Greece crete the most beautiful places. Tips for vacationers or the best places about. Crete. Prices for excursions in Crete in Russian
What to see in Crete? This question is becoming more and more popular these days, and no wonder. Thousands of tourists annually strive to visit the land saturated with myths and legends. Crete is rich in both man-made and natural attractions. Consider what exactly attracts travelers.
Knossos palace
Knossos is one of the oldest cities on the planet. In its northern part there is a grandiose monument. This is the palace of Knossos. The most developed areas of the island during the period of the Minoan civilization were the settlements formed around the palaces. The latter were grandiose in their scale and complexity complexes, which were the place of concentration of economic, social and political life. Such structures existed not only in Knossos, but also in other cities - in Phaistos and Zakros.
Minotaur Labyrinth
What to see in Crete for lovers of secrets and mysteries of antiquity? Of course, the labyrinth of the Minotaur! It is located on the territory of the Knossos Palace. All of us, back in school history lessons, were excited by the legend of a monster roaming the endless tangled corridors. Excavations have been carried out here for more than one decade, and during all this time, archaeologists have not found any remains in the mysterious structure - neither animals nor people.
Samaria Gorge
Is your holiday destination Crete? What is a must-see if you want to enjoy natural beauties? Head to the White Mountains National Park. On its territory is the largest gorge in Europe. Tourists who prefer leisure, with pleasure pass the sixteen-kilometer route. The length of the gorge is thirteen kilometers. Everyone who wants to enjoy beautiful views in a real stone jungle does not wonder what to see in Crete. They go straight to the Samaria Gorge and get an unforgettable experience.
Monastery of the Holy Trinity
Agia Triada is one of the richest and most famous monasteries not only on the island in question, but throughout Greece. This legendary building is located fifteen kilometers from the city of Chania. The monastery began to be built in the sixteenth century. The construction was carried out by the Tsagorolon brothers, representatives of a noble Cretan-Venetian family, which at that time was the most influential in the region.
Melidoni
When figuring out what to see in Crete, you will surely come across information about this amazing cave. Melidoni is located next to the village of the same name. In ancient times, this cave was a sacred place. It was there that they worshiped Zeus, Hermes and Talos - the powerful Greek gods.
Tabakaria
This architectural complex is located in the eastern part of the city of Chania. It was built in the middle of the nineteenth century. All buildings in the Tabakaria region are adapted for processing leather and making things from this material. This part of the city was not chosen by chance, as the local soils are saturated with groundwater with a low percentage of salt. The skin treated in such a liquid becomes softer and more pleasant to the touch.
The architecture of Tabakaria cannot be called ordinary. The houses included in this complex are two-three-story boxes gray color built right on the rocky coastal area.
Sfedoni
What to see on the island of Crete, if secrets are of particular interest underworld? Travel to Zoniana Village. On its territory is the cave of Sfedoni, which is called the most spectacular and memorable on the island. Going underground is allowed only with a guide and at a certain time.
kournas
This is the largest freshwater lake in Crete. It is located a few kilometers south of Georgioupoli, a popular resort village (the beach of the same name is located next to it). Previously, the lake had a different name - Koresia - in memory of Athena of Koresia. Modern version- Kournas - translated as "lake" from Arabic. What to see in Crete if you are attracted by natural attractions? Go to the lake described above! Kournas will meet you with beautiful mountain landscapes, as if reflected in a mirror in crystal clear fresh water (it is so transparent that from the shore you can watch the local inhabitants - fish and turtles).
Monastery of Preveli
It is located on the south coast of the island, near the village of Plakias. The monastery consists of two separate complexes. One of them - Kato Preveli - was erected in honor of St. John the Baptist. The second - Piso Preveli - is dedicated to John the Theologian.
As historians suggest, the foundation of the monastery falls on the Second Byzantine period (10-11 centuries). The oldest documented date is 1594. It was engraved on the building's bell. During the period when the Turks occupied the island, the monastery of Preveli played the role of a center of social and religious life in the southern part of Crete.
