Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and receives millions of guests from all corners of the planet. There is much more to this island than just its famous beach life, from numerous fascinating sites to ancient architectural wonders. Below, you will find some of the best things to do in Crete, Greece.
A visit to the Aquaworld Aquarium & reptile rescue centre
This lovely place located in Hersonissos is a complete delight. All the animals in this centre have been rescued from different difficult situations and are lovingly cared by the staff and the owners.
You will be able to see a wide range of interesting reptiles and marine. You can hold snakes and lizards and see giant tortoises and large iguanas. The Dmitri octopus (which opens a jar to get its lunch) and giant pythons roam freely around your feet.
The staff is lovely and very knowledgeable while the animals are amazing. If you check around the animals’ eating time, you will be assured of some great, unforgettable moments.
A drive to the Arkadi Monastery
It is a great drive up a very twisty road to get to one of Greece’s most important monasteries. In early 1866, thousands of Cretans were killed on this monastery by invading Turkish forces. Among the killed included Cretan resistance fighters and the monastery has become a symbol of Cretans’ struggle for independence.
Ensure you don’t miss on the Ossuary, where the bones and skulls of those killed during the massacre are preserved. There is also a small museum on the monastery that houses some historic items, including the sacred banner. The roofless Gunpower magazine on the end of the courtyard is where this historic holocaust took place. The Venetian Church is other great feature that somehow managed to survive the attack of the Turks despite the fact that it was set on fire.
A visit to the Agios Nikolas
Agios Nikolas is the prettiest and most popular town in Crete. This is so as it is amazingly located on the Mirabello gulf, still retains some of its earliest mansion buildings, has a spectacular fishing harbor and an inner harbor which is a lake: Lake Voulismeni. All these attractions make the town one the busiest places on the island.
The harbor is lined with bars, cafes, tavernas and shops. At the end of the western marina is the church of Panagia Vrefotrofou that dates back to the 11th century. Lake Voulismeni, which acts as the inner harbor, is also known as the bottomless lake because it is very deep. The Great Archeological museum has a number of Minoan sites to call on.
A day in Milia
There are some great deals in Milia (like this one from Holiday Hypermarket) that makes a visit to Crete incomplete without a day or two in the place.
The Milia beach with its crystal clear waters and fine, white sand is considered the finest beach in Crete. Quad bikes are fun and offer a great way to explore the numerous amazing sites of Milia. The jeep adventures is the best way to make your holiday very exciting as they give you an opportunity to visit cafes, explore the Cretan mountains and experience first hand local life with brand new land rover jeeps.
The Milia palace is the third largest palace in Milia. It was first built in 1900BC but was later destroyed by an earthquake only to be rebuilt in 1650 BC. It is less crowded and offer an amazing opportunity to wander through the ruins.
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