Crete with Costa croisière: stopover on a fabulous island, cradle of Greek mythology

Crete is much more than a Greek island. Situated between the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean, it lies at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia, which has always made it a strategic cultural and commercial crossroads. It has been coveted by many civilizations: Minoans, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans… Each has left its mark.

With Costa, a stopover in Heraklion, the capital of Crete, offers an exciting itinerary between major archaeological sites, mythology, authentic villages and sublime beaches. A day rich in contrasts and emotion.

Knossos Palace: at the heart of Greek origins

Just a few kilometers from Heraklion, Knossos Palace is one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating archaeological sites. It was the political, religious and economic center of the Minoan civilization, which flourished here over 1,500 years BC. According to historians, it is the oldest palace in Europe.

Entering the remains of this immense site, one is struck by the elegance of the proportions, the complexity of the layout, and the richness of the decor. Inverted red columns and colorful frescoes depicting dolphins, bulls and stylized female figures give an astonishingly modern impression for a 4,000-year-old site.

Our erudite and friendly guide Costa enriched the visit with fascinating etymological explanations: “labyrinth” comes from the Greek word labrys, the double axe, a Minoan symbol. It was here that the legend of the Minotaur took root: a monster half-man, half-bull, locked in a labyrinth by King Minos. And it was his daughter Ariadne who gave Theseus a thread to help him find his way back after killing the creature. The famous “Ariadne’s thread” was born here.

Knossos is a blend of myth and history, a place where the imagination goes beyond its status as an archaeological site. There’s a profound beauty here, a kind of strangeness that’s almost emotional. Allow 1h30 to 2h for a complete visit with a guide. For greater fluidity, opt for an early-morning visit.

Agios Nikolaos: lakeside charm and Cretan gentleness

After our visit to Knossos, it’s time for the sweetness of a village that won us over: Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas). Just over an hour from Heraklion, this waterside village is built around a small circular lake, said by some to be bottomless, which mythology links to Athena and Artemis.

Here, you can stroll without a plan, through cobbled pedestrian streets, craft markets, shady terraces and cascading staircases down to the sea. The harbor is home to colorful little boats, the cafés are quiet and the atmosphere very relaxed. It’s the perfect place to sample the simple, generous Cretan soul.

Crete’s most beautiful beaches: natural diversity and picture-postcard scenery

Crete extends over 8,000 km² and offers beaches as varied as they are spectacular. Here are five of the most beautiful beaches, to discover as time permits or to make a note of for a longer trip in the future:

• Elafonissi: pink sand, turquoise water, shallow lagoon… an almost tropical landscape. Accessible from the west, it offers a peaceful experience, perfect for families and lovers of quiet bathing.
• Balos: A lagoon between sea and mountains, with incredible shades of blue and green. Access is by boat or on foot, and the view from the summit is well worth the effort.
• Vai: Unique in Europe, this beach is bordered by a natural palm grove with over 5,000 trees. The water is warm, clear and the sand fine. A small, exotic paradise in the northeast of the island.
• Preveli: Where the river meets the sea, this beach is surrounded by palm trees and steep cliffs. A path leads to a spectacular view of the river mouth. Wild, isolated, unforgettable.
• Matala: Known for its troglodyte caves carved into the cliffs, in the 70s it was a refuge for hippies from all over the world. Bohemian ambience guaranteed, with soft music and crystal-clear sea.

Heraklion blends ancient myths with Mediterranean beaches, for a stopover rich in history and relaxation in the sun. Here, Crete reveals its power, its charm, its light – and an irrepressible desire to return and explore even more…

Read our articles on Costa’s other ports of call: Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Istanbul, for an itinerary rich in history, natural wonders and emotions.