Crete attractions and activities
The island of Crete is the perfect destination for sightseers as it has more places of interest than just about any other Greek island.
Sightseeing tours can be arranged easily once you are in your chosen resort, but here is a quick guide to some of the most popular...
Limnoupolis Water Park
When you feel that the day is too hot then take a trip to Limnoupolis Water Park! A large selection of water-based activities and attractions are on hand as well as a restaurant, bar and a fast-food outlet. For those seeking fast-paced thrills and spills, the Black Hole, Triple Twist and Kamikazee water slides certainly pack a punch, while for those who just want to relax and leave the children to the adrenalin-charged activities, there’s the Lazy River where you can lie back on a rubber tube and drift leisurely around the park. Several pools, plus a large Jacuzzi, are also available for more placid fun.
Pirate ship tours
Take a boat trip to Marathi or Bali onboard the Barbarossa or Captain Hook. Both vessels are kitted out to look like pirate ships and manned by crews who present themselves in full pirate regalia. Marathi has a number of secluded, undeveloped beaches where you can enjoy some peace and quiet amid the pleasant Mediterranean scenery, while Bali is a small Cretan village with its own beach. Both trips include stops en route for taking photographs and playing games, which are organised by the pirate crew.
Dolphin Tours
Throughout the summer season, boats from Rethymno harbour leave four times a day on tours of the local area, where dolphins are known to assemble. A two-hour trip leaves at 11:00 and 13:00, while a three-hour one leaves at 10:00 and 13:00. The longer trip calls at the coastal village of Panormo, allowing visitors to take an authentic seafood lunch at one of its tavernas. There are plenty of stops for taking photos on both trips.
The Cave of Zeus
Dictaean Cave, as it is otherwise known, overlooks the Lassithi Plateau and is the place where, according to Greek mythology, Rhea took baby Zeus to hide him from the ill-intentioned Cronos. Regardless of whether you believe the legend, there is solid evidence in the various icons and symbols to prove that the cave was once an important place of worship back in Minoan times. If you have an interest in myths and in the island’s history then this cave will certainly be worth a visit.
The Monastery of Arkadi
Situated 23kms from the town of Rethymno, the Monastery of Arkadi is a fortress-like construction that dates back to the Byzantine era. During the 16th century, the monastery grew to become a significant part of the island’s cultural life. When the Turks invaded, its prominence waned, but was later reasserted and the Muslim Turkish oppressors even permitted the ringing of the church bells. A museum is housed within the monastery in which artefacts hailing from the 1866 Holocaust are on display, as well as a variety of fine religious icons.
Star Beach Water Park
The Star Beach Water Park in Hersonissos differs quite significantly from the one in Limnoupolis. Here you’ll find less in the way of man-made water propelled attractions and more in the way of traditional water activities. A variety of water sports are available including jet-skiing, scuba diving and waterskiing, while those just wanting thrills without any effort on their part can ride the banana boat or the tubes that are pulled at high-speed behind motorboats. There are also slides which flow into manmade pools as well as a lazy river, which runs the inside perimeter of the park.
The Palace of Knossos
Covering a total area of 20,000 square metres, the Minoan palace at Knossos, while not quite one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is still considered one of the world’s most amazing sightseeing experiences. Consisting of four wings constructed around a rectangular central court, the palace was first unearthed by a Cretan merchant back in 1878, but its real excavation did not begin until 1900.
While much of the palace’s original detail has been lost, including the splendid frescoes that adorned the walls, other parts of it have been well-preserved and others still have been rebuilt by British archaeologist, Arthur Evans. The palace lies just five kilometres south of Heraklion and is perhaps the island’s most significant historical attraction.
Museums
Crete has an impressive selection of museums, complementing its extensive number of historical sites by offering visitors a deeper insight into the background and other fascinating aspects of the island’s history. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion is a must, with its impressive collection of artefacts hailing from the Minoan period including bull-headed drinking vessels and the curious Phaistos disc. Other museums worthy of mention, include the Lychnostatis Museum at Limenas Hersonissou, the Sitia Museum at Lassithi and the Historical and Folklore Museum at Rethymno.
