{"id":1685,"date":"2026-02-07T10:23:49","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T10:23:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/meilleurs-sites-archeologiques-crete\/"},"modified":"2026-02-07T10:28:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T10:28:52","slug":"best-archaeological-sites-crete","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/","title":{"rendered":"14 best archaeological sites in Crete (photos + tips)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Crete has a long and rich history, not least that of the Minoan civilization. There&#8217;s no shortage of fascinating ruins, historic sites and museums on the island to discover this exceptional heritage.<br\/>We&#8217;ve compiled a list of the best archaeological sites in Crete, with practical tips and photos. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-archaeological-sites-Crete-ruins.jpg\" alt=\"best archaeological sites Crete ruins\" class=\"wp-image-1527\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p>This opinion is completely <strong>independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crete&#8217;s archaeological sites: introduction + map<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In a nutshell<\/h3>\n\n<p>Crete is home to a multitude of archaeological sites bearing witness to the history and cultures that have succeeded one another on the island. From Minoan palaces to Roman cities and Venetian fortresses, the island offers a journey through the centuries. A visit to one of these sites is a <a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-things-to-do-crete-attractions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">must<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n<p>If you only need to visit 5, we recommend:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Knossos for its Minoan palace and reconstructions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Malia to better understand the structure of palaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gortyna to discover the Roman period<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gournia, for a fun exploration of the narrow streets, a journey back in time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spinalonga for its Venetian fortifications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Map of Crete&#8217;s best archaeological sites<\/h3>\n\n<p>And here&#8217;s a map with our favorite sites to help you plan:<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Map-of-the-best-archaeological-sites-in-Crete.jpg\" alt=\"Map of the best archaeological sites in Crete\" class=\"wp-image-1675\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Map: top archaeological sites in Crete<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Time to discover Crete<\/h3>\n\n<p>Crete offers a fascinating journey through thousands of years of history.  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Minoan period<\/strong> (2600-1400 BC) remains the island&#8217;s most emblematic. This earliest European civilization bequeathed us sophisticated palaces such as Knossos, Phaistos and Malia, testifying to a remarkable mastery of hydraulic engineering and architecture. The Minoans developed their own script, Linear A, and their culture was expressed in colorful frescoes and refined ceramics.    <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After the fall of this civilization, probably due to natural disasters, the island entered <strong>the classical period<\/strong> with its city-states such as Lato and Gortyn. The Roman conquest in 69 BC transformed Crete into an imperial province, with Gortyn as its capital. Impressive vestiges of this era remain, including the Code of Law carved in stone and the great Basilica of St. Titus.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Venetian period (1204-1669)<\/strong> had a profound impact on the Cretan landscape, with the construction of imposing fortresses in Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania and on the island of Spinalonga. The Venetians built sophisticated defensive systems, some of which withstood Ottoman sieges for more than two decades.   <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finally, <strong>the Ottoman occupation (1669-1898)<\/strong> brought its own architectural and cultural influences, notably with the transformation of several churches into mosques. This succession of civilizations makes Crete a veritable open-air museum, where each period has left its distinctive mark. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Minoan Palace of Knossos &#8211; Crete&#8217;s most famous site<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Heraklion\/Knossos\/i-gTXm2PG\/1\/NQwPhsVhR4FWqNZ2vwQTz5VTSvWMXrsf7tGQTSLFd\/L\/palace-Knossos-crete-greece-3535-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why visit?<\/h3>\n\n<p>A visit to Knossos Palace is a must. One of the island&#8217;s most astonishing sites, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as the Palace of King Minos, it offers a unique insight into Minoan civilization.  <\/p>\n\n<p>What makes Knossos so special are the reconstructions carried out by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans in the early 20th century. Certain sections were reconstructed as he imagined them, allowing us to better visualize what the palace looked like. It was here that frescoes of the bull&#8217;s leap were found, providing the basis for the legends of the Minotaur. The structure of the palace was associated with the labyrinth of the legend.