Villa Iasonas
An old residence renovated completely in 2015 is between the old stone houses of the traditional settlement of Kournas Apokoronas. Villa Iasonas keeps the traditional…
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A magic route: Vamos - Argyroupoli
A stunning route who combine the tradition of the island, the beautiful beaches, the legends and the beauty of mother nature. This route with starting point...
Chania Original Routes
From the Palaces and historical places to the dew of the Cretan Sea
From ancient Gortyna to the picturesque village of Sivas, from Sivas to the historic and beautiful monastery Odigitrias and from the monastery Odigitrias to...
Heraklion Original Routes
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Chania
Location Chania, Crete Population 53,000 inhabitants Architecture A blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and traditional architecture Old and Modern City Chania is divided…
Chania Towns and villages
Cave Chapel of Panagia at Vithano
Location 75 km from Heraklion, 13 km from Lentas Access Dirt road from Krotos village, 4 km to the hill, 10-minute walk to the church Tradition Miraculous…
Heraklion Beaches Canyons
Charakas
Location 50 km south of Heraklion, at the foot of the Asterousia Mountains Population 1,000 residents (2011 census) Landmark The "Charaki" rock with…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Kato Archanes
Location 15 km from Heraklion Altitude 360 m. Activities Hiking on the E4 trail, visit to the Museum of Cretan History Sights Archaeological site in Fourni, amazing…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Archaeological Museum of Archanes
The Archaeological Museum of Archanes is in a beautiful neoclassical building with 570 square meters area, in Tzami, in the center of the Archanes town. The small…
Heraklion Archaeological Museums
Archanes
Location 16 km from Heraklion Αltitude 380 meters Awards "Integrated Sustainable Settlement Development" Award (2000), Gold Environmental Award…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
One of the most important museums of Greece, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, is in the north-east of the Eleftheria square. The building of the museum began…
Heraklion Archaeological Museums
Agios Charalampos gorge
The gorge starts from the small Agios Charalampos church in the south of the Ano Asites settlement. The small gorge is easily accessed, particularly in the summer,…
Heraklion Canyons
Charaki
Charaki is about 35 kilometers from Heraclion and 350 meters above the sea level. Administratively, the village is under the Archanes-Asterousia municipality and…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Cha climbing spot
The Cha gorge of the Ierapetra municipality and Lasithi prefecture has about 25 descents, slides and jumps. Water dominates and creates many waterfalls and places…
Lasithi Climbing
Archaeological Museum of Ierapetra
The Archaeological Museum of Ierapetra has been working since 1986 in the Commercial Ottoman School in the center of the city. The exhibits concern the area and…
Lasithi Archaeological Museums
Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos
The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos has been working since 1970 and is one of the most important museums in Crete. It is in the northern part of the lake,…
Lasithi Archaeological Museums
Easter customs
Do only lichnarakia, anevata (i.e. traditional sweets with mizithra), Easter eggs and roasted lamb or antikristo (i.e. lamb cooked opposite the fire) define Easter…
Crete Cretography
Rivers in Crete
River is a system of internal water that flows on the surface of the earth and a large of its part can be underground. Very few rivers are in Crete due to its small…
Crete Rivers
Mitato: their history and use
Mitato is a small stone-shaped building. Mitato you can find in the mountains of Crete and in Cyclades. These are buildings reminiscent of circular Minoan tombs…
Crete Magazine
8 reasons to go to Crete for Christmas
Crete has been popular for summer holidays but that is not only the case. Crete is also a winter destination just as any other in the world. Crete, the island of…
Crete Magazine
Imam Bayildi
Here is a recipe of the “queen” of the vegetables, eggplant, that comes from Turkey and we "made" it Greek through small changes. According to history, the name…
Crete Recipes
Sweet of grapes
For 3 jars of one kilogram we will need: 3 pounds grapes 1.5 kg sugar 5 vanilla 3 branches of marjoram Juice of one lemon Clean and rinse the grapes. In…
Crete Recipes
Kapetanakeio, a historical building
Kapetanakeio is one of the historical buildings of Heraclion that dominates in one of the most beautiful spots of the city. The 1stGymnasium of Heraclion, theoldest…
Crete Cretography
The healing herbs
The flora of Crete is very important due to the mild and hot climate. There are 2000 different plant species and 160 of them are indigenous. The large number of…
Crete Cretography
A sweet custom of the New Year's Day
Bougatsa is the sweet… custom of the New Year’s Day and Heraclion. Tones of bougatsa are consumed by the people of Heraclion in the night of the New Year’s Eve…
Crete Cretography
Custom of Klidonas
The custom of Klidonas is rooted from the ancient times and mentioned in various texts of the ancient historians. The word “Klidonas” came from the ancient word…
Crete Cretography
Olive Oil, the present of nature to people
The olive production was recorded for the first time in the Minoan Crete, 3500 years ago. Findings like clay pots with olive oil and urns with edible olives in…
Crete Cretography
Cretan wines
“The wine makes the poor rich in imagination and the rich poor in reality” Plato The wine in Crete has been produced since the Minoan Years. The Minoans cultivated…
Crete Cretography
Cretan cheese
The value of cheese has been appreciated by the ancient Greeks. The first references of goat and sheep breeding in Crete have been in the Greek mythology. Chased…
Crete Cretography
Troumpa in Heraclion
Prostitutes, rebetes and mages were the residents of the Lakkos neighbourhood. In Lakos, there were weird feasts, hashish making and other illegal acts that could…
Crete Cretography
Cretan diet: the treatment on your plate!
