Crete
Crete
Crete, the largest Greek island, is washed by the waters of the eastern Mediterranean, and so enjoys a mild climate. An island where Myth meets History, where the age-old Cretan culture has its roots in the long-ago, where the sea meets the mountains and unspoiled nature coexists with modern tourist infrastructure. Crete has a thousand faces: one for each and every sort of traveller: the nature-lover, the explorer, the cosmopolitan, the lover of history and culture.Find your trip
The Old Twon of Chania is characterized by a blend of Venetian, Ottoman and Neoclassical monuments and architecture, attesting its long and rich history. Its streets are narrow, colorful and picturesque, which is why it's sometimes called "Venice of the East". During your stroll here you'll pass by flowered balconies, traditional knife shops, Cretan boot shops, lively restaurants and cozy cafes. Don't miss the beautiful promenade along the Venetian port, where you can see the Venetian lighthouse, one of the symbols of Chania. The town used to be surrounded by walls, but only parts of them are still standing nowadays.
The Venetian Koules Fortress, also known as Castello a Mare (which means "fort on the sea"), is one of Heraklion's main landmarks and is located on the old harbour. This big, square-shaped structure was built in the 16th century to protect the city and was subsequently armed with cannons. It was restored in recent times and now hosts an exhibition about its fascinating history. The rooftop offers scenic views over the sea and Heraklion city.
Founded in 1953, the Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion hosts a permanent collection showcasing the history of Crete from the third century AD to the end of the Second World War. Artefacts, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and other objects of interest are displayed in chronological order, with visual materials, multimedia and audio guides available during your visit to help you learn more about Crete's fascinating past. A section of the museum is dedicated to the famous writer Nikos Kazantzakis. Another highlight of the exhibition are two paintings by the Greek artist El Greco: The Baptism of Christ and View of Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions.
The ruins of the Palace of Knossos, the largest and most brilliant centre of the Minoan civilization, are located 5 kilometres south of the historical centre of Heraklion. Twisting corridors and stairwells, which used to connect as many as five storeys, create a truly labyrinthine complex, which is why the palace has often been seen by scholars as the equivalent of the mythological Minoan "Labyrinth". The palace features important architectural innovations for the times it was built in, such as water supply systems and sewer networks, shafts for the lighting and ventilation of the lower levels of the palace complex, as well as rooms equipped with baths and sanitary facilities that almost match modern constructions in ingenuity and function.
This museum is located in the center of Heraklion and is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, thanks to its unrivaled collection of artifacts from the Bronze-age Minoan culture. The exhibits cover a period of ten millennia, from the Neolithic era until late Roman times. The introductory texts in each room explain the key features of each period, and so the evolution of culture.
The Natural History Museum of Crete does not only present the natural wealth of the island, but also of the rest of Greece and of the Eastern Mediterranean. Here you'll find, among other things, a discovery centre for children, an earthquake simulator, aquariums and terrariums, a large collection of fossils and a replica of the largest mammal ever, which lived on Crete 9 million years ago. You'll also be able to learn about the geological evolution of Crete, about plants and organisms that thrive on the island or about extinct and endangered species. The animals are displayed by way of accurate representations in their real dimensions (dioramas). The museum features an outdoor botanical garden as well.
Elounda, with its luxurious villas and hotels, is the part of Crete where all the rich and famous people come for a vacation. From Elounda, you can take a 25-minute boat trip to Spinalonga Island, known for its well-preserved Venetian fortress, small pebble beaches, and for being one of Europe's last leper colonies.
Here you can admire hundreds of marine species and let yourself be fascinated by all their shapes and colours. CretAquarium is a fruit of the expertise and knowledge of Greeks marine scientists over the past 20 years, aiming to educate and sensitize the public about the diversity of Mediterranean species and their habitats.
The Old Twon of Chania is characterized by a blend of Venetian, Ottoman and Neoclassical monuments and architecture, attesting its long and rich history. Its streets are narrow, colorful and picturesque, which is why it's sometimes called "Venice of the East". During your stroll here you'll pass by flowered balconies, traditional knife shops, Cretan boot shops, lively restaurants and cozy cafes. Don't miss the beautiful promenade along the Venetian port, where you can see the Venetian lighthouse, one of the symbols of Chania. The town used to be surrounded by walls, but only parts of them are still standing nowadays.
The Venetian Koules Fortress, also known as Castello a Mare (which means "fort on the sea"), is one of Heraklion's main landmarks and is located on the old harbour. This big, square-shaped structure was built in the 16th century to protect the city and was subsequently armed with cannons. It was restored in recent times and now hosts an exhibition about its fascinating history. The rooftop offers scenic views over the sea and Heraklion city.