Chania
What to see in Crete on your own? Do not deprive the attention of the city of Chania. It is located at a distance of one hundred and fifty kilometers from Heraklion, at the place where the ancient settlement of Kydonia was located. Chania is the administrative center of the region of the same name in Crete. It is the second largest city on the island. More recently (until 1971) Chania played the role of the capital of Crete.
Currently, it is a calm and cozy town. It is inhabited by almost sixty thousand inhabitants. In Chania, you can admire both modern buildings and ancient architectural monuments (located in the old part of the city).
Zeus cave
Are you enjoying your stay on a beautiful island and have already had time to soak up the nearby beaches? It's time to leave the hotel! What can you see in Crete? A tour of the Lasithi Valley will definitely not disappoint you. Particular attention of tourists is attracted by the cave system, located in one of the mountain ranges of Crete. Its name was inspired by ancient myths about powerful gods. The cave of Zeus has two peaks, the height of which exceeds 2 km. These are Lazaros and Afentis Christos. The peak of the cave system under consideration is called Spafi. It rises to 2148 meters above sea level.
In the nineteenth century, the first excavations started in this place. As a result, unique altars, figurines of Zeus and pottery created in different historical periods were found. After studying all the artifacts, archaeologists concluded that this cave system was used for about two thousand years as a place of worship for the god of lightning and thunder. The resulting finds are currently part of the exhibition at the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion.
Rethymno
This city is the administrative center of the district of the same name. Crete. Rethymno (there is always something to see here), despite its impressive size, has retained the charm and comfort inherent in small European settlements. And it's all thanks to Byzantine Empire, Venetian rule and Turkish rule.
Rethymno is called an open-air museum for a reason. It will seem to you a real labyrinth of narrow streets, in which even a map does not always come to the rescue. The main attraction of the city is the Venetian fortress of Fortezza. This is the largest coastal fortification of the island. In ancient times, the city played the role of a transit point between Chania and Heraklion. Taking into account the threats from the Turks, the construction of the fortress began without any hesitation in 1573. The construction process lasted seven years. It employed over one hundred thousand people. As a result, two-meter walls appeared, reaching a thickness of 1.5 m.
Of no less interest is the Archaeological Museum. It is located near the fortress, in a building where there was a prison many centuries ago. In the museum you can see statues, jewelry, dishes, weapons, coins and seals of various eras - classical, archaic, geometric, Hellenistic, late and middle Minoan, as well as Roman.
On Arapatzoglou Street, which is located almost in the very center of Rethymno, you can see the Museum of Marine Life. It occupies the building of a restored monastery. On the Square of the Four Martyrs there is a church of the same name. In it you can touch the relics of three inhabitants of Crete who died at the hands of the Turks in 1824. What was the reason for their execution? The decision not to betray the Christian faith.
On Paleologou street, not far from the harbor, there is a Venetian Loggia. In ancient times, political, financial and economic issues were resolved within its walls. A souvenir shop is currently open here. While walking along the Old Town and the embankment, it is impossible not to notice such ancient monuments as the Guora Gate, Kara Mussa Pasha and Neradze mosques.
Heraklion
This is the capital of the island. The city is full of beautiful buildings. To get to know everyday life Heraklion is recommended to take a leisurely stroll through its charming narrow streets. The most beautiful of them - st. Illusions.
One of the most famous sights of the capital is the Archaeological Museum. It stores more than five and a half thousand unique artifacts - antiquities from the Neolithic to the Roman period. The most beautiful building that appeared on the island during the Venetian rule is the Venetian walls. They were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Their total length is three kilometers. The gates of Panigra, Lazaretto, Pantokrator, as well as the gates of Jesus have been preserved in the walls. The highest point of this amazing monument is the Martinego bastion. In the indicated place, the walls close into a triangle.
The Lions Fountain amazes travelers with pompously decorated pools and four stone statues of powerful kings of nature. This attraction is located in the heart of the capital of Crete.
Heraklion - what else can you see in this city? All those interested in the mysterious underwater world tend to visit the Thalassocosmos Aquarium. It is noteworthy that the inscription [email protected] is found everywhere - both on huge billboards and on small road signs in remote corners of the country. The aquarium was opened in 2005 in a building that was previously used as a military base. Tourists often include a visit to the Cretan Marine Aquarium in the mandatory travel program. A little less than forty tanks of various sizes are located in the large halls. These aquariums are inhabited by thousands of representatives of the Mediterranean depths.