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Heraklion\/Knossos\/i-BcCcNF7\/1\/NPdLGD9nBCHXGXPcNnNZqpB3k79DvdTR3wcHz57b6\/L\/palace-Knossos-crete-greece-3512-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical advice<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>5km south of Heraklion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tour duration: 2h to 3h<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in winter and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See the latest timetable info on the website <a href=\"https:\/\/knossos-palace.gr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">here<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Free parking available<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Numerous explanatory panels with drawings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Our advice: come at 8am to avoid the crowds. The first buses arrive around 8.40 am <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Save time, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/fr-fr\/palais-de-knossos-l85532\/billets-d-entree-tc123\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=crete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">take your ticket with audioguide <\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Or you can book guided tours or excursions from the cities of Crete &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/fr-fr\/knossos-l254901\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=crete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">see options <\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse box_planif is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\"> RENT YOUR CAR IN <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Crete<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:14px\" class=\"wp-block-list liste_voiture\">\n<li>Our preferred agency is <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rental-center-crete.com\/?RF=0042\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Rental Center Crete<\/a><\/strong><br\/>everything is included in the price and the service is excellent. No stress!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose a <strong>car <\/strong>with a decent engine for greater comfort on the few mountain roads.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Book early<\/strong> for choice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you prefer more choice, compare prices on our preferred platform: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/en\/greece-crete?a_aid=zigzag&amp;chan=crete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">DiscoverCars<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column planif-radius-3 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Palaiochora\/Drive-Mountains-to-Palaiochora\/i-3FB5j3D\/1\/Kj7Nt7cgMJrhqF2hG3FjcJg77Cvp8csFFZ3hkBMHN\/S\/mountains-crete-greece-5128-S.jpg\" alt=\"Driving in Crete\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns planif_bouton is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rental-center-crete.com\/fr\/?RF=0042\" style=\"border-radius:4px;font-size:14px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">View cars &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-normal-font-size\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/how-rent-car-crete-tips-experiences\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1314\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See all our tips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Minoan Palace of Malia &#8211; Our favourite site<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Malia\/Malia-Minoan-palace\/i-bZ4nfNP\/1\/MN6VRVmzLc6WXcJb4pbdQRMKgGKjCS39ft2FJdbcN\/L\/Malia-minoan-palace-crete-greece-7897-L.jpg\" alt=\"amphora on the Malia site\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why visit?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Malia is our favorite Minoan site in Crete. The walls are higher than at other sites, and some excavated areas are deeper than the circulation level. This makes it much easier to imagine what the different rooms looked like and to understand how they were organized. The palace reached its apogee during the palatial period, around 1900 BC to 1675 BC.<\/p>\n\n<p>The site is less touristy than Knossos, making for a more peaceful visit. We particularly liked the large storage jars preserved in situ, and section M on the side, which shows the remains of the dwellings. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Malia\/Malia-Minoan-palace\/i-tTfP245\/1\/KSzJzvcHV6x2k8CpRCQctXH3j86WJK4VQVMvpvgSb\/L\/Malia-minoan-palace-crete-greece-7911-L.jpg\" alt=\"ruins in Malia\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical advice<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the north coast, between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy access, just off the E75 main road<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ample free parking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tour duration: 1h to 1h30<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full adult price: 10 euros<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opening hours in season: at least 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See <a href=\"http:\/\/odysseus.culture.gr\/h\/3\/eh355.jsp?obj_id=10261\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the official page<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy-to-explore site with wide dirt roads<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start with the small exhibition building at the entrance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_titre gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\" style=\"padding-top:10px;\">WHERE TO STAY IN <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Crete<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#e32d401f\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-size:14px;flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre2\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Our independent picks for <strong>the accommodation of your dreams<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Where to stay in Crete (coming soon)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">The most beautiful hotels (coming soon)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">5-star hotels (coming soon)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Boutique hotels (coming soon)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Hotels for families (coming soon)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Adults-only hotels (coming soon)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>Select