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32 Best Stops Between Pyrgos and Rethymnon
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Pyrgos to Rethymnon?
The direct drive from Pyrgos to Rethymnon is 131 mi (210 km), and should have a drive time of 3 hrs 30 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Pyrgos to Rethymnon, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Heraklion and Hersonissos, as well as top places to visit like Relax Beach bar in Stalis and Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, or the ever-popular Malia Palace Archaeological Site.
Visiting Pyrgos or Rethymnon? See our Pyrgos Trip Planner and our Rethymnon Trip Planner.
131 mi
Total Distance
3 hrs 30 mins
Drive Time
32 stops
Cities / Attractions
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Top cities between Pyrgos and Rethymnon
The top cities between Pyrgos and Rethymnon are Heraklion and Hersonissos. Heraklion is the most popular city on the route. It's 2 hours from Pyrgos and 1 hour from Rethymnon.
1
Hersonissos
Hersonissos, also known as Chersonissos and Hersónisos, is a popular town located in the northern part of Crete, bordering the Mediterranean / Aegean Sea. Situated approximately 25 kilometers east of Heraklion and west of Agios Nikolaos, Hersonissos is often associated with its peninsula and harbor. Despite being different from traditional Crete, it is considered one of the best areas for families to stay on the island.
54% as popular as Heraklion
17 minutes off the main route, 62% of way to Rethymnon
2
Heraklion
Heraklion, also known as Iraklio, is the capital of Crete and a popular port city. It's famous for the ancient Palace of Knossos, an extensive archaeological site from the Minoan civilization. The city features the 16th-century Koules fortress at its Venetian port and the impressive Heraklion Archaeological Museum with a vast collection of Minoan art.
Most popular city on this route
1 minute off the main route, 63% of way to Rethymnon
Best stops along Pyrgos to Rethymnon drive
The top stops along the way from Pyrgos to Rethymnon (with short detours) are Knossos Palace, Mat Old Town Apartments, and Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Other popular stops include Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre, Matala beach, and Fortezza of Rethymnon.
1João D — Google reviewForrest T — Google reviewRichard W — Google reviewROBERT H — Google reviewBrenda H — Google reviewJulie L — Google reviewCate S — Google review•
Malia Palace Archaeological Site
Mentioned on
Temporarily Closed
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Malia Palace Archaeological Site, located 3km east of Malia, is the remains of a Minoan palace dating back to around 1650 BCE. The site was initially built in 1900 BC and later reconstructed after an earthquake in 1700 BC, only to be destroyed again by another quake around 1450 BC.
Very interesting.
Unfortunately some areas were closed due to maintenance. Plus we had to rush a little bit as we arrived shortly before they close.
However the staff was very friendly and reopened so we could have a quick tour.
Tobias H — Google review
I will make the same comment as to other archeological sites in Crete: for the entry fee, the site should be more visitor-centered, including additional notes, maps or labels tourists could read and enjoy along the way.
Malia is quite a remarkable site to visit, very well preserved and with a lot of surface to cover. However, the entry shows a very well organized center that quickly becomed a bit disorganized: the ruin areas are limited by ropes which are difficult to find and a lot of the site is actually closed for cover renovations (or that's what it looked like). Anyhow, one of the key Minoan sites to visit in Crete.
The Minoan Palace of Malia should be on your agenda when visiting Crete. Along with Knossos and Phaistos, it was one of the three largest Minoan palaces. It was connected by road with Knossos. It was a considerable sea port. Many important archaeological artifacts were discovered here. The most famous is the “bee earrings.” Malia has had little reconstruction, which is a huge contrast with Knossos. Suggest doing some research about the site beforehand.
All most interesting parts are roped off and we were followed around our entire time there. We were the only two visitors on the site and so no idea why we were under close observation. We left early having not seen half the site.
Well worth a visit found it very interesting and more excavations are currently taking place this place is a must if you love history
Even though a section is currently closed off for maintenance, this is still a great site to visit. A well laid out information hut with maps and models of the different minoan buildings with lots of information, history and photos to bring the ruins to life. It is a large site with a mixture of covered sections with guided walkways, and open areas where you can roam more freely. There were even a couple of friendly archaeologists working on site today who were happy to take a breather from renovating paving stones to answer some questions.
Full amenities: loos, cafe, shop
Beautiful site, no doubt about that! Unfortunately, the full site isn’t accessible until the 18/10. We weren’t told when buying the tickets and got charged the full price. When we shared our disappointment at the end of the tour, a man explained quite aggressively that there was a board at the entrance and that we could have decided to not buy our tickets. True: there is a note, but you need to be an expert to know what it means and, the site being far away from the city centre, you wouldn’t go back after a 40min walk. All we wanted to say is: it’s ok to pay for the entrance, but not for the full price when 1/3 of the site is closed.
Interesting site well laid out with good informative indoor space with photos nd explanations in 3 languages including English. You can download information on your smartphone about the sire which gives all the info needed to make sense of the site as you walk about, good parking nearby. Cafe was shut so can't comment on it though it looked fine.
4.3
(4092)
3.9
(1226)
Αρχαιολογικός χώρος Μαλίων, Malia 700 07, Greece
2Debbielouise M — Google reviewRosanne M — Google reviewCryst4l — Google reviewMike E — Google reviewMartijn — Google reviewJonathan N — Google reviewNitepreyx # — Google review
Relax Beach bar in Stalis
Mentioned on
affordable
Cocktail bar
Relax Beach bar in Stalis is a versatile spot that caters to both day and night crowds. The owner, George, and the staff are known for their friendliness and creating a fabulous atmosphere. The comfortable sunbeds come in different sizes to accommodate various needs, making it an ideal place for relaxation. Guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks, including bubble tea to beat the Crete heatwave.
Lovely relaxing bar in the centre of town. Delicious Nutella and strawberry crepes. Great cocktails and friendly staff. A place to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sea.
Christopher S — Google review
Absolutely beautiful bar and beach
All staff are amazing and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome
Food and drinks are just perfect
I couldn't recommend this place more it's just brilliant
Didn't eat there but had the most amazing mohito on 3 occasions. Extremely refreshing and large filled with loads of ice.
Stunning location. Staff are lovely especially Hari.
Until next year....
Comfy Sunbeds directly by the sea, really nice and helpful staff and the food is very good. U can eat in the sunbeds or the bar either way very relaxed
Great, relaxed dinner with bubble tea to help chill in the Crete heatwave. Friendly staff, great service - they even have us a box to take the food away we couldn't eat. Value for money with a smile!
Lovely place with relaxing atmosphere. The cocktails are marvelous. Good experience when you are in Stalida. Jorgos ( Sjon) is a fantastic host.
Good place for a drink. Kids enjoyed the bubble tea.
Great place the staff are the best only place i would go, way better food than my 4 star all inclusive
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Travelers
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3Becky T — Google reviewMike S — Google reviewCarole G — Google reviewCristiana B — Google reviewNaveh L — Google reviewDebbie M — Google reviewSam S — Google review•
Lychnostatis Open Air Museum
Mentioned on
Museum
Heritage museum
Lychnostatis Open Air Museum is a family-operated museum located on the eastern edge of Hersonissos, Crete. It offers a glimpse into traditional Cretan village life with authentic dwellings and workshops, including a windmill, farmer's house, weaving workshops, ceramics demonstrations, orchards, herb gardens, and a theater for music and dance performances. Founded by Dr.
This museum is amazing. So interesting to learn about Cretan culture, heritage and old way of life. Lucky to have a tour with the founder's granddaughter who was informative and interesting. We went on a Wednesday so we experienced the grape feast and the fabulous dancing and food and drinks. All of the staff were great and the dancers were awesome. We would recommend this to all visitors to Crete and would return again.
Beccy E — Google review
Lovely small museum with small buildings and plants showing Cretan life. We went without a audio guide or tour, so used the map to identify buildings and occasionally a translation app to understand writing inside buildings. There are really no signs around so this wasn't the best plan but still spent about 45-50 minutes, including the eight minute introduction video.
It wasn't very busy when there (July Sunday around 10:30) though other visitors were scattered about.
Toilets and small cafe available - cafe seemed to have a few drink options, maybe a few mains snacks, and seats.
Parking in a dirt shoulder/layby just outside the entrance was fine, held around a dozen cars and a few spots were free when we arrived.
Note: photos generally in map order
We found this place beautiful, quiet and charming. It backs onto its own (paying) beach which can be entered from the museum - or vice versa. The little cafe in the museum serves both.
The museum is one of village methods and life. Most of the stone is old, from ruined local buildings, rebuilt as representative of the usage. A child will like peeking at odd things, by the way - but not for too long!
Beautiful site, quite large, free to wander around, gates open out onto a beach and the sea. Drinks available, (licensed for spirits too) and small gift shop within cafe. Staff are lovely and friendly, honestly well worth a visit. Inexpensive too.
A very interesting museum. It also has a beautiful beach,great for snorkeling, very relaxing spot, not very crowded, with decent space between sunbeds, 7 euros a set (2 sunbeds+umbrela). They also have a restaurant and very nice staff. Ps: if you are a coffee lover get the frappe with ice-cream,it's to die for and the food is good (with decent prices; a greek salat is less than 7 euros). I will come back to this location for sure.
A small museum of traditional Cretan life and historical agriculture and artisanal occupations. Overall a nice folk museum. Mostly outdoors but with plenty of shade.
A lovely museum and a perfect way to while away a morning. We took our kids (6 and 3) and they loved running around and exploring, there was plenty to keep all ages interested. Friendly staff and beautiful exhibits (and delightfully friendly cats!), it’s a wholehearted recommendation from me.
Found this place by using Google maps to see what was in the area. It took us 30 mins to walk to here from where we stayed, and it was well worth the walk. Interesting to see how it was all made and from what materials. Finished off with a lovely cold cinnamon water.
4.7
(2831)
4.7
(1479)
Μουσείο "ΛΥΧΝΟΣΤΑΤΗΣ" - θέση Πλάκα, Chersonisos 700 14, Greece
4Eada S — Google reviewLukáš K — Google reviewJason T — Google reviewJan J — Google reviewSuzana J — Google reviewHollie C — Google reviewAna I — Google review•
Star Beach Village & Water Park
Mentioned on
Hotel
Water & Amusement Parks
Water Parks
Star Beach Village & Water Park is a laid-back resort located in Chersonissos, offering easy access to the beach and the town. The property features a spacious pool complex with water slides and modern design. It's a great choice for families with young children as it offers unlimited entry to the neighboring Star Beach water park, which includes a pirate ship water playground and various slides and fountains.
The hotel itself is fine, the rooms is good and gets cleaned each day.
I also find the staff to be helpful and kind, and the food is not terrible. Also the aqua park is cool.
But as I'm laying here at 21:05, and my hotel room is literally shaking from the sound of their ''entertainment'' which tonight is bingo night, they are screaming numbers and repeating them in German & French.
Before that it was mini disco, which blasts baby shark at you, with full force. Which I am all for, but right next to your hotel room?
I booked the stay with 3 small kids, all of whom are not able to sleep (and neither are we) due to placing us directly next to their nightly entertainment area. Which also seems to be where all the other ''family'' rooms are located.
I get the entertainment part but I really don't get that the resort is pretty big, but they put us / families right next to this incredibly loud show, that runs each evening until past 22? As a family with small children, we get very little rest as it is, but even less at this resort.
I dream myself back home to a quiet normal night, where the only loud noise is my kids screaming and crying, but in all honesty its more pleasurable than this.
EDIT: After asking to change rooms, they gladly helped and we switched rooms, which we are super happy for. They also mentioned that nobody else in the same area complains about the noise, so it's not something they are aware off. I've changed my review from 2 stars to 5 as we are overall happy with the place.
Søren D — Google review
Not a Relaxing Stay – Needs Serious Improvement
We stayed at the hotel with our extended family – adults and kids – during the summer. From the moment we arrived, the service was lacking. No welcome, no guidance to rooms, and the lobby was extremely hot with no drinks offered.
Rooms were spacious but had weak air conditioning and ant problems in several of them. Beds were very basic and uncomfortable. Despite being told we’d get bottled water daily, we didn’t receive any unless we asked.
