3 must-visit attractions in Crete
Crete is a wonderful island to visit when on holiday and has been one of the most popular holiday destinations for decades. Enthusiastic tourists visit the island to experience the Cretan flair, its rich history, its fabulous coastline and experience its rich cultural heritage. Crete is the place to be since the fabulous island offers its visitors everything a traveller is seeking! Enjoy Crete to the fullest!
The beach lovers will never want to leave the island. The coastline of Crete differs depending on where you go. The Cretan shoreline is dotted with wild, natural and remote beaches to golden crowded bays! Take your pick, all of them are equally impressive and stunning! Gramvousa Beach is one of the most stunning bays on the island! Just imagine a peninsula surrounded by rocky cliffs, boasting with coves and surrounded by the sparkling blue waters of Balos Lagoon! You will pinch yourself to make sure you are not dreaming!
The archaic site of Knossos lies merely 5 kilometres south-east of Iraklion. Multiple excavations of the site have brought to light that this location was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic Period during 6000 BC. Later on, in 1900 BC the first Minoan Palace was constructed on top of the ruins of the Neolithic settlement. The palace was destroyed in 1700 BC but fortunately a new one replaced it. The royal palace covered an area of twenty-two thousand square metres! During 1700-1450 BC the famed Minoan civilisation was at its peak and Knossos was known as the most important city-kingdom. Unfortunately, during these years, the settlement was struck twice with devastating earthquakes, only to be rebuilt at later dates. Within the archaeological site of Knossos, you will encounter a lost civilisation! When strolling through the site you will be amazed by all the ruins left behind. Some of the most preserved and impressive are the Royal Villa, the Royal Temple Sanctuary, the House of the High Priest and the Great Palace.
The picturesque Chania Harbour 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 on every corner you will stumble upon buildings, monuments and temples left behind by the Arabs, Saracens, Turks and Venetians.
There you go folks, three must-visit attractions in Crete you shouldn’t miss!