Crete, the largest and most populous island in Greece, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient ruins to charming villages, stunning landscapes to serene monasteries, Crete offers visitors a unique blend of experiences. This article takes you on a journey through some of Crete’s most iconic sites, including the majestic Knossos Palace, the picturesque town of Chania, the unique windmills of the Lasithi Plateau, and the historic Arkadi Monastery.
We arrived in Crete on a Saturday and proceeded to our hotel, the Arhodiko Hotel, a small family-run hotel in the town of Amourada. Then, we made a quick shopping trip for groceries and spent the rest of the day resting. It was not a big fancy place but we thoroughly enjoyed it, as we prefer more local, authentic accommodations.
The following day we attended church at a Greek Orthodox church in the town of Kokkini Hani with friends.
Afterwards we went to a local coffee shop to meet more family members and spend the day visiting. My wife, Teresa, lived there in the 1980’s and had stayed in touch over the years!
Knossos Palace: The Heart of Minoan Civilization
The following day, we visited the ruins of he Palace of Knossos, located near the modern-day city of Heraklion, is perhaps the most significant archaeological site on Crete. As the largest Minoan palace, it stands as a testament to the island’s rich history and the grandeur of the Minoan civilization, which flourished around 3,500 years ago.
Knossos was the center of the Minoan world, and its expansive ruins include impressive frescoes, intricate stonework, and grand courtyards. The palace complex is thought to have been the residence of the legendary King Minos, and the myth of the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull creature, is famously linked to this site. Archaeologists have uncovered several stories of life in ancient Crete through the colorful frescoes, depicting everything from nature and animals to ceremonial rituals. Walking through the ruins, visitors can experience a deep connection to the island’s past. The site is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient cultures and their legacy.
Lasithi Plateau: A Landscape of Windmills and Beauty
The windmills of the Lasithi Plateau in Crete are iconic symbols of the island’s agricultural past. Introduced in the 19th century during Ottoman rule, these windmills were used primarily to pump water for irrigation in the plateau’s fertile fields. Their distinctive design, combining local materials and traditional engineering, allowed them to harness the strong winds in the area for agricultural and milling purposes. By the mid-20th century, modern irrigation systems led to their decline, but many windmills still stand today as historic landmarks. Efforts to preserve them highlight their cultural significance as symbols of Crete’s rural heritage and ingenuity. These windmills offer visitors a glimpse into the island’s traditional way of life and remain a picturesque reminder of Crete’s agricultural legacy.
While returning from the Lasithi Plateau, we happened to pass y another monastery, which we took the opportunity to visit. It is unknown when The Monastery of the Panaiya Kera was built, but there are references to it in a 1333 manuscript. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the region, and it is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Unlike most other monasteries we visited, we were there alone for most of our visit before another family arrived. It was a lovely place to visit!
Arkedi Monastery and the Ancient Port of Chania
The following day we decided to visit the Arkadi Monastery, located near Rethymnon in central Crete, followed by a visit to the town of Chania. Since I previously published an article on the monastery, I won’t discuss it further here, but I encourage you to read it here. It is a fascinating place.
Following a stop for lunch at a local mountain village cafe, we continued our journey to the ancient port of Chania, located on the northwest coast of Crete. Originally founded by the Minoans, it flourished under Venetian rule when it became a key maritime hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The harbor is lined with Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architectural remnants, with its iconic lighthouse and the vibrant old town offering a glimpse into the past. The combination of Arkadi Monastery and a visit to the port of Chania is a perfect day trip.
Cheldoni Beach, Palaioastro Fortress, & Rodia
The trip to Arkedi and Chania was a long day of touring, so the next morning, we decided to stay closer and go for a swim in the Aegean Sea. On our way to Arkedi, we spotted a nice beach just outside where we were staying. It was part of Chelidoni Beach, which is split into two sections by a large rock formation. You can see this in the middle picture below. Upon that rock formation are the ruins of Palaiokastro Fortress, one of fourteen forts built In 1204 by the Genoese pirate Pescatore when he conquered Crete. It is quite an interesting story.
While visiting the beach, we met a lovely British woman named Allyssa who graciously took a few photos for us. We swam for about an hour and a half. Alyssa decided to leave then and we left shortly afterwards. Since we were in no hurry, we decided to drive around the village before getting back on the highway. As we passed a bus stop, we looked over and there was Alyssa! She was waiting to go to her hotel in the mountain village of Rodia, so guess where we went? To Rodia of course! After dropping her off we attempted to visit the Nunnery, seen below, which was closed but the views were spectacular.
Agios Nikolaos
On our final day in Crete, we visited the town of Agios Nikolaos, after which our son was named. It is a fairly large town located on the eastern end of the island, about an hour from Heraklion. It can be reached by the main highway, hade lovely views of the sea and mountains.
The main draw is the old town, located near the beach. This area contains a wide selection of shops and restaurants and a beautiful view of the harbor. We found a parking spot at Kitroplatia Beach, adjacent to Old Town and sandwiched between the cruise ship port and marina.
There, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast for breakfast, which was very good and reasonably priced. Following that,t we walked through several of the shops and visited a monument called Amalthea’s Horn. The horn represents the eternal symbol of abundance. The story goes that the god Zeus, when he was a child, was playing with his goat named Amalthea While playing, Zeus accidentally broke the goat’s horn and to make up for it, he blessed the horn so that the owner would have anything he desired.
We spent the afternoon strolling around, taking photos, and enjoying the view. It was a nice way to wind down our trip before heading home the next day
The following day, we returned home, leaving behind fond memories of our friends and reminiscing about all the incredible sights we saw. Crete’s unique character is shaped by its diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to stunning coastlines, as well as its deep cultural heritage. It is a place where every corner has a story to tell, from ancient civilizations to modern-day traditions. For travelers looking to experience the true essence of Greece, Crete is a destination that promises unforgettable memories and a rich cultural experience. Hopefully you get the chance to visit it one day too!