Guide of crete Continue The Crete section of Crete is filled with history and picturesque scenery. Archaeological sites, historical sites, fascinating museums, isolated monasteries, wandering hiking trails and more await you in this amazing place. Venice of the East hanya is characterized by a combination of Venetian, Ottoman and neoclassical monuments and architecture. Its streets are narrow, colourful and picturesque, passing by flowering balconies, traditional knife shops, Cretan 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 Hania. The Venetian fortress of Cules, also known as Castello Mare (meaning fort by sea), is one of heraclion's main attractions and is located on the old harbour. This large square structure was built in the 16th century to protect the city and was subsequently armed with cannons. The rooftop offers scenic views of the sea and the town of Heraklion. Founded in 1953, the Crete Historical Museum in Heracion contains a permanent collection, demonstrating the history of Crete from the third century AD to the end of World War II. Artifacts, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and other items of interest are displayed in chronological order, with visuals, multimedia and audio guide available during your visit to help you learn more about Crete's fascinating past. Part of the museum is dedicated to the famous writer Nikos Kazanakikis. Another highlight of the exhibition are two paintings by the Greek artist El Greco: The Epiphany of Christ and a view of Mount Sinai and st. Catherine's Monastery. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions. The ruins of knossos Palace, the largest and most brilliant centre of Minoan civilization, are located 5 km south of the historic centre of Heraklion. The winding corridors and stairwells, which used to connect up to five floors, create a truly labyrinthine complex that rivals the mythological Minoan Labyrinth. Located in the centre of Heraklion, this museum is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, thanks to its unrivalled collection of bronze-age Minoan artefacts. The exhibits cover a period of ten millennia, from the Neolithic era to the late Roman times. The introductory texts in each room explain the key features of each period, and hence the evolution of culture. The Natural History Museum of Crete represents not only the island's natural riches, but the entire Eastern Mediterranean. Here you will find, among other things, a center of discovery for children, earthquake simulator, aquariums and terrariums, a large collection of fossils and a copy of the largest mammal ever living in Crete 9 million years ago. You can also learn about geological Crete, about plants and organisms that thrive on the island or about extinct and endangered species. Beasts are displayed by accurate representations in their real measurements (dioramas). The museum also has an open-air botanical garden. Elounda, with its luxurious villas and hotels, is the preferred escape of the rich and famous. From Elounda, you can take a 25-minute boat ride to Spinalonga Island, famous for its well-preserved Venetian fortress, small pebble beaches and one of the last leper colonies in Europe. The Samaria Gorge is the longest and one of the most imposing gorges in Europe. Perhaps the most popular trekking path of Greece passes along its path, passing by a variety of landscapes, water sources, various types of trees, rocks, pools and impressive rocks. The gorge is 18 kilometres long and has a width of 150 to 3-4 metres at its narrowest point, known as The Ciderports. The walk through the gorge starts at Xiloskalo, in Omala (at an altitude of 1,200 meters), and takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on the speed of walking. Another way to explore Crete is by hiking and hiking. The E4 European Walking Trail in Crete has 91 walking trails with a total length of 560 km, crossing a variety of landscapes and rare ecosystems. If you want to complete all the way, you should allow 3 or 4 weeks to do so, but you can also choose the trails that appeal most to you. For more information on the path to Crete, visit the website below. Heraklion's fortification works are considered to be among the most important in the Eastern Mediterranean. Built in the first Byzantine period (330-840 AD), these fortifications were supplemented by Arabs (840-961), Byzantines (961-1204) and Venetians (after 1211). Under the threat of invasion of the Turks in 1462 was added a three-kilometer wall with four gates and seven bastions, which is visible to this day. This museum is dedicated to the famous Cretan author Nikos Kazansakis, who wrote Greek zorbu and The Last Temptation of Christ. Among the exhibits are his personal correspondence and diaries, souvenirs from his travels, photographs, models of theatrical scenery and costumes from