What to see in Crete on your own? Walking around the capital, do not forget to look into the Museum of History. It is located in a beautiful building built in the best traditions of the neoclassical style. Twenty-two rooms contain valuable archaeological finds from the Byzantine period to World War II.
Cars do not drive along the central streets of Heraklion. The heart of the capital is reserved for hiking.
The purpose of your trip - the island of Crete? What to see while driving a car? Don't miss out on the waterfalls. The most beautiful of them are located in the regions of Rethymno (in the west it borders on the region of Chania, in the east - on the region of Heraklion) and Lassithi (80 km east of the capital).
In addition, an unforgettable experience will leave a tour of the cities and villages that fill the island of Crete. What to see in the area of Lassithi? Go to Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, Kritsa, Makrigialos, Elounda and Xerokampos. The Rethymno region is known for such settlements as Agia Galini, Lappa, Panormo, Bali and Plakias. Traveling around the region Heraklion, do not forget to stop by Heraklion, Matala, Archanes, Gouves and Malia.
Traveling around the island of Crete, what to see? The sights of the land shrouded in myths are not only the creations of human hands. Local beaches are no less popular among tourists. The beauty of some of them are famous all over the world. Most of these beaches are not found in popular resorts. How to get to them? To do this, you will have to drive a little away from the main road route. You will see beaches with red and pink, stone sculptures and dazzling white dunes. Such beauty is worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. So that you can make the best route, we list the best beaches of the island by region:
Chania - Falasarna, Balos, Kedrodasos, Elafosini, Glyka Nera, Frangokastello, Stefanou and Kourna.
Rethymnon - Schinaria, Episkopi, Triopetra, Preveli, Agios Pavlos.
Heraklion - Agiofarango, Red Beach, Trafoulas.
Lassithi - Chrissi, Vulisma, Xerokambos, Koufonisi, Vai.
Note to travelers with children
So, you are going to spend your holidays in Crete. What to see with a child? Numerous legends and myths, of course, are interesting for both children and adults, but what if the kid is tired of many hours of excursions? Head to one of the water parks. There are five of them on the island. The largest is Water City. It is located between Heraklion and Hersonissos. You and your children will be able to have fun on various attractions, splash in the pools and stand under the waterfalls.
Not far from Hersonissos there is another water park called Aqua Plus. For older children, there are such exciting rides as the Black Hole, Stormy River and Kamikaze. Toddlers can swim in the shallow pool and frolic in the playground.
Water parks like Star Beach Water Park, Lumnoupolis Water Park and Grekoblog are not as big, but they are equally popular among travelers with small children. On the territory of most of them there are cafes, bars and spa centers.
Place of your holiday - Greece, Crete? What else to see with a child? Many parents go to the Cretaquarium. More than two thousand inhabitants of the deep sea live in this unique aquarium - starfish and urchins, huge sharks and various fish.
If you want to soak up the sun on the seashore with the whole family, choose beaches such as Malia, Elafonisi and Plaka. Judging by the reviews of experienced travelers, these places are best suited for families with children.
Conclusion
We have described in detail what to see on the island of Crete. The sights of this amazing place keep the spirit of the times. If you want to touch history, walk through the labyrinth of the Minotaur, visit the place where the mighty Zeus was worshiped for several thousand years, lie on the red sand beach, go to Greece. Crete is a great place for a versatile holiday. This island will charm everyone - pensioners and young people, children and their parents. Have a nice rest!
TOURIST ANSWERS:
Crete with its amazing nature and a centuries-old history is so rich in various sights that it will take quite a lot of time to see all of them, and even for several vacation trips, you will not be able to see everything. Therefore, I will talk about some of them that you can see or visit, combining these excursions with a vacation on the island.
