The beautiful and historic Greek island of Crete is a great place to visit to learn about Greek culture and history. However, there is something for all types of tourists on Crete. Some may prefer the more populous tourist attractions, luxurious accommodations and beaches, while some may prefer the more authentic feel of the ancient Minoan ruins.

Of course, you’ll want to visit the largest city of Crete, Heraklion. This is home to around 140,000 people, as well as the site of the ruins of Knossos. Dating to the Bronze Age, this is a well preserved site which is a must see for history buffs. Also not to be missed is Venizelous Square, which is very scenic as is Morosini Fountain. For the sports fan, Crete has two soccer teams, Ergotelis FC and OFI Crete. Both teams have their home matches at Pankritiko Stadium.

There are many other Minoan ruin sites around Crete and there are also several museums that contain many artifacts, art collections and information about this ancient civilization. Among these are the Historical Museum of Crete and the Archaeological Museum. The Historical Museum of Crete covers the more recent history of the island and includes many art displays, while the Archaeological Museum, as you can imagine, includes many artifacts of the ancient Minoans. The Archaeological Museum is located in Heraklion, very close to the Palace of Knossos.

One of the largest castles on Crete is to be found in Rethymno, which is also home to an annual Wine Festival in July; other intersting festivals are held in the town as well. If you’re interested in attending the Wine Festival however. be sure to book ahead; it can be hard to find lodging during this very popular event.

The village of Loutro has become a very popular spot for tourists of Crete to visit. The historical village can be a fun afternoon activity of walking around and enjoying the local shops and sights, or it can be an exclusive resort spa to spend several days relaxing and enjoying life to the fullest. These are just a sampling of the many places, historical sites, villages and activities that Crete has to offer.

Last, and smallest, but certainly not least is the town of Sitia. The eastern part of town, along the waterfront is the Kazarma, a fortress once occupied by the Venetians. The E75 runs by Sitia, making it an easy destination to get to.

So, if you are planning a Crete holiday, make sure to include these cities on your list of places to see. They each hold many historical sites and cultural attractions that will make your visit to Crete unforgettable. Take advantage of your holiday in Crete and submerse yourself in this unique island.