Chania is located on the western side of Crete and is the capital of the region. Chania (also spelt and pronounced Hania) is a beautiful city which has an Old Town featuring a Venetian harbour. The northern side of the city is more popular with luxurious tourist resorts and organised beaches. While the southern side, remains more traditional and secluded with small, seaside villages. The highlight of Chania is the…
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…
The sandy beach of Marathi on the Akrotiri Peninsula is looking over Souda Bay to the area of Apokoronas and the White Mountains. Go to enjoy a day on the beach or have lunch/dinner in one of the fantastic Fish Tavernas. This beach is one of the favorite beaches of the Greeks living in Chania. You can rent a paddle boat, motor boat, see the fisher boats arriving in the…
Local winery of Apokoronas in Alikampos close to Vrisses on the way to the South Coast. This family business creates hight quality wines (you can also find them in the local tavernas, restaurants and shops) and focus on Cretan and Greek grape varieties such as Vidiano, Vilana, Kotsifali, Mandilari and Moscato Spinas. Book a wine tasting or one of the special wine tasting experiences this winery offers: e.g. “the whole…
Knossos was both a mythological and historical ancient capital city on the island of Crete. The magnificent Minoan palace of Knossos , the center of the Minoan civilization. The famous Minoan Palace lies five kilometers southeast of Heraklion, in the valley of the river Kairatos, in Crete
One of the most well-preserved villages in our area with many examples of local architecture displayed in the traditional homes. The area is bordered by the impressive White Mountains to the south and the glistening Mediterranean Sea to the north, giving stunning panoramic views.
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…
Tzitzifes typifies a quiet Cretan village, located in a fertile, green area of the Apokoronas. It is set on two adjacent hills which slope down to the ravine.In the village is a kafenion and a mini-market at the old village square.
With its close proximity to Kalyves and multiple tracks and trails to explore, it is easy to see the attraction and charm of Tsivaras. There is a village hall for local activities, next to the kafenion and a beautiful old church. Tsivaras is also home to one of the local olive oil factories where Greeks bring their olives (mostly Koroneiki) in the season of the harvest (November to January) to…
Stylos is where the Australian and New Zealand rearguard soldiers made their final stand during the Battle of Crete. There are some delightful tavernas next to the river under the plane trees. It is here where the local spring water, Samaria, is bottled. Close to the square you will find the old Church of Agios Ionnis Theologos from the 13 century with decorated frescoes. Sit down at the riverside and…
A very quaint little village, still full of old charm, where the locals go about their daily business. Up the hillside in the old village is the old site of Koules the ruins of an old Turkish fortress. It was a key vantage point at that time to also view the ancient site of Aptera. Around the village square are a couple of kafenions and a surprisingly well-stocked mini market….
Meledoni is a cahrming Cretan village in the mountains of Apokoronas. From the village you have beautiful countryside views over the area and to the sea down at Kalyves and Geaorgeoupolis. The village is home of a large orthodox church and narrow streets and old houses invite you to stroll around. It is just 5km to Agios Pantes with its shops and taverna and the national road leading east to…