Guidebook for Apostoli
Getting Around
Heraklion Airport N. Kazantzakis
HERAKLION AIRPORT ''NIKOS KAZANTZAKIS'.
Heraklion port station
78 Leof. NearchouHERAKLION PORT
Sightseeing
This Monastery is located 23 km. south of Heraklion, and is considered to be one of the oldest in Crete.
According to written documentation, the Monastery was established in the 15th c. AD, although it is believed that its original founding is way earlier, by Nikiforos Fokas in the 10th c. AD. The monastery has the plan of a fort, not unusual for Crete, and the main church is shaped like a cross with a central dome. Ever since the Venetian domination, the monastery developed an educational role, and many high priests studied and preached there, while later on a number of them became distinctive Patriarchs, such as Kirillos Loukaris, Meletios Pigas etc.
The visitor can see parts of the monastery, like the cells, the main church and a magnificent Church Museum with precious objects. The monks nowadays are working in their fields, growing a lot of organic products.
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Agarathos Monastery
Eparchiaki Odos Karteros - Moni AgkarathouThis Monastery is located 23 km. south of Heraklion, and is considered to be one of the oldest in Crete.
According to written documentation, the Monastery was established in the 15th c. AD, although it is believed that its original founding is way earlier, by Nikiforos Fokas in the 10th c. AD. The monastery has the plan of a fort, not unusual for Crete, and the main church is shaped like a cross with a central dome. Ever since the Venetian domination, the monastery developed an educational role, and many high priests studied and preached there, while later on a number of them became distinctive Patriarchs, such as Kirillos Loukaris, Meletios Pigas etc.
The visitor can see parts of the monastery, like the cells, the main church and a magnificent Church Museum with precious objects. The monks nowadays are working in their fields, growing a lot of organic products.
The first chapel of Agios Minas, the small Agios Minas as the locals call it, was built in 1735 and hosted -for the first time after the Turkish occupation- the Cretan cathedral. Agios Minas was rendered as the saint to protect the town of Heraklion during the Turkish occupation. The different religious beliefs was the main reason for aggression against the Christians. According to a legend, Agios Minas himself miraculously converted the Turkish troop commander from a sworn enemy to a protector of the Christians. The contemporary imposing church of Agios Minas, one of the largest churches in Greece, was founded on the 25 March 1862. Agios Minas is still the guardian of Heraklion, celebrated on the 11 November, bank holiday in town.
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Saint Minas kirke, se av erkebiskopen av Kreta
25 Agiou MinaThe first chapel of Agios Minas, the small Agios Minas as the locals call it, was built in 1735 and hosted -for the first time after the Turkish occupation- the Cretan cathedral. Agios Minas was rendered as the saint to protect the town of Heraklion during the Turkish occupation. The different religious beliefs was the main reason for aggression against the Christians. According to a legend, Agios Minas himself miraculously converted the Turkish troop commander from a sworn enemy to a protector of the Christians. The contemporary imposing church of Agios Minas, one of the largest churches in Greece, was founded on the 25 March 1862. Agios Minas is still the guardian of Heraklion, celebrated on the 11 November, bank holiday in town.
Agios Nikolaos has been the capital of Lasithi prefecture since 1904. It is situated on the north seaside of Mirabello bay and measures 27 000 residents approximately. On the north of Agios Nikolaos there is a gulf, which in the Venetian period was used as a harbor known as Agios Nikolaos harbor (porto – scoglio di san Nicolo), named after the homonymous chapel that named the town too. The fact that this gulf is the spot best naturally protected after Pseira and Mohlos accounts for the most significant cemeteries of ancient Kamara being in this place. There are fragments of wall painting in the church of Agios Nikolaos, the oldest of which from the time of iconoclasm. The church possibly dates after the great earthquake of the 7th century (672) as a cemeterial church, since it is surrounded by burials of the victims of the period. There was a second wall painting layer in the 14th century, in fragments as well.
The town is built where in the Dorian period Lato to Kamara was, the harbor to Lato Etaira, whose ruins lie in panoramic view 9km approximately to the south of Agios Nikolaos. According to the labels after the 2nd century BC the name Lato completely disappears; for the next thousand years the name shortens to Kamara. Besides, the city guardian is Athina the Kamarian. The town of Agios Nikolaos (Kamara) played an important role in the region in the Greek-Roman and the first Byzantine era, as shown by the excavations, as well as the consequent times.
On the hill southeast to the harbor, there was the Venetian castle of Mirabello, which named the region. Built by the Genovese pirate Pescatore, according to the legend, it will be the core of the medieval town. Very close to the position of the four sided Castel Mirabello (not surviving nowadays, the Prefecture administration building rises instead) the single aisled Byzantine church of Mary, with remarkable wall painting of the second half of the 14th century.
Next to the harbor, Voulismeni Lake, which was joined with the sea through a channel in 1870. It is a conical sub-water cave, 64m deep, a karstic formation from which water springs. The myth has it, Athina would take her bath in the lake; her temple of the city guardian during the Greco-Roman years might have not been far away. The historic center of the city does not survive. However, the typical neoclassical buildings close to the lake channel and the sea front add picturesque elements to the town. Here we have the second largest archaeological museum on Crete, after the one in Heraklion.
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Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos has been the capital of Lasithi prefecture since 1904. It is situated on the north seaside of Mirabello bay and measures 27 000 residents approximately. On the north of Agios Nikolaos there is a gulf, which in the Venetian period was used as a harbor known as Agios Nikolaos harbor (porto – scoglio di san Nicolo), named after the homonymous chapel that named the town too. The fact that this gulf is the spot best naturally protected after Pseira and Mohlos accounts for the most significant cemeteries of ancient Kamara being in this place. There are fragments of wall painting in the church of Agios Nikolaos, the oldest of which from the time of iconoclasm. The church possibly dates after the great earthquake of the 7th century (672) as a cemeterial church, since it is surrounded by burials of the victims of the period. There was a second wall painting layer in the 14th century, in fragments as well.
The town is built where in the Dorian period Lato to Kamara was, the harbor to Lato Etaira, whose ruins lie in panoramic view 9km approximately to the south of Agios Nikolaos. According to the labels after the 2nd century BC the name Lato completely disappears; for the next thousand years the name shortens to Kamara. Besides, the city guardian is Athina the Kamarian. The town of Agios Nikolaos (Kamara) played an important role in the region in the Greek-Roman and the first Byzantine era, as shown by the excavations, as well as the consequent times.
On the hill southeast to the harbor, there was the Venetian castle of Mirabello, which named the region. Built by the Genovese pirate Pescatore, according to the legend, it will be the core of the medieval town. Very close to the position of the four sided Castel Mirabello (not surviving nowadays, the Prefecture administration building rises instead) the single aisled Byzantine church of Mary, with remarkable wall painting of the second half of the 14th century.
Next to the harbor, Voulismeni Lake, which was joined with the sea through a channel in 1870. It is a conical sub-water cave, 64m deep, a karstic formation from which water springs. The myth has it, Athina would take her bath in the lake; her temple of the city guardian during the Greco-Roman years might have not been far away. The historic center of the city does not survive. However, the typical neoclassical buildings close to the lake channel and the sea front add picturesque elements to the town. Here we have the second largest archaeological museum on Crete, after the one in Heraklion.
A prominent village set on the northern slopes of Psiloritis Mountain at an altitude of 750 meters above sea level positioned in a way that can supervise a significant part of two provinces. The name Ano-gia: Ano-gi derives from its situation that is set high up in the mountains. Ano means up, Gi means land, (a settlement set up high up in the mountains).
Anogia goes back to the first Byzantine period. A center of revolution and revolt during the Ottoman period. The village was burned to the ground in 1822 and in 1867 by the Ottomans. It was burned again on August 1944 (WWII) as retaliation for the kidnapping of the Nazi General Kreupe (Chief of Es- Es) from the resistance.
It’s one of the most interesting villages in Crete. The locals vary from other Cretans in their traditions, customs, social life, folk art and the local dialect.
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Anogia
A prominent village set on the northern slopes of Psiloritis Mountain at an altitude of 750 meters above sea level positioned in a way that can supervise a significant part of two provinces. The name Ano-gia: Ano-gi derives from its situation that is set high up in the mountains. Ano means up, Gi means land, (a settlement set up high up in the mountains).
Anogia goes back to the first Byzantine period. A center of revolution and revolt during the Ottoman period. The village was burned to the ground in 1822 and in 1867 by the Ottomans. It was burned again on August 1944 (WWII) as retaliation for the kidnapping of the Nazi General Kreupe (Chief of Es- Es) from the resistance.
It’s one of the most interesting villages in Crete. The locals vary from other Cretans in their traditions, customs, social life, folk art and the local dialect.
The island of Spinalonga (Greek: Σπιναλόγκα), officially known as Kalydon (Καλυδών), is located in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, in Lasithi, next to the town of Plaka. The island is further assigned to the area of Kalydon. It is near the Spinalonga peninsula ("large Spinalonga") – which often causes confusion as the same name is used for both. The official Greek name of the island today is Kalydon.
Originally, Spinalonga was not an island – it was part of the island of Crete. During Venetian occupation the island was carved out of the coast for defence purposes and a fort was built there.[citation needed]
During Venetian rule, salt was harvested from salt pans around the island.[citation needed] The island has also been used as a leper colony. Spinalonga has appeared in novels, television series, and a short film.
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Spinalonga
The island of Spinalonga (Greek: Σπιναλόγκα), officially known as Kalydon (Καλυδών), is located in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, in Lasithi, next to the town of Plaka. The island is further assigned to the area of Kalydon. It is near the Spinalonga peninsula ("large Spinalonga") – which often causes confusion as the same name is used for both. The official Greek name of the island today is Kalydon.
