Important holiday resorts on Crete

Heraklion - Iraklio

Heraklion (Greek Ηράκλειο, Irákleio, also Heraklion) is the largest city, the economic, cultural and political centre and the capital of Crete. With more than 3 million visitors a year, the city is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations. Many holidaymakers land at the International Airport, which is the busiest airport in Greece after Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens, and often depart from the harbour to islands such as Santorini, Mykonos or Rhodes.

A tradition that has lasted since ancient times, when the harbour was already one of the largest and most important in European culture. Due to the bombing in the Second World War and the great economic growth, little of the historic architecture from the Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish occupation periods has been preserved. For many sights you have to leave the city to the south, for example to visit the Palace of Knossos. However, Heraklion also has a few destinations that are hidden in the sometimes narrow streets of the city.

1st Archaeological Museum:

Those who are drawn to Crete for the Palace of Knossos should not skip a visit to the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. Everything that was excavated in the historical sites of Knossos, Phaistos or Gortyna is on display in the museum. A highlight: the Phaistos Disc, whose inscriptions have still not been fully deciphered. For a complete educational tour, Heraklion is also home to the Historical Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Icons.

2nd Lion Fountain and Loggia:

A popular meeting point and photo motif is the lion fountain decorated with figures from mythology on Platia Venizelou, the city's lively pedestrianised area. Like the fountain, the loggia was also built in 1628. It's worth entering the semi-circular building (free of charge) and taking a look inside! Together with the nearby Venetian Bembo Fountain, these sights in Heraklion are impressive testimonies to the Venetian occupation.

3rd Venetian harbour:

Another way to enjoy freshly caught fish is at the Venetian harbour. You can stroll along the 2.3 kilometre long harbour pier, watch the fishermen fishing and buy their catch at the fish market on the harbour. You should continue your walk to the fortress wall: The Kástro Koulés and its viewing terrace are the best place imaginable for a panoramic view.

4th Market Street:

If it smells of spices, fish and leather, you've found the ever-bustling Market Street Pl. 1866. After strolling along Skalidi, where you will find countless shops and boutiques, cafés and restaurants, you will find yourself in the centre of a typical market with regional and seasonal products such as meat, cheese and fish as well as fruit and vegetables. Here you can sample Cretan specialities and perhaps take them home with you as souvenirs.

Chania

Perhaps one of the first sights you will see when you arrive in Crete is the island's second largest city, Chania (Greek: Χανιά, also known as Hania). Even if you are just passing through, the city with its Greek Renaissance character invites you to linger. It's best to take some time to explore the old town centre, where Venetian, Byzantine, Turkish and modern buildings dominate the narrow streets.

1st Municipal Market:

In the middle of the old town, the Municipal Market gives you the opportunity to take home spices, cheese, olive oil and honey - and thus the unique flavour of Crete. You can also buy many typical island handicrafts here. One special art is that of Cretan boot-making: the art of shoemaking known as stivana can be admired in Skridlof Street in the old town of Chania. The same goes for Cretan knifemaking, where Cretan folk couplets are engraved on the handle.

2. museums:

On an exploration tour of the city, you will discover many museums and galleries just a stone's throw from each other. Worth seeing are the Archaeological Museum of Chania, the Byzantine Collection, the Maritime Museum of Crete and the Folklore Museum "Cretan House".

3rd Church of Agios Nikolaos:

drift through the charming neighbourhoods of the city until you reach the picturesque district of Splantzia, in the middle of which stands the Greek Orthodox church of Agios Nikolaos. Along the way, you will pass other churches and cathedrals as well as monuments, statues and fountains that tell the exciting story of the city.

4th Venetian harbour:

It is not only the city centre and old town that have a special romantic charm, the Venetian Harbour also offers a picturesque view. While you can see the 21-metre-high lighthouse from afar, you can enjoy the colourful Venetian-style houses that line the harbour promenade up close. By now you will realise why Chania is also known as the "Venice of Greece".

