The Journal
Explore Crete
From our doorstep in Heraklion, the whole island is within reach — Minoan palaces and harbour fortresses, mountain villages and quiet eastern coves. A few of our favourite days out.
Ancient Crete
Palaces & fortresses.
Archaeology · ~15 min
The centre of the Minoan world and the labyrinth of the Minotaur myth — restored frescoes, grand staircases and a story four thousand years deep, just outside the city.
Archaeology · South
Knossos’ quieter southern rival, set on a ridge above the Messara plain. Fewer crowds, wide views, and the home of the still-undeciphered Phaistos Disc.
History · East
A Venetian fortress island and, later, one of Europe’s last leper colonies — reached by boat from Elounda, and unexpectedly moving.
History · Heraklion
The Venetian sea-fort guarding the old harbour. A short evening walk from the hotel for the view back over the city at sunset.
Towns & Coast
Out along the water.
Coast · East
Calm turquoise bays and seafront tavernas, and the jumping-off point for the boats to Spinalonga.
Town · East
A photogenic harbour town built around the small, almost bottomless Lake Voulismeni.
Town · West
Venetian and Ottoman lanes, a great fortress, and one of the best-preserved old towns on the island.
Coast · East
Calm turquoise bays and seafront tavernas, and the jumping-off point for the boats to Spinalonga.
Mountains
A high green basin ringed by mountains, dotted with old stone windmills and the cave said to be Zeus’ birthplace.
Leisure
An 18-hole course set into the Cretan hills, an easy drive east of the city.
Museums & Culture
Within walking distance.
Museum · Heraklion
One of the great museums of Greece, holding the finest collection of Minoan art anywhere — the frescoes of Knossos among them.
Museum · Heraklion
From early Christian Crete to the present, including the only El Greco paintings on the island.
Museum · Heraklion
The ecosystems of the Mediterranean under one roof — a good rainy-day stop, especially with children.
Museum · Myrtia
The life of Crete’s great writer — of Zorba the Greek — in the village where his family had roots.
Open-air · Hersonissos
An open-air museum of traditional Cretan life — houses, looms, oil press and herb garden by the sea.
Landmark · Heraklion
The vast cathedral at the heart of the old town, beside the smaller church and museum of Saint Catherine.
With Children
An easy day out.
Family · Gournes
One of the largest aquariums in the Mediterranean, just east of the city — sharks, rays and a clear favourite with younger guests.
Culture · Heraklion
A small church-museum of Cretan icons, including masterworks of the school that shaped El Greco.
A day of old Crete
Open-air · Coast
Pair Lychnostatis with a swim and a long lunch on the way back to the hotel.
Dining
A Cretan table, kept simple.
Mornings begin with a long island breakfast — yoghurt and thyme honey, fresh cheeses, eggs, fruit from the market. In the evening the kitchen turns to small Cretan plates and the day’s catch, served beneath the restaurant’s quiet vaulted light.
The bar pours local wine and raki until late, the way the island intends.