Crete's UNESCO Sites
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete has four ENUESCO sites, which are Sitia, Psiloritis, Asterousia, and the Gorge of Samaria.
It's not surprising that Crete has four UNESCO sites, being the largest of the Greek islands with a total area of 8,450 sq kms (3,260 sq miles). The four sites all involve mountain ranges:
· Sitia and the Zakros Mountains in the northeast.
· Psiloritis and Mt Ida in the centre.
· Asterousia in the south.
· Samaria and the Samaria Gorge in the southwest.
Sitia
The lovely port town of Sitia is in the Lasithi regional unit of Crete, the most easterly of Crete's regions. It's not only the town which has been recognised by UNESCO, but the area around it too. In 2015 UNESCO declared it a Global Geopark because of the Zakros Mountains, the cave systems, the discovery of fossils, and the encouragement of ecotourism and geotourism, benefitting the local communities.
Psiloritis
Psiloritis was also declared a Global Geopark in 2015, although it had been part of the European Geoparks Network since 2001. Psiloriitis is the name of the mountain range, and the park extends from the mountains down to the Libyan Sea, an area of 1,159 sq kms (447 sq miles). The park also encompasses the Talaia Ori Mountains, and these extend all the way to Crete's north coast.
The highest peak in the Psiloritis range is Mt Ida at 2,456 metres (8,058 ft). UNESCO recognised the area, amongst other things, for its geodiversity, with its many caves and deep gorges, for its plant and animal life, including wild cats, and for the way its attractions help sustain local communities by bringing in visitors.
Crete's UNESCO SitesMap (c) Google Maps
Asterousia
In 2020 UNESCO designated this area, the most southerly mountain range in Europe, as the Asterousia Mountain Range Biosphere Reserve. It's not only for its dramatic beauty, but also for its rich archaeological heritage: people have lived here since Neolithic times. It's also home to 55% of the animal and plant species that are found on Crete, including the Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, and Bonelli’s Eagle.
Samaria Gorge
The Gorge of Samaria, and surrounding area, is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, created in 1981. This makes it the oldest of Crete's UNESCO sites. It's also a National Park, and the only one of these four areas to be uninhabited. It does, however, have ancient ruins, including churches and castles, from the days when people did once live here.
For more information, see our pages on the Samaria Gorge and Hiking the Samaria Gorge.
Some other Crete pages
Gortina ancient archaeological site in southern Crete
Ancient Gortina is an archaeological site in southern Crete famous for the church of Ayios Titos and for the Law Code inscribed here, the first in Europe.
Where to Stay in Eastern Crete
Greece Travel Secrets suggests where to stay in Eastern Crete with our favourite hotels in Zakros, Elounds, Sitia, Agios Nikolaos, Istron Bay, Myrtos, Neapolis.
Shopping Tips for Crete
These shopping tips for Crete include advice on buying souvenirs like ceramics, icons, jewellery, leather, weavings, wood carvings, and food and drink.
Lonely Planet Crete
Lonely Planet Crete is an excellent and thorough guide of almost 300 pages to the largest of the Greek islands.
Where to Stay in Central Crete
Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in Central Crete including hotels in Matala, Ayia Galini, and Zaros.
Battle of Crete
The Battle of Crete during World War 2 inspired several books and took place with an airborne invasion over Maleme on the north coast of the island.
Cretan Writers and Artists
The most famous Cretan writers and artists include the painter El Greco and the author of Zorba the Greek, Nikos Kazantzakis.
Our Hire Car in Crete
The travel tale Our Hire Car in Crete describes what it’s like when you go driving in Greece and get off the beaten track, resulting in kindnesses.
Lasithi Plateau Drive
This Lasithi Plateau drive on Crete starts in Neapoli and ends in Malia, covering a distance of 80 km (50 miles) and taking two to three hours.
Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is one the longest gorges in Europe and doing the hike is one of the best and most popular things to do on Crete.
Where to Eat in Eastern Crete
Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to eat in Eastern Crete including restaurants and tavernas in Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, and Kato Zakros.
Central Crete in Three Days
Driving central Crete in three days gives you time to see the highlights including the Minoan palaces at Knossos and Phaistos, the beaches and the Diktean Cave.
Western Crete Beaches and Villages
Western Crete has some wonderful golden sand beaches as well as mountain villages, monasteries, caves, and archaeological sites to discover.
Around Central Crete
This tour around central Crete lists some of the area’s highlights such as the traditional village of Arolithos, Minoan remains at Tilisos, and Agioi Deka.
Best Things to Do on Crete
The best things to do on Crete and top things to see include the Samaria Gorge, the Minoan Palaces at Knossos and Phaistos, the towns of Chania and Rethymnon.
Best Beaches on Crete
Greece Travel Secrets chooses ten of the best beaches on Crete including the beautiful beaches at Vai and Elafonisi.
The Snails House on Crete
The Snails House in Plouti near Phaistos in southern Crete serves the Cretan delicacy of snails, cooked in several different ways.
Where to Stay in Irakleio
Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in Irakleio, the capital of Crete, including nearby beach resort hotels and accommodation in the city centre.
Crete
Crete (Kriti) is the largest Greek island and its main attractions include the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the Samarian Gorge, Chania and Rethymnon.
How to Make Petimezi
How to make Petimezi, the sweet Cretan syrup made from wine must, is explained to Greece Travel Secrets.
Making Rakomelo on Crete
Greece Travel Secrets visits Crete and learns about making rakomelo from Jorgos Kourmoulis in Agouseliana.
Airbnb near Chania
This Airbnb in the quiet village of Malaxa, a 30-minute drive into the hills above Chania, is a peaceful retreat with a delightful and thoughtful artist owner, with wonderful views and amenities.
Paleohora and the South-West Coast
The area east from Paleohora along the south-west coast of Crete includes resorts like Agia Galini, gorges like the Imbros Gorge and quieter towns like Sfakia.
Art Courses on Crete
Greece Travel Secrets visits Visual Arts Crete who offer accommodation and run art courses at their home and studio in the village of Kastellos near Rethymnon.
Driving on Crete
Driving on Crete is the best way to see Greece’s biggest island and here is our driving advice and some information about Greek driving regulations.
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