The pure ingredients, produced by the fertile land of Crete combined with a fabulous way, are the feature of the Cretan diet that is famous for its wonderful tastes…
Crete Cretography
Ross Daly in Original Crete
Being friendly, with interesting views and a restless spirit is maybe the other side of Ross Daly, the musical traveler. We met him in the Lavirinthos Musical Workshop…
Crete Cretography
Cretan dances
The dances of Crete are danced by men and women and remind the imposing and dynamic presence of the people of the island. The Cretan dances are divided into two…
Crete Cretography
From breeches’ Crete to trousers’ Crete
Have you wondered the importance of sariki (i.e. kerchief with fringes)? Why do the Cretans wear a black shirt? Which are the influences of the traditional Cretan…
Crete Cretography
The dialect of Crete
The Cretan dialect includes words that came from and were influenced by the various nations inhabited in Crete that were adapted and changed in order to have the…
Crete Cretography
The woman of Crete through the centuries
The position of women in Crete experienced many changes over the centuries, which sometimes raised her as a priestess and sometimes trapped in the house and considered…
Crete Cretography
Cave of Agia Sophia
Location: 50 km from Chania in the village of Topolia Chapel of Agia Sophia Inside the cave is a charming chapel dedicated to Saint Sophia Natural Decor: The…
Chania Caves
Alidakis Tower
Location Emprosnero, Municipality of Apokoronas, 40 km from Chania History Built by Venetians, reconstructed by Turks, destroyed by Sfakians in 1774 Architecture Four…
Chania Historical Sites
Tavris Refuge
Location Tavris Plateau near Askifou Altitude1,200 m Access 7.5 km dirt road or a 2-hour hike from Ammoudari Facilities 45 people capacity,…
Chania Shelters
Kallergi Refuge
Location Southeast of the Omalos Plateau, at an altitude of 1,680 meters View Panoramic views of the Cretan and Libyan Seas, the Samaria Gorge, and Gavdos…
Chania Shelters
Ombros Gialos (Ombrosgialos)
Location 26 km east of Chania Access Through the village of Palailoni Parking Small parking area near the beach Natural beauty Impressive cliffs…
Chania Beaches
Elliniki kamara (Greek Arch)
Location Between the villages of Vryses and Maza Access Chania-Rethymno National Road Other attractions Lush vegetation, springs, and the chapel…
Chania Historical Sites
Aradena gorge
Location Aradena Gorge is located in Sfakia, Crete, and extends from the abandoned village of Aradena to the sea Length The gorge stretches over approximately…
Chania Canyons
Maritime Museum of Crete
The Maritime Museum of Crete is near the port of Chania, next to the entrance of the Firka fortress. The museum was founded in order to preserve the naval traditions…
Chania Other Museums
Lake of Agia
Location Lake Agia is located 9 km west of Chania Size It covers an area of 450 acres Origin The lake is artificial and named after the nearby village…
Chania Lakes
Venetian Fragokastelo castle
The Venetian Fragokastelo castle is in the Fragokastelo settlement, 12 kilometers in the east of Chora Sfakion, 140 kilometers in the south-west of Heraclion and…
Chania Historical Sites
Fragokastelo
Location South of Sfakia, 75 km from Chania. Historical Interest Venetian castle and the legend of the Drosoulites. Beaches Main beach, Orthi Ammos,…
Chania Beaches Towns and villages
Seitan Limania
Location 20 km from Chania, northeastern Akrotiri Peninsula Access From Chordaki, 10-15 minute hiking trail Facillities No organized facilities Name derived from…
Chania Beaches
Theriso
Location 16 km from Chania, nestled at the foot of the White Mountains Main Attractions Theriso Gorge, Cretan Revolution Museum, Venizelos’ headquarters…
Chania Towns and villages
Αncient city of Falasarna
Location Western Crete, Gramvousa Peninsula Timeline 4th and 3rd centuries BCE Significance Major trade hub, connected with Alexandria Currency Featured a woman’s…
Chania Archaeological Areas
Falasarna
Location 60 km west of Chania, Crete Beaches Award-winning Pachia Ammos, other smaller beaches to the north and south Activities Windsurfing, water sports Archaeology…
Chania Beaches Towns and villages
Fortress of Gramvousa
The fortress of Gramvousa is on a steep hill of the Imeri Gramvousa Island, opposite the famous Mpalos beach. The building of the fortress started in 1584 by the…
Chania Historical Sites
Chrisoskalitissa monastery
Location 72 km southwest of Chania, overlooking the Libyan Sea Architecture A dazzling white monastery with fortress-like architecture perched on a 35-meter…
Chania Monasteries
Fortress of Selinos
Location On Fortetsa Hill, south of Paleochora, Chania Construction Built in 1279 by the Venetians to control the surrounding region and the sea route…
Chania Historical Sites
Palaiochora
Location 70 km southwest of Chania, built on a peninsula between two bays Sights the Venetian fortress of Selino, the Museum of the Akrites of Europe…
Chania Beaches Towns and villages
Kourna lake
Location 4 km south of Georgioupolis, on the border of Chania and Rethymno History Ancient name "Korisia," current name from the Arab period Dimensions 579…
Chania Lakes
Georgioupoli
Location 40 km east of Chania, 20 km west of Rethymno Rivers Almyros and Perastikos, contributing to the natural lake and lush vegetation Beach 10…
Chania Beaches Towns and villages
Vamos
Location 26 km southeast of Chania Architecture Traditional kamarospita and konakia, built using local materials Attractions Old neighborhood, restored…
Chania Towns and villages
12. Katsiveli - Askifou
The twelfth route of the E4 European Long DIstance Path in Crete is 20 kilometers long and lasts about 8 to 10 hours. You can follow it from May to September, it…
Chania E4
Loutro
Location 71 km south of Chania Access By foot or boat from Sfakia, Agia Roumeli, Sougia, Paleochora, Gavdos. History Connected to the ancient city…
Chania Beaches Towns and villages
Agia Roumeli
Location 58 km south of Chania Natural Environment Exit of the Samaria Gorge Access By hiking or sea transport Beaches Main beach split…
