Tourist Attractions in Crete

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Crete

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Crete

The hospitable and sunny island of Crete is one of the most sought-after beach destinations in the Mediterranean. The best beaches in the picturesque bays of the island, azure and clear sea, as well as the historical antiquities of Heraklion, Ayios Nikolaos and Rethymno await the tourist.

The first civilisation was born in Crete several thousand years before our era. Many historical monuments have survived through the centuries. Today, visitors to the island have the opportunity to explore the mysterious labyrinths of the Palace of Knossos, admire the impregnable Venetian fortresses or see the ruins of ancient cities.

The bathing season in Crete runs from the end of May to the end of October. The winter months are ideal for sightseeing, as daytime temperatures rarely drop below 15°C, even in January.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Crete

Heraklion

 0/5

The ancient historical centre of Crete, named after the mythological hero Heracles. According to the “Geography” of the ancient Greek thinker, geographer and historian Strabo, the city already existed in the 1st century AD and was a seaport of the Minoan city of Knossos. Heraklion was at different times owned by the Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks. In the Middle Ages, it was the largest slave trading market in the Mediterranean. The island joined Greece only at the beginning of the 20th century.

Rethimno

 0/5

The city is located in the western part of Crete. It was built by the Venetians during their rule on the island. Many of Rethymno’s sights have survived to this day, with the Venetian fortress of Fortezza, built at the end of the 16th century, taking centre stage. The Archaeological and Historical-Ethnographic Museums, the ancient Rimondi Fountain and the Venetian Port are among the most visited and popular sites.

Agios Nikolaos

 0/5

A small town in the north of Crete, a well-known and popular tourist destination. The predecessor of the modern Ayios Nikolaos emerged on the site of the ancient Dorian settlement of Lato, but gradually fell into decline. New inhabitants appeared already in the Middle Ages during the Venetian rule. In 1646, as a result of the war with the Turks, the Venetians burnt down the settlement. Ayios Nikolaos was revived for the third time in the mid-19th century.

Watercity Waterpark Crete

 4.4/5

5467 reviews

The water park is located in Heraklion and covers an area of more than 80 thousand m². It is the largest water amusement park in Crete. It includes 13 swimming pools and many high-speed slides of varying levels of difficulty. There are also less extreme attractions, so there is something for everyone. For children, there are separate pools and areas with a variety of water games.

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Knossos Palace

 4.3/5

42539 reviews

An ancient monument to the Minoan civilisation that flourished in Crete during the Bronze Age. According to legend, the Palace of Knossos is the legendary labyrinth where the dreaded Minotaur dwelt. The monster was defeated only by the hero Theseus. It was the bizarre architecture of the palace-temple with numerous passages, dead ends, rooms and passages that gave rise to the myth of the Minotaur.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Archaeological Site of Gortyna

 4.1/5

2241 reviews

An ancient town 30 km. from Heraklion, founded supposedly in the 20th century BC in the pre-Antique era. The settlement has witnessed many civilisations: Mycenaean, Doric, Greek. During the Roman Empire, Gortyn was the capital of Crete and the seat of the Viceroy. The town existed until the 9th century AD, and was reduced to ruins in 828 during the Arab conquest of Crete.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Archaeological Site of Olous

 4.2/5

262 reviews

An ancient city that was submerged around the 2nd century AD as a result of a localised plate shift in the region of Eastern Crete. Archaeological findings show that Olus was an independent and developed city, minting its own coinage and maintaining friendly relations with neighbouring settlements. Foreigners were allowed to settle in Olus, as evidenced by the documents found during the excavations.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

 4.7/5

27416 reviews

One of the largest museums in Greece, with a rich collection of artefacts from the Minoan civilisation. The exhibition halls also display artefacts from other periods of the island’s history, from the Neolithic period to the Roman Empire. In total, the museum has 20 halls, arranged in chronological order. New specimens are constantly being found at excavations, which add to the museum collections.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Arkadi Monastery

 4.7/5

7306 reviews

A unique architectural monument that was laid out in the 5th century AD. The church of the monastery dates back to the 16th century. The monastery is located on the slopes of Mount Ida at an altitude of 500 metres. In the 17th century, Turkish invaders looted the premises and expelled the brothers, but later the monks were allowed to return. In 1866, during the Cretan Revolt, the monastery was besieged by a 15,000-strong Turkish army.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Tzagaroli Monastery

 4.7/5

4134 reviews

Greek Orthodox monastery from the 17th century. The founders of the monastery are considered to be the brothers Lawrence and Jeremiah, who came from a respected Venetian family. Construction work continued until the second half of the XIX century, as the monastery was repeatedly attacked by the Turks. As a result of such raids, most of the property was looted and burnt. It was only after the Cretan Revolution that the monastery was restored.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Ιερά Μονή Πίσω Πρέβελη

 4.6/5

826 reviews

A picturesque 16th century monastery built on a mountainside. The monastery is administered by the Orthodox Church of Constantinople. In the XVII century the building was destroyed by the Turkish authorities. In the XX century Preveli was once again looted and destroyed by fascist troops. The monastery was closed in 1970, followed by many years of reconstruction. In 2013, the monastery was opened to the public.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery

 4.6/5

2696 reviews

A 13th century (or 10th century according to alternative sources) women’s monastery. The first written references to it date back to the XIV century. Within the walls of the monastery there is a miracle icon of the Virgin of the Heart (Cardiotissa), or rather its copy. The original has been stolen in XV century, and for the present moment is in Rome. It is believed that the copy of the icon also has miraculous properties and is able to cure diseases.

