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About Crete Island in Greece

Greece travel information: Crete (ครีต) Island in Greece (ครีตี (กรีก: Κρήτη: Krētē, Kriti))

Crete is the largest of the Greek archipelago and the fifth largest among the islands in the Mediterranean at 8336 square kilometers. Crete was the center of the Minoan civilization, the oldest civilization. Among the thriving Greek civilizations between 2600 and 1400 BC and today, Crete is one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. It is of great economic and cultural importance to Greece as well.

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek archipelago. And Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus and Corsica. The island of Crete is composed of islets that make up Crete. The capital and largest city has been Eracglion since 2011 and has a population of about six hundred thousand. The official language is Greek.

Crete is an island of beautiful natural resources, both in the Mediterranean Sea, making it an important part of its economy and cultural heritage, making it one of the most popular European destinations for tourists to visit. Interested in cultural history and want to experience the atmosphere and natural attractions that are beautiful and unique. Crete was once the center of the Minoan civilization (c. 2700–1420 BC), the oldest known civilization in Europe, and the famous Palace of Knossos is in Crete.

The best times for anyone interested in visiting Crete are May and June. Because this is the time when the weather is cool. Not too cold and not too hot. The temperature during the day is approximately 24-27 degrees. And during the night it is approximately 13-15 degrees. In addition to the good weather, the sea is warm, many varieties of flowers bloom. Lush trees for spring and summer Also during this month, not too many tourists. And suitable for tourists who like hiking or climbing as well.

1. Visit the Old Palace of Knossos

Knossos

It is another landmark ever for this place. If you don’t come to Crete, you’re missing out as the Knossos Palace is the most important and well-known landmark in Crete. Knossos is located about 5km south of the capital Eracglion. In the pre-Greek Bronze Age culture and the first maritime power in the Mediterranean The Minoans are named after the mythical king Knossos near Eraglion, believed to be the palace of King Minos. This large residential complex sits on a vast courtyard where it looks like they host an event. “Bull-Leaping,” an activity that involves running towards a bull and grabbing it by force. Knossos was abandoned around 1450. Archaeologists aren’t sure why. There could be a strong earthquake after a volcanic eruption in Santorini, or it could be because Crete was destroyed by invaders. Minoan disappeared completely.

2. Hike and explore Smaria Gorge National Park

Samaria Gorge

Samaria National Park is another beautiful viewpoint of Crete, and what is unique compared to other Greek islands is the Smaria Valley. Located in the national park of Samarai in the White Mountains is a beautiful valley and the trail is a ten-mile downhill walk that ends at the black sand beach in Agia Roumelli in the Libyan Sea. Tourists need to walk through a forest of ancient cypresses and pines, then cut between vertical cliffs through the mountains. Depending on a person’s speed and strength level, this hike can take between four and seven hours. At the end of the trek, most hikers hire a boat to take them to Chora Sfakion.

Things to pack and tips for trekking in Smaria National Park

Walking to explore this park is recommended to book with a group tour because if going on your own it will be difficult and because it is a walk down the hill and if going on your own by bus. You’ll have to walk back up the hill to find where you parked your car, which is a very difficult walk compared to going downhill. In addition, walking around the park takes about 6-7 hours a day, and if you book with a group tour. The company will arrange for a car, boat, or even tell you about the history of the park and provide other care information.

What you need to prepare is

1) Good shoes for hiking because the path is rough and rocky Big and small rocks, lots of rocks, going up and down hills all the time. Sandals are not recommended as they may cause injury while walking.

2) Food and a couple of water bottles There are several stops in the national park where you can use the restroom. meal break There is also a place where you can fill up the water that flows from the mountain, which is clear and drinkable for you to stop by.

3) A backpack to hold things and a camera. that everyone needs to bring along You will be able to take beautiful pictures as a souvenir.

4) Hat or sunscreen because while traveling all day Of course, you will be exposed to the sun all the time. For those who are afraid of burning or damaged skin. It is recommended to keep it in your bag.

3. Visit the historical island of Spinalonga

Spinalonga

Spinalonga is an island fortress at the southwest entrance to the bay. Elounda This is a small spot to explore the history of Venice. that has a turbulent past with historical Arab raids, Venetian occupation, Ottoman occupation, all before becoming a leper colony. Spinalonga was used as a leprosy colony for people from all over Greece who were suffering from the disease in ancient times. Spinalonga is a short boat ride from Elounda and Ayos Nikolaos. It is popular with tourists who come to the island to see the remains of abandoned leper colonies, fortresses and many old buildings. However, visits to the island are limited to a few hours as there are no accommodations in Spinalonga.

4. Visit the capital Heraklion

Heraklion

Eracglion, also known as Iraklio, is the port city and capital of Crete. Importantly, it is the largest city in Crete. And is known for the Palace of Knossos outside the city and the main Eraglion has a 16th-century Venetian fortress of Koules, archaeological museum. And Eracglion also boasts a large and unique collection of Minoan art, blending perfectly with its multilingual past, such as the Byzantine church located next to the Venetian and Turkish mansions. There are restaurants, cafes and bars that cater to all tastes.

5. Visit Rethymnon Old Town

Rethymnon

Rethymnon’s Old Town (Rethymnon or Rethimno) sits in a modern city center and offers a unique blend of Venetian and Crete architecture. Retremnon was founded in 1204 after the Venetians conquered Crete, so most of the remaining buildings in the Old Town are Venetian creations. Go shopping, enjoy dinner at a tavern and admire the stunning architecture of Retremnon. Visitors must visit the castle. The nearby Fortezza was built in 1590 and sits on a low hill in the center of Retremnon.

6. Sunbathe at Balos Beach

Balos beach

Balos is one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches located near the town of Kissamos, situated between the small island of Imeri Gramvousa and Crete itself. Visitors can reach the beach by boat or car. If going by car, you have to walk to the beach about two kilometers from the parking lot. And when you get there, you will have a heavenly atmosphere and stunning views. With fine sand and turquoise and turquoise waters, Balos is Crete’s most photographed natural attraction that draws in many tourists. July and August are the busiest.

7. Visit the old port of Chania

Chania

Chania is a city on the northwest coast of Crete. It is known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor, narrow streets and waterfront restaurants. At the entrance to the harbor is a 16th-century lighthouse with Venetian, Egyptian and Ottoman influences. The harbor was built between 1320 and 1899 by the Venetians and was an important trading center until the early 20th century. The port couldn’t accommodate large ships, so the port was eventually abandoned by large ships to support the port of France. Souda, however, today the old port of Cania is still used by fishing boats and small yachts. Most people come here to enjoy a stroll through the harbor, sip coffee or breakfast with a view of the lighthouse, or enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants and shops.

8. Visit the Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery. Located on a fertile plateau 23 km. To the southeast of Rethymnon on the island of Crete in Greece. It was built in the 16th century with Renaissance influences. The tragic history of the monastery is that in 1866 the monastery was a refuge for more than 940 Cretan women and children, during which riots were caused by the The decision by the Turkish-ruled Cretans to protest led to violent conflict, and the Turks stormed the monastery for three days and finally managed to break through the gates. At that point, the fugitives decided to end their lives rather than take prisoners and blew up a barrel of gunpowder, which ended up killing hundreds of Turks and Cretans themselves. The incident sparked global sympathy and interest for the plight of the Cretan people. Built around the 12th century, the monastery was restored in 1870.

9. Swimming at Elafonisi Pink Beach

Elafonissi

The beach that can be found on the island of Elafonisi is located in the southwest of Crete. Elafonisi is separated from the shores of Crete by a shallow lake. In fact, it is so shallow that visitors can easily walk 200 meters to the island. The water around the island is crystal clear and the sandy beaches are unique, with the sand ranging from sparkling white to pale pink. The island’s beaches are very popular with locals and tourists alike, so it can get crowded in some areas. Tourists who want to avoid the crowds can go further afield where they’ll find plenty of nice and quiet spots.

10. Watch the sunset at Matala

In the south-central region of Crete, in Heraklion, one of Crete’s best attractions is the seaside town of Matala. And its unique location is the chalk cliffs of Matala Bay, characterized by several excavated caves. giving this place a distinctive character. And during the Roman period, Matala became a port for the Gortys. In the 1st and 2nd centuries the cave was used as a cemetery. One of the caves was called “Bruto Speliana” (Brutospeliana) because according to the general legend of Brutus Roman.

Matala became a fishing village. In 1960, the cave was occupied by hippies, who were later expelled from the church by a group of soldiers. Matala is now a small village, inhabited mainly by tourism. Matala’s Hippie History

Matala has a beautiful bay and sits narrowly and opens to the west for tourists and residents of Matala, so there are incredible sunsets every evening. And in Matala, there is a wide selection of restaurants and terraces with stunning views of the bay. There are several souvenir shops which have a walkway in the middle closed, so you can walk in the shade. When you come to Matala, you get a hippie vibe from the sixties through the seventies. And in recent years, Matala is the most popular place for hippies from all over the world.

11. Stop shopping and have a leisurely day at Agios Nikolaos.

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is best known as a tourist town that serves as the center of a small village or farm and is part of Lassithi. Small “Voulismeni” (Voulismeni), small beach in town, Agioi Pantes island, Archaeological Museum, Exhibition of local iris plants and many exhibitions Besides that, just a short ferry ride from Ayos Nikolaos. is the island of Spinalonga The ancient Venetian fortress became a leper colony at the beginning of the 20th century.

12. Come have a cup of coffee at Sitia

Sitia

Sitia is a quiet town in the east of Crete. It is about 70 kilometers from the city of Ayos Nikolaos and has a population of about 8900 people. Unlike most cities on the island, Sithia is relatively modern, organized and has few historical sites. This is because this place was completely destroyed in the past by the rulers of Venice in 1651, after which it had been uninhabited for two centuries. From the late 19th century people moved back to the city to rebuild it.

and the landmark location is

• The only historical landmark remaining after the city’s rebuilding is the Venetian castle known as “Casama”, just 200 meters from the northern port. Admission is free, but keep in mind. Irregular opening hours
• City Archaeological Museum opposite the bus station, about 300 meters from the port. The museum contains only one room, which contains finds from excavations in the region. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 AM–3:00 PM.

13. Explore the cave of Zeus (Psychro Cave, Lasithi Plateau)

Psychro cave

Near Psychro you will find the cave “the Dictaean Cave or Diktéon Andron ”. This is a major tourist attraction on the Lacithi Plateau. According to legends here, the Dictaean caves are famous in Greek mythology. is the place Amaltheaw raised baby Zeus with her goat’s milk. To protect him from his father Krónos, archaeologists also prove the site’s long-standing use as a place of worship. It is one of the caves believed to be the birthplace or lair of the Greek god Zeus. The mountains, which are part of the caves, are well known in Crete.

For tourists who are interested in coming here. In principle, the cave is open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM in the period from May to October. If you want to come by yourself or with a sightseeing bus, it’s recommended to come early as there are quite a lot of tourists and you have to line up to enter the cave. From the parking lot, the path has to be walked up the hill, so good shoes are recommended. The steep trail, however, provides a beautiful sight with views over the plateau. Younger children or tourists who can’t walk up the mountain can also ride donkeys for €10 and cave entrance tickets for €6.