The island of Crete is one of the most beautiful places to visit. A great way to begin your visit is by exploring the ancient ruins of Aptera, an important Minoan city dating back to 700 BC that’s located 10 miles east of Chania. Next you’ll head 15 miles northeast of Chania to the Akrotiri Peninsula. There you can go for an early afternoon swim at sandy, scenic Stavros Beach. Just as a note, scenes from the 1964 film Zorba the Greek were filmed here. The island’s most impressive monasteries, Tsagarolon and Gouverneto, are nearby as well. You can get more energy for the day with a delicious traditional Cretan lunch at one of the many beachfront tavernas.
Start the late afternoon by taking a tour of Chania and its colorful, charming Venetian harbor. It has a clustered mix of Venetian, Turkish and Greek architecture. A stroll around Old Town, where you’ll find historic sites like the lighthouse along with carefully restored Venetian homes and hotels, is also recommended. Look for the beautiful 16th-century Agios Frankiskos Church, which houses the Archaeological Museum.
Shopping in Crete
Take in the bustle and bargaining at the expansive cross-shaped indoor Agora Market. It has all the Greek products you’ll want to take home can be found here. After shopping, have a fresh seafood dinner while enjoying the sunset at one of the acclaimed beachfront restaurants.
Finally, experience Crete’s nightlife at one of the many clubs and bars they are known for. The people of Crete put a great stock in living well. You can see this in their lovely restaurants and night spots. They believe in having a great time living life to the fullest all the time.
Rent a car in Crete
Why not rent a car for the day? You can just stop wherever you want, and you have a lot more flexibility than if you’re on public transportation. Renting also gives you some extra money to spend on activities. You can take day trips to surrounding villages or even other islands without worrying about fares. Situated between Plakias and Georgioupolis, Elafonisi (sandy beach) is one of Crete’s most impressive beaches. And it’s a must for any visitor to Crete. If you have time, Niko’s Tavern is a classic seafood restaurant. It is on one of Heraklion’s oldest streets, near most of its top attractions. Dinner for two here will cost about $20 USD. You can expect to wait for a table if you arrive after 8 p.m. So be sure when your cruise ship is leaving.
Visit Knossos Palace – Minoan Palace & Archaeological Site
The ruins of Knossos are among Europe’s most significant Bronze Age archaeological sites. Built around 3,500 years ago, it was thought to be a Minoan palace; however, there’s some debate about whether it was a palace or a temple or both. We don’e know what its true purpose was when it was constructed. And while we probably never know for sure—it is arguably one of Europe’s finest ancient ruins.
More Activities
Explore the Old Town of Chania. This is a charming old town with winding streets, beautiful architecture, and plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.
Go to the Beach. Crete has many beautiful beaches, and you can easily spend a few hours relaxing in the sun and swimming in the clear blue waters.
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. This museum houses some of the most important artifacts from the Minoan civilization, including the famous Phaistos Disc.
Crete has some incredible hiking trails. These include the Samaria Gorge, which is one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe.
Sample Cretan Cuisine. Cretan food is full of fresh ingredients and delicious flavors. Make sure to try some traditional dishes, like dakos (a type of salad), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and fresh seafood.