The first, probably, what tourists who first came to Crete are trying to see is the Palace of Knossos, which is associated with many different myths and legends, the most famous of which is the myth of the Minotaur, who lives in the labyrinths of the palace and devours young men and women who were sent here as a donation . As a result, Theseus managed to defeat the Minotaur and, using the ball of thread that Ariadne gave him, got out of the labyrinth. The history of the palace has more than four thousand years, during which it was destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt. The Palace of Knossos is located near the capital, or rather the administrative center of Crete, the city of Heraklion, named after the hero of Greek mythology Hercules. You can get to it on your own by bus, which departs from a kiosk located next to the bus station with the inscription "Knossos Palace". The bus runs quite often and the round trip fare is approximately four euros. You can also get there by rented car, there should not be any problems with the search, as there are signs everywhere, which can be quite easy to navigate. Of course, it is better to visit the palace accompanied by a guide, since the main interest is precisely the stories associated with the Knossos Palace. Signs are installed on the territory of the complex, by which you can navigate what this or that section of the palace is like, as well as the direction of further movement for inspection. The Palace of Knossos is open to the public from 8.00 to 19.00 in summer and from 8.00 to 15.00 in winter. The entrance ticket costs six euros. 
Immediately in Heraklion, the coastal fortress of Kules immediately catches the eye. It was built in the 14th century, but what we are seeing now is a building of a later period, restored after an earthquake already in the 16th century. It acquired its current name after Turkish rule, and the original name was Rocca al Mare. The lower floors served as dwellings for the defenders of the fortress, warehouses and even a prison. A walk through the territory and the interior of the fortress will seem quite interesting and exciting to you. The citadel is open for tourists from 8.30 to 15.00 every day except Monday. The entrance fee is two euros. 
On the east coast of the island, you can visit the excavations of the settlement of Zakros, with an approximate age of about four thousand years and which belongs to the Minoan civilization, named after Minos, who was the mythical king of Crete. Zakros on the territory of ancient Crete was one of administrative centers and is currently the best preserved. During the excavations, the ruins of the palace and about a dozen different buildings were discovered here, which served as workshops, storage rooms, a bathroom, a swimming pool and even an archive. In addition, many different items were found, including tablets with a linear script, rock crystal dishes, and in one of the amphoras, perfectly preserved olives, whose age is about three thousand years, were found. For an independent trip, you need to get to the village of Kato Zakros, near which this open-air museum is located. Don't forget to bring a supply drinking water, especially if your travel time falls in the months of July or August, when it is especially hot in Crete. Entrance to the territory of the complex costs three euros, opening hours from 9.00 to 15.00 daily, except Monday. 
One of the most visited places in Crete is the Dictean Cave, which is located in the Dictian Mountains in the southern part of the island near the village of Psychro. It is also called the Cave of Zeus, because according to legend, the goddess Rhea, hiding from her husband, gave birth to Zeus in this cave, where he grew up. The cave is decorated with stalactites and stalagmites with their bizarre shapes. During the excavations, tables for offerings and an altar were found. In the depths of the cave itself is a small mountain lake in which Zeus bathed. You can buy an excursion with a visit to the Diktea cave at any travel agency in Crete. For a more comfortable journey, I advise you to wear comfortable shoes, since from the bus stop to the cave itself go eight hundred meters, and uphill, since the cave itself is located at an altitude of more than a thousand meters above sea level, and the road is quite difficult. Also don't forget to bring some warm clothes with you as it's quite chilly and damp inside, where again you'll need comfortable shoes to avoid slipping on the wet rocks. The entrance to the cave is paid and is four euros, when buying an excursion, they are usually included in the price. 
For lovers of ecotourism, an excursion to the Samaria Gorge, which is considered the largest not only in Crete, but throughout Europe, can be very interesting. For many years it served as a shelter and shelter for the inhabitants of the island, first from the Turks during the Ottoman invasion, who could not take possession of the gorge. In the last century, rebels were hiding here, dissatisfied with the dictatorial regime and resistance fighters fighting against German troops. Half a century ago, the gorge received the status of a National Park and the population living on its territory was resettled. More than 200,000 tourists visit this gorge every year. different countries. Here, in addition to the amazing and unique nature, you can see the preserved buildings, local residents living at different times, and the creation of a reserve on the territory of the gorge interesting views animals and fauna, as well as the nature of the White Mountains. I want to immediately warn tourists who are going to go through the gorge that this is a rather difficult excursion, it’s definitely not worth taking children, and it’s not worth talking about drinking water supplies and comfortable equipment at all, it’s clear that you can’t do without it. It is best to choose a not hot period, then the trip will be more comfortable. The entrance ticket costs five euros. 
