Top Attractions - Greece

Attractions - Athens

Crete, Greece

Savour the magnificent legacy of Crete’s Minoan civilization and learn why this island is regarded as the birthplace of civilization. Trek through its mountains and enjoy the incredible views. Or just lounge on the fabulous beaches soaking up the sun in Greece’s most southern island. Whichever fantasy brings you to Crete, you’ll probably discover a few more while you’re here.

The island’s charms are by no means a well-kept secret, so if you are looking to escape the crowds, head to the west where the inaccessible but beautifully rugged coast is fairly undisturbed. Visit Hania, formerly Crete’s capital, and stroll around the beautiful Venetian harbour area. The buildings may be old and crumbling, but the quarter has had a revamp in recent years and is now home to some very chic bars and restaurants. A bit further east, Rethymno’s minarets, mazy streets and Venetian monuments will give you a vivid sense of its multi-layered history. Travel east again and start exploring the island’s incredible Minoan legacy. This ancient society ruled the island from way back in 3000 BC, and is generally considered to be Europe’s first-ever advanced civilization. The Archaeological Museum in bustling Iraklio – the island’s capital and Greece’s fifth largest city – has some wonderful examples of the Minoans’ famed Kamares pottery.

For an even more vivid Minoan experience, travel just 5km from Iraklio to Knossos, where controversial archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans first unearthed the secrets of this remarkable civilization. Wander around Evans’ impressive reconstruction of the enormous Minoan Palace. Unlike many archaeological sites, Knossos will leave you in no doubt as to the sophistication of its former residents. Walk down Europe’s first ever road – the royal road – and enjoy the amazing 3,000-year-old frescoes, which even today will startle you with their vibrant realism.

The eastern third of Crete, famous for its beaches and nightlife, attracts a large contingent of tourists each summer. The most popular destination is lively Agios Nikolaos, the regional capital. It’s packed with bars, restaurants and pensions and, during the day, travel agencies offer a selection of coach tours to popular outlying spots like Kritsa and Moni Faneromenis. Stray from the beaten track if you can and visit the remote ancient Dorian city of Lato. In the 7th century, this was one of the most powerful cities in Crete. Nowadays there isn’t even a bus there, but make the pleasant stroll from Kritsa and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the Gulf of Mirabello.

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