The dining room was overcrowded and hot, with no air conditioning. Food was okay – better for kids than adults. The evening shows were unimpressive, and the Greek restaurant had a nice view but isn’t suitable for families with small children.
Although the water slides were fun, there's no shade on the way up, making the ground too hot to walk on without shoes. The music around the pool was extremely loud all day, even in the rooms – not ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.
Service overall was poor, and I even witnessed a staff member yelling at a guest over a simple food request.
Wouldn’t recommend for anyone looking for a calm or high-quality all-inclusive experience.
The food is excellent and the selection is amazing! The area can be a bit windy since it’s up north, but there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy – lots of pools, fun water slides, kids’ corners, playgrounds, and more. The whole resort is quite spacious and access to everything is included in the price, even the sunbeds on the beach. It’s truly a paradise for children.
Snacks outside of breakfast, lunch, and dinner are fantastic as well. You can choose from fresh vegetables, fruit salads, or classics like pizza and toasties – even vegetarians will be happy. The alcohol is not cheap quality either; they serve well-known brands like Havana Club and Beefeater. And at the bar, they’ll make you a real coffee, not just one from a machine.
We are On our last day at this hotel. Last 13 days have been great.
Rooms are excellent, and cleaned every day.
Lots of choice of food and drink. Places to eat all over the complex.
Pools are a little cold, but everyone loved the new water slides.
The entertainment team Jayden etc are a great laugh well worth getting involved with some of the activities.
Overall fantastic holiday.
Great hotel for family vacation.
Plenty of offers for children (pools, kids club, playgrounds). Mini Disxo for children on 6 of 7 days.
3 different restaurants (2 with breakfast and lunch) with all inclusive. Also 3 different pool bars included with drinks and some snacks.
The Water Park is right next door and has multiple pools for all ages. Some slides for and access to sunbeds in the park and on the beach are also included.
The staff is very friendly, especially towards children. The hotel is a great destination for vacation with kids!
! Take your time reading this😁
I just camed back from my holiday with my family and i want to tell you my honest review. To be honest i had the lowest expectations because i knew that on booking the rating wasn't very good.Me and my family usualy go to hotels that are +8.5 rating,but at that time it weren't many hotels available.
So when we arrived i saw verry old walls and an old reception and my first thing that i said was:I don't think this is an hotel beacause it was so old and it creeped me out😅,but hear me out after we walked in the mini streets of the hotel i fell in love.Everything is close to eachother😍From the food zone-Beach side-activities-pools-rooms it is amazing.
The sea is clear as the water,the views are amazing,and the waves are the best feeling🥰
Okay,THE FOOD WAS ABSOLUTLY THE BEST FOOD FROM ALL HOTELS,guys if u like eating meat,sea food,pasta,pizza,tacos,whatever u want litreally,go HERE!😋
HEAR ME OUT,my parents are very picky when it comes to food,we went to egypt,turkey but nowhere the food was so tasty like hear,the plates where finished😁Don't get me wrong,egypt and turkey have bigger ospitality and a larger amount of food and diversification,but we prefered to be very delicious and it was!I want to thank to all the members of Star Beach Village and we will totally come back!♥️
PS: in front of the hotel there is a whole street of the city center🥰
We come here just for a few hours to let our daughter play nice and clean not to busy, the water is fairly cold for young children to play in! The play park is excellent for all ages water park area is clean and amazing for children to run free for a few hours.
Amazing place to take children to burn off some energy!
Bouns its next to beach.
I stayed at Star Beach in Crete and had an amazing experience. The resort is fantastic, with delicious and varied food options. The staff were always kind, friendly, and very helpful. Everything was well taken care of, and I truly enjoyed my time here. I will definitely return in the future!
4.4
(5226)
4.3
(2039)
Themistokleous 5, Chersonisos 700 14, Greece
5Bogdan D — Google reviewAmy C — Google reviewMartin A — Google reviewJay B — Google reviewLouise — Google reviewNaveh L — Google reviewJemD H — Google review•
Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre
Mentioned on
Temporarily Closed
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre is a unique and intimate attraction located in Hersonissos, Crete. It stands out as one of only three aquariums in Greece and offers a change of pace from the island's historic ruins and breathtaking landscapes. The facility is home to a variety of sea creatures and reptiles, many of which have been rescued and rehabilitated or are unwanted pets.
Small but very interesting place with a lot of interesting animals, including a beautiful sea turtle (a blind rescue) and axolotls :) Several animals were free to wonder around and we could pat them. The staff were pleasant and full of knowledge. Great way to support rescue efforts. :)
Lenka R — Google review
We visited the aquarium and rescue center during our trip to Crete. The aquarium is very well organized, with a great variety of marine life, from colorful fish, turtles to reptiles. It's both fun and educational – perfect for families, but also interesting for adults.
The rescue center part was especially touching. It’s inspiring to see how much effort goes into rescuing and rehabilitating injured turtles. The staff is passionate and knowledgeable, and they were happy to answer all our questions. It's heartwarming to see these beautiful creatures being cared for so well.
Highly recommend visiting – it's a great way to learn, support a good cause, and enjoy the beauty of marine life!
Lovely little place run by people who enjoy their job and are good at their job. Very interactive with being able to touch and hold some of the animals.
Is a small place, only took around 30 minutes to look around and interact with animals. Did not cost much to enter 10 euros which we payed for at the door, was no waiting time to enter. Although I understand this is a rescue centre they do have some long term wildlife in the facility that will not be reintroduced into nature I feel the vivariums/ tanks could be bigger and more engaging for the animals. In particular a few lizard tanks looked over crowded and some animals in small tanks. Including a very large fish which only had minimal movement.
Well worth a visit. Got to see the sea turtle and octopus being fed as well as listening to detailed history of all the amazing creatures on show.
You can hold various reptiles if you are brave enough. The best thing about this place is the fact it is supporting the local ecology, is not owned by a bif corporate entity and is a labour of love. Any money you spend here directly goes to the looking after of the animals and funds future expansion.
What a wonderful little place! Please visit and keep this place in business, they are worth it. The conservation work they do is great.. the aquarium part is really good, but the best part really, is the reptile section. I will not spoil anything for you as the surprise is much better witnessed in person with no warning (its not scary, don't worry). If I can, I will be back for another visit.
Wow wow and wow, we absolutely loved it here. You can tell as soon as you walk in that they love what they do all the animals are well looked after and there fact you get to get up and close to the reptiles. Definitely worth the visit you will not be disappointed. It's a great place to visit.
Very small aquarium/terrarium in a flat and yard. To avoid the place getting too crowded they let visitors in slowly and when previous visitors exit. This means a line forms. We waited over 30 minutes in line for what is essentially a 30 minutes visit. It is a nice little place if you don’t mind most fish and reptiles being held in small aquariums with little to no shelter. There are lots of general info posters about ocean life scattered around but not a lot of specific info on the animals in each aquarium beyond their names. The yard with the free-roaming tortoises and lizards is the highlight of course, but is rather crowded. Looks like the animals are used to nudging their way between the visitors. The staff in the yard are friendly and jovial. If you are here and can find a time without a line in the entrance then the place is worth a visit.
What to say about this amazing place. We first visited back on our first trip to crete possibly 2012! And we come every year since. The place is just great. They take care of the animals. They are so clean and so well looked after. The gent who owns it is just well a gent and his staff are so knowledgeable and friendly. We look forward to it every trip and is the first thing we book, we now bring our child who has also found a love for this amazing place. Thankyou as always
4.6
(6055)
4.7
(3789)
Filikis Etirias 7, Chersonisos 700 14, Greece
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6
Lasithi Plateau
Mentioned on
Outdoor Activities
Geologic Formations
Scenic Drives
Nestled in the rugged landscape of Crete, Lasithi Plateau is a captivating destination offering panoramic mountain vistas and ancient wonders. The plateau is adorned with iconic stone windmills and is home to the historic Minoan Cave of Psychro. Moreover, it's part of the Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark, which safeguards its natural beauty and cultural significance.
4.5
(889)
Greece, USA
7Liubov G — Google reviewRusnac N — Google reviewZoltan K — Google reviewRalph E — Google reviewDamian P — Google reviewMarianna M — Google reviewJeeashelle V — Google review
Venetian Fortress Rocca a Mare
Mentioned on
Fortress
Sights & Landmarks
Rocca a Mare Fortress, originally built by the Venetians in the 16th century, has been meticulously restored and now offers visitors dramatic views and a glimpse into history with its displayed artifacts. The fortress, situated on an island, provides cinematic views of the Gulf of Heraklion during the day and is also an intriguing spot for evening exploration.
Worth the trip and one of the best places to learn about the Battle of Crete. There is an entry fee that seems reasonable, and the place does actually take a while to explore. On the ground floor there is the main exhibition and on the top you see the walled structure with views towards the city and the sea. There is a nice coffee area there as well for a break.
João D — Google review
Nice place to visit, great views from the top. For EU citizens born 2000 or later free entrance.
In case you order something in the cafeteria on top, ask and check your receipts! We took two slush drinks (colored ice, see the picture), and were told it cost 10€, no receipt provided. When I checked my card transactions next day, they actually charged 13€ instead of 10! For that reason 4 stars only.
Here we have spent the most interesting part of our day! It is a very beautiful and extravagant fortress. For me this is a place where I would definitely come one more time in the future as it is very beautiful. For EU people that has no more than 25 years the entrance is free as for all the museums in Greece as I understood it!
A very nicely renovated and maintained fortress. Built during the Venetian Republic, the construction was completed in 1540, and then in 1669 it came under Ottoman control. The terrace offers a fantastic view of the sea and the city of Heraklion. It can be reached by walking for about 10 minutes from the city center. The entrance fee is 10 Euro/person, free for those under 25. I recommend it to everyone!
Worth the entrance fee of €10 to explore the incredible fortress. Great views from the top across the port of Heraklion. Lots of history inside with some great displays.
The Venetian fortress Rocca a Mare is definitely interesting, even though you can get through it rather quickly. A big plus: EU citizens under 25 get free entry. From the walls you also have a nice view of the harbor and the city. Overall, worth a visit, 4 stars.
Koules Fortress (Greek: Κουλές), also known as the Heraklion Fortress, the Venetian Fortress, or Rocca al Mare, is a medieval seaside fortress in Heraklion, Crete. Built by the Venetians between 1523 and 1540, it impresses with its architecture and offers beautiful panoramic views of the harbor, the sea, and the city. We only walked around the outside and didn’t go inside. There were quite a few tourists, but it didn’t feel crowded.
During our visit, we noticed quite a bit of litter and cigarette butts near the entrance, which was a bit disappointing, so it’s important to help keep such historical sites clean.
I recommend taking a walk there, especially in the evening when it’s cooler and more pleasant!
Beautiful fortress with a panoramic view of the sea, port and the city. Inside is a small museums exhibits with the history related to the building of the fortress and its surroundings. Was hard to find the entrance (walked all the way at the outside pier), but we finally made it.
Would have been great if the cafe inside stayed opened (the information said they close at 20h but they closed at 18h).
8Rahl22 — Google reviewPriya C — Google reviewForrest T — Google reviewA. R — Google reviewPhilip K — Google reviewAndy Z — Google reviewJeff — Google review•
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Mentioned on
Archaeological museum
Museums
History Museums
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by ancient civilizations. Located in the heart of Crete's capital city, it houses a vast collection of artifacts from the Minoan age and showcases Cretan art, sculptures, and archaeological finds. Families with children can enjoy educational exhibits and interactive displays. To gain deeper insights into the exhibits, visitors can take advantage of guided tours or audio guides offered by the museum.
What an incredible museum! After visiting the museums in major Classical Greece sites, I thought I'd seen everything.
This one truly amazed me. The level of artistry and beauty in Minoan artifacts here is astounding!
Even if you'd already visited the Knossos Palace site, make sure to come here for eye -popping colors and details. A feast for the eyes!
Jonathan B — Google review
Some photos of Heraklion archaeological museum.
Was really fun and interesting.
But I feel I wanted more time then I had to explore it all.
After the guide was done we had only 20 min to explore the rest or buy some suverni.
Would be great if it would have been 1-1,5 hours after extra.