Originally, Spinalonga was not an island – it was part of the island of Crete. During Venetian occupation the island was carved out of the coast for defence purposes and a fort was built there.[citation needed]
During Venetian rule, salt was harvested from salt pans around the island.[citation needed] The island has also been used as a leper colony. Spinalonga has appeared in novels, television series, and a short film.
Arts & Culture
Visiting the museum, one has the opportunity to become acquainted with the personality of the author, by way of his personal correspondence and diaries, various other personal items and momentos from his travels, seldom published photographs, models of theatrical sets and costumes from theatrical performances of his plays, rare audio-visual material, as well as works of art inspired by his books.
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Kazantzakis Museum
Visiting the museum, one has the opportunity to become acquainted with the personality of the author, by way of his personal correspondence and diaries, various other personal items and momentos from his travels, seldom published photographs, models of theatrical sets and costumes from theatrical performances of his plays, rare audio-visual material, as well as works of art inspired by his books.
The city of Heraklion, since it was founded always faced water shortages, due to the lack of water resources in a relative proximity. Until the 17th century, the city was irrigated by reservoirs of ground water, or water wells inside houses, from public wells as well as small fountains. Nevertheless, all the above solutions combined were not sufficient to solve the irrigation problem. The first and most significant effort to transfer water from springs to the thirsty city of Chandax was made by the Venetians. Morosini was the one that came up with a solution by planning and constructing a big aqueduct that transported fresh water from springs in Gioughtas mountains into the city of Heraklion and finally into its fountains. The most famous fountain of all, was the one bearing his name, the Morosini Fountain still seen today.
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Morosini Lions Fountain
Platia Eleftheriou VenizelouThe city of Heraklion, since it was founded always faced water shortages, due to the lack of water resources in a relative proximity. Until the 17th century, the city was irrigated by reservoirs of ground water, or water wells inside houses, from public wells as well as small fountains. Nevertheless, all the above solutions combined were not sufficient to solve the irrigation problem. The first and most significant effort to transfer water from springs to the thirsty city of Chandax was made by the Venetians. Morosini was the one that came up with a solution by planning and constructing a big aqueduct that transported fresh water from springs in Gioughtas mountains into the city of Heraklion and finally into its fountains. The most famous fountain of all, was the one bearing his name, the Morosini Fountain still seen today.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum, regarded as one of the most important museums in Europe, is located in the center of Heraklion city. During the Venetian occupation period the Catholic Monastery of Saint Francisco used to be in the same place. Until it's destruction in the earthquake of 1856, it had been one of the richest and most important monasteries in Crete and had contained great Byzantine frescos.
The construction of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum started in the beginning of the 20th century and was completed by 1940.
Exhibits in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
On the ground floor of the museum there are 13 rooms open to the public while on the 1st floor fragments of the original frescos from the Minoan Palace of Knossos are exhibited. All exhibits in the Heraklion Museum come exclusively from archaeological sites in Crete. The exhibits of the museum are arranged chronologically.
As soon as the visitors start their tour in the Heraklion Museum they can see the evolution of pottery from the Neolithic period (5000-2500 BC) until the Post-Palace Period (1400- 1100 BC).
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Heraklion arkeologiske museum
1 ChatzidakiThe Heraklion Archaeological Museum, regarded as one of the most important museums in Europe, is located in the center of Heraklion city. During the Venetian occupation period the Catholic Monastery of Saint Francisco used to be in the same place. Until it's destruction in the earthquake of 1856, it had been one of the richest and most important monasteries in Crete and had contained great Byzantine frescos.
The construction of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum started in the beginning of the 20th century and was completed by 1940.
Exhibits in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
On the ground floor of the museum there are 13 rooms open to the public while on the 1st floor fragments of the original frescos from the Minoan Palace of Knossos are exhibited. All exhibits in the Heraklion Museum come exclusively from archaeological sites in Crete. The exhibits of the museum are arranged chronologically.
As soon as the visitors start their tour in the Heraklion Museum they can see the evolution of pottery from the Neolithic period (5000-2500 BC) until the Post-Palace Period (1400- 1100 BC).
The Crete Historical Museum in Heraklion is at 27 Sofokli Venizelou Avenue, the coast road.
The Historical Museum is housed in a Neoclassical building dating to 1903 which was owned by Andreas Kalokairinos. He granted it to the Society of Cretan Historical Studies to be turned into a museum in 1952.
The Historical Museum of Crete, or Historical Museum of Heraklion is open Monday to Saturday, from 09.00 to 17.00. It is shut on Sundays and holidays.
Valuable historical relics of Crete, from the First Byzantine period (330 AD) to World War II, are displayed in an enlightening manner in its 22 rooms, covering an area of 1,500 square metres.
Main exhibits in the Historical Museum
Visitors begin their tour of the Historical Museum in the Andreas G. Kalokairinos Room, which presents an overview of Cretan history via representative exhibits from all the collections and chronological periods.
The main exhibit is the 4 x 4 metre model of the city of Chandax (Heraklion) in the mid-17th century, at the peak of its power in Venetian times. Visitors can activate forty different spotlights picking out the most important monuments
The other rooms of the Historical Museum house:
the Ceramics and Sculpture Collections
the rich Numismatic Collection, charting all phases of Cretan economic history from the early Christian period to the 20th century.
the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection, where visitors can follow the development of art and come to realise the dynamic co-existence of the native Christian Orthodox population with the Ottoman and Venetian overlords. The crowning exhibits in this section are two paintings by Domenicos Theotokopoulos: The Baptism of Christ (1567) and View of Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine (1570), which are the only works by the artist on display on Crete.
Domenicos Theotocopoulos, better known as El Greco, was born, bred and studied icon-painting in Heraklion, at a time when the city was the intellectual and artistic centre of the island, blending elements of the Italian Renaissance with Byzantine tradition. The restless and ambitious painter travelled to Venice, Rome and finally Spain, where he continued to study his art to the very end. His unique personal style is the result of his collected experiences and intense artistic personality.
Modern and contemporary Cretan history is presented in four phases:
the period of Ottoman Rule, with emphasis on the Muslim presence on Crete.
the period of revolutionary upheaval in the 19th century, ending with the Union of Crete with Greece.
the Inter-War Years
World War II (the war between Greece and Italy, the Battle of Crete and the National Resistance). Audiovisual material is used here in an attempt to recreate the environment during battles and bombardments.
There follow the Nikos Kazantzakis rooms, with the author's study and library from his house in Antibes, France.
the Ethnographic Collection, presenting life in Crete through the centuries (olive growing and viniculture, cereal cultivation, animal husbandry, birth, baptism, marriage, folk architecture, reconstructed interior of a Cretan village house).
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Historisk museum på Kreta
27 Leof. Sofokli VenizelouThe Crete Historical Museum in Heraklion is at 27 Sofokli Venizelou Avenue, the coast road.
The Historical Museum is housed in a Neoclassical building dating to 1903 which was owned by Andreas Kalokairinos. He granted it to the Society of Cretan Historical Studies to be turned into a museum in 1952.
The Historical Museum of Crete, or Historical Museum of Heraklion is open Monday to Saturday, from 09.00 to 17.00. It is shut on Sundays and holidays.
Valuable historical relics of Crete, from the First Byzantine period (330 AD) to World War II, are displayed in an enlightening manner in its 22 rooms, covering an area of 1,500 square metres.
Main exhibits in the Historical Museum
Visitors begin their tour of the Historical Museum in the Andreas G. Kalokairinos Room, which presents an overview of Cretan history via representative exhibits from all the collections and chronological periods.
The main exhibit is the 4 x 4 metre model of the city of Chandax (Heraklion) in the mid-17th century, at the peak of its power in Venetian times. Visitors can activate forty different spotlights picking out the most important monuments
The other rooms of the Historical Museum house:
the Ceramics and Sculpture Collections
the rich Numismatic Collection, charting all phases of Cretan economic history from the early Christian period to the 20th century.
the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection, where visitors can follow the development of art and come to realise the dynamic co-existence of the native Christian Orthodox population with the Ottoman and Venetian overlords. The crowning exhibits in this section are two paintings by Domenicos Theotokopoulos: The Baptism of Christ (1567) and View of Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine (1570), which are the only works by the artist on display on Crete.
Domenicos Theotocopoulos, better known as El Greco, was born, bred and studied icon-painting in Heraklion, at a time when the city was the intellectual and artistic centre of the island, blending elements of the Italian Renaissance with Byzantine tradition. The restless and ambitious painter travelled to Venice, Rome and finally Spain, where he continued to study his art to the very end. His unique personal style is the result of his collected experiences and intense artistic personality.
Modern and contemporary Cretan history is presented in four phases:
the period of Ottoman Rule, with emphasis on the Muslim presence on Crete.
the period of revolutionary upheaval in the 19th century, ending with the Union of Crete with Greece.
the Inter-War Years
World War II (the war between Greece and Italy, the Battle of Crete and the National Resistance). Audiovisual material is used here in an attempt to recreate the environment during battles and bombardments.
There follow the Nikos Kazantzakis rooms, with the author's study and library from his house in Antibes, France.
the Ethnographic Collection, presenting life in Crete through the centuries (olive growing and viniculture, cereal cultivation, animal husbandry, birth, baptism, marriage, folk architecture, reconstructed interior of a Cretan village house).
Knossos, the famous Minoan Palace lies 5 kilometres southeast of Heraklion, in the valley of the river Kairatos. The river rises in Archanes, runs through Knossos and reaches the sea at Katsabas, the Minoan harbour of Knossos.
