The best beaches of Crete that few people know about. Holidays on Crete: where is better

Crete, the largest Greek island, is famous not only for its rich history, dating back several thousand years, with many monuments and attractions, and not only its unique nature with a variety of species of flora and fauna. It is also famous for its picturesque beaches, which attract more and more tourists every year. In this article we have described the most best beaches in Crete.

1. Balos

Balos is the best beach in Crete, with snow-white and pink sand, ornate spits cutting through the fabulously beautiful sea, surrounded by picturesque shores. This place is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean.

The beach is located in the beautiful Balos Bay, which, together with the surrounding area, has been declared a protected area. The beach has preserved its original appearance since ancient times, and no achievements of civilization have touched it. Balos beach is absolutely wild, there are no cafes, restaurants or other establishments nearby, and getting here is quite difficult.

The water in Balos Bay remains calm even when a strong storm rages at sea. The bay is famous for its extraordinary crystal water, which is so clear that on a bright sunny day you can count up to 10 different shades of color in it, ranging from soft azure to dark blue. This feature is explained by the fact that in the waters of Balos beach there are three seas at once: the Aegean, Ionian, and Libyan.

2. Elafonisi

The small island of Elafonisi is located 100 meters from Crete. Elafonisi beach is famous for its unique pink sand and crystal clear water so clear that you can easily see all the pebbles and grains of sand at the bottom. According to local legend, the sand of Elafonisi acquired this color after the tragedy that took place in the spring of 1824, when the Turks carried out a brutal massacre of hundreds of local residents hiding on the island. But in fact, numerous small inclusions of shells and remnants of corals give the sand near the shore pink color.

Due to the shallow depth, there are almost no storms on Elafonisi, and the water in the sea warms up quickly, so the swimming season lasts from the end of April to October. The beach is perfect for all lovers of a relaxing holiday, including tourists with children.

3. Vai

Vai is one of the most beautiful beaches of Crete, located on the east coast of the island in the Lassithi area. The beach has been declared a protected area. The word "vaya" translated from Greek means "palm branches." The beach got its name due to the unique palm forest growing next to it. The palm forest has several thousand trees and is the largest in Europe. Interestingly, it has a natural origin. According to legend, about two thousand years ago the Phoenicians landed on the island of Crete. After eating the fruits, they scattered date stones along the shore, from which a forest subsequently grew.

Along the palm forest lies a beach with golden sand and stunningly beautiful light turquoise sea. Vai Beach is very popular among both the local population and numerous visitors to the island. There are always a lot of people here, especially in high season. According to many tourists, the sandy beach against the backdrop of a palm forest is reminiscent of the Caribbean.

Vai beach has a very convenient gradual entry into the water, which is well suited for those who like to swim in shallow water, and especially for children. Everyone has the opportunity to make a tireless climb to the observation deck, from which on a clear day there will be a stunning view of the golden beach surrounded by palm forests, endless blue skies, majestic mountains and an amazingly beautiful sea of ​​various shades, with numerous rocky islands.

4. Red Beach

Red Beach is located near the famous village of Matala, where according to Greek mythology Zeus brought Europe. It should be noted that the path to the beach along mountain paths and under the scorching sun is very difficult. However, all the problems of the difficult transition to the Red Beach are compensated beautiful landscapes to the majestic mountains and endless sea expanse.

This amazing beach of Crete got its name thanks to the sand, which has a red tint. It acquired this color thanks to the reddish rocks located in this area. The rocks surrounding the beach on three sides are also red-brown in color. And the blue-green sea contrasts with the red shore. This gives the whole landscape a unique and fantastic atmosphere.

And in the northern part of the beach you can see a local landmark - a group of limestone sculptures that were left here by a Belgian sculptor, shocked by the beauty of this unusual place.

5. Matala Beach

The village of Matala is located in the south of Crete, between two mountains. This place has its own microclimate, one of the most favorable and healthy on the island. There is a clean, transparent sea, soft white sand, and from the windows of numerous bars and taverns in the evening you can admire the most beautiful sunsets. According to ancient Greek legend, the supreme god Zeus, turning into a bull, kidnapped the beautiful Europa and took her first to Matala and then to Gortyna.

The beautiful Matala beach is located near the village, the length of the beach is about 300 meters. Among the many visitors to Crete, it enjoys great attention, so there are usually a lot of people here. The beach has a convenient gentle entrance to the water. Waves are rare in these places, since the sandy shore is fenced off by rocks.

Nearby is another local attraction - ancient caves, where prehistoric people lived in ancient times. In these caves the first Christians hid from persecution by the authorities. The caves are located in the rocks surrounding the beach and are popular with tourists.

6. Beaches of Plakias

Plakias is a small resort village on the southern coast of Crete, 35 kilometers from Rethymno, on the shores of the Libyan Sea. Not so long ago it was a small fishing village. However, its convenient location, beautiful and varied nature, and many magnificent beaches have led to the fact that today Plakias has become a popular resort.

Plakias has 16 magnificent beaches. Among them there are sandy and pebble, large and miniature, well-equipped and absolutely wild. The most famous of them include: Plakias, Souza, Skinos, Damnoni, Paligremnosa, Amoudi, as well as the magnificent Schinaria - one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete.

Schinaria is a small beach with coarse gray sand, small pebbles and unusually clear crystal water. It is located among rocks and is almost impervious to winds and bad weather. In these places there is a fairly steep approach to the sea - the depth increases quickly. The beach is decorated with amazingly beautiful small freshwater lakes that were formed by a mountain river. Lush emerald vegetation grows next to these ponds.

