Crete is an alternative tourist destination during all seasons. It offers visitors a great range of choices, opportunities for different experiences and a variety of recreation, entertainment, knowledge and education. Discover the island with its unique history, culture and numerous beauties… taste the famous Cretan cuisine and local products… experience the authentic Cretan hospitality!
Archeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum is located in Heraklion of Crete. It is one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains by far the most important and complete collection of artefacts of the Minoan civilization.
Knossos Palace
Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe’s oldest city. Settled as early as the Neolithic period, the name Knossos survives from ancient Greek references to the major city of Crete. Access in 10 min. from Heraklion city center.
Faistos
The Phaistos disc is a fired clay disc, probably of Minoan origin, measuring some 16 cm in diameter and impressed on both sides with 242 symbols set in a spiral arrangement. Discovered in the old palace of Minoan Phaistos on Crete and as yet, this unique archeological find remains an undeciphered enigma. It’s exhibited in archeological museum of Heraklion.
Heraklion City
Heraklion is the largest urban center in Crete, with approx. 200.000 people, the capital and the economic center of the island. The town enjoys of a dynamic and imaginative combination of natural beauty, climate, strategic position and cultural heritage. Today Heraklion is a top tourist destination in the Mediterranean thanks to its geopolitical position, connecting three continents and many different cultures, furthermore the city is also the commercial and scientific center of the island. It’s trademark is the Venetian Harbor with its impressive castle ( Koules ).
![Heraklion-sunset[1]](https://villafourseasons.gr/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Heraklion-sunset1-plbpuizouffp65e56cie05rbyjml349wal6uzkb6hs.jpg "Heraklion-sunset[1]")
Heraklion Port - Venetian castle (Koules)
The Venetian castle Koules is the trademark of Heraklion city. An impressive castle built by the Venetians between 1523-1540, in order to protect the area from invasions of other conquerors. During Ottoman empire it was used as a prison and a small lighthouse was also built then. Today it is open to the public and it’s often used for cultural events. Along the breakwaters of Heraklion port, next to Koules, many people of any age walk and run daily.
Heraklion city center
A lively university town with outstanding historical landmarks and an energetic atmosphere. Guests may find a variety of many shops, a great range of café, patisseries, restaurants of any kind, traditional tavernas, live music, fast food corners, wine bars, clubs, cinemas, open air theaters, parks and the last few years quite many pedestrian zones and a coastal front ideal for walking and cycling.
Lions’ Square - Morozini Fountain
Morozini’s Fountain is located in Lions’ Square, opposite the Basilica of St. Marks, in the heart of Heraklion, a famous meet point for locals and visitors. It’s one of the finest Venetian monuments of the city, with its 4 lions pouring water and it remains in a very good condition. The inspiration of water provision belongs to Morozini, who gave its name to the fountain. Maybe the most lively spot of Heraklion city all year around, ideal for a walk, coffee, food or drink at any time !
Venetian Loggia
The Venetian Loggia is in the center of Heraklion, on 25th of August str., a few yards downhill from the Basilica of St. Mark and the Lions’ Fountain. The elegant building of the Loggia is one of the finest monuments of Venetian Crete, constructed in 1626-28 by F. Morosini, the same man who built the Lions’ Fountain ( Fontana Morosini ). Today, Loggia houses the Town Hall of Heraklion.
Agios Titos
The church of Saint Titus in Heraklion, is one of the most important monuments in the center of the town, on 25th of August street a main pedestrian road leading to Heraklion port where weddings and baptisms take place vary often.. It’s set in a lovely square, with few café and shops, Agios Titos square.
Agios Minas Cathedral
The Agios Minas Cathedral is a Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Heraklion, Greece, serving as the seat of the Archbishop of Crete. Ιt is dedicated to Saint Menas the martyr and wonderworker, who is the patron saint of Heraklion.
Historical Museum
The Historical Museum of Crete was founded by the Society of Cretan Historical Studies in 1953, following the issue of a Ministry of Culture permit to establish a museum collection. The Museum was initially housed in the Andreas and Maria Kalokerinos House (1903), a listed neoclassical building granted by the A. & M. Kalokerinos Foundation in accordance with the donor’s wishes.
![Natural-History-Museum-of-Heraklion[1]](https://villafourseasons.gr/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Natural-History-Museum-of-Heraklion1-plbpptsqo9034c7wmbdjjcgd16sillm7nbrglra1ls.jpg "Natural-History-Museum-of-Heraklion[1]")
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum of Crete in Heraklion, Crete is a natural history museum that operates under the auspices of the University of Crete. Its aim is the study, protection and promotion of the diverse flora and fauna of the Eastern Mediterranean region. Visitors may participate actively and discover knowledge within 3-dimensional prototypes and interactive exhibits.