In Minoan times the river flowed all year round and the surrounding hills were covered in oak and cypress trees, where today we see vines and olives. The pine trees inside the archaeological site were planted by Evans.
Constant habitation for 9,000 years has brought about great changes to the natural environment, so it is hard to imagine what the Minoan landscape was like.
Knossos, the 1st and 2nd Palace
The first settlement in the Knossos area was established circa 7000 BC, during the Neolithic Period. The economic, social and political development of the settlement led to the construction of the majestic Palace of Knossos towards the end of the second millennium BC.
Knossos was the seat of the legendary King Minos and the main centre of power in Crete.
This first Palace was destroyed circa 1700 BC. It was rebuilt and destroyed again by fire, this time definitively, in 1350 BC. The environs of the Palace were transformed into a sacred grove of the goddess Rhea, but never inhabited again.
The Palace of Knossos is the monumental symbol of Minoan civilisation, due to its construction, use of luxury materials, architectural plan, advanced building techniques and impressive size.
Knossos, the first excavation by Minos Kalokairinos
The first large-scale excavation was undertaken in 1878 by the wealthy art-lover Minos Kalokairinos, while Crete was still under Turkish occupation. Kalokairinos excavated part of the West Magazines and brought many large pithoi (storage pots) to light.
Knossos, the excavations by Sir Arthur Evans
In March 1900 to 1931, Sir Arthur Evans excavated not only the Palace but the whole surrounding area of Knossos. The Palace complex was excavated in only five years, an extremely short time by today’s standards.
Evans restored the Palace with concrete, a technique condemned by modern archaeologists as arbitrary and damaging to the Minoan structure. Excavations continue and a conservation programme is underway to halt the deterioration of the Palace.
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Knossos
Knossos, the famous Minoan Palace lies 5 kilometres southeast of Heraklion, in the valley of the river Kairatos. The river rises in Archanes, runs through Knossos and reaches the sea at Katsabas, the Minoan harbour of Knossos.
In Minoan times the river flowed all year round and the surrounding hills were covered in oak and cypress trees, where today we see vines and olives. The pine trees inside the archaeological site were planted by Evans.
Constant habitation for 9,000 years has brought about great changes to the natural environment, so it is hard to imagine what the Minoan landscape was like.
Knossos, the 1st and 2nd Palace
The first settlement in the Knossos area was established circa 7000 BC, during the Neolithic Period. The economic, social and political development of the settlement led to the construction of the majestic Palace of Knossos towards the end of the second millennium BC.
Knossos was the seat of the legendary King Minos and the main centre of power in Crete.
This first Palace was destroyed circa 1700 BC. It was rebuilt and destroyed again by fire, this time definitively, in 1350 BC. The environs of the Palace were transformed into a sacred grove of the goddess Rhea, but never inhabited again.
The Palace of Knossos is the monumental symbol of Minoan civilisation, due to its construction, use of luxury materials, architectural plan, advanced building techniques and impressive size.
Knossos, the first excavation by Minos Kalokairinos
The first large-scale excavation was undertaken in 1878 by the wealthy art-lover Minos Kalokairinos, while Crete was still under Turkish occupation. Kalokairinos excavated part of the West Magazines and brought many large pithoi (storage pots) to light.
Knossos, the excavations by Sir Arthur Evans
In March 1900 to 1931, Sir Arthur Evans excavated not only the Palace but the whole surrounding area of Knossos. The Palace complex was excavated in only five years, an extremely short time by today’s standards.
Evans restored the Palace with concrete, a technique condemned by modern archaeologists as arbitrary and damaging to the Minoan structure. Excavations continue and a conservation programme is underway to halt the deterioration of the Palace.
Phaistos, or more correctly the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, is located in the Messara Plain in south-central Crete, 55 kilometres south of Heraklion and a short distance from the archaeological site of Agia Triada, the archaeological site of Gortys and Matala.
Phaistos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete, with many thousands of visitors annually. Phaistos is "Φαιστός" in Greek and you may find it also written as Phaestos, Faistos or Festos.
The Minoan palace of Phaistos corresponds to a flourishing city which arose in the fertile plain of the Messara in prehistoric times, from circa 6000 BC to the 1st century BC, as archaeological finds confirm.
Phaistos, history
The history of the Minoan palace of Phaistos, like that of the other Minoan palaces of Crete, is a turbulent one:
The first palace of Phaistos was built in circa 2000 BC. Its mythical founder was Minos himself and its first king was his brother Radamanthys.
In 1700 BC a strong earthquake destroyed the palace, which was rebuilt almost immediately. However, Phaistos was no longer the administrative centre of the area, an honour which passed to neighbouring Agia Triada. Phaistos continued to be the religious and cult centre of south Crete.
In 1450 BC there was another great catastrophe, not only in Phaistos but across the whole of Crete. The city of Phaistos recovered from the destruction, minted its own coins and continued to flourish for the next few centuries until the first century BC, when it was destroyed by neighbouring Gortys.
Phaistos excavations
The first excavations in the wider area of Phaistos were undertaken in 1900 by the Italian Archaeological School under Federico Halbherr and Luigi Pernier, continuing after the Second World War under Doro Levi. Most of the buildings visible today belong to the Neopalatial period (1700 - 1450 BC). Unlike Knossos, there have been no efforts at restoration but only conservation.
Tour of Phaistos - Opening Times
Opening times of the Phaistos archaeological site
Follow the paved path next to the car park to the open area in front of the ticket booth. You can buy either a ticket just for Phaistos itself or one including a visit to the archaeological site of Agia Triada, a few kilometres to the west.
After the ticket booth is the archaeological bookshop and the refreshment canteen. Visitors with limited mobility are warned that touring the archaeological site will be difficult, as there are many steps at various points.
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Faistos
Phaistos, or more correctly the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, is located in the Messara Plain in south-central Crete, 55 kilometres south of Heraklion and a short distance from the archaeological site of Agia Triada, the archaeological site of Gortys and Matala.
Phaistos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete, with many thousands of visitors annually. Phaistos is "Φαιστός" in Greek and you may find it also written as Phaestos, Faistos or Festos.
The Minoan palace of Phaistos corresponds to a flourishing city which arose in the fertile plain of the Messara in prehistoric times, from circa 6000 BC to the 1st century BC, as archaeological finds confirm.
Phaistos, history
The history of the Minoan palace of Phaistos, like that of the other Minoan palaces of Crete, is a turbulent one:
The first palace of Phaistos was built in circa 2000 BC. Its mythical founder was Minos himself and its first king was his brother Radamanthys.
In 1700 BC a strong earthquake destroyed the palace, which was rebuilt almost immediately. However, Phaistos was no longer the administrative centre of the area, an honour which passed to neighbouring Agia Triada. Phaistos continued to be the religious and cult centre of south Crete.
In 1450 BC there was another great catastrophe, not only in Phaistos but across the whole of Crete. The city of Phaistos recovered from the destruction, minted its own coins and continued to flourish for the next few centuries until the first century BC, when it was destroyed by neighbouring Gortys.
Phaistos excavations
The first excavations in the wider area of Phaistos were undertaken in 1900 by the Italian Archaeological School under Federico Halbherr and Luigi Pernier, continuing after the Second World War under Doro Levi. Most of the buildings visible today belong to the Neopalatial period (1700 - 1450 BC). Unlike Knossos, there have been no efforts at restoration but only conservation.
Tour of Phaistos - Opening Times
Opening times of the Phaistos archaeological site
Follow the paved path next to the car park to the open area in front of the ticket booth. You can buy either a ticket just for Phaistos itself or one including a visit to the archaeological site of Agia Triada, a few kilometres to the west.
After the ticket booth is the archaeological bookshop and the refreshment canteen. Visitors with limited mobility are warned that touring the archaeological site will be difficult, as there are many steps at various points.
A small traditional Cretan village that displays characteristic samples of Cretan architecture. The older name of this village was Varvaroi and goes all the way back to the Venetian rule.
Myrtia is also the birth place of Nikos Kazantzakis and has a Museum dedicated to the famous Cretan writer. It exhibits personal objects and memorabilia that refer to the life and work of Kazantzakis as well as copies of his books. It is worthwhile a visit, a journey accompanied by a great writer poet philosopher and traveler from Crete.
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Myrtia
A small traditional Cretan village that displays characteristic samples of Cretan architecture. The older name of this village was Varvaroi and goes all the way back to the Venetian rule.
Myrtia is also the birth place of Nikos Kazantzakis and has a Museum dedicated to the famous Cretan writer. It exhibits personal objects and memorabilia that refer to the life and work of Kazantzakis as well as copies of his books. It is worthwhile a visit, a journey accompanied by a great writer poet philosopher and traveler from Crete.
According to the historian Polybius, Lyttos or Lyktos (GR:Λύκτος / Λύττος), is one of the oldest cities in Crete, famous in ancient times for the excellency of its men.
The site is to the NE of present day Lyttos, also known as Xidas. At 656 m above sea level, among the ancient ruins, two churches have been built, that of Timios Stavros and that of Aghios Giorgos.
According to Stefanos Byzantios, Lyttos owes its name to its location on the western foothills of the Lassithi mountains.
Hesiod mentions Lyttos in his Theogonia as a rich city in Crete, and Homer qualifies her as ‘well-built’.
Skylax and Strabo make references to Lyttos, and Hierocles mentions the city in his Political Geography.
According to Hesiod, Rea was sent there by her parents to give birth to Zeus.
Lyktos was one of the first colonies of the Lacedaemonians. The other more recent name, Karnisopolis, indicates a Doric origin. According to Psilakis, the city adopted this name because of its dedication to Karneios Apollon, in whose name many games and feasts were held.