Schinaria is perfect for anyone who dives or simply enjoys snorkeling. There is a special scuba diving center here. And this is not surprising, because in local waters numerous representatives of the local marine fauna are found in abundance: octopuses, crabs, squids and huge moray eels.

7. Frangokastello Beach

This beach is located in a small village of Crete, next to the famous medieval fortress of Frangokastello, built by the Venetians in the 14th century. It is washed by the warm Libyan Sea. As a matter of fact, there are four beaches near the fortress, but only one of them, the largest and most picturesque sandy beach, was given the name of the settlement.

At the edge of the water there is light golden sea sand, but moving away from the sea it gradually becomes grey colour with small dark inclusions, probably of volcanic origin. In this place there is a gradual entry into the sea, a flat bottom, waves are rare, so the beach is excellent for children. Since Frangokastello is located far from large settlements, there are not very many tourists here, and therefore you can enjoy your holiday in a calm environment, sea and sun. The beach is equipped with everything you need. Near the beach there are several taverns offering their guests to try delicious fish dishes.

8. Platanias Beach

Platanias is a resort village located a few kilometers from the city of Chania. The village got its name thanks to the plane trees growing around the river that crosses it.

The picturesque sandy beach of Platanias stretches for 4 kilometers along the coast and is the largest beach in Crete. In some places, white sand alternates with pebbles. The beach has a very developed infrastructure: there are umbrellas, sun loungers and showers, as well as numerous cafes, taverns and various shops. There are also many water activities to suit every taste: you can go water skiing, diving or windsurfing, scooter and banana ride.

Opens from the shore beautiful view to St. Theodore Island, home to a population of rare Kri-Kri goats. Platanias is one of the cleanest beaches in Crete. For its cleanliness and livability, it has received the Blue Flag for many years in a row.

9. Stavros Beach

Stavros is a quiet seaside village located in the Chania region. It is located at the foot of a large mountain, shaped like a camel. The main beach of Stavros is considered one of the best in Crete. Located opposite the mountain, in a cozy, beautiful lagoon with turquoise water, it is completely protected from winds and bad weather. Transparent pure water shimmers with a diamond shine in the rays of the bright sun. Special and unique beauty The entire landscape is enhanced by mountains frozen in their grandeur.

The entire coastline is covered with coarse white sand. Due to the shallow depth and lack of winds, the water near the shore warms up well. Although there are usually a lot of people on the beach, there is no feeling of crowding or crowding. All of the above factors, as well as a convenient gentle entry into the sea, have led to the fact that Stavros is very popular among families with children. However, this place is well suited for both young people and lovers of a relaxing holiday. The beach is well equipped and provides its guests with various services. In the immediate vicinity there are many shops, cozy taverns and bars.

10. Beaches of Anissaras

Anissaras is a small cozy resort village on the island of Crete, located 24 km from Heraklion, on the Aegean coast. In Anissaros, everything is conducive to a quiet and peaceful holiday: good climate, beautiful clean sea and magnificent beaches. It is perfect for families with children.

Anissaros has both sandy and pebble beaches. All of them are very clean and well-maintained, equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers, and also provide a wide range of water entertainment services. It should be noted that all Anissaros beaches are municipal, even near hotels, which means they are open to everyone.

The rocky seabed and immaculately clear water allow you to fully enjoy the beauty underwater world. Therefore, Anissaros is very popular among scuba diving enthusiasts.

These were the best beaches in Crete. But it is worth noting that in addition to those listed, Crete has many other wonderful beaches. So, one cannot help but mention the amazing Preveli beach - one of the most interesting natural attractions of the island, where you can swim in salt and fresh water at the same time.

And also about the most famous beaches, such as Falasarna, Kedrodasos, Triopetra, Malia, Lendas, Agios Pavlos and of course, Kournas beach, located on the lake of the same name and is the only freshwater beach in Crete.

The island of Crete is one of the most favorite holiday destinations in Greece. There is an opinion that if you have visited Crete at least once, you will be drawn here all your life. Amazing nature, bizarre rocks and a warm, gentle sea attract tourists from all over the world. Almost every hotel, in every town in the resort area, has a beach where tourists actually relax. In high season, finding a free sun lounger with an umbrella to hide from the scorching sun on these beaches is a real problem.

If you go to the beaches of Crete in calm, windless weather, you will be doubly enchanted by the local beauty and the mirror-like surface of the sea.

1. Frangokostelo beach.

This beach is located 13 kilometers east of the town of Chora Sfakia. Named after the fortress of the same name, which was built next to the beach on the shore. It is not difficult to get there by car; there is an asphalt road to the beach, and on the beach itself there is free parking near the fortress. You need to get there through the town of Kallikratis. The beach is small and shallow, perfect for children. The water here is a soft turquoise color. One minus - there are a lot of people during the season.

2. Sfakia Beach.

Sfakia beach is indicated by an arrow on the map.

If you get bored on Frangokostelo beach or don’t like something, you can get in your car and drive straight west to the town of Chora Sfakia. From there, another 1.5 km along the coast to the right and you will find the stunning Sfakia beach, or rather, “Vrisi” beach. In Chora Sfakia there is a small paid parking lot where you can leave your car and go down to the beach. The water here is amazingly crystal clear and blue in color. The beach has shallow sand and walking on it is quite comfortable. There is plenty here for those who like to snorkel. The water under the rocks is so clear that you can see every pebble at the bottom. If you're lucky, you might see an octopus. However, there are some peculiarities. In this place fresh water flows from the mountains cold water and swimming in extreme heat will be very comfortable. More precisely, the water temperature will be 5 degrees lower than on the northern coast of Crete.