But overall it was a great enjoyment.
This museum is phenomenal! Informative, clearly laid out, fabulous collection of artefacts. Super helpful for understanding and appreciating the history and culture of the Minoan people (especially alongside a visit to Knossos Palace). I would recommend spending at least two hours here—I did 1.5 hours and wished I had more time. Entry was free on the day I visited.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is an absolute must visit in order to gain an understanding and appreciation of the astonishing Minoan civilization. Suggest visiting the Archaeological site of Knossos first and then visit the archaeological museum. Focus especially on the Phaistos Disc, the priestesses with the upraised arms, and the amazingly beautiful frescoes. Suggest you allow two to three hours to get a good tour of the museum. Also, keep in mind that after 1450 BC, Crete had a blended Mycenaean-Minoan culture.
Totally a MUST-visit after Knossos palace. The collections are absolutely incredible - so detailed, beautifully displayed, and full of context that really ties everything together. You finally get the full picture of Minoan history, myths, and daily life (and honestly, it makes Knossos make so much more sense 😅).
I loved how well-organized everything is - from tiny gold jewelry to fresco fragments. Ypu could easily spend hours here if you’re into ancient culture. Unfortunately I came 1.5h before closing so I still have a feeling that there was so much more to see.
Tip: go after Knossos, not before - it’s like getting the answers after the adventure 😉
Had the option of coming here as part of a Knossos tour. It is a complete no brainer to choose to visit as the museum amplifies and expands your appreciation of the history of Crete particularly after visiting Knossos. I was unable to book tickets online beforehand, but the queue was worth standing in for 15-20 minutes, i'm unsure how long it is normally but there was on a Wednesday a later opening time of 1-8, so it was just a one of those things.
However it was a superb building and rooms to view and look at the archaeological finds. Everything was densely packed in but was thoughtfully laid out and I could have spent much longer than the 1.5-2 hours I had available, and this was just prioritising the first floor with the Minoan finds.
Amazing place full of items mainly from Knossos Palace. I would recommend visiting this place prior to seeing Knossos Palace. There is a cafe with a great view over the part of Heraklion and sea port. To avoid the crowds i believe it is better to come in an afternoon.
What can I say, the archaeology in this museum is amazing.
The amount and quality of the finds on display at stunning.
It covers all throughout the ages.
We visited Knossos before visiting the museum, everything just slots into place and you get to understand the history and relevance of the finds.
4.7
(34337)
4.6
(7769)
Ξανθουδίδη και, Chatzidaki 1, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
9Christopher K — Google reviewMark C — Google reviewJeff T — Google reviewMartin B — Google reviewNikolas T — Google reviewLee S — Google reviewS G — Google review
Morosini Fountain
Mentioned on
Fountain
Sights & Landmarks
Historical landmark
Morosini Fountain, also known as Liondaria in Greek, is a 1600s Venetian fountain located at the heart of Heraklion. The fountain features eight cisterns adorned with stone reliefs depicting figures from Greek mythology, Nymphs, Tritons, sea monsters and dolphins.
Lion fountain ( looks like monkeys to me though)is located in the center of the square.
It decorated with Venetian coats of arms, as well as with relief sculptures inspired by mythology and the sea world, including tritons, dolphins and nymphs. Though lions are uncommon in fountains, as they are not linked with water, they were used by the Venetians in this case as a symbol of their power.
A B — Google review
The main square is a lively place with lots of restaurants and shops around—perfect for a casual stroll or a meal. However, during our visit, the fountain wasn’t working, which was a bit disappointing. Still, the atmosphere and variety of places nearby made it worth the stop.
The wonderful Morosini Fountain, in the heart of Heraklion old town.
I couldn't help but think the effect this fountain had on the city when it was unveiled in 1629.
Incredibly ornate marble font with carved frescos depicting local life and well being.
Meanwhile just metres away locals share al fresco dining, could be a mirror image from the fountain.
The fountain is nice. Beautiful carved frescoes all over.
However, the fountain was never "on" in the 2.5 days I was there.
At night, cockroaches come out of the cracks by the base.
The fountain area is packed with tourists that give off a positive vibe and energy. Surrounded by restaurants all over the place and street shops hawking various wares.
The fountain is at least 350 years old.
Great central location in Heraklion, Cretes capital city. Lots going on here, squares to sit and people watch, cafes,bars and restaurants plus shopping. If you're after historical- lots to see too. If you're looking for smaller and more picturesque, go to Agios Niklaus.
The vibrant social spot where, even if you don't speak the Greek [never late to try it], you can melt right into the local life. Coffee shops in Greece are a true social institution, the kind Starbucks can only envy. Take your "frapé", sit back, and soak up the lively animated conversation and joy of the locals while tracing the ever lasting attempts of foreign powers to leave their marks in Hiraklion.
Lovely fountain, we stopped here on our guided tour of Herakleion. Was here during the very end of the season and it was still incredibly busy so dread to think how packed this would be in the summer.
Fountain wasn't actually on when we visited so not as majestic as hoped. Still wonderful architecture.
Nice meeting place at the historical center of the city. The fountain dates from the seventeenth century. Beautiful cafes and shops nearby.
10Hannah's N — Google reviewJohnkop4 — Google reviewJesse K — Google reviewMike S — Google reviewMarcus A — Google reviewRóbert P — Google review0x C — Google review•
Natural History Museum of Crete
Mentioned on
Natural history museum
Museums
The Natural History Museum of Crete, established in 1980, is a captivating destination for anyone eager to delve into the island's rich past. Spanning an impressive 3,500 m², it stands as the largest museum of its kind in the Mediterranean. Visitors can embark on a journey through various sectors including Zoology and Geology while marveling at dinosaur skeletons and engaging with interactive exhibits designed for all ages.
One of the best museums in Heraklion. Recommend for families and children. It has a really great view and is near the city centre (10min walk). They have a lot of discounts. The gift shop has really cute stuff too. Must visit if you want a more cultural experience in Heraklion.
Vkmariam — Google review
The only reason this museum has 4 stars instead of 5 is because it's still undergoing renovations! Do not let this put you off though!
Any nature lover visiting Crete should come to this museum. Everything is translated into English and it is jam-packed full of information and wonders to explore and look at!
As you enter there is a long row of lockers that are free to use so you dont have to carry your bags around with you (I really appreciated this). The museum is set out over numerous floors, so there are quite alot of stairs in the building but there are also lifts available.
The discovery centre part of the museum I imagine is pretty useful for kids and school education groups.
I imagine that once the renovations are complete this museum really will be in good condition.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the specimens on display and the different modes of information being displayed (films, interactive panels, information panels etc).
Interesting museum if you want to learn about the nature of Crete and the Mediterranean, however the main exhibits have not changed in as long as it has existed.
It is located in a unique building of Heraklion which used to be a factory. It is right on the seaside but it unfortunately has no accesible viewpoints or balconies.
I think it is worth visiting at least once though.
The museum is interesting for sure, but the live animals that are kept there are sadly in bad and unhealthy conditions. Enclosures seem dirty and the water they have is dirty too with algae growing in the drinking water and it just seems sad overall. I can not understand why live animals are treated like this especially in a place that has "museum" and "university" on the building.
Take care of your animals.
Interesting museum but unfortunately the earthquake simulator was not open. Lots of stuffed animals on view but also some live ones. Spent about 1,5 hours there leaving a little wiser about Crete ( Greece) and its natural history. Worth a visit.
Very informative. The stuffed animals look quite real.
But what makes me very sad is that they exhibit live animals here. Half of the showcases are uninhabited or “Under Construction” because the animals are probably not doing very well here and are dying. Only freedom is species-appropriate!
Quite nice, but it was quite hot on the upper floors when we were there (September 2025). The earthquake simulator, which we were most looking forward to, wasn’t working.
The museum is currently under renovation, so some areas are closed, but it remains open to visitors. We had a wonderful visit and enjoyed the diverse educational exhibits about Crete’s nature and wildlife. The interactive displays and discovery center for kids make it a great experience for families. The building is unique and right by the sea. Some parts like the earthquake simulator are still being developed, but overall the visit was very rewarding and worth it.
4.6
(4477)
4.4
(874)
Κόλπος Δερματά, Leof. Sofokli Venizelou, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
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11Andy Z — Google reviewPoppy J — Google reviewForrest T — Google reviewRahl22 — Google reviewThe C — Google reviewPaul D — Google reviewJade B — Google review•
Knossos Palace
Mentioned on
Archaeological site
Sights & Landmarks
The Knossos Palace, a reconstructed royal palace dating back to around 1600 BCE, is located in the heart of Heraklion Town. This archaeological site is linked to the myth of the Minotaur and offers a glimpse into the advanced Minoan civilization on Crete. The labyrinthine layout and historical significance make it one of Greece's most important sites.
It is a historical site worth visiting for sure!
It is not a museum per se, so do not expect to see a lot of artifacts or monuments/art. The palace and its archeology are very interesting to learn more about via the explanatory stands and QR codes for more details. We were lucky the weather was perfect so we truly enjoyed our walk without being bothered by too much heat or rain.
Good to know:
-Try to buy tickets online as you can guarantee to go in at the day/hour of your choice. You can buy your tickets directly on the site on an automated screen (card payment), but you might need to wait for your turn to go in (we had to wait for 45 mins for our turn to start the visit).
-There are toilets, snacks and drinks space, as well as a souvenir shop on premises.
-Wear comfortable shoes and clothes because you will have to walk, and sometimes you have to go up or down stairs. Be aware that the palace is entirely outdoor.
-Make sure you pass by the Throne Room, even if you have to wait a dozen of minutes in line to see it, it is worth it 😉
-Arrive as early as the opening hours if you are going by car because the parking space can be full very quickly. We had to circle round many times until we eventually parked at the restaurant a couple of steps before the parking lot. They were very kind and sweet, they didn’t accept to take money and asked us to take coffee/smoothie or have lunch at the restaurant in return which we gladly did 🥹
Happy visit! ☀️
Elia N — Google review
This place is amazing. Overwhelmed. One can ask a simple question- how would they build without having today’s technology and tools?
You can explore it on your own, taking a local bus from downtown Heraklion for over 2 euros- 2nd zone. Early afternoon there are less people. If you like you can hire a local guide or use your phone to download valuable information. I recommend 2-3 hours of your time. There is a toilet before the gate - nothing inside. There are few benches you can sit while walking around. There is a cafe and souvenir shop with not expensive basic guidebooks in different languages. There is a huge parking lot, I believe for free. We did not need it, since we used a bus.
I really like how certain areas are restored next to the unrestored sections so you can really see the passage of time. Nice open site with plenty of shady spots to sit. Small cafe area at the front is fairly busy, but once you’re inside the grounds it feels very spacious and open.
The Minoan palace of Knossos is the second most visited site in all of Greece. Of course, the most visited site is the Acropolis of Athens. Suggest that you buy a couple good guide books on Knossos, and fully read and absorb them prior to your visit. This enable you to fully appreciate and understand the heroic achievements of the Minoans in creating this beautiful palace. Suggest paying homage to Sir Arthur Evans for excavating and preserving this magnificent archaeological site. Suggest to eat the crowds that you arrive by 0900.
Some photos of the Knossos palace and archaeological site.
Was really fun and interesting.
But I feel I wanted more time then I had to explore it all.
Guide was amazing. But 1 hour extra would been great to walk around by one Self
Awesome historical monument. The reconstructed areas are tastefully done and the excavation has been done so you can really get a feeling for the importance of the site. The Knossos app (if you have a guide they can show you a QR code for the website) let's you see what many areas would have looked like before being ruined, so you can stand in a spot and see what it would have looked like. Well worth a visit.
The site is of course awe inspiring. Simply walking on the same grounds as the amazing ancient Minoans and trying to imagine how the palace looked like with the help of some of the restorative work done is amazing. Still, at times you feel quite lost. Can't truly understand what has been restored(except for the clear ones), what was original and most of the signs don't really help that much either. For such a historical site, there should be an improvement on all aspects.
A must for any history buffs. It’s so interesting and not difficult to walk around. Enjoy your tour with a guide. They will explain everything and help you skip the queue. There is toilets, cafeteria and a gift shop. Plus the resident peacocks and cats. Buses and Taxis easy to get to and from the site.
