Crete Sights by Region: Palaces to Forts

Sightseeing in Crete makes more sense by region than by theme, because a trip between regions eats half a day. State sites sell tickets through Hellenic Heritage, with shorter hours from September and again from November. Most also share the same closed days: 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Orthodox Easter Sunday, and 25 and 26 December. Prices are in euros.

West: Chania

  • Old harbour: the Egyptian lighthouse, the Venetian arsenals and the Küçük Hasan mosque, all free to view from the waterfront.
  • Firkas fortress: it guards the harbour mouth and houses the Maritime Museum of Crete.
  • Archaeological Museum of Chania: it moved into a new building in 2022. The collection includes Linear A and B tablets, Roman mosaic floors and gold jewellery. Entry is EUR 15, or EUR 8 reduced. It is closed every Tuesday, and the last admission is 20 minutes before closing. Summer hours run 08:00 to 20:00 and winter hours 08:30 to 15:30.

Chania also has a place of remembrance. Etz Hayyim is the one synagogue still standing on Crete, and it was restored and rededicated in 1999. In June 1944 the island’s Jewish community of about 265 people was taken away by the occupation authorities, and the ship was torpedoed. Visit in a quiet frame of mind, with covered shoulders and knees. The synagogue is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 16:00 and Friday from 10:00 to 15:00. It is closed on Saturday, Sunday and Greek public holidays. Admission is EUR 4, and the synagogue’s website explains group arrangements.

Rethymno

The Fortezza is a star-shaped Venetian citadel built between 1573 and 1580, and it contains the former cathedral that later became the Sultan Ibrahim mosque. Expect to pay about EUR 4 to 5, and confirm the closing time at the gate. Arkadi Monastery lies about 23 km south-east of the town and is regarded as Crete’s chief national shrine. In 1866 many who had taken refuge there died when the gunpowder store exploded rather than surrender. It deserves a respectful visit.

Centre: Heraklion and the Messara Plain

  1. Palace of Knossos: EUR 20 or EUR 10, open daily, from 08:00 to 20:00 in summer. UNESCO lists it with the Minoan Palatial Centres.
  2. Heraklion Archaeological Museum: EUR 20 from April to October and EUR 12 from November to March. On Wednesdays the museum opens later in summer (13:00 to 20:00) and in winter (10:00 to 17:00).
  3. Koules sea fortress: EUR 10 or EUR 5. The fortress is closed on Tuesdays.
  4. Phaistos: EUR 15 or EUR 8. Italian archaeologists left the original masonry unrestored.
  5. Gortyn: EUR 10 or EUR 5. Its famous law code is carved into the stones of the Roman Odeon.

Entry to the first two is separate, and no combined ticket exists. State free days fall on 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and certain Sundays from November to March. If you want a guide for Knossos, check GetYourGuide .

East: Spinalonga

The islet near Elounda was a Venetian fortress and then, from 1903 to 1957, a leprosy colony. It asks for a quiet, thoughtful visit. The island ticket is EUR 20 or EUR 10, and the boat ride from Plaka, Elounda or Agios Nikolaos costs extra.

Planning notes

Wildfires are an April to October hazard, and local alerts can close roads and sites. Put the exposed ones, Knossos and Phaistos, first thing in the morning.

Read more: Walking tours in Crete and the Knossos page