Chania Beaches Towns and villages
Samaria Gorge
Location 42 km south of Chania city Length 18 kilometers, with a hiking duration of 4-8 hours National Park Declared in 1962, part of the UNESCO…
Chania Canyons
Sfakia Fortress
Location North of the Sfakia settlement History Built in the 15th-16th century by the Venetians Destruction Destroyed by the Sfakians after a conflict…
Chania Historical Sites
Sfakiano gorge
Location 2 km east of Chora Sfakion Natural Landscape Rocky terrain, steep cliffs, rich flora with holm oaks, pines, cypresses, and stone pines Hiking The…
Chania Canyons
Sfakia
Location 75 km southeast of Chania History Unsubdued by conquerors from the Arab period through the Turkish occupation Activities Hiking on the E4…
Chania Beaches Towns and villages
14. Askifou - Impros - Kallikratis
The fourteenth route of the E4 European Long Distance Path in Crete is 18 kilometers and lasts about 6 hours. You can take it during the whole year, it is not a…
Chania E4
11. Omalos - Katsiveli
The eleventh route of the E4 European Long Distance Path in Crete is 15 kilometers and lasts about 7 hours. You can follow it from the end of spring till the beginning…
Chania E4
10. Omalos - Agia Roumeli
The tenth route of the E4 European long distance Path is about 18 kilometers and lasts 6 hours and 30 minutes. The time it has to be followed is from May to October(due…
Chania E4
9. Sougia - Agia Eirini - Omalos
The ninth route of E4 European Long Distance Path is 13,5 kilometers and takes 7 hours and 30 minutes to follow it. The best season of the time to follow it is…
Chania E4
8. Sougia - Koustogerako - Omalos
The eighth route of the E4 European Long Distance Path is about 24,5 kilometers and lasts 8 hours. It is better to follow it in spring or autumn, it is not a difficult…
Chania E4
7. Loutro - Fragokastello
The seventh route of the E4 European Long Distance Path is 19,5 kilometers long and lasts 5 hours and 30 minutes, You can follow it during the whole year, it has…
Chania E4
6. Agia Roumeli - Loutro
The sixth route of the E4 European long distance path is about 13 kilometers and lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes. The best time to take it is the whole year and, especially…
Chania E4
5. Sougia - Agia Roumeli
The fifth route of the E4 European Long Distance Path in Crete is 20 kilometers long and lasts 8 to 9 hours. You should follow it from April to September and the…
Chania E4
4. Palaiochora - Sougia
The fourth route of the E4 European long distance Path is about 14,5 kilometers and lasts about 4 and a half hours. The ideal time of the year in order to visit…
Chania E4
3. Elafonisi - Palaiochora
The third route of the E4 European long distance path is about 22 kilometers and lasts 5 hours. Its best visiting time of the year is spring, summer and autumn.…
Chania E4
2. Sfinari - Elafonisi
The second route of the E4 European long distance path of Crete is 32 kilometers and lasts about 8 hours. The ideal time to visit it is spring and autumn. There…
Chania E4
1. Kasteli Kissamou - Sfinari
The E4 European long distance path of Crete starts from Kasteli Kissamou of the Chania prefecture. The total length of the Kasteli Kissamou-Sfinari route is about…
Chania E4
Martha
Location 54 km from Heraklion Population Approximately 180 residents Settlements Pera Martha (Evangelismos) and Pode Martha (Saint John the Theologian)…
Chania Towns and villages
Melidoni Cave
Location 2 km from Melidoni village, 27 km from Rethymno Altitude 220 meters Stalactite Chambers Heroes' Room, Crossroads, Pasley, Sinkhole Chamber Historical…
Rethimno Caves
Plakias
Location South of Rethymno, 35 km away Amenities Hotels, cafés, tavernas, shops, post office, guesthouses Activities Water sports, boat trips to…
Rethimno Beaches Towns and villages
Mili gorge
Location 8 km south of Rethymno Trail About 1.5 hours of easy hiking through lush greenery Natural features Rich vegetation with plane trees, fig…
Rethimno Hiking Canyons
Agios Yakinthos: saint of love
12km south of Anogia, at altitude of 1200m, you can find the beautiful church of the orthodox saint of Agios Yakinthos. The church is located in the middle of a…
Rethimno Cretography Monasteries
Sfentonis Cavern
Location: 1 km east of Zoniana, Rethymno region Area: 3,000 sqm Path length: 270 meters Attractions: Stalactites, stalagmites, water basins with calcium carbonate…
Rethimno Caves
Garazo
Location 40 km from the city of Rethymno, at the foothills of the Talaios mountains Population 305 residents (census) Attractions Turkish prisons,…
Rethimno Towns and villages
Patsos Gorge
Location 30 km from Heraklion Length 5 km, with an estimated walking time of 1 hour Trail Easy and accessible year-round, with dense vegetation and…
Rethimno Canyons
Kourtaliotis River
The Kourtaliotis River is the most famous in Crete as the Preveli palm forest is near the place where it discharges. Kourtaliotis is called “Megalos Potamos” (i.e.…
Rethimno Rivers
Lappa ancient
The Lappa ancient city was one of the most important cities in Crete that, according to the Mycenaean traditions, was founded by Agamemnonas. Lappa was in the place…
Rethimno Archaeological Areas
Argyroupoli
Argyroupoli is one of the most beautiful villages of the Rethimno prefecture, on the hill between the springs of the Petre and Mousela Rivers after which the names…
Rethimno Towns and villages
Mpali
Mpali in the Rethimno prefecture is one of the most beautiful tourist places of the northern beaches of Crete. The coastal settlement is 32 kilometers from Rethimno…
Rethimno Beaches Towns and villages
Idaion Antron cavern
The Idaion Antron is near the picturesque town of Anogeia with the important history and the impressive myths. The cavern is 1500 meters above the sea level and…
Rethimno Caves
Anogeia
Anogeia of Milopotamos is a mountain town with important history and three holocausts. Anogeia preserves the Cretan tradition in the modern Crete. Anogeia is the…
Rethimno Towns and villages
Apostoloi
The mountain and picturesque village of Apostoloi is about 30 kilometers from Rethimno. It falls under the Amari municipality of the Rethimno prefecture and the…
