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Crete Cruises
Ancient ruins, archaeological treasures and a bevy of beautiful beaches make this Greek island a top destination for holidays. Whether you visit its bustling cities or sleepy villages, you’ll be charmed by the delicious cuisine and friendly locals. Crete is mentioned in many Greek legends and myths, said to be the birthplace of Zeus and home to the fearsome Minotaur monster. You can see these myths come to life at the famous Knossos Palace, with its remnants of the 4000-year-old Minoan civilisation. The Venetians ruled several centuries ago, leaving behind plentiful castles to explore.
What You Need To Know About Crete
How to reach Heraklion from the cruise terminal?
Ships arrive in Crete’s main harbour in Heraklion, and there are a bevy of attractions right there at the port. You’ll find a Venetian fort just steps away, and a walkway leads you straight to the seafront where you can soak in the view. The town’s centre is within walking distance, and because Heraklion’s so compact you can reach one end of town to the other in under an hour. Taxis are also readily available at the terminal if you’re venturing outside of Heraklion on your Crete travels, or you can hire a car on the main 25 Avgusto Street.
What are the can’t-miss sights in Crete?
If you only have time for one stop, make it Knossos Palace. This amazing archaeological attraction features ruins that date back 4,000 years, making it one of the most important remnants of ancient Greek culture and mythology in the world. The legendary minotaur was said to live in a maze below this palace! For more intriguing finds, visit the Archaeological Museum where you can see the statues and jewellery sourced from Knossos Palace. Within Heraklion, you can have a wander around Market Street to pick up local handicrafts, jewellery and fresh produce, or relax in Lions Square with its stone fountain and bevy of outdoor eateries.
Typical food and restaurants in Crete?
There’s certainly no shortage of places to eat in Crete, and that’s a good thing – the food is amazing. Some of the best eats are the simplest, like the fresh, juicy pork gyros and spinach-cheese pastries you’ll find in every corner bakery. If you’re hanging out around the harbour, visit Ippocampus to enjoy fresh seafood with a view. Cretan cuisine offers a unique slant on traditional Greek food, featuring super-local ingredients. Nearly every village makes its own cheese, which is crumbled atop barley rusks with fresh grated tomato and Cretan olive oil. And don’t leave without trying the lamb, served with sautéed greens and a lemony sauce.
CRETE EXPERTS
We have over 130 expert cruise consultants to help you book the perfect cruise. Many have first hand experience of Crete and you can find some of their best tips and advice below.
Emma Davis
Crete
One of the highlights is always Greek night when the elderly Greek grandparents of the owners of the hotel come along and cook all the homemade food and it really is a family affair!
CRETE - DID YOU KNOW?
When you’ve tired of exploring ancient ruins and bustling markets, head to one of Crete’s secluded beaches. Paliokastro is a small yet idyllic option, sitting in the remains of a historic fortress with crystal-clear water. If you’re interested in taking to the water with a spot of windsurfing or water skiing, visit Agia Pelagia with its outdoor recreation.
Locals love to make their own brandy, distilling this liqueur from grapes left over from the autumn harvest. Small, handcrafted versions of this ‘raki’ are served in every taverna on the island. A local variation is called tsikoudia, served neat from a shot glass with a side of meze and olives.
After visiting Knossos, drive 45 minutes down the coast to Agia Triada for more ruins, ranging from Neolithic finds to pieces from the Roman empire. Minoan treasures include the Harvester vase and Phaistos disc, and there’s also a statue gallery depicting Gods from throughout the ages.
Crete is home to the longest canyon in Europe, the stunning Samarian Gorge. Making the descent takes about five hours, but it’s well worth it for the incredible rocky scenery. If you want to brave the gorge, you’ll need to do it between May and October.
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