4.3
(56330)
3.9
(13954)
Knosos 714 09, Greece
12Andy Z — Google reviewPoppy J — Google reviewForrest T — Google reviewRahl22 — Google reviewThe C — Google reviewPaul D — Google reviewJade B — Google review•
Knossos Palace
Mentioned on
Archaeological site
Sights & Landmarks
The Knossos Palace, a reconstructed royal palace dating back to around 1600 BCE, is located in the heart of Heraklion Town. This archaeological site is linked to the myth of the Minotaur and offers a glimpse into the advanced Minoan civilization on Crete. The labyrinthine layout and historical significance make it one of Greece's most important sites.
It is a historical site worth visiting for sure!
It is not a museum per se, so do not expect to see a lot of artifacts or monuments/art. The palace and its archeology are very interesting to learn more about via the explanatory stands and QR codes for more details. We were lucky the weather was perfect so we truly enjoyed our walk without being bothered by too much heat or rain.
Good to know:
-Try to buy tickets online as you can guarantee to go in at the day/hour of your choice. You can buy your tickets directly on the site on an automated screen (card payment), but you might need to wait for your turn to go in (we had to wait for 45 mins for our turn to start the visit).
-There are toilets, snacks and drinks space, as well as a souvenir shop on premises.
-Wear comfortable shoes and clothes because you will have to walk, and sometimes you have to go up or down stairs. Be aware that the palace is entirely outdoor.
-Make sure you pass by the Throne Room, even if you have to wait a dozen of minutes in line to see it, it is worth it 😉
-Arrive as early as the opening hours if you are going by car because the parking space can be full very quickly. We had to circle round many times until we eventually parked at the restaurant a couple of steps before the parking lot. They were very kind and sweet, they didn’t accept to take money and asked us to take coffee/smoothie or have lunch at the restaurant in return which we gladly did 🥹
Happy visit! ☀️
Elia N — Google review
This place is amazing. Overwhelmed. One can ask a simple question- how would they build without having today’s technology and tools?
You can explore it on your own, taking a local bus from downtown Heraklion for over 2 euros- 2nd zone. Early afternoon there are less people. If you like you can hire a local guide or use your phone to download valuable information. I recommend 2-3 hours of your time. There is a toilet before the gate - nothing inside. There are few benches you can sit while walking around. There is a cafe and souvenir shop with not expensive basic guidebooks in different languages. There is a huge parking lot, I believe for free. We did not need it, since we used a bus.
I really like how certain areas are restored next to the unrestored sections so you can really see the passage of time. Nice open site with plenty of shady spots to sit. Small cafe area at the front is fairly busy, but once you’re inside the grounds it feels very spacious and open.
The Minoan palace of Knossos is the second most visited site in all of Greece. Of course, the most visited site is the Acropolis of Athens. Suggest that you buy a couple good guide books on Knossos, and fully read and absorb them prior to your visit. This enable you to fully appreciate and understand the heroic achievements of the Minoans in creating this beautiful palace. Suggest paying homage to Sir Arthur Evans for excavating and preserving this magnificent archaeological site. Suggest to eat the crowds that you arrive by 0900.
Some photos of the Knossos palace and archaeological site.
Was really fun and interesting.
But I feel I wanted more time then I had to explore it all.
Guide was amazing. But 1 hour extra would been great to walk around by one Self
Awesome historical monument. The reconstructed areas are tastefully done and the excavation has been done so you can really get a feeling for the importance of the site. The Knossos app (if you have a guide they can show you a QR code for the website) let's you see what many areas would have looked like before being ruined, so you can stand in a spot and see what it would have looked like. Well worth a visit.
The site is of course awe inspiring. Simply walking on the same grounds as the amazing ancient Minoans and trying to imagine how the palace looked like with the help of some of the restorative work done is amazing. Still, at times you feel quite lost. Can't truly understand what has been restored(except for the clear ones), what was original and most of the signs don't really help that much either. For such a historical site, there should be an improvement on all aspects.
A must for any history buffs. It’s so interesting and not difficult to walk around. Enjoy your tour with a guide. They will explain everything and help you skip the queue. There is toilets, cafeteria and a gift shop. Plus the resident peacocks and cats. Buses and Taxis easy to get to and from the site.
4.3
(56330)
3.9
(13954)
Knosos 714 09, Greece
13John P — Google reviewNicolas C — Google reviewAna M — Google reviewАнна Т — Google reviewAdela T — Google reviewKate B — Google reviewLois P — Google review•
Karavostasi Beach
Mentioned on
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Karavostasi Beach is a tranquil pebbly beach located near the town of Aghios Nikolaos in Crete. Surrounded by olive groves, it offers a quiet escape and is mainly frequented by locals. The area boasts clean and cold waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Despite its small size, the beach can get crowded during summer, so arriving early is recommended to secure a sunbed.
Best beach in Bali if you like calmer beaches with clear water for snorkeling. Popular among families with kids but if you lay in grass area there is quite calm vibe. You can hike nearby rocks or swim to cave beaches if you are a good swimmer. Clean toilets and good showers and very helpful guy in charge of the sunbeds that cost 10 dollars a set. :) honestly my favourite beach in Crete
Markéta V — Google review
A wonderful little bay with incredible views and amazing waters. Especially in the afternoon they are unique.
It is worth visiting and do not miss a mask for snorkeling, if you like exploring the seabed.
In the afternoon you meet octopuses that move fearlessly on the rocks of the seabed as well as squids that take their walks, starfish and all kinds of fish!!
Do not forget to visit the picturesque taverns that are there. Excellent people with kindness and respect. and everything we tried was unexpectedly delicious and fresh!
Our best beach in central Crete. Protected from the northern wind/waves. Good water clarity (excepted on the very shore) and amazing underwater variety. Fishes, turtles, rocks, cliffs, caves, it has it all. Daily sunbeds set at 10€ (July) / 15€ (August), unfortunately in the range for Cretan beaches. The beach itself gets quite crowded in high season (very limited place for extra private umbrellas/towels). More for sea-lovers than beach-lovers, maybe. Various boats/pedal boats/kayaks to rent.
Just beautiful! Sunbeds and umbrella are 15€, here is a beautiful tavern to eat lunch. And the water is clean, clear and with a lot of fish to see when snorkeling
Beautiful beach. Clean sea, clear water. Beautiful rocks nearby.
Set of two sunbeds and umbrella 10 euros.
A small, wild beach with amazing views! Peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for escaping the crowds.
Beautiful place but it would not be comfortable for you if you didn’t want to rent sun lounger- it’s almost on the all territory. Not big area for children to play with sand. In water a lot of renting stuff- boats and catamarans. Parking is a little up from the beach.
Really nice place but one thing I would say is that there are so many people and especially near the shore it is very crowded. It is okay to find a sun bed in the morning but in the afternoon it gets VERY crowded. When you get further out to sea it is lovely with clear waters and LOADS of fish. Highly recommend but visit in the morning in order to get a sun bed and avoid big crowds. There are 2 cafes one is a taverna where it would be ideal to get lunch or dinner. One is a cafe that does milkshakes and plenty of ice lolly’s. There isn’t much litter in the sea either with is refreshing to see. Come here mainly if you want to snorkel since it is very good! There is very limited parking especially in the afternoon so arrive before 10:30. We have been to many beaches around the Cretan coast but homely this was the bed one!!
4.5
(1248)
4.5
(467)
Greece, Mpali, Greece, USA
14Paul D — Google reviewТатьяна — Google reviewFrank R — Google reviewΣτελιος Δ — Google reviewOmar F — Google reviewRoby C — Google reviewNicu N — Google reviewNikos F — Google review•
Limani Beach
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
Calm, serene area. Lovely to sit. It gives a feeling of peace. A few shops nice renovated, restaurants have good food option. Clean and peaceful
Claudia R — Google review
Fantastic beach. Calm water, little wind. Great for young children. Lots of taverna and cafe close by. Deck chairs are 6-8euro for day (include a couple bottles of water)
(Translated by Google) The wands are located very tightly and this brought discomfort for me
The beach is clean and well-kept
(Original)
Жезлонги розташовані дуже щільно і це для мене приносило дискомфорт
Пляж чистий, доглянутий
(Translated by Google) Nice little beach, free parking not far away.
Loungers (2 with umbrellas) for €30 including 2 shallow water beds
(Original)
Schöner kleiner Strand, kostenlose Parkplätze nicht weit weg.
Liegen (2 mit Schirm) für 30€ inclusive 2 flachen Wasser
Omorfo ala mikro meros.
(Translated by Google) Characteristic beach surrounded by shops and bars/restaurants! The old port is located next to it with about ten boats, it is possible to rent jet skis and small boats.
I only give 4 stars because the density of umbrellas is high and there isn't the peace you deserve once you get to the beach... too bad!
If it was useful to you, leave a like! 👍🏼☺
(Original)
Spiaggetta caratteristica contornata da negozietti e bar/ristoranti! Si trova in fianco il porto vecchio con una decina di imbarcazioni, è possibile noleggiare moto d'acqua e piccole imbarcazioni.
Do solo 4 stelle perché la densità di ombrelloni è elevata e non c'è la pace che ti meriti una volta arrivati in spiaggia... peccato!
Se vi è stato utile lasciate un like! 👍🏼☺
(Translated by Google) A gem hidden among the houses and alleys towards the end of the town. Surrounded by very nice places and shops.
Beautiful to look at, to take a walk, but it doesn't make you experience it as a beach as it is mixed with the marina and therefore you have a coming and going of boats which are not pleasant if you are living a beach/sea life.
(Original)
Una chicca nascosta tra le case e i vicoli verso la fine del paese. Contornata da locali molto carini e negozietti.
Bella da vedere, da farci la passeggiata, ma non fa viverla come spiaggia in quanto è amalgamata con il porticciolo e quindi hai un andirivieni di barche e barchette che non sono piacevoli se stai facendo vita da spiaggia/mare.
(Translated by Google) The beach is suffocating!
The sunbeds are stuck to each other...
(Original)
Plaja sufocantaaaa!
Sezlongurile sunt lipite unul de celalalt...
(Translated by Google) The waters were amazing. Nice beach. Sandy and relatively shallow. The only downside is that the sunbeds in the shops are very close to each other and you can't move comfortably. You can, however, sit on the rock a little further to the right where there is shade after noon.
(Original)
Τα νερά ήταν καταπληκτικά. Ωραία η παραλία. Αμμώδης και σχετικά ρηχη. Το μοναδικό μειονέκτημα είναι ότι οι ξαπλώστρες των μαγαζιών είναι πολύ κοντά η μία στην άλλη και δεν μπορείς να κινηθείς άνετα. Μπορείς να κάτσεις όμως στο βράχο λίγο πιο δεξιά όπου μετά το μεσημέρι έχει ίσκιο.
4.1
(15)
4.2
(298)
Unnamed Road, Mylopotamos, Greece
15Jordy M — Google reviewGabriela M — Google reviewThat P — Google reviewVictor P — Google reviewEric B — Google reviewMiglė M — Google reviewEthan P — Google review•
Reptisland
Mentioned on
Temporarily Closed
Theme park
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Reptisland offers a unique and unforgettable experience with reptiles. Visitors are greeted with the opportunity to hold snakes and lizards upon entry, while the passionate owner shares extensive knowledge about each creature. The owner's genuine care for the animals is evident as he generously allows visitors to interact with them, some of which he has cared for over two decades. This hands-on experience provides an opportunity to overcome any fears or misconceptions about reptiles.
I was at Reptisland with my girlfriend and we loved it! The owner is super nice and explains a lot about the different animals present. And yes the pictures dont lie, you get the opportunity to hold a LOT of them :)
Definitely recommend, awesome place!
Eric D — Google review
A wonderful place. The owner is a very nice guy and passionate reptile owner who really cares about the welfare and rescue of these beautiful animals. He owns a huge variety of reptile species which he can tell you all about and he even let's you hold some of them. Very educational for children and adults! Help his good cause by visiting this place. Definitely recommended!