3. Elafonisi Beach.

One of the most famous and popular beaches in Crete. It wouldn’t be possible to call it secluded; there are simply crowds of people here in the summer, but it is very beautiful and it would simply be rude not to mention it. Thousands of tourists flock here to enjoy the amazing emerald color of the water combined with pink volcanic sand. Unfortunately, too many tourists come to this beach by car. IN big season There is practically nowhere to park the car. But, if you want, you can still find the place, but you will have to walk for a long time. Parking here is unorganized, the road itself is very dusty. A strong wind constantly blows here, so that grains of sand cut sharply into the body. A very good place for windsurfing.

Here it is, Elafonisi beach.

The depth of the sea here is not great, you can walk and walk and everything will be waist-deep. This is what people mostly do: they simply walk waist-deep in water or lie in it for hours.

4. Kedrodasos Beach.

Kedrodasos beach on the map.

The next uniquely beautiful beach in Crete is Kedrodasos. The place is truly magical. The sand is absolutely white, it feels like you are in the tropics. The water is the purest soft turquoise color. Unlike Elafonisi, there are absolutely no tourists on it, apparently because few people know about this place, although this beach is located only 1 kilometer from the crowded Elafonisi. If you face the sea on Elafonisi, Kedrodasos will be 1 km to the left. Therefore, this place has long been chosen by nudists; they meet here and there under the bushes.

5. Falasarna beach.

A stunningly beautiful beach with coarse white sand and emerald-colored water. One of the few unique beaches in Crete. Located in the westernmost part of the island, 17 km from the town of Kissamos. More precisely, this is the western coast of the Gramvuz Peninsula. Not far from the beach are the ruins of the ancient city of Falasarna, which once belonged to the Romans. This beach is considered one of the best in Crete and one of the 10 best beaches in Europe. Umbrellas, sun loungers and several bars are available. There are also changing rooms. Since the beach is large and wide, it creates the illusion that there are not many people here. People come to Falasarna beach in the evenings to admire the stunning sunset. The sun sets directly into the sea and nothing will stop you from seeing this process, no rocks or mountains, because there is nothing of that here, just you, the beach and the sea. The main inconvenience of this beach is that there are constantly waves here due to the wind blowing from the west. If you are not by car, you can get to Falasarna by bus from Chania. The name Falasarna comes from a nymph named Falasarna. If you walk along the coast from the beach to the right, you can walk among the ruins of the ancient city, which was destroyed during an earthquake in 365 AD. There are also remains of houses, acropolises and tombs.

Falasarna beach. This beach has been awarded a blue flag.

6. Pl yazh Triopetra).

Located in the town of Agios Pavlos, in the southern part of the island of Crete. The beach is located in a picturesque location, surrounded on all sides by sand dunes. The place is quite romantic and secluded, so it has long been chosen by nudists and snorkelers. There are practically no people here. The shore in this place is riddled with beautiful underwater grottoes, while the water is the purest and very clear. On Triopetra beach there is a tavern where you can have a snack or drink Greek coffee or water. There are also several umbrellas on the beach, under which you can hide from the scorching sun..

This is the beauty you can see underwater if you dive with a mask.

Since the coast is quite rocky, with bizarre crevices, it is quite possible to retire here and have a great time away from civilization and crowds of tourists. It is definitely better to get there by car (see. rent a car in Greece ). First from Rethymnon to the village of Spili and then through the villages of Akoumia to the southeast, just to the southern coast, where the tourist town of Triopetra is located with stunning wild sandy beaches.

7. Plakias Beach).

The next one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches of Crete is Plakias beach. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag. Located 3 kilometers from the village of Plakias in the south of the island. This beach is also considered a nudist haven. But there are not many of them here; they hide under bushes and in coastal crevices. However, these days, during the high season, it is easy to get here along an asphalt road, and therefore quite a lot of people come to the beach and nudists have become uncomfortable here. The beach is sandy, with very clean and clear water, quite wide, its length is about 1 kilometer. The black volcanic sand attracts the sun's rays and walking on the sand without shoes is hot. More precisely, it is impossible, because... The feet cannot withstand this temperature. The beach has umbrellas and changing facilities, and snorkelers will also find a lot of interesting things to do here.

8. Tripiti Beach).

A small secluded beach in Crete with dark green water and small pebbles. Located in the south of Crete, 12 km east of the village of Lentas. There are almost never waves here, because... the beach is protected from the wind by the coastal zone. The road to the beach leads through a magnificent gorge, through which stretches a narrow dirt road one car wide. So if anything happens, it won’t be possible to separate. There is a beautiful wild mountain landscape around Tripiti beach. Civilization in this place is almost completely absent. During high season, in the vicinity of Tripiti beach, you can rent a small house on wheels for an overnight stay for a nominal fee.

9.Kommos Beach.

It is located 2 kilometers south of the village of Kalamaki in the south of the island next to the Tympaki alternate airfield. The beach is small pebbles, but these pebbles do not interfere with going into the water. Once there was the ancient port of Festos, but now only ruins remain, which you can explore in between sunbathing and swimming. Excavations are currently underway here and you will not be able to get to them. In general, according to legend, this is exactly the place where Odysseus did not get along with the Cyclops. Remember in the movie when he gouged out his eye? In this place, the very stone that, according to legend, Odysseus’s ship ran into, sticks out of the sea. The wind often blows on Kommos beach, so the sea is rarely calm. The beach is located in a nature reserve, so there are no hotels or inns here. Due to its remoteness and seclusion, this beach also once belonged only to nudists, but nowadays you can also meet ordinary tourists here. The beach has umbrellas, sun loungers, changing rooms and toilet cabins with showers. On the mountain, above the beach, there is a small tavern where you can have a snack. The water on this beach is surprisingly clear and snorkeling here will be very interesting.

