Greece’s largest island is well known for its fabulous beaches, delicious food and the abundance of fragrant spring flowers which carpet its fields and foothills, but Crete is even more famous for the fact that it has been a melting pot of civilisations and a cultural hotspot since the Bronze Age.
Given its location, at the crossroads of East and West, it’s perhaps not surprising that Crete has been the one-time home to Minoans, Mycenaeans, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottoman Turks.
For the culture vultures and history buffs amongst us, each civilisation has left a legacy rich in culture, history, and fascination, which is good news for anyone visiting Crete today. Here, we’ve rounded up a few must-visit sites to consider in your next villa holiday!
The Minoan Palace of Knossos
The most important archaeological site in Crete is also one of its most visited cultural hotspots, but if it wasn’t for Cretan antiquarian Minos Kalakairinos in 1878, we may never have known that the mighty palace of Knossos, the greatest Minoan palace, even existed. It was he who discovered the site which dates back to the Bronze Age, and which is located some five kilometres from Crete’s capital city, Heraklion. It was later excavated by British Archaeologist, Sir Arthur Evans. Boasting over 1,500 rooms, it’s not hard to imagine this was the real-life Minotaur’s labyrinth! Visit what’s largely considered to be the oldest city in Europe and you’ll see the royal road and theatre, Europe’s oldest plumbing system, and the world’s oldest throne. You’ll also see copies of original frescoes, like the Bull Leaping Fresco and famous artefacts including snake goddess figurines. It’s well worth booking a guide who will bring this ancient cultural hotspot back to life.
Where to stay: Villa Amvrosia, one of our most popular villas – with over twenty five 10 star reviews-, located in the charming village of Armeni, is a great base from which to explore the whole of Crete. Sleeps up to 5 in 3 bedrooms.
Spinalonga Island
A more modern site than many others, Spinalonga Island was created in the 16th century when Venetian engineers dug a channel through the local peninsula, in doing so forming an island which would help them defend their fortress on land. Much more recently, following a period of Turkish occupation, Spinalonga became a leper colony and hospital, one of the last in Europe. You may have read Victoria Hislop’s novel, ‘The Island,’ which was based on its history, and helped popularise the island as a tourist attraction, which you can visit on a half-hour boat ride from Elounda.
Where to stay: Newly built Villa Karissa, Gavalohori offers a chilled out but modern sanctuary to get away from it all. Named after the fragrant jasmine which surrounds the property, it’s also handily located near the boho hotspot of Gavalochori.
Venetian harbour of Rethymno
Compact and easy to explore, The Old Venetian Port of Rethymno is one of the finest examples of 14th century Venetian architecture, having been a busy trading port and cultural hub for centuries. One of the most iconic attractions here is the lighthouse at the mouth of the harbour, originally built by the Venetians in the 16h century and later modernised by the Egyptians. Today, you can climb up it to get the best views of the cultural hotspot. Rethymno is also a wonderful place to eat and drink, its streets and waterside jam packed with tavernas and outside tables. History buffs might also want to visit the Archaeological Museum here, with Venetian and Ottoman exhibits.
Where to stay Roussas House. Agia Paraskevi. Sleeps 4. Although located on the south of the island, Rethymno is located almost directly north of this beautiful stone house with sea views. It’s a completely undeveloped area and full of natural beauty.
The historic Old Town of Chania
Like Rethymno (although we prefer it), Chania is a wonderful example of Venetian architecture, but with slightly more history, with examples dating back from the Minoan period to the Ottoman Turkish era. It too has a striking 21-metre-tall lighthouse which you can stroll to after eating in one of the many streets and harbour-side tavernas, or after a shopping trip in the vibrant Agora Marketplace. For the best way to get an insight into Chania’s role as a cultural hotspot, visit the Maritime Museum of Crete which is located within the red walls of the Firka Fortress. There’s also an Archaeological Museum, whilst the Historical Museum & Archives of Chania traces Crete’s war-torn history.
Where to stay: New, modern and looking like it’s come from the pages of a glossy magazine, Kokoblue Villa also boasts breathtaking panoramic hillside and sea views across the entrance of Souda Bay. Sleeps up to 6 people and luxurious 5-star accommodation.
Ancient city of Aptera
At one time, Aptera was one of the most important cities in Crete, reaching its peak in the 3rd Century BC. Today, nearly 4 kilometres of the ancient city walls survive and it’s a fascinating place to wander around, imagining times past. Historically famed for the skill of its archers who would defend the city, its name is said to translate as, ‘featherless.’ According to Greek mythology, a singing contest was held between the Muses and the Sirens and, after the Sirens lost, they pulled out their white features which now form the tiny islands which pepper Souda Bay. Visit today and you’ll see huge Roman-era cisterns, remains of a theatre and a building which could have at one time been a parliament. Aptera is located 200 metres above Megala Chorafia, near Chania.
Where to stay: Located on the hillside below the village of Megala Chorafia, with fantastic views encompassing the whole of Souda Bay, Villa Nikos, can sleep 6 guests in 3 bedrooms.
Monastery of Arkadi
The well-preserved buildings home to Arkadi Monastery understandably draw thousands of visitors each year, both as a religious site but also as a fascinating example of a fully working monastery. You can visit to see the Church, historic dining room, the cellars and powder keg as well as the museum and art gallery to gain an insight into monastic life. The museum and entrance to the monastery operate daily from April to October. The monastery is located in the north of Crete in the region of Rethymnon, between Chania and Heraklion.
Where to stay: Villa Olivia, Vrises. It’s not just us who love this private, one-level accessible villa not far from Rethymnon. It was also chosen by the Sunday Times as one of their 50 best villas in Europe! The villa sleeps up to 5 people.
We have over 40 beautiful villas in Crete. If you’d like to know more, click on Crete Villas or take a look at our Crete Travel Guide exclusively available to Freelance Villas customers. Alternatively, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!
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The best festivals in Crete and Kefalonia
Crete Traditional Music and Dancing
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