Crete is the largest island of Greece, and thus it offers its visitor numerous things to do. Crete is the best destination for a road trip. Rent a car in Crete and discover amazing towns and villages that are one of a kind. We recommend you to spend several days for your vacation in Crete and visit all of its four prefectures, each of which has something unique and beautiful to show you.
Rethymno
Rethymno achieves the combination of modern with old. It has Venetian architecture, which captivates every visitor, but at the same time, it also has traces of the Ottoman Empire as well as modern buildings connected in a labyrinth with neoclassical houses. The Venetian fortress of the town is called Fortezza and gives the town a romantic character. The scenery has also old churches, elegant mansions and traditional local shops.
Heraklion
Heraklion, the largest city of Crete, is a busy town with modern aspects. The vivid nightlife, the imposing Old Fortress, the Archaeological Museum with exhibits of the Minoan Times and the historical sites of Knossos and Faistos in a close distance to city centre are the best things you can do and see there.
Chania
Chania is a town with long history, strong culture and elements of various civilisations that affected it. Mosques, neoclassical houses, churches and Venetian buildings create a multicultural destination, which will impress you. The Old Town and the picturesque port are the best spots of Chania, where you can stroll around, eat, shop and enjoy your drink.
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos, the capital of Lassithi prefecture, has an exotic combination of modern and neoclassical. The Sea Lake in the city centre creates the exact picture of the summer, and the touristic facilities of this city make the stay there just amazing. Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum in Agios Nikolaos as well as the Minoan site of Lato.
Ierapetra
Ierapetra is a beautiful coastal town, located 40 km from Agios Nikolaos. It is a popular tourist resort on the eastern side of Crete. From Ierapetra, are organised many boat tours to the stunning island of Gaidouronissi, which has one of the best beaches in Crete. The most imposing site of the town of Ierapetra is Kales Fortress at the entrance of the port, a castle that was built by the Venetians in the 13th century and dominates the whole town.
Anogia
Anogia is a traditional village, close to Rethymnon (one hour by car). It is a mountainous village that because of its remote location, has kept a strong authentic Cretan character. You can see there local customs, traditional costumes and hear the Cretan dialect. Anogia has also a great musical tradition with the Cretan instrument “lyra” and is a major handicraft and cottage industry centre. There, you can find many workshops open to the public, where you can also buy local products as souvenirs from your vacation in Crete.