by city:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/where-stay-heraklion-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best hotels in Heraklion<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/where-stay-chania-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1702\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best hotels in Chania<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/where-stay-rethymnon-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1547\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best hotels in Rethymnon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Best hotels in Malia (coming soon)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Heraklion\/Hotels\/Bestof\/i-fLGMkMK\/0\/L66bMh6wKn2THJXJcJfvSvzkRCkQB8mzwrnzGBNBL\/L\/heraklion%20bests%20hotels%20-%20life%20beach-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"Paralos Lifestyle Beach\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Gortyna &#8211; Roman town<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/South-Coast\/Gortyna-ruins\/i-9gHqxFv\/1\/K324S42nW4Gk4LkSTt8kPQz9W5LMBrFgmD77DsBM9\/L\/ruins-gortyna-crete-greece-6668-L.jpg\" alt=\"Ruins of Gortyna\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why visit?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Gortyna offers an insight into the Roman period in Crete. The site stretches from the Minoan period to the Roman period (1st to 5th century AD), when the town was at its height. The main feature not to be missed is behind the theater: the walls covered with the Gortyn Code of Law (5th century BC), one of the oldest surviving European codes of law.  <\/p>\n\n<p>You can see the theater, the ruins of the Basilica of St. Titus (the largest Christian basilica in Crete), a legendary tree associated with Zeus and Europa, and various sculptures. However, the site lacks on-site explanations, so it&#8217;s advisable to ask before visiting. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/South-Coast\/Gortyna-ruins\/i-GkxJShM\/1\/KnM5rd2SZt2Xc32WWZBNsqHJKW3DDL5S934ZPPXTv\/L\/ruins-gortyna-crete-greece-6680-L.jpg\" alt=\"Gortyna law code\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical advice<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the south coast, near Phaistos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy access from main road 97<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ample parking available<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Duration of the visit: 1 hour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full adult price: 10 euros<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opening hours in season: at least 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See the <a href=\"http:\/\/odysseus.culture.gr\/h\/3\/eh355.jsp?obj_id=2355\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">official page<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy-to-navigate site<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t miss the Code of Law (visible through a wire mesh)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organized tours of the south coast, including this archaeological site &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/s\/?q=Gortyna&amp;searchSource=3&amp;src=search_bar&amp;partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=crete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">see options<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Minoan palace of Phaistos<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Matala\/Phaistos\/i-zhp3DP4\/1\/KtBq97Rjc5TpHtfqBnzJNJDkCtdnVjCrbxW5sqVCZ\/L\/Palace-phaistos-crete-greece-6581-L.jpg\" alt=\"exploring PHaistos\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why visit?<\/h3>\n\n<p>The Minoan palace of Phaistos offers a unique experience thanks to its strategic position with magnificent views over the surrounding valleys. The site has been inhabited since the Late Neolithic (3000 BC) and reached its peak during the palatial period. <\/p>\n\n<p>The storage rooms are among the most beautiful to be seen, with pottery preserved inside. This is also where the famous Phaistos disc was discovered &#8211; a clay disc with symbols thought to be Minoan, but which remains an enigma. It is now on display in Heraklion&#8217;s Archaeological Museum. The grand staircase and theater area are particularly impressive.   <\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Matala\/Phaistos\/i-mFxbK2F\/1\/LQB5j4kchVkFccGxpzM62zghBDTLV7Gj5KxgBXFFd\/M\/Palace-phaistos-crete-greece-6617-M.jpg\" alt=\"storage in Phaistos\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical advice<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the south coast, near Matala beach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easily accessible from main road 97<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tour duration: 1 to 2 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full adult price: 15 euros<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See the <a href=\"http:\/\/odysseus.culture.gr\/h\/3\/eh355.jsp?obj_id=2363\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">official page<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Numerous explanatory panels with beautiful drawings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some stairs and slopes, wear comfortable shoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can be combined with Gortyna and Matala beach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organized tours of the south coast, including this archaeological site &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/fr-fr\/phaistos-l181364\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=crete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">see options<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#fefefe;margin-top:6%;margin-bottom:6%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">A LITTLE MORE <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">patience<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:14px\">All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make <strong>your stay in Crete<\/strong> a success will <strong>soon<\/strong> be available in a single ebook!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:14px\">Coming soon!  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container ebook-radius-waitlist gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><div class=\"wp-block-image ebook-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ebooks_CorseNormandie_FR.png\" alt=\"Box Ebook Corsica FR\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile texte_planif has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#e32d401f\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column img_icone is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image image_icone\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/crete-plane-2.png\" alt=\"flat crete\" class=\"wp-image-1494\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:100px;height:100px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/crete-plane-2.png 400w, https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/crete-plane-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/crete-plane-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/crete-plane-2-75x75.png 75w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center paragraphe_une is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:90%\">\n<p style=\"font-size:16px\">It&#8217;s time to book!<br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/skyscanner.pxf.io\/dONaXy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Compare everything:<\/strong> companies, prices, schedules and availability.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Spinalonga &#8211; Fortified island<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Agios-Nikolaos\/Spinalonga-boat\/i-gg6wxXK\/1\/MV7xJvrvDNF4pgXJPLH889z4xxDBtGBz3RwZpvqM5\/L\/boat-spinalonga-crete-greece-7574-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why visit?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Spinalonga is probably Crete&#8217;s best-known fortified island. Fortified by the Venetians in the 16th century, it was designed as a strategic defensive position. The fortress was retaken by the Turks in 1715, and in the 20th century became a leper colony until 1957.  <\/p>\n\n<p>You can tour the entire island along the impressive fortification walls, stopping off at the church along the way. We particularly enjoyed climbing to the top of the fortifications to take in the breathtaking views over the bay. Buildings in the old town include a cistern, warehouses, houses, and a small museum with exhibits on each historical phase of the island.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Agios-Nikolaos\/Spinalonga-island\/i-ZD7v5gP\/1\/M3LSRSt4ZqVL5xRQgqZwSzgxqq7rXt2VVXxFvW2sm\/L\/spinalonga-island-crete-greece-7674-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical advice<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the north coast, just north of Agios Nikolaos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accessible only by boat from Plaka (shortest route), Elounda or Agios Nikolaos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Price: 20 euros<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tour duration: 2h minimum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fortress opening hours: summer only, 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Latest news on the official website <a href=\"https:\/\/spinalonga-island.gr\/infos\/?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">here<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coffee and toilets available near the quay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uneven slopes if you climb to the top<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take the first boat from Plaka to avoid the crowds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/fr-fr\/spinalonga-l85533\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=crete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">View access options and book  <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\" style=\"padding-top:10px\">HAVE FUN in: <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Crete<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/s\/?q=lagon+balos&amp;searchSource=3&amp;partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=crete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Cruise to Balos lagoon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/malia-l142994\/crete-excursion-en-quad-safari-off-road-t436618\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=crete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Quad bike excursion<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/crete-l404\/heraklion-decouvrez-la-plongee-sous-marine-pour-les-debutants-t482586\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=crete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Diving for beginners<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/s\/?q=samaria&amp;searchSource=3&amp;partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=crete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hiking in Samaria<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column ville-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Balos-Lagoon\/Gramvousa-island\/i-St6K7XQ\/1\/LX68ZpsVGjJ8v4t865TVGd3CM7wqn4ss6n2S8WGxN\/L\/Gramvousa-island-crete-greece-4478-L.jpg\" alt=\"Boat to Gramvousa\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Minoan Palace of Zakros &#8211; Isolated eastern site<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/East-Coast\/Zakros-ruins\/i-CGHbBbs\/0\/MZrVdwFvdGHJKZQXMZFJRb7N8xb7dvMXSmRc3Vjbr\/L\/Zakros-ruins-crete-greece-7059-L.jpg\" alt=\"View of the ruins of Zakros\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why visit?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace. Built around 1900 B.C., it was rebuilt around 1600 B.C. What we liked most about the site was its isolation and the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it, at the end of the Valley of the Dead.