Crete Northeast
Central Crete is embedded between the Ida Mountains in the west and the Dikti Mountains in the east. The most important and well-known archaeological discoveries are on the north coast. Heraklion, Greece´s third largest city, is the first contact with Crete for most tourists. For those interested in culture a visit to the archaeological museum there is a real highlight. Tourism development was concentrated in the beginning on historic discoveries like the archaeological excavations at Knossos. Educational tourism discovered Crete all by itself. Today the tourist areas on Crete are concentrated to the east of Heraklion with the main town of Chersonissos. The interior is virtually continuously hilly. The largest wine-growing district is in the centre of Crete.
One of the scenic highlights in the east is the Lassithi Plateau in the Dikti Mountains. A visit to this delightful scenic area is a must for any holidaymaker to Crete. Originally there were hundreds of small windmills here pumping water for the crops. Nowadays there are a few here and there and one can guess the function they once had.
The beautiful Mirabello Bay at Agios Nikolaos with its exposed position has been a centre of attraction since time immemorial. Those who want the genuine article should plan a visit to Sitia, a former Venetian town. Further east is the well-known palm beach of Vai. The excursion to Vai is better outside the main season otherwise there are at least 25 tourists sitting under each palm tree. The appeal of Crete for the traveller lies in its variety. There are mature towns, vibrant places, scenery ranging from tranquil, wildly romantic through to rugged and quite simply friendly people.
