JD Lasica / Special to CruiseableA building at the Palace of Knossos in Crete. The archaeological site dates to the Bronze Age and is considered Europe's oldest city.

Top things to do & see 

Knossos Palace

Located about three miles south of Heraklion, the renowned archaeological site Knossos Palace is the 4,000-year-old domain of King Minos and the minotaur, a beast with the head of a bull who is said to have lived in a maze beneath the palace. The heavily restored throne room, grand staircase and other sites are a window onto the ancient Minoan civilization.

Outstanding museum

One of the best museums in all of Greece is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum,  filled with antiquities from what is believed to be Europe's oldest civilization. Artifacts include frescoes and statuary from Knossos Palace as well as jewelry, drinking vessels and the Phaestos Disc, an ancient tablet covered with a mysterious script.  

Venetian Walls

The 16th-century Venetian Walls surrounding Heraklion were built by the Venetian occupiers of the island as protection against pirates from the Barbary Coast. The tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, author of Zorba the Greek, lies at the southern juncture of the walls.

Eleftherias Square

The central hub of Heraklion, Eleftherias Square, is paved with marble and dotted with fountains. It  leads onto Daidalou, a pedestrian thoroughfare lined with shops and tavernas.

Historical Museum of Crete

Brilliantly colored textiles, ancient Christian and Byzantine sculptures and several paintings by El Greco, who was born on Crete, are highlights of the Historical Museum of Crete, housed in an imposing mansion. It’s a great way to get an overview of the unique culture and history of the island. 

Beaches

Convenient Heraklion beaches include the popular (and often crowded) Amoudara Beach, which is near hotels, restaurants and other services. Choices also include Paleokastro, a secluded beach close to important Minoan ruins, and Agia Pelagia, a favorite among scuba divers.

Robert Young / Creative Commons BYHeraklion beach on the island of Crete, Greece.

Shopping

Hand-woven and embroidered textiles, silver and gold jewelry, local olive oil, honey and dried mountain herbs (especially oregano) are among the good buys to be had. A specialty of Crete are reproductions of the Phaestos Disc, an ancient tablet in the Archaeological Museum, often depicted on jewelry.

Family-friendly options

The 50-acre Acqua Plus Water Park, next to the Crete Golf Club, will delight children with its slides, pools and arcades. 

YOLO (You only live once!)

Samaria Gorge, a national park, is a popular day trip from Chania and an extraordinary adventure. The gorge, which starts at an altitude of over 4,000 feet and ends at the sea, is about 492 feet at its widest point and less than 10 at its narrowest. Be sure to wear good quality walking shoes or hiking boots on the five- to seven-hour hike; tourists trying to cross the gorge in flip-flops end up walking barefoot and in pain. Keep an eye out for the endangered Cretan wild goat, and have your camera at the ready: the sea at Agia Roumeli, the village at the end of the gorge, is a dazzling turquoise.

Don't miss

Take a drive or guided tour to the upland plains known as the Lassithi Plateau, about 2,800 feet above sea level and lined with windmills, almond orchards and small villages where you can browse for local weavings and embroidery.

Best bets for dining

• Thick and creamy yogurt drizzled with Cretan honey is among the local delights to savor. Cretan olive oil, a bit heavier and richer than other varieties, is another specialty. Crete is  known for its wines, particularly a crisp white called Boutari Kritikos. Raki, a stong liquor made from fermented grape skins, is another local drink to try. Meals typically begin with an assortment of mezedes, small plates of appetizers, followed by grilled fish or lamb.
• Located on the Heraklion waterfront, Ippokambos is a popular spot for seafood accompanied by salads of fresh Cretan produce and local wine. For traditional Cretan fare, including meat dishes seasoned with wild mountain herbs, try Erganos just outside the city walls. Spit-roasted meats are a specialty of Pantheon, a casual eatery located in the bustling market area of Heraklion.

JD Lasica / Special to CruiseableA fresh produce market in Heraklion, the largest city on Crete.

Best time to go

High season: July to August

Shoulder season: May to June, September to October

Low season: November to April

Summer brings hot, dry weather and by far the most crowds. Spring, especially May, is when wildflowers bloom across the island. Fall brings golden light and balmy weather, with the sea still warm enough for swimming. Winter, especially January and February, can be rainy.

Fun facts

• Hippocrates prescribed the air of Crete for the healing of many illnesses.
• Crete was not united with the rest of Greece until 1913.
• Knossos is second only to the Acropolis as the most visited archaeological site in Greece.

When you arrive

Docking information

Cruise ships dock in Heraklion Harbor, a short walk or taxi ride from the main tourist sites in the city.

Getting around

Heraklion and its attractions are easily explored on foot. Taxis are plentiful, but make sure to agree with the driver on the fare beforehand, as sometimes surcharges are added. If you choose to explore the island on your own, a rental car is the best bet.

Need to know

Documents: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport.

Language: Greek, but English is widely spoken.

Currency: The euro.

Safety: Heraklion is considered a safe city overall. As always, be aware of your surroundings and lock up your valuables. Especially in large tourist areas, keep your wallets and purses close and beware of pickpockets.

Your take

Have you been to Crete? What was the highlight? Have any tips? I'd love to know!

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