxing holiday? Get on the boat and sail to the village of Loutro. This is typical Greek village with white and blue houses. Enjoy leisurely walks, swim in the azure sea, take a break from the bustle of the city on a pebble beach.

Crete is ancient and most big Island Greece. Here salubrious climate, beautiful beaches in warm, cozy bays, luxury resorts, generous nature, life-giving air, cypress and yew alleys, flower beds, alpine lakes, fabulous waterfalls, olive trees and vineyards. Oh oh ancient structures, which are found here literally at every step, we know from school textbooks.

The island is covered with ancient legends, literally all places here are famous for their stories.

Thirty centuries ago, according to legend, in the dungeon of the Palace of Knossos, King Minos lived a cannibal monster Minotaur, who ate beautiful girls and youths.

The hero Theseus dealt with the monster, and ancient state died after the eruption of the Santorini volcano.

The best attractions of Heraklion and other cities of Crete

A lot can be written about Cretan sights, because the island, during its centuries-old history, has seen prehistoric Dorian times, the Minoan civilization, witnessed the Byzantine rule, survived the Venetian era and the capture of the Ottoman Empire.

The city of Gortyna is located 46 km from Heraklion. It's almost the only ancient city which is partially preserved.

Different eras and styles intertwined in the city. The ancient Greek amphitheater and the Temple of Apollo in the olive grove are adjacent to the Egyptian sanctuary of the gods Isis and Serapis.

The excavations of Gortyna continue, and perhaps in a few years it will appear in a completely different form.

The city of Aptera has been mentioned in clay tablets found in the Palace of Knossos for more than 33 centuries. He had 2 seaports, was famous for trade, crafts, navigation, minted 76 types of coins. It is located at the top of the hill. The name stands for "wingless".

According to legend, the Sirens lived here, whom Zeus deprived of their wings. The shape of the city resembles a bird in flight. Huge cisterns for storing either water or grain, nuclei and drawings of a catapult are well preserved here. Aptera is located 15 km from Hanei.

Where to go and what to see in Crete with children?

For a holiday with a child, Crete is a very good choice.

Here clean beaches, healthy climate and tasty and similar to our food.

The Greeks are very well-mannered, they love small children. The best time to visit is May or September-October. In Crete, there are two types of holidays with children - a hotel or an apartment.

Typically, hotels provide baby cots, menus, playgrounds, and a mini club. Behind 10 euros per hour a nanny can sit with the child.

Selling in supermarkets baby food in jars, mixtures, milk and other necessary goods for children. So, if you live in apartments, you can buy them at a local store.

Rest for three in a decent hotel with meals costs an average 60-70 thousand "wooden" in 2 weeks. resorts for family vacation a lot with kids.

It's pretty quiet places, there is all the necessary infrastructure, sandy beaches With smooth entry in the sea, for kids there are pools with sea water.

It is interesting to visit such sights with children:

Marine aquarium in Gouves near Heraklion will delight you with colorful fish and huge sharks.
It works all year round. In the summer season from half past ten in the morning until nine in the evening, and in the winter - until five in the evening. Admission fee for adults 8 euro, for children - 6, for kids under 5 years old - for free. There is also a cafe here.
IN water park "Aqua Plus" near Hersonissos there are entertainment for adults and children, pools with slides for kids. It is open during the summer season from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

A visit to it will cost adults 20 euro, and for children over five years old - 12. The cafe has ice cream. You can also take photos there.
The largest in Crete is considered water park "Water City" next to the Kokkini Hani resort. There is everything for the little ones - pools with slides, fountains, bridges.

He works from ten in the morning until half past six in the evening. The ticket costs 22 euros and 16 euros. E-tickets 10-15% cheaper. The cafe has everything you need to have a good meal.
Aquapark “Star Beach”- the only one located on the seashore.

Entrance is free, but you have to pay for the sunbed 3 euro. There are several pools with slides for children and adults.
Lake Kourna near Gergioupolis west of Rethymno quiet, peaceful a nice place with small fish near the shore.

The restaurants have playgrounds, there are a lot of ducks and geese around, who are happy to take food from their hands. Catamaran rental costs 7 euros per hour. You can sunbathe on the beach.
Very interesting boat trips in Rethymno and many other resorts. On such trips, you can learn a lot of interesting things about the crafts of the island - pottery, olive oil production, growing vegetables.
Cafes and restaurants located on tourist routes There is a separate children's menu.

Routes for independent travel by car

Renting a car in Crete is not a problem, there are many small companies involved in this business.

It is more economical to choose a small car, the roads here are excellent, the traffic is not very intense.

Although there are a lot of "reckless" ones. Fines for speeding are significant. Parking is very difficult to find. Often there are traffic jams due to goats scurrying everywhere.

Gas stations do not work around the clock, few of them are open until 11 pm.
Routes for excursions should be chosen based on what you want to see.

Monasteries of Crete- This is a must see. This is a special national flavor, calmness, restraint and peace, they all stand on hills, from where a beautiful panoramic view opens. Many legends and stories are associated with them.

On the mountains of the Akrotiri peninsula, deep gorge there is an amazing rock monastery Katholiko. This truly secluded place is located away from busy routes - the oldest Orthodox monastery in Crete, dating back to the 5th century. Hermits lived here.

You can get to the monastery along a rocky path, bypassing Ursa Cave. According to legend, this cave was healing spring, which a bear got into the habit of bullying people. The Virgin Mary turned her into stone.

And the truth is large stalactite in the cave resembles a bear. From the cave on a stone bridge you can get to the monastery. You can get to it from the city (20 km), and then go down on foot.

If you plan to have time to go round several interesting places, That approximate route may be like this. First visit cave of Sfendoni(Sentoni, Sandney). Near it there is a tavern where they sell tickets for 4 euros with a cave map in Russian. At the same time, here you can have breakfast and admire the view of the valley.

After that, you can view old church axos, climb the path to the remains of the fortress, numbering 30 centuries and admire the panorama of the sea from here. The nearest village on the coast is Panormos. Here you can dine and sunbathe and swim on the beach.

Then continue the route to Monastery of Arkadi- a symbol of the struggle for the independence of Crete. The territory of the monastery is buried in flowers. You can attend the evening service. ancient legend says that the monk Arcadius saw the glow of an ancient icon at this place, and a monastery was built here.

It is famous for the art of gold embroidery, which can be seen in the museum of the monastery. At the end of the 19th century, the rebels, surrounded by the Turkish invaders, blew up the gunpowder stored in the Arkadi pantry and died themselves, destroying half of the enemy army.

The monastery was rebuilt, keeping the memory of the heroes.
That's all. The day is over and it's time to return to the hotel. Rethymnon is within easy reach.

TOURIST ANSWERS:

Crete with its amazing nature And centuries of history so rich in various attractions that it will take quite a bit to see them all. a large number of time and even for several trips to rest, you will not be able to see everything. Therefore, I will talk about some of them that you can see or visit, combining these excursions with a vacation on the island.

The first, probably, what tourists who first came to Crete are trying to see is the Palace of Knossos, which is associated with many different myths and legends, the most famous of which is the myth of the Minotaur, who lives in the labyrinths of the palace and devours young men and women who were sent here as a donation . As a result, Theseus managed to defeat the Minotaur and, using the ball of thread that Ariadne gave him, got out of the labyrinth. The history of the palace has more than four thousand years, during which it was destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt. The Palace of Knossos is located near the capital, or rather the administrative center of Crete, the city of Heraklion, named after the hero Greek mythology Hercules. You can get to it on your own by bus, which departs from a kiosk located next to the bus station with the inscription "Knossos Palace". The bus runs quite often and the round trip fare is approximately four euros. You can also get there by rented car, there should not be any problems with the search, as there are signs everywhere, which can be quite easy to navigate. Of course, it is better to visit the palace accompanied by a guide, since the main interest is precisely the stories associated with the Knossos Palace. Signs are installed on the territory of the complex, by which you can navigate what this or that section of the palace is like, as well as the direction of further movement for inspection. The Palace of Knossos is open to the public from 8.00 to 19.00 in summer and from 8.00 to 15.00 in winter. The entrance ticket costs six euros.

Immediately in Heraklion, the coastal fortress of Kules immediately catches the eye. It was built in the 14th century, but what we are seeing now is a building of a later period, restored after an earthquake already in the 16th century. It acquired its current name after Turkish rule, and the original name was Rocca al Mare. The lower floors served as dwellings for the defenders of the fortress, warehouses and even a prison. Walk around the area and interior spaces the fortress will seem quite interesting and fascinating to you. The citadel is open for tourists from 8.30 to 15.00 every day except Monday. The entrance fee is two euros.