<\/p>\n\n<p>One of the most interesting features is the Queen&#8217;s Wing with its lustral pool. Many visitors also enjoy the site for the turtles that swim in the water-filled ruins, creating a unique atmosphere. The mountain road to the site is magnificent.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/East-Coast\/Zakros-ruins\/i-StVh6qM\/0\/KkMD4mXpMdx3GjhBBqd8Zg423sW7bDGBsMjPmm4cd\/L\/Zakros-ruins-crete-greece-7066-L.jpg\" alt=\"latrine\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical advice<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the east coast of Crete<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beautiful mountain road to this secluded beach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full adult price: 10 euros<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 3 p.m. in winter)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See <a href=\"http:\/\/odysseus.culture.gr\/h\/3\/eh355.jsp?obj_id=2376\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the official page<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some interesting panels with drawings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A few steps to reach certain parts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take cover, there&#8217;s no shade<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Gournia &#8211; Minoan village<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/North-Coast\/Gournia-Minoan-town\/i-xCss5SV\/0\/MdZMWsRq24fFkRWNFJtz5ZpgnrbkbWWXz22WzZT3L\/L\/Gournia-minoan-town-crete-greece-7418-L.jpg\" alt=\"View of the ruins of Gournia\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why visit?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Gournia offers a different perspective on Minoan civilization. It&#8217;s not a palace, but rather a small coastal village that reached its peak between 1550 and 1450 BC. The main interest of the site lies in its structure: you really understand the routes between the houses, which makes the visit particularly fascinating.<\/p>\n\n<p>It&#8217;s a fun site to visit, especially with children, as you&#8217;ll want to explore rather than follow a set route. The valley&#8217;s fertile land and water resources made it a popular place to live. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/North-Coast\/Gournia-Minoan-town\/i-KC4jDk8\/0\/NV2PGtWMQMtR8hpVxTF3L2mRV3JqSgdkHp6cNP6zw\/L\/Gournia-minoan-town-crete-greece-7464-L.jpg\" alt=\"walk the ruined streets\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical advice<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the east coast of the north coast<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy access along main road 90 from Agios Nikolaos to Sitia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full adult price: 3 euros<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opening hours: 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., closed on Tuesdays<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See the <a href=\"http:\/\/odysseus.culture.gr\/h\/3\/eh355.jsp?obj_id=2368\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">official page<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A few explanatory panels with simple drawings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rough terrain with large rocks, wear good shoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop off on the main road to Sitia to see the ruins from above.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Tylissos &#8211; Minoan villas<\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/North-Coast\/Tylissos\/i-brHx4gb\/1\/MDVTN7KDJ3Cgvm8SDhG7Xjn3FsP3QWsmDjxWVKW4s\/L\/Tylissos-crete-greece-3589-L.jpg\" alt=\"ruins of Tylissos\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why visit?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Tylissos is a less touristy Minoan site featuring the remains of three large houses dating from the 16th to 15th centuries BC. Only a small part of the town&#8217;s ruins have been excavated, the rest lying beneath the modern town. This site provides a better understanding of Minoan settlement outside the palaces.<\/p>\n\n<p>The walls are higher than elsewhere, and some of the excavated areas are deep, making it easier to understand the organization of the rooms. The site was excavated in the early 20th century and is one of our off-the-beaten-track destinations in Crete. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/North-Coast\/Tylissos\/i-85xsWz9\/1\/M3wJgnJRGR9334thRK8KZkD5NCChb2CHdbR8WqNz9\/L\/Tylissos-crete-greece-3585-L.jpg\" alt=\"ruins of the villas at Tylissos\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical advice<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>25 minutes west of Heraklion, in the mountains<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full adult price: 3 euros<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opening hours: at least 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed on Tuesdays<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See the <a href=\"http:\/\/odysseus.culture.gr\/h\/3\/eh355.jsp?obj_id=2386\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">official page<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nice explanatory plates at the beginning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Short, easy walk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit the explanatory building first<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6 Venetian fortresses in Crete<\/h2>\n\n<p>In 1209, Crete was conquered by the Venetians, who stayed for four and a half centuries. They placed great importance on fortifications to protect the island. Some of them proved to be very well thought-out, repelling the enemy for 22 years. When the Turks took over, they continued to use these fortifications, which are still in excellent condition.   <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Koules fortress in Heraklion<\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Heraklion\/Koules\/i-ZrcFdwk\/0\/LHpMxsGmX2qCf3x6v8bp7DT2wGhmbg7bWX32s6sRN\/L\/koules%20fortress%20heraklion-L.jpg\" alt=\"Koules fortress in Heraklion\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p>Under the Venetians, this fortress was known as Rocca a Mare. The fort is square, with thick, solid walls, a well-protected entrance gate and a vaulted ceiling on the first floor. It protects the fishing port at the foot of the footpaths.    <br\/>Can be visited. Chargeable. Closed on Tuesdays.  <br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/koules.efah.gr\/koules\/Page?name=index&amp;lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">See the official website<\/a><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fortezza in Rethymno<\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Rethymnon\/Venetian-Fortezza\/i-nnDGVDW\/0\/KT4R6643xmQsKnP54pc9fZkPP4Zb5mJDFTVtqwhWr\/L\/rethymno_fort-L.jpg\" alt=\"Fortezza in Rethymno\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p>Overlooking Rethymno from the Palekastro hill, this is a very large fortress built to protect the entire population of the town. It takes some time to walk around all the walls. You can see the theater, the mosque of Sultan Ibrahim and the modern church of Saint Catherine.    <br\/>Can be visited. Chargeable.   <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Venetian port of Chania<\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Chania\/Lighthouse\/i-TtKRcr4\/0\/K4HtgC6jqDNkh94zPCPmmQ24WXmkDsJt4T6h5W5mg\/L\/lighthouse-Chania-crete-greece-4182-L.jpg\" alt=\"Firka\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p>In Chania, the entire harbor is protected by Venetian fortifications. You can easily move around, even to the middle of the breakwater and the lighthouse. At the western end is the Firka fortress with its lion emblem, the cistern and the vaulted spaces where the cannons were installed.    <br\/>Free access to the port.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gramvousa Island fortress<\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Balos-Lagoon\/Gramvousa-island\/i-DLGZrvS\/1\/KtqjWJL8r2JnGwn6DxgcDrSGb2qdP2LZRsJZQfNgv\/L\/Gramvousa-island-crete-greece-4455-L.jpg\" alt=\"Gramvousa Island fortress\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p>This breathtaking fortress was built on top of the island of Gramvousa. The fortification walls surround the rocky head. It later became a pirate island due to its isolation. Accessible by boat from Kissamos to the Balos lagoon, with around 400 steps to climb to visit the ramparts.     <br\/>Free access, but you must choose a boat tour that stops here.<br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/fr-fr\/gramvousa-l145230\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=crete\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">See options.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Castelo Selino in Palaiochora<\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Palaiochora\/Castle\/i-ZSW745K\/0\/NVwv5Fpjfzx8rLsKNTK5SFRJ68xfQ6GmzgRZWNpJ5\/L\/castle-palaiochora-crete-greece-5175-L.jpg\" alt=\"Castelo Selino in Palaiochora\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<p>These fortifications are not well preserved, but offer a magnificent view of the coast. Castelo Selino was located at the end of the small Palaiochora peninsula, at the top of the hill. Short ascent with steps from the historic center. <br\/>One of our favorite places in Crete.<br\/>Free access.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Venetian tower of Sitia<\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Sitia\/Sitia-Archaeological-sites\/i-NFW6pRZ\/1\/MT94vXMh6KswKXHN5kSTKjwfjtzndKVC9bsCcrStp\/L\/Sitia-archeological-site-crete-greece-7476-L.jpg\" alt=\"Venetian tower of Sitia\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Archaeological museums of Crete<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Heraklion Archaeological Museum<\/h3>\n\n<p>A fantastic museum not to be missed. The collection of Minoan artefacts is exceptional: mosaics from Knossos, the enigmatic disk from Phaistos, sculptures of bulls. It&#8217;s one of the best archaeological museums we&#8217;ve ever visited. Easy access to Heraklion.     <br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/visit-archaeological-museum-heraklion\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1283\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See our dedicated article.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Heraklion\/Archaeological-Museum\/i-LWdmgzS\/2\/KcFX35bkp6WX6xDBwpQQmXJKBMW8fwFRkb9dHrCdt\/L\/archeological-museum-heraklion-crete-greece-8183-L.jpg\" alt=\"Heraklion Archaeological Museum\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rethymno Archaeological Museum<\/h3>\n\n<p>Small museum with some interesting exhibits. In the heart of the old town.   <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chania Archaeological Museum<\/h3>\n\n<p>A small collection with beautiful pieces. In the heart of Chania&#8217;s old town.   <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other archaeological sites in Crete<\/h2>\n\n<p>There are many more ruins being excavated or already accessible all over the island:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ancient Minoan town of Phalasarna, near Falassarna beach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roman theater and Ottoman fortress of Aptera<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greek town of Lato, near Kritsa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minoan ruins at Sitia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small Minoan town on the islet opposite Mochlos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greek ruins of ancient Itanos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/East-Coast\/Itanos\/i-j4psc4P\/0\/M8hZD8LTQ4XHczPDqWmHBW22ptwH5ss3FrDqVKwCh\/L\/Itanos-crete-greece-7466-L.jpg\" alt=\"Itanos\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Itanos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_titre gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">PLAN YOUR TRIP TO <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Crete<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-size:14px;flex-basis:60%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Best