Crete offers the perfect dream escape for the visitor to experience unrivalled natural beauty and discover the island’s intriguing history highlighted by magnificent, Bronze Age, Minoan palaces. The ancient Palace of Knossos, seat of the powerful Minoan seafarers, brings to life the extraordinary brilliance of this ancient civilisation in architecture, art and artefacts. Beautiful thematic frescos representing nature and life by the sea reflect the aesthetic character of the ancient Minoans. Throughout its history, Crete has been occupied by the Venetians, Byzantines and Ottomans; influences that are felt today.

Its climate and geographical position provide a paradise for flora and fauna and its landscape, dominated by majestic mountains, is the source of legend; the Dikteian Cave, birthplace of Zeus.

The power of Crete on the imagination inspired many Greek myths in antiquity One, in particular, may have influenced Greek dance throughout the ages in all parts of the county; the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur. Historically, the Minoans were a powerful, seafaring people and the fact that their palaces existed without fortification walls suggests that they feared no conquests. Their civilisation came to an abrupt end presumably caused by the catastrophic effects of the volcanic eruption on Santorini.

The aesthetic influence of Crete on civilisations throughout history came to the forefront once again in the Middle Ages, under Venetian Rule. The island became a centre for letters and the arts where famous artists emerged, including the iconographer Damaskenos, as well as El Greco. Literary names of the period include George Hortatsis, with his dramatic work, Erofili, and Vincezo Kornaros, author of Erotokritos. The island, which was under occupation by the Venetians, Byzantines and Ottomans for centuries, is, today, a unique blend of the imprints of these cultures and the long, Cretan tradition of strong character and passion for life.

Herakleion a beautiful seaside town, with the character of a modern capital. A friendly crossroads of past and present, where opportunity for discovery is at every turn.

• The Chanioporta, which dates back to the second half of the 16th century
• The Town Fortress, with its impressive 3km long Venetian walls
• Eleftherios Venizelos, the main square with its beautiful fountain carvings and characteristic four lions
• The Venetian church of Saint Mark
• The church of Saint Minas, one of the most impressive churches in size, locale, and wood-carved icons from the 18th century.

• The Historic - Ethnographic Museum
• The Herakleion Archaeological Museum, dedicated to the Minoan civilisation
• The Museum of Cretan Ethnography
• The Municipal Museum of the Battle of Crete

Worth a visit:

Just 5 km south of Herakleion, the ancient site of Knossos breathes life into the ancient word of the seafaring Minoan civilisation of the Bronze Age. The palace is the largest of antiquity, 20,000 square meters, with 1,500 rooms. It is famed for its labyrinth of complicated passageways.

Located 60 km southwest of Herakleion, the site is built on a hill. It was a very strong, rich city and, according to mythology, was ruled by the dynasty of Rhadamanthys, son of Zeus and brother of Minos. The famous, Phaistos Disc, in Linear A, which has not been deciphered, was found here.

Chania is located on the northwest coast and is known as the most important town of western Crete. Overlooking the Bay of Chania, it is on the site of the ancient city of Kydonia. It is a lovely town where a well preserved Old Quarter meets modern surroundings dotted with parks and attractive buildings. The Public Gardens, based on European models, designed in 1870, offer the sights and sounds of a lush paradise. The Old Town is surrounded by Venetian Walls dating from the 15th century and centres on the Venetian harbour, with its characteristic 16th century lighthouse.

Visit the 13th century Cathedral of Chania, the Byzantine Church of Saint Magdalene, the Venetian Palace, the Lighthouse, the unique Hasan Pasha market, the Turkish public baths, with exquisite mosaics, as well as the house of Eleftherios Venizelos in an aristocratic neighbourhood of the new town.

The charming city of Rethymno is the capital of the prefecture in north western Crete.The countryside is known for its amazing beauty, churches, monasteries and endless beaches; -- the quality of the sea water is among the best in Europe. Reflecting the history of the island, Rethymno is a blend of Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman cultures. Among its outstanding characteristics is the Venetian Fortress along a seawall, the Venetian harbour, St. Francisus Church, monastery of the Franciscan Order and five mosques, only the Heralzies can be visited.

It is the most impressive and longest gorge in Europe reaching 18km. It is a designated a National Park, in order to protect the habitat of rare flora and fauna. The full length of the gorge is a 6 to 8 hour trek. The gorge begins from Ksiloskalo follows the river along a beautiful forest with tall trees, and offers spectacular views. Sideroportes (Iron Doors) is the point where the two sides of the gorge nearly meet at only 3 meters apart, at a height of 600 meters.

This village is 71 km southwest of Herakleion. Traditionally, a small fishing village, today Matala is a favourite destination of visitors who want to experience an awesome landscape capped by the hollowed-out caves of its rocky cliffs. Inhabited since prehistory, the caves were used as dwellings and, in the Roman and Early Christian eras, as tombs. Visitors will enjoy the fantastic beaches and all the activities of a popular Cretan summer destination.