Rethimno Towns and villages
Kourtaliotiko gorge
The imposing Kourtaliotiko gorge starts from the Koksare village of the Rethimno prefecture, about 22 kilometers from Rethimno and ends to the amazing beach of…
Rethimno Canyons
Sachtouria
The picturesque settlement of the Agios Vasileios municipality in the Rethimno prefecture, Sachtouria, is in a very beautiful area, in the north-western side of…
Rethimno Towns and villages
Episkopi
Location 18 km from Heraklion Museums Argyraion War Ethnological Museum Sights G. Panagiotakis Municipal Park Venetian Monuments The Tower and…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Vaulted tombs and Roman Villa of Gerokambos
Location Gerokambos Vaulted tombs Dating from the Late Minoan period Findings in the tombs Pottery, jewelry, tools that reflect burial customs and…
Heraklion Archaeological Areas
Gerokampos
Location Αbout 75 km from Heraklion city Beach Quiet, unexplored, with sand and pebbles Facilities Limited, with taverns and a few accommodations…
Heraklion Beaches
Fortress of Palaiokastro
Location 15 km from Heraklion on the national road to Chania Historical Significance Venetian fortress built in 1573 to protect the Gulf of Heraklion…
Heraklion Historical Sites
Fodele beach
Location 3 km from the village of Fodele, 26 km from Heraklion Beach Sandy with crystal-clear turquoise waters and Blue Flag Amenities Western part…
Heraklion Beaches
Smari
Location: 27 km southeast of Heraklion Archaeological interest Acropolis of Smari, ancient settlement, significant finds Natural beauty Picturesque alleys,…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Loutra Gorge
Location 16 km from Lentas Gorge Length Approximately 8 km, starting narrow and widening near the sea Access Dirt road connecting Trypiti with Loutra,…
Heraklion Canyons
Αncient Gortys
Location 45 km south of Heraklion, next to the settlement of Agioi Deka Sights Roman Odeon, Great Inscription, Church of the Virgin Mary, Roman sculptures,…
Heraklion Archaeological Areas
Achlada
Location 23 km northwest of Heraklion Residents Around 120 people History Mentioned in Venetian censuses as the fief of the Modinos brothers…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Pervola
Location 55 km south of Heraklion Altitude 440 meters, offering beautiful countryside views Population 111 residents (according to the latest census)…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Keramoutsi
Location 18 km west of Heraklion, at an altitude of 440 meters History Founded by Venetians, it retains many architectural features from that period Residents 50…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Knosano gorge
Location Starts from Ano Archanes and ends near Knossos, Crete Length Approximately 6 km Main Points Sylamiano Gorge (accessible by car), Kato Mylos,…
Heraklion Canyons
Thrapsano
Location 30 km southeast of Heraklion Altitude 340 meters Population Around 1500 Τourism metropolitan center of pottery in Crete History …
Heraklion Towns and villages
Tourloti
Location Located in the municipality of Archanes-Asterousia, 45 km from Heraklion Altitude 320 meters Residents Approximately 37 History The…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Karavados
Location50 km southeast of Heraklion, in the municipality of Minoa Pediada Altitude Approximately 250 meters Residents Around 300 Historical landmarks Five…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Pefkos
Location 10 km east of Ano Viannos Elevation 2,141 meters Inhabitants Approximately 317 History First mentioned in 1583 by Kastrofylakas Churches Churches…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Emparos
Location 50 km from Heraklion and 15 km from Ano Viannos Elevation 430 meters Inhabitants Approximately 430 History Mentioned r in documents…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Avli
Location 35 km from Heraklion, in the municipality of Minoa Pediada Elevation Built on a hill near the Avliotiko River Inhabitants Approximately…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Amiras
Location: Viannos Municipality, southern slopes of Mount Dikti Altitude: 680m Population: 850 (Amiras and Arvi) Occupations: Agriculture, early vegetable cultivation…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Fourni
Location near Kato Archanes Activities Hiking, mountain biking Archaeological Significance Largest prehistoric cemetery in the Aegean (2400 B.C.…
Heraklion Archaeological Areas Forest
Agiofarago
Location 80 km from Heraklion, secluded beach with towering cliffs and emerald waters Attractions Chapel of St. Anthony, with a well of drinking water,…
Heraklion Beaches Canyons
Agarathos
Location 23 km from Heraklion Altitude 380m Attractions Double-aisled church dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary and Saint Minas History One…
Heraklion Monasteries
Tsoutsouros
Location Located approximately 60 km south of Heraklion Population The settlement is divided into Tsoutsouros and Pera Tsoutsouros, with the population significantly…
Heraklion Beaches Towns and villages
Lygaria
Location 20 km west of Heraklion, 2 km from Agia Pelagia Beach Turquoise waters, coarse sand, sheltered from winds Facilities Sunbeds, umbrellas,…
Heraklion Beaches Towns and villages
Psaromoura
Location 22km northwest of Heraklion, near Agia Pelagia Beach Type Pebbly beach, crystal-clear waters, sheltered from winds Facilities Sunbeds, umbrellas,…
Heraklion Beaches
Fodele
Fodele, a picturesque village on Crete’s northern coast, is located 25 km west of Heraklion, along the national road to Chania. The village is set in a lush green…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Tower of Kallergides
Location Rodia, Municipality of Malevizi Era First half of the 15th century Architecture A three-story Venetian structure with storage and luxury…
Heraklion Historical Sites
Kalesia
Location Southwest of Heraklion Distance Ano and Kato Kalesia are about 300 meters apart Population Ano Kalesia ~300 residents, Kato Kalesia ~600…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Savvathiana Monastery
