Crete Travel Guide: Knossos, Chania, Samaria & Beaches

Crete is the largest island in Greece and is divided into four regional units: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi (about 624,408 people in 2021). Its backbone is Mount Psiloritis (Ida) at 2,456 m and the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) at 2,453 m. Europe's first advanced civilisation, the Minoans, flourished here from 2700 to 1420 BC; the island joined Greece in 1913. Current schedules, prices and opening times are not stated without source verification; where details are missing, we say we don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)

Knossos was the largest centre of Minoan civilisation and lies about 5 km south of Heraklion; the first palace was built around 1900 BC and destroyed by fire around 1350 BC. Arthur Evans began excavations in 1900, and the palace covers roughly 14,000 m². Most finds are displayed at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, including the Phaistos Disc, snake goddess figurines and the famous Minoan frescoes. Current schedules, prices and opening times are not stated without source verification; where details are missing, we say we don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)

Chania sits in the northwest of the island, about 70 km west of Rethymno, and is known for its Venetian harbour and the lighthouse built in 1864. Venetian walls rose from 1538, Ottoman rule followed in the 1640s, and Chania was Crete's capital until 1971, when Heraklion took over. Rethymno has one of Crete's best-preserved old towns, with the Venetian Fortezza fortress and the Ottoman-era Neradje Mosque. Current schedules, prices and opening times are not stated without source verification; where details are missing, we say we don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)

The Samaria Gorge runs about 16 km through the White Mountains in the Chania regional unit; it was declared a National Park in 1962 and holds UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. At its narrowest point, the 'Iron Gates', the walls close to about 4 m while rising almost 300 m. The walk ends at Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, and the park's emblem is the rare kri-kri goat. Current schedules, prices and opening times are not stated without source verification; where details are missing, we say we don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)

Elafonisi lies at the island's southwestern tip and is a protected nature area with pink sand and a small islet you can wade to across shallow water. The Balos lagoon sits on the Gramvousa peninsula in the northwest and is usually reached by boat from the port of Kissamos (Kastelli). Getting around relies on the VOAK coastal highway and reliable KTEL buses; airports are at Heraklion, Chania and Sitia. Current schedules, prices and opening times are not stated without source verification; where details are missing, we say we don't know. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)