Crete is the largest island in Greece, and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you can admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountainscapes, fertile valleys and steep gorges, and become part of the island’s rich gastronomic culture.
In 2025, UNESCO added six Minoan palace centres in Crete to its World Heritage List, recognizing their outstanding universal value and the pivotal role they played in Europe’s earliest advanced civilization. These include Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Zakros, Zominthos, and Kydonia – all iconic sites of the Bronze Age Minoan world.
Crete is, after all, a small universe teeming with beauties and treasures that you will probably need a lifetime to uncover!
Chania is a city where different civilizations have flourished throughout the centuries. Strolling around the Old Town’s maze-like alleys with the beautiful Venetian mansions, the fountains and the churches will guide you through well-preserved historical monuments.
Chania is built on the prehistoric city of Kidonia, at the bay formed between Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. It was the former capital city of Crete (from 1847 until 1972). Nowadays, it is the second largest city on the island, after Heraklion.
Visit Chania and wander in the city streets, see its museums and admire the different architectural styles.
Rethymno is located in the north end of the prefecture, built by the sea and is a city with many faces. Rethymno or Rithymna as it was once called has been inhabited since the Later Minoan III period. Nowadays, it keeps the elements inherited by its history (from antiquity up to now), preserving at the same time the characteristics of a modern city. You can reach Rethymno by boat from Piraeus or by plane from Athens to Chania and then drive 60 km to Rethymno.
Heraklion is the largest city of Crete and one of Greece’s major urban centres. The city flourished under a multicultural influence throughout the centuries; that’s why there is a plethora of Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman structures to look out for!
In 2025, UNESCO inscribed six Minoan palace centers in Crete – including Knossos, located just outside Heraklion – on the World Heritage List. This major recognition highlights the universal value of the island’s Minoan heritage and its profound contribution to early European civilisation. The designated sites include Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Zakros, Zominthos, and Kydonia, all of which were flourishing hubs of the Bronze Age Minoan world (2800–1100 BCE). These archaeological treasures offer a direct link to Crete’s ancient past, and Heraklion is the perfect gateway to explore them.
The city’s landmark is the 16th c. Koules fortress in the westernmost side of the old Venetian port, which along with the fortification walls (dating back to the same period) are among the most significant and imposing sights.
Agios Nikolaos (“Ag Nik” as the British visitors love to call it) is the capital town of Lassithi. Here, the bottomless salt lake Voulismeni dominates the area. A narrow channel of water connects the lake with the sea, while an imposing backdrop of red rock and trees adds to the natural beauty of the scenery. A small pine tree park lies above the lake, and a stone path leads to its southern section to a cute small harbour for fishing boats.
The city boasts interesting Archaeological, Folklore, and Natural History museums, Byzantine churches, a well-organised marina, bustling pedestrian streets (ideal for leisurely walks), and traditional squares with buzzing cafés and restaurants.
Chania’s Venetian Harbour was carefully built in the 14th century for commercial purposes and for protection against pirate raids. Today it is a point of reference for the city of Chania, and a much-photographed place with a touch of magic!
Greece is a land shaped by dramatic geological forces. Over millions of years, continuous mountain formation has sculpted a landscape rich in striking natural monuments and breathtaking formations.
The first thing that comes to mind when you think about Greek summer are the endless coasts and the charming seashores that “flirt” with the magical waters of the Aegean, Ionian and Lybian Sea.
