A Short History of Crete

Why go

At Knossos, look for the scale of Bronze Age palace life and its writing traditions. Heraklion's museum helps place the finds in context. Venetian fortifications and the later story of Arkadi Monastery show that Crete's history continued through changing rulers and the struggle against Ottoman rule.

Useful to know

• Pair Knossos with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum rather than relying on the ruins alone for the Minoan story.