Koules Fortress

Crete

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DESTINATIONS greece crete Do & See Koules Fortress

Koules Fortress

The Venetian Koules Fortress, also known as Castello a Mare (which means "fort on the sea"), is one of Heraklion's main landmarks and is located on the old harbour. This big, square-shaped structure was built in the 16th century to protect the city and was subsequently armed with cannons. The rooftop offers scenic views over the sea and Heraklion city.

Useful Information

Address: Heraklion, Crete

Do & See

Crete is filled with history and scenic landscapes. Archaeological sites, historical landmarks, fascinating museums, isolated monasteries, wandering walking trails and much more await you in this amazing place.

Old Town of Chania

Old Town of Chania

"The Venice of the East", Chania is characterized by a blend of Venetian, Ottoman and Neoclassical monuments and architecture. Its streets are narrow, colorful and picturesque, passing by flowered balconies, traditional knife shops, Cretan boot shops, lively restaurants and cozy cafes. Don't miss the beautiful promenade along the Venetian port, where you can see …

Koules Fortress

Koules Fortress

The Venetian Koules Fortress, also known as Castello a Mare (which means "fort on the sea"), is one of Heraklion's main landmarks and is located on the old harbour. This big, square-shaped structure was built in the 16th century to protect the city and was subsequently armed with cannons. The rooftop offers scenic …

Historical Museum of Crete

Historical Museum of Crete

Founded in 1953, the Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion hosts a permanent collection showcasing the history of Crete from the third century AD to the end of the Second World War. Artefacts, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and other objects of interest are displayed in chronological order, with visual materials, multimedia and audio guides available …

Minoan Palace of Knossos

Minoan Palace of Knossos

The ruins of the Palace of Knossos, the largest and most brilliant centre of the Minoan civilization, are located 5 kilometres south of the historical centre of Heraklion. Twisting corridors and stairwells, which used to connect as many as five storeys, create a truly labyrinthine complex which rivals the mythological Minoan …

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

This museum is located in the center of Heraklion and is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, thanks to its unrivalled collection of artefacts from the Bronze-age Minoan culture. The exhibits cover a period of ten millennia, from the Neolithic era until late Roman times. The introductory texts in each …

Natural History Museum of Crete

Natural History Museum of Crete

The Natural History Museum of Crete does not only present the natural wealth of the island, but that of the entire Eastern Mediterranean. Here you'll find, among other things, a discovery centre for children, an earthquake simulator, aquariums and terrariums, a large collection of fossils and a replica of the largest mammal ever, which …

Elounda & Spinalonga Island

Elounda & Spinalonga Island

Elounda, with its luxurious villas and hotels, is the preferred escape of the rich and famous. From Elounda, you can take a 25-minute boat trip to Spinalonga Island, known for its well-preserved Venetian fortress, small pebble beaches, and for being one of Europe's last leper …

Samaria Gorge

The gorge of Samaria is the longest and one of the most imposing gorges in Europe. Perhaps the most popular trekking path of Greece runs along its course, passing by varied landscapes, water springs, different types of trees, cliffs, pools and impressive rocks. The gorge is 18 kilometres long and its width varies between …

E4 European Path

E4 European Path

Another way to explore the island of Crete is by walking and hiking. The E4 European Walking Trail section in Crete features 91 hiking routes, for a total length of 560 km, traversing diverse landscapes and rare ecosystems. If you wish to complete the entire path, you should allow 3 or 4 weeks to …

Venetian walls of Heraklion

Venetian walls of Heraklion

The fortification works of Heraklion are rightfully counted among the most important in the Eastern Mediterranean. Built in the First Byzantine period (330-840 AD), these fortifications were supplemented by the Arabs (840-961), the Byzantines (961-1204), and the Venetians (after 1211). Under threat of invasion by the Turks, a three-kilometre long wall with four gates …

Nikos Kazantzakis Museum

Nikos Kazantzakis Museum

This museum is dedicated to the famous Cretan author Nikos Kazantzakis, who wrote "Zorba the Greek" and "The Last Temptation of Christ". Among the exhibits are his personal correspondence and diaries, souvenirs from his travels, photographs, models of theatrical sets and costumes from performances of his plays, rare audio-visual material, and works of art …

Lasithi Plateau

Lasithi Plateau

At an altitude of 850 metres, the Lasithi Plateau is the largest mountain plain in Crete. Nowadays, it has been transformed into a giant garden. There are numerous settlements at the plain where you can try local delicacies and the traditional raki drink. Lasithi plateau and its surroundings are also ideal for trekking walks …

Toplou Monastery

Toplou Monastery

Panagia Akrotiriani (Our Lady of the Cape) Monastery, colloquially known as Toplou Monastery, is one of Crete’s most impressive historic sights. It is a true bastion and a living museum of the island’s monastic history. There is a small but solemn and stirring two-aisled church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and to Saint John the …

Minoan Palace of Phaistos

Minoan Palace of Phaistos

The palace complex and the city of Phaistos were built on a hill, offering a jaw-dropping panoramic views. Sights to look out for include the Lasithi mountains in the background, and the verdant hills which surround the city. Phaistos was the second largest Minoan city and an important administrative centre of south-central Crete. The Minoan …

Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi Monastery was built at the end of Venetian rule. Apart from the monks' cells, the central building also includes warehouses, stables and premises for processing agricultural products. The two-aisled church, dedicated to Saint Constantine and Saint Helen and to the Transfiguration of the Saviour, is one of the most important architectural monuments of the …

Lake Kournas

Between the cities of Chania and Rethymnon, at the north edge of the White Mountains, you can find Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in …

Trekking in Crete

Trekking in Crete

In addition to the famous Samaria gorge, there are several other beautiful gorges where you can go trekking in Crete. The gorge of Agios Nikolaos is 4 km long and is flanked by the peaks of Ambelakia and Samari. It is considered to be the most important gorge of Psiloritis and Central Crete, and was …

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