Crete: The largest and most popular island in Greece
Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. It is located in the southern Aegean Sea and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. Crete offers a variety of tourist attractions, from archaeological sites and museums to beaches, food, and entertainment.
Archaeological sites
Crete is known for its rich archaeological findings, which testify to the island's long history. Some of the most important archaeological attractions in Crete are:
- The archaeological site of Knossos: Knossos was the capital of Minoan Crete and the largest archaeological site in Europe. The site includes the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, the largest and most important Minoan palace, as well as other buildings and monuments.
- The archaeological site of Phaistos: Phaistos was another important city of Minoan Crete. The site includes the ruins of the Palace of Phaistos, which is smaller than the Palace of Knossos, but is still an impressive monument.
- The archaeological site of Axos: Axos was a Minoan city located on the eastern coast of Crete. The site includes the ruins of a large temple, a palace, and other buildings.
- The archaeological site of Gortys: Gortys was a city of ancient Crete located in the central inland. The site includes the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, a Doric temple, and other buildings.
Attractions
In addition to its archaeological findings, Crete offers a variety of other tourist attractions. Some of the most popular attractions in Crete are:
- The cave of Saint Sophia: The cave of Saint Sophia is located on the eastern coast of Crete and is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
- The Geropotamos River: Geropotamos is one of the largest rivers in Crete and crosses the island from north to south.
- Lake Kournas: Lake Kournas is the only wetland area in Crete and is known for its rich flora and fauna.
- The Samaria Gorge: The Samaria Gorge is the largest gorge in Europe and is a popular tourist attraction for hikers.
Beaches
Crete has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Some of the most popular beaches in Crete are:
- Elounda Beach: Elounda Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Crete and is known for its white sand and shallow, turquoise waters.
- Balos Beach: Balos Beach is another popular beach in Crete and is known for its white pebbles, crystal-clear waters, and stunning scenery.
- Falasarna Beach: Falasarna Beach is a large beach with white sand and shallow waters.
- Preveli Beach: Preveli Beach is a beach with crystal-clear waters and impressive sand dunes.
Food
Cretan cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Some of the most popular dishes of Cretan cuisine are:
- Horta salad: Horta salad is a traditional Cretan salad made with various greens, such as dandelions, wild chicory, fennel, dill, celery, etc.
- Gamopilafo: Gamopilofo is a dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables and is traditionally served at weddings and other happy occasions.
- Cretan cheeses: Crete is known for its fresh cheeses, such as anthotyro, myzithra, cephalograviera, etc.
- Cretan sweets: Cretan sweets are known for their rich flavor and traditional recipes. Some of the most popular Cretan sweets are ravani, halva, raisin bread, etc.
Entertainment
Crete offers a variety of entertainment options for its visitors. Some of the most popular places for entertainment in Crete are:
- Nightclubs: Crete is known for its lively nightclubs, where you can enjoy traditional Cretan music and dance.
- Bars and clubs: There are many bars and clubs in Crete where you can have fun at night.
- Taverns: Taverns in Crete offer a variety of local dishes and drinks.
- Beaches: Beaches in Crete offer an opportunity for relaxation and entertainment.
Accommodation
Crete offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Hotels: There are many hotels to choose from in Crete, from budget-friendly to luxurious.
- Self-catering apartments: Self-catering apartments are a good option for those who want to save money and have more freedom.
- Camping: Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and experience the natural beauty of Crete.
Ports
Crete has several ports that connect the island to the rest of Greece and Europe. Here are some of the most important ports:
- Heraklion port: The largest port in Crete, connecting city with Piraeus Athens, Sitia port, Cyclades islands (Santorini, Ios, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Syros, Tinos …etc.) and the Dodecanese islands (Kasos, Karpathos, Chalki, Rhodes …etc).
- Rethymno port: Connecting city with Santorini and all the islands of the Cyclades via Santorini (Milos, Ios, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Syros, Tinos …etc.) during the summer months.
- Chania port: Connecting city with Piraeus Athens.
- Kisamos Port, Chania: Connecting the city with Piraeus Athens, Antikythera, Kythira and Gytheio (Peloponnese).
- Agios Nikolaos port: Connecting city with Santorini and all the islands of the Cyclades via Santorini (Milos, Ios, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Tinos …etc.) during the summer months.
- Sitia port: Connecting city with Piraeus Athens, Dodecanese islands (Kasos, Karpathos, Chalki, Rhodes …etc). Santorini all year and all the islands of the Cyclades via Santorini (Milos, Ios, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Syros, Tinos …etc.) during the summer months.
The website www.Ferries.gr is the perfect way to find information on all ferry routes from / To Crete. You can search for routes based on the date of departure and destination, and learn about all the companies that depart and the prices of tickets.