The 2 hours we spent there went like a minute. I had the joy to play with 3 chameleons climbing on my arms and neck all in the same time. An amazing interaction with their tiny claws pinching gently, such a joy! We also got to gently hold some of the snakes. The place is filled with interesting creatures, some you can hold, some not, but you can see them at least. The experience all in all is definitely worth the drive.
Small and friendly setting but has loads to show. The staff are brilliant and the animals on show were made so accessible to hold.
I didnt expect so much for the 5 euro entrance, glad I came.
This is one of the few places where I was genuenly impressed - by its simple, yet beautiful reptile exhibitions. They are owned by a guy which is extremely passionate about this. When we entered the building, he greeted us and showed us each animal present, explaining in detail everything. During his speech, he talked to us about how he got his first snake at 12, which shows how big his passion is! Overall, amazing place and I strongly recommend visiting!
Remote but well worth a visit. Owner is very personable, explains details about all the reptiles and allows visitors to hold some of the snakes, chameleons and there is a friendly large tortoise wandering around the premises. Interesting place to spend 30 to 45 minutes, and for all ages and great fun for children. Just a few kilometers from Meloni Cave, also fascinating to visit.
Reptisland is an absolute must-visit in Crete! ❤️🥰
The park is home to a fascinating variety of reptiles and snakes, and the experience was truly unforgettable. The staff are incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and passionate — we learned so much about reptile life and behavior. I completely fell in love with this place! Definitely one of the best experiences of my trip. 🫶🏽✨
The owner is very friendly and knowledgeable, and has many snakes that you can handle. Some of the children were somewhat rough with the animals, and it would be nice if there were more clear instructions on how to handle the animals so they feel safe and comfortable. However, the animals generally seemed relaxed, especially the tortoise that wanders around the shop.
4.9
(2619)
4.9
(727)
Melidoni, Rethimni, Greece 740 52, Greece
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16Becky T — Google reviewHabbachi S — Google reviewSahoffm1 — Google reviewJörg K — Google reviewRenata G — Google reviewMary C — Google reviewUffe V — Google review
Melidoni Cave
Mentioned on
Historical landmark
Nature & Parks
Caverns & Caves
Melidoni Cave, also known as "Gerontospilios," is a captivating network of subterranean chambers located about 1,800 meters northwest of the village of Melidoni in Crete. This mysterious cave holds great archaeological significance and houses various artifacts that have been unearthed over time. It was once a significant worship site during the Minoan period, associated with the mythological giant Talos of Crete.
Not loads of parking available, especially when coaches arrive.
Amazing caves. It wasn't all open though in the caves but it was all pretty amazing. On our way down the steps everyone coming up was huffing and puffing so I took from that to stop to view down a few times on my way back up. It worked for me.
A chillingly sad story if the history of the cave.
Had a lovely coffee in the café on the way out. It was very reasonably priced and staff were very nice to. Very relaxing.
The views would have been good if it was clearer.
Helena K — Google review
Well done cave but small. Beautiful cave able to be seen in under 15 minutes. (We spent 5-10 inside plus the small walk from the entrance.) It’s essentially one room that you enter via a two-way staircase then do a small loop within one main room once inside. The path is decently lit (for a cave) but it is still relatively dark. It’s a comfortable cool inside (~15-16C/60F) but didn’t require a sweater.
They provide a brochure/guide plus have a few small signs in multiple languages within the cave.
It did get a little busy when we were entering via the stairs but not uncomfortably so.
Cafe had decent outdoor seating, though on our way out all tables were taken so we skipped it.
Toilets in the car park were nicer than expected.
Car park can get quite busy though there is a bit of turnover with people leaving. They indicate to be careful when parking 11-1 certain days as used as a bus turnaround spot.
If this is your first time visiting a cave, it will be an amazing experience for you. I wasn't lucky enough to visit the whole cave as most of the area was closed, but I was still amazed by what I saw. The photos and video only represent 1% of the incredible things you can see with your own eyes. It's worth renting a car as the bus isn't the best solution.
Loved this! The cave is large with intricate rock patterns. My neck hurt from looking up so much.
Be sure to read about the memorial to the people who died in the cave.
Recommend checking this out!
An absolutely stunning cave featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites! The pathways are well maintained and easily accessible, even for families with children. The view at the exit is breathtaking – a true highlight of the visit. Ticket prices are very reasonable. Highly recommended! 🪨✨👨👩👧👦
It is a rather small cave, and one will only take 15 -20 minutes to go around. It has a historical significance to the people of Crete. The road to the cave os spectacular. There is a cafe at the premises.
Beautiful monument in a Cave setting to a town who chose not to surrender their life and town. They still serve fresh squeezed orange juice with other local treats for a refreshing morning stop with clean restrooms before and after your visit.
Interesting cave to walk in , beautifully shaped stalagtites and stalagmites all over , to be noted that you need to have to be a little in shape as it's up and down and so for the walking you need to do.
17Kerstin L — Google reviewTatjana S — Google reviewJason D — Google reviewOn S — Google reviewFloris T — Google reviewMirosław B — Google reviewBrian H — Google review•
Cave Ideon Antron
Mentioned on
Historical landmark
Nature & Parks
Cave Ideon Antron, a large limestone cavern system, is believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, the mythical king of the gods. Despite its seemingly unremarkable appearance, it holds great sacred significance in mythology as the place where Zeus was raised by his mother. Visitors can combine a trip to Sfendoni caves at Zoniana for a full day of exploration.
This is a beautiful archaeological site to visit. There are a lot of pigeons when you first approach which sounds like Zeus himself throwing out thunder. There was snow when we visited in March so the stairs were covered in the beginning but we were still able to make our way down the stairs to the cave. We couldn’t drive in as the gate was closed, but the gate to walk in was open. It’s quite remote but we are happy we did the drive. Pairing this cave visit with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to see the artifacts found in the cave is a must!
Vanessa C — Google review
Last 3 minutes of drive up are unpaved and like others I got a flat tire.
Otherwise the drive up is beautiful but also quite dramatic and treacherous. Not for the faint of heart!
The cave is an amazing part of history and myth so I couldn't skip it it. One plaque at the entrance of the site gives a brief detail of its significance. Best if you read up yourself. According to Google the site is open til 8pm. Sign at entrance says 4pm. Was officially closed when I arrived but thankfully the gate door was open.
I would have given it 5 stars if not the unnecessary rails - in my opinion they could have been removed after the exploration of the cave. It is a really nice cave in terms of its shape and place, but the smell - it was hard for me to stay there longer, very strong smell of rotten wood and pigeon poop.
It was very nice just to stay a bit longer next to the cave, it was very calms, only the birds and the echoes of their wing flaps bouncing off the cave. Beautiful little flowers. Our 9y/o son says spent all the time playing with the remaining snow just next to the cave. I would suggest to grab some snacks with you as it is a very nice place to sit with the view of plateau and have some snacks.
Found the car park there is a dirt track wglhich goes to another car park. The walk up was 430m and was really pretty.
The caves had a guide but was full of bird poo. Personally found it a bit off putting but was free
The cave is noteworthy for its religious and mythical significance. Not an especially interesting-looking cave though still worth a visit. The highlight for us were actually the views of the mountains and the plain on the way to the cave. Spectacular scenery! Note that the last 1.5km of road to the cave is unsealed, single lane, rocky and has no Armco barriers. Daunting… if there are two cars passing each other..luckily there is very little traffic… we didn’t pass any other cars on the way up or down. Do-able.
I’ve seen many people turn back due to (presumed?) road conditions, It’s possible to drive up with a 2WD as long as you’re careful! Get to the site from Angoni in the north if you have a 2WD, other roads require a 4WD
Quite a number of people in these reviews confuse this cave with the diktaen cave or psychrocave and claim this one is not worth it.
The cave itself is not the typical fairytale cave- unlike the other contender - but rather the cave where you would expect Zeus to be hidden from Kronos. This has been a major site in the Minoan and Hellenic religions, evidenced by the finds made here, and just that fact makes it worth going. There is also a very interesting and imposing altar from antiquity at the entrance that is quite unique.
Great views, and interesting place. Worth to see.
PS: in case 1km climbing is not for you, there's a road till the very end. It looks gravel, but in fact only beginning and the middle part are gravel. The rest is solid. With slow driving regular car can make it.
The drive up alone to this cave is worth it for the truly stunning scenery and interesting views, the plateau is incredible and looks like an African savannah, truly dripping in natural beauty. We arrived at the end of the tarmac road and carried on up the gravel road to a parking area just below the entrance, we walked up to the entrance to be greeted by a young lady and her son, she gave us a book on the area and informed us the entrance was free, she then proceeded to give us a guided tour, not a great deal to see but worth it none the less, over all a great visit and definitely worth the effort.
4.1
(913)
3.9
(1355)
Idaean Cave, Nida Ψυχρό, Greece
18E P — Google reviewOrient ( — Google reviewMerrilee B — Google reviewGhl — Google reviewBecky T — Google reviewForrest T — Google reviewAnjan G — Google review
Arkadi Monastery
Mentioned on
Monastery
Sights & Landmarks
The Arkadi Monastery, a 16th-century Eastern Orthodox monastery and church, is a symbol of resilience and sacrifice deeply rooted in Crete's history. Its architectural grandeur and historical significance make it a compelling site for spiritual travelers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a reflective experience. Families can use the visit as an educational opportunity to learn about the monastery's role in Cretan history.
A rich history, a sad history but extremely well curated. Enough information, very reasonable price to enter. Not crowded. Stacks of parking. Easy to find.
Restaurant outside offers very good food and a great view of the gorge below.
Neil M — Google review
Really interesting place to visit with lots to see, also very beautiful.
There were a few rooms/object with a lack of information/ description. With a bit more info it would have been 5 stars.
We visited as part of a trip. Interesting place. Unfortunately many areas too dark to see exhibits clearly. Nearby cafe was poorly stocked and there were some birds and animals in adjacent garden in awful caged areas.
Loved our visit to the monastery. Such a sad history but it also showed the defiant and courageous character of the local people. Beautiful buildings and grounds steeped in history with an onsite museum. Highly recommend.
This monastery is truly a place worth visiting. Nestled in a peaceful setting, it carries centuries of history and spiritual depth. The atmosphere is calm and reverent — you can really feel the presence of the monks who still live and pray here. The architecture and icons are beautifully preserved, and there are many fascinating historical details to discover around every corner. Whether you’re interested in culture, history, or simply want to experience a moment of quiet reflection, this monastery is absolutely worth the trip.
Beautiful architecture and very photogenic though not tons to see inside, outside of the Gallery where more details about its history and important objects. We spent about 40-45 minutes slowly wandering through this 17th century monastery. The map provided showed the key places to see and gave a little context - no other signs were available outside of the Gallery.
There are some uneven steps and low doorways so take care.
It was busy but not crowded when we visited on a July Monday.
They mention online shoulders and knees should be covered, but didn’t appear enforced based on other visitors.
Small shop onsite with some Cretan souvenirs and a lot of Christian icons for sale. Prices felt a bit steep, eg €4,5-5 for a magnet.
Large free gravel car park.
Toilets available in car park area are adequate.
Cafe next door has refreshments available.
Arkadi Monastery is a monument to the Greek people and the right of individual determinism. In 1866, the Ottomans sent a large army to Arkadi Monastery to crush a Cretan rebellion. Rather than surrender to become slaves, the small group of Cretans in the monastery decided to blow up the ammunition magazine to kill themselves and as many Turks as they could. This helped solidify foreign support for Greek independence.
A very good old monastery with an unique history.
Probably founded in 11th Century by a monk named Arkadios.
Here, monks had a history of taking parts in various historical events not only in Crete, but also in whole Greece.
This monastery was once looted, it's monks were tortured, still these monks again came back to stay here.
There is a museum also inside the premises.
19S G — Google reviewJeff — Google reviewBarbara S — Google reviewRob S — Google reviewMaja Z — Google reviewJoão D — Google reviewTomas G — Google review
Minoan Palace of Phaistos
Mentioned on
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
The Minoan Palace of Phaistos is a captivating archaeological site that offers a window into the ancient Minoan civilization on Crete. As the second most important palace of the Minoans, it holds great historical and cultural significance. Situated with breathtaking views of the Messara Plain and Mt Psiloritis, this site was built around a central court and features fewer frescoes compared to Knossos.
