Crete, Mediterranean island in Greece
The largest Greek island stretches 260 kilometers from east to west between the Aegean Sea and the Libyan Sea, reaching elevations of 2,456 meters.
The Minoan civilization emerged on Crete in 2700 BC, developing the first advanced European society and establishing the Palace of Knossos as their central administrative center.
The island maintains distinct musical traditions with the Cretan lyra instrument, specific dance forms, and culinary specialties based on olive oil and local herbs.
Four main regions divide the island: Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, and Lasithi, with Heraklion serving as the primary transportation hub with its international airport.
The Samaria Gorge, extending 16 kilometers through the White Mountains, represents the longest canyon in Europe and contains multiple endemic plant species.
Location: Crete Region
Elevation above the sea: 2,456 m
Address: Crete, Greece
Website: http://crete.gov.gr
GPS coordinates: 35.30972,24.89333
Latest update: September 29, 2025 19:56
Crete features pink sand beaches, ancient palaces, blue lagoons, mountain gorges, Venetian harbors, monasteries and remote villages. The island presents natural and historical photo subjects with Mediterranean character.
This selection highlights Crete locations away from common routes. It includes historic sites such as the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, occupied by a leper colony until 1957, and the ruins of the Minoan palace of Kato Zakros on the eastern coast. Notable geological formations include the Kourtaliotiko gorges with 600-meter limestone walls, the Aradena bridge suspended 138 meters above the void, and the Dikteon cave, extending over two kilometers into Mount Dikte. Nature enthusiasts can explore the small bay of Seitan Limania between its white cliffs, the Argiroupoli springs bursting amidst Roman ruins, or take trails through the Theriso gorges. These destinations offer a different view of Crete, away from the tourist crowds along the northern coastline.
Knossos
24.5 km
Spinalonga
76.7 km
Samariá Gorge National Park
84.8 km
Olive tree of Vouves
102.3 km
Palace of Knossos
24.5 km
Mount Ida
14.5 km
Elafonisi
123.7 km
Old Venetian Port of Chania
82.7 km
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
22.4 km
Elafonisi Beach
123 km
Cretaquarium
35.4 km
Dikteon Andron
52.8 km
Arkadi Monastery
24 km
Preveli Beach
42 km
Idaean Cave
12.7 km
Palm forest of Vai
124.8 km
Malia
54.4 km
Balos Lagoon
122.2 km
Koules Fortress
22.5 km
Frangokastello
61.6 km
Fortezza of Rethymno
39 km
Trachilos footprints
117.1 km
Kournas
56.2 km
Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium
20.4 km
Hagia Triada
29.4 km
Zakros
126.7 km
Agia Triada Monastery
74.2 km
Gortyn
28.3 kmReviews
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