Gouves beach
The beach of Gouves is very well organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguard, diving centers, water sports, showers, changing rooms, coffee shops and restaurants. The sea has fine sand and shallow water, but is open to the north winds. Therefore, there are several small piers and small marinas nearby, where you can swim, protected by the waves. The coastal road of Gouves runs along the coast, making the detection of your favorite beach very easy!
Little church of Sts Constantine & Helen
St. Constantine’s & St. Helen’s is a beautiful seaside little church in Gouves resort. It is popular, as during summer period, many weddings and baptisms take place, every weekend. If you manage to attend to one of these events, you will be surprised by the temple’s brilliance.
Hersonissos beach
In Hersonissos, a well known tourist resort, 8-10min. from Gouves resort, you will find small bays protected by north winds. Quiet beaches are on the west side of the port, protected by cape Sarantaris, while on the east side there are the most popular beaches.
![Dinosauria-park-Heraklion[1]](https://villafourseasons.gr/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Dinosauria-park-Heraklion1-plk1i6cabgww95qbvv8wmfn0oaohx3hpshpff7cty8.jpg "Dinosauria-park-Heraklion[1]")
Dinosauria Park
Dinosauria Park is a dinosaur park located located very close to Gouves…and 15 km from Heraklion. The park features some fossil replicas and several animatronic dinosaur models and children’s playground.
Cretaquarium
Cretaquarium or Thalassocosmos is a public aquarium located near the town of Gournes in Crete, Greece, 15 km east of the city of Heraklion. Τhe magic of the sea-bed in a familiar but still unknown world, like the Mediterranean sea world, will truly impress younger and older visitors. Worth visiting !
Planetarium
The Planetarium of Heraklion is a window to the mysterious world of the stars. The high tech dome offers virtual travels all over the universe. ‘’Planet Crete’’ is a spaceship for young and older space travelers. Fasten your seatbelts and the trip to the stars is about to begin.
Watersports
All kind of watersports available in Gouves, with safety and very friendly staff. Suitable for all age groups that love sea experiences and adventure.
Scoteino Cave
Scoteino cave is one of the largest among many caves found in Crete, northwest of the village Scoteino and a few km south of Gouves. It’s also known as Agia Paraskevi cave, from the church built on top of it. It was firstly examined by Arthur Evans and it’s 160m deep and 36m wide. Bronze and ceramic offerings dating from the earliest Minoan period were found in the cave.
Watercity
At Watercity Waterpark the enjoyment of the water element is fully maximized! Experience the wide range of watergames and feel like a kid again! Play without fear, feel the coolness and experience unforgettable moments of relaxation!
Lychnostatis Museum
The Cretan open air museum Lychnostatis in Hersonissos, aims to promote the understanding and awareness of the Cretan folk cultural heritage. Its collections relate to the following themes: Cretan folk tradition and ethnology, Cretan nature and environment, Cretan folk culture. Visiting the museum is a chance to explore the island’s tradition, culture and environment.
Crete golf club
“The Crete Golf Club” holds a strategic and charming location, 20 minutes from Heraklion International Airport, a major gateway to Crete from many European cities via directs flights. Moreover, the golfers of our club are only ten minutes away from the most cosmopolitan beaches and luxurious resorts of Hersonissos. Golf lovers may combine their favorite sport with luxurious holiday and the sea at a distance of just 15 minutes.
Acqua Plus waterpark
ACQUA PLUS is by far the most popular water park on the island of Crete, for twenty years now it offers great fun and good service to more than 100000 satisfied clients per year, is situated 5km from Hersonissos and only 30km from the city of Heraklion. It’s next to the Crete Golf Club.
Labyrinth theme park
The Labyrinth Theme Park is a family destination park with numerous interactive activities and attractions. It is nestled in the scenic hills above the town of Hersonissos in an area of 15 hectares. The main theme of the park is the Labyrinth, but there will be plenty of other things to do as well! Enjoy the variety of video viewings on the Minoan Civilization shown throughout the day in the projector room.
Horse Riding Tours
You will have the chance to explore the Cretan nature on a horse back, either during a beach tour or a day tour or a moonlight tour. You come as guests and leave as friends but safety comes first!
Hiking
Cretan nature offers a variety of gorges, trails and footpaths that you can explore either in groups or individually. Top trails near Gouves resort are Scotino cave – Xirokamara and Elea – Episkopi – Karteros.
Dia Island
Dia is an uninhabited island, 7 nautical miles north of Heraklion. It was the principal port of Crete for centuries. Its four south coves have been used as anchorages since the Minoan period. During summer season, there are daily half or full day mini cruises from Heraklion to Dia island.
Nikos Kazantzakis museum
The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is a museum in Myrtia village in the Heraklion regional unit of Crete, in Greece. It is 20 km south of the town of Heraklion and it is dedicated to the life and work of the famous writer Nikos Kazantzakis.
Agios Nikolaos
A beautiful sea side town, capital of Lassithi district on the eastern part of Crete, north of Ierapetra and west of Sitia. Famous for its nice beaches around and its bottomless lake ( Voulismeni ) where spectacular diving races take place the last few years.
Spinalonga
Spinalonga is located at Elounda golf, in Lassithi distict opposite Plaka village. From 1904 till 1957 (closing date) it was used as a leper colony. The last few years it’s rebuilt with great success and it attracts thousands of visitors, by boat from Plaka, Elounda or Aghios Nikolaos.
Plaka beach
A beautiful rocky beach located in Lassithi prefecture, in Plaka village, 15 km from Agios Nikolaos and 5 km from Elounda. The beach has amazing turquoise waters and it’s well organized. Just opposite the beach, it’s Spinalonga island, which is worth visiting by boat from Plaka, in just 5 minutes.
Chrissi Island
Chrysi or Chrisi is an uninhabited Greek island approximately 15 kilometres south of Crete close to Ierapetra in the South Cretan Sea. Approximately 700 metres east of the island is the island of Mikronisi. Access by boat from Ierapetra, daily, during summer months. these islands fall within the Ierapetra municipality in Lasithi.
Lassithi plateau
Lassithi plateau, birthplace of Zeus, is located 70 km south east of Heraklion, in a quiet and fertile land surrounded by the wild mountains of Diktis. Its altitude is about 850 meters and its capital is Tzermiado. The trademark of the plateau, with its many small villages, is its windmills that were used in the past for water pumping. The last few years, efforts are made for their renovation.
Dikteon Andron
( Zeus cave )
This cave in Psychro village of Lassithi plateau is an ancient Minoan cave, named as Dikteon Andron, birthplace of Zeus according to the Greek mythology. Its altitude is 1020 meters and it is one of the most important well known caves worldwide, with huge archeological interest.
Psiloritis Unesco Global Geopark
Psiloritis geopark was founded in 2001 as a local Natural Park by the developmental organization AKOMM – PSILORITIS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY S.A, ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT with the scientific support of the Natural History Museum of the University of Crete.
Pierracreta
Pierra Creta is a ski mountaineering race held in the mountains of Crete. It was organized for first time in March 2014, and in 2015 as a team race with great success. After two successful consecutive editions, “Pierra Creta” is a bi-annual event! Pierra creta is an event that takes place in Crete every early spring.
Rethymnon
Rethymno, the capital of the homonym district of Crete, west of Heraklion, is a lively beautiful city. Its trademark is its Venetian harbor and its long impressive coast, but also its alleys in the old town with its nice shops, café and tavernas.
Chania
Chania, the capital of the homonym district of Crete, west of Rethymno, is famous for its Venetian harbor since the 14th century and its romantic lighthouse. A town that gets you back in time while offering visitors a variety of nice shops, café, restaurants and many interesting attractions.
Cretan Gastronomy & Local Products
The gastronomic traditions of Crete are focused on fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and wild greens, locally produced dairy products, honey, extra virgin olive oil, as well as fresh fish and sea food from the Aegean and the Libyan Sea. While poultry and red meat are present in most popular modern dishes, their consumption was often limited in the past, mainly for health reasons but also due to the high cost.
In Cretan diet, olive oil is used on salads, dips and in most cooked food. Cheese, honey and yoghurt often combined, as well as seasonal fruits, make up the most enjoyed desserts. Sweet pies with honey or savory pies with wild greens and cheese are also on the top of the Cretan nutrition.
In the wineries of Crete, the tradition of winemaking is still handed down from generation to generation. A good glass of wine compliments the dish it is served with and gathers people around the table for lively discussions and celebrations.
Apart from a wide range of excellent wines, Crete is also famous for ‘’Raki’’, a strong beverage made of grapes marc boiled in the cauldron. Raki is the symbol of Cretan culture and hospitality.
