What are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit if you have booked a stay in one of our villas in Crete, you may be asking?
A stunning island of incredible natural beauty with a rich and complex history and cultural heritage that has left an indelible mark on the landscape embodied by ruins, temples, historic towns, architectural gems, works of art, museums, and more, Crete has so much to offer tourists. Many people, in particular, enjoy seeking out the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a location and Crete’s are rather fascinating. So, here is our guide to the must-see UNESCO attractions in Crete...
One of the island’s natural wonders, Samariá Gorge is a national park that was cut through the area between the White Mountains and Mount Volakias by a small river to create a dramatic landscape that has become a popular spot for visitors to the island to go for hikes. With various routes to tackle, it is open to the public between May 1st and October 31st each year.
Another natural gem, Spinalonga is an island in north-eastern Crete, by the town of Plaka. A land mass that has seen raids by Arab pirates in the 7th century, Venetian occupation and fortification in the 16th century, Ottoman rule in the 17th century, and use as a leper colony in the 20th century, it has a rather colourful past with fascinating remnants still to be found on the island. The Fortress of Spinalonga is one of these remnants, an impressive and striking building that speaks to this rich history and adds to the visual drama of its surroundings.
Probably the best-known of Crete’s archaeological sites, the former centre of the Minoan Civilisation, and site of the myth of the minotaur is located on the outskirts of the capital of Heraklion and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. Considered as part of the Minoan Palatial Centres in its listing as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this impressive complex features ruins and partially reconstructed buildings as well as displays of the items that have been discovered at the site.
Book a vacation rental in Crete and come discover her amazing attractions on your next getaway...
