Discover the north and west of Crete
The north coast of Crete is dotted with bustling seaside resorts such as Malia Sissi, Rethymnon and Hersonissos. Luxurious hotels and long beaches make this a popular destination for a relaxing day. The largest city on the island is Heraklion. Here you will find an archaeological museum with unique finds and a Venetian harbour. It's a good starting point for exploring the rest of the island by rental car. For example, drive to Knossos and see the 4,000 year old palace and other impressive excavations. Or visit the city of Chania and wander through the narrow streets with charming terraces, old churches and squares. Make sure you see the Byzantine city wall. Nearby is picturesque Seitan Limania Bay where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. More to the west is Bálos beach: a beautiful lagoon with turquoise water and white sand. No wonder it's part of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas in Europe.