Crete (Chania), Greece
Description
View cruises with Crete (Chania), GreeceWeaving a tapestry of awe and wonder, Chania is a centuries-old mix of Minoan myths, well-preserved Venetian mansions, a mesmerizing Old Town complete with labyrinthine passageways, and atmospheric Kastelli Hill, once the site of a Roman acropolis. But Chania may be best known as the gateway to the breathtaking 4,000 year-old Minoan ruins at Knossos, home of the legendary King Minos and the part man and part bull known creature as the Minotaur. And around every corner of this idyllic area you'll find picturesque villages, breathtaking views and architectural wonders that will remain with you for a lifetime.
Points of Interest
- Knossos Palace
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- Akrotiri Hill- Eleftherios Venizelos tomb
- Chania Old town
- Monastery of Arkadi
- Rethymnon Town
- Heraklion
- Imbros Gorge
More about Crete (Chania), Greece Points of Interest
-
Knossos Palace -
Home to King Minos, Knossos Palace is one of the most important archeological sites of the Bronze Age. Dating back 7,000 years, it was excavated by Sir Arthur Evans in 1900 and boasts 1,200 rooms.
-
Heraklion Archaeological Museum -
The museum has a unique record and collection of the Minoan Civilization & treasures from all areas of Crete.
-
Akrotiri Hill- Eleftherios Venizelos tomb -
Elefthérios Venizélos was once a dominant figure in Cretan and Greek political life. This pilgrimage spot entices visitors with its fantastic views over Chania and the White Mountains.
-
Chania Old town -
Built on the site of the ancient city of Kydonia around its Venetian Harbor, it reveals beautifully restored Venetian buildings, the cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of Chania, the Mosque of Hassan Pasha, the stately lighthouse, and the Forteza.
-
Monastery of Arkadi -
Its magnificent golden facade with the intricate details that you see today was built in 1587, although its origins date to the 5th century. The monastery played a significant role in the Cretan resistance to Ottoman rule
-
Rethymnon Town -
Rethymno is one of Crete's best-preserved settlements. Look out for ornate doorways decorated with Venetian crests, Ottoman mosques with minarets and wooden facades of mansions.
-
Heraklion -
Heraklion is the island's capital and the fourth largest city in Greece. Arab refugees from Al Andalus in Spain founded the city; the Republic of Venice governed Heraklion for four centuries.
-
Imbros Gorge -
Set against the soaring White Mountains, the 11-kilometer (eight-mile) long Imbros Gorge canyon is renowned for its striking rock formations and diverse flora and fauna. A walk through the limestone gorge takes you past towering cliffs and narrow passages, some only two meters (six feet) wide.