The Athenians were also involved in colonizing Lyktos.
Lyctus
According to the historian Polybius, Lyttos or Lyktos (GR:Λύκτος / Λύττος), is one of the oldest cities in Crete, famous in ancient times for the excellency of its men.
The site is to the NE of present day Lyttos, also known as Xidas. At 656 m above sea level, among the ancient ruins, two churches have been built, that of Timios Stavros and that of Aghios Giorgos.
According to Stefanos Byzantios, Lyttos owes its name to its location on the western foothills of the Lassithi mountains.
Hesiod mentions Lyttos in his Theogonia as a rich city in Crete, and Homer qualifies her as ‘well-built’.
Skylax and Strabo make references to Lyttos, and Hierocles mentions the city in his Political Geography.
According to Hesiod, Rea was sent there by her parents to give birth to Zeus.
Lyktos was one of the first colonies of the Lacedaemonians. The other more recent name, Karnisopolis, indicates a Doric origin. According to Psilakis, the city adopted this name because of its dedication to Karneios Apollon, in whose name many games and feasts were held.
The Athenians were also involved in colonizing Lyktos.
Everything Else
Archanes is a picturesque village built on the slopes of mount Giouhtas, 15 km. south of the city of Heraklion. Situated in the center of the most important wine-producing region of Crete, it has a 5000 years old history, while excavations conducted in the last 50 years have brought to light a lot of sites dating back to the Minoan period.
The village is also very famous for its typical Cretan architecture. Most of the houses have been restored recently and Archanes has won the second award as “the best restored village in Europe”.
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Archanes
Archanes is a picturesque village built on the slopes of mount Giouhtas, 15 km. south of the city of Heraklion. Situated in the center of the most important wine-producing region of Crete, it has a 5000 years old history, while excavations conducted in the last 50 years have brought to light a lot of sites dating back to the Minoan period.
The village is also very famous for its typical Cretan architecture. Most of the houses have been restored recently and Archanes has won the second award as “the best restored village in Europe”.
Thrapsano is a former municipality in the Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Minoa Pediada, of which it is a municipal unit.[2] Population 2,616 (2001).
Thrapsano village is located roughly 30 km. south-east of Heraklion and is at an altitude of 340m. It was a community until the 1998 "Kapodistria plan", when it became a municipal district of the municipality of Thrapsano. The village is - at least on the island of Crete– well known and particularly to seniors because of the Ventema. Ventema was the summer campaign and temporary installation in the various places of Crete, with earth ideal for pottery, and lots of woods for the furnus, until mid September, of Thrapsano potters, in teams, where they manufactured big jars called “pitharia” and other earthen vessels, because they are fragile and the transportation from the Thrapsano, to consumer's site is too risky with the transportation by donkeys and mules. A proverb says, "Everybody fears the God, and the Thrapsaniotis the walls."
Thrapsano is identified with pottery and particularly with the manufacture of “pitharia”, as its residents are considered descendants of the Minoan potters. Traditionally therefore the Thrapsano resident “Thrapsaniotis” is identified even today with the potter and in particular with the name of “pitharas”.
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Thrapsano
Thrapsano is a former municipality in the Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Minoa Pediada, of which it is a municipal unit.[2] Population 2,616 (2001).
Thrapsano village is located roughly 30 km. south-east of Heraklion and is at an altitude of 340m. It was a community until the 1998 "Kapodistria plan", when it became a municipal district of the municipality of Thrapsano. The village is - at least on the island of Crete– well known and particularly to seniors because of the Ventema. Ventema was the summer campaign and temporary installation in the various places of Crete, with earth ideal for pottery, and lots of woods for the furnus, until mid September, of Thrapsano potters, in teams, where they manufactured big jars called “pitharia” and other earthen vessels, because they are fragile and the transportation from the Thrapsano, to consumer's site is too risky with the transportation by donkeys and mules. A proverb says, "Everybody fears the God, and the Thrapsaniotis the walls."
Thrapsano is identified with pottery and particularly with the manufacture of “pitharia”, as its residents are considered descendants of the Minoan potters. Traditionally therefore the Thrapsano resident “Thrapsaniotis” is identified even today with the potter and in particular with the name of “pitharas”.
Smari (Greek: Σμάρι) is a traditional small Cretan village, only 7 km (4 mi) away from the town of Kastelli and only 23 km (14 mi). away from Heraklion, which is the capital of the island of Crete. According to recent official statistical surveys, it has been populated by 418 registered inhabitants. Most of them stay and work in Heraklion.
The village is first mentioned in 1375 in a document of the Ducal Archive of Chandax. In it you will find beautiful old stone houses that have been restored, picturesque little alleys, and ruins of older buildings and pottery workshops where you can purchase copies of Byzantine and Minoan ceramics.
Agriculture and animal farming are the main activities of people staying permanently at the village. Traditionally, olive oil, wine and animal products have been the main source of income. In earlier years the village has been famous for its male population who were known traders of olive oil. They had been crossing the Crete Island by horses or donkeys selling olive oil. Instead of money, mostly they had been paid in form of other products, which were not possible to be produced at Smari. Smari is one of the few villages in the area which is characterized by a cultural, social and building growth during the recent years. This is due to a variety of factors. Among them the foremost is the love of the local people to revive the tradition. They have created a very active cultural association which is the cornerstone of each new effort towards the future. There is a lively Cretan feast on July 20 in honour of Profitis Ilias, with much rejoicing, singing and dancing.
Smari
Smari (Greek: Σμάρι) is a traditional small Cretan village, only 7 km (4 mi) away from the town of Kastelli and only 23 km (14 mi). away from Heraklion, which is the capital of the island of Crete. According to recent official statistical surveys, it has been populated by 418 registered inhabitants. Most of them stay and work in Heraklion.
The village is first mentioned in 1375 in a document of the Ducal Archive of Chandax. In it you will find beautiful old stone houses that have been restored, picturesque little alleys, and ruins of older buildings and pottery workshops where you can purchase copies of Byzantine and Minoan ceramics.
Agriculture and animal farming are the main activities of people staying permanently at the village. Traditionally, olive oil, wine and animal products have been the main source of income. In earlier years the village has been famous for its male population who were known traders of olive oil. They had been crossing the Crete Island by horses or donkeys selling olive oil. Instead of money, mostly they had been paid in form of other products, which were not possible to be produced at Smari. Smari is one of the few villages in the area which is characterized by a cultural, social and building growth during the recent years. This is due to a variety of factors. Among them the foremost is the love of the local people to revive the tradition. They have created a very active cultural association which is the cornerstone of each new effort towards the future. There is a lively Cretan feast on July 20 in honour of Profitis Ilias, with much rejoicing, singing and dancing.
On the south coast, 11km to the south-west of Phaestos. Here, the myth has it, Zeus - bull brought Europe before they went to Gortyna.
In the very same place the Minoans founded one of the prehistoric harbors of Phaestos which were later chosen by the Romans to be the Gortyna havens. Nowadays, one can see remnants, even sub-water ones.
The Matala caves offer an extraordinary sight. Some caves hewn in the prehistoric years were used by the Romans mainly as tombs. Currently, they are open to the public, as an official archaeological site. Public toilets and showers are available just by the entrance. Apart from the historical value of the region, what makes it special is its location itself. In the deep blue of the Libyan sea, across the African coast, minerals in white hues and the scents of the Mediterranean vegetation. It’s been a source to inspiration for many. That might have qualified Matala as an international meeting point for the hippies in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Nowadays, there are facilities for accommodation, food, and excursions nearby.
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Matala Caves
On the south coast, 11km to the south-west of Phaestos. Here, the myth has it, Zeus - bull brought Europe before they went to Gortyna.
In the very same place the Minoans founded one of the prehistoric harbors of Phaestos which were later chosen by the Romans to be the Gortyna havens. Nowadays, one can see remnants, even sub-water ones.
The Matala caves offer an extraordinary sight. Some caves hewn in the prehistoric years were used by the Romans mainly as tombs. Currently, they are open to the public, as an official archaeological site. Public toilets and showers are available just by the entrance. Apart from the historical value of the region, what makes it special is its location itself. In the deep blue of the Libyan sea, across the African coast, minerals in white hues and the scents of the Mediterranean vegetation. It’s been a source to inspiration for many. That might have qualified Matala as an international meeting point for the hippies in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Nowadays, there are facilities for accommodation, food, and excursions nearby.
The mountainous village of Zaros, 45 km off Heraklion, is known for its water springs amongst others. The drive from Santa Barbara (Messara) to the foot of Psiloritis mount is in the midst of rich vegetation and quite enjoyable.
A fair number of Byzantine monasteries there and a starting point for trekking in the Rouvas gorge. Here you’ll find Votomos Lake, one of the artificial lakes in Crete. Fine tavernas around, local trout is highly recommended, accommodation available if you wish to stay over.
The lake is where the Zaros gorge starts, which in turn goes through the Rouvas woods. The name ‘Rouvas’ comes from an old monastery of the 14th century but still operational by Calendarist monks. Excavations in the area showed that the Minoans and the Romans were enchanted by the abundance of the fresh water of the springs. The altitude is 340m, ideal for a few days of relaxation for the nature lovers.
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Zaros
The mountainous village of Zaros, 45 km off Heraklion, is known for its water springs amongst others. The drive from Santa Barbara (Messara) to the foot of Psiloritis mount is in the midst of rich vegetation and quite enjoyable.