of<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"ul_box\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-things-to-do-crete-attractions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What to do in Crete<\/a><br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-landscapes-crete-photos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most beautiful landscapes<\/a><br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-cities-crete-towns\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1318\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most beautiful cities<\/a><br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-beaches-crete\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most beautiful beaches in Crete<\/a><br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1312\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best archaeological sites<\/a><br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-museums-crete\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"2082\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best museums<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/West-coast\/Elafonisi\/i-x5dSBxj\/1\/LrC3vJRwn2w2NNLJchz3z2Qrcs8TNRnmXhG2cNbPB\/S\/Elafonisi-beach-crete-greece-4929-S.jpg\" alt=\"Elafonis\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Practical advice<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:14px\"><br\/>When to go? (coming soon)<br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/how-rent-car-crete-tips-experiences\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1314\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to rent a car in Crete<\/a><br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/driving-crete-tips\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1313\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Driving tips<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:14px\">Itineraries (coming soon)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:14px\">Where to stay in Crete (coming soon)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Drive-and-transport\/i-DJvTDGC\/1\/M9MhLCfzhPQxPX4q3dKsWZFhqQbbhSTwpzXrr8rNH\/S\/driving-crete-greece-3662-S.jpg\" alt=\"Driving in Crete\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The must-dos<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-things-to-do-chania-visit\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1736\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Attractions in Chania<\/a><br\/>Attractions in Rethymnon (coming soon)<br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-things-to-do-heraklion-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Attractions in Heraklion<\/a><br\/>Balos Lagoon (coming soon)<br\/>Spinalonga (coming soon)<br\/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Crete\/Balos-Lagoon\/Balos-lagoon\/i-BB2sfDs\/1\/KTfRRrPdcrrf8XBRLFQ62Ms3GX8rtD6p9xRgqztr8\/S\/boat-lagoon-crete-greece-4525-S.jpg\" alt=\"Balos lagoon\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_auteur_voyage gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img_auteur_voyage\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/claire-robinson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Madeira-Lovers\/Portraits-equipe\/i-WCb99j5\/0\/2d0b98a0\/L\/regionlovers-3-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"titre_auteur_voyage\"><span>SHE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE \n<\/span><span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Claire<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Crete has a long and rich history, not least that of the Minoan civilization. There&#8217;s no shortage of fascinating ruins, historic sites and museums on the island to discover this exceptional heritage.We&#8217;ve compiled a list of the best archaeological sites in Crete, with practical tips and photos. Crete&#8217;s archaeological sites: introduction + map In a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1530,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[59],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-1685","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-things-to-do-in-crete","8":"entry"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>14 best archaeological sites in Crete (photos + tips)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the history of Crete with the island&#039;s best archaeological sites: Minoan palaces, Roman and Venetian ruins...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"14 best archaeological sites in Crete (photos + tips)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover the history of Crete with the island&#039;s best archaeological sites: Minoan palaces, Roman and Venetian ruins...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Crete Lovers\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-07T10:23:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-07T10:28:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-archaeological-sites-Crete-ruins.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Claire\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Claire\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Claire\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/5cbf80d712ab269f3efff3a36482baa0\"},\"headline\":\"14 best archaeological sites in Crete (photos + tips)\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-07T10:23:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-07T10:28:52+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/\"},\"wordCount\":2262,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-archaeological-sites-Crete-ruins.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Best things to do in Crete\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/\",\"name\":\"14 best archaeological sites in Crete (photos + tips)\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-archaeological-sites-Crete-ruins.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-07T10:23:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-07T10:28:52+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover the history of Crete with the island's best archaeological sites: Minoan palaces, Roman and Venetian ruins...