Rethymnon

Rethymnon (Greek Ρέθυμνο, also Rethimno, Rethymnon, Réthymnon, and Rhíthymnos) is the third largest city in Crete, stretching for ten kilometres along the north coast. The town is particularly worth a visit for its picturesque old town, whose narrow streets still clearly show the island's Venetian prehistory. Whether you are staying in Heraklion or Chania or travelling around the island, a stop in Rethymnon is an absolute must!

1st Venetian Fortezza and Loggia:

In the centre of the old town, the Venetian Loggia attracts many visitors who travel back in time to the 16th century in the well-preserved building. In the past, the Loggia was a meeting place for the city's nobility to discuss economic and political issues. Today, the site is also home to the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. There are many other traces left behind by the Venetians in Rethymno. These include the Great Gate (Porta Guora) and the Rimondi Fountain near the harbour, but above all the Venetian Fortezza in the far north. It not only offers a fantastic panoramic view over the region, but also the opportunity to visit the ancient amphitheatre and the fortress area with the weapons and ammunition chamber.

2nd Neratze Mosque:

At the end of the 19th century, during the Ottoman occupation, the church of "the Holy Virgin" was converted into a mosque. Since then, the large minaret has towered over Rethymnon and dominated the cityscape. As the mosque is now a music school, it can no longer be visited - but it is definitely worth a photo opportunity! However, the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches can be visited: For their detailed decoration and artefacts on display, it's worth visiting Four Martyr Church, St Anthony's Of Padua and Agia Varvara Church, which are just a walk away.

3 Biotopoi Nature Park:

On the outskirts of the city is the Biotopoi Nature Park, where families with children will especially enjoy themselves. While adults and teenagers may be interested in the healing properties of certain Cretan plants and can learn more about the flora of the island, younger children can let off steam in the small amusement park with climbing frame!

4th Rethymnon Beach:

Those seeking relaxation will quickly come across the huge sandy beach that begins east of Rethymnon harbour. In the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, you can sample the restaurants on the promenade, sip cocktails at the beach bars or enjoy the view over the bay while sunbathing.

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos (Greek: Άγιος Νικόλαος) is quietly located in the east, in the rural Lasithi plateau, and is increasingly becoming a tourist magnet. The region is known for Lake Voulismeni, a small, mythical lagoon in the centre of Agios Nikolaos. However, there is much more to see and experience in and around the harbour town, whose history dates back more than 1,500 years BC!

1st Spinalonga:

The most impressive sight in Agios Nikolaos lies off the coast of the town: the island of Spinalonga. It is known as the "leper island" because it was one of the last colonies in Europe to house leprosy patients. Historically, however, the island was already important many decades earlier as a fortification and to protect the harbour. Today, Spinalonga can be reached from the harbour in Agios Nikolaos. Once on the island, the Venetian bastions, which are still preserved, give an impression of what life must have been like for the "abandoned" leprosy patients.

2nd Agil Pantes:

The island of Agii Pantes (Greek Άγιοι Πάντες, also Agioi Pantes), which is also located off the coast, cannot be visited as it serves exclusively as a reserve for Cretan wild goats. The small island church only serves as a pilgrimage site around Pentecost. However, it is a beautiful, perhaps somewhat bizarre excursion to observe the goat, which is unique to the archipelago, from a boat. You can also sail around the even smaller island of Mikronisi, which is home to a picturesque lighthouse.

3 Voulismeni:

The town's reputation is preceded by Lake Voulismeni, which is now used as a fishing harbour. The lake is a picturesque lagoon whose peculiar turquoise-green colour, which reveals no reason, is the subject of many myths and legends - among others, the goddess Athena is said to have bathed in the "bottomless lake". Especially at sunset, when the lake is bathed in a special light, you can spend a few relaxing hours strolling along the promenade or enjoying freshly caught fish in one of the tavernas!

4. marina of Agios Nikolaos:

From Lake Voulismeni, you should walk towards the marina, where over 250 boats and yachts can be moored. From the marina, you can reach several restaurants and bars as well as all the town's excursion destinations, while a small adjoining stretch of beach (Paralia Agios Nikolaos) invites you to sunbathe. The sheltered bay is particularly suitable for a beach trip with children.