Crete is a small island, but you can visit many attractions on it. It can be museums, lakes, rivers, beaches, zoos, water parks and much more. Thanks to the island, you will find yourself in a real story. You will see how the Greeks lived in ancient times, what they did and what they were fond of.
On one's own? Traveling by car is quite interesting, and in the article you will find useful information for yourself.
Center of Crete: Palace of Knossos
Many travelers start sightseeing from the city of Heraklion. Active tourists and young people stop there. Local residents will tell you what to see in Crete on your own by car. Often they advise the Palace of Knossos, where you can get there without any problems. There are signs on the road so you can get there easily. There is free parking near the palace.
This building is considered to be very large. The walls are beautifully decorated and restored. In all the halls there are beautiful frescoes, which are very well and correctly done. For those people who love history, ancient architecture, this place has been created, which will certainly leave a trace in the soul.
In the middle of the palace there is a large courtyard from where you can get into any passage, hall or gallery. There are many legends about this building. One of them says that in the palace there lived a terrible monster, whose head looked like a bull. It is said that it used to eat people.
The only problem is that there are a lot of tourists in this palace, so moving here is not always convenient. Everyone wants to discover something new and unusual, so people move around the palace randomly.
In the palace itself, you can book a tour, which will be conducted by a guide who speaks Russian well. Otherwise, you are unlikely to get complete information. Without a guide, you can see the ruins and ruins and not understand what is interesting in this palace. But the guide will tell many stories and legends associated with the Knossos Palace. If you come to Crete by car, you will be able to see and know more interesting places.
Resorts in Rethymnon
If you are going to Crete, by car there is an opportunity to see a lot of interesting and remarkable things. The city of Rethymno is famous for its beautiful resorts. It does not hurt to stop by the village of Bali. Here you can see rocks, grottoes, clear water where octopuses and colorful fish swim. In the village of Bali, taverns and shops are made in the Greek picturesque style.
If you ask the locals where to go in Crete by car, they will definitely advise you the village of Panormo. This is a quiet and relaxing place. But if you get tired of the beaches, you can visit the monastery of Arkadi. There is inside beautiful garden, museums and a zoo that will delight children. The buildings are majestic and ancient. In one museum you will see a lot of old weapons, and in the second one you will see old books and clothes.
The village of Adele near the town of Rathymno is famous for its beautiful monastery and museum, which was assigned to the hero of the Island of Crete K. Giamboudakis. Here are clean and calm beaches, an authentic atmosphere.
Traveling around Crete by car is a pleasure. Rethymnon has beautiful paintings and clean beaches. In this region you can relax both passively and actively. You will see massive buildings, museums, monasteries, mosques, lakes and grottoes.
East Crete: Lassithi
Here are historical places and unforgettable scenery. Many dream of getting to the island of Crete. What to see by car, the travel agency will tell you. The city of Lassithi is often recommended.
In it you can visit the cave of the main Greek god Zeus. Myths say that he was born in this grotto. The cave contains ancient artifacts. The entrance is paid, but you will not regret it, because the spectacle is truly unforgettable.
Zakros knows few tourists about the Minoan Palace, so it is not crowded here. It was discovered in the last century and began to conduct excavations that continue to this day. Historians are arguing about what kind of premises were here and for what.
In the monastery of Kera Kardiotissas there is an icon that works miracles with people. It cures various diseases and even infertility. Many times the icon was stolen, but as it turned out, miracles happen - it was found all the time. To date, a copy of the icon has been created and installed. However, oddly enough, she continues to treat patients.
The zoo is famous for its miniature size and botanical garden. If you are with kids then this place is worth a visit. The zoo is home to many exotic birds that you are unlikely to see anywhere. Some animals are allowed to pet or feed. On the path you will meet donkeys or peacocks that are accustomed to people and are not afraid of them.
As you can see, you definitely need to visit the island of Crete. What to see by car, you will understand on the road when you pass the Greek paradise. Each city or region has its own attractions.