\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-archaeological-sites-Crete-ruins.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-archaeological-sites-Crete-ruins.jpg\",\"width\":800,\"height\":600,\"caption\":\"best archaeological sites Crete ruins\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Accueil\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Best things to do in Crete\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/top-things-to-do-in-crete\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"14 best archaeological sites in Crete (photos + tips)\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Crete Lovers\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Crete Lovers\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/cropped-Crete-Lovers-Logos-RVB_Principal-bicolore.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/cropped-Crete-Lovers-Logos-RVB_Principal-bicolore.png\",\"width\":2194,\"height\":745,\"caption\":\"Crete Lovers\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/5cbf80d712ab269f3efff3a36482baa0\",\"name\":\"Claire\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e3566233826c32de8d7c9ef726a1087654b12cadb092acc17ee1d357687192ff?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e3566233826c32de8d7c9ef726a1087654b12cadb092acc17ee1d357687192ff?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e3566233826c32de8d7c9ef726a1087654b12cadb092acc17ee1d357687192ff?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Claire\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/claire-robinson\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/author\/cretelovers\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"14 best archaeological sites in Crete (photos + tips)","description":"Discover the history of Crete with the island's best archaeological sites: Minoan palaces, Roman and Venetian ruins...","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"14 best archaeological sites in Crete (photos + tips)","og_description":"Discover the history of Crete with the island's best archaeological sites: Minoan palaces, Roman and Venetian ruins...","og_url":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/","og_site_name":"Crete Lovers","article_published_time":"2026-02-07T10:23:49+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-02-07T10:28:52+00:00","og_image":[{"width":800,"height":600,"url":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-archaeological-sites-Crete-ruins.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Claire","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Claire","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/"},"author":{"name":"Claire","@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/5cbf80d712ab269f3efff3a36482baa0"},"headline":"14 best archaeological sites in Crete (photos + tips)","datePublished":"2026-02-07T10:23:49+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-07T10:28:52+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/"},"wordCount":2262,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-archaeological-sites-Crete-ruins.jpg","articleSection":["Best things to do in Crete"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/","url":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/","name":"14 best archaeological sites in Crete (photos + tips)","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-archaeological-sites-Crete-ruins.jpg","datePublished":"2026-02-07T10:23:49+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-07T10:28:52+00:00","description":"Discover the history of Crete with the island's best archaeological sites: Minoan palaces, Roman and Venetian ruins...","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-archaeological-sites-Crete-ruins.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-archaeological-sites-Crete-ruins.jpg","width":800,"height":600,"caption":"best archaeological sites Crete ruins"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/best-archaeological-sites-crete\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Accueil","item":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Best things to do in Crete","item":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/top-things-to-do-in-crete\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"14 best archaeological sites in Crete (photos + tips)"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/","name":"Crete Lovers","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#organization","name":"Crete Lovers","url":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/cropped-Crete-Lovers-Logos-RVB_Principal-bicolore.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/cropped-Crete-Lovers-Logos-RVB_Principal-bicolore.png","width":2194,"height":745,"caption":"Crete Lovers"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/5cbf80d712ab269f3efff3a36482baa0","name":"Claire","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e3566233826c32de8d7c9ef726a1087654b12cadb092acc17ee1d357687192ff?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e3566233826c32de8d7c9ef726a1087654b12cadb092acc17ee1d357687192ff?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e3566233826c32de8d7c9ef726a1087654b12cadb092acc17ee1d357687192ff?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Claire"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/claire-robinson\/"],"url":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/author\/cretelovers\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-archaeological-sites-Crete-ruins-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/best-archaeological-sites-Crete-ruins-600x600.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Claire","author_link":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/author\/cretelovers\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1685","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1685"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1685\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1530"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cretelovers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}