10. Voulisma and Istrou beaches.

Beach Voulisma The Blue Flag was awarded. These beaches are located 12 km southeast of the town of Agios Nikolos in eastern Crete. The beaches are hidden in the small quiet village of Kalo Chorio. There are three beaches there and they are all hidden in small coves, protected from the winds. Therefore, as a rule, there are almost never waves here. A very convenient place to relax with children. A grove of olive trees stretches above the beach. If you face the sea, on the mountain to your right you will see several private villas with swimming pools. These beaches are located near the main national road, so you can also get here by bus. If you come by car, there are free parking lots where you can safely leave your car. The beach next to the village of Kalo Chorio is called Karavostasi. This is the largest and most comfortable beach with small pebbles and coarse sand. There are umbrellas, sun loungers and everything you need for a normal rest. If you go around the shore on the right, you can get to the second beach, which is called St. Panteleimon. The beach got its name in honor of the church that was built right there on the shore. The beach has huge fancy stones with holes in them that give this Cretan beach a quaint and fairytale look. Tourists love to take pictures here; by the way, there are not many of them here. The next beach in this place is called Voulisma. There is a very rare color of sand here that seems golden.

Despite the considerable remoteness of some exotic beaches in Crete, most of them are well equipped. Voulisma beach also has umbrellas and sunbeds, and this service is also paid. The next beach on this coast is called Istron. Named after the hotel of the same name, which is located here. The water here is blue and the sand is black due to volcanic rock. During the day, such sand gets very hot and you cannot walk through it to the water without slippers. The beach is fabulously beautiful, especially in calm weather, but sunbathing on it is not very pleasant due to the presence of hotel tourists. If this doesn’t bother you, then come, you can have a great time here and swim to your heart’s content, if you larger territory the islands are stormy. It makes sense to sunbathe here during the low season.

11. Potamos Beach.

Potamos beach on the map.

Potamos beach in the photo.

Potamos Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag. Located 3 km east of the town of Malia and 1 km from the main national road. On Saturdays and Sundays, mostly Greeks and their families relax here. But if you come on weekdays, there won’t be so many people. This beach stands out for its crystal clear waters and white sand. It is protected from waves and wind by a small rock and sand rock. There is coarse sand of white-golden color and a fairly comfortable and gentle slope. It's very nice to snorkel here. This beach offers free parking, umbrellas and sun loungers, and several beach bars where you can drink coffee or water. There are also changing rooms. Instead of a shower, along the road you can find taps with a hose where you can simply rinse off after swimming. The beach is small and the water here is very clean; it was not for nothing that the Greeks chose it for a family holiday.

12. Balos Lagoon Beach.

This is the natural color of the water on Balos.

Although this is not a wild deserted beach, it is also worth mentioning. Located at the northern tip of the Gramvuz Peninsula. This is the most photographed beach of Crete, one of its calling cards. Balos Beach is mentioned in almost all guidebooks to Crete. Once upon a time, Prince Charles and Princess Diana came here on their yacht. Turquoise water, white sand with small splashes of pink grains of sand, plus wild nature untouched by civilization make Balos Beach such a favorite and visited place by tourists. If you don’t like crowds, then it’s better not to come here during high season, there are a lot of people here. Well, maybe only early in the morning. The sea here is shallow and therefore warm, making it ideal for children.

There are several ways to get to Balos Beach. The first is by private boat from Kissamos for 30-35 euros. At the same time, enjoy the beauty of the rocky coast, which represents the bizarre outlines of the rocks. The second way to get to Balos is to drive a rented car. True, the road is not very comfortable, rocky and even dangerous in rainy weather. And the third way is on an excursion pleasure boat, which makes a short cruise to the island of Gramvuz.

13. Vai Beach.

Another one of the most wonderful beaches in Crete is the legendary Vai Beach. But this beach is quite famous and famous all over the world, so there are a lot of people here. It's just a very beautiful beach and worth mentioning. Located in the eastern part of the island of Crete. Many Greeks believe that this is where the Bounty chocolate commercial was filmed, as the landscape around the beach resembles African landscape Caribbean. main feature Vai beach is that on its shores of the beach grows one of the largest colonies of palm trees, exactly the same as in the Canaries. A whole palm grove, there are about 5 thousand of them here. Not far from the beach there is a monastery with miraculous Byzantine icons. Vai Beach has long attracted a huge number of tourists, due to which the nature of this unique corner of Crete has suffered somewhat. Recently, the area of ​​Vai Beach has been considered protected. The beach is equipped with umbrellas, showers and changing facilities. There is dazzling white sand and emerald-colored water. There is a small parking lot for tourists by car. And if you don’t have a car, you can get to the beach by bus from the village of Sitia. Vai Beach in Crete is a must see. True, it’s a long way to get to it.
Of course, these are not all the beaches of Crete that are unique and beautiful. It’s impossible to list them all, but if you visit at least a few of those described here, then on your next trip you will definitely want to see the rest of the beaches. An excellent reason to come to Crete again and again. Most of the listed beaches, due to their remoteness, are convenient to visit if you travel around Crete in a rented car.
If anyone knows other similar beautiful and secluded beaches, you can complement me.