Location Near Rogdia, 20 km from Heraklion History Founded during the Venetian period, a possible refuge for monks from coastal monasteries Architectural…
Heraklion Monasteries
Agia Pelagia
Location 20 km west of Heraklion Nature and landscape Lush vegetation, beaches with crystal-clear waters Beaches Main beach, Filakes, Kladissos,…
Heraklion Beaches Towns and villages
Chondros
Location 64 km from Heraklion Attractions Picturesque chapels such as Saint Theodore, Saint Fanourios, Saint Nicholas, and Portela Gorge Population Approximately…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Tertsa
Location 90 km from Heraklion, 25 km from Ierapetra Population Approximately 70 residents, primarily engaged in agriculture Beach Coarse sand, unorganized,…
Heraklion Beaches Towns and villages
Keratokampos
Location 70 km southeast of Heraklion Beach 7 km long, with coarse pebbles and golden sand Gorges Portela Gorge History Ruins of the ancient city of Keraia…
Heraklion Beaches Towns and villages
Kato Simi
Location 74 km from Heraklion, 30 km from Ierapetra. Natural environment A lush valley with rich vegetation and fruit-bearing trees Natural attractions Blavopotamos…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Kastri
Location 70 km southeast of Heraklion Facilities Taverns, cafes, rental rooms Harbor Small harbor serving local fishermen Beaches Western small…
Heraklion Beaches Towns and villages
Afrati
Location 45 km southeast of Heraklion. Population Approximately 175 residents Archaeological Interest The ancient city of Arcadia (Arkades) was located…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Gorge of Arvi
Location The gorge is located in Arvion Mountain, near the village of Arvi Waterfall The Kapnisti waterfall has a height of approximately 80 meters Access Ideal…
Heraklion Canyons
Heraklion
Every part of the capital of Crete, Heraclion, shows a different culture, every culture that flourished in there during the centuries. Every area travels you to…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Agia Eirini
Just a few kilometers north of Heraklion, only 8 km from the city center, lies the picturesque area of Agia Irini, a green haven of peace, perfect for a quick escape…
Heraklion Forest Monasteries Towns and villages
Phaistos
Location Tymbaki, 63 km southwest of Heraklion History Inhabited from the Neolithic period to the Minoan palaces era Palaces The first palace was built in…
Heraklion Archaeological Areas
Panagia
Location 60 km south of Heraklion, near Zaros Altitude 380 meters Attractions Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary History Recorded since…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Kokkinos Pyrgos
Location 67 km from Heraklion and 2.5 km from Tympaki Beaches Two beaches: Katalyki (organized, sandy) and a western, unorganized beach (rocky and pebbly)…
Heraklion Beaches Towns and villages
Kalamaki
Location 67 km south of Heraklion Beach The largest beach in southern Crete (2.5 km) with coarse sand and a rocky seabed Activities Ideal for water…
Heraklion Beaches Towns and villages
Kaliviani monastery
Location 60 km on the Heraklion-Tympaki road Altitude 80 m. Central Church A three-aisled church dedicated to the Nativity, Annunciation, and Dormition…
Heraklion Monasteries
Ano Moulia
Location Mountainous village of the Gortyna Municipality, 35 km south of Heraklion Αltitude 640 meters History First mentioned in 1248, with significant…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Lavirinthos musical workshop
Location 20 km from Heraklion Building Housed in an old mansion in Houdetsi’s village square Founder and Artistic Director Ross Daly, artistic…
Heraklion Other Museums
Ηoudetsi
Location 23 km from Heraklion Αltitude of 440 m. Population Approximately 863 residents Main occupations Agriculture, tourism, trade, and technical…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Treis Ekklisies
The Treis Ekklisies (i.e. three churches) coastal settlement is behind the imposing Asterousia Mountains in the end of the Ampas gorge. It is an area that makes…
Heraklion Beaches Towns and villages
Ampa Gorge
The impressive Ampa gorge is near Pananimfoi, in the Arxanes-Asterousia Municipality. Ampas is known to the locals for its natural beauty that includes also the…
Heraklion Canyons
Paranimfoi
Paranimfoi is a picturesque, mountainous village in the east of Kofinas, with magnificent view to the Libyan Sea. Administratively the settlement is under the Archanes-Asterousia…
Heraklion Other Museums Towns and villages
Spiliotissa monastery
The picturesque Panagia Spiliotissa monastery is between Agios Vasileios and Choudetsi and 22 kilometers from Heraclion. In order to reach the monastery, you have…
Heraklion Monasteries
Agioi Deka
Agioi Deka is one of the most important villages in Mesara archaeologically and the ruins of the ancient city of Gortyna are there. The settlement is built on the…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Ancient city of Gortys
The archaeological site of the ancient city of Gortys or Gortina is 45 kilometers in the south of Heraclion, in the west side of the Agioi Deka settlement. The…
Heraklion Archaeological Areas
E4 Asites - Profitis Ilias
The path in the Agios Charalampos gorge is a part of the E4 European long distance route. Following the route, you can go through the impressive Agios Antonios…
Heraklion E4
Kerasia
The Kerasia settlement is built on the eastern sides of the Chalepa hill, 340 meters above the sea level, on the 20th kilometer of the national Heraclion-Mesara…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Paliani Monastery
The Paliani Monastery is near and under Venerato of the Heraclion municipality and is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. The female monastery is from the First…
Heraklion Monasteries
Pirgou
The beautiful and traditional buildings and the two flour-mills in Kazola are worth visiting in Pirgou. Pirgou is 20 kilometers from Heraclion where, administratively,…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Petrokefalo