performances of his plays, rare audiovisual materials, works of art inspired by his books. At an altitude of 850 meters, the Lasiti Plateau is the largest mountain plain in Crete. It has now been transformed into a giant garden. There are many settlements on the plain where you can try local delicacies and the traditional drink of crayfish. The Lasiti Plateau and its surroundings are also ideal for hiking or even cycling and mountain biking. The main attraction is the cave Diktheon above the village of Psydro, where, according to legend, the god zevs was born and grew up. Panagia Akrotriani Cape) cape) Toplu Monastery, which is one of Crete's most impressive historical sites. It is a real bastion and a living museum of the monastic history of the island. There is a small but solemn and stirring two-provodation church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St. John the Theologian, decorated with frescoes that are still preserved and depicting a random screen with remarkable icons of the 18th century. Ecclesiastic Art Museum houses some of Crete's most significant icons, including Megas ei Kyrie', (Great Art of You, Lord), a 1770 icon by Ioannis Kornaros. The icon consists of four main sections, further divided into 57 small areas, and includes hundreds of individuals who come together superbly to depict the Great Blessing of Water. Organic vineyards in the monastery produce organic wine of excellent quality, as well as you can visit the winery. The palace complex and the town of Faisto were built on a hill with stunning panoramic views. Attractions to step out on include the Lasiti Mountains in the background, and the green hills that surround the city. Faistos was the second largest Minoan city and an important administrative center in south-central Crete. The Minoan city covered a large area around the palace complex. Mythology connects Faistos with Radamantus, the brother of Minos, whose dynasty is believed to rule the city. According to another story, it was founded by Phaistos, the son of Hercules. Homer noted that the city was involved in the Trojan War, led by Idomeni, the king of Knossos and the whole of Crete. Arcadia Monastery was built at the end of Venetian rule. In addition to the monks' cells, the central building also houses warehouses, stables and facilities for the processing of agricultural products. The two-proffy church, dedicated to St. Constantine and St. Helena and the Transfiguration of the Savior, is one of the most important architectural monuments of the Cretan Renaissance. It was completed in 1587 and its facade clearly demonstrates the penetration of Western architectural trends in the 16th and 17th century Crete. Between the cities of Hanya and Retimnon, on the northern edge of the White Mountains, is Lake Kurna, the only freshwater lake in Crete. Crete is the place that must steal your heart. It is a charming and mysterious island with some of the most hospitable people on earth. There are endless places to visit, things to do, and dishes to eat - you will never get bored on this Greek island. Often described as its own universe, Crete's landscape is diverse and full of diversity. Home to stunning old towns and quaint ports, high mountains are perfect for adventure, and a collection of spectacular beaches - there's something for everyone on holiday in Crete! Many people book a trip to Crete for the sole purpose of a holiday on Beaches. Beaches. there is much more you can see and do in Crete than just relaxing by the sea. You can go hiking, snorkeling, mountain biking, sailing, or even fishing! I first came to Crete a few years ago and I kept coming back every year. Like many others I met, I completely fell in love with this place and decided to stay. The coastal city of Hanya has been my adopted home for more than four years. Now it's time for you to discover Crete! I am pleased to introduce Crete in this comprehensive guidebook. Where to stay in Crete, Greece At 260 km (160 miles) long and 56 km (35 miles) wide, Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. It's huge! So when it comes to choosing your home in Crete, you have many options in each region. To figure out where to stay, all you have to do is decide what type of vacation you are focused on. Are you into cultural experience? Are you looking for the ultimate beach holiday? Do you prefer to just relax and disconnect from the rest of the world? Crete can offer you all this and more, you just need to choose your region wisely. Let's first look at the Cretan four main areas to help you decide which are the best places to stay in Crete according to your interests: Heraklion for Chania History and Culture for the best beaches of Rethymnon for the traditional villages of Lasithi for Holiday Recreation Here is a brief description of each major city in each of the four different regions of Crete.