Have a nice holiday!

The hospitable and sunny island of Crete is one of the most sought-after beach destinations Mediterranean Sea. Tourists will find the best beaches in the picturesque bays of the island, the azure and clear sea, as well as the historical antiquities of Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Rethymnon.

The first civilization arose on Crete several thousand years before our era. Many historical monuments have reached us through the centuries. Today, guests of the island have the opportunity to explore the mysterious labyrinths of the Knossos Palace, admire the impregnable Venetian fortresses or look at the ruins of ancient cities.

The swimming season in Crete lasts from the end of May to the end of October. The winter months are ideal for exploring the many attractions, as even in January daytime temperatures rarely drop below 15°C.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

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What to see and where to go in Crete?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

Ancient historical Center the island of Crete, named after mythological hero Hercules. If you believe the “Geography” of the ancient Greek thinker, geographer and historian Strabo, the city already existed in the 1st century AD. and was the seaport of the Minoan city of Knossos. Heraklion was ruled at various times by Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks. In the Middle Ages, here was the largest slave trading market in the entire Mediterranean. The island united with Greece only at the beginning of the 20th century.

The city is located in the western part of Crete. It was built by the Venetians during their rule on the island. Many sights of Rethymno have survived perfectly to this day; the central place among them is occupied by the Venetian fortress of Fortezza, built in late XVI centuries. Visited and popular places include the Archaeological and Historical-Ethnographic Museums, the ancient Rimondi Fountain and the Venetian port.

A small town in northern Crete, a well-known and popular tourist destination. The predecessor of modern Agios Nikolaos arose on the site of the ancient Dorian settlement of Lato, but gradually fell into decay. New inhabitants appeared already in the Middle Ages during Venetian rule. In 1646, as a result of the war with the Turks, the Venetians burned the settlement. For the third time, Agios Nikolaos was reborn in the middle XIX century.

The water park is located in Heraklion, its territory covers an area of ​​more than 80 thousand m². This is the largest water park in Crete. It includes 13 swimming pools and many high-speed slides different levels difficulties. Also in the water park there are less extreme rides, so every visitor will find something to do. There are separate pools and playgrounds for children with a variety of water games.

An ancient monument to the Minoan civilization, which flourished in Crete during the Bronze Age. According to legend, the Palace of Knossos is the same legendary labyrinth where the terrible Minotaur lived. Only the hero Theseus managed to defeat the monster. It was the bizarre architecture of the palace-temple with numerous passages, dead ends, rooms and passages that gave birth to the myth of the Minotaur.

The ancient city is 30 km away. from Heraklion, founded presumably in the 20th century BC. in the pre-antique era. The settlement witnessed many civilizations: Mycenaean, Dorian, Greek. During the rule of the Roman Empire, Gortyn was the capital of the island of Crete and the residence of the governor. The city existed until the 9th century AD, in 828 during Arab conquest Crete it was turned into ruins.

An ancient city that went under water around the 2nd century AD. as a result of local displacement of crustal plates in the region of Eastern Crete. Finds from archaeological excavations indicate that Olus was an independent and developed city; it minted its own coins and maintained friendly relations with neighboring settlements. Foreigners were allowed to settle in Olus, as evidenced by documents found during excavations.

One of the largest museums in Greece, which houses a rich collection of artifacts of the Minoan civilization. Also in the exhibition halls are exhibits from other periods of the island's history, from the Neolithic era to the reign of the Roman Empire. In total, the museum has 20 rooms, arranged in chronological order. New specimens are constantly being found at excavations and adding to museum collections.

A unique architectural monument, which was founded in the 5th century AD. The church at the monastery dates back to the 16th century. The monastery is located on the slopes of Mount Ida at an altitude of 500 meters. In the 17th century, Turkish invaders plundered the premises and expelled the brothers, but the monks were later allowed to return. In 1866, during the Cretan uprising, the monastery withstood a siege by a 15,000-strong Turkish army.

Greek Orthodox monastery XVII century. The founders of the monastery are considered to be the brothers Lavrenty and Jeremiah, who come from a respected Venetian family. Construction work continued until the second half of the 19th century centuries, since the monastery was repeatedly attacked by the Turks. As a result of such raids, most of the property was looted and burned. Only after the Cretan Revolution was it possible to restore the monastery.

A picturesque monastery of the 16th century, built on the slope of a mountain. The monastery is under the jurisdiction of the Constantinople Orthodox Church. In the 17th century, the building was destroyed by the Turkish authorities. In the 20th century, Preveli was once again plundered and destroyed by fascist troops. The monastery was closed in 1970, followed by long years reconstruction. In 2013, the monastery was opened to the public.

Convent of the 13th century (or 10th century according to alternative sources). The first written mentions of it date back to the 14th century. Within the walls of the monastery there is kept a miracle icon of the Mother of God of the Heart (Cardiotissa), or rather a copy of it. The original was stolen in the 15th century and is currently in Rome. It is believed that a copy of the icon also has miraculous properties and can cure diseases.

The Venetian fort in the city of Rethymno, one of the most significant city attractions. It was erected in the 16th century. Fortezza rises above Rethymno and can be seen from any part of the city. The fortress constantly changed its appearance; during numerous wars with the Turks, the outer walls and buildings suffered. The last restoration lasted almost 20 years, as a result of which Fortezza acquired the appearance it had under the Venetians.

