Crete: Knossos, Rethymno, Chania. From Minoan Palace, the Labyrinth to the Venetian Harbours. Travel Back in Time
Knossos Minoan Palace
Cretan Man
Chania Fruit Market
Rethymno Town
Exploring Knossos, Rethymno, and Chania offers a journey through Europe’s oldest civilisation and some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful historic harbours. For 2026, these sites remain core highlights of Crete, connected by scenic coastal roads and efficient bus networks
UNESCO Status: The site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025.
Chania its like an open Museum, features a stunning 14th-century Venetian harbor, an iconic lighthouse, and a maze-like Old Town with Ottoman, Venetian, and Egyptian influences. Top sights include strolling the harbor at sunset, visiting the Maritime Museum, exploring the covered Municipal Market, and relaxing at nearby beaches.
See all views Travel Highlights:
Old Venetian Harbor: The city’s crown jewel, featuring a 14th-century harbor, 16th-century lighthouse, and colorful waterfront buildings.
Maritime Museum & Firka Fortress: Historic sites at the harbor entrance. Firkas Fortress, a 16th-century bastion at the harbor’s edge housing the Maritime Museum of Crete.
The Old Town: A maze of narrow, cobblestone streets filled with Venetian and Ottoman-era architecture, boutique shops, and traditional tavernas. A pedestrian-friendly labyrinth of narrow, flower-draped alleys filled with boutique shops, artisanal leather goods, and “Knife Street” (Sifaka Street).
For a stay in Crete we recommend Rethymno, which is between Chania and Heraklion.
You could visit Crete all year around. The best time is during the shoulder seasons of March April–May or September–October, offering pleasant hiking weather and fewer crowds. Early morning (before 9:00 AM) or late afternoon is ideal to avoid busy tour buses. Fall (October) offers stunning colours, while late Jan – Feb – April is quieter and cooler. Unique time is Christmas and Easter. Avoid: Mid-July to August (extreme heat/crowds)
See All View Travel offers private tours from Athens (3 or 4 day tours) to Crete. Best Approach: 3 nights recommended for a relaxed visit. See our Mainland / Island private tour.
Our tour drivers are seasoned travelers and are dedicated to helping you live the tour of your life, that is suited to your needs and lifestyle, where you can relax, have no worry of driving, allowing all passengers to enjoy the scenic drives through the beautiful Greek countryside, stopping wherever you desire to take photos or hiking, have a break. Any combination or schedule of tour can be arranged for you from one day tour to two week long tours, depending on the time you have available.