A fair number of Byzantine monasteries there and a starting point for trekking in the Rouvas gorge. Here you’ll find Votomos Lake, one of the artificial lakes in Crete. Fine tavernas around, local trout is highly recommended, accommodation available if you wish to stay over.
The lake is where the Zaros gorge starts, which in turn goes through the Rouvas woods. The name ‘Rouvas’ comes from an old monastery of the 14th century but still operational by Calendarist monks. Excavations in the area showed that the Minoans and the Romans were enchanted by the abundance of the fresh water of the springs. The altitude is 340m, ideal for a few days of relaxation for the nature lovers.
Elounda (Greek: Ελούντα), alternative transliterations Elounta or Elouda, is a small fishing town on the northern coast of the island of Crete, Greece. It is part of the municipality of Agios Nikolaos, until recently (2010) belonging to the prefecture of Lasithi and as of the passage of new legislation, the periphery of Crete
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Elounda
Elounda (Greek: Ελούντα), alternative transliterations Elounta or Elouda, is a small fishing town on the northern coast of the island of Crete, Greece. It is part of the municipality of Agios Nikolaos, until recently (2010) belonging to the prefecture of Lasithi and as of the passage of new legislation, the periphery of Crete
Agia Pelagia is a small coastal town with a lovely beach, suitable for relaxing holidays in Crete.
20 kilometres west of Heraklion, as the national road drifts high above the coastline.
At least twice in past times Agia Pelagia has been destroyed and washed into the sea. Once was probably due to a seismic sea wave from the earthquake that created Santorini.
Before 1965 there was almost nothing in Agia Pelagia, which was a small port from where they transferred wood and coal to Heraklion.
In 1965, a man appeared and started buying land from the locals for (approximately 17 EUR) for 1,000 square meters (or 1 strema, the common way of measuring land in Greece).
Soon another buyer showed up and he offered double the price. Tourism had just started in Greece and those two men were among the first to see the potential in this area. Soon after that, the Capsis Beach Resort was built on the Souda peninsula of Agia Pelagia.
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Agia Pelagia
Agia Pelagia is a small coastal town with a lovely beach, suitable for relaxing holidays in Crete.
20 kilometres west of Heraklion, as the national road drifts high above the coastline.
At least twice in past times Agia Pelagia has been destroyed and washed into the sea. Once was probably due to a seismic sea wave from the earthquake that created Santorini.
Before 1965 there was almost nothing in Agia Pelagia, which was a small port from where they transferred wood and coal to Heraklion.
In 1965, a man appeared and started buying land from the locals for (approximately 17 EUR) for 1,000 square meters (or 1 strema, the common way of measuring land in Greece).
Soon another buyer showed up and he offered double the price. Tourism had just started in Greece and those two men were among the first to see the potential in this area. Soon after that, the Capsis Beach Resort was built on the Souda peninsula of Agia Pelagia.
Analipsis is roughly 24 kilometres east of Heraklion, shortly after Gouves and before Anissaras. It is also known as Analipsis Hersonissou, as it is very close to the seaside resort of Hersonissos.
Analipsis is built along a long road, running over a kilometre from the old Heraklion - Agios Nikolaos National Road down to the beach.
Analipsis differs from the neighbouring seaside resorts in that tourist development began much later here. analipsis creteThis gives you the impression, on entering Analipsis, that you are in a verdant Cretan village with houses and pretty gardens alternating with fields and olive groves.
Of course, as you near the centre of the village and the beach, there are more and more car rental bureaux, restaurants and other tourist businesses. You will also see estate agencies, showing that there is considerable interest in buying land and houses in the area, which is still being built up.
On reaching the beach of Analipsis, the first thing you see is the tiny church with the waves almost lapping at its foot. It is a very picturesque church and every tourist who passes through Analipsis stops here for a commemorative photo.
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Analipsi
Analipsis is roughly 24 kilometres east of Heraklion, shortly after Gouves and before Anissaras. It is also known as Analipsis Hersonissou, as it is very close to the seaside resort of Hersonissos.
Analipsis is built along a long road, running over a kilometre from the old Heraklion - Agios Nikolaos National Road down to the beach.
Analipsis differs from the neighbouring seaside resorts in that tourist development began much later here. analipsis creteThis gives you the impression, on entering Analipsis, that you are in a verdant Cretan village with houses and pretty gardens alternating with fields and olive groves.
Of course, as you near the centre of the village and the beach, there are more and more car rental bureaux, restaurants and other tourist businesses. You will also see estate agencies, showing that there is considerable interest in buying land and houses in the area, which is still being built up.
On reaching the beach of Analipsis, the first thing you see is the tiny church with the waves almost lapping at its foot. It is a very picturesque church and every tourist who passes through Analipsis stops here for a commemorative photo.
Anissaras is located 24 km east of Heraklion and 1 km west of Hersonissos. The area of Anissaras is part of the unique stretch of Cretan coastline from Kokkini Hani to Malia.
Anissaras is neither a village nor a town – it’s a place – a large, hilly area which springs up just outside of Hersonissos, a stone’s throw away. But the difference between the two is like night and day. Actually, some people refer to it as Hersonissos’ high-class suburb.
There are no bars, no nightlife – outside of the hotels in Anissaras, which are mostly upscale and self-contained. However, there are a few smaller hotels and several tourist apartments in the area. All in all, it is a place for a quieter vacation, yet close to the raucous Hersonissos hot spots.
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Anissaras
Anissaras is located 24 km east of Heraklion and 1 km west of Hersonissos. The area of Anissaras is part of the unique stretch of Cretan coastline from Kokkini Hani to Malia.
Anissaras is neither a village nor a town – it’s a place – a large, hilly area which springs up just outside of Hersonissos, a stone’s throw away. But the difference between the two is like night and day. Actually, some people refer to it as Hersonissos’ high-class suburb.
There are no bars, no nightlife – outside of the hotels in Anissaras, which are mostly upscale and self-contained. However, there are a few smaller hotels and several tourist apartments in the area. All in all, it is a place for a quieter vacation, yet close to the raucous Hersonissos hot spots.
Traveling towards Lentas one crosses the Asterousia Mountains, an elongated range that lies along the south coast of the province of Heraklion. The highest peak is 1280 meters above sea level and is known as Kofinas, above the monastery of Koudoumas and beside the village of Kapetiana.
The Asterousian landscape is one of the more exceptional in Crete and is, for the most part, rugged, dry and barren. A few olive trees grow scattered here and there, among the shrubs and bushes that reign.
Asterousia is not overflowing with visible life. The landscape is deserted and only the odd hawk or vulture is to be seen cutting through the air. The view, however, is becoming panoramic and the plain of Messara stretches out below me, a broad strip of flat land enclosed by the peaks of Psiloritis (Mountain Ida) to the North and Asterousia to the South. It is a still, hot day with humidity making the view misty.
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Asterousia Mountains
Traveling towards Lentas one crosses the Asterousia Mountains, an elongated range that lies along the south coast of the province of Heraklion. The highest peak is 1280 meters above sea level and is known as Kofinas, above the monastery of Koudoumas and beside the village of Kapetiana.
The Asterousian landscape is one of the more exceptional in Crete and is, for the most part, rugged, dry and barren. A few olive trees grow scattered here and there, among the shrubs and bushes that reign.
Asterousia is not overflowing with visible life. The landscape is deserted and only the odd hawk or vulture is to be seen cutting through the air. The view, however, is becoming panoramic and the plain of Messara stretches out below me, a broad strip of flat land enclosed by the peaks of Psiloritis (Mountain Ida) to the North and Asterousia to the South. It is a still, hot day with humidity making the view misty.
Fodele village is well worth seeing. Fodele is built in an area of orange groves and, according to historians, this was the site of the ancient town of Astali, which was the port of ancient Axos. Today, the people of Fodele may have overdone things with too many craft shops selling the same products, and many cheery tavernas Fodelesqueezed together, but it remains a central destination for visitors to the area, for two main reasons:
First, Fodele is very green. A very pretty park next to the main square of Fodele offers shade and a picnic site. Even in the beginning of summer there is water running through it, reminding us why this area is so lush and verdant.
We park our car past the huge platanos tree at the main square and we enter the park. We follow the shady path and we start climbing to the older section of Fodele. The route is short and easy and it offers wonderful views across the valley. Unfortunately the views down to the lower newer part of Fodele is not equally charming. For once more we become witnesses of the damage these concrete boxes have done to the landscape of Crete. The houses in the older part of Fodele are old, beautifully decorated with colourful flowers, simple and fitting to their environment. There are also a few new houses here and some of them are beautiful to look at, giving us hope for the future.
Everything grows in the fertile valley of Fodele, and the area is known for good oranges and lemons. During the sunny days of the winter and spring, Fodele is a popular destination for the people of Heraklion and nearby villages for Sunday lunch in the many tavernas here.
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Fodele
Fodele village is well worth seeing. Fodele is built in an area of orange groves and, according to historians, this was the site of the ancient town of Astali, which was the port of ancient Axos. Today, the people of Fodele may have overdone things with too many craft shops selling the same products, and many cheery tavernas Fodelesqueezed together, but it remains a central destination for visitors to the area, for two main reasons:
First, Fodele is very green. A very pretty park next to the main square of Fodele offers shade and a picnic site. Even in the beginning of summer there is water running through it, reminding us why this area is so lush and verdant.
We park our car past the huge platanos tree at the main square and we enter the park. We follow the shady path and we start climbing to the older section of Fodele. The route is short and easy and it offers wonderful views across the valley. Unfortunately the views down to the lower newer part of Fodele is not equally charming. For once more we become witnesses of the damage these concrete boxes have done to the landscape of Crete. The houses in the older part of Fodele are old, beautifully decorated with colourful flowers, simple and fitting to their environment. There are also a few new houses here and some of them are beautiful to look at, giving us hope for the future.
