Australian Traveller Magazine: Crete first of 6 best islands in Europe

 Traveller: Crete first of 6 best islands in Europe

Australian traveller.com.au rates Crete, Greece as top of six best European Islands.

Crete island is a hidden gem which waits to be discovered and the renowned Australian travel site describe’s Greece’s largest island as follows:

• Crete, Greece

Of all the Greek Islands, Crete is both the largest and most varied. Historical sights are topped by the ruins of the Knossos Palace, the pinnacle of the Minoan civilisation. It’s just to the south of Crete’s capital, Iraklio (also called Heraklion). There are also some tremendous beaches – particularly Elafonisi in the south-western corner – while Samaria Gorge offers one of the continent’s great canyon hikes. The island’s also large enough to have substantial mountains, dotted with picturesque monasteries such as the culturally symbolic Moni Arkadiou. Stay at Casa Delfino (casadelfino.com), a 17th-century mansion in Hania, Crete’s most attractive city. Doubles cost from 137 euros.

Crete, The island inside you

Ierapetra, Crete

Ierapetra, Crete

35 Kms from Agios Nikolaos lies Ierapetra. Ierapetra is Europes southernmost town, full of monuments preserved up to our times, revealing the area's long history. Admire the Kales fortress at the port's entrance, which testifies to the Venetians' passing from the area, the house of Napoleon, where according to tradition, Bonaparte was hosted in 1978, the mosque in the old town (Kato Meria), which bears an inscription from the Quarn on a marble slab at its entrance, and finally the archeological museum, which is housed in a 1889 building. Here one can find clay sarcophagi, sculptures and the beautiful statue of goddess Demeter. 

Best of Crete - Top 10 of Crete

Top 10 of Crete

1) Ancient Palace of Knossos

Crete was the centre of the European civilization since 7000 b.C with the Minoan civilization dominating from 2700 b.C to 1450 b.C  

Car Hire Heraklion to visit Knossos. Knossos is biggest and best preserved Minoan Palace. Situated South of Heraklion was the home palace of the legendary king Minos and the location of the mythical Labyrinth where Minos held the Minotaur.

The palace was unearthed and restored from the excavations of Sir Arthur Evans in 1900. These findings include also the small palace, the Royal House, the Temple Tomb and a hall with murals.

The Palace is open for the public to visit from 01/06 to 31/10 - 08:00 to 18:00 daily and from 01/11 to 31/05 08:30 – 15:00 with a small admission fee.

2) Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is a 16 Km route in South West Crete at Chania prefecture. Samaria is among the biggest gorges in Europe with rare flora and fauna.

The route starts from Xyloskala after Omalos Plateau on 1250 height among the White Mountains. The gorge is accessible from the 1^st of May till 31^st of October when closes for the winter period.

Shoes with hard soles to support the ankle are necessary in this 6-hour journey on the hard rocky ground and a small amount of water that can be filled in one of the many sources that meets the path. The route ends at the Libyan Sea, in Agia Roumeli. Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of Agia Roumeli before taking the boat to Sfakia, where you will have the opportunity to taste traditional specialties before boarding the bus that will take you back to Chania.

Our advice for visitors with Car Hire Crete is to leave the car at Chania Station take the bus from Chania to Omalos and from Sfakia to Chania. It will be an endless, exhausting day but believe me its worth, and you will have a lifetime experience.

3) Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Rent a Car Heraklion, and visit the Archeological Museum of Heraklion which is located in the centre of the city in Xanthoulidou str.

The exhibits cover a period of 5500 years from the Neolithic to the Greco-Roman period.

In pride place among its collections are the unique masterpieces of Minoan art, which can be admired in all its development. The collection of Minoan antiquities is the largest in the world and the museum is justly considered the pre-eminent museum of Minoan civilization.

The museum is open for the public to visit all year long with the opening hours to vary according to period.

4) Chania Old Town & Venetian Harbor

Chania are situated in the Northwest Crete 170 Km from the capital Heraklion. With the old Venetian Port to be the main attraction thousands of tourists are visiting Chania every year. Take a stroll on the cobbled streets with the traditional fish restaurants, cafes and shops with folk art. Historically, Chania was the first capital of Crete.

Car Rental Chania Airport to  visit the archaeological and naval museum in the old city. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the Venetian buildings, small workshops daggers (machairadika), traditional footwear (stoivanadika) and enjoy a coffee or dining at the quaint cafes and restaurants.

Along the harbor you will see small fishing boats moored, catering daily fresh fish the taverns, and certainly do not miss the opportunity to stroll through the renovated lighthouse on the edge of the harbor.