If you're in the south side of Crete definitely stop here to see the site. It's well maintained and has a self-service Cafe where you can cool off from the heat. Most of the site is in direct sun but there are nice shaded areas along the edges of the site with benches to cool off. The food at the Cafe was good and at a fair price
Mr. B — Google review
The palace was very important for the control of southern Crete and the trade with Egypt. It’s not as impressive as the one at Knossos because there are minor reconstructions but it is really worth the visit. Many of the most important artifacts from the Minoan era have been found here.
This is a great archeological site to visit.
Unlike Knossos, which has been reconstructed in places, Phaistos is in the natural untouched state as it was discovered.
There is still enough of the remains to get a good idea of how the palace was in its day.
The scenery around the site is stunning.
Yet another archeological site in Greece that is nothing to write home about. On the plus side - it is a site of a former Minoan palace and you only have to share it with a few other visitors! Sadly, the site is only very small compared to other ancient sites, and even worse, some parts are fenced off. Even if you look behind every stone, you have seen everything in 45 minutes max. And I don’t even want to mention the ridiculous entry fee of 15 Euros!
Interesting site.
Much less busy to the Palace of Knossos. It is further away for most tourists and it has much less to view. The entrance fee was 15 euros the day I was there and considering the balance between the "Ooo, Aaah!" factors for both places, this is Interesting if you drive by. There is controversial restorations at Knossos and here it is basically just a stone platform so there is less to see and marvel at but it is interesting, historically.
4 star rating if you are interested in history but if not....maybe 3 star.
I understand this is a very important piece of history and civilization, and I was happy to come here, but it felt underwhelming. Because it's so old and not much of the palace has survived, it's difficult to imagine how it actually looked like.
There are quite a few informative boards on the site in greek and English and some pictures - maybe more illustrations would make it more accessible for a regular person.
It's still a nice walk, with beautiful views - but 15 euro for entrance seemed pricey for me.
It's ok but I don't think I would recommend it to any of my friends.
Technicalities - the site is sunny so it can get very hot - remember to bring water and cover your head. Some benches in the shadow will help you cool down.
There are lots of cute cats near the palace.
There is also a toilet, a souvenir shop and cafe - I was sad to see that the souvenir shop offers really the cheapest kind of bullshit from china :( there is also a 'museum shop' with some books and postcards but also not a great selection.
I will make the same comment as to other archeological sites in Crete: for the entry fee, the site should be more visitor-centered, including additional notes, maps or labels tourists could read and enjoy along the way.
Phaistos remains one of the must-see sites to understand and explore the Minoan era in Crete. The site is immense and extremely well preserved, placed atop of a hill that shows the wonderful plains of Mesara and the multiple olive trees. The site is divided in well identified part but still felt that most of it was not accessible to visit. A must-see for ruin lovers in Crete, but beware of the shoes or bringing small children with you.
Beautifull archeological site, not as reconstructed as a Knossos palace, but beautifull either way. If you have a great imagination, you can pretty much reconstruct it in your head and feel like a part of the ancient Minoan community walking the same streets and corridors as them some 3500 years ago... If you stay in Crete I believe Knossos and Phaistos are a must visit.
20Xronis X — Google reviewKris K — Google reviewZena D — Google reviewDesislava M — Google reviewEllie P — Google reviewTraian M — Google reviewTraveler — Google review•
Faros Beach Hotel
Hotel
Faros Beach Hotel is a cozy hotel located right on the Venetian Harbor in Rethymnon. It offers simple rooms and suites with the option to enjoy bay, harbor, and marina views from its rooftop terrace. The hotel's convenient location allows guests to easily explore the harbor, old town, and Fortezza Castle. Guests can also take advantage of the shared kitchen to save on trip costs.
We only stayed here 1 night but were super happy with how clean the room was, the location to the harbour, restaurant and old town shops!
Bonus for our room was the little stoop area which was a nice place to relax with a drink and have a view of the harbour.
The staff were also very friendly and helpful. They gave us some good food recommendations and let us check in much earlier than planned. Due to the location there is no on site parking, but id you walk a block last the restaurant there is a big parking bay we used to park the car overnight - this cost us 10euro which helped ease the stress of finding parking which is virtually impossible in this area.
Location, location, location! Highly recommended.
Hazel B — Google review
The rooms are clean and the service is excellent and it's child friendly and it has a great view
Amazing view. Great location. Small rooms but clean.
We had a small, compact room, with a lovely balcony overlooking the sea, where we could watch the comings and goings of Rethymno, whilst drinking ouzo and the sun streamed into our room each morning. The en suite was tiny but adequate (I've known much smaller!). The housekeeping was excellent and the owners were friendly and helpful. Faros Beach Hotel is in a very convenient spot for the harbour, the old town and Fortezza Castle. It's not too far to walk to the beach (stopping on the way at one of the many bars for a cocktail) and the boat trips are on your doorstep. Some people have mentioned the noise, but we found if we closed the balcony doors and used the air conditioning we were not kept awake. If your kind of holiday is staying in an ultra modern hotel, sitting around a pool all day, missing the local sights, then this hotel is not for you, but if you want to stay in a lovely, clean hotel with character I would not hesitate to recommend.
The hotel has changed ownership and has been renovated.
The location is perfect, right in the heart of the old town with a view over the old harbour. Staff is welcoming and helpful, the double room with sea view is comfortable and has everything you need.
Thanks for making our stay even more special 🥂☀️🏝
What a great surprise for us!
Room with balcony facing the Venetian Port and lighthouse right in the centre of town.
Super friendly and helpful and very clean surrounded by restaurants bars shops and a few Mtrs from the beach and so reasonably priced!
Good: perfect location. Access to the beach and the best bars and restaurants. Less good: the hotel really needs a renovation. The bed was terrible, very inconfortable and the blankets were dirty. Moreover, the attitude of the management was not appropriate: "you received what you payed for". The AC and the fridge were very noisy.
Decent hotel with great views of the Venetian harbour. Double rooms are spacious and have two bathrooms/showers. Located about 10 mins away from the old town and about 20 mins away from the beach.
3.8
(171)
4.1
(1648)
Venetian Harbour, Eleftheríou Venizélou 88, Rethymno 741 31, Greece
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21Maria B — Google reviewMateusz W — Google reviewJOvi E — Google reviewFerenc H — Google reviewIonuț N — Google reviewSilia H — Google reviewAlison I — Google review•
Rimondi Fountain
Mentioned on
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Rimondi Fountain, constructed in 1626 by the Venetian governor Rimondi, is a prominent public fountain in Rethymno. It features Corinthian columns and lion-head spouts that supplied the town with water from Mt Vrysinas. Situated in the Old Town, it stands alongside other notable landmarks such as the Fortezza, Loggia, and Porta Guora.
Lovely little old town with a good mix of new and old shops/restaurants.
The people are lovely and cafés so welcoming.
Prices are pretty much ok and there is always a good varied menu.
Enjoy driving, it is one hell of an experience, if you live in Paris or Rome, you'll have no problem 🤣
Stephen B — Google review
We had coffee & a great late breakfast in the cafe just next to it. Lovely.
The attraction is free to visit.
Keep in mind that the fountain is located in a passageway surrounded by many restaurants and shops. Consequently, it gets quite crowded, and you might have to wait a while to take a photo without people in it.
I recommend stopping by if you're already in the city or if you're an architecture enthusiast, but I wouldn't make a special trip just for this from the other side of the island.
A nice venecian fountain still egzisting. There are some nice caffee beside. Still working
It a nice fountain to visit but it’s not easy to find, it felt like it was hidden a bit. Cafes and taverns are all around it so if you expect a big fountain in the middle of the square then you’ll be disappointed. It’s worth to visit though just a quick selfie and then head to the next stop
A beautiful mix of old and new in Rethymno. The fountain blends perfectly with the modern restaurants, and the small square is a lovely stop with plenty of shops and tavernas. Highly recommended!
Really nice and pretty, you don't need tickets to go there, you just see it, take pictures if you want and then go on with your trip.
Very pretty village, chilled atmosphere, nice shops, drink and freshen up at the fountain and people watch. Do visit the folk museum to the left of the fountain. It's free, tiny but packed with lovely antiquities, and hosted by a genuinely enthusiastic and welcoming host.
4.4
(10807)
3.8
(797)
Mavrokordatou Alexanrou, Rethymno 741 31, Greece
22Gabriela I — Google reviewAlexandru O — Google reviewKarthik S — Google reviewOleksandra D — Google reviewMel F — Google reviewIRENE P — Google reviewMaciek E — Google review
Mat Old Town Apartments
Mentioned on
Holiday apartment rental
Bed & breakfast
Neighborhoods
Mat Old Town Apartments in Rethymno is ideally located within walking distance of the Rethymnon Venetian Port and Rethymnon Cathedral. The property offers 10 individually decorated guestrooms with well-equipped kitchenettes. Guests can enjoy amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge services, and a grocery/convenience store on-site. The apartments also feature express check-in and check-out services, as well as dry cleaning/laundry facilities.
Great host, parking in harbour, lovely square. It has everything to stay for longer
Kaeres — Google review
Pro - the location is perfect, right in the old town with easy access to the beaches, restaurants and bars, and all major attractions. The room I stayed in, I3, with courtyard view, has the necessary accommodations for a trip - fridge, mini oven, iron, hairdrier, washing machine. The bed was comfortable. Stella, the hostess, was very nice and understanding. Con - I was anxious when I read in 2 other reviews that the air conditioner from the room next door is noisy, and I was hoping this was an overstatement. Unfortunately, it was an understatement. Room 3 does not have a noise canceling window, and the air conditioner from the room next door is extremely noisy (imagine a helicoper noise all night long). When I signaled this issue, the owner called some technicians that sprayed the machines with water, which has nothing to do with the root cause, these should be replaced. I did manage to get used to the noise, as I slept with ear buds and a pillow on my head, but I need to be honest and warn others, especially if you are light sleepers.
Inexpensive, but there was a bad smell coming from bathroom and also there are restrictions with using the boiler.
The apartment had old furniture aswell.
Very centrally located apartment in the old town. No parking available. The room was small
(Translated by Google) Great location, very close to everything. The apartments are stylish, the Internet works well, the hosts are not intrusive and polite, there is almost everything you need, the only thing missing is salt and butter, if you are staying for a short time, it is not very convenient to buy your own. The only downside is that there is a bed on the second floor and it gets a little hot there at night, the air conditioning doesn’t reach there, the air hardly moves.
(Original)
Шикарное расположение, очень близко ко всему. Апартаменты стильные, интернет работает хорошо, хозяева не навязчивые и вежливые, есть почти все необходимое, не хватает только соли и масла, если ненадолго заселился, то покупать свои не очень удобно. Единственный минус на втором этаже кровать и там жарковато ночью, кондиционер туда не достаёт, воздух почти не двигается.
(Translated by Google) Perfect location in the heart of the old town. Accommodation sufficiently equipped for a short stay. Cleanliness more than adequate. Quiet apartment despite the location which is a real plus!
Pleasant and discreet owner.
We recommend!
(Original)
Emplacement parfait au cœur de la veille ville. Logement suffisamment équipé pour un court séjour. Propreté plus que correcte. Appartement silencieux malgré l’emplacement ce qui est un véritable plus !
Propriétaire agréable et discret.
On recommande !
(Translated by Google) It is an apartment in the Old town of Rethynon in Crete, near Venetian Port, Rethyno Cathedral, close to everything.
In a quiet, clean place, it is modern, beautiful and has air conditioning, refrigerator, kitchen, TV. It is a very comfortable and cozy apartment.
(Original)
Es un apartamento en el Old town de Rethynon en Creta, cerca de Puerto Veneciano, de la Catedral de Rethyno, cerca de todo.
En un lugar tranquilo, limpio, es moderno , bonito y tiene aire acondicionado,nevera, cocina, tv. es un apartament muy comodo y acogedor.
(Translated by Google) A very good place, we booked via booking for 4 nights and it fully met our expectations.
(Original)
Bardzo dobre miejsce, rezerwowaliśmy przez booking na 4 nocy i w pełni spełniło nasze oczekiwania.
