Knossos
Visit Knossos palace the ancient capital of Minoan Crete. Explore the Minoan culture and first civilization of Europe. The Minoans although the ancient sites as Knossos were excavated by the end of the eighteenth century still this ancient Bronze Age Civilization holds on to its secrets well tucked away as if in the labyrinth of Myths and history! One wanders for how much longer must one wander through this amazing maze called Minoan culture and civilization.
Know before you go
- Duration: 1h 30m
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
You will have the opportunity to feel the experience of one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best museum in the world for Minoan world. The museum's exhibition contains more than 15,000 artifacts that refer to a period of 5,000 years, from neolithic times to Graeco Roman world. The exhibits, collected from all parts of Crete, are mainly prehistoric and shape a very important record of the artistic, economic & everyday life of the island during the ancient period.
Know before you go
- Duration: 3h
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Hersonissos- Acqua Plus Water Park
Acqua Plus Water Park was the first ever water park in the area of East Europe. It was also the first in Europe to create and put in use the so called cashless system. Build only few minutes from Hersonissos in Crete it is with no doubt the most popular water park in Crete. The combination of water slides, natural environment and great people make this theme park a unique proposal to spend a day during your vacations.
Malia-Potamos beach
Lovely sandy beach with lifeguard, portaloos, shower, and beach bar selling drinks and snacks. 2 loungers plus a parasol cost 7 euros for the day. Parking is free on the street next to the beach, almost no shade for cars. In early July, loungers and parking were filling up by lunchtime, so consider arriving early, especially on Sundays when there were lots of locals as well as tourists.
The sand gets very hot on a sunny day - wooden walkways help a bit but wear something to protect your feet. The sea was lovely and clear and no rocks or pebbles under your feet. The sea stays shallow for quite a way out, ideal if you don't want to get out of your depth. There are restaurants and beach shops along the road in one direction, and the nearby ruins of Malia palace are worth a visit.
Palace of Malia
The palace found at Malia is the third largest palace of Minoan Crete after Knossos and Phaistos. It occupies 7500 square meters at the edge of a fertile valley near Hersonissos in Northern Crete. The palace's proximity to the sea was obviously important in the development of the site into a cultural hub for its ancient inhabitants. It was first built around 1900 BC, a time of feverish development for the entire island population. It subsequently followed the same cycle as the other palaces of the time, and it was destroyed by unknown reasons around 1650 before it was immediately rebuilt.
Spinalonga
The island of Spinalonga (official name: Kalidon) is located at the eastern section of Crete, near the town of Elounda and 30 km away from Sisi. The name of the island, Spinalonga, is Venetian, meaning “long thorn”, and has roots in the period of Venetian occupation.
Despite its rich heritage that stretches all the way back to antiquity, however, Spinalonga is known across the world as the host of the leper community from 1903 to 1957, and as one of the last active leper colonies in Europe, reaching a number of nearly 400 inhabitants during the outbreak of the illness.
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is the capital town of Lassithi. Here, the bottomless salt lake Voulismeni dominates the area. A narrow channel of water connects the lake with the sea, while an imposing backdrop of red rock and trees adds to the natural beauty of the scenery. A small pine tree park lies above the lake, and a stone path leads to its southern section to a cute small harbour for fishing boats.
Surrounded by water on three sides, Agios Nikolaos combines the sleepy feel of a seaside resort with all the amenities of a cosmopolitan port. Villas and tavernas spill over the town’s three hills to meet a harbor dotted with both mega-yachts and fishing boats.
Agios Nikolaos-Almyros beach
The beach is shaped around the mouth of the Almyros River, which empties on the beach's south end. The protected wetland of Almyros, located next to the beach, is home to various rare birds, tall eucalyptus trees, reed, and few palm trees.
The beach is extremely lengthy and well-maintained. It is sandy, and the water is shallow and usually smooth, making it perfect for young children in particular. There is a canteen in the region, and there are numerous water sports alternatives. Because of the year-round flow of the river, the seawater is unusually chilly in some locations.
If you have a car, Almyros beach is easily accessible too, because it is located beneath the main road. Parking is available adjacent to the wetland and the eastern part of the roadway.