Sea fortress in Heraklion, built by the Venetians in the 14th century. Bas-reliefs depicting a lion, the symbol of the Venetian Republic, are built into the main walls of the fort. The name "Kules" was given by the Turks, while the creators of the fort themselves used the name "Rocca al-Mar". Which, loosely translated from modern Italian, means “fortress on the sea.” The Turks built a small mosque on the territory of the fortification, and also completed the embrasure and space for placing artillery.

A 14th-century Venetian military structure on the territory of the Cretan community of Sfakion, which was built to protect against pirate raids. In those days, the fortress was called “Castle of St. Nikita”, but the name “Frangokastello” was assigned to it, which translated means “castle of the Franks”. The fort withstood many sieges and assaults, but its walls have survived to this day in relatively good condition.

Spinalonga is a small island in the eastern part of Crete, located opposite the peninsula of the same name. In the 16th century, the Venetians turned this place into impregnable fortress, which was supposed to protect settlements from pirates. On the ruins of the ancient acropolis, such a powerful fort was erected that even the troops of the Ottoman Empire, after the capture of Crete, could not take Spinalonga for another 46 years.

A freshwater lake around which the Greek “Saint-Tropez” is located - the city of Agios Nikolaos. The depth of the reservoir reaches 64 meters. According to ancient legend, the beautiful Aphrodite and the huntress Artemis took baths in the waters of Vulismeni. Until the very middle of the 19th century local residents believed that they lived in the lake evil spirits. Vulismeni is connected to the sea via a canal.

Another freshwater lake in Crete, located in a picturesque green valley. The beaches of Kournas are an excellent alternative to the seaside resorts of Heraklion and Rethymno. A variety of birds, turtles and fish live on the shores and in the depths of the water. The silence and tranquility of the lake are conducive to long boat trips. Once upon a time there was a temple of Athena of Coresia, but the structure has not survived to this day.

A cave system located within the Diktean mountain range. According to ancient Greek mythology, here the goddess Rhea hid the newborn Zeus from her husband, the god Kronos. The child was destined to overthrow the power of his father and become the supreme god of the entire Greek pantheon. Cave for a long time bore the name of Zeus and was sacred to admirers of the thunder god.

A fertile plateau in the eastern part of the island, raised 820 meters above sea level. The plateau is known as the “valley of a thousand mills” (with their help, water was extracted for a long time to irrigate agricultural land). In the valley there are orchards and large vegetable plantations. Generous lands The Lasithi plateau began to be cultivated during the Minoan civilization.

A natural landmark of Crete, one of the largest gorges on the Greek islands. The length of the tourist route along the gorge is about 16 km. In ancient times, temples of Artemis and Apollo stood here, as evidenced by the surviving ruins. In the 6th century BC. in the Samaria Gorge there was a city of Tarra. Since 1962, the territory has been declared a National Park.

A sand spit of rare beauty a few tens of kilometers from the resort of Chania, covered with pink sand. Many tourists consider Elafonisi the most picturesque beach in the entire Mediterranean. The delicate pink color comes from the remains of coral and small shells covering large areas of the spit. The water in the lagoon is always clean, warm and clear. The beach is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay.

Beach located in Messara Bay in the small town of Matala. It is surrounded by rocks in which numerous caves have been carved. It is believed that ancient people originally lived in them. In the early Christian era, followers of Jesus took refuge from persecution in the caves of Matala. This fact is evidenced by the remains of catacomb churches and burials of believers.

The bay is located in the western part of Crete. Here is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches, which is famous for its purest white sand with pink splashes and magnificent turquoise water. Despite enough a large number of those wishing to swim in the waters of the bay, there is no tourist infrastructure on its shores. In this way they try to preserve nature in its original form.

Beach in Vai National Park. It is home to the largest palm forest in Europe, consisting of the endemic Theophrastus palm. It is believed that the plantings appeared thanks to Phoenician sailors. The beach is very popular among tourists, so during the high season there are always a lot of people sunbathing and swimming here. Particularly picturesque views of Vai can be seen in the rays of the dawn sun.

South Crete is a part of the Greek island that has not yet been explored much by tourists. Here, majestic mountains coexist with wild beaches, and instead of huge hotel complexes there are small apartments in quiet villages. And yet, on the southern coast there is a place for developed resort villages, where you can relax peacefully and enjoy the benefits of civilization. Where is the best place to stay in South Crete?

Palaiochora

Among the most popular southern resorts of Crete is Paleochora. Just half a century ago there stood a fishing village located on a small peninsula near the Libyan Sea. Over time, tourists became fascinated by the traditional way of life of Paleochora and appreciated its beaches. The town is surrounded on both sides by sandy and pebble bays - both are well equipped and washed by a shallow, clear sea. The eastern beach is good for families with children, while the western beach often has waves that create suitable conditions for windsurfers.

After relaxing on the coast, it is worth getting acquainted with the sights of Paleochora. The ruins of a 13th-century Venetian fortress rise above the village, and nearby are the remains of the ancient city of Kalamidi. Looking into the churches of Paleochora, you can admire Venetian frescoes. As for leisure, it’s hard to get bored in Paleochora: there are bars, a couple of clubs, traditional taverns, and souvenir shops. You can go on a short boat trip or rent diving and surfing equipment.

Matala is one of the most legendary places in Greece associated with hippie culture. Bob Dylan came here; in the 60s, the fame of the resort resounded far beyond the borders of Crete. Today the atmosphere here is much calmer: you can combine a leisurely beach holiday with excursions. There is little left of the noisy parties - there are several bars and colorful taverns. The well-maintained Matala beach is covered with sand and surrounded by rocks. Very close are apartments, supermarkets and cafes. Half a kilometer from the village is the Red Beach, the road to which leads along a narrow path.