On east coast islands, you can visit the excavations of the settlement of Zakros, from approximate age about four thousand years and which refers to Minoan civilization, named after Minos, who was the mythical king of Crete. Close-up on the territory ancient Crete was one of administrative centers and is currently the best preserved. During the excavations, the ruins of the palace and about a dozen different buildings were discovered here, which served as workshops, storage rooms, a bathroom, a swimming pool and even an archive. In addition, many different items were found, including tablets with a linear script, rock crystal dishes, and in one of the amphoras, perfectly preserved olives, whose age is about three thousand years, were found. For independent travel need to get to locality Kato Zakros, near which this museum is located under open sky. Don't forget to bring a supply drinking water, especially if your travel time falls in the months of July or August, when it is especially hot in Crete. Entrance to the territory of the complex costs three euros, opening hours from 9.00 to 15.00 daily, except Monday.

One of the most visited places in Crete is the Dictean Cave, which is located in the Dictian Mountains in the southern part of the island near the village of Psychro. It is also called the Cave of Zeus, because according to legend, the goddess Rhea, hiding from her husband, gave birth to Zeus in this cave, where he grew up. The cave is decorated with stalactites and stalagmites with their bizarre shapes. During the excavations, tables for offerings and an altar were found. In the depths of the cave itself is a small Mountain Lake in which Zeus bathed. You can buy an excursion with a visit to the Dikteyskaya cave in any travel agency Crete. For a more comfortable journey, I advise you to wear comfortable shoes, since from the bus stop to the cave itself go eight hundred meters, and uphill, since the cave itself is located at an altitude of more than a thousand meters above sea level, and the road is quite difficult. Also don't forget to bring some warm clothes with you as it's quite chilly and damp inside, where again you'll need comfortable shoes to avoid slipping on the wet rocks. The entrance to the cave is paid and is four euros, when buying an excursion, they are usually included in the price.

For lovers of ecotourism, an excursion to the Samaria Gorge, which is considered the largest not only in Crete, but throughout Europe, can be very interesting. For many years it served as a shelter and shelter for the inhabitants of the island, first from the Turks during the Ottoman invasion, who could not take possession of the gorge. In the last century, rebels were hiding here, dissatisfied with the dictatorial regime and resistance fighters fighting against German troops. Half a century ago, the gorge received the status national park and the population living in its territory was resettled. Every year this gorge is visited by more than two hundred thousand tourists from different countries. Here, in addition to the amazing and unique nature, you can see the preserved buildings living in different time local residents, and the creation of a reserve on the territory of the gorge involves preserving interesting views animals and fauna, as well as the nature of the White Mountains. I want to immediately warn tourists who are going to go through the gorge that this is a rather difficult excursion, it’s definitely not worth taking children, and it’s not worth talking about drinking water supplies and comfortable equipment at all, it’s clear that you can’t do without it. It is best to choose a not hot period, then the trip will be more comfortable. The entrance ticket costs five euros.

The sights of Crete can be divided into three groups: historical, natural and modern.

There are a lot of historical sights on the island, they can be divided into ancient antique and medieval (monasteries, churches, fortresses). The most important and popular place visiting is . In general, there are plenty of ancient palaces on the island: Phaistos, Kato Zakros,. Also in this group can be attributed. A large number of artifacts and ancient items found during excavations are stored in archaeological museums, the most important of which is in . There are more than 20 monasteries and churches on the island, of the most important:,. There are also a large number of fortresses, fortress walls, protective gates, which are also interesting for acquaintance.

Natural attractions in Crete are very diverse: forests and groves, rivers and lakes, mountains and plains, plateaus and gorges. Moreover, some of them are interesting both from the natural and historical points of view. These, of course, include where, in addition to the amazing flora and fauna, there are the remains of traditional settlements. Interesting and. Lovers of the sea and beaches should appreciate and.

Modern attractions include museums and windmills built according to ancient technologies.

Top 5 attractions in Crete worth seeing

If you have little time for excursions, then we recommend limiting yourself to the five most interesting places on the island. So that you have a general idea of the culture, history and nature of these places. We recommend the following.