Everything grows in the fertile valley of Fodele, and the area is known for good oranges and lemons. During the sunny days of the winter and spring, Fodele is a popular destination for the people of Heraklion and nearby villages for Sunday lunch in the many tavernas here.
Gournes is 15 kilometres east of Heraklion. As you continue east along the old road from Heraklion to Kokkini Hani, the adjoining village is Gournes, which is quite small in comparison, and limited in its facilities.
The name Gournes comes from "gourna" meaning “basin”, and it is thought that there were many watering-places in the area at one time. The evidence still exists, as a "river" basin still runs through the centre of town. In the summer months, however, it is quite dry, but in the winter rainy season, and during the spring thaw, water rushes through here from the surrounding mountains to the sea below.
There are no big hotels in Gournes, but there are several nice smaller hotels, plus tourist apartments and rent-rooms. Gournes was a small, sleepy village until the late fifties, when the big American Air Force communications (no planes) base opened, occupying a substantial portion of the town property.
While the base population eventually grew to about 3,500 servicemen and their families, the surrounding area kept pace. Many of the first hotels and apartments were built in Gournes to accommodate the families of the servicemen and visitors to the base and its civilian work force.
Gournes
Gournes is 15 kilometres east of Heraklion. As you continue east along the old road from Heraklion to Kokkini Hani, the adjoining village is Gournes, which is quite small in comparison, and limited in its facilities.
The name Gournes comes from "gourna" meaning “basin”, and it is thought that there were many watering-places in the area at one time. The evidence still exists, as a "river" basin still runs through the centre of town. In the summer months, however, it is quite dry, but in the winter rainy season, and during the spring thaw, water rushes through here from the surrounding mountains to the sea below.
There are no big hotels in Gournes, but there are several nice smaller hotels, plus tourist apartments and rent-rooms. Gournes was a small, sleepy village until the late fifties, when the big American Air Force communications (no planes) base opened, occupying a substantial portion of the town property.
While the base population eventually grew to about 3,500 servicemen and their families, the surrounding area kept pace. Many of the first hotels and apartments were built in Gournes to accommodate the families of the servicemen and visitors to the base and its civilian work force.
Gouves is located 18 km east of Heraklion, next to Gournes.
Gouves is a large area, which covers several smaller villages, including the popular resort area of Kato Gouves (lower Gouves) and the traditional village of Pano Gouves (upper Gouves), which is built into the side of small Mt. Ederi, only a little more than 300 meters high, bith spectacular views.
The name Gouves is derived from "gouva," which means a hollow in the earth. The name Gouves is usually applied to the seaside resort of Kato Gouves, and this is how it will be used throughout this text.
Gouves is neither a village nor a town. It is an inhabited area which owes its development to tourism. There is a main road running from the old Heraklion - Hersonissos National Road down to the beach road. On either side of the road, hotels and apartments extend to a great distance among the fields. There are also a few hotels and apartments above the old National Road. In other words, this is a sparsely-populated area which largely retains its earlier farming character.
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Gouves
Gouves is located 18 km east of Heraklion, next to Gournes.
Gouves is a large area, which covers several smaller villages, including the popular resort area of Kato Gouves (lower Gouves) and the traditional village of Pano Gouves (upper Gouves), which is built into the side of small Mt. Ederi, only a little more than 300 meters high, bith spectacular views.
The name Gouves is derived from "gouva," which means a hollow in the earth. The name Gouves is usually applied to the seaside resort of Kato Gouves, and this is how it will be used throughout this text.
Gouves is neither a village nor a town. It is an inhabited area which owes its development to tourism. There is a main road running from the old Heraklion - Hersonissos National Road down to the beach road. On either side of the road, hotels and apartments extend to a great distance among the fields. There are also a few hotels and apartments above the old National Road. In other words, this is a sparsely-populated area which largely retains its earlier farming character.
Ierapetra is in southeast Crete, in an extremely strategic position controlling the south coast of Crete and the Libyan Sea.
Favoured both by position and by nature, Ierapetra has always been an important centre of the island. It has grown into the largest town in south Crete and a major tourist destination. When you visit it you will find a lively, active town - much more so than Agios Nikolaos or Sitia.
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Ierapetra
Ierapetra is in southeast Crete, in an extremely strategic position controlling the south coast of Crete and the Libyan Sea.
Favoured both by position and by nature, Ierapetra has always been an important centre of the island. It has grown into the largest town in south Crete and a major tourist destination. When you visit it you will find a lively, active town - much more so than Agios Nikolaos or Sitia.
Kokkini Hani is located 14 km east of Heraklion. Heading east from Heraklion airport, the old national highway (old road) hugs the coastline and offers some spectacular views of the sea, and its sometimes rugged shore. After about eight kilometres, you'll wind your way up a rise in an outcropping of rock and, as you come out of the last curve, the impressive sight of Kokkini Hani is spread out like a smorgasbord of holiday delights.
The area of Kokkini Hani first became known in the early 1900s when several buildings were constructed, including a hani, which was sort of a wayside inn for people and animals. Farmers, on the way to the Heraklion market with their olives, grapes and other produce, would stop off to rest or spend the night, and have a meal. At the same time, their horses and donkeys would be tended to and fed, also.
But it wasn't until as late as the early 60s, when full electricity and telephone services reached this part of Crete, and several hotels were built, that Kokkini Hani started to attract visitors and become known as a holiday resort.
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Kokkini Hani
Kokkini Hani is located 14 km east of Heraklion. Heading east from Heraklion airport, the old national highway (old road) hugs the coastline and offers some spectacular views of the sea, and its sometimes rugged shore. After about eight kilometres, you'll wind your way up a rise in an outcropping of rock and, as you come out of the last curve, the impressive sight of Kokkini Hani is spread out like a smorgasbord of holiday delights.
The area of Kokkini Hani first became known in the early 1900s when several buildings were constructed, including a hani, which was sort of a wayside inn for people and animals. Farmers, on the way to the Heraklion market with their olives, grapes and other produce, would stop off to rest or spend the night, and have a meal. At the same time, their horses and donkeys would be tended to and fed, also.
But it wasn't until as late as the early 60s, when full electricity and telephone services reached this part of Crete, and several hotels were built, that Kokkini Hani started to attract visitors and become known as a holiday resort.
Lassithi Plateau is one of the few areas in the Mediterranean with permanent inhabitants at an altitude over 800 metres.
Lassithi plateau is 11 kilometres on the east-west axis and 6 kilometres on the north-south - an area of 25 square kilometres.
Have your camera loaded as there are many photo opportunities, especially early in the morning and in late afternoon.
Dikteon Andron, the cave where Zeus was born, is located here, but have shoes with a good grip with you, as the stairs leading down to the cave are quite slippery.
There are many small villages on the plateau which maintain their traditional colour and character. Don't hesitate to come out of your car and walk along the little streets. You will be rewarded with nostalgic sights of windmill in Lassithi plateauauthentic farm living.
Reading most tourist guides about the area, you are sure to see it described as a plateau of 10,000 windmills. There are also some old black and white photos showing thousands of windmills scattered throughout the area. Unfortunately, most of these windmills, with crude pumping engines and iron towers of simple technology, no longer exist. Originally, the locally-constructed windmills made their appearance in the valley at the end of the 1800s. During the 1950s there were about 4,000 of the structures offering invaluable assistance to local farmers. Today, with more modern means of irrigation and power supply, that number has been greatly reduced, depriving Lassithi of its unique identity.
windmills in Lassithi plateauHowever, there is much renewed interest in the restoration of the windmills, which would bring back the picture of the Lassithi Plateau as it once was.
Exiting the Lassithi Plateau and heading towards Heraklion, there's an area just before the village of Kera where 24 stone flour mills dating back to the 1800s once stood. They operated until the end of WWII, but today most are in various stages of ruin, with only three restored so far.
Just beyond this area is the Kera Monastery, famous for its beautiful frescoes. Anyway, they're both worth a look-see if you have the time. And, if you're hungry, you'll have to try Mrs. Marazaki's classic Cretan omelette, a tradition in its own right, at her family's taverna in Kera village.
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Lasithi Plateau
Lassithi Plateau is one of the few areas in the Mediterranean with permanent inhabitants at an altitude over 800 metres.
Lassithi plateau is 11 kilometres on the east-west axis and 6 kilometres on the north-south - an area of 25 square kilometres.
Have your camera loaded as there are many photo opportunities, especially early in the morning and in late afternoon.
Dikteon Andron, the cave where Zeus was born, is located here, but have shoes with a good grip with you, as the stairs leading down to the cave are quite slippery.
There are many small villages on the plateau which maintain their traditional colour and character. Don't hesitate to come out of your car and walk along the little streets. You will be rewarded with nostalgic sights of windmill in Lassithi plateauauthentic farm living.
Reading most tourist guides about the area, you are sure to see it described as a plateau of 10,000 windmills. There are also some old black and white photos showing thousands of windmills scattered throughout the area. Unfortunately, most of these windmills, with crude pumping engines and iron towers of simple technology, no longer exist. Originally, the locally-constructed windmills made their appearance in the valley at the end of the 1800s. During the 1950s there were about 4,000 of the structures offering invaluable assistance to local farmers. Today, with more modern means of irrigation and power supply, that number has been greatly reduced, depriving Lassithi of its unique identity.
windmills in Lassithi plateauHowever, there is much renewed interest in the restoration of the windmills, which would bring back the picture of the Lassithi Plateau as it once was.