23Reza S — Google reviewGianna O — Google reviewLoredana E — Google reviewPaul D — Google reviewStephen B — Google reviewVlad S — Google reviewJonathan L — Google review
Fortezza of Rethymnon
Mentioned on
Fortress
Sights & Landmarks
The Fortezza of Rethymnon is an impressive 16th-century Venetian citadel that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the town and port. It is a significant monument in the Old Town, alongside other notable landmarks such as the Loggia, Rimondi fountain, central gate, church of Agios Fragkiskos, and the picturesque Venetian port. The fortress also bears witness to the Turkish occupation with surviving mosques in the vicinity.
Nice and historical place, with a great view of the sea and town. You can spend around one hour there walking along the old walls and admiring picturesque views. The cost of the entrance is 5 euros per person. Unfortunately, ruins seem to be not well maintained and preserved, so you have to be careful during the sightseeing.
Paweł P — Google review
Fortezza – A Worthwhile Visit with Room for Improvement.
Historically, Fortezza is a fascinating site and absolutely worth a visit while in Rethymno. The entrance fee is €5 for a single adult, and you can explore the grounds in about 40 minutes to an hour—assuming you can handle the intense July heat and direct sun. The panoramic views of the sea and the city are stunning, offering plenty of breathtaking photo opportunities for those into photography or scenic walks.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. There is no guided tour or detailed signage throughout the site, so those interested in learning the historical context may want to research in advance. Some areas appear to be accessible for children, but I would strongly caution parents—there are several open drops with only a small chain as a barrier and no warning signs. Supervision is absolutely necessary.
Maintenance could be improved. We noticed visible garbage in a few of the indoor areas that were otherwise open to visitors. There is a stand-style café inside selling coffee and cold drinks, which seemed popular, though I did not purchase anything myself. Washrooms are available near the entrance, along with a small gift shop offering some interesting items.
Overall, the Fortezza is a memorable and culturally rich stop, but it would benefit from better upkeep, clearer safety measures, and more historical information for visitors.
€5 per person. No wait time.
It's a nice city view point and you need around 30minutes to stroll around the Fortezza. Not much to see within the area though.
Visited in early September at around 12:00 and it was warm and a bit windy, still manageable to walk around for 30minutes.
Nice place to visit. We payed 12 euros for one kid and 2 adults. The view is amazing, but there is no guide and nothing written about the history of this place. Feels like they don’t invest much of taking care of it. Worth visiting bit could definitely be improved.
Big fortress with some preserved ruins and buildings. Some chambers are accessible and are extremely interesting. Unfortunately there is a smell around lots of the ruins.
Fortezza is certainly worth a look. The streets up to the Fort when on foot are stunning and then the views from the Fort of the old town are fantastic. I would avoid the midday as there is very little cover or shelter form the sun and it was very hot. The entrance fee was not bad and i would say does reflect the lack of places to see inside.
We visited this after walking past it numerous times and I think it would've been best to keep how it looks inside in our imagination.
The ticket is €5 per adult and even that felt a bit much. The only thing worth seeing here is the view of the city from the fortress. Other than that, the place is just dirt, rocks and some rundown buildings. There is no tour guide or even plaques explaining what you're looking at.
This place has so much potential, but it's so badly maintained... Too bad it's being managed by incompetent / uninterested people.
Great views. Large complex, however not really much to look at and what there is has no signed history. Could be so much better. Typical Greek EU spent funds with no long term plan for continued maintenance and improvement
24MARIA T — Google reviewMateusz W — Google reviewCelia V — Google reviewAnaël R — Google reviewAndrás V — Google reviewStafford C — Google reviewLukas J — Google review
Caves Matala
Mentioned on
Historical landmark
Nature & Parks
Caverns & Caves
Matala Caves, a series of ancient caves carved into the sea cliffs, have a rich history as a hippy hangout in the 1960s and are now protected. The caves offer separate rooms, windows, and stairways, indicating their use as living quarters. Visitors can stay at Matala Caves Seafront Apartment for stunning sea views and easy access to nearby restaurants and shops. The area also boasts clear waters for swimming and various craft shops to explore.
I visited in May when I stayed in Matala. The caves were impressive and fun to climb. It was 5 euros to enter. Keep in mind the trail is rocky and not wheelchair accessible. Some caves require more climbing.
Julietta — Google review
Very clean and cool waters ,nice caves but you have to pay entrance fees to see from close. Organised beach with sunbeds and umbrellas (but of course you have to pay). Still there is enough space to sit at the beach without paying. Nice restaurants and cafés by the coast. Too crowded parking spaces most of the days meaning you may have to park your car 7-8 minutes far from the beach.
From the beach, the caves look picturesque, and the climb itself is quite an interesting activity.
However, inside the caves, there is a predominant smell of urine, which is quite strange considering the €5 entrance fee for adults. There is also a lack of any information about the site (like an information board), or if there was one, it wasn't prominently displayed. In some places, the railings on the rocks were not secure or had been torn out.
Very impressive caves and high viewpoints of the beach!!! We explored their inside and you could see beds and pillows carved in stone! There were also paintings in some of them and we even spotted a ying-yang from when hippies lived there in the 60s. Disclaimer: You need to be very careful during the climbing to get to the upper caves!!! (athletic shoes required)
The view from the Matala caves is truly stunning and absolutely worth seeing, but visitors should be aware that safety is completely nonexistent. You climb directly on the rock, with no marked paths or proper facilities to secure the ascent. The barriers that are still in place are damaged and unstable, offering no real protection at all. Slipping is a real risk, especially in the heat or if you don’t have proper footwear. I strongly recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes, and I would not suggest this visit for people who are not confident on uneven terrain, especially families with children.
Another downside: the price advertised online is €4, but once you arrive, the entrance fee is actually €5, which feels misleading.
In summary, the view is absolutely beautiful, but the visit requires caution, preparation, and awareness of the risks. This is not a casual or easy outing.
Amazing neolithic caves mixed with modern day's hippy culture. It's a fantastic mixture of life feeling. Maximum recommendation!
Really nice beautiful spot. I really enjoyed my visit here. Beach is nice and clean, 12 euros for 2 chairs and umbria. Amazing food ,cave walk is very interesting. I definitely recommend
The rocks are very shallow, only 3–5 meters deep, and can be walked around in about 10 minutes. The entrance fee is €5. The price is €3 only for seniors over 65 years old. Some of the posts are broken, so it’s better not to lean on them, as they are not very stable.
25Tondula ( — Google reviewZoe D — Google reviewJim P — Google reviewMr B — Google reviewJason D — Google reviewAnna W — Google reviewClare W — Google review•
Matala beach
Mentioned on
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Matala beach, located on the southern coast of Heraklion in Crete, is a bustling former hippie hangout that now attracts families and visitors of all kinds. The limestone caves along the fine-pebble beach were once homes to hippies during the free love movement. While now fully organized and family-friendly, Matala still retains its charm. Nearby Kokkini Ammos beach offers equally stunning views and even caters to nudists at its northern end.
Beautiful beach worth visiting! Though make sure you arrive before 11am as it filled up quite quickly with tourists and it was very busy. Parking looked full everywhere as well. We arrived at 10am on a weekday and it was already quite busy.
Elpida D — Google review
Beautiful beach, but very crowded. If you want to see the caves, it’s at your own risk and there’s a €5 entrance fee. It’s better to wear water shoes because of the stones, and be careful with the waves and rocks.
Unfortunately the day we visited it was too windy and wavy and didn't have the chance to swim.
A nice place with very touristy places and a lot of tourists even in early October!
The best beach to watch the sunset with local bars selling amazing food and drinks too. Ample parking and other shops available for a meander around when you've had enough sun! ☀️
This is a very nice sandy beach with plenty of room in the shade or the sun. Nice snorkeling to the right near to the caves, the entrance to which is via a wooden walkway across the top of the beach.
The shops and restaurants looked nice and not too busy in October. Worth a walk to the lefthand side of the bay for views of the caves.
Town is really hippy, lots of bob barley and bob Dylan music. Caves were dangerous but stunning views. We stopped at 365 cafe Huge portions and really enjoyable lunch
Lovely beach nestled in amongst spectacular, cave riddled cliffs and with a beautiful small town above it.
The water is crystal clear, the sand a fine type of small pebbles. We took our own snorkelling gear and had a great time exploring the underwater world off the beach, near the rocks, cliffs and caves. We spotted many types of fish, sea urchins and sponges.
Came off-season and glorious afternoons on the beach overshadowed by the caves in the rock face. Not too crowded and weather still in high 20s in November, and crystal clear sea still warm enough to swim in.
4.5
(7794)
4.3
(2404)
702 00, Greece, USA
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26Duy H — Google reviewDavid H — Google reviewGreg S — Google reviewDani W — Google reviewRobert W — Google reviewSergiusz A — Google reviewEszter K — Google review•
Red beach
Mentioned on
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Red Beach, also known as Ammoudi, is a stunning shoreline with reddish-brown sand and towering rocks. It's accessible via a hiking trail that offers breathtaking views and a bit of adventure. The 30-minute trek from Matala requires sturdy shoes and plenty of water but rewards visitors with crystal-clear waters and unique red sand. This secluded beach provides a quieter alternative to the bustling Matala area, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
I don't like to climb peaks, but I would return to this beach again for the atmosphere, clear water and beauty on land and under water. We stayed all day and enjoyed a sunset. It wasn't hard to get back after him.
Irena S — Google review
The walk there took some effort but still better than that of Balos in my opinion. The beach is just fine by itself but it’s wavy (which I like) and not so cold and the fact that you can be nude there made it 100x better.
If you’re into the whole nudistic beach thing, this is the place to be.. the climb there is amazing but be sure to bring water to refresh yourself. The beach and the water however are mediocre at best
A beautiful beach.However, getting there requires effort and caution. On the beach itself, there are 2 bars, some sunbeds, and umbrellas.
In the water there are large rocks and stones. Be carefully when swimming 🏊♂️
There's a designated area for naturists.
And goats that are not afraid to steal your food🙂
Definitely worth to visit.
The “owner” on the beach thinks he owns the place. Hard trail, cash only, and a lot of interesting characters - it’s hippy alright, but not the loving everyone kind: you need to be a young tattooed “cool” hippy to be included: not for the normal people - is the vibe you get here. But hey: cool beach and yes there is sand….
If you’re looking for a beach adventure that mixes stunning views with a bit of a workout, Red Beach in Matala is your spot. The hike to this beach is like a scene from an action movie—complete with rocky terrain and the occasional carved figure to keep you company. It's about a 30-minute trek from Matala, so pack your sturdy shoes and plenty of water.
Once you get there, the reddish sand and crystal-clear water make the effort worth it. Don’t miss out on the infamous mojito from Gianni’s bar. Trust me, that strong drink will make the hike back feel like a breeze. Just be ready for some nudist sunbathing action, especially on the southern side of the beach. This place is the perfect blend of natural beauty, a touch of quirkiness, and a whole lot of relaxation.
May 2025: The southern part (from Jannis' bar to the left) is covered with large stones; there is not much space there, as only a few people can fit in (mostly it is an FKK zone). On this side there are also new stones in the water, so be careful.
Most of the guests are naturists in the northern part (from Jannis' bar to the right), as in previous years. The textile part is in front of the tavern.
___
May 2024: The southern part of the beach (after going down to the beach from the tavern to the left) is definitely more mixed: while in previous years the FKK culture prevailed here, now there are more and more people in swimsuits.
May, 2023: There are some changes and changes to the best. The waterline receded a few meters, revealing stretches of beach that earlier were under the water. The stones that covered most of the left (southern) part of the beach in 2022 have been cleaned up, so once again, coming to the beach along the path next to the Giannis tavern and turning left, you can find a lot of space to lie down on the sand at the FKK part. On the other hand, from the tavern going to the right there is still a zone with the FKK sign.
The water is still crystalline (sometimes there are waves and wind), with fine sand, and the entrance to the sea is gentle.