Open time

Venetian Fortezza Castle

 4.4/5

15060 reviews

The Venetian Fort in Rethymno, one of the city’s most important landmarks. It was built in the 16th century. The fortress towers over Rethymno and can be seen from any part of the city. The fortress was constantly changing its appearance, during the numerous wars with the Turks, the outer walls and buildings suffered. The last restoration lasted almost 20 years, and as a result Fortezza has regained its Venetian appearance.

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Rocca a Mare Fortress

 4.6/5

9308 reviews

A sea fortress in Heraklion, built by the Venetians in the 14th century. The main walls of the fort have bas-reliefs depicting a lion, the symbol of the Venetian Republic. The name “Kules” was given by the Turks, while the creators of the fort used the name “Rocca-al-Mar”. Which loosely translated from modern Italian means “fortress on the sea”. The Turks built a small mosque on the territory of the fortification, and also completed the embrasure and space for artillery.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Frangokastelo beach

 4.4/5

812 reviews

A 14th century Venetian military structure in the Cretan community of Sfakion, which was built for defence against pirate raids. At that time, the fortress was called “St Nikita’s Castle”, but the name “Frangokastello”, which means “castle of the Franks”, has stuck to it. The fortress has withstood many sieges and assaults, but its walls have survived to this day in relatively good condition.

Open time

Spinalonga fortress

 4.5/5

11167 reviews

Spinalonga is a small island in the eastern part of Crete, located opposite the peninsula of the same name. In the 16th century, the Venetians turned this place into an impregnable fortress, which was supposed to protect the settlements from pirates. On the ruins of the ancient acropolis was built such a powerful fort that even the Ottoman Empire troops after the capture of Crete could not take Spinalonga for another 46 years.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Lake Voulismeni

 4.7/5

639 reviews

The freshwater lake around which the Greek “Saint-Tropez” town of Agios Nikolaos is located. The depth of the lake reaches 64 metres. According to an ancient legend, the beautiful Aphrodite and the huntress Artemis took baths in the waters of Voulismeni. Until the middle of the XIX century, the locals believed that evil spirits lived in the lake. Voulismeni is connected to the sea by a canal.

Lake Kournas

 4.6/5

4222 reviews

Another freshwater lake in Crete, located in a picturesque green valley. The beaches of Kourna are a great alternative to the seaside resorts of Heraklion and Rethymno. The shores and water depths are home to a variety of birds, turtles and fish. The peace and tranquillity of the lake makes for long boat trips. The temple of Athena of Koresia once stood here, but the structure has not survived to this day.

Cave of Diktaion Andron

 4.3/5

7907 reviews

A system of caves located within the Dictean mountain range. According to Greek mythology, here the goddess Rhea hid the newborn Zeus from her husband, the god Cronus. The child was destined to overthrow his father’s power and become the supreme god of the Greek pantheon. For a long time the cave bore the name of Zeus and was sacred for worshippers of the god-thunderer.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Lasithi Plateau

 0/5

A fertile plateau in the eastern part of the island, 820 metres above sea level. The plateau is known as the “Valley of a Thousand Mills” (they have long been used to extract water for irrigation of agricultural land). There are orchards and large vegetable plantations on the territory of the valley. The generous lands of the Lassithi Plateau have been cultivated since the Minoan civilisation.

Samaria Gorge

 4.6/5

608 reviews

A natural attraction of Crete, one of the largest gorges on the Greek islands. The tourist route along the gorge is about 16 kilometres long. In ancient times, the temples of Artemis and Apollo stood here, as evidenced by the preserved ruins. In the 6th century BC, the city of Tarra existed in the Samaria Gorge. Since 1962, the area has been declared a National Park.

Elafonissi Beach

 4.6/5

27346 reviews

A sand spit of rare beauty a few dozen kilometres from the resort of Chania, covered with pink sand. Many tourists consider Elafonisi to be the most picturesque beach in the whole Mediterranean. The delicate pink colour is obtained due to the remains of coral and small shells, covering large areas of the spit. The water in the lagoon is always clean, warm and transparent. The beach is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable holiday.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Matala beach

 4.5/5

6143 reviews

A beach located in Messara Bay in the small town of Matala. It is surrounded by rocks in which numerous caves have been carved. It is believed that they were originally inhabited by ancient people. In the early Christian era, the caves of Matala sheltered followers of Jesus from persecution. The remains of catacomb temples and burials of believers testify to this fact.

Open time

Balos Beach

 4.7/5

13564 reviews

The cove is located in the western part of Crete. It has one of the most popular and picturesque beaches, which is famous for its purest white sand with pink flecks and magnificent turquoise water. Despite the fairly large number of people wishing to swim in the waters of the bay, there is no tourist infrastructure on its shores. In this way, nature is preserved in a pristine state.

Open time

Vai Beach

 4.5/5

7905 reviews

A beach within the Vai National Park. The largest palm forest in Europe, consisting of endemic Theophrastus palms, grows here. It is believed that the plantations appeared thanks to the Phoenician navigators. The beach is very popular with tourists, so in high season there are always a lot of people sunbathing and swimming here. Especially picturesque views of Vai can be seen in the rays of the dawn sun.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM