Top places within Crete

Chania

Heraklion

Hersonissos

Malia

Rethymno

Agios Nikolaos

88 Things To Do In Crete

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Museum (13)
Historical Site (9)
Town (4)

1. Knossos

Top Things To Do 4.5 /5

32 km from city center

Historical Site

Renowned as Europe's oldest city, Knossos is located near Heraklion. It is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site with impressive ruins, colorful frescoes, and a glimpse into the Minoan civilization that flourished here over 3,500 years ago. It is easily accessible through public buses that leave every 15 minutes from Old Town Heraklion during the summer. Free parking service is also available (Read More).

Tours starting from
₹977

4.3 /5

32 km from city center

Museum

Heraklion Archeological Museum is dedicated to Minoan Civilization art. Located adjacent to the ancient Palace of Knossos, the museum serves as a fitting complement to the archaeological site, providing a comprehensive insight into the Minoan civilization's art, religion, and daily life.

Tours starting from
₹711

3.5 /5

115 km from city center

Beach

Elafonissi Beach, nestled on Crete's southwestern coast, is approximately 75 kilometers from Chania. Famous for its unique pink sand, a result of crushed seashells blending with white sand, Elafonissi creates a mesmerizing and distinctive shoreline. This pristine beach is accessible by a shallow lagoon.

Tours starting from
₹2,399

Instagram Worthy 3.4 /5

117 km from city center

Beach

Balos is an exotic beach and lagoon situated about 56 km from Chania, near the town of Kissamos. It can be opted as a day trip from Chania or Kissamos and can be reached by boat from Kissamos or via a rugged hike. The beach at the lagoon comprises pinkish-white sand and thousands of broken and intact seashells, with shallow water. It is one of the most photographed spots on Crete.

Tours starting from
₹1,511

Crete Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

9 Days / 8 Nights

Greece Island Hopping Holiday Package

Athens(2N) → Mykonos(2N) → Santorini(2N) → Crete(2N)

$ 1,526

13% off

$1,316/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

Greece Holiday Package with Oia Sunset & Calder...

Athens(2N) → Santorini(2N) → Crete(4N)

$ 1,496

15% off

$1,262/person

6 Days / 5 Nights

Athens & Crete Tour Package

Athens(3N) → Crete(3N)

$ 949

6% off

$888/person

5 Days / 4 Nights

Crete Tour Package - Palace of Knossos

Gouves(3N) → Heraklion(1N)

$465/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

Greece Honeymoon Package with Famous Oia Sunset...

Athens(2N) → Santorini(2N) → Crete(4N)

$ 1,566

6% off

$1,461/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

Greece Island Hopping Honeymoon Package with Sa...

Athens(2N) → Mykonos(2N) → Santorini(2N) → Crete(2N)

$ 1,052

5% off

$993/person

View All Packages For Crete

5. Seitan Limania

66 km from city center

Beach

Seitan Limania, translated as Satan’s Harbor, is a renowned beach nestled in a secluded cove on the Northeast side of the Akrotiri Peninsula in Northern Crete. Reaching Seitan Limania involves a scenic drive of about 30 minutes from Chania, passing through the picturesque landscapes of the Akrotiri Peninsula.

Tours starting from
₹4,887

4.2 /5

71 km from city center

Museum

The Agia Triada Monastery is a 17th-century Greek Orthodox monastery in the Akrotiri Peninsula in Crete. It also houses a museum. It is known for its beautiful Cretan architecture and the breathtaking surrounding landscape with lush olive groves and views of the Cretan Sea.

Tours starting from
₹2,399

7. Day Trip to Spinalonga Island

4.2 /5

85 km from city center

Beach

Spinalonga is a Greek island located in Crete, near the town of Plaka. In addition to the abandoned leper colony and ruins of the Spinalonga Fortress, tourists visit the island to relax by its shallow beaches and tranquillity. Since Spinalonga does not offer accommodation, it is only popular for a day trip. Boats from Plaka, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos are available to Spinalonga daily.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

3.4 /5

77 km from city center

National Park

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. This gorge is renowned as one of the longest in Europe 16 km long. The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as Iron Gates, where the width is only 4m and the height of almost 300 m.

Tours starting from
₹2,666

34 km from city center

Town

Rethymno town is known for its cobbled pathways framed with bougainvillea and vines. Studded with picturesque cafes, boutiques offering ethnic souvenirs, and eateries serving the best Cretan cuisine, shape the old town. A vast sandy beach stretches into the sea in the recently built-up area of the town.

Tours starting from
₹2,488

4.0 /5

29 km from city center

Historical Site

Phaistos, also known as the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, is a Bronze Age archaeological site situated in the south centre of Crete at Faistos. The original palace underwent several constructions post damage caused by earthquakes. The present-day site preserves ruins from the old and the new palace and the artefacts and inscriptions unearthed from the site.

Tours starting from
₹711

4.2 /5

32 km from city center

Beach

Preveli Beach is a sandy beach in Rethymno, close to the Monastery of Preveli. The Megalos Potamos or the Grand River runs into the sea from the mountains here. The beach is surrounded by Theophrastus palm trees and is also known as Palm Beach. With turquoise clear seawater, Kourtaliotiko and Preveli Gorges nearby and accessibility to numerous water activities, it is one of the most famous beaches (Read More) in Crete. Swimming and snorkelling are popular here.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

Instagram Worthy 4.2 /5

28 km from city center

Beach

Matala Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Crete, located on the island's southern edge in the Heraklion region. It spans across 300m and provides the best escape with its beautiful sandy shores, crystal clear waters and idyllic tall cliffs. In addition, it is a popular diving spot. One can jump into the sea from the cave located on the north end of the beach.

Tours starting from
₹2,399

13. Old Venetian Port of Chania

78 km from city center

Waterfront

The Venetian harbor of Chania is one of Crete's most historically significant sights. One of the most important trade centers in the Mediterranean in the past, The Venetian harbor of Chania now serves as an essential tourist sight with most of the ports restored, including the lighthouse, Firka fortress and other fortresses.

Tours starting from
₹1,751

4.0 /5

62 km from city center

Historical Site

Malia Palace Archaeological Site is a historical site that was once the third-largest Minoan palace after Knossos and Phaistos. It is located a few kilometres east of the seaside town of Malia. The archaeological site covers 7,500 square meters and shows signs of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period (6000-3000 BCE).

Tours starting from
₹977

82 km from city center

Garden & Park

The Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete is a remarkable garden, celebrated for its diverse array of plants, herbs, and wildlife. Situated amidst the serene White Mountains, approximately 20 kilometers away from bustling Chania Town, the park offers an enchanting journey through lush vegetation, encompassing lemon groves, cherry orchards, vineyards, and endemic herbs of Crete.

Tours starting from
₹2,577

4.3 /5

115 km from city center

Beach

Falassarna beach, also spelt as Phalasarna, is one of the most famous beaches in Greece located on the western edge of Gramvousa. With white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, it has often made it to the list of Top 10 beaches in Europe. It actually consists of 5 beautiful beaches, all of which face the West and make for the perfect spot to catch the setting sun!

Tours starting from
₹2,399

142 km from city center

Day Trip

A day trip to Santorini from Crete offers a tantalizing taste of the iconic beauty and charm of one of Greece's most beloved islands. Various options available for transportation including high-speed ferries or organized tours departing from major ports such as Heraklion or Chania.

Tours starting from
₹14,218

4.0 /5

82 km from city center

Museum

The Cretan Olive Oil Farm gives visitors a peek into the making of authentic Cretan products, such as olive oil, cheese, and wine. Located at Agios Nikolaos in East Crete, Greece, it has a variety of tours and activities like the Olive Oil production tour, cheese making, wine tasting, and pottery workshops.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

132 km from city center

Beach

Kouremenos Beach, situated along the eastern coast of Crete, Greece, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and exceptional wind conditions, making it a haven for windsurfers and kite surfers alike. Located just 1 km east of the charming town of Palekastro, Kouremenos Beach boasts fine brown sand, shallow turquoise waters, and an expansive shoreline stretching over 1.5km.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

3.3 /5

18 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

The Arkadi Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox Monastery situated in Rethymnon. It dates back to the 16th century, marked by the presence of the Renaissance. Within the monastery is a museum where the sacred banner of the Arkadi tragedy is housed, weapons from the revolutionary era and items belonging to the legendary Father Gabriel.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

0 km from city center

Adventure Sports

Jet skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, flyboarding, and scuba diving will surely give you an adrenaline rush in Crete! From watching the shipwrecks to kayaking your way into the ocean, most beaches offer water sports and courses for beginners. The most popular sites for scuba diving in Crete are Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lassithi.

3.8 /5

82 km from city center

Lake

Located in : Agios Nikolaos

Lake Voulismeni is a beautiful lake and the most popular landmark of Agios Nikolaos surrounded by restaurants and cafes. It is perfect for hanging out and relishing the serene views either by walking around the lake or enjoying its views from the surrounding cafes and restaurants.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

0 km from city center

Adventure Sports

Crete is a paradise for trekking lovers with the ideal lush-green backdrop of hilltops and crystal-clear waters. Hiking in Crete can range from 1-4 days. And the trails are marked with at-home hotels and inns by the locals. The best season to Hike in Crete is Spring, when the weather is pleasant and the trees are blooming, you can also spot rare orchids during your spring hike in Crete.

Tours starting from
₹2,666

53 km from city center

Aquarium

The Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Centre is the first aquarium in Crete. It is located in Hersonissos Port around 100m from Bus Stop 20. The Aquaworld is home to sea animals and reptiles who were either injured or unwanted and have been rescued to spend the rest of their lives here. Some animals include the blind turtle named Stephania, a river Nile crocodile, pythons, lizards, snakes, octopus, and (Read More) more. One can interact, feed and hold the animals.

Tours starting from
₹711

4.2 /5

55 km from city center

Museum

Lychnostatis Open Air Museum is a private museum established in 1992 based on a private collection owned by Yiorgos Markakis, an ophthalmologist. The museum showcases a variety of artifacts and structures related to Cretan folk tradition, economic activity, culture, and the environment.

Tours starting from
₹711

0 km from city center

Cultural Village

The ancient city of Phoenix, the harbor of ancient Anopolis and an important port in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, was located in Loutro. Loutro or Loutra, the baths located nearby and from which water was sent to Anopoli Village, gave Loutro village its name. Only accessible by foot or ferry, this village is a quaint and relaxing retreat for locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by deep for (Read More)ested canyons, the mountains rise up from the sea in Loreto, making it a must-visit in Crete.

Tours starting from
₹2,666

3.5 /5

53 km from city center

Beach

Frangokastello is a gorgeous seaside village in Chania on the southern coast of Crete. It is predominantly known for its magnificent 14th century Venetian castle and its sandy beach, which has shallow turquoise water. The beach is ideal for swimming for both adults and children, sunbathing, watching the sunset, and taking pictures of the surrounding mountains.

Tours starting from
₹2,666

3.6 /5

78 km from city center

Museum

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.

Tours starting from
₹1,751

3.3 /5

132 km from city center

Beach

The Vai Beach located at the easten end of Crete is a stunning, uninhabited beach with fine sand and boulders. Via beach enjoys the exclusivity of hosting distinctive lush palm forests in its vicinity. It's a beautiful beach with crystal-clear water, great for snorkeling. Although there are no accommodations at this beach, there are plenty of services, including food, beach supplies, cameras, an (Read More)d drinks, in the driveway all through summer. In addition, rentable seaside chairs and umbrellas are available, and a nearby monastery runs a beachfront eatery serving scrumptious Greek cuisine.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

4.2 /5

76 km from city center

Beach

Stavros Beach is a stunning white sand beach with clear turquoise water and marvellous views of the camel-shaped Vardies mountain. It is situated within the seaside village of Stavros on the northern tip of Chania in Crete. The beach is most famous as the location of the classic film "Zorba the Greek".

Tours starting from
₹2,222

4.0 /5

66 km from city center

Historical Site

Aptera is one of the most famous archaeological sites in western Crete, with scenic views of the Souda Bay and Akrotiri peninsula in the north and Lefka Ori in the south. It is located approximately 15 kilometers east of Chania on the island of Crete. Famous for its well-preserved structures, the site includes remnants of ancient city walls, a Roman cistern, a Doric temple, and a theater.

4.0 /5

29 km from city center

Beach

Red Beach or Kokkini Ammos is a beautiful beach located south of the Matala resort in Crete. It is called Red Beach because of its reddish-brown sand. Usually a little secluded, it boasts of the greenish-blue waters of the Aegean Sea which is ideal for swimming. It is one of the world’s top nudism-friendly beaches. Red Beach is also the nesting ground for sea turtles (Caretta Caretta).

Tours starting from
₹2,399

4.4 /5

50 km from city center

Lake

Lake Kournas is the only freshwater lake in Crete, near the village of Kournas. It is located 4km away from Georgioupolis Chania and is a popular relaxing spot. Juxtaposed against the White Mountains, the lake is famous for paddle boating and is home to some turtles. Free sunbeds are available here, and swimming is allowed. In addition, there are some cafés and restaurants overlooking the lake.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

4.3 /5

29 km from city center

Beach

Triopetra Beach is located at the foot of Siderotas mountain, a few kilometres off Akoumiav village in Crete. Surrounded by the Libyan Sea amidst olive groves, it comprises two beaches separated by a peninsula and connected by three big rocks. The Small Triopetra beach is in a closed sandy bay with adequate provisions of umbrellas beside a few taverns and a small harbour. West Triopetra, or the ma (Read More)in beach, is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and watching the sunset.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

3.6 /5

16 km from city center

Museum

Thirathen is the museum of Greek folk music, musical instruments, research and documentation located in Krousonas village. Visitors can hear the instruments being played by experts and are also encouraged to play them. Lively dance performances often accompany these musical sessions.

4.1 /5

83 km from city center

Amusement & Theme Park

One of the biggest waterparks in Crete, Acqua Plus is situated close to Hersonissos and boasts of over 50 fun attractions for both children and adults. It has a number of water slides at different heights, with the highest one being Tsunami which is about 47 feet high. Some others include the zigzag Crazy River, Kamikaze which is the park’s fastest and longest at 125m, Spacebowl and more.

4.2 /5

36 km from city center

Beach

Damnoni Beach is a popular beach located a little away from the Plakias resort, about 35km south of Rethymno in Crete. This white sand beach is usually not very crowded and is well known for its clear turquoise water, perfect for kayaking, scuba diving, windsurfing and paddling. Facilities like showers, changing rooms and parking are available here, along with regular ferries to and from the beach (Read More).

Tours starting from
₹2,222

4.0 /5

6 km from city center

Mountain

Mount Ida, locally known as Idha or Ita, is the highest mountain in Crete and has the highest topographic prominence in Greece. Located in Rethymno, the mountain offers several hiking trails with 4-5 different routes to reach the summit. Some famous peaks include Holy Cross, Agathias and Stolistra, which provide panoramic views of the Libyan Sea. There are also several points of interest for touri (Read More)sts to explore.

3.9 /5

74 km from city center

Museum

Museum of Typography is a first of its kind museum near Chania, Crete, dedicated to typography and printing. It houses an extensive collection of printing presses, machinery, tools and objects related to typography from the days of Gutenberg to the present day. The museum can only be visited through guided tours.

Tours starting from
₹711

3.7 /5

32 km from city center

Buddhist Temple

The Monastery of Preveli is one of the most famous monasteries in Crete and houses collections of metal seals, gold-plated chalices, semi-precious stones, and liturgical vessels, which are displayed in a small museum here. The Benediction Cross, a big silver cross carried in all battles to encourage fighters, remains the main attraction.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

Great For Family Outing 3.9 /5

80 km from city center

Beach

Nea Chora Beach is situated to the west of the Venetian Walls of Chania Town, just 1 kilometer away from the city center. The beach itself boasts a mix of soft sand and rocky patches, with shallow waters that are perfect for families with children. It's well-organized with sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent. The area is renowned for its excellent fish taverns.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

3.6 /5

78 km from city center

Museum

Situated in the Old Town, the Greek National Football Team Museum houses many memorabilia of the country's national football team. Located in a converted shop on a bustling shopping street, the museum's main highlight is the many original jerseys worn by world-renowned players and other items like tickets to different matches, balls with autographs, photographs, a copy of the 2004 trophy, and more (Read More).

Tours starting from
₹711

3.5 /5

78 km from city center

Museum

The Maritime Museum of Crete, is Greek's second-oldest maritime museum. It lies at the entrance to the Firka Fortress on the Chania Harbour. The museum is home to exhibitions related to Greek maritime traditions and the Greek Navy. Some popular displays include ships, submarines, frigates, marine equipment, parts of a ship's bridge, coins and lead seals, models of cities, maps and more.

Tours starting from
₹711

4.3 /5

31 km from city center

Landmark

A renowned fountain and meeting point in Heraklion Old Town, the Morosini Fountain is located at Eleftherios Venizelos Square or Lions Square. This 17th-century historic structure is one of the most beautiful monuments in Crete. Around the fountain, there are cafes, restaurants, bars, and a few stores. By night, the area transforms into a nightlife hub.

4.3 /5

103 km from city center

Beach

A relatively secluded beach that lies towards the south of Rethymno in Crete, the Agios Pavlos Beach is a stunning location featuring clear green waters and a rocky waterbed. The water here is usually warm and therefore suitable for swimming and snorkelling. A few sunbeds and umbrellas are scattered around the sandy beach, making it ideal for sunbathing, watching the sunset and relaxing.

Tours starting from
₹1,466

3.9 /5

31 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

The Church of Agios Minas or the Agios Minas Cathedral, is a 19th-century Greek Orthodox church in Heraklion, Crete. It is dedicated to Saint Minas, the city’s patron saint. It is the largest church in Crete and one of the largest churches in Greece. The highlight is the stunning architecture with impressive interiors.

Tours starting from
₹1,466

4.0 /5

26 km from city center

Beach

Kommos Beach is located south of Heraklion in Crete and is a scenic beach that was once part of the ancient port of Phaistos. It lies along the Bay of Messara and overlooks the picturesque Libyan Sea. One of the largest beaches on the island, it boasts of golden sand and clear turquoise water which is a treat for swimmers. The northern end is the non-nudist section, while the far end is the nudist (Read More) section.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

3.8 /5

32 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Located at the entrance to the harbor of Heraklion, Koules Fortress is one of the most beloved monuments of the city. It is mainly visited for is architecture, the view of the harbour from its rooftop. It is well-maintained and preserved. It also showcases some artifacts inside the fortress.

3.7 /5

78 km from city center

Monument

The lighthouse of Chania is located at the entrance of the port and is considered to be the symbol of Chania.

Tours starting from
₹1,751

4.0 /5

83 km from city center

Beach

The Agiofarago Beach is an utterly stunning and serene rocky beach that boasts of clear waters and is surrounded by imposing cliffs. It is situated south of Heraklion city in Crete at the exit of the Gorge Agiofarago. It is excellent for sunbathing, watching the sunset and taking photographs. Those looking for a little adventure can also try climbing the cliffs, especially since the view from the (Read More)top is spectacular.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

3.9 /5

128 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

The Toplou Monastery or Monastery of Panagia Akrotiriani is a 14th-century Greek Orthodox church that also comprises a museum. It is situated at the northeastern tip of Crete, Greece. It almost resembles a fortress and is one of the oldest and most beautiful monasteries in Crete. The museum here is well-known for housing a multitude of icons made by its monks as well as other religious items.

