City Go

The fortress that towers over Rethymnon was built in 1571 by the Venetian occupants, in order to protect the town's inhabitants from Ottoman attacks. It is thought to have been built on top of the acropolis of the ancient town of Rethymna but evidence of this town has never been found. Right after the siege of Rethymnon by the Ottomans, in 1646, the new occupants built a mosque on top of the remains of the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, which was destroyed, and named it after Sultan Ibrahim Khan. Within the walls, there are also warehouses, residences and a small church, built in the 19th century, dedicated to Saint Catherine. Opening hours: 1st of Apr. to 14th Nov., 8 am to 8 pm. Entrance fee: €4 (2017) Back to Rethymnon

The Archaeological Museum of  Agios Nikolaos was founded in 1970 to house the numerous archaeological findings in Eastern Crete. The largest collection is a set of items excavated at Agia Photia cemetery near Sitia. It also houses part of the findings at Malia and Knossos Palaces. Unfortunately the museum seems to close periodically for refurbishment, which was the case on the day I visited. It is expected to reopen in 2018. Opening hours: Spring to Autumn, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed in Winter. Entrance fee: €4

Lake Kournas is Crete's only freshwater lake. It has a perimeter of 3.5 km and a maximum depth of 22.5 m. It got its present name during the Ottoman period. While at the lake it's possible to swim, ride a pedalo, watch the ducks. There are several tavernas close to the lake. As everything in Crete, the lake has its own legends. One of these legends states that God created the lake as a punishment for the ungodly behaviour of the villagers. The only person to survive the punishment was the priest's daughter, who became a water nymph. How to go: There are KTEL buses from Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion to Georgioupolis, the closest town to the lake (about 4 km). From there you can take a touristic train, walk or take a taxi. There are also several excursions that go to Lake Kournas. Back to Rethymnon Back to Chania

The Beach of Kitroplatia is located in the small village of Agios Nikolaos. It has umbrellas, showers and a lifeguard. Nearby there are cafes and tavernas. It's named "Citron Square" after the citron trade, which flourished in Agios Nikolaos during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Vidiani Monastery is located at the foot of Mount Loulodaki, in Lassithi Plateau. It was founded in the mid-19th century by monk Methodius on the ruins of a former monastery. The monastery was set to fire during the revolution of 1866 but was soon rebuilt. There you can find a small cafe and buy traditional natural products like oils and soap. It's the ideal place to make a small stop while exploring the Lassithi Plateau. How to go: The monastery is included in some bus excursions to Lassithi Plateau. Otherwise, you can reach the monastery by car, as public transport to Lassithi Plateau is scarce.

Saint George Gate was part of the Venetian defence walls and was built in 1565. It was named after an imposing relief representing Saint George on his horse, which today is exhibited in the Historical Museum of Heraklion. It was also known as Lazaretto Gate, after a hospital for contagious diseases nearby. The original facade of the gate, demolished in 1917, was decorated with coats of arms and lions carved in relief. It laid buried under Eleftherias Square for many decades but has recently been unearthed and restored. The vaulted 45m long gallery often hosts exhibitions of painters, photographers, sculptors, etc. Heraklion

Close to the Historical Museum of Crete, this monastery dates from the early period of the Venetian domination of Crete, as it was built by the Cistercian monks in the 12th century and was later occupied by the Dominican Order. It was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1508 and partly destroyed during the Ottoman period when it was converted into a mosque. Recent diggings have revealed graves of the second Byzantine period and an extended dwelling from the Arabic period. All findings are exhibited at the Historical Museum. The complex is being recovered. Entrance free Opening hours: 8.30 am to 3 pm Heraklion