From the parking lot it’s a 15 min walk to the beach, i did it in my sandals, so it was pretty easy, there are some challenging parts, but don’t worry, it’s still manageable. The sunbed sets cost 10 euros, with 2 beds. It’s better to arrive early if you want to have a spot there but there are plenty of space for your own parasol 🏖️ as well. It’s a very nice beach, with 2 bars and one food stand.
4.5
(1722)
4.3
(1064)
702 00, Greece, USA
27Mateusz D — Google reviewLisa M — Google reviewAlex G — Google reviewIra H — Google reviewSidney K — Google reviewLulu2410 — Google reviewConfessions F — Google review•
Preveli beach
Mentioned on
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Preveli beach is a remote and well-known destination where the Kourtaliotis River meets the sea, creating a spectacular exotic setting with palm groves and stairs. It's located about 35km south of Rethymno and offers a unique family adventure with small ponds, waterfalls, and an easy trail to the gorge. The beach is sandy and not well organized due to protection regulations. Additionally, nearby attractions like the Cave of Melidoni add historical significance to the area.
Gorgeous small beach with lovely tavern and access to the palm forest.
Didn’t find it ‘overcrowded’ like all the moaning reviews said - and we went on a busy Sunday.
The river water is naturally murky as it’s a river but wasn’t unclean.
Tavern/cafe charges €3 per soft drink can which is quite normal for a tourist trap. Cafe has toilets and a changing room too.
The walk back up to the closest parking is incredibly challenging and not advised with babies or if unfit. There’s a boat that’s advised instead.
Parking was very cheap - only €3!
Because of where it is, it’s a very windy beach and the sand can blow up into your eyes and face. Because of this it’s best to either set up camp in the trees (this was popular) or to bring shelter such as a beach tent. The sand can also be quite hot so both suitable walking footwear for the walk and sandles is advised.
Don’t regret going and the views from the walk up and down are beautiful!
Jesse H — Google review
We visited this place yesterday, and it turned out to be a reminder not to rely too much on tourist guides, suggestions, or popular tips. The beach itself is, of course, beautiful, but it was so crowded and chaotic that it really took away from the experience.
The parking lot is located a few hundred meters above the beach, and to get there you need to go down very steep stairs. One definitely has to be careful, especially for elderly visitors or those with small children. I actually witnessed a little boy falling and scraping his knees badly on the way down.
On site, there is a bar, some chairs, and a toilet. The scenery is undeniably stunning – the rock formations, including the famous heart-shaped rock, are impressive. However, the sheer number of people, along with the constant arrival of boats unloading tourists, completely robs the place of its natural charm. There is no harmony, no energy, no peace.
Despite the undeniable beauty, the river mouth is simply overcrowded with visitors. After about two hours we left, climbing back up the steep path to the parking lot (currently €3). Afterwards, we found another beach just 7 minutes away, where we were completely alone – and as the locals say, everyone can find their own beach here.
Beautiful beach. From the parking lot, it’s a short hike down to the beach, with beautiful views along the hike. It’s all downhill to the beach and all uphill back, so be prepared. The beach gets very crowded after 9:30-10 AM, especially when the boats start to arrive and drop people off.
A true gem to visit while in Crete! Steps are a bit steep but with care can be done. We were in our beach flip-flops and no issues! The palm tree forest, the river( can actually walk thru it upstream for scenic view) and the beach are spectacular!
Just no. That’s what comes to mind when I think about this beach. Overhyped, overcrowded, too much effort to reach and too little reward once you get there.
The famous palm grove isn’t physically blocked off, but there are signs saying you can’t enter because of fire hazard. Of course, people ignore them and walk up the river from its mouth to snap photos of the palms. The water here is also colder than on most southern beaches, which doesn’t exactly make it inviting.
Getting there is another issue. It’s a solid 15-minute walk each way, with the return being steep uphill. I’m a hiker, and even for me it was effort — I timed it. Expect uneven rocky stairs and a frustrating climb back if you’re not steady on your feet.
If you’re absolutely set on visiting, skip the hike and use the boat service from Plakias. Otherwise, there are so many better options for your day. Souda Beach in the south, for example, is a far more enjoyable choice.
Easily the most magical place I’ve ever been with the most unique landscape EVER! Absolutely LOVED this spot and recommend exploring here if you’re in Crete!
Gorgeous beach with a river and many palm trees!! We loved it here, but 2 things worth mentioning:
- water is super cold
- you have to hike a bit in order to get to the beach
This place has so much potential, but unfortunately, it's being ruined by tourists who don’t seem to care. There was plastic floating in the water, which was really sad to see in what could be a magical spot. It was pretty overwhelming because it was crowded.
The hike up can be intense, but it’s doable if you pace yourself. At the top, there’s a guy selling fruit and water — I highly recommend grabbing something from him. If you’re not up for the hike, I noticed there’s a boat service that picks up and drops off visitors.
Overall, it is a beautiful location, but to be honest, I’m not sure I’d recommend it simply because of how busy and poorly treated it is. Definitely bring water shoes — the rocks in the water are slippery.
4.5
(10465)
4.1
(1994)
740 60, Greece, USA
28Eric B — Google reviewLorenz B — Google reviewIgnaz W — Google reviewNim — Google reviewDatini O — Google reviewOvidiu P — Google reviewStephan S — Google review
Holy Monastery of Piso Preveli
Mentioned on
Monastery
Sights & Landmarks
Churches & Cathedrals
The Holy Monastery of Piso Preveli, located in the southern part of Rethymno, Crete, is a renowned religious site divided into upper and lower sections. It boasts a miraculous gold cross and offers breathtaking views of the Libyan Sea. Despite being destroyed multiple times throughout history, it still showcases typical local architecture and exudes a tranquil ambiance.
Preveli Monastery is a beautiful and well-maintained site with a rich history. Founded in the Middle Ages, it played a key role in both the Greek War of Independence and World War II. Today, the restored upper monastery showcases stunning religious relics and breathtaking views, making it a must-visit destination.
Georgios P — Google review
Nice orthodox monastery with a small museum and a beautiful church.
The site is quite amazing overlooking the ocean.
Peacocks and birds also...
Really impressive monetary dating back to the 13th century. You'll have the most amazing view and will learn a lot about the history of the place. Some of the Icons are just fabulous. If you go to Preveli beach you should not miss it. But come early to beat the crowds and the arbitrary opening times of Orthodox monetaries.
Great Club. No wait like at Berghain. The bouncer is easy-going. Only 4€ entry! Photography is not allowed on the main floor but they don’t put stickers on your cameras. The soundsystem is a bit dated but the whole vibe here is awesome! Not too crowded either, but I wished the door was a bit stricter on who they allow in. Big groups of Germans in socked Birkenstocks and shorts just ruin the groove.
Peaceful place with lots of animals. Place rich in history that shows the place of Crete in WW2.
Entry costs 4€ pp and you can access the museum (no photos allowed).
Preveli Monastery is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, set in a stunning location with breathtaking views over the Libyan Sea. The church inside is wonderfully decorated, with a beautifully carved iconostasis and impressive frescoes. You can also see the relics of Greek saints, which adds a deep spiritual atmosphere.
The grounds are full of life – peacocks, geese, ducks, and many singing birds make the visit even more charming. It’s a perfect spot to combine history, spirituality, and nature. A must-see if you are exploring the south of Crete!
It is worth a visit. The 4€ entry fee is maybe not warranted as besides the chapel to pray there isn't much else. You can see, from above, the animals that the monks take care of - goats, peacocks, ducesa, geese, ostrich etc. The view is also pretty nice
We were fortunate to have been blessed on two separate visits to the monastery. We were fortunate and blessed to receive Blessing by Father Antonio’s through the Holy Cross of Preveli. This cross has an original peace of the Cross of Jesus Christ embedded within it. We were very happy to have been granted and receive this blessing. Please note: We are Greek Orthodox. I’m not sure if this is possible for Christians of other denominations.
29Maxi R — Google reviewMartina M — Google reviewKerem — Google reviewAntonios P — Google reviewEmy E — Google reviewJames B — Google reviewHub C — Google review•
Damnoni beach
Mentioned on
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Damnoni Beach is a popular destination located in Crete, about 35km south of Rethymno. It offers clear turquoise waters and white sand, making it perfect for activities like kayaking, scuba diving, and windsurfing. The beach provides facilities such as bars, showers, and parking. It's also known for its rugged mountain backdrops at either end and is considered one of the best secluded beaches in Crete.
Nice beach , sunbeds starting 10€ , taverns behind to get what you need . Easy acces with car
Marius B — Google review
Love this beach! Blue water, nice sand, great restaurants around.
The little ones close to it are better (better water and so on) but the beach is i credibly empty (august), a lot of rentable seats, restourants under the trees, we found very easily the parking lots at 10 am.
Beautiful beach, worth your time! There are a few tavernas behind the beach and they have incredible food. You can rent an umbrella and two sun-beds for circa 7€. Visited during low season (end of october) but the water was still amazing to swim in. You should definitely pay this place a visit and it is definitely worth it.
great beach , big enough to feel spacious.
The food is decent, fairly valued and the waiters at the restaurants very eager to serve and very polite. Nice and scenic route. Enough space to park. Not to be missed!!
The beach is crystal clear and we went to two of the restaurants there, Akti Damnoni and Taverna Violakis 1967. Both Tavernas have delicious foods and lovely staff. There is also an Italian Cafe at the top but we ran out of time. There is a Crete Market before the beach
Lovely beach. Worth going to the far end near the rocks. Sun beds €10 and beach service from the little bar at the top of some steps. Water so clear for snorkelling and lots of fish. Take care at that end getting in the water as there is a large area of rock under the water. It’s no problem just be aware it’s there! Plenary of car parking when we got there at 12 ish.
Nice and quiet beach. Good umbrellas and beach beds. Good taverna and the possibility to take the hop on boot to Preveli. Great.
4.6
(2292)
4.4
(484)
740 60, Greece, USA
30Libor — Google reviewGoran M — Google reviewBozenkaBetty — Google reviewLazar N — Google reviewMiltiadis B — Google reviewBurticel R — Google reviewSerena S — Google review
Plakias beach
Mentioned on
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Plakias beach is a serene and spacious stretch of coastline located in the peaceful village of Plakias, on the southern coast of the Rethymnon region in Crete. The long crescent-shaped bay offers ample space for walking, biking, and sand sports. Visitors can also explore nearby restaurants and enjoy the calm waters with small waves due to offshore winds.
Stunning mountains and sea await you in this small seaside town on the Southern coast of Crete. They have many tavernas to eat along the water. Look for where the locals are eating and this will help you avoid the touristy venues. While there are a handful of tourist shops, the landscape isn’t dominated with tacky items.
Anne R — Google review
Long beach, part near the shop and tavern, part quieter. Beach bars, sunbeds. Nudist part. Calm, clear sea. Around the rock. Plenty of parking spaces, but we were there at the beginning of May.
Great beach, many beach bars nearby, but not too crowded because it is so long...
A set of wooden sunbeds with fat mattresses and bamboo-style umbrellas nearby Hotel Alegria cost 10€ (you get two bottles of water for free). The water was not too cold like it was on the other southern beaches, it gets deeply fairly quick but nonetheless it is suitable for families.
Part of the beach close to a huge rock is reserved for nudists.
We were having great fun with waves...
Plakias beach is wonderful for swimming near Beach Bar Mes tin Ammo and then going for a drink or snack at the bar. The water is clean and there are free umbrellas if you are a customer. Easy to spend an afternoon there and swim in the beautiful and energizing bay of Plakias.
One of the best beaches in Crete. Very clean beach area, well arranged and organized. Sunbeds available. Different bars along the beach. Toilets are very clean and well maintained. Don't miss this beach.
This review concerns only the part of the beach in front of SYNKA Super Market. 20€ for a set of sunbeds ……. This is pure theft, shame on them, people like this are making big damage to Cretan tourism. Ruthless and shameless thieves!!!!!!
Nice ⛱️ beach.You find good prise for beach loungers. Thei have tavernas and markets wher you cand find all you want .
Following a spectacular mountain drive through the Amari Valley, it was wonderful to arrive in Plakias & experience swimming in the Libyan sea. Quiter spots on this strip of sandy beach can be found - under the trees.
Sun loungers & umbrellas available for hire & beach tavernas & supermarkets are also available & walkable.
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