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….
Photovoltaics
Why do we need Photovoltaics? The consequences of global warming and climate change are becoming more apparent and serious every day. The world is warming up at a fast rate and we are now becoming increasingly aware that renewable energy is the only way forward. Crete’s latitude is quite far south, allowing us to enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year, with many of those being cloudless days. With such…
Top 5 Best Beaches in Crete
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
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
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…
Chania Region
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
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 strong winds and stunning scenery make it the perfect water sport to try out. There are a few locations in Crete which offer good conditions…
Top 5 Gorge Walks in Western Crete
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
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…
Apokoronas
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
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…
Akrotiri
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,…