Destinations
to explore
Chania
Old Venetian Harbor
One of the most picturesque ports in Greece is undoubtedly the Venetian Port of Chania. The much-photographed Egyptian Lighthouse deserves a place in your collection.
There are plenty of “must dos” in the city of Chania, as well as the emotions that a walk in the harbor will offer you both during the day and at night.
Elafonisi
Elafonisi of Chania, based on the preferences of millions of travelers, is among the 10 best beaches in the world. It is located at the southwestern tip of Crete, approximately 76 kilometers from the City of Chania.
Clear blue waters, white sand and enchanting landscapes make up the recipe for success for the famous jewel of Kissamos.
Samaria Gorge
It has been described as an “experience of a lifetime” by most visitors. On the plateau of Omalos in the heart of the White Mountains the entrance to the Samaria gorge is located, at a height of 1300 meters (Xyloskalo area).
Hiking the 16 km gorge must be accompanied by the appropriate knowledge as it is a demanding route. This experience will offer you a close contact with nature ending in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli for a swim in the deep blue waters
The gorge welcomes its visitors from May 1 to the end of October with a nominal fee paid towards the National Forest Fund.
Tombs of Venizelos
On the hill of Prophet Ilias on the road leading to Akrotiri and the Airport you will find the tombs of the Venizelos family. Of the charismatic Greek politician Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sophocles Venizelos.
A location with a magnificent panoramic view of the city of Chania where we meet the newest history of Greece.
Rethymno
Old town
The picturesque old town of Rethymno is characterized by the cobbled streets that lead you to the Venetian harbor and the Fortezza castle.
A walk from the center to the port will give you the opportunity to feel the pulse of Cretan culture. National Resistance Street with the Guora Gate, Church of Saint Francis, Nerange Mosque, Loggia, Rimondi Fountain are some of the points that will make your walk unique, naturally ending up in some traditional tavern where you will not forget to try kaltsouni.
Holy Monastery of Arkadi
About 23 kilometers east of Rethymno near the village of Amnatos is the Arkadi monastery. One of the most important monuments of the city with history and events that will surely move you.
It is one of the holiest symbols of the Cretans’ struggle for freedom where in 1866 the holocaust took place with the blowing up of the wine cellar. It is worth noting that Arkadi has been designated by UNESCO as a European Freedom Monument.
Anogia
A little more than an hour from the city of Rethymno, the mountain village of Anogia is located, at an altitude of 700m. The central square of Agios Georgios, the house of Nikos Xylouris, the cave of Zeus and the traditional textiles will fill you with music, folk art and tradition.
During your visit to the village, sit in one of the traditional cafes and don’t miss the opportunity to listen to the locals share their experiences. If you are lucky, a group of artists will appear, setting a scene that will be unforgettable.
Plakias
On the south coast of Rethymno is the village of Plakias, which has now developed into a tourist resort. With a walk on the 1300 meter long sandy beach, especially in the summer months, you will be given the opportunity to create indelible memories. Souda, Damnoni, Ammoudi and Schinaria are four beaches, each one more special than the other. The best advice for the summer season in Rethymno is to swim in the clear blue and cool waters on the south side of the Prefecture.
Heraklion
Lions Square
If your arrival in Crete is from the port of Heraklion then all roads lead to Eleftherios Venizelos Square or as we all know: Lions Square. By the time the city wakes up, enjoy a bougatsa in the traditional cafes opposite the Morosini Fountain with the four lions.
The “Lions” are a meeting point for both visitors and locals, so put it on your agenda and book your appointments there for a stroll through the market or the city’s nightlife.
Knossos
With more than 500,000 visitors a year, the palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete. The Minoan palace is built on the hill of Kefala five kilometers south of Heraklion.
The myths of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur and Daedalus with Icarus are connected with the throne of the legendary king Minos. Therefore a visit to the heart of the Minoan Civilization is well worth it.
Koules Fortress
Koules is the name of the sea fortress that was built by the Venetians in Heraklion and they gave it the name Rocca a mare. The current Fortress was built between 1523-1540 on the site of an older Tower. During the Ottoman times it functioned as a prison and a small lighthouse was built on it.
Today the fortress can be visited as an archaeological site. Inside it exhibits findings of the legendary oceanographer Jacques Yves Cousteau in the 1970s, as well as very well organized material on the history of the fortress and Heraklion in general.
Matala Beach
This is the most famous beach of South Heraklion, in a bay with a 300-meter sandy beach and crystal clear deep waters. If you are a fan of waves then you will definitely love this beach where, with the help of the winds the landscape is reminiscent of exotic destinations.
Don’t hesitate to visit the caves of Matala and take a photo in the Hippies’ paradise of the 60’s and 70’s. Even in Matala during the summer season one of the biggest music festivals is organized where the beach welcomes a crowd of people recalling moments from that time when the “flower children” lived there.
Lasithi
Spinalonga
Spinalonga is a small island near Elounda in eastern Crete opposite the village of Plaka. Spinalonga has become known as the island of lepers, as lepers were isolated there from Crete and the rest of Greece until 1957.
The difficult life of the sick marked the space and charged it emotionally, making it a place of martyrdom and historical memory. A visit to Spinalonga has a lot to teach you.
Elounda
Elounda is located 10 kilometers north of Agios Nikolaos. From the first moment you see it you will find that it is fascinating. And this is because it is a resort known for the beauty of the landscape and for the luxury hotels. You will definitely visit the traditional settlement of Plaka. The beach of Plaka is located opposite Spinalonga and stands out for its crystal clear waters.
Chrysi or Gaidouronissi
The island of Chrysi or Gaidouronissi is located 8 miles south of Ierapetra. It is a flat islet famous for its tropical waters that exhaust all the color magic of blue and green. Also, the protected forest with scrub cypresses and the millions of broken shells give the sand a pink hue.
You can visit Chrysi every day with the excursion boats that depart in the morning and return in the afternoon, enjoying your swim in the crystal clear waters of the island.
Lake Voulismene
Voulismenie is a lagoon located in the center of the city of Agios Nikolaos. According to the legend, the goddess Athena bathed in it. A characteristic of the lake is that it has vertical walls reminiscent of a volcano crater, so some argue that it was created by the eruption of a volcano.
You will have the most beautiful view of the lake if you go up to the small park that has been created above it. There you will find a cafe and a restaurant to enjoy this enchanting landscape.