5) Lake Kournas, Argiroupolis and Ancient Lappa

Rent a Car Chania airport And head to Lake Kournas. Lake Kournas is the only natural freshwater lake on the island. Surrounded by lush vegetation and background of the White Mountains, is a unique attraction.

A few miles from Lake Kournas is the village of Argiroupolis This beautiful village is built on the ancient site of Lappa and consists of two parts - the upper and lower village.

Visit the waterfalls surrounded with lush vegetation in the lower village, then the Roman necropolis of Lappa, the ruins of Roman baths and the aqueduct in the upper village.

6) Lassithi Plateau and Zeus Cave

Rent a Car Heraklion Port and spend a day in Lassithi Plateau. Lassithi Plateau is the largest plain in Crete. An area of 25,000 square kilometers surrounded by the Lassithiotika Mountains. Hundreds of white windmills used for irrigation lie as relics of the past and compose landscape of the fertile plateau.

Lassithi Plateau is the highest inhabited plateau in Greece. A visit to this beautiful mountain region should include stops at villages Krasi with a giant plane tree in the square which is considered to be the oldest tree in Crete with age 2400 years, and in Mohos, where the church of the Virgin Mary has byzantine icons and murals.

The impressive Dikteon Andro (Psichro Cave), the mythical birthplace of Zeus, located at an altitude of 1025m, west of the village Psichro. The cave is accessed by a narrow entrance after a 20 minute walk up a steep path, entering the interior of the cave follows a steep descent of 60 meters ending in an underground pool and several rooms with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

7) Anogia village & Zoniana Cave

Rent a Car Heraklion airport For a trip to Anogia and Zoniana. The mountain village Anogia situated at an altitude 700m on the side of Mount Ida in the hinterland of Rethymno Prefecture.

The village Anogia razed by the Germans during the Second World War, and all the men of the village who had not managed to escape were killed in reprisal for partisan fighters.

The village is also known as the birthplace of Nick Xylouris one of the most famous Cretan musicians of all time. He died in 1980 at the age of 43 and became a legend. Every July Anogia organizes Yakinthia, a festival dedicated to music, theater and art.

Do not forget to visit the nearby cave of Zoniana (Sfentoni Cave), which is considered one of the best caves of Crete with amazing stalagmites and stalactites.

8) Agios Nikolaos

Car Rental Heraklion Airport And live your dream vacation in Agios Nikolaos. Situated in Eastern Crete, 70mm from Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lassithi Prefecture. The city is built around a beautiful lake, which is connected to the sea by a small canal. Relax in one of the taverns and cafes by the lake and admire the scenery while fishermen are working in their colorful boats.

The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a modern marina that accommodates up to 255 boats and yachts. Shopping in the town is a delight - small shops, crafts and souvenir shops coexist with modern designer jewelry stores. Cafes, snack bars, taverns and restaurants abound in every street corner.

The city even has its own beach area next to the center - the beach Kitroplatia. The sandy beach is filled with cafes and taverns. There are also many other beaches along the Gulf of Mirabello.

9) Elounda & Spinalonga Island

Just 10 km from Agios Nikolaos is the bay of Elounda. Known for its luxury hotels is the place that wealthy visitors, royalties and celebrities spend their holidays. The picturesque harbor of Elounda still retains its traditional charm, with cafes and restaurants to complement the scene.

Spinalonga (also known as Caledon) is a small island located just off the coast of Elounda and Plaka at the Bay of Mirabello. During 1200 AD the Venetians built huge fortifications on it to guard the entrance to the bay and these fortifications still dominate the north side of the island.

From 1903 until recently, in 1957, the island of Spinalonga was a leper colony and lepers from all over Greece were sent to it. The suffering of lepers who lived in Spinalonga is immortalized in the book of Victoria Hislop «The Island" that enjoyed huge commercial success.

Today Spinalonga is uninhabited, but can be visited one after a short boat trip from Elounda (30 minutes), Plaka (15 minutes) or Agios Nikolaos (1 hour). Following the path around the island you will pass through the small streets of the deserted ruins with its old stone houses, fortifications, battlements, and of course the cemetery. Wander the cosmopolitan Elounda and historic Spinalonga with Car Hire Heraklion airport

10) Loutro

Car Hire Chania Airport, for an unforgettable holiday in Loutro. The small picturesque village Loutro is located in South Crete, between Chora Sfakion and Agia Roumeli. The only way that anyone can visit the Loutro is by boat or on foot as it is isolated which is the main feature.

Arriving by boat at this beautiful blue and white village will experience the tranquility and relaxation with swimming, iced coffee and a relaxing meal at one of the taverns. The main activity at the Bath is to watch the boats coming and going and carrying visitors and supplies to the village.