Western Crete: Chania
This area is far from the center. However, you can see the sights of Crete by car without any problems. The road to the city of Chania is serpentine, but good. So you can enjoy painting.
Not far from the city you can visit the botanical garden. It contains many fruits and exotic trees. Also in the park there are beautiful large bewitching vineyards. At the end of the alley there is a small but cozy zoo. In it there are deer, donkeys, peacocks. There are no big animals.
If you love football, visit the famous museum, where you can see a lot of memorabilia, cups, exhibits. The gallery has helpful staff who will answer any of your questions and tell you incredible historical legends and stories.
Chrisoskalitissa is a beautiful monastery. It is often visited by tourists on the way to Elafonissi beach. It was built high so that you could admire the bay with blue water. To climb to the monastery itself, you need to go through 99 steps. The latter is dyed yellow. That is why the monastery is called the "Golden Step". It is visited mainly in order to look at the icon of the Assumption of the Virgin. They say that when you pray to her, all misfortunes end at that very moment.
If you come to Crete by car, you have the opportunity to visit places where tourists rarely visit. You will see beautiful paintings, taste the local wine and chat with the friendly inhabitants of this island.
Southwest coast - Sfakia village
Many tourists are interested in what to visit in Crete. By car, you can go anywhere on the island. Who knows Crete well, advises visiting the village of Sfakia. There are few tourists there, so the rest is more comfortable. Here you can dive, swim and enjoy the picturesque nature.
A fortress called Frangokastello was built in Sfakia. The building is rectangular, in each corner there is a watchtower. The fortress was created during the war between the Turks and the locals, and the castle was besieged. However, he was won back, and since then there have been many legends about him.
For lovers historical facts and ruins will be interesting to visit the ancient city of Falasarna. In it you will find ruins from the war times. The city has been slightly restored for tourists.
resort of Agios Nikolaos
Attractions of Crete by car can be started from this city. It is also called Saint Tropez. It is located in the northern part of Crete. In the center of the city itself is Lake Voulismeni, which is famous for its very deep depth (about 70 meters). Legend has it that in ancient times she herself loved to receive water procedures Here.
This city is the most industrial on the island. Many tourists rest in it, cafes and restaurants are crowded, and you need to come to the beaches early in the morning, because if you come later, there will be no places.
The city is famous for its architecture. You have the opportunity to see the buildings not only of modern construction, but also of ancient ones. The city has an archaeological museum. It contains exhibits that were collected from different historical periods.
On the way to the city of Agios Nikolaos, you will see many different churches. They are painted with ancient inscriptions and patterns. If you stop near them and go inside, you will see a Byzantine fresco.
When the holiday season begins, many different celebrities and ensembles come to this city. Then the fun comes. Every evening you can go to concerts, festivals or exhibitions. Crete on your own by car is a must to explore. If you stay in the city for a few days, leave your car in the parking lot and enjoy the atmosphere and hospitality of the locals.
Lychnostatis Museum
This gallery is notable for being in the open air. It has all the amenities for tourists. They are given a map, thanks to which a person will not get lost. You can also get an audio guide for a small fee: the tourist goes where he wants and listens to the information he needs.
There is a cozy cafe on the territory of the gallery. Therefore, if someone is tired and wants to relax, there is an opportunity to enjoy soft drinks and local food. Every Wednesday morning there is a festival dedicated to grapes. To visit it, you need to drive up to 10.00 in the morning. Tourists are invited to trample grapes, but few agree to such entertainment.
If you are wondering where to go in Crete by car, visit this museum. You will not see it from the road, as it is located on the seashore. Therefore, you have to move off the main road. However, you won't regret it. The gate is completely entwined with grapes, and it is not immediately noticeable.
If you do not want to deal with the map, then for tourists there are arrows everywhere indicating where to go. At the very beginning of the open museum you will see a variety of fruit trees, and then old houses, where there are various objects of the Greeks. It is not necessary to have a guide to understand how people lived here in ancient times.
There is a cinema on site. When you get into it, you will be surprised. You will see and hear a variety of stories on different languages. This area is decorated with ancient wooden sculptures.
If it is very hot outside, then you will not be in the museum for long. Traveling on it is best during cloudy days. After all, it is in an open area, so it is difficult for people to enjoy the tour on sunny days.
