Best Travel Guide Crete | ArrivalGuides.com

CreteGuide was updated: 2026-04-29

Crete, the largest of Greek islands, is a place where myth meets history, where the age-old Cretan culture teems in modern villas, where the sea meets the mountains, and unspoiled nature coexists with modern tourist infrastructure. Crete has a thousand faces: one for each and every sort of traveller: the nature-lover, the explorer, the cosmopolitan, the lover of history, and the classic vulture.

Do & See

Crete is filled with history and scenic landscapes. Archaeological sites, historical landmarks, fascinating museums, isolated monasteries, wandering walking trails and much more await you in this amazing place.

Old Town of Chania

"The Venice of the East", Chania is characterized by a blend of Venetian, Ottoman and Neoclassical monuments and architecture. Its streets are narrow, colorful and picturesque, passing by flowered balconies, traditional knife shops, Cretan boot shops, lively restaurants and cozy cafes. Don't miss the beautiful promenade along the Venetian port, where you can see the Venetian lighthouse, one of the symbols of Chania.

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Koules Fortress

The Venetian Koules Fortress, also known as Castello a Mare (which means "fort on the sea"), is one of Heraklion's main landmarks and is located on the old harbour. This big, square-shaped structure was built in the 16th century to protect the city and was subsequently armed with cannons. The rooftop offers scenic views over the sea and Heraklion city.

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Historical Museum of Crete

Founded in 1953, the Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion hosts a permanent collection showcasing the history of Crete from the third century AD to the end of the Second World War. Artefacts, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and other objects of interest are displayed in chronological order, with visual materials, multimedia and audio guides available during your visit to help you learn more about Crete's fascinating past. A section of the museum is dedicated to the famous writer Nikos Kazantzakis. Another highlight of the exhibition are two paintings by the Greek artist El Greco: The Baptism of Christ and The View of Mount Sinai and the Monastery of Saint Catherine. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions.

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Minoan Palace of Knossos

The ruins of the Palace of Knossos, the largest and most brilliant centre of the Minoan civilization, are located 5 kilometres south of the historical centre of Heraklion. Twisting corridors and stairwells, which used to connect as many as five storeys, create a truly labyrinthine complex which rivals the mythological Minoan "Labyrinth".

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Heraklion Archaeological Museum

This museum is located in the center of Heraklion and is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, thanks to its unrivalled collection of artefacts from the Bronze-age Minoan culture. The exhibits cover a period of ten millennia, from the Neolithic era until late Roman times. The introductory texts in each room explain the key features of each period, and so the evolution of culture.

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Natural History Museum of Crete

The Natural History Museum of Crete does not only present the natural wealth of the island, but that of the entire Eastern Mediterranean. Here you'll find, among other things, a discovery centre for children, an earthquake simulator, aquariums and terrariums, a large collection of fossils and a replica of the largest mammal ever, which lived on Crete nine million years ago. You'll also be able to learn about the geological evolution of Crete, about plants and organisms that thrive on the island or about extinct and endangered species. The animals are displayed by way of accurate representations in their real dimensions (dioramas). The museum features an outdoor botanical garden as well.

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Population:	617,360 (2021)
Currency:	Euro €1 = 100 cent
Emergency Numbers:	European emergency number: 112 Police: 100 Ambulance: 166
Newspapers:	Nea Kriti: www.neakriti.gr Patris: www.patris.gr Crete Gazette: www.cretegazette.com
Website:	www.visitgreece.gr/islands/crete »
Opening Hours:	Shops usually open around 9am and close around 1:30pm or 2pm from Monday to Saturday. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday they're are also open from around 5pm to 9pm. Always closed on Sundays and holidays. In tourist areas and resorts they are usually open every day from 9am to 9pm.
Tourist Information:	Tourist Information Office of Municipality of Chania Milonogianni 53, Chania, Crete Open Mon–Fri 8:30am–2pm +30 2821 341666

Greece

Crete

Do & See

Old Town of Chania

Koules Fortress

Historical Museum of Crete

Minoan Palace of Knossos

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Natural History Museum of Crete