Crete

As the site of Homer’s legendary stories and the mythical birthplace of Zeus himself, Crete is wrapped up in mythology, history, and astounding beauty, making it a popular tourist destination for both international and domestic visitors. Its coasts are edged in cave-strewn rocky mountains while its interior is coated in fertile plains and hillsides, where the island’s agricultural needs are met, including olive groves, herbs, and wild flowers.

The main entry point for the island is Iraklio, a hectic, busy port city that can sometimes reach chaotic levels, but is certainly not without its own charm. There’s a lively café scene and an inner urban sophistication for those who love the city environs. The two main squares of the city, Plateia Venizelou and Plateia Eleftherias, are the hearts of the city, with a vast array of markets, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Just southeast of Iraklio is Knossos, once the ancient capital of Minoan civilization. Its palace is one of the most stunning, evocative Minoan sites in Crete. Parts of it have been reconstructed to give visitors a sense of what the palace looked like while copies of Minoan frescoes have been placed to get an idea of the artistic spirit of these ancient peoples.

Picturesque Hania is so beautiful that it often graces the camera lens of Hollywood films that need to throw in a Greek scene or two. It’s inundated with Venetian and Turkish buildings alongside a glimmering harbor, with large domed churches and winding pathways. Aside from its exterior beauty, you can find several museums in the city, including the Archaelogical, Naval, and Folklore museums. Be sure to check out the Public Market, a huge building housing grocery stores, butchers’ shops, and a fish market.

Two small towns tucked away from piercing tourist eyes are Paleohora and Zakros, which hold quaint little atmospheres that are relaxing and inviting. In Paleohora, the main street is closed off in the evening to make room for the restaurants to move outdoors. Nearby Elafonisi holds the loveliest beaches in Crete. Zakros is lively with cafes and nearby are Zakros Palance and Kato Zakros, an interesting archaeological site and pleasant beach.