The crystal clear waters of Elafonisi Beach, also known as Ελαφόνησος , This perfect beach and islet are at the far southwest coast of Crete. The clear, turquoise waters have beckoned travellers for centuries, but thankfully this area has a restricted development order in place. This natural, near pristine beach, with its pure white sandbars and natural islet, remains virtually untouched. It is listed in the top ten beaches in…
The sandy and large beach of Falassarna is one of the few beaches in Crete facing West and you can see perfect sunsets from here. Falassarna actually consists of 5 beaches located at the western base of Gramvousa peninsula. However the 2 central ones are the most populated. Due to the size of the beach (3km in total), it is never too crowded and there is something for everyone here….
Balos lagoon is one of Crete’s most famous beaches with its turquoise waters and expansive views, it ranks in the top beaches of Europe and the world. It’s located 56km of the city of Chania and northwest of Kissamos. The lagoon lies between the Cape Gramvousa and Cape Tigani. Standing above the beach on the hills, the views are spectacular and wild. Balos lagoon has white sand and crystal clear…
A tiny hamlet hidden between the two beach resorts Kalyves and Almyrida. There is a small pebble cove, from where you can see the island of Karga, which is a natural reserve for many bird species. There is also the 19 century architecture of the temple of the Virgin Mary, built on the site of an older Monestery.
The small fishing village of Almyrida is now a delightful beach resort. As you approach from the western end of the village you will see an early basilica dating from the fifth century, with a wonderful mosaic floor. Almyrida has a lovely bay shaped harbour keeping the beach sheltered and safe, making it an ideal spot for those with young families. It also benefits from a gentle sloping sandy beach…
Kalyves is a beach resort and yet still an agricultural market centre. It is a working village, where irrespective of tourism, village life goes on. There are two main beaches; the quieter one at the western end of the village (opposite the SYNKA supermarket) and the busier one at the harbour end. On foot it is nice to explore the quaint ‘old’ part, with its narrow lanes leading off from…
A beautiful traditional Cretan village. Evidence of its ancient history and settlements is throughout the village and its narrow, winding lanes and streets. From the mulberry trees planted around the village by the Turks, to the Byzantine wells and Roman tombs on the outskirts of the village and the Venetian arches of the old olive factory. The small, but, excellent folklore museum is housed in a Venetian building with Turkish…
Tiny blue and white village on the South Coast of Crete. You can only reach this calm place on earth bu boat or bu foot. Walk from Aia Roumeli or Chora Sfakion on the european walking trail to Loutro. Enjoy one of the good fish tavernas. On the way walking from Chora Sfakia to Loutro you pass the Sweet Water Beach (Glyka Nera), a beach with high rocky mountains behind…
The Gorge of Samariá (GR: Φαράγγι Σαμαριάς) is located in the south-west Lefká óri (GR: Λευκά όρη = White Mountains) in the province of Sfakia of the Hania prefecture. It is surrounded by high mountain peaks such as Gigilos (2080m), Volakias (2116m), Melindaou (2153m), Avlimonakas (1806m) and others. Its northern (high) entrance is in the plateau of Omalós and its southern entrance 3.2 km north of the village of Agia…
Preveli is located about 35km south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias. Beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotikos Gorge, where the Great River (Megas Potamos) is flowing. It is certainly the most famous beach in southern Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer. During the 60s and 70s, it was a favorite destination for hippies. On the…
The mysterious lake of Kournas is at the very eastern end of the area Apokoronas close to the beach resort of Georgeoupolis. Just a short drive inland lays this lake with its different shades of blue at the foot of impressive moutnains. You can eat in one of the good tavernas, hire a little boat and if it is not too crowded you can see sweet water turtles.
One of the most picturesque cities on the island. Rethymnon is a small city, but like all cities that carry thousands of years of history. The picturesque town has been untouched by earthquakes and has retained its blend of Eastern mystique and Western grandeur. There are numerous venetian houses and churches; the latter were converted into mosques during the period of Turkish rule. Clustered around its Fortezza (fortress), Rethymnon will make…
Omalos is located 38km south of the city of Chania and lies 1100m above sea level. It is the biggest and highest plateau on Crete and is surrounded by the peaks of the White Mountains. Every winter, the surrounding area is covered in snow and makes it look like a winter wonderland. In the past, the plateau was an area of local shelter during the Turkish occupation. Nowadays, it is…
Although larger in size it still boasts some charmingly peaceful kafenions around the crossroads and some very well thought of cafes and tavernas serving typical Cretan food, served in a traditional manner. A co-operative was founded here with the aim of rebuilding and restoring houses in the village, which lends to its charm. There are regular exhibitions held (art, photography etc) and music nights. It also well worth the walk…
CostAnita it is a family restaurant at the end of Almyrida where people can combine good food for all tastes with drinks – cocktails, but also unforgettable moments on the beach with golden sands and it is suitable for all ages.The owners Kostas and Anita and the restaurant team is always friendly, polite, and they give their own touches to the pleasant experience that someone will have once they visit…
Agios Onoufrios is a small seaside village of Cape Akrotiri, which is located 8km north of Chania and close to village Kounoupidiana. The village is actually a suburb of Chania, since it is very close to the city. It is named after the small chapel next to the beach that is dedicated to St. Onoufrios and celebrates on June 12. The beach of Agios Onoufrios is quiet and hidden in a well-protected bay….
Elafonissi The crystal clear waters of Elafonisi Beach, also known as Ελαφόνησος. This perfect beach and islet are at the far southwest coast of Crete. The clear, turquoise waters have beckoned travellers for centuries, but thankfully this area has a restricted development order in place. This natural, near pristine beach, with its pure white sandbars and natural islet, remains virtually untouched. It is listed in the top ten beaches in…
Vai beach is on the eastern side of Crete, 25km east of Sitia. It is most famous for its palm tree lined beach. The name of the area, Vai, comes from vayia, the Greek word for palms. The palms are Cretan date palms and it’s the largest date grove in Europe, with nearly 5000 palms and existing for 2000 years. This beach has a more Caribbean feel, with its white sandy…
Matala is on the south coast of Crete, located 65km southwest of Heraklion. It is most famous for its stunning, carved out caves and the hippies of the 1970s. There is a beautiful beach with a mix of sand and fine pebbles. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Located up on the cliffs are the famous caves which can be explored by foot. Many of…
The Chania region is often termed as ‘Western Crete’ and is subdivided into 7 different municipalities; Apokoronas, Chania (city), Kantanos-Selino, Kissamos, Platanias, Sfakia and Gavdos Island. The area is of outstanding natural beauty with a mixture of mountains, beaches, gorges, small forests and valleys. The breath-taking beaches of Elafonissi and Balos are home to the region of Chania and fall in the top-ranking beaches of Europe. Samaria Gorge is the…
Windsurfing is a water sport that combines both the characteristics of sailing and surfing. Windsurfers use a board to stand or kneel on and operate the sail with their hands. First invented in California, it has become a popular recreational activity in Crete. The regular winds of the island and stunning scenery make it the perfect water sport to try out. There are a few locations in Crete which offer…
Samaria Gorge By far the most famous walk in Crete starts in Omalos down the National Park of the Samarian gorge. Open only in summer time you can walk down 16km to Agios Roumeli at the Libyan Sea in the south of Crete. It is the second longest gorge in Europe. Passing through the “Iron Gate” at the lower part of the gorge is very impressive: stone walls on both…
Plaka is a picturesque Cretan village located 30km from the city of Chania and just above the sandy beaches of Almyrida. Its focal point is the village square (platia) where there are several good tavernas and cafes and the village has a traditional feel. The views over the bay and valley up to the White Mountains are stunning. The sheltered beach of Almyrida is only a short walk down the…
The district of Apokoronas is located north-west of Crete, only a 30-minute drive from the city of Chania. The area of Apokoronas starts in the foothills of the White Mountains and extends out towards the coast. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and is very green and fertile. The Kiliaris river runs through the region and flows out to the sea through the town of Kalyves. The major…
Loutraki is located 16km east of the city of Chania on the Akrotiri peninsula, and only a 10-minute drive to the international airport of Chania. Loutraki is close to Marathi and both beaches can be become a popular destination in the summer months. The beach has fine sand and a small protected bay, making it a perfect destination for young children. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available along with a snack…
The Akrotiri penisulia is located 10km northeast of the city of Chania. It has become a popular destination to live due to its close proximity to the city, airport and wonderful beaches in the local area. There are several interesting monasteries in the Akrotiri area which are well worth a visit. Agia Triada was built at the beginning of the 17th century and has a small museum. 4km further on,…