I could not do justice writing about Crete's landmarks. Thought clearly it is not Dubai or Sydney with one overwhelming landmark, Crete is peppered with small, local delights that you either have to search for (and those are the better ones, such as Arkadi Monastery, my favourite hidden treasure in Crete) or the more famous ones like Chania harbour which are laid open like the Crown Jewels for all to see. I chose a selection of my highlights below.
The Mountain tops of Lasithi at dusk. The hills and mountains are filled with olive groves. Literally mountains after mountains of olives.
My favourite find in Crete. Arkadi Monstery. It is located roughly 23km southeast of Rethymnon. The lack of tourists and the fact that it still functions as a Monastery (home to four monks) still give the Monastery a feel of untouched authenticity - rare in the Mediterranean which is forever becoming a holiday-playground.
The Monastery played an active role in Crete's revolt against the Ottoman forces. In 1866, 943 Cretans sought refuge from the Ottoman army only to sacrifice themselves than surrender by blowing themselves up with gunpowder. One girl managed to outrun the Ottoman soldiers and lived to be a survivor. Her bust can be found near their mausoleum. Rather than succumb to Ottoman forces their sacrifice attracted the attention of the world in Crete's cause. The 8th November commemorates their bravery.
The harbour at Rethymnon.
Knossos: part of the reconstructed palace and the main landmark of Crete.
Elafonisi. Literally means Deer Beach. Because rocks fell onto the road and blocked our path we had to drive an extra half an hour. The clear waters and the island the beach naturally creates was the worth the two-hour drive trying to reach it.
Samaria Gorge. Waking up at 5.30 am is never easy. We began our hike and descent from the White Mountains of Crete (named so because it snows) just before 8am and finished the 16km hike just before midday. We were told we were the second team of people out of the gorge that day. Afterwards, ouzo and relaxing at the beach. Make sure you wear proper shoes.