Herb's Garden restaurant is located on the rooftop of Lato Boutique Hotel and offers a beautiful view over the Venetian harbour of Heraklion. On the menu you will find fresh seafood, salads, meat dishes and homemade ice cream.
Pan Asia Restaurant has many years of experience in Heraklion and selects the best and most popular recepies of Chinese, Thai and Japanese cuisine. They only use fresh meat and vegetables without preservatives and the cooking is done with the traditional wok. Choosing the set menu for two will allow you to try various specialities at a competitive price, but you can always choose your favourite ones a la carte.
Bakaliko Crete is a deli (grocery and eatery) that brings you fine foods and wines from Crete and the rest of Greece. It is a place where all dishes are made from the quality products that you can buy from the store.Their shop is in Archanes, ideally situated in the heartland of Heraklion's wine and olive oil region, from which many of the products come from.
Parasties restaurant is located near the Historical Museum of Heraklion. Its name refers to a traditional way of cooking in Crete, which involves a fire between two parallel stones. If the weather allows, you can dine al fresco in the terrace or the balcony. They serve Mediterranean and Cretan food, combining classic and special flavours to create original dishes.
Terzakis's cuisine is based on traditional recipes, cooked using modern culinary techniques by experienced professionals. On the menu you'll find Cretan delicacies with a focus on fish and seafood dishes, like fried sardines, steamed mussels and shrimps with artichokes. You can accompany your meal with a bottle of good wine or a glass of cool ouzo.
The taverna is located close to the CretAquarium, in the area of the former U.S. base at Gournes. All of their dishes are prepared in accordance with the Cretan dietary pattern, with exclusive use of extra virgin olive oil and meat cooked in a wood-oven.
Brillant Restaurant of Lato Boutique Hotel in Heraklion has been offering fine dining since 2007. here, fine raw local ingredients cooked with imagination and respect towards local traditions result in delicious outcomes of Nouvelle Greek Cuisine. The restaurant is open from noon till late at night from November to April. Then, it steps aside and passes the torch to the outdoor Herbs’ Garden Restaurant to welcome the Cretan spring.
Kymata is a mainly a sushi bar, but not only that. In addition to various types of suhi, daily crafted with the freshest fish available, they also serve a selection of Asian specialities spiced up with Mediterranean and Cretan flavours. This unusual but winning combination makes it a unique dining spot in the centre of Heraklion.
Herb's Garden restaurant is located on the rooftop of Lato Boutique Hotel and offers a beautiful view over the Venetian harbour of Heraklion. On the menu you will find fresh seafood, salads, meat dishes and homemade ice cream.
Pan Asia Restaurant has many years of experience in Heraklion and selects the best and most popular recepies of Chinese, Thai and Japanese cuisine. They only use fresh meat and vegetables without preservatives and the cooking is done with the traditional wok. Choosing the set menu for two will allow you to try various specialities at a competitive price, but you can always choose your favourite ones a la carte.
Also known as Agora, the Municipal Market of Chania is and indoor market housed in a 4000 square metre building. Inside, you'll find many shops selling Cretan products like cheese, olive oil, raki, spices and more. There are also stalls that sell vegetables, fish, meat and tourist souvenirs.
Skrydlof Street in Chania is a narrow street lined with shops selling leather goods like bags, wallets, belts and shoes. For this reasons, it is known as Chania Leather Lane or as Stivanadika, after "stivanaki", the traditional Cretan boots.
At Pottery Workshop in Heraklion, you can discover local ceramic art and purchase beautiful souvenirs, from bowls and mugs to vases and jewellery. Everything on sale is handmade and painted with unique colorful motifs.
If you want something Greek to bring home, Zalo is the place to go. This small gift shop in Heraklion sells a wide range of souvenirs designed and sold by Greek creators, such as mugs, diaries, jewels, magnets, pins and bags.
Faskomilo is a small grocery shop sourcing their merchandise only from Greek producers. Some of the items that you'll find here are herbs, spices, jams, wines, honey, olive oil, cosmetics and more. Stop by and bring home some of the Greek flavours you'll miss.
Kosmima Gold & Silver is a jewellery store in the centre of Heraklion. They have been selling handmade jewellery since 1987 and all the items on sale are unique designer creations made of silver or gold.
The Olive Wood Corner is a gift shop in Rethymno selling handmade and traditional souvenirs like Cretan knives, musical instruments, chessboards, pottery, kitchenware, toys, trinkets and ornaments. Many of the items are made of quality olive tree wood.
Melissa Traditional Products sells Cretan delicacies like olive oil, honey, herbs, spices, wine, raki, as well as natural beauty products. Everything, of course, is prepared with quality local ingredients.
Also known as Agora, the Municipal Market of Chania is and indoor market housed in a 4000 square metre building. Inside, you'll find many shops selling Cretan products like cheese, olive oil, raki, spices and more. There are also stalls that sell vegetables, fish, meat and tourist souvenirs.
Skrydlof Street in Chania is a narrow street lined with shops selling leather goods like bags, wallets, belts and shoes. For this reasons, it is known as Chania Leather Lane or as Stivanadika, after "stivanaki", the traditional Cretan boots.
Best Time to Visit
Crete boasts one of the best climates in Europe, with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. Generally speaking, there is a temperate Mediterranean climate, although during winter there is usually snow in the mountains. Winters in other parts of Crete are relatively mild, while spring, autumn and summer are sunny and warm, or even hot. The rainfall is concentrated from autumn until spring and is more frequent in the western part of the island. Summer is, of course, peak season in Crete. The best time to visit is probably during shoulder season, namely in April, May, September and October, when the temperatures and the weather are good for beach days and sightseeing, but the touristic spots are not too crowded.
How to get to Crete
You can get to Crete either by air or by boat. Crete has two international airports (Chania International Airport and Heraklion International Airport) as well as a national one at Sitia with connections to other transport hubs in Greece. Chania International Airport is 12 km from the city of Chania and 68 km from the town of Rethymnon. The airport of Heraklion is but 5 km from the city of Heraklion and 65 km from Agios Nikolaos. For transportation from and to the airports you can check out the website of the local public transport (www.e-ktel.com/en). Car rental and taxis are also available at the airports. Similarly, the two major ports of the island are also in Chania and Heraklion, but there are also four smaller ones: Kissamos, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos and Siteia. For ferry tickets and timetables you can visit the following website: www.ferries.gr.
Public Transport
In Crete, there are two main bus companies: for the centre and east of the island, you need KTEL Heraklion-Lassithi, while for the west KTEL Chania-Rethymnon. The two companies work in tandem, so one can purchase a ticket that crosses their nominal border. Tickets can be purchased at the main bus terminals, at some kiosks and on board. The website of the companies provides all timetables and the possibility to book tickets.
Passport / Visa
Greece can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Taxi
Crete Taxi Services +30 6970021970 or +30 6945027933 info@crete-taxi.gr www.crete-taxi.gr/en Crete Cab +30 695 517 1473 info@crete.cab www.crete.cab Cretan Taxi +30 6946281620 info@cretantaxi.com www.cretantaxi.com
Car Rental
If you need a certain flexibility for your movements, you can also rent a car to explore the island. Here are some websites you can check out if you're looking for a car to rent. www.cretarent.gr www.rental-center-crete.com www.crete-car-rental.com
Post
The main post-offices are open Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 20.00 and Saturday from 08.00 to 14.00. Other post-offices will generally be open from 08.00 to 14.00 only from Monday to Friday. Here are the main post offices of the bigger cities: Daskalogianni Square 1, Heraklion, Crete +30 2810 289994 Peridou Street 10, Chania, Crete +30 28210 28444 Moatsou Street 19, Rethymnon, Crete +30 28310 22303
Pharmacy
Normal opening hours of the pharmacies are the same as shops during week days. On Sundays they are generally closed. Each pharmacy has a notice in the window showing which ones are open out of normal hours and the address where they're located. Here are some pharmacies located in the main cities: Kaniadakis Anthony pharmacy Odos Kassanon 203, Heraklion, Crete +30 281 023 9923 Pharmacy Mpitsaki-Verigakis Πλατεία 1866 και, Kriari 45, Chania, Crete +30 2821 092447 Pharmacy Michail Papadakis Adelianos Kampos 59, Rethymnon, Crete +30 2831 071431
Best Time to Visit
Crete boasts one of the best climates in Europe, with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. Generally speaking, there is a temperate Mediterranean climate, although during winter there is usually snow in the mountains. Winters in other parts of Crete are relatively mild, while spring, autumn and summer are sunny and warm, or even hot. The rainfall is concentrated from autumn until spring and is more frequent in the western part of the island. Summer is, of course, peak season in Crete. The best time to visit is probably during shoulder season, namely in April, May, September and October, when the temperatures and the weather are good for beach days and sightseeing, but the touristic spots are not too crowded.
How to get to Crete
You can get to Crete either by air or by boat. Crete has two international airports (Chania International Airport and Heraklion International Airport) as well as a national one at Sitia with connections to other transport hubs in Greece. Chania International Airport is 12 km from the city of Chania and 68 km from the town of Rethymnon. The airport of Heraklion is but 5 km from the city of Heraklion and 65 km from Agios Nikolaos. For transportation from and to the airports you can check out the website of the local public transport (www.e-ktel.com/en). Car rental and taxis are also available at the airports. Similarly, the two major ports of the island are also in Chania and Heraklion, but there are also four smaller ones: Kissamos, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos and Siteia. For ferry tickets and timetables you can visit the following website: www.ferries.gr.
