Historic Sites in Crete, Greece
Crete Historic Sites
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Types of Attractions
Sights & Landmarks
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Historic Sites • Caverns & Caves
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Cemeteries
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Art Galleries • Historic Sites
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Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Historic Sites • Cemeteries
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Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
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What travelers are saying
- cta5074Emsworth, UK17 contributionsExcellent - well presented and boat service great
Little cafe and loo which was a godsend
Gets super hot in day with not much shadeWritten September 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Suzie F6 contributionsIf in Crete, it’s worth a visit just to know you have been there. We read up about the finding by Evans and how the site was reconstructed. This helped when we arrived as we knew some of the information as well as what we were looking at. Most of it is reconstructed and many of the items are now in the museum so you are seeing many replicas and even replicas of replicas.
It is a busy place but we found it easy to walk about (you may be able to listen to some of the tours - we did as we walked by).
It is very open and there is a little shade across the site, therefore early is best…everyone thinks this hence the crowds. Take water with you as once inside the site, you will need to hydrate especially in the heat. We queued for 20 mins to see the Throne Room…again, no shade so if in the summer, take a hat and water.
Toilets are inside the entrance from the road. I read some reviews saying ignore anyone asking for money. This was helpful as you do see somebody in the toilets offering paper towels with a sign saying please pay €0.50, €1 or €2. They aren’t pushy and mostly everyone walked out without paying anything - the toilets are free to use.
All in all - worth a visit to say you have been there but read a little beforehand to prepare yourself - especially if you don’t pay for a guide, a tour or any other handset.
We went on the bus and found it easy to get to - number 2 bus outside the bus station in Heraklion takes you there…number 20 on the way back.Written August 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MaxiRegBeverley, UK416 contributionsViews are great, uneven under foot so wear good shoes and no shade anywhere so go early or late to avoid intense heat!
Could be more signs with explanations on to make more interesting, but worth a visit if you are in the area.
Fantastic sunset near castle on an evening.Written September 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Grá ByrneCounty Kildare, Ireland239 contributionsThis place was on my bucket list. It didn't disappoint. I was more than impressed, the entry fee was a mere €4 more than worth it. Great history lesson in the changing times and rulers of Crete and especially the Heraklion port. The views from the top are amazing. Not to give anything much away except to say it is well worth the visit. You will be transported back to the Venetian times when the fortress was built on the site of an Arabian tower. The siege of Candia (original name for Heraklion) gave victory to the Ottoman's and all of this history is well documented and artifacts displayed. I think this place is a hidden gem on the tourist route, despite sticking out like a vast sore thumb on the edge of the city.Written September 8, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mitchell BNewport, UK50 contributionsAn impressive visual trip. Way up in the mountains with remarkable views of the surrounding countryside.
The cave itself is impressive and an interesting trip however it is a bit of a trek for anybody that struggles with hill climbs. Highly recommend wearing reasonable footwear. Saw a fair few people struggling in their beach sandals. Most of the path up, though steep, is relatively straightforward. The final section however is particularly treacherous, for some reason they decided to not finish the last couple hundred yards of it.Written August 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Skeney57Sydney, Australia24,405 contributionsIt was an interesting building and we just wandered in for a look! Turns out it was a Venetian built building and is used by the authorities nowadays. All I know it was a cool looking bit of architecture and the wife could log onto the web! Well worth a quick look and the gallery is good.Written July 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- David SMiddlesbrough, UK2,379 contributionsThe Firkas Fortress was constructed in 1629 to protect the Venetian harbour entrance from raiders. My wife and I visited Chania as part of a short stop off and were enchanted by the surrounding sights which included the charismatic fortress.Written June 12, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- davidandshonaDumfries, UK3,422 contributionsWe took a walk up to Venizelos Graves, which is around 4 miles and takes about 1.5 hours each way.
This is a peaceful area providing breathtaking views over ChaniaWritten May 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ANGELO VMilan, Italy4,575 contributionsNikos Kazantzakis, the author of the book "Zorba the Greek", is buried at the highest point of the Venetian Walls of Heraklion, the Martinengo Bastion.
His tomb is very simple, in stone with a cross in front of it and an epitaph that reads "Δεν ελπίζω τίποτα. Δε φοβούμαι τίποτα. Είμαι λέφτερος." (I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free.)
Nearby on the same bastion is the tomb of his wife Eleni.
From the Martinengo Bastion there is a very good view over the mountains and see of Crete.Written October 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Scotland71Cork, Ireland447 contributionsHeard about it from an archeologica buff and is interesting. However, it’s quite basic and not well set up for tourists. Gets hot. No toilets the day we were theeeWritten July 9, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bex N7 contributionsWe dragged 3 teen boys to see the monastery and they all loved it. It has an unassuming entrance leading into a stunningly beautiful courtyard. We were welcomed with a small piece of dried bread and olives and offered a shot of raki which the older teens loved! There is a highly ornate chapel and the ruins of an old olive oil press which are lovely. There is no information available on site, so we read a little before going and filled the teens in on site. It was €2 pp to get in but they charged us €8 for a family. There were cool rings and bracelets for sale for €3. Teen boys all bought a ring with inscriptions on in Greek. Cool but no idea what they say! Well worth a visit and there was only one other group when we were there. Finished off Vamos with delicious pita stuffed with gyros etc at Vamos pita for €3.9 each. You’re welcome!Written July 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- bdon257Morpeth, UK5,448 contributionsThis is in the heart of the historic pedestrian area of the town, the lion fountain is just in front and the Town Hall a few meters away. The art exhibition changes so always something different to see. It is housed in a former basilica.Written October 13, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ShidollKelowna, Canada29 contributionsGo check it out!!! Unbelievable. Bit tricky to get there ….we had Waze gps and she was confused lol It’s amazing to wander thru and see historyWritten May 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brian KBournemouth, UK162 contributionsWhat a delightful place to visit! (Again, a stop on the 'Hop on Hop off' bus from Rethymnon). We were greated by one of the Nuns, who was an absolute delight! She gave us an informative tour of the Nunery, explaining it's history, and how it was rebuilt. There is a small Chapel which is part of the tour. There is also a Craft shop which sells items made by the Nuns. There are also some stunning views!Written September 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- debeerevertAntwerp, Belgium6 contributionsNice Monastery at a nice location. Also take a look at the cave. We visited it on a Sunday, when locals also had a festivity...Written February 8, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
