Top Things to Do in the Crete | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

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Places To Visit In Crete

Thirathen

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. The place was opened to bring the knowledge of traditional Greek and Cretan instruments to the local community and other lands and neighbouring countries. In light of this, it offers music courses and lessons and aims to become a centre for research and documentation of said musical tradition. In addition, it hosts various music festivals and events and conducts school visits with different institutions. Right outside is a small café which serves traditional food and snacks. Read More

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, with a belfry, a 10m high wall and 40 rooms across 3 floors, 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. These icons at the museum which represent the daily lives of monks and the development of the Constantinople School of Art, include Deliverer from Poison, Unwithering Rose, works by the painted Ioannis Kornaros and more. Some of the other precious historical items displayed here are Patriarchal Sigils, seals, vestments, Gospels, revolutionary banners, Crosses, Bibles, decrees issued by Sultans, etc. Part of the monastery premises is a library featuring rare books, a courtyard with a sculpture by Manolis Tzobanakis and a dining room with wall paintings by Manolis Betinakis. There are vineyards and olive tree plantations here as well where the monks prepare wine, olive oil and raki to be sold. Read More

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 main beach, is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and watching the sunset. The area is situated on a long beachfront (Akoumia beach) but provides solitude to beach-goers who can find uncrowded sections even during peak seasons. The sea colour is best during the morning while stone colours are beautiful in the evening. Therefore, it is ideal to visit between April and November. The beach can be accessed by car through paved roads from Akoumia or Sachtouria. Read More

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. The portion of Chania surrounded by the fortress walls was designated a national historical monument in 1965. Hence, its current status as the most picturesque Venetian bay in the Mediterranean is because of the establishment of the protected museum that controlled any artificial development. Read More

Venizelos Graves is a historic site consisting of a cemetery and a small park in Chania, Crete. It is a few miles east of Akrotiri and close to the airport. Located in a small park on the hilltop, visitors can get a panoramic view of the city. Two of Greece's notable statesmen, Eleftherios Venizelos and his son, Sophoklis Venizelos, are buried here. Right next to the tombs of the father and son is the Monastery of Prophet Elias, which was constructed in the 16th century. The place is home to the statue of a Cretan hero, Spyros Kayales or Kayaledakis, known as the ‘human flagpole’ and played a significant role in the 1897 Revolt against the Greek Powers. Two small cafés, Nymphes and Koukouvaia, are open right next to the park and offer a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery with a cup of hot coffee peacefully. Read More

The Watercity Waterpark is a big amusement park situated in Anopolis off the northern coast of Crete that features more than 36 exciting water attractions for kids and adults. There are a number of water slides and swimming pools here such as the Turbo Cyclone, Ofiss Rattlesnake Toboggan, Lazy River, Tarzan’s Game and Body Slide Cyclone. Visitors can get cocktails, coffee, beer, pizzas, crêpes, Greek food and more at its restaurants and bars like the Lazy Bar, Coffee Place, Wave Bar etc. There are changing rooms, showers and locker facilities at the waterpark too. A Mini Market on the premises sells different items like swimming costumes, floats, flip flops, towels etc. and there is also a souvenir shop and boutique here. Read More

Jet Skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, flyboarding, and scuba diving are activities that will surely give you an adrenaline rush, and when in Crete, these are combined with the perfect picturesque backdrop! From watching the shipwrecks to Kayaking your way into the ocean most Crete beaches offer water sports and courses for beginners. The most popular sites for Scuba Diving in Crete are Chania, Rethymnon,Heraklion and Lassithi. While Stalida and Arena in Heraklion, Falassarna beach and Paleohora in Chania are considered to be the best places to Surf in Crete. You can also board Yachts at Heraklion,Pantanassa and the Venetian Port, Chania . Read More