The ideal holiday is to go on holiday to Crete. By car, it is possible not to depend on time and local transport, as it runs strictly according to the schedule.
For art lovers: foundry
Almost everyone dreams of visiting the island of Crete. Attractions on your own by car are more exciting to visit than with a group tour. After all, you can visit wherever you want at any time.
A tourist who is very fond of history and ancient crafts can visit the foundry. The owner has been doing this exciting business for many years. The welcome here is warm. They treat with local coffee, wine, show their foundry production. Of course, you can also buy souvenirs. However, the owner does not persuade, but talks about each product in such a fascinating way that you will want to buy the thing you are interested in as a keepsake.
The foundry specialist shows how and what he does. He talks about every step he takes. True, they speak there not only Greek, but also in English, so you need to know at least one of them. In this area, only one person is engaged in foundry craft - he continues the tribal activity of his generation.
The craftsman gives tourists a chance to try to make figurines. Everything is done under close supervision. After all, it is dangerous for an unknowing person to work near a red-hot furnace, in which the heat is more than 400 degrees.
Most often, the craftsman trusts men to create models, and women to extract them. The owner believes that each sex has its own duty. They do not have such equality as in our Russian-speaking countries.
Now you know where to go in Crete by car for both recreation and entertainment. Foundry will not leave you indifferent. You will remember him for the rest of your life with warmth and nostalgia.
The beaches of Crete
Balos is a pirate haven. Not far from it you will see a fortress, which, according to legend, belonged to the sailors. As a result, the harbor was taken by pirates, which is why the harbor got its name.
Palm groves are located on Vai Beach. The locals say that this is a tropical island. According to legend, tourists who come here can make a wish, and it will surely come true.
Plaka is a beautiful beach, but it is unlikely that you will be able to lie down. There are pebbles everywhere. To do this, there are umbrellas all over the beach and hammocks are issued for a fee. There are many tamarisks in this place. This beach is famous for its wide range of water sports.
Conclusion
Crete is the largest. It has many ancient museums, rivers, lakes. Probably, there was not a single place that was not explored by a tourist. In the article, we examined a small, but the main part of the sights.
The island of Crete is very beautiful. By car you can visit all the most interesting places. It is best to start exploring the island from the central part. This is the city of Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Then you can visit other places. It all depends on your time and possibilities.
This wonderful island is visited annually by about two million tourists. It is considered one of the famous and successful resorts. Reviews of tourists say that prices in Crete are moderate. They are ready to pay for goodwill, warm welcome and numerous stories about Greece.
Thanks to the mild climate, people rest in peace. They can come at any time of the year. A person does not have to acclimatize for a long time. Tourists can choose accommodation according to their finances or desires. There is a place for everyone, and the conditions, of course, are different. The cheaper the room, the fewer amenities provided.
History lovers will find something to their liking. On the island of Crete in every city there are a lot of archaeological sites and museums. You will find a lot of ancient objects and things from the Minoan era.
Zoology lovers can offer a wide variety of birds. For example, in Lassithi you will see eagles of amazing size, swallows fly all over the coast all year round, but pelicans walk exclusively along the coast in search of food. On the island you will find reptiles, turtles, various insects, arthropods.
The Greek island is famous for its mythology, gods, caves, islands. There are many fascinating legends about them. They can be about a monster, about the goddess Athena, Zeus. Since ancient times, the Greeks have honored their traditions and tourists are asked to adhere to them.
In the article you read tips on what to visit in Crete by car. If you are going to come to the island on your own, then you are in luck. You will have the opportunity to visit places where a tour cannot always visit. From the rest you will be impressed for a lifetime.
However, do not rush to give money right away - it is easier and cheaper to get to some places in Crete on your own. To what - in this article Difficulties.net.
