Near Irakleion is the Knossos archaeological site. Knossos was dubbed a 'palace' by Sir Arthur Evans, who brought it to light at the turn of the 20th century and who spent the next three decades preserving and restoring it. Comprising some 22,000 sq metres, this is the largest such site in Crete and certainly the best known. Parts of it have been roped off to protect it from the thousands of visitors it receives each summer. However, the extent of preserved buildings and the colourful restorations make it visually attractive and give some insight into what life may have been like for the upper classes of Minoan civilization. 

Minos Winery

Be prepared for some palate-pleasing moments at the Minos Cretan Wines visitors' centre. The centre houses a museum of wine producing equipment, a video on the history of Cretan wine production, a pleasant taverna-style wine tasting room and a wine shop. Minos produces some very worthwhile table wines as well as a lovely golden retsina.

Charming, yet cosmopolitan, Aghios Nikolaos has been an active seaport since ancient times. Its main harbour connects by a short  channel to what was once a fresh-water lake. Both now boast an array of tavernas and coffee shops, set amidst red rocks and shade trees. Just off the harbour entrance is a small island which is refuge to the protected wild goat species, Kri-Kri.

Used as a stronghold since antiquity, the island now hoasts a 16th century Venetian fortress. One of the strongest in Crete, the fortress was never conquered, and Spinalonga remained in the hands of the Venetians long after the rest of Crete had come under the Ottoman Turks. The island came under the Turks by treaty, passing back into Cretan hands as Greece regained its independence. The island served as a leper colony during the first half of the 20th century. 

The name means 'long thorn' in Venetian dialect, but was, in fact, an adaptation of the Greek name Stin Elounda, 'to Elounda'. A short boat trip over preludes a pleasant stroll around the well-preserved fortress.

Billed as the southernmost 'city' in Europe, this south coast town boasts a 13th century Venetian fortress at the harbour and a 19th century Turkish mosque. The area is a centre of greenhouse production. Tourism is upscale and largely Greek, but rural Cretan hospitality is very much in evidence.