Tours starting from
₹2,222

4.1 /5

107 km from city center

Hiking

The Richtis Gorge or Faraggi tou Richti is a gorge in the eastern part of Crete, a popular hiking destination. It is a lush green state-protected park that extends from the Exo Mouliana village (on the national road between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia) to the Richtis Beach (east of the village Kalavros). The gorge is approximately 4 km long and is known for being a moderately difficult trail.

Tours starting from
₹2,577

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FAQs on Crete

What are the top activities in Crete?

The top activities in Crete are Elafonisi Island Day Tour from Rethymno/Chania/Heraklion, Private Chania International Airport (CHQ) and Chania Port Transfers for Crete, Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top), Private Heraklion International Airport (HER) and Heraklion Port Transfers for Crete, Wine Tasting and Cooking Workshop in Crete, Wine Tasting Experience in Crete.

What are the top sightseeing places in Crete?

The top sightseeing places in Crete are Knossos, Heraklion Archeological Museum, Lychnostatis open Air Museum, Koules Fortress, Historical Museum of Crete, Chania Venetian Lighthouse.

How can I commute within Crete?

You can easily rent a car in Crete as long as you have your licence. The rent starts from around EUR 100 for 7 days. Cretans drive on the right-hand side of the road so it can be a challenge for Indians. Taxis are also available but that can be bit expensive. Buses are quite frequent and trustworthy. Drivers usually divert from their marked route to enter little villages if ask them¾to do so. Bus services along the north coast and south are excellent and cheap. Since there are no roads along the southwest coast, there is a ferry line between Paleochora, Sougia, Agia Poumeli, Loutro and Hora sfakion.
Read More

Things To Do In Crete

Top places within Crete

88 Things To Do In Crete

1. Knossos

2. Heraklion Archeological Museum

3. Elafonissi Beach

4. Balos Beach

Crete Travel Packages

Greece Island Hopping Holiday Package

Greece Holiday Package with Oia Sunset & Calder...

Athens & Crete Tour Package

Crete Tour Package - Palace of Knossos

Greece Honeymoon Package with Famous Oia Sunset...

Greece Island Hopping Honeymoon Package with Sa...

5. Seitan Limania

6. Agia Triada Monastery

Top Hotels In Crete

7. Day Trip to Spinalonga Island

8. Samaria Gorge

9. Rethymno Old Town

10. Phaistos

11. Preveli Beach

12. Matala Beach

Discover More About Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Crete

13. Old Venetian Port of Chania

14. Malia Palace Archaeological Site

15. The Botanical Park and Gardens

16. Falassarna Beach

17. A Day Trip to Santorini

18. Olive & Wine Tasting Tour

19. Try Windsurfing at Kouremenos Beach

20. Sacred Monastery of Arkadi

21. Enjoy Watersports

22. Lake Voulismeni

23. Hiking

24. Aquaworld Aquarium

25. Lychnostatis Open-air Museum

26. Loutro

27. Frangokastello

28. Archeological Museum of Chania

29. Vai Beach

30. Stavros Beach

31. Aptera

32. Red Beach

33. Lake Kournas

34. Snorkelling at Triopetra Beach

35. Thirathen Museum

36. Acqua Plus Waterpark

37. Damnoni Beach

38. Mount Ida Hiking

39. Museum of Typography

40. Preveli Monastery

41. Nea Chora Beach

42. Greek National Football Team Museum

43. Maritime Museum of Crete

44. Morosini Fountain

45. Agios Pavlos Beach

46. Agios Minas Cathedral

47. Kommos Beach

48. Koules Fortress

49. Chania Venetian Lighthouse

50. Agiofarago Beach

51. Toplou Monastery

52. Richtis Gorge

Things To Do In Nearby Places

FAQs on Crete

What are the top activities in Crete?

What are the top sightseeing places in Crete?

How can I commute within Crete?

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