On the coast is the main attraction of Matala - rocks with artificial caves. In ancient times, people lived in them, then they were chosen by hippies. Now the rocks can only be visited for a fee. While vacationing in Matale, you can’t help but visit the ancient cities of Gortyn and Festus. The impressive archaeological sites contain palaces, the remains of theaters and residential buildings.

Plakias is located in one of the most beautiful bays of South Crete, surrounded by mountains. The sea here is always calm, but the water is cooler than in the resorts of Eastern and Western Crete. For relaxation, you can choose both the central beach and small bays scattered around it. Plakias is an example of a resort village in which the tourist infrastructure does not disturb the general atmosphere of tranquility. There are large supermarkets, apartments, taverns, 4* hotels, diving centers, but at the same time, the main contingent of vacationers are lovers of a leisurely holiday. You can diversify your trip to Plakias with trekking, dinner right on the seashore or a walk to the village of Myrtios. It is located above Plakias and offers excellent panoramic views of the bay.

Loutro

Loutro is the dream destination for residents of bustling cities. This Cretan village is decorated with white houses and is completely isolated from big land. The only way to get to Loutro is to first get to Chora Sfakion and then take a ferry. There are no clubs or bars here, but there are real Cretan taverns, clear sea and local hospitality. Loutro has a pebble beach and there are almost no storms, so you can safely swim or take a catamaran ride. If you want to add new colors to your holiday, you can swim to the beaches of Glika Nera and Marmara, visit the village of Agia Roumeli or explore the surrounding area on foot. Around Loutro lie the ruins of Venetian forts and Turkish towers.

Ierapetra

In Crete, Ierapetra is known as an agricultural center. Tourism for locals is not the main source of income, but in recent years more and more hotels have appeared in the southernmost city of the island. Ierapetra is interesting to tourists for its long beach, which stretches for 7 km and its non-capricious climate - it allows you to relax at the resort until November. Among the attractions, it is worth seeing Old Ierapetra: historical buildings are concentrated here, and Napoleon stayed briefly in one of the houses. The pride of Ierapetra is the Kules fortress. The Venetian monument not only decorates the harbor, but also becomes a venue for festivals and concerts. If you have time, you can go to the protected island of Chrissi. It is located near Ierapetra and is famous for its sandy beaches.

The Greek island of Crete is one of the most popular in the mythology of Ancient Greece. It is Crete that is considered the birthplace of Zeus, as well as many other mythological figures. Crete is one of the most famous resorts in Europe due to its unique climate and beaches. The island is washed by several seas and has an ideal tourist infrastructure for lovers of beach tourism. But even if you like to sunbathe on the beach, you should not deprive yourself of attention to the sights of Crete. In this collection, I will tell you about the most popular places on the island that are worth exploring during an excursion.

The ancient city of Gortyn

Among the ancient sights of Crete, it is worth paying attention to the ancient city of Gortyn. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and is located several tens of kilometers south of the capital of Crete. Many different peoples lived on this land over the centuries, whose cultures are reflected in the partially preserved ruins. You will find elements of Greek, Roman and even Egyptian cultures here. Another interesting place nearby is the catacombs, which were formed during the quarrying of stone during the construction of Gortyn. Unfortunately, this labyrinth is inaccessible to travelers due to security measures.

Spinalonga Fortress

For centuries, these territories of Crete were empty and only after the arrival of the Venetians began to develop, as they discovered rich reserves of salt here. Spinalonga was founded on a small island in 1579. The fortress was built for defensive purposes, since the settlement was often attacked by pirates and Turks. The history of the island and the Spinalonga fortress is very rich in numerous events. This place constantly changed owners and passed from one owner to another. To this day, many ancient buildings and defensive walls have been preserved here. There are dark spots in the history of the island. For example, at the beginning of the 20th century, Spinalonga was a kind of prison for lepers from all over Greece. However, it was here that electrical energy first appeared on the island of Crete. The fortress is one of the must-see attractions in Greece.

Diktean cave

Among the natural attractions of Crete, it is worth noting the Dictaean Cave, which is located in the mountains of the same name. This is one of the most beautiful places on the entire island, where, according to myth, the god Zeus was born. During excavations, many ancient artifacts were found here in honor of this ancient Greek deity. The cave is very popular among travelers who visit en masse legendary place. The Diktean cave consists of the so-called vestibule and the main hall. Here you will find a large underground lake with special wooden bridges that lead along fantastic stalactites and other geological formations. To diversify your trip, you can get to the cave using a donkey excursion.

Lake Kourna

Crete's attractions include several lakes, but this is one of the largest freshwater bodies of water in Crete. Kourna is very popular among the other natural wonders of Crete. The lake is located 50 kilometers southeast of Chania. You will probably be surprised to see turtles and other rare inhabitants of freshwater lakes here. For this reason, the lake is a nature reserve and is protected by European nature protection laws. Numerous studies claim that lake water is so pure that it can be drunk even without purification or boiling. There is also a nice, cozy beach where both locals and numerous tourists relax. Kournas can easily be included in the list of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Lake Vulismeni

Another wonderful lake of Crete is Voulismeni. This freshwater body of water is located in the town of Agios Nikolaos. The lake is famous for its round shape and great depth of several tens of meters. There have long been myths that Vulusmeni is completely bottomless. According to these legends, the goddess Athena herself bathed here. It is a proven fact that during the Second World War, the inhabitants of Crete sank the German military equipment. Vulismeni was the object of research by the legendary Frenchman Jacques Cousteau, who dived here with his bathyscaphe.

Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete is the largest gorge in Europe. This is one of the most picturesque natural attractions of Crete. This gorge has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has managed to preserve elements of ancient structures and shrines. About a century ago, the Samaria Gorge became a national park and protected reserve. Thus, the government decided to protect the unique fauna and flora of Samaria. There is a special walking trail through the gorge, along which hundreds of thousands of tourists pass every year. Sometimes there are so many people here that traffic jams even form. The Samaria Gorge is open to tourists during the summer and autumn, when there is the least rainfall. During the rainy season, traveling here is dangerous, as the gorge often fills with water.

Labyrinth of the Minotaur

It is not surprising that many of the sights of Crete are associated with myths and legends. In the case of the Minotaur's labyrinth, it was here that a monstrous monster was kept and terrorized the inhabitants of Athens. With his help, King Minas collected taxes from the people, but the brave hero Theseus saved the city residents from the minotaur. And so another myth of Ancient Greece appeared. Interestingly, the exact location and layout of the labyrinth are not known. It is believed that ancient labyrinth was located in the ruins of the Knossos Palace in northern Crete. Part underground routes has indeed survived to this day, but none of the researchers have been able to decipher its plan and real purpose.

Knossos palace

The Palace of Knossos is mentioned in the list of architectural attractions of Crete as an integral point. This palace was the main building of one of the oldest cities in Greece called Knossos. You can find the famous Ruins in the north of Crete, near the present city of Heraklion. Throughout history, the palace was repeatedly damaged by earthquakes, but was soon restored again. When archaeologist Evans bought land in northern Crete, he tried to partially recreate this ancient structure. It is thanks to his efforts that today it is possible to look deep into history and see some elements of the Knossos Palace.

Ruins of ancient Olus

A very popular place among scuba divers is the Ruins of the ancient city of Olus. The city found itself under water after a powerful earthquake, being a powerful port and shopping center. Thanks to diving today, scuba divers have a unique chance to observe the heritage of several civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. Here you can rent diving equipment and even hire a private guide to take you on an underwater excursion. Not everyone can visit this unusual attraction of Crete, as certain diving skills are required. Olous is included in the list of the most mysterious underwater cities in history.

Kera Cardiotissa

A lesser-visited landmark of Crete, it is one of the island's most important shrines. The monastery of Kera Kardiotissa includes a number of buildings that are approximately 800 years old. Today it is a quiet, peaceful place where services are still conducted. Orthodox tourists are attracted here by a copy of the icon of the Mother of God, which is considered to heal illness. Many believe that by touching this icon they will be able to recover or gain longevity. This tranquil place creates an atmosphere as if life stood still many centuries ago.

Agios Nikolaos Museum

One of the attractions of Crete is the Museum of Archeology in the town of Agios Nikolaos. Here you can see many archaeological finds found during excavations. The museum exposition reveals to the visitor the history of the island of Crete. Various eras of the island's life are represented, but the most outstanding exhibits are the statue of the goddess Metra and the skull of a young Roman.

Watercity Waterpark

Many will certainly be interested in the modern landmarks of Crete, including the WaterCity water park in the city of Anapolis. Numerous tourists relax here after a tour of the ancient ruins. The water park can be found near the village of Kokkini Hani. There are water slides for both adult thrill-seekers and small children. The most modern range of attractions that can be found in European resorts is presented.

City of Rethymnon

In the western part of Crete is the picturesque town of Rethymno. It was built by the Venetians during their reign on the island. Many of the sights of this city have been perfectly preserved to this day. But among them it is worth highlighting the magnificent Fortezza fortress from the 16th century. There are also museums here, including archaeological and historical-ethnographic. Numerous tourists like to gather near the Rimondi Fountain in the port of Rethymnon.

Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi Beach is included in the list of the best beaches in Greece and is located 20 kilometers from the city of Chania. Elafonisi is famous for its pink sand and picturesque views. It is for this beach that many tourists from different countries Europe chooses the island of Crete as a vacation destination. This unusual color of the sand was formed due to the remains of special corals, and the water in the lagoon is always crystal clear. It has everything you need for a quality holiday, so I strongly advise you to visit this attraction of Crete during your trip.

Vai Beach

In the final part of our review, we will walk through the best beaches of Crete. Among them is the palm-fringed beach of Vai in the territory of the national park of the same name. It is famous for the largest palm forest on the European Continent. Even more surprising is that the endemic Theophrastus palms grow here. Vai Beach is very popular among tourists, so it is always very crowded during the summer season. However, this place is recommended for visiting due to its scenic views and the opportunity to watch the sunrise.

Balos Bay

Many people come to Crete precisely for this amazing place where one of the the most beautiful beaches peace. The beach of Balos Bay with white and pink sand and turquoise water in shallow waters is surrounded by untouched nature. There is no infrastructure here, since Balos Bay is a protected area. Numerous tourists walk here from the nearest parking lot, but the journey is worth it. Alternatively, you can book a donkey excursion, which will especially appeal to children.

Matala Beach

This is not just a beach, but an important historical site near the small Greek settlement of Matala. Matala is located in a cozy bay formed by rocks. People have lived in this place since prehistoric times, and supporters of Jesus Christ hid from persecutors in numerous rock caves. The ruins of ancient temples and burials are still preserved here. This is the case when history, a picturesque beach and natural beauty come together in one attraction of Crete.