Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and the largest of the islands forming part of modern Greece. It is relatively long and narrow, stretching for 160 miles (260 km) on its east-west axis and varying in width from 7.5 to 37 miles (12 to 60 km). The administrative centre is Irákleio (Heraklion; historically Candia), on the north coast.

Things To Do

Fortrezza in Rethymno

The Fortezza of Rethymnon Crete: The Venetian stronghold of Fortezza is built on top of a low hill above Rethymno Town, Crete. The hill is known as Paleokastro, which means old castle in Greek and suggests the existence of an older structure in that place. This huge fortress, with its turbulent history, was built between 1540 and 1570 by the Venetian maritime power as a bulwark against Turkish pirates.

Venetian Loggia in Rethymno

The Venetian Loggia in Rethymno Crete: The Loggia of Rethymno is a 16th-century Venetian building situated right in the center of the Old Town of Rethymno. It is a wonderful square building with three visible walls, each provided with three equal semicircular arches. The middle arch provides an entrance at the ground level. The southern side of this elegant structure has no opening.

Marine Museum in Rethymno

The Marine Museum of Rethymno, Crete: The Marine Museum is a delight for the family, dedicated entirely to the marine life around Rethymno. It contains an extensive collection of colorful shells, sponges and even beautiful fish. The shells and fish are all procured locally. For visitors who want a glimpse into the depths of the sea without having to get wet, the Marine Museum is the perfect place.

Open on all days except Sunday and Monday, the museum is easily accessible and is an ideal place for kids, who will not just have a good time, but also learn something about marine life in the process. This Museum aims at increasing awareness about the marine life while displaying its natural beauty.

Beaches

Goudouras Beach

The huge beach (1200m long!) of Goudouras has small pebbles, and very clear crystalline waters. But primitively organized, it does yet have umbrellas, sunbeds and showers. Nearby are some tavernas (the fresh fish must be sampled!) and rooms to rent for a stay and bathers can visit the cafeterias and taverns, located actually next to the shore. This pebbly beach is some 14 km east of Makrigialos and some 73 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, located in this southeasternmost part of Crete. It's a pretty popular resort for the locals but unknown for visitors in Makrigialos area. Hovewer, the village is tourist-friendly, attracting a large number of visitors in the summer (July-September), with a number of tourist-shops for your shopping needs. Exposed to western winds, the nearby beaches of Atherinolakos and Livari to nort east offer a good alternative on a windy day.

Tenda Beach

Tenda is a remote rocky area located at the most north-eastern side of Crete, 29km far from Sitia city and 156 from Heraklion. It is 7 kms away from the palm forest and beach Vai and 15 kms away from Palekastro village.
The main feature of the region is the rocks and cliff. The wild raw is perfectly combined with deep blue of the sea and sky. The rocks expanded in the sea create refuge for a lot of fish. The sea at Tenda is ideal for the lovers of fishing and scuba diving. It is popular on the whole Crete and a lot of visitors come here to enjoy the magic of fishing.

Toplou Gorge

Its entrance is about 200m in the west of the Monastery of Toplou. The landscape is astonishing not only because of its flora and the existence of a cluster of the palm tree Theophrastos Phoenix theophrasti, clusters of locust Ceratonia siliqua, oleander Nerium oleander, shinos Pistacia lentiscus, oleaster Olea europea ssp silvestris, but also its fauna which due to the existence of water in many parts gives shelter to the turtle Mauremis caspica.
The turtle is usually found in the ponds formed within the canyon throughout the year. The geological formations in the canyon are very interesting because they are made up of steep rocks and impressive caves as well as erosional forms called "Tafoni".