The village is located in a small cove with pebbles and consists of rooms, small hotels, cafes, restaurants, a few shops and of course a kiosk with cigarettes. Trips to Loutro have 4-5 times daily from Sfakia and the ride is 20 minutes.

Rethymno, Crete

Rethymno, Crete

Love at first sight! That is how I like to call Rethymno. From the very first moment makes visitor feel intimacy and serenity. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains and sea it is the third biggest urban center in Crete after Heraklion and Chania. Decorated with renaissance colors and focused in the famous Cretan hospitality it is a place blessed with beauty.

Rent a car in Rethymno to discover a natural environment of rare beauty, a variety of picturesque routes to follow in the city, endless kilometers of coastline. An interesting tourist destination, graphic and well organized is a paradise for travelers that want to have quiet and relaxing holidays. A variety of activities as well as many experiences related to the history, culture and natural environment combined with the high quality tourist services and countless car rental Crete options will satisfy even the most demanding visitors.

The old town still retains the character that was formed during the Venetian and the Turkish conquest. Small passages, traditional taverns, workshops selling handicrafts of any kind are some of the images that will accompany your walk in the old city. In order to preserve the historical environment of the old city special regulations were adopted from the EU to control the land use in the area.

Car hire Crete to explore a city that was worshipped even by its conquerors and which they cherished it with monuments of rare beauty and glory. The imposing Fortetsa fortress, a sample of outstanding architecture, the Venetian port to be one of the most beautiful places of the city and a meeting point for locals, the Venetian Loggia, the Mosques, the numerous fountains, the arched doorways and a plethora of other monuments compose a scenery of a time machine that takes visitors to a place where dream and reality cannot be divided. 

Gramvousa, Crete

Gramvousa, Crete

The name Gramvousa has been found in various forms. The Venetians referred to it on their maps as the cape, Cavo Buso, and the Cretans, who translated it to Akra (capo) called it Cavo Bouza, this then became Krampouza, then Gramvousa.

In the opinion of N Hatzidaki, the name originates from the plant Crambe - Kramvoessa, which became Gramvousa. The Venetians named it Scoglio e fortezza Garabuse. The Venetians built the castle, in fear of occupation of Crete by the Turks, which would lead - and did eventually lead - to the end of the Venetian Empire.

After the Turkish occupation of Crete, it was one of three castles that remained under Venetian ownership (the other two were Souda and Spinalongka). Even though the castle was impregnable, during the Venetian - Turkish war, its Italian governor was bribed by the Turks, and it was handed over to them in 1692.

During the Greek uprising against the Turks, Gramvousa played an important and decisive role. After many attempts, the castle was finally conquered by Cretan rebels in 1825 when a group of Cretans, disguised as Turks, entered the castle.

Gramvousa was the first area of Crete that was freed from the Turks. It became shelter for more than 3,000 Cretans and became a base of operations for revolutionary groups. From free Gramvousa began the uprising of the Kalisperides, a group that spread terror among the Turks. In order to create a diversion they organized Zoyrides, armed groups that ambushed the Christians.

As conditions for survival were harsh, the residents of Gramvousa turned to piracy, indiscriminately looting boats passing between Gramvousa and the island of Antikythira, a fact that turned European opinion against them.

In 1828, with the agreement of the Greek government, fleets from England and France routed the pirates and occupied the castle. After signing the Protocol of London, Crete remained under Turkish occupation until 1831 and the castle of Gramvousa was handed over to the Turks once again by the Russian guard.

Elounda, Crete

Elounda, Crete

Elounda is a small fishing village that became the most cosmopolitan place on Crete through the last 20 years. Luxurious hotels and resorts, small traditional fish taverns and restaurants, and traditional cafes are the main characteristics of Elounda.

Located in the Northeastern all that Elounda offers to visitor is a quiet and relaxed holiday. The main attraction in Elounda and to be more specific in Plaka is the Island of Spinalonga (Kalidon) which in the past was used as a leper colony. Many books are written about the Spinalonga with "The Island" the bestselling novel by Victoria Hislop to be the most popular one.

 Walk a little bit along the causeway you will ruins inside the water. It is the sunken city of Olous, many people believe that Olous was the mythical Atlantis with the walls of the ancient city to be still visible inside the water.

Many people that visited Elounda across the years loved the place so much that bought their own properties, and made their own holiday resort, others decided to make in Elounda their permanent home.

No matter where your accommodation is, rent a car Crete and pay a visit to Elounda, the wonderful landscape, the beautiful unwind beaches, the excellent tourist services and the hospitality of locals will definitely reward you!