“… on the lap of the mountain and hidden from the sun is the large village of Petrokefalo” wrote N. Kazantzakis, in his book, “Kapetan Michalis”. Petrokefalo is…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Monastery of Agios Georgios Gorgoleimon
The Monastery of Agios Georgios Gorgoleimon is on the foot of the Koudouni Mountain, 500 meters above the sea level, near the Kato Asites settlement. The monastery…
Heraklion Monasteries
Ano Asites
Ano Asites is a settlement of the former Malevizi district of the Heraclion municipality. It is a village of a high environmental, cultural and archaeological interest.…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Agios Mironas
The Agios Mironas settlement is exquisite for its architecture and its cultural activities. Administratively, the village is under the former Malevizi district,…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Tilisos
Tilisos is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Tilisos and is in the eastern foot of Psiloreitis. The name of the settlement has been used for over 3.400…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Moni
The small, picturesque settlement of Moni is about 17 kilometers from Heraclion, on the 1st kilometer of the Tilisos-Anogeia road. Moni is a village of the Malevizi…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Marathos
The mountainous Marathos village of the Malevizi municipality is about 20 kilometers from Heraclion and 300 meters above the sea level. The Marathianos River is…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Damasta
The mountain village of Damasta is about 27 kilometers from Heraclion and under the Malevizi municipality. Damasta is built on the northern sides of the Koiti hill,…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Pompia
Pompia is one of the most beautiful and important villages in the Festos municipality. It is in an area full of olive groves and vineyards, next to the imposing…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Matala
The village of hippies, Matala, is approximately 70 kilometers in the south of Heraclion and is one of the most famous coastal settlements of the southern Crete.…
Heraklion Towns and villages Beaches
Magarikari
The small village of Magarikari is on the western foot of Psiloreitis. Magarikari is built 450 meters above the sea level and, from there, you can admire the Kato…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Kamares cavern
The path from the Kamares settlement ends to the large and impressive Kamares cavern. The visitor walks between a dense forest of oaks. The total time to the end…
Heraklion Hiking Trails Caves
Kaloi Limenes
Many beautiful and clean beaches are in Kaloi Limenes. Kaloi Limenes is 77 kilometers from Heraclion and it can be accessed by the asphalted road that goes through…
Heraklion Towns and villages Beaches
Monastery of Odigitria
The beautiful male monastery of Odigitria is in the western end of the Asterousia Mountains, 250 meters above the sea level, near Agiofarago and Martsalo. The area…
Heraklion Monasteries
Monastery of Vrontisi
The male monastery of Vrontisi is in the southern foot of Psiloreitis, between the villages of Zaros and Vorizia, 550 meters above the sea level. Administratively…
Heraklion Monasteries
Monastery of Varsamoneri
The monastery of Varsamoneri is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete, as it is from the first years of the Venetian occupation. The temple (with 3 aisles) dedicated…
Heraklion Monasteries
Monastery of Agios Nikolaos
The small temple of Agios Nikolaos from the 14th century is only preserved today from the important Zaros monastery. The church is 900 meters from the southern…
Heraklion Monasteries
Voroi
A very traditional and of high cultural importance village, Voroi, is 2-3 kilometers from Festos in the fertile plain of Mesara. Administratively Voroi falls under…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Stavies
Stavies, in the Gortyna municipality, is a settlement where many interesting cultural events are taken place in the summer. Stavies is 60 kilometers from Heraclion…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Vakiotes
A rock appears between olive trees in the Sokara area and some wine presses and rooms are carved on it. They were used as safe-keeping places and this is the archaeological…
Heraklion Archaeological Areas
Sokaras
The picturesque village of Sokaras is 50 kilometers from Heraclion between olive trees and fertile vineyards and garden produce of the plain of Mesara. Places of…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Rizinia
The ruins of the ancient city of Rizinia are on the Patella hill, 2 kilometers from Prinias. The city flourished as an independent community from the Sub-Minoan…
Heraklion Archaeological Areas
Prinias
Prinias is a village of a high archaeological importance in Crete and one of the most beautiful settlements of the prefecture of Heraclion. It is 25 kilometers…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Platanos
Platanos of the Kainourio district and the Gortyna municipality is 51 kilometers from Heraclion, 100 meters from Mesara plain. Two tombs have been excavated from…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Panasos
Panasos is a small, picturesque village of Gortyna municipality. It is 35 kilometers from Heraclion and 450 meters above the sea level. The beautiful settlement…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Megali Vrisi
Megali Vrisi is about 30 kilometers from Heraclion, in the north side of the basin of the Monafatsi district. The settlement is built amphitheatrically, 620 meters…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Koumasa
The small settlement of Koumasa is famous for the imposing gorge of Agios Savvas that starts from the southern side of the village and it is 4 kilometers long.…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Kapetaniana
