4 reasons to choose Crete as your summer destination
Crete is one of the largest islands of Greece, boasting with monuments, ancient forts and castles, gorges, museums and bays all waiting to be explored! When taking into account that Crete is the birthplace of European civilisation, originating from 2000 BC, there is an impressive amount of culture and history found on the island! This is one of the many reasons the island has become an attractive holiday destination, attracting enthusiastic wanderlusters from all corners of the world! Below you will find some of the most famed historic sites and landmarks so as you do not waste time when exploring the island!
The picturesque Old Port of Chania was once known as the Venice of the East, where the Venetians in the past built stone walls around the city to protect it from invaders. You will also find an enchanting Venetian Castle at the entrance of the harbour which was built to protect the city of Chania at the time. The area inside the walls is known as the Old Town of Chania where you will stumble upon buildings, monuments and temples left behind by the Arabs, Saracens, Turks and Venetians.
The Gramvousa islet is a sanctuary surrounded by sparkling deep-blue waters, where the ruins of an ancient 13th century Venetian Castle lie as if still protecting it from pirate raids. At present only the ruins of the castle remain and thousands of travellers visit the isle to view the ancient fort and the isle’s famous Balos lagoon!
Samaria Gorge is one of the longest gorges in the whole of Europe, made up of a total of 16 kilometres hiking trek. According to your position you will find that the gorge’s width varies from 150 metres to 3 metres. The walk may seem endless, but the experience is truly unforgettable and well-worth your effort and time. The Samaria Gorge has been pronounced as a national park so as to protect the rare and fine flora and fauna found in the region. The gorge is also home to the Kri-Kri mountain goats.
The imposing Lighthouse of Chania is the city’s jewel. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the entire world. In Greek, lighthouse is translated as faros. This impressive faros is a popular attraction found in the city’s old venetian harbour, especially during the night when it is lit. It is estimated to have been constructed at around 1595-1601 by the Venetians, but it took its final form and structure during the Egyptian Period at around 1839. The lighthouse is approximately 20 metres tall and was constructed on a stone base, which is found opposite of Firkas Fortress, at the end of the pier. The famed Lighthouse has undergone several renovations so as to preserve its shape, the latest one was completed in 2006. Although visitors cannot enter the lighthouse, its presence is impressive and breathtaking, lying at the end of the pier, in the middle of the sea.