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...
Travel ...
Hugging Psiloreitis
Searching for water, the source of life, we follow the route that connects Psiloreitis with the green valley of Mesara. We start from Gergeri and, especially,...
Heraklion Original Routes
From the palace of Minoas to the cool gorge
Many people know its existence, its history and have visited it. It is Knossos, the house of Minoas. It is known to everyone living in Crete or visiting it....
Heraklion 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
Destination to the Lion of Cleopatra
From the picturesque village of Vassiliki we are heading to the gorge of Agios Savas, the first station on the beach of Tripiti. Near Tripiti the gorge narrows...
Heraklion Original Routes
Explore ...
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
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
Wedding's customs
The weddings in Crete are a very important event not only for the couple and their parents but also for the whole community. All the people take part in the joy…
Crete Cretography
Sweet mantinades: The most sweet custom
A tender and… sweet custom is kept till today in the area of Apostoloi Pediados. That is the sweet mantinades (i.e. Cretan folk couplets) custom that they are lyrics…
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Kalypso Beach (Pirate's Fjord)
Location South of Rethymno, between Plakias and Preveli Scenery Fjord with towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters Access Accessible by road from…
Rethimno Beaches
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
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
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
Panormo
Panormo is a traditional, coastal settlement of the Milopotamos municipality and the Rethimno prefecture. The picturesque village is about 22 kilometers from Rethimno…
Rethimno Beaches 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
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
Spili
Spili is a traditional, mountain settlement of the Agios Vasileios municipality in the Rethimno prefecture. The settlement is built amphitheatrically, on the western…
Rethimno Towns and villages
Sellia
Sellia is a village of the Agios Vasileios municipality and the Rethimno prefecture. Its local community is consisted of the settlements of Souda and Plakias. According…
Rethimno Towns and villages
Rodakino
Rodakino is one of the largest villages of the southern Rethimno prefecture. The village is on the foot of the Krioneritis Mountain, above the Rodakino beaches.…
Rethimno Beaches 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
Agia Galini
Agia Galini is a very picturesque coastal settlement, 60 kilometers from Rethimno and about 70 kilometers from Heraclion. It “hangs” over the beautiful small port…
Rethimno Beaches 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Voni
Location Located in the Minoa Pediada municipality, 30 km from Heraklion Altitude 330 meters Population Around 600 Religious tourism Known for…
Heraklion Towns and villages
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
Agia Marina of Voni monastery
The female monastery of Agia Marina is 500 meters from the Voni village, in a large valley of many vineyards. A large number of people visits the monastery every…
Heraklion Monasteries
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
Milliarades
Location on Mount Dikti, 53 km from Heraklion Elevation 1,188 meters Inhabitants Around 230 Natural Environment The village is the endpoint…
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
Ano Viannos
Location 38 km from Ierapetra Altitude 560 m Attractions Agia Moni Monastery, churches of Agia Pelagia, Agios Georgios Population 900…
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
Archanes
Location 16 km from Heraklion Αltitude 380 meters Awards "Integrated Sustainable Settlement Development" Award (2000), Gold Environmental Award…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Vorizia
Location 53 km from Heraklion, on the southern slopes of Mount Psiloritis Attractions The Monastery of Varsamonero, dating back to the 18th century, is…
Heraklion Towns and villages
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
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
Rogdia
Location 16 km northwest of Heraklion Population 1,326 residents, with 797 living in Rodia Venetian Mansion of Modinos A prime example of Venetian…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Pantanassa
Location 14th km of the Heraklion – Rethymno National Road Small Port Picturesque harbor with traditional taverns offering fresh seafood Beach A…
Heraklion Beaches Towns and villages
Palaiokastro
Location 8 km from Heraklion, a coastal village in the Malevizi municipality. Historical Significance Venetian fortress built on the acropolis of the…
Heraklion Historical Sites Beaches Towns and villages
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
Psari Forada
Location 90 kilometers southeast of Heraklion Beach Dark gray sand, clean and calm waters, organized with sunbeds and umbrellas Activities Water sports, beach…
Heraklion Beaches Towns and villages
Gorge of Portela
Location It starts from the village of Hondros, municipality of Viannos, and ends near Keratokampos Length 4.6 kilometers River The Keratokampitis…
Heraklion Canyons
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
Arvi
Arvi is a coastal settlement of the Viannos municipality, 80 kilometers from Heraklion and 35 kilometers from Ierapetra. The settlement is in front of a valley…
Heraklion Beaches Towns and villages
Voutes
Location On a hill near Heraklion, 12 km from the city Population Approximately 830 residents History Mentioned in Venetian records. Damaged by the…
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
Pitsidia
Location 65 km south of Heraklion Altitude 80 meters Attractions Traditional village with tourist facilities History Inhabited since 961 A.D.…
Heraklion Towns and villages
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
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
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
Siva
Siva is a village of the Heraclion municipality, 280 meters above the sea level. 260 people live in the settlement and their main occupations are olive crop and…
Heraklion Towns and villages
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
Venerato
Venerato is a village of the Heraclion municipality, 20 kilometers from the Heraclion city. Administratively the district is consisted of Venerato, the Paliani…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Avgeniki
Avgeniki is a village of the Heraclion municipality, on the 20th kilometer of the Heraclion-Timpaki road. The entrance of the Venerato gorge is near the settlement…
Heraklion Towns and villages
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
Pentamodi
Pentamodi is a quiet and picturesque village in the valley of the Gazanos River, 17 kilometers from Heraclion. Administratively, the village is under the extended…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Kato Asites
Kato Asites is a beautiful, mountain village on the foot of the Psiloreitis Mountain, 450 meters above the sea level. The distance of the village to Heraclion 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
Faneromeni
Faneromeni is a village of the Festos municipality and 4 kilometers from Timpaki. The Faneromeni local community also includes Kalivia and the Kaliviani monastery.…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Dam of Faneromeni
The man made dam of Faneromeni is between the villages of Zaros and Timpaki, in an area with dense plantation, in the southern foot of Psiloreitis, beneath the…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Skourvoula
Skourvoula of the Festos municipality is built on the southern foot of Sanidas Mountain, 350 meters above the sea level, with a panoramic view of the fertile Mesara…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Sivas
Sivas is one of the most beautiful villages in the Festos municipality, in the south-west side of Mesara plain. The settlement is built 110 meters above the sea…
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
Platia Peramata
Platia Peramata is a small settlement in the middle of the dirt road that connects Kaloi Limenes with Lentas. The settlement is 70 kilometers from Heraklion. A…
Heraklion Towns and villages Beaches
Petrokefali
Petrokefali of the Festos municipality is a beautiful village with recently renovated rock houses and 59 kilometers from Heraclion. There are many coffee houses…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Moires
Moires is the seat of the Festos municipality. It is a large town of the former Kainourio district, 53 kilometers from Heraklion and built in the Mesara plain,…
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
Towers of Kourmoulides
The two Towers of Kourmoulides are in Kouses of Festos municipality. The Towers belonged to the Kourmoulis family who were Crypto- Christians and helped Christians…
Heraklion Historical Sites
Kouses
Kouses is a historical village of the former Kainourio district and of the Festos municipality. The village is on the northern foot of the Pirgos hummock of the…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Kastelli
Kastelli, in the former district of Kainourrgio, in the Festos municipality, is in the southern foot of Psiloreitis, very close to the fortress of Castel Nuovo.…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Kamares
Kamares of the former Pirgiotissa district and of the Festos municipality is in the southern foot of Psiloreitis. 437 people live in the village according to the…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Chrisostomo
Chrisostomo is a small coastal settlement, approximately 75 kilometers from Heraclion and 2 kilometers in the east of Kaloi Limenes. According to findings, the…
Heraklion Towns and villages Beaches
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
Zaros
The beautiful and interesting town of Zaros is built 45 kilometers from Heraclion and is included in the Festos municipality. It is in the southern foot of the…
Heraklion Towns and villages
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
Alithini
Alithini is a small village in the former district of Kainourgio, in the Gortyna municipality. The settlement is 150 meters above the sea level. 150 people live…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Sternes
Sternes is a village of the Gortyna municipality, 55 kilometers from Heraclion. The settlement is built on the northern foot of the Asterousia Mountain, 310 meters…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Agios Savvas
The Agios Savvas gorge is one of the most beautiful and imposing gorges of the Asterousia Mountains. Its length is 4 kilometers and, then, it is connected with…
Heraklion Canyons
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
Faragiani kefala
A small but very beautiful forest is on the hill called Faragiani Kefala, in the Faragiana village, very close to the Sokaras settlement of the municipality of…
Heraklion Forest
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
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
Nivritos
“I don’t believe that there is any village like Nivritos in a place full of flowers and near mountains”. The picturesque village is on the foot of the Ampelakia…
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
Loures
Loures, the village of the Gortyna municipality, is in the northern edge of the Mesara plain, 54 kilometers from Heraclion. Loures are 270 meters above the sea…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Lentas
The coastal settlement of Lentas, of the Gortyna municipality, is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Levin ( «Λεβήν»). Lentas is in the southern sides of…
Heraklion Towns and villages Beaches
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
Monastery of Panagia Kardiotissa
The old monastery of Panagia Kardiotissa is in a magnificent and verdant area. Some kilometers before the village of Agios Thomas (coming from Heraclion), in the…
Heraklion Monasteries
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
Gorge of Eligia
The entrance of the secured gorge of Eligia is in the dirt road that connects Kapetaniana with the coastal settlement of Agios Ioannis. A few meters before the…
Heraklion Canyons
Dionisi
Dionisi is a small, picturesque village of the Gortyna municipality and 57 kilometers from Heraclion. The settlement is built on the northern foot of Asterousia…
Heraklion Towns and villages
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
Vasiliki
The Vasiliki village is near the Asterousia Mountains, 260 meters above the sea level and 56 kilometers from Heraclion. The Vasiliki community includes Vasiliki…
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
Ano Akria
Ano Akria is a village of the Gortyna municipality. The settlement is 40 kilometers from Heraclion and built on the semi- mountainous area of the hummock of the…
Heraklion Towns and villages
Agios Ioannis
The settlement of Agios Ioannis is a few meters from Kapetaniana, after a winding, dirt road. It its built along the Ponta peninsula . A wonderful beach with blue…
Heraklion Towns and villages Beaches
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Kastelli Fournis
Location 16 km from Agios Nikolaos Population 205 residents (2011 census) History Settled since 1400, the name comes from the Venetian word "Kastelium."…
Lasithi Towns and villages
Richtis gorge
Location Northern Lasithi region, near Exo Mouliana village, 25 km from Sitia Length Approximately 3 km Waterfall Richtis Waterfall, about 20 meters…
Lasithi Canyons
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
Gra Lygia
Location 5 km west of Ierapetra, 39 km south of Agios Nikolaos Wetland Bramiana Dam, an important wetland and bird sanctuary Population 1,528 inhabitants…
Lasithi Beaches Towns and villages
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
Kserokampos
Kserokampos is one of the most beautiful beaches of the eastern Crete. Kserokampos is a settlement about 48 kilometers from Siteia and 28 kilometers from Palaikastro.…
Lasithi Beaches Towns and villages
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
Makris Gialos
Makris Gialos is a small coastal settlement 24 kilometers in the east of Ierapetra, 35 kilometers in the west of Siteia and 60 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos. Makris…
Lasithi Archaeological Areas Beaches Towns and villages
Kritsa gorge
The Kritsa gorge is in a very beautiful area. It starts from the north-east side of the Kritsa settlement and ends after about 12 kilometers, to the Tapes village.…
Lasithi Canyons
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…
