Other monuments

Mount Psiloritis (Idi)
Address: Mount Psiloritis, Crete, Greece, GR
One of the most imposing and impressive of all the landmarks on the island of Crete, Mount Psiloritis also goes by the name of Mount Idi and dominates the entire Amari province, towering almost 2,500 metres / 8,200 feet high. The Nida Plateau forms the eastern base of the mountain and is a huge expanse, encircled by a number of additional, smaller mountains. A paved roads leads to the plateau from Anogia and if you drive along this road, look out for the stone shepherd's huts, which are known locally in Greece as 'mitatas'. Of particular interest, Mount Psiloritis is home to the Ideon Cave, which legend says, is where the Greek god Zeus, king of all the gods, was actually reared.
Open: daily
Admission: free

Ancient City of Aptera
Address: West of Kalyves, Crete, Greece, GR
The remains of the ancient city of Aptera are well worth searching out and lie some 3 km / 2 miles directly to the west of Kalyves. These ruins are roughly spread around two large hills, next to the Souda Bay, and date as far back as the 7th century BC, almost 3,000 years. Once one of Crete's most important cities, Aptera was sadly completely destroyed during a major earthquake disaster in the 7th century AD, although was somewhat rebuilt during the 10th century. Today, Aptera is still being meticulously excavated and features some very well-preserved structures, including a Greek temple from the 2nd century BC, Roman cisterns and some gigantic fortified walls. Also here is the considerably younger landmark of a Turkish fortress, constructed in 1872.
Open: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:00 to 14:30
Admission: charge

Lebena Ruins
Address: Lendas, Crete, Greece, GR
Located on the very outskirts of the village of Lendas, the archaeological site of Lebena started life as a renowned health spa, using the onsite freshwater springs, which were known for the therapeutic qualities. Very little remain here of the original structures, although there are a couple of large stone columns which were once part of a 4th-century BC temple. There are also some intricately laid mosaic floors which are still clearly visible.
Open: daily
Admission: free

Koules Venetian Fortress (Rocca al Mare)
Address: Iraklio Harbour, Crete, Greece, GR
Built during the 16th century and still dominating the Old Harbour, Crete's Koules Venetian Fortress was known as the Rocca al Mare under the island's Venetian rule. For more than 20 years, this fortress helped to defend the island from Turkish attacks, before actually becoming a Turkish prison for rebelling Cretans. The facade is especially eye-catching and features a number of reliefs depicting the Lion of St. Mark. Step inside the Koules Venetian Fortress to discover more than 20 different restored rooms, a number of which are now used as art galleries.
Open: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 8:00
Admission: charge

Rethymno Fortress (Fortezza) / Acropolis
Address: Paleokastro Hill, Rethymno, Crete, Greece, GR
Tel: +30 28310 28101
The Rethymno Fortress is located within the lively town of Rethymno and was built during the 16th century. Also the sit of the town's ancient acropolis, the fortress boasts enormous walls, inside of which many different monuments and buildings once stood. All that now remains of these buildings are a church as a rather beautiful mosque. There is plenty to explore as you walk around the ruins, while for the best views, head to the ramparts. An Archaeological Museum is close by and near to the fortress entrance.
Open: charge
Admission: June to October, daily - 08:00 to 20:00

Moni Arkadiou (Monastery)
Address: Arkadi, Crete, Greece, GR
Tel: +30 28310 83138
The 16th-century monastery that is the Moni Arkadiou is to be found just over 22 km / 14 miles to the south-east of Rethymno town. A number of different landmarks are based here, of which the Venetian Baroque-style church is amongst the most impressive, with no less than eight Corinthian columns and a rather special bell tower. Also here is a former windmill, which contains a rather surprising collection of bones and skulls of Turkish soldiers, who attacked in 1866 and lot their lives after Cretans set lit to the monastery's gunpowder store.
Open: April to October, daily - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge