Island of Crete.

Crete a major holiday and tourism destination in Greece, is the largest of the Greek islands at 8,336 km² (3,219 square miles) and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.

Crete is a location of significant ancient history and a popular tourist destination its attractions include the Minoan Knossos, Phaistos, the classical site of Gortys, the Venetian castle at Rethymno, and the Samaria Gorge, as well as many other natural sites, monuments, and beaches. Crete was the centre of the Minoan civilization(ca. 2600–1400 BC), the oldest form of Greek and hence European civilization. Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece; fifteen percent of all arrivals in Greece come through the city of Heraklion (port and airport), while charter journeys to Iraklion last year made up 20% of all charter flights in Greece.

Sightseeing

Rethymnon Venetian castle 'Fortetza' is one of the biggest and best standing castles in Crete. Other monuments include the old Turkish Neratzes mosque, the Great Gate which was the old gate of Rethymnon (megali porta, Porta Guerra), the Venetian fountain Piazza Rimondi, the modified as a museum Venetian Loggia etc. You may also walk the Venetian styled old town, the beautifull old styled port with the lighthouse, the cities of south Rethymnon with the fish tavernas and the crystal clear seas, and other unique places. You may also make excursions towards Heraklion(100 km east): arcaeological museum, ancient town of Knossos, aquarium etc or Hania(70km west): famous old town and old port, Samaria gorge, etc. Rethymnon is ideal for explorations towards all Crete.