You can choose in advance and book a car for traveling around Crete here (instant comparison of offers, prices and conditions of the world's leading car rental companies, online booking confirmation and flexible terms, discounts, super offers)
Lake Kournas
Lake Kournas (Kournas) is considered the largest freshwater lake on the island and is located 48 km southeast of Chania and 15 km from Rethymnon. You can get to this lake from almost anywhere in Crete by regular bus. The ticket price will depend on the place of departure: for example, if you are traveling from Rethymnon, you first need to take a bus to the village of Georgioupoli, and then transfer to another bus that goes to the lake. In this case, the fare will be about 10 euros, and the whole trip will take no more than 15-20 minutes. It is even easier to get from Chania to Lake Kournas, there is a direct bus: the ticket price is 6.30 euros, and the journey time is about 20-25 minutes.
The lake has a sandy beach, several fish restaurants, and boat and catamaran rentals. In addition, large turtles and other types of freshwater animals live here, so when you go to Lake Kournas, you can take a mask and fins with you and dive.
Aquarium of Crete
Aquarium CreteAquarium is located 15 km from the capital of the island - the city of Heraklion. It has more than 60 tanks of various sizes, in which about 2500 marine life lives. Among them are not only jellyfish, fish of various species, octopuses, squids and sea turtles, but also the "sea monsters" most beloved by visitors - huge moray eels and sharks.
The easiest way to get to the aquarium is from the central bus station of Heraklion: a direct bus runs every 20 minutes, and the ticket costs 3.50 - 4 euros.
Entrance fee to the aquarium: 9 euros for adults, 6 euros for children. In summer, the aquarium is open every day from 9.30 - 21.00. If desired, you can order an excursion with an individual guide in Russian.
Monastery of Arkadi
The monastery is located about 20 km from Rethymnon, on the northwestern slope of Mount Ida at an altitude of 500 meters. In 1866, the Turks attacked Arkadi, and the monks guarding it refused to surrender and blew themselves up along with the monastery. Many years later, Arkadi was restored and was considered a symbol of freedom and the struggle for independence. Today it is very beautiful and calm here, and only an old cypress tree with a Turkish bullet stuck in the barrel reminds of past shocks.
On the territory of the monastery there is a museum where unique relics and ancient icons are collected.
Arkadi is open to the public every day from 09:00 to 19:00. You can get here by bus from the central station of Rethymnon, the ticket costs 3.10 euros, and the trip itself will take no more than 20 minutes.
Archaeological Museum of Crete
The Archaeological Museum of Crete is located in the capital of the island of Heraklion and is considered the best museum in the world dedicated to Minoan art. Five huge halls contain thousands of different exhibits related to the ancient history of Crete, but the main pride of the museum is the Phaistos disc (the oldest written monument), whose purpose and date of creation still causes controversy among scientists all over the world.
The museum has a small cozy cafe, as well as a gift shop. The museum works according to a special schedule: on Monday from 13.00 to 20.00; from Tuesday to Saturday from 8.00-20.00; on Sunday and holidays from 8.00-15.00. The entrance ticket costs 10 euros, and if you happen to be in Crete between November and May, please note that the entrance to the museum on Sundays is free. Getting to the museum is very simple: if you are in another city, take the bus and come to the center of Heraklion (see general article), the museum is located next to the main bus station of the capital of the island.
Botanical Park of Crete
The park opened relatively recently (by ancient Greek standards), in 2009, and few people know about it yet. It is located 15 km from Chania, and its territory covers about 20 hectares. Once here, you will see tropical trees, cacti, citrus groves, vineyards and flower gardens. Ducks, geese and peacocks roam freely in the park, as well as many smaller inhabitants - rare species of wild birds and many butterflies.
The most convenient way to get to the park is from Chania by bus. The ticket costs about 4 euros. The entrance ticket to the park will cost you 10 euros, the ticket price also includes a bottle of cold drinking water.
Transport note: The article does not indicate bus numbers, because Crete has a rather strange system for foreigners: theoretically, there are numbers, but today this bus goes along one route, and tomorrow it may go along another. Therefore, local residents are guided by signs indicating a specific start-end point. It is also worth checking with the driver when boarding, where is going this bus. Just in case, this is Greece.
If you sit down at the central station of a city, you can buy a ticket only at the box office. If along the route of the bus - then either at the kiosk at the bus stop, or, if it was not found, at the driver's.
Here you can find and buy tickets to Crete at the lowest price (in the search form at the top of the article), as well as instantly compare hotel prices in different booking systems and choose the best offer.
