Crete

Sir Arthur Evans, an Oxford scholar, began excavating the site of Crete's largest Minoan palace at the turn of the 20th century. Today, Knossos is a complex of walkways ushering you through what is mostly the remains of the second palace, rebuilt around 1700BC after destruction by earthquake. Marvel at the Throne Room, Royal Apartments and the views of the store rooms from the Piano Nobile plus the incredible innovation of the famous drainage system, one of the earliest examples of plumbing in Western civilisation.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

Apr-Oct daily 8am-7.30pm; Nov-Mar Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat & Sun 8.30am-3pm

Address:

5km south of Iraklion

The world’s most important collection of Minoan antiquities is stored in this fascinating museum. Allow at least two hours to view the treasures within: jewellery, sarcophagi, vases, frescoes, miniature sculpture, stonework, metalwork and seal stones. It may be worth visiting before you head to any archaeological sites, as the chronological order of items and their explanations help to give more meaning to the structures that originally housed such objects.

Phone:

+30 2810 226092

Opening hours:

Apr-Sept Mon 1pm-7.30pm, Tue-Sun 8.30am-7.30pm; Oct-Mar daily 8am-5pm

Address:

Xanthoudidou Street, just off Plateia Eleftherias, Iraklion

The monastery of Arkadhi has long been heralded as a national symbol of resistance against invasive forces in the 19th century – the most notorious being the rebellion against the Turks in 1866 when Cretan guerrillas and their families took refuge here until an explosion resulted in hundreds being killed. In addition to its rich history, the monastery's beautiful surroundings and architecture make for a truly fascinating visit.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

8am-1.30pm, 3.30pm-8pm daily

Address:

25km southeast of Rethymnon, in the foothills of the Psiloritis Range

Following Rethymnon’s shoreline to the west will lead you to the largest Venetian castle ever built. Constructed 1573-80, it was intended to ward off Turkish invasion. Its six bastions, however, were not enough to deter the Turks who simply went around it. Today, come to admire the views from the walls over the town and harbour.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

Sat-Thur 8.30am-7pm; Nov-Mar closes 6pm

Address:

Rethymnon city, Rethymnon

Catch a boat from Elounda, approximately 12km north of Lasithi's provincial capital, Ayios Nikolaos, to the imposing islet of Spinalonga, an impenetrable fortress rock built by the Venetians in 1579. The island had a much different function from around 1900 to 1950, as a leper colony. The conditions for the inflicted were commonly known to be well below a reasonable standard and were made more infamous by the fact that isolation wasn't actually necessary due to the discovery of effective medication. A delightfully eerie place to spend some time.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

8am-7pm daily

Address:

Lasithi province

Powdery white sands and exotic palm trees make Vai Beach an attractive option for swimming and sunbathing on Crete's east coast. Unless you don't mind the crowds, try to avoid the peak of summer. A café and taverna supply refreshments and a break for baking bodies.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

N/a

Address:

Lasithi province

Not just for the hiking savvy, the 16km Samaria Gorge is easily visited by taking one of guided tours offered by nearly every travel agent on the island. That said, you still need to be reasonably fit to tackle this exhilarating spectacle of nature. Part of a national park, the gorge is the result of a descending stream of water that has, over time, created a ravine between two mountainous bulks. Broken-in, sturdy footwear is a must.

Phone:

+30 2821 067 179

Opening hours:

6am-sunset May-Oct (weather permitting)

Address:

Hania province

One of Crete's loveliest beaches, Elafonisi is made extra special by its pink-tinged sands, stunning clear green-blue waters and a coral reef lagoon. Elafonisi itself is actually an island just offshore, which you can wade to across the sandbar in the some of the warmest, calmest waters to be found.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

N/a

Address:

West facing coast, Hania province

This is a typical example of the hectic nightlife that kicks off late (or early as the case may be) every summer's night in Hersonissos..Status fronts up with the usual thumping tunes, sweaty bodies and liquid offerings just when you thought it was time to head back to the hotel. Boisterous, loud and a lot fun if you're so inclined to such things.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

From 4.30am

Address:

AG Parasktyd 47, Hersonissos, Iraklion province

A picturesque taverna in the old town of Rethymnon with a garden terrace. It serves up traditional home-made Greek and Crete dishes, such as stuffed capsicum and grilled meats. An excellent selection of wines top off a memorable culinary experience. And all at reasonable prices.

Phone:

+30 2831 027 522

Opening hours:

10am-3pm & from 6pm until late

Address:

Rethimno 31, Hanthoudidou Street, Rethymnon province