Crete - Museums And Landmarks

HERAKLION ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

This is the second most significant archaeological museum in Greece and hosts a large collection of Minoan artifacts from the four Minoan centers of Crete – Knossos, Phaestos, Malia and, Zakros.
LOCATION: 2 Xanthoudidou, Heraklion. 71202
www.odysseus.culture.gr

KOULES FORTRESS

An iconic 16th-century fortress that dominates the Venetian Harbor in Heraklion. Following a major restoration, the fortress reopened in 2016 and reveals the city’s history through interesting artifacts and visual presentations.
LOCATION: Venetian Harbor, Heraklion, 71202
www.koules.efah.gr

ANCIENT SITE OF KNOSSOS

Surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, Knossos is the oldest Bronze Age archaeological site in Crete. Excavations uncovered the Knossos Palace and brought to life legendary tales about King Minos, the labyrinth, and the Minotaur’s lair.
LOCATION: Knossos, Heraklion, 71409
www.odysseus.culture.gr

ANCIENT SITE OF PHAISTOS

Set on a hill overlooking the Messara Plain, Phaistos is the second most important Minoan palace-city. Keep an eye out for the peristyle court, the grand stairway, and the theatrical area.
LOCATION: Phaistos, Heraklion, 70200
www.odysseus.culture.gr

ANCIENT SITE OF GOURNIA

Gournia is one of the few fully excavated Minoan towns. Spread on a small hill just a few hundred meters from the sea, Gournia is both a unique and
spectacular site.
LOCATION: Gournia, Ierapetra, 72200
www.odysseus.culture.gr

FORTEZZA OF RETHYMNO

A large Venetian fortress overlooking the old town of Rethymno. The Fortezza contains a number of structures such as the Mosque of Sultan Ibrahim, and the Council Building. Visit at sunset to admire the spectacular views.
LOCATION: 27 Emmanouil Kefalogianni, Rethymno, 74100

PALEONTOLOGY MUSEUM OF RETHYMNON

Housed in the restored Veli Pasha Mosque, the museum is a branch of Athens’ Goulandris Natural History Museum. Among its most interesting exhibits are the tusks and fossils from hippos hunted to extinction thousands of years ago.
LOCATION: 18 Dimokratias, Rethymno, 74100

KIOUTSOUK HASAN MOSQUE

The Kioutsouk Hasan Mosque (Giali Tzamisi) is the oldest Ottoman building in Crete and one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Located on the Venetian Harbor of Chania, it is now mainly used as an exhibition space.
LOCATION: LOCATION 18 Sourmelis, Chania, 73132

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF CHANIA

Housed in the superb 16th century church of St. Francis, this museum illustrates the cultural history of the area through a collection that spans from the Neolithic period to the Roman era.
LOCATION: 28 Halidon, Chania, 73132
www.chaniamuseum.culture.gr

FRANGOKASTELLO CASTLE

A 14th century Venetian stronghold built to deter pirates and protect Venetian nobles.The castle is also famous for a local legend that says that mysterious shadows of warriors appear in the area once a year.
LOCATION: Frangokastello, Sfakia, 73011

ARKADI MONASTERY

One of the finest Venetian churches on Crete with a striking facade and an ornate triple bell tower. Due to its grave history, the monastery is a powerful symbol of resistance among locals.
LOCATION: Arkadi, 74100
www.arkadimonastery.gr