Exiting the Lassithi Plateau and heading towards Heraklion, there's an area just before the village of Kera where 24 stone flour mills dating back to the 1800s once stood. They operated until the end of WWII, but today most are in various stages of ruin, with only three restored so far.
Just beyond this area is the Kera Monastery, famous for its beautiful frescoes. Anyway, they're both worth a look-see if you have the time. And, if you're hungry, you'll have to try Mrs. Marazaki's classic Cretan omelette, a tradition in its own right, at her family's taverna in Kera village.
Saint George Selinaris or Agios Georgios Selinaris is located on the road to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion. There is a small 16th century church, and a monastery which was added on much later.
Many travellers passing by stop to light a candle in the church, then combine their religious repast with a gastronomic delight. The surrounding cantinas are famous for their souvlakis.
Tradition says that if someone passes Agios Georgios Selinaris without at least crossing one's self, the culprit's car may very well come to a stop down the road with a sudden and mysterious mechanical malfunction!
Also, with the numerous bird species that nest in the broader areahere, visitors have a good chance of observing the many hawks and vultures hovering around.
Selinari
Saint George Selinaris or Agios Georgios Selinaris is located on the road to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion. There is a small 16th century church, and a monastery which was added on much later.
Many travellers passing by stop to light a candle in the church, then combine their religious repast with a gastronomic delight. The surrounding cantinas are famous for their souvlakis.
Tradition says that if someone passes Agios Georgios Selinaris without at least crossing one's self, the culprit's car may very well come to a stop down the road with a sudden and mysterious mechanical malfunction!
Also, with the numerous bird species that nest in the broader areahere, visitors have a good chance of observing the many hawks and vultures hovering around.
Sitia or Siteia is a small but charming market town in Lassithi Prefecture, Crete, laid out in a horseshoe shape on the side of a hill in the northeast of the island.
Sitia is the seat of Sitia Municipality and one of the most pleasant and attractive towns in Lassithi, retaining its peaceful atmosphere in spite of tourism and development.
This is aided by the wonderful landscape of Sitia, with its pretty bay, small harbour and mountain peaks on the horizon south of the town.
The whole area around Sitia is a land of contrasts, with high mountains, hills and valleys, caves and sandy beaches with their little coves. The landscape is a combination of Mediterranean and African, with hot, dry areas alternating with cooler, milder spots.
Sitia town has a very good harbour, serving both the ferries connecting it to Piraeus and other islands, and the fishing boats which add a picturesque note to the scene.
The seafront with its palm trees and lovely promenade along the harbour makes the town even prettier and more romantic, ideal for moonlit walks. Even the beach, to the left of the town, is a permanent temptation for a dip, with its fine sand and clear waters.
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Sitia
Sitia or Siteia is a small but charming market town in Lassithi Prefecture, Crete, laid out in a horseshoe shape on the side of a hill in the northeast of the island.
Sitia is the seat of Sitia Municipality and one of the most pleasant and attractive towns in Lassithi, retaining its peaceful atmosphere in spite of tourism and development.
This is aided by the wonderful landscape of Sitia, with its pretty bay, small harbour and mountain peaks on the horizon south of the town.
The whole area around Sitia is a land of contrasts, with high mountains, hills and valleys, caves and sandy beaches with their little coves. The landscape is a combination of Mediterranean and African, with hot, dry areas alternating with cooler, milder spots.
Sitia town has a very good harbour, serving both the ferries connecting it to Piraeus and other islands, and the fishing boats which add a picturesque note to the scene.
The seafront with its palm trees and lovely promenade along the harbour makes the town even prettier and more romantic, ideal for moonlit walks. Even the beach, to the left of the town, is a permanent temptation for a dip, with its fine sand and clear waters.
Stalis is 30 kilometres east of Heraklion, 3 kilometres after Hersonissos and 3 kilometres before Malia.
stalis
The intensive tourist development of the area has resulted in the three towns (Hersonissos, Stalis and Malia) merging into a single coastal resort about 10 km long, full of hotels and apartments. Especially if you take the coastal road from Stalis to Malia, it is impossible to see where one resort ends and the other begins.
Cretan tourism grew dramatically in the 1980s. This was when Stalis, too, became a popular holiday resort in east Crete. Until then it was simply the beach where the inhabitants of Mohos, the village on the mountain rising south of Stalis, spent their summer holidays.
The fact that Stalis did not exist as an autonomous village until then is obvious from its disjointed layout. There is no central square, just the coast road lined on both sides with shops, tavernas and hotels.
Stalis differs from neighbouring Hersonissos and Malia in that it does not share their wild nightlife. Stalis is more suitable for family holidays, but if you want to dance the night away, Hersonissos and Malia are close by.
This does not mean that Stalis has no bars and cafes. There are lots of cafeterias and beach bars along the beach, so you can still have fun, just at a quieter pace than that of the neighbouring resorts. Many people consider this an advantage rather than a disadvantage
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Stalida
Stalis is 30 kilometres east of Heraklion, 3 kilometres after Hersonissos and 3 kilometres before Malia.
stalis
The intensive tourist development of the area has resulted in the three towns (Hersonissos, Stalis and Malia) merging into a single coastal resort about 10 km long, full of hotels and apartments. Especially if you take the coastal road from Stalis to Malia, it is impossible to see where one resort ends and the other begins.
Cretan tourism grew dramatically in the 1980s. This was when Stalis, too, became a popular holiday resort in east Crete. Until then it was simply the beach where the inhabitants of Mohos, the village on the mountain rising south of Stalis, spent their summer holidays.
The fact that Stalis did not exist as an autonomous village until then is obvious from its disjointed layout. There is no central square, just the coast road lined on both sides with shops, tavernas and hotels.
Stalis differs from neighbouring Hersonissos and Malia in that it does not share their wild nightlife. Stalis is more suitable for family holidays, but if you want to dance the night away, Hersonissos and Malia are close by.
This does not mean that Stalis has no bars and cafes. There are lots of cafeterias and beach bars along the beach, so you can still have fun, just at a quieter pace than that of the neighbouring resorts. Many people consider this an advantage rather than a disadvantage
Agia Galini is 61 km southeast of Rethymno and 68 km southwest of Heraklion, about midway along the south coast of Crete.
Agia Galini, with its strange but apt name (meaning "Saint Serenity", or "Holy Peace"), is a small, labyrinthine village built in the shape of an amphitheatre and surrounded by three mountains: Asideroto, Kedros and Psiloritis. It opens out into a pretty, picturesque harbour which is particularly busy in summer.
The small old houses of the village seem squashed by the larger apartments springing up in the area and the hotels in Agia Galini, built in an effort to accommodate rising numbers of visitors.
Agia Galini is a famous resort with a good beach, one of the first tourist resorts in Crete.
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Agia Galini
Agia Galini is 61 km southeast of Rethymno and 68 km southwest of Heraklion, about midway along the south coast of Crete.
Agia Galini, with its strange but apt name (meaning "Saint Serenity", or "Holy Peace"), is a small, labyrinthine village built in the shape of an amphitheatre and surrounded by three mountains: Asideroto, Kedros and Psiloritis. It opens out into a pretty, picturesque harbour which is particularly busy in summer.
The small old houses of the village seem squashed by the larger apartments springing up in the area and the hotels in Agia Galini, built in an effort to accommodate rising numbers of visitors.
Agia Galini is a famous resort with a good beach, one of the first tourist resorts in Crete.
Agia Roumeli is on the south coast of Chania Prefecture, between Hora Sfakion and Paleochora. Agia Roumeli has become well-known because it lies at the end of the path from the Samaria Gorge. The thousands of visitors who come down the gorge each year end up here to take the ferry to Loutro and Hora Sfakion (to the east) or Sougia and Paleochora (to the west).
The White Mountains with their high peaks and deep gorges keep Agia Roumeli isolated in their embrace. The village is small, there is no road to it and all access is by the small ANENDYK vessels.
It is worth mentioning that the first solar power station in Greece operated from 1982 to 1989 in Agia Roumeli.
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Agia Roumeli
Agia Roumeli is on the south coast of Chania Prefecture, between Hora Sfakion and Paleochora. Agia Roumeli has become well-known because it lies at the end of the path from the Samaria Gorge. The thousands of visitors who come down the gorge each year end up here to take the ferry to Loutro and Hora Sfakion (to the east) or Sougia and Paleochora (to the west).
The White Mountains with their high peaks and deep gorges keep Agia Roumeli isolated in their embrace. The village is small, there is no road to it and all access is by the small ANENDYK vessels.
It is worth mentioning that the first solar power station in Greece operated from 1982 to 1989 in Agia Roumeli.
Chania is a beautiful city. The most beautiful in Crete, one might even say in the whole of Greece. Chania has a natural, privileged, well-protected beauty. Sleepless guardians to the south stand the gigantic Madares mountains in all their indestructible, panoramic glory. To the north stretches the multicoloured immensity of the Sea of Crete, embraced by its gorgeous, long-armed capes. And all around lies its land, scarlet and green-haired, sown with wild silver gorges. A land that seems to be made flesh, so spirited and alive that you hesitate to tread on it.”
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Chania
Chania is a beautiful city. The most beautiful in Crete, one might even say in the whole of Greece. Chania has a natural, privileged, well-protected beauty. Sleepless guardians to the south stand the gigantic Madares mountains in all their indestructible, panoramic glory. To the north stretches the multicoloured immensity of the Sea of Crete, embraced by its gorgeous, long-armed capes. And all around lies its land, scarlet and green-haired, sown with wild silver gorges. A land that seems to be made flesh, so spirited and alive that you hesitate to tread on it.”
