Here are the top 17 tourist attractions to see in Crete:
1. Knossos
32 km
from city center
1 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
Knossos was the center and capital of Minoan civilization, which lay 5km south of Heraklion.
2. Heraklion Archeological Museum
32 km
from city center
2 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
Heraklion Archeological Museum is situated in Heraklion and is dedicated to Minoan Civilization art.æIt contains the most notable collection of artifacts of the Minoan Civilization of Crete.
3. Lychnostatis open Air Museum
55 km
from city center
3 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
Lychnostatis Open Air Museum is a private museum in Heraklion based on private collection owned by Yiorgos Markakis, an ophthalmologist. It was established in 1992.
4. Koules Fortress
32 km
from city center
4 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
Koules Fortress is the entrance to the harbour of Heraklion. Also known as the "Sea fortress", it is one of the most beloved monuments of the city.
5. Historical Museum of Crete
31 km
from city center
5 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
The Museum, founded by the society of Cretan Historical Studies highlights the collection of art and history of Crete from the 4th century AD up to the second world war.
6. Chania Venetian Lighthouse
78 km
from city center
6 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
The lighthouse of Chania is located at the entrance of the port and is considered to be the symbol of Chania.
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7. Firkas Fortress
78 km
from city center
7 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
The Fort was constructed in 1629 in Chania to protect the Venetian harbour entrance from raiders. The building was used as the barracks of the Turkish army in Chania.
8. Nautical Museum of Crete
78 km
from city center
8 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
The nautical museum was constructed in 1973 and stands next to the Firkas fortress. Itæ includes models of ships, nautical instruments, paintings, historical photographs and war relics.
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9. Archeological Museum of Chania
78 km
from city center
9 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
Since 1963 the Archeological Museum of Chania has been housed, temporarily, in the Venetian church of St Francis which once belonged to the Franciscan monks, an important monument of the city. The displays contain items starting from Neolithic times, continuing with various Minoan objects, ending with the Byzantine period.
10. Frangokastello
53 km
from city center
10 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
Frangokastello is the location for a castle along with some settlement in the south of Crete near Chania.
11. Elafonissi Beach
115 km
from city center
11 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
Elafonissi is an island located close to the main island of Crete. When the weather is fine, one can walk through the shallow water and spend quite a time on the beach.
12. Balos Beach and Lagoon
117 km
from city center
12 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
Balos is an exotic beach - lagoon situated about 50 km from the city of Chania. It is a popular tourist spot.
13. Samaria Gorge
77 km
from city center
13 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
Samaria gorge is a national park in Crete which is a major tourist attraction, especially for hikers. It is situated in the regional unit of Chania.
14. Vai Beach
132 km
from city center
14 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
Considered to be one of the top beaches in Greece, it is a popular place among tourists.
15. Sacred Monastery of Arkadi
18 km
from city center
15 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
The Arkadi Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox Monastery situated in Rethymnon. It dates back to 16th century marked by the presence of Renaissance.
16. Spinalonga
85 km
from city center
16 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
The island of Spinalonga, officially known as Kalydon has an interesting history.æIt was not always an island -æduring Venetian occupation the island was carved out of the coast for defence purposes and a fort was built there.
17. Chrissi island
91 km
from city center
17 out of 17
places to visit in Crete
Chrissi is among the few left uninhabited islands of Greece. Lying 8 miles away from Lerapatra, it is almost flat with colourful volcanic rocks covered in gold sand and purple shells.