Crete

This most amazing of archaeological sites once lay hidden beneath a huge mound hemmed in by low hills. — Fodor's

The Historical Museum of Crete offers an opportunity to get acquainted with the island's culture and history. — Michelin Guide

South of Chania a deep, verdant crevice extends 10 km (6 miles) from near the village of Xyloskalo to the Libyan sea. — Fodor's

The world’s greatest museum of Minoan art exhibits many of the finds from the Palace of Knossos and other monuments of the Minoan civilization that thrived in Crete some 4,000 years ago. — Frommer's

A rich collection of Cretan folk items showcases exquisite weavings and pottery, basketry, farm implements, household furnishings, and clothing. — Fodor's

A protected Natura 2000 area, Elafonissi beach is a victim of its own success: it is overrun by hordes of tourists in summer. — Michelin Guide

It's hardly a world-class aquarium, but there's more than enough here to occupy your kids on a day when you need a break from the beach. — Frommer's

Looming over Rethymno, this Venetian fortress cuts an impressive figure with its massive walls and imposing bastions. — Lonely Planet

Scattered up the hillside, sheltered by two rocky spurs, the impressive ruins of Lato, an important Dorian city, occupy a superb site. — Michelin Guide

The compelling Late Minoan site of Gournia (pronounced goor-nyah) lies just off the coast road, 19km southeast of Agios Nikolaos. — Lonely Planet

The tiny triple-aisled Church of Panagia Kera, 1km northeast of Kritsa, contains the finest Byzantine frescoes in Crete. — Lonely Planet

The museum building used to be a Turkish guardhouse and prison. — Fodor's

Balos Lagoon is accessible by boat from Kastelli commercial port, or by track suitable for vehicles (8km) then a footpath (2km). — Michelin Guide

The olive groves that surround and finance the monastery yields excellent oils, and the shop is stocked with some of the island's finest. — Fodor's

The Arkadi Monastery, in the hills some 23km southeast of Rethymno, has deep significance for Cretans. — Lonely Planet

A marvellous spot with enchanting creeks. Be sure to make a stop here or, better, stay overnight, as there is quality accommodation to be had. — Michelin Guide

Just across the narrow channel from the lighthouse and marking the west entrance to the harbor is the the old Turkish prison, which now houses the Nautical Museum of Crete. — Fodor's

The Palace of Malia, 3km east of Malia, was built at about the same time as the great Minoan palaces of Phaestos and Knossos. — Lonely Planet