5 must visit landmarks in Crete
Crete has long been ranked top of every traveller’s list. The reason for the island’s popularity is quite simple, it is indeed a summer haven for anyone who loves breathtaking golden bays, culture and history and food!
Let’s take a look at Crete’s finest….
Multiple excavations of Knossos have revealed that the site was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic Period during 6000 BC. Later on in 1900 BC the first Minoan Palace was constructed on the ruins of the Neolithic settlement. The palace was destroyed in 1700 BC but fortunately a new one replaced it, which was even more extravagant than the previous one covering an area of twenty-two thousand square metres!
During 1700-1450 BC the famed Minoan civilisation was at its peak and Knossos was the most significant city-kingdom of the time. Those that explore the site encounter a lost civilisation. The most impressive ruins found at Knossos include the Royal Villa, the Royal Temple Sanctuary, the House of the High Priest and the Great Palace.
The picturesque Old Port of Chania was known as ‘Venice of the East’, where the Venetians in the past built stone walls around the city to protect it from enemy invasions! A dominating Venetian Castle decorates the entrance of the old harbour which was constructed in order to protect Chania. The area within the ancient walls is the Old Town of Chania where on every corner visitors stumble upon historic treasures like buildings, monuments and temples left behind by the Arabs, Saracens, Turks and Venetians.
The Samaria Gorge National Park is all the reason you need to visit Crete. In fact the 10-mile nature park features Crete’s finest flora and fauna as well as animas and is definitely a sight for soar eyes. If heaven was on earth, Samara Gorge would be it!
Crete is known for its sun-kissed bays. One of the most impressive and popular is Balos Beach with its fabulous looking pinkish sands and inviting crystal blue waters every beach fan would fall in love with in an instant!
Crete is a magnificent holiday destination every wanderluster must visit at least once in their lifetime. Stay tuned for more on Crete next time!