- General acquaintance with Crete
- What to visit in Crete from museums?
- The palace of Knossos is a treasure trove of secrets
- The world of wildlife
The Greek island of Crete has long and firmly won the love of tourists from all over Europe. It is washed by three seas, and therefore an abyss of pleasures awaits every guest who gets to the resorts of the island. But besides the sea, sun and air baths, every traveler wants other impressions, knowledge, emotions. Therefore, in search engines you can often find a query like "what to visit in Crete."
General acquaintance with Crete
This piece of paradise, the center of the ancient Minoan civilization, is ready to share its "tourist" treasures with all tourists. Wildlife lovers will find here a lot of beautiful panoramic views, mysterious places like the Zeus Cave or the Samaria Gorge. Those looking for historical sights can visit the Fortezza Castle, which was built by the citizens of the medieval Venetian Republic. Even more ancient artifacts await guests at the archaeological site at the famous Knossos or the lesser-known Festus.
What to visit in Crete from museums?
Crete can be called one big museum island, but on the other hand, there are museums in every city and town. Therefore, regardless of the place of rest, a tourist within walking distance will be able to find a treasury of ancient knowledge and artifacts. Among the most famous museums in Heraklion (the largest city in Crete) are the following: Archaeological Museum; Historical and Ethnographic Museum; Museum of Church Art.
The Archaeological Museum appeared on the territory of Heraklion back in 1883, already then it was clear that many historical monuments are endangered and require conservation, restoration and safe storage. Today, museum visitors have a unique opportunity to see household items and art that belonged to the representatives of the Minoan civilization.
The expositions of the Historical and Ethnographic Museum show artifacts related to the Cretan folk culture. Household items, dishes, furniture, national costumes, cult and art objects are also kept here. The Museum of Church Art displays unique frescoes dating from the 13th – 14th centuries, Byzantine icons, religious literature, and Christian relics.
The palace of Knossos is a treasure trove of secrets
The first answer of local residents to the question of what to visit in Crete in the first place is the "Palace of Knossos". It is one of the most important historical monuments on the island, is a kind of visiting card, and its image is most often adorned with souvenir products.
At one time, this palace was considered the largest among those architectural complexes that were built by the Minoans. Indeed, they were building a royal residence, the seat of the supreme rulers. It was around the palace that later city quarters began to be erected.
Tourists are greeted by a rather large courtyard around which halls, galleries, and outbuildings are located. Everything seems fabulous, confusing, chaotic. Preserved decorative ornaments, frescoes depicting paintings from the life of the ancient Minoans.
There is a legend that it is the Palace of Knossos that is the infamous labyrinth of the Minotaur. Allegedly, a terrible monster lived here, terrifying the entire district. Indeed, the intricate layout of the palace, the complex system of corridors, passages and galleries can lead to such thoughts.
The world of wildlife
Another holiday destination for tourists arriving in Crete is acquaintance with natural attractions. Adults and children alike will surely remember the trip to the Botanical Garden, opened to the public in 2009. Attracts the very place of its location - near the White Mountains, and, of course, its inhabitants.
Citrus groves, exotic fruit trees, vineyards, a sea of herbs and flowers - everything can be found on the territory of the Botanical Garden. In addition to plants, tourists will find amazing meetings with representatives of the local fauna, primarily with butterflies and birds.
“Sea World” - a well-known aquarium in Crete also offers a “plunge” into the world of wildlife. The building is constructed in such a way that the visitor is, as it were, surrounded from all sides by aquariums filled with all kinds of sea creatures. At some point, it even becomes unclear who is considering whom.
You can get acquainted with the world of local insects at the Cretan apiary, which is located in the vicinity of Heraklion. Cretan beekeepers will reveal some secrets to the guests, they will also show how small indefatigable animals work. A jar of delicious honey will remain a sweet reminder of an unusual journey. Besides honey, you can buy pollen, candles made from natural wax, royal jelly and foundation.
