Top Things To Do In Crete

Welcome to Crete, a cultural mecca doted with beaches, towns, ruins and more. Located in the Mediterranean, Crete is noted as the largest island in Greece as well as the fifth largest in the Mediterranean sea.

Due to its rich history and undeniable beauty, you’ll find lots of activities to choose from during your visit.

But what are the must sees and must dos? Take a look at some of the suggestions below and get ready for a trip of a lifetime.

Cultural Activities

Dripping in history, visitors will find numerous archaeological sites and museums around the island. Some of the best archaeological sites include Knossos, Phaistos, Lato, Malia, Mirtos and Aptera. One of the more famous sites, Knossos, consists of a Minoan Palace where one can learn about the once standing 1,200 rooms and the natural disasters that destroyed it time and time again. For more history, take a day to visit the Archaeological Museum in Iraklion.

Sightseeing

If you love sightseeing but wish to venture off the beaten path, a visit to Sitia is in order. Visited by Greeks more frequently then foreign tourists, Sitia both relaxes and thrills with a waterfront  dotted with restaurants and eateries, a beautiful coastal drive and museums. Another great sightseeing town is Chania Old Town & Harbour. Here you’ll find cobbled streets, Venetian architecture, cafes and more. What makes this particular town even more interesting is that it was built right on top of the ancient city of Kydonia.

Beaches

One of reasons that many choose to visit Crete over other islands in the Mediterranean is it’s abundance of varying types of beaches. Here you’ll find beaches ranging from long stretches of white sand to rocky coastlines to coves. Some of the best beaches to be found on the island include Kedrodasos beach, Bali beach and Peristeres beach. Each of these three beaches are great for swimming and snorkeling.

Outdoor activities

Crete beckons with plenty of outdoor activities to keep even the most extreme enthusiast content. If you love a good hike, then the Samarian Gorge should be right up your alley. Known as the longest Gorge in Europe, Samarian lies at just under 10 miles long with views of 1,000 foot cliff walls with sections of the gorge narrowing in at only 10 feet wide. If a long hike isn’t your thing, then head over to Lake Kournas, the only natural freshwater lake found in Crete. Here you’ll find a relaxing experience coupled with a backdrop of the White Mountains.

Getting to Crete can be a pricey endeavor for most travelers but not if you do your research and plan well in advance. If you’re looking to score great deals on airfare, you can usually find cheap flights with Thomas Cook Airlines. In the end, no matter what it costs to get there, Crete is a destination that you’ll never forget.