Spend Time in Crete when Visiting Greece

Traveling to Greece? Athens and Santorini of course, but spend a few days in Crete for some “off-the-beaten-path” experiences.

Crete is the largest of the Greek Isles, and it offers many attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. If you’re into history you’ll have plenty of sites to explore.

Knossos Palace is near Heraklion on the north coast of the island and dates back to approximately 1700 BC. The original palace was damaged by earthquakes and a larger structure was built on top. It has been restored to much of its former grandeur by a British archaeological team. The history of the Minoan civilization depicted on the walls of the palace is fascinating, and the artwork, frescoes, and labyrinth-like entryway are all unique features of the palace.
The Venetian Fortress of Rethymno was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and later captured and sacked by the Ottoman Empire and rebuilt. It has been restored and is in good condition despite damage during World War II.
Spinalonga, a rocky inhospitable island just off the coast of Crete, is interesting from a historical perspective as it was inhabited by several different groups. Refugees from the Cretan War, Venetians using it as a base to harass the marauding Ottomans, and Muslims all made their homes here, resulting in a wide variety of architectural styles and cultural artifacts. It was briefly used as a leper colony in the early 1900’s.
The tragedy at the Arkadi Monastery is especially important in Greek history as it was the scene of a “last stand” between Cretans and the Ottoman invaders. Women and children hiding in the monastery were almost all killed in an explosion designed to drive out the Ottomans.

If all that ancient history gets to be a little much, no worries! There’s plenty of fun to be had on the Isle of Crete!

Hike the Samaria Gorge in the Samaria National Park. The ten mile hike along the longest gorge in Europe takes you through the White Mountains, populated by 16 endemic species including wild goats, vulture eagles and wildcats as well as rare plants. At one point on the trail (the Iron Gates) the walls of the canyon close in to a width of only 13 feet, not a good place to be if you’re claustrophobic, but a terrific place for photographers to capture the many layered walls of the canyon and the narrow band of sky 900 feet above!
Diving and snorkeling are popular pastimes on the island, and there are many locations where you’ll find ideal conditions whether you’re a newbie or an experienced diver. Chania is considered one of the best diving sites. Here you’ll find stone arches, black volcanic reefs, and a wide variety of marine life. The El Greco cave is suitable for more experienced divers. The cave itself is a wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites, lit by shafts of light coming from cracks in the rocky shores above. The Blue Cave in Agia Pelagia features a huge rocky wall populated by many varieties of fish and corals. Holes in the wall reveal hiding places for shrimp and other reclusive sea creatures. Beginners and experienced divers will enjoy the Kalypso Wall where numerous rock formations and caverns shelter morays, octopi, starfish and colorful fish by the hundreds. A visit to the Cretaquarium in Heraklion will allow you to enjoy the wide variety of Mediterranean sea life without getting wet! Sharks, seahorses, sea turtles, jellyfish and octopus are all featured here.
Enjoy a day exploring old town Chania where you’ll find all kinds of unique shops, restaurants, and bazaars selling handcrafted items. Leather goods? Try the shops on Skridlof Street. Local products? The Apollonia Market offers local honey, extra virgin olive oil, cheeses and various breads all produced in the Greek tradition. Art galleries, wine bars, and local bistros can be found throughout this charming town.
Indulge in a wine tour to sample Cretan raki and Vilana and get acquainted with some of Crete’s unique local cuisine. Gamopilafo is a lamb and rice dish cooked with butter and lemon. Moussaka is made with ground lamb and eggplant layered with a rich sauce. Cretan salad features fresh tomatoes, zucchini, olive oil and Cretan soft cheese (somewhat like feta), And for dessert, cheese pies are a must! Sarikopitakia is a deep fried, cheese filled pastry drizzled with honey. Loukoumades are another dessert made with fried dough covered with ice cream, nuts and honey.
Research local festivals for a glimpse into the rich tradition of music and dance that make Greek culture so vibrant and joyous. In the summertime almost every village holds a wine festival – the festival in Anogia is especially popular. Go ahead – get swept into the crowd and join in to dance the Sirtaki!