Beautiful Ruins: Top Historic Attractions of Crete

If Crete is famous for one thing above all others, it is the world-class historic attractions that abound on the island. When travelling to Crete, make sure you have a list of these prepared so you can make an itinerary to visit as many of them as possible. Here are a few to start you off.

Gortina

When you go travelling to Crete to learn about its history, you should not miss exploring the ruins of this ancient Roman city. One of the best sites on the island, the ruins are spread out over the fields and it is a fascinating place to explore. You'll be able to see the church of Ayios Titos, dating back to the 6th century, which is one of the most important buildings here. You can also see the place where the code of law was carved into the stone in 500 BC, making it the first of its kind in Europe.

Gournia

The ruins at Gournia are interesting in that they belong to a normal Minoan town rather than a palace. This is, in fact, the best-preserved Minoan town on the island, and it provides an insight into everyday life thousands of years ago. The ruins date back to 1500 BC and you will be able to see houses, workshops and more. Head to the top for a great view of the surrounding area.

Arkadi Monastery

This monastery is one of the most important on the island. Venture inside the monastery to see the ossuary where the bones of the dead are presented; these belonged to resistance fighters killed by Turkish forces in the 19th century. The Venetian church inside has a beautiful facade and is also well worth spending some time exploring.

Phaistos

This Minoan Palace is often regarded as being even better than Knossos, and because it attracts fewer tourists it can be far more pleasant to visit. It is located on a hill so the views are amazing. As you wander around, you'll discover the Grand Staircase, the Central Court and many other fascinating features.

Knossos

This is the most famous Minoan Palace on the island and when travelling to Crete it is usually one of the main attractions tourists head for. It is a huge palace of over 1,000 rooms, so the scale is incredible. Try to get here early in the day to avoid the crowds, as it can get very busy.

See the Historic Wonders

This stunning Greek island has many incredible historic attractions to visit, so no matter where you stay you will never be far from one. When travelling to Crete, make some time to visit at least a few of these above to discover more about this fascinating destination.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re travelling to Crete, Shuttle Direct can provide pre-booked shuttles to this and all major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.