Crete is a large island with numerous places to visit during your vacation. It is impossible to see all the points of interest in all of Crete, unless you have a month for your holidays. Thus, it is important to organise your journey according to the prefectures of Crete. One of them is the prefecture of Heraklion. If you have a week, you can easily and conveniently see some of the worthwhile things in Heraklion by renting a car. A road trip on the island of Crete is an unforgettable experience. You drive through traditional villages, beautiful seaside settlements as well as mountainous areas with verdant nature. Of course, we must warn you: the beaches and the beautiful destinations around Heraklion are so many that one article is not enough to describe them. We gathered here for you a list of the top places to explore by car, but there is always something more to discover!
Heraklion
Heraklion is the largest city of Crete, a modern town with many things to do. The vivid nightlife, the impressive Old Fortress and the traditional taverns to taste the famous Cretan cuisine are must. Also, don’t miss the Archaeological Museum with significant exhibits of the Minoan Times, which have been found in archaeological sites around Crete, such as the Phaistos Disc.
Knossos
Knossos is one of the most important historical sites in Greece. In Knossos, you will explore the magnificent Palace of Knossos, one of the most brilliant sites of Minoan Times. The excursion to Knossos is a perfect opportunity to learn the history of Crete from the beginning and discover the traces of the Neolithic settlement that dates back to 5,000 B.C.
Phaistos
In Phaistos, the second cultural and commercial centre during the Minoan Times, there are also ruins of a Minoan Palace, such as the central courtyard and the royal apartments. Phaistos is also the location, where in 1903 was uncovered the famous Phaistos Disc, a clay tablet with letters of the Linear A, the Minoan writing system, which has not been deciphered yet.
Matala
Heraklion has innumerable gorgeous beaches, but if you have to visit only one, go to Matala. Matala was a hippie place due to the caves above the beach, where the hippies found the perfect accommodation. Today, it is a long, sandy, organised beach with exotic touches and a friendly village behind the beach with all the touristic facilities you may need.
Agia Pelagia
Agia Pelagia is a small seaside settlement, 10 km from the city of Heraklion. In front of the settlement, you can swim and sunbathe on the exotic beach with the thick sand and the emerald waters.
Libyan Sea
The southern side of Crete overlooks the Libyan Sea, where you can find truly exotic beaches, like being in Africa. A perfect example is the beach of Lentas, which is a remote beach, near a friendly fishing village. Because it is uncrowded, Lentas is a nudism-friendly beach, where you will find the ultimate connection with nature.
