Crete, Greece

1. Visit The Palace at Knossos

The Palace at Knossos is considered to be the oldest city in Europe. It was settled during the Neolithic period making it at least 8000 years old.

The palace was built during the Minoan era, between 1700 and 1300 BC. Many other structures from the period were destroyed by earthquakes. The main building occupies three acres and the outbuildings a further two, suggesting that the structure was more than a dwelling. Reconstructions done in the 1920s have been criticized for their lack of authenticity. Visitors can choose to pay extra for a guided tour.

There is plenty of walking required so bring water and sensible shoes.

2. Phaistos

The Palace of Phaistos is situated in central south Crete, south of the island's highest point, Psiloritis.

It was built between 1900 and 1700 BC and is thought to be the oldest palace on Crete. The area surrounding the palace was dotted with homesteads. The site was landscaped into three terraces, two of which were built on. Nooks and benches were built into the walls which were plastered and painted. There appears to have been a labyrinth of small rooms, some changing floors. The structure was twice damaged by earthquakes and rebuilt. Visitors have more freedom to roam than at Knossos and the area is more picturesque.

3. Palace of Malia

Palace of Malia was named after a town nearby. It is situated on the north coast of Crete, north of the Lasithi Mountains.

Nearby the remains of a small town or city were found. The ruins that are visible today are those of the second palace. It was approximately 7500 square meters and thought to have been built in 1650 BC. It is similar to the first palace which was destroyed in an earthquake. There is evidence of trade, craft and administrative activity at the site. Features include alternating wood and stone pillars, a giant staircase and a pillar crypt.

4. Koules Fortress

This low, square structure is situated on the western pier of the Heraklion harbor. Koules Fortress is a Venetian fortress, also known as 'Castello a mare' or fortress of the sea.

It was rebuilt in the 16th century and has been damaged and repaired several times since. The walls on three sides are 8.7 meters thick at the base and there are three strong, wooden doors at the entrance.

There were 18 cannon positions on the ground floor and 25 on the upper level. The ramparts have been restored and a marble relief of the winged lion of Venice is almost intact.

5. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the largest in Greece and the most significant in Europe.

It chronicles the entire history of Crete. There are artifacts and exhibits covering approximately 5500 years, from Neolithic to Roman times. There are permanent, temporary and touring exhibits.

The museum was built in the center of the city, in three phases from 1935 to 1958. It is located on the site of the Catholic monastery of St Francis which was destroyed by earthquake in 1856. The ruins are visible in the museum grounds. The museum has educational outreach programs, conducts research and has a schedule of cultural programs.

Xanthoudidou & Chatzidakis (Eleftherias Square), 712 02 Heraklion, Phone: 28-10-27-90-00

6. Chania Old Town

Chania is the second biggest city in Crete and can be divided into the modern city and the old town.

The boundary of the old town is the old Venetian walls, most of which have been destroyed. The hill in the center has been settled since neolithic times. The Eleftherios Venizelos Square is the heart of the tourist activity. The Venetian harbor has structures of historical significance, including a 16th century lighthouse.

The old town bears the scars of many conquests, including Venetian, Arab, Byzantine and Egyptian. There are quaint alleyways, old arches and ancient stairways to explore.

7. The Gorge of Samaria

The Gorge of Samaria is in the National Park of Samaria, in the White Mountains.

It is the second most popular attraction on Crete and attracts a quarter of a million hikers from May to October. It is considered too dangerous to walk in winter because of the high water levels. The walk is 16 km long and takes between 5 and 7 hours.

It starts at an altitude of 1230m and ends at the village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. The terrain is rough, rocky and steep, between vertical cliffs and ancient cyprus forests. An afternoon start will make the walk less crowded and cooler.

8. Matala

Matala is a Blue Flag pebble beach in the Bay of Messara, in the central south coast of Crete.

It is the place where Zeus is said to have swum ashore, disguised as a bull.

The hippy movement of the 1960s and '70s saw a surge of foreigners moving to the area. Despite being a popular tourist destination, it is still a quiet fishing village set in a safe harbor.

The beach is overlooked by sandstone cliffs with carved out caves, created as tombs for Romans and early Christians. Along the beachfront, there are restaurants, bars and sports facilities, such as beach volleyball and children's play areas.

9. Crete Aquarium

Crete Aquarium is situated in the small village of Gournes.

It was established in 2005 and operates under the auspices of the Hellenic Center for Marine Research. It houses 60 tanks, holding more than 2000 specimens of marine flora and fauna. The various ecosystems and species are representative of those found in the Mediterranean. Two meter sharks and giant turtles are among the highlights. Audio and guided tours are on offer as well as longer behind the scenes presentations.

The aquarium hosts scheduled events such as dinner 'under the sea' and Carols by Candlelight, as well as those personalized for birthday parties and other private occasions.

Former American Base in Gournes, 71500 Heraklion, Phone: +30-28-10-33-77-88

10. Spinalonga

Spinalonga is a tiny, man made island off the north east coast of Crete, close to Plaka.

Venetians carved it out of the coastline and erected a fortress and blockhouses to defend the mainland. The strategy proved successful as it was the last Venetian outpost for more than 50 years after they were defeated by the Ottomans.

The same scenario played out when a Turkish remnant occupied the island after the Cretan revolt in 1878. In 1903 they left and the island became a leper colony until a cure was found for the disease in the mid 20th century. Several ferries visit the island each day. It is uninhabited but worth a day trip.