“In Kapetaniana, whoever believes in God, he talks to Him”, Thanos Mikroutsikos. A heaven on Earth is in the holly hill of Kofina and stares the Libyan sea. Kapetaniana…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Path Paranimfi - Koudoumas
A magnificent path starts from the picturesque, mountainous village of Paranimfi and ends in the monastery of Koudoumas. The hiking takes many hours but the exploration…
Heraklion Hiking Trails
Monastery of Koudoumas
The monastery of Koudoumas is very well protected by the imposing Asterousia Mountains, in the south of the cape of Martelos, and by the Libyan sea in the south.…
Heraklion Monasteries
Natural history museum of Gergeri
The Local and Natural History Museum of Gergeri was found in 1996 to record, study and make the characteristics of the natural environment known. Another reason…
Heraklion Natural History Museums
Lakes of Gergeri
The two lakes of the area are about 1 kilometer from Gergeri on a hill with a wonderful view. The one is a man-made water reservoir lake and the other a small,…
Heraklion Lakes
Gergeri
Gergeri is a large village in the southern foot of Psiloreitis and is built between impressive and steep cliffs. The wonderful forest of Rouvas is above the village.…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Vagionia
On the foot of the Asterousia mountains, from where the Xilvestra torrent of the Geropotamos tributary is, the village of the Gortyna municipality, Vagionia…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Asimi
Asimi is in the Gortyna municipality and a modern town that serves the commercial, banking and other needs of the residents of the area. It is on the watershed…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Agios Thomas
Agios Thomas is a place with an imposing landscape, dense vegetation and a magnificent view. The carved winepresses, the Roman tombs, the Melissa fortress, the…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Agia Varvara
Agia Varvara, of the Gortyna municipality, is the longest village in Crete. The village is built along the road of Heraclion to western Mesara. The distance between…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Tefeli
Tefeli is about 12 kilometers from Pirgos and, administratively, it comes under the Archanes- Asterousia municipality. Aposelemi and Pirathi fall under the local…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Pretoria
Pretoria is a beautiful traditional village with paved alleys and yards full of many different flowers. The village is in the rich plain of Mesara between olive…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Peza
Peza of the Archanes- Asterousia municipality is famous for their agricultural tradition. Peza is built between many vineyards and olive trees, is 17 kilometers…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Museum of Nikos Kazantzakis
The museum of one of the most important modern writers is in Mirtia, 20 kilometers from Heraclion. Nikos Kazantzakis is recognized as the writer with the most translated…
Heraklion Other Museums
Mirtia
“ The family of my father comes from a village two hours from Megalo Kastro and is called Varvari “ Nikos Kazantzakis wrote in his book “Anafora ston Greko” and…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Metaxochori
The picturesque village of Metaxochori is built in the foot of a hill, 420 meters above the sea and 34 metres from Heraclion. The village belongs to the Archanes-Asterousia…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Mesochorio
The large village of Mesochorio is in the foot of the Asphentilias hummock in the Asterousia mountains. The settlement is about 55 kilometers from Heraclion. The…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Fortress Castello di Beto
The fortress Castello di Beto stands as a guard on the top of the Kastellos hillock, east of the Melesses settlement. The ruins of the medieval fortress are preserved…
Heraklion Historical Sites
Maridaki
The coastal settlement of Maridaki is about 65 kilometers from Heraclion, behind the Asterousia Mountains. The small village is built at the end of the imposing…
Heraklion Towns and villages Beaches
Ligortinos
Ligortinos is a traditional village which is built 380 meters above the sea level. The beautiful view with the tiled alleys and the magnificent monuments, like…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Kounavoi
Kounavoi, the traditional village of Archanes-Asterousia Municipality, is where the Minoan city of Eltinia was. The settlement dominates in a small plain in the…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Kalivia
The picturesque village is on the top of a hillock next to the Anapodaris river and 240 meters above the sea level. Administratively it falls under the Archanes-…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Monastery of Agios Georgios Epanosifis
The male monastery of Agios Georgios Epanosifis is one of the most important monasteries in Crete for its spiritual and social offer. The monastery is 30 kilometers…
Heraklion Monasteries
Beach of Agios Nikitas
The beautiful and lonely beach of Agios Nikitas is behind the Asterousia mountains in the bosom of the southern Cretan sea. In order to visit the beach, you should…
Heraklion Beaches
Monastery of Agios Nikitas
The monastery of Agios Nikitas is about 65 kilometers in the south of Heraclion behind the the imposing Asterousia mountains. Administratively, the monastery falls…
Heraklion Monasteries
Ethia
One of the most beautiful and traditional Cretan villages of Crete is Ethia in the Archanes-Asterousia Municipality. The village is about 55 kilometers from Heraclion,…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Lake of Damania
The lake of Damania is near the Damania settlement, in Archanes-Asterousia municipality and the prefecture of Heraclion. The dam gives the landscape an extra touch…
Heraklion Lakes
Damania
The small settlement of Damania is about 35 kilometers from Heraclion, built in the Southeastern sides of Ofis hummock and 420 meters above the sea level in the…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Gorge of Achentrias
The beautiful gorge of Achentrias crosses the Asterousia mountains and reaches the Cretan sea. The Achentrias gorge starts from the settlement of Achentrias and…
Heraklion Canyons
Achentria's caves
In Achentrias the visitor can admire the many caverns of the Asterousia mountains. The most typical examples are the Archontospilios cave, in Agios Nikitas, and…
Heraklion Caves
Paths of Achentria
In the Achentrias settlement, in the Archanes-Asterousia municipality of the prefecture of Heraclion, there are many hiking options. You can either wander in the…
Heraklion Hiking Trails
Achentrias
The picturesque mountainous village of Achentrias is 60 kilometers from Heraclion and 680 meters above the sea level. Administratively, it falls under the Archanes-Asterousia…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Astritsi
In Kato Vrisi, in Astritsi, someone can find a forgotten part of the paradise. Administratively, Astritsi belongs to the Archanes- Asterousia Municipality,…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Astraki
Astraki is famous for its beautiful gorge that goes by the same name and it starts from there and also for the old Turkish quarter. The village is from the 12th…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Tholi fortress
The Tholi fortress was built in the last Venetian period, between 16th and 17th century. The Venetian fortress is in the west of the settlement of Alagni, on the…
Heraklion Historical Sites
Alagni
Alagni is a village in the Archanes- Asterousia Municipality and is closely connected to mythology, history and tradition. Alagni is 25 kilometers from Heraclion,…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Agies Paraskies
Agies Paraskies is built on a 360-meter hummock with a magnificent view. It is 20 kilometers in the south east of Heraclion and, administratively belongs to the…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Krasi
Location 47 km from Heraklion Altitude Around 600 m Natural Highlights 1,800-2,000-year-old plane tree, Azilakodasos and Chamoprina forests History References from…
Lasithi Towns and villages
Ziros
Location Situated at the eastern edge of the Ziros Plateau, 31 km from Sitia Settlements Includes Agia Irini, Agrilia, Kalo Chorio, Lamnoni, Xerokampos,…
Lasithi Towns and villages
Sitia
Location Northeastern Lasithi, 70 km from Agios Nikolaos Beaches Sitia's main beach, Blue Flag-awarded, 2.5 km long, with organized facilities and water…
Lasithi Beaches Towns and villages
Milonas gorge
Location 18 km east of Ierapetra Hiking Route Approximately 20-minute hike on a moderate trail, accessible from the village of Agios Ioannis (elevation…
Lasithi Canyons
Humeriako
Location 12 km from Agios Nikolaos, 3 km from Neapolis Population 174 residents (2011) History Inhabited since the Late Minoan era, an important…
Lasithi Towns and villages
Monastery of Agios Ioannis Kapsas
Location 9 km east of Makry Gialos Church Two-aisled cave church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and the Holy Trinity Buildings Monks' cells,…
Lasithi Monasteries
Agia Fotia
Location 12 km from Ierapetra, 45 km from Agios Nikolaos Beach Fine pebbles, crystal-clear waters, Blue Flag awarded Natural Beauty Surrounded by…
Lasithi Beaches Towns and villages
Milatos cavern
Location Northeast of the village of Milatos Archaeological Importance The cave has been in use since the Neolithic period Structure The cave consists…
Lasithi Caves
Plateau of Lasithi
Location 70 km from Heraklion Altitude 900 meters History Inhabited since the Neolithic era, it remained uninhabited during the Venetian era due…
Lasithi Plateaus
Toplou monastery
The Toplou Monastery, one of the largest and most important monasteries in Crete, is in the Kavo Sidero Cape, 10 kilometers in the east of Sitia and 6 kilometers…
Lasithi Monasteries
Pelekita cavern
The impressive cavern of Pelekita or “tis Sikias o Spilios” is one of the biggest caverns in Crete and of a high archaeological importance. It is about 5 kilometers…
Lasithi Caves
Nekroi gorge
The gorge of Nekroi in Zakros is a very beautiful and important archaeologically gorge. Its name (“nekroi” means the dead, in Greek) came from the large number…
Lasithi Canyons
Minoan Palace of Zakros
The Minoan Palace of Zakros is the fourth largest ancient palace in Crete after those of Knosos, Festos and Malia. It is 500 meters from Kato Zakros, 8 kilometers…
Lasithi Archaeological Areas
Zakros
Zakros is one of the most picturesque villages of Crete that combines the natural beauty with the alternative activities and the important archaeological sites.…
Lasithi Towns and villages
Mirtos
Mirtos is a picturesque and tourist coastal settlement of the Lasithi prefecture. It is built near the banks of the Krios River, close to the exit of the imposing…
Lasithi Beaches Towns and villages
Ancient Lato
The ancient Lato city was about 3 kilometers in the north of Kritsa of the Agios Nikolaos municipality, in Lasithi. It was protected due to its geographical position…
Lasithi Archaeological Areas
Ierapetra
The awarded city for its wonderful beaches, Ierapetra, is the unique city in the southern Crete and the last city in the southern end of Europe. Ierapetra is about…
Lasithi Beaches Towns and villages
Spinaloga
The island of the tears and the island of the leppers are some of the characterizations of the beautiful and historical Spinaloga. Spinaloga is in the north of…
Lasithi Archaeological Areas Historical Sites
Kritsa
The picturesque and beautiful Kritsa village with important archaeological findings is in the Agios Nikolaos municipality of the Lasithi prefecture. The village…
Lasithi Towns and villages
Elounta
The amazing and magnificent Elounta is known for the powerful and famous people from all over the world that visit it. Its beaches, its clean, blue sea, and the…
Lasithi Beaches Archaeological Areas Towns and villages
Agios Nikolaos
Agios NIkolaos, the beautiful capital of the Lasithi prefecture, is in the west side of the Meramvelo peninsula. The Voulismeni Lake in the center of the city is…