Crete Pictures

Fortunately, the city of Sitia remains under the radar from developers and crowds of tourists. PaulCowan iStockphoto.com

Agios Nikolaos is situated east of Heraklion and west of Sitia. Flickr renan4 Getty Images

Thousands of windmills populate the Lasithi prefecture of Crete. AAA Getty Images

Many agree that a visit to the palm forest and its beach, even though it's a big tourist destination, is worth sharing space with crowds.  Paul Mannix Flickr

Located on the northern coast, the city of Chania is one of the most visited places on the island. Maisicon Getty Images

Part of the Chania Prefecture, the chapel at the seaside town of Georgioupoli, located 100 meters out into the sea, is a draw for visitors.  Richard Tas Getty Images

Although Heraklion is the most developed city in Crete, the port of Heraklion still retains features of days past. Arsty Getty Images

The Historical Museum of Crete houses unique relics spanning the island's entire history. tedbassman Flickr

This museum is renowned for its extensive collection of Minoan art and it features a tablet whose symbols have yet to be deciphered. Narisa&James Flickr

The Cretaquarium, about 11 miles east of Heraklion, displays thousands of underwater species. Lourakis Wikimedia

Rethymnon Old Town is filled with Venetian and Turkish architecture, beckoning to be observed and explored. Romtomtom Flickr

Any taverna you step into throughout Crete will have the signature Greek salad. Patricia Fenn Gallery Getty Images

The Venetian Fortezza, which towers over Rethymnon Old Town, was built in the late 16th century to protect Crete from Ottoman invasion (it failed). StockThings Shutterstock

Crete's wildlife is abundant, especially in the rural areas. If you choose to visit Samaria National Park, keep an eye out for Crete's native kri-kri goat. Spigoo Flickr

At 10 miles long, Crete's Samaria Gorge is thought to be the longest canyon in Europe. Panagiotis Karapanagiotis Getty Images

Visitors are greeted with a secluded beach at Agia Roumeli at the end of their Samaria Gorge trek. Panagiotis Karapanagiotis Getty Images

Elafonissi is famous for its pink sand, which is actually thousands of broken up pieces of colorful shells. George Tsartsianidis Getty Images