Crete -
Discover the beauty of the island
Discover the beauty of the island
Jetzt Flug von Saarbrücken nach Kreta buchen!
Flüge von Saarbrücken nach Kreta ( - )
Flüge von Kreta nach Saarbrücken ( - )
~ 03:00 Std.
Heraklion Airport N.Kazantzakis (HER)
Top Highlights Crete
Palace of Knossos
The main attraction on Crete is the ancient palace of Knossos in the north of the island. This was the center of the Minoan civilization. Fans of history and archaeology will get their money's worth here: the Palace of Knossos is the largest and most impressive of the Minoan palaces on Crete and one of the most famous archaeological sites from the time of Ancient Greece. The detailed frescoes depicting scenes from everyday life and religious ceremonies are particularly impressive. Knossos is also considered the origin of the labyrinth myth, which tells of Daidalos and the Minotaur. Visitors can embark on an exciting journey into one of the oldest advanced civilizations in Europe.
Arkadi Monastery near Rethymnon
A peaceful place with a harrowing history. The former Orthodox monastery from the 14th century is the most important national monument in Crete. The uprising against the occupation of the Ottoman Empire began here around 1866, claiming hundreds of lives. The event caused an international sensation and Arkadi Monastery played an important role in the independence of Crete in 1897. The well-preserved Venetian architecture with its magnificent façade is particularly impressive. Inside the monastery there is now a museum with historical artifacts and moving memorabilia that bring history to life. Visitors can also explore the chapel and the courtyard surrounded by olive trees, which convey an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.
Samaria Gorge
Hike between 600-metre-high rock faces, cross the river on small bridges and experience Crete's nature: The Samaria Gorge attracts hikers from all over the world for good reason. At around 16 kilometers long, this natural attraction on Crete is one of the longest and most famous gorges in Europe. The path leads you along slopes covered in pine trees and other exotic plants. One highlight is the "Iron Gate", a point where the gorge narrows to just a few meters wide, while the walls rise spectacularly into the sky. At the end of the hike, the picturesque village of Agia Roumeli awaits you with a refreshing view of the Libyan Sea - the perfect place to end the tour in a relaxed manner.
Lake Kournas
It is the only large natural lake on Crete. The best way to reach this hidden paradise is by rental car from Chania or Rethymno. The drive takes about an hour and takes you through picturesque landscapes and small villages. Try canoeing, paddling or pedal boating and take in the unique natural surroundings. Lake Kournas is also an ideal place for a picnic as it is surrounded by olive trees and mountains, creating a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere. Particularly exciting: with a bit of luck, you may spot turtles and other native animals living in the clear waters of the lake. A perfect excursion for nature and animal lovers!
Elafonissi beach in the southwest of Crete
Southwest of the island of Crete lies the small island of Elafonissi, which is known for its colorful beach. The beach, which stretches from Crete across a sandbank to Elafonissi, is predominantly sand-colored, but in some places it is a delicate pink. This special coloration is created by tiny, crushed shell and coral particles that mix with the sand and give the sandbank its unique backdrop.
Lassithi Plateau with the Zeus Cave
Unspoiled nature with fascinating views of the Cretan mountains awaits you on the Lassithi plateau. The plateau lies around 830 meters above sea level and extends over 130 square kilometers. On the Lassithi plateau, there are also unusual sights such as the cave of Psychro in the village of the same name or the Kera Kardiotissa monastery. The cave of Psychro is also known as the cave of Zeus: In Greek mythology, Zeus was born in this cave and cared for by the nymph Almatheia and the Curetes. The impressive stalactite formation inside the cave creates a mystical atmosphere reminiscent of the ancient myths. Visitors can also discover the white windmills typical of the region, which were once used for irrigation and still characterize the landscape today. A visit to the Lassithi Plateau offers a perfect blend of nature, culture and mythology.
Heraklion
Dream beaches
Samaria gorge
Die schönsten Strände auf Kreta
- Balos Beach
- Preveli Beach
- Plakias Beach
- Falassarna Beach
- Malia Beach
- Geeorgioupolis
- Elafonissi
- Ammoundi Beach
- Rethymnon Beach
- Palm beach Vai
Facts about Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island: it is so big that locals joke that you could spend an entire vacation here and still only see half of it.
The birthplace of Zeus: According to Greek mythology, Zeus, the father of the gods, was born in a cave on Crete - a divine starting point for any vacation!
The Labyrinth of the Minotaur: The myth of the Minotaur and the labyrinth is set in Crete, and some claim that the Palace of Knossos is the real-life model for it.
An island with snow: Although Crete is known for its sunshine, the Lefka Ori mountains often have snow-covered peaks until summer - sunbathing and snow watching all in one day!
A dance called Pentozali: The traditional dance of Crete is so energetic that you wonder if the dancers are secretly marathon runners.
Olive tree champions: Some olive trees on Crete are over 3,000 years old - and they are still producing olives. A true success story!
Weddings in Cretan: Cretan weddings often last several days - and include enough food and raki for a small village.
Kreta: Tipps für...
- Dakos: Zwieback, der mit Wasser aufgeweicht und mit unglaublich intensiven Tomaten, Knoblauch, würzigem Feta oder Myzithra (kretanischer Ziegenweichkäse) und Oliven belegt wird.
- Boureki: Yufka-Teig mit einer würzigen Füllung z.B. Hackfleisch, Schafskäse, Spinat oder anderem Gemüse und Petersilie.
- Staka: frisch gemolkene Ziegen- und Schafmilch wird gesalzen und mit Mehl versetzt, bis eine puddingartige Konsistenz entsteht. Danach werden ein/ zwei Eier untergerührt.
- Apaki: geräuchertes Schweinefleisch, das rund um die Feuerstelle in Metallvorrichtungen gespannt wird. Die Hitze und der entstehende Rauch konservieren es.
- Saganaki mit Shrimps: gewürfelte Tomaten, gehackte Zwiebeln und Knoblauch, Feta-Käse und Petersilie mit Shrimps.
1. Tauchen und Schnorcheln – Besonders um Elounda oder Paleochora gibt es fantastische Unterwasserwelten.
2. Bootsausflug nach Spinalonga – Eine historische Insel mit venezianischer Festung.
3. Wanderungen durch Schluchten – Unternehmen Sie spannende Wanderungen durch die zahlreichen Schluchten Kretas, z.B. durch die Aradena-, Imbros-, Richtis- oder Agia-Irini-Schlucht.
4. Höhlen-Erkundung – Entdecken Sie z.B. die Milatos-Höhle mit historischen Spuren und beeindruckenden Felsformationen oder die Skotino-Höhle mit riesigen Tropfsteinen und einem antiken Kultplatz.
5. Quad-Tour durch die Lasithi-Hochebene – Eine abenteuerliche Fahrt durch die Berge und traditionelle Dörfer.
6. Coasteering an der Südküste – Klettern, Springen und Schwimmen entlang spektakulärer Felsenküsten.
- Archäologisches Museum von Heraklion – Eine der bedeutendsten Sammlungen der minoischen Kultur.
- Dorf Archanes – Ein charmantes Dorf mit Weingütern und traditioneller Architektur.
- Gortys – Eine alte römische Stadt mit faszinierenden Ruinen.
- Street Art in Heraklion – Entdecken Sie moderne Kunstwerke in der Altstadt.
- Lokale Märkte – Stöbern Sie in Märkten wie in Chania oder Rethymnon und probieren Sie frische Produkte, Honig und Käse.
- Olivenöl- und Weinverkostungen – Besuchen Sie eine der traditionellen Olivenölmühlen oder Weingüter.
1. Traditionelle kretische Musikabende – Erleben Sie ein Live-Bouzouki-Konzert oder einen Abend mit kretischen Tänzen.
2. Weinbar-Touren – Entdecken Sie die besten Weinbars in Städten wie Chania oder Rethymnon und probieren Sie lokale Weine.
3. Nachtwanderung durch die Schluchten wie z.B. die die Richtis-, Samaria oder Deliana-Schlucht. Besonders beeindruckend unter dem Sternenhimmel.
4. Tavernen in Rethymno am Wasser – Genießen Sie die romantische Atmosphäre direkt am Hafen.
5. Open-Air-Kino – Genießen Sie einen Film unter freiem Himmel in Kinos wie dem Attikon in Heraklion. Meist laufen die Filme auch auf Englisch.