Elafonissi is in west Crete, 75 kilometres southwest of Chania. The Elafonissi area includes the beach, the islet 200 metres offshore and the shallow lagoon between the two.
If you come to Crete on holiday, Elafonissi is a name you are sure to hear. Elafonissi is a tiny island with white sand, separated from the shore by a lagoon no more than a metre deep.
Elafonissi means “deer island”, but you won’t see any deer on the island or in the surrounding area. The island is 75 kilometres from Hania and it will take you about an hour and a half to get here.
On the way you will see Chrissoskalitissa (or Chrysoskalitissa) Monastery, visible from afar as it is a dazzling white and built on a great rock. Climb up to pay your respects at this historic monastery and look for the golden step which, according to legend, only the truly devout can see.
Elafonissi is 5 kilometres from Chrissoskalitissa. On arriving you will see a large bare expanse used as a car park, a few dusty juniper trees and the wonderful colours of the lagoon.
The island is less than 200 metres from the beach and you can easily walk there through the warm, shallow water of the lagoon. On reaching the island you will discover lots of tiny beaches on its south coast.
The sand of Elafonissi is white, but in many places it is pinkish due to the thousands of broken seashells it contains. The limpid, blue-green waters will remind you of an exotic paradise.
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Elafonisi
Elafonissi is in west Crete, 75 kilometres southwest of Chania. The Elafonissi area includes the beach, the islet 200 metres offshore and the shallow lagoon between the two.
If you come to Crete on holiday, Elafonissi is a name you are sure to hear. Elafonissi is a tiny island with white sand, separated from the shore by a lagoon no more than a metre deep.
Elafonissi means “deer island”, but you won’t see any deer on the island or in the surrounding area. The island is 75 kilometres from Hania and it will take you about an hour and a half to get here.
On the way you will see Chrissoskalitissa (or Chrysoskalitissa) Monastery, visible from afar as it is a dazzling white and built on a great rock. Climb up to pay your respects at this historic monastery and look for the golden step which, according to legend, only the truly devout can see.
Elafonissi is 5 kilometres from Chrissoskalitissa. On arriving you will see a large bare expanse used as a car park, a few dusty juniper trees and the wonderful colours of the lagoon.
The island is less than 200 metres from the beach and you can easily walk there through the warm, shallow water of the lagoon. On reaching the island you will discover lots of tiny beaches on its south coast.
The sand of Elafonissi is white, but in many places it is pinkish due to the thousands of broken seashells it contains. The limpid, blue-green waters will remind you of an exotic paradise.
Falassarna is on the west coast of Crete.
Falassarna is a small resort boasting one of the best-known beaches in Chania Prefecture and indeed the whole of Crete, which attracts large numbers of tourists every summer.
Nowadays Falassarna is a famous Cretan destination, thanks to its beaches and also its ecological interest. Falassarna is part of the Natura 2000 network, both due to its variety of flora and fauna and as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Looking towards Falassarna from the hill after the village of Platanos, you will see many greenhouses, as the area is ideal for growing fruit and vegetables.
In front of you are spread two beaches, divided by a few sand dunes: the south beach (known as Pachia Ammos) is longer and wider.
There are two more beaches further south: a sandy beach with rocks on the bottom, and a pebble beach next to the little harbour.
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Phalasarna
Falassarna is on the west coast of Crete.
Falassarna is a small resort boasting one of the best-known beaches in Chania Prefecture and indeed the whole of Crete, which attracts large numbers of tourists every summer.
Nowadays Falassarna is a famous Cretan destination, thanks to its beaches and also its ecological interest. Falassarna is part of the Natura 2000 network, both due to its variety of flora and fauna and as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Looking towards Falassarna from the hill after the village of Platanos, you will see many greenhouses, as the area is ideal for growing fruit and vegetables.
In front of you are spread two beaches, divided by a few sand dunes: the south beach (known as Pachia Ammos) is longer and wider.
There are two more beaches further south: a sandy beach with rocks on the bottom, and a pebble beach next to the little harbour.
rangokastello (or Frangocastello) is in the area of Sfakia, on the south coast of west Crete, 13 kilometres east of Chora Sfakion and west of Plakias.
Frangokastello is a small seaside village with a few houses and quite a few rooms for rent and apartments for tourists. It is famous for its Venetian castle of the same name, which is preserved in very good condition, its beautiful beaches and the Drosoulites, the ghosts which appear at Frangokastello at dawn each May. Many monuments were built in the area through the centuries, but very few survive today. Most were destroyed in the wars and risings in the area, and the stones from their ruins used to build the castle.
Frangokastello lies in a surprisingly small plain in the shadow of the eastern range of the White Mountains, with the gorge and mountain of Kallikratis. This landscape is one of the many surprises the natural environment of Crete has to offer visitors
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Frangokastello
rangokastello (or Frangocastello) is in the area of Sfakia, on the south coast of west Crete, 13 kilometres east of Chora Sfakion and west of Plakias.
Frangokastello is a small seaside village with a few houses and quite a few rooms for rent and apartments for tourists. It is famous for its Venetian castle of the same name, which is preserved in very good condition, its beautiful beaches and the Drosoulites, the ghosts which appear at Frangokastello at dawn each May. Many monuments were built in the area through the centuries, but very few survive today. Most were destroyed in the wars and risings in the area, and the stones from their ruins used to build the castle.
Frangokastello lies in a surprisingly small plain in the shadow of the eastern range of the White Mountains, with the gorge and mountain of Kallikratis. This landscape is one of the many surprises the natural environment of Crete has to offer visitors
Georgioupolis is a small seaside town in Chania Prefecture, approximately 38 km southeast of Chania, in West Crete.
Georgioupolis is set in a green countryside with a large beach stretching about 1.5 km eastwards.
Georgioupolis is on the border between Rethymno Prefecture to the east and Chania Prefecture to the west, although it belongs to the latter. The area around Georgioupolis is Apokoronas, with its picturesque villages and verdant landscape.
The River Almyros meets the sea at Georgioupolis. Just before the town, it forms a little lake that is home to many birds and animals. The lake is visible from the National Road, as you approach Georgioupolis from Chania.
On entering the town you see many eucalyptus trees, both along the road and in the main square, and a row of cypress trees forming a pretty picture.
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Georgioupoli
Georgioupolis is a small seaside town in Chania Prefecture, approximately 38 km southeast of Chania, in West Crete.
Georgioupolis is set in a green countryside with a large beach stretching about 1.5 km eastwards.
Georgioupolis is on the border between Rethymno Prefecture to the east and Chania Prefecture to the west, although it belongs to the latter. The area around Georgioupolis is Apokoronas, with its picturesque villages and verdant landscape.
The River Almyros meets the sea at Georgioupolis. Just before the town, it forms a little lake that is home to many birds and animals. The lake is visible from the National Road, as you approach Georgioupolis from Chania.
On entering the town you see many eucalyptus trees, both along the road and in the main square, and a row of cypress trees forming a pretty picture.
Hora Sfakion or Sfakia is a small, historical town of fewer than 500 inhabitants, on the south coast of Chania Prefecture.
Hora Sfakion (also Chora Sfakion) is the capital of Sfakia Municipality, in the area also known as Sfakia, which includes the most mountainous district in Chania Prefecture.
Sfakia Municipality is the most sparsely-populated municipality in Greece, with 2,484 inhabitants in an area of 468 square kilometres. It comprises the villages of Hora Sfakion, Anopoli, Agios Ioannis, Agia Roumeli, Asfendou, Frangokastello, Loutro, Patsianos, Skaloti, Imbros and Askifou.
The whole of Sfakia has the natural beauty of a wild mountain landscape, forming a unique combination with the sea nearby. Sfakia includes most of the White Mountains, also known as Madares, with Pachnes, the highest peak in the range (2454 m). It also comprises the Samaria Gorge, one of the most popular sights in Crete. Other gorges in Sfakia are those of Klados, Domata, Elygias, Aradaina, Sfakiano, Imbros, Asfendou and Kallikratis.
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Sfakia
Hora Sfakion or Sfakia is a small, historical town of fewer than 500 inhabitants, on the south coast of Chania Prefecture.
Hora Sfakion (also Chora Sfakion) is the capital of Sfakia Municipality, in the area also known as Sfakia, which includes the most mountainous district in Chania Prefecture.
Sfakia Municipality is the most sparsely-populated municipality in Greece, with 2,484 inhabitants in an area of 468 square kilometres. It comprises the villages of Hora Sfakion, Anopoli, Agios Ioannis, Agia Roumeli, Asfendou, Frangokastello, Loutro, Patsianos, Skaloti, Imbros and Askifou.
The whole of Sfakia has the natural beauty of a wild mountain landscape, forming a unique combination with the sea nearby. Sfakia includes most of the White Mountains, also known as Madares, with Pachnes, the highest peak in the range (2454 m). It also comprises the Samaria Gorge, one of the most popular sights in Crete. Other gorges in Sfakia are those of Klados, Domata, Elygias, Aradaina, Sfakiano, Imbros, Asfendou and Kallikratis.
Kournas is a pretty traditional village 8 km from Georgioupoli and about 4 km from Lake Kournas.
If you are visiting Lake Kournas it is worth driving 15 minutes further along the narrow uphill road to Kournas.
While the lake is 'touristy', Kournas village is completely unaffected by tourism and takes visitors on a journey back in time, as do many villages in the interior of Crete (these words were written in 2009, I hope I won’t need to change them in future…)
The old houses, the village square, the pottery workshop opposite the large kafeneio and Agapinakis's taverna "Kali Kardia", with its wonderful salads and delicious meat, are the first things you will notice in the village of Kournas.
The village of Kournas has 500 inