Museums-Beaches & Places to See
Heraklion Archaeological Museum468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2nSfnU1QC
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is currently undergoing renovation so the full collection is inaccessible. However, to avoid disappointing visitors who want to find out more about the Minoan civilisation, a temporary exhibit hall has been constructed next door. In some ways this is preferable as they have selected the most beautiful or important pieces from the reduced collection meaning that you don’t have to trawl through hundreds of objects to find items of interest.
Lake Kournas468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3wo3OYDS5
For natural beauty it’s hard to beat the view out over Lake Kounas, surrounded by lush fields and forests and with the stunning White Mountains as a backdrop. Kounas is the only natural freshwater lake on Crete. There are a number of tavernas lining the shore of the lake and you can take a refreshing swim here in the summer months. Nearby is the ancient site of Lappa where the Romans built baths. There’s also a Roman aqueduct in Upper Lappa.
Anogia & Zoniana Cave468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcJvRB2zIV
Anogia has a sad history for here in World War II the occupying German army razed the village to the ground and killed all the men of the village in retaliation for the kidnap of the German leader on the island. Today, a memorial in the village marks the tragic event. The village is also famous as the birthplace of Nikos Xilouris a legendary Cretan musician who died in 1980 at the age of 43. Each year the village hosts the Yakintha Festival in July in memory of Xilouris. The festival is dedicated to the celebration of music, theatre, and art. Nearby is another fascinating cave, the Zoniana Cave which is the best one on the island for stalagmites and stalactites.
Loutro468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cA7AiHyU8
For an unusual and very peaceful day out, take a boat trip to Loutro village. The village isn’t accessible by road but the fit can walk to it too. It’s a typical Greek village with white and blue painted houses and the lack of motorised transport gives it a set back in time feel. There’s not much to do there apart from enjoy the tranquillity, sip a drink and swim from the pebbly beach but you’re on holiday so that should be plenty!468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBrMHd9eMW
Gortyn Ancient Site in Heraklion468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3IlNLicFF
The archaeological site of Gortyn near Heraklion Crete: The historical site of Gortyn lies about 44 km to the southwest of Heraklion town. Evidence found at the site shows that the area was inhabited in the Neolithic days of the 7000 BC. But Gortyn took its name in the times of the Minoan civilization when a flourishing Minoan settlement stood here in the fertile plain of Mesara, Central Crete.
Natural History Museum in Heraklion468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelp4yVHic6
The Natural History Museum in Heraklion Crete: The Natural History Museum of Crete is located near the port of Heraklion, at Sofokli Venizelou street, and it is dedicated to the natural environment. The museum was established in 1980 under the aegis of the University of Crete.
Phaestos Palace in Heraklion468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm63D7hds5
The Minoan Palace of Phaestos in Crete: The Palace of Phaistos is located on the east end of Kastri Hill, the end of the Messara plain in South Central Crete. It is considered to be one of the finest of all Minoan palaces. The preserves of the old and new palace can be seen until nowadays. Excavations in the area began in 1884 and were carried out by F. Halbherr and A. Taramelli. After the declaration of the Cretan State as independent in 1898, continued by F. Halbherr and L. Pernier between in 1900-1904.
Venetian Loggia in Heraklion468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrQDBZgofF
The Venetian Loggia of Heraklion Crete: In the center of Heraklion Town, on the square of Saint Titus and along 25th August street, you will find an impressive building of the Venetian times that has survived and functions till today: the Venetian Loggia, a typical construction of the Venetian rule, has been renovated and hosts today the Town Hall of Heraklion.
Egyptian Lighthouse468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfhy4pI3iS
The most famous landmark in Rethymnon, the Egyptian Lighthouse sits in the middle of the Venetian harbor. The different names of the lighthouse and harbor may seem confusing, but the Egyptian Lighthouse was built during the 1830s during the time when the Ottoman Empire controlled the island and gave it to the Egyptians. The Venetian harbor, which already existed, might have had a lighthouse there previously but it is no longer standing.468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJtTZH4HQe
Crete is the largest island in Greece located in the southern Aegean Sea. It can be accessed by any of the three airports found in Heraklion, Chania and Sitia. It can also be reached by the ferry dock ports in Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Sitia and Kissamos. There is so much to see and do on this fascinating island and the best way to explore and discover all of the hidden gems of Crete is rent a car Chania from any of the well-known car rental Crete agencies including Hertz, Avis, Budget and Imperial Car Rental. Once you arrive to Crete avoid the inconvenience of waiting for a bus or taxi and pick-up your car hire Chania Airport or car hire Chania Port so you can enjoy your valuable time to come and go as you please to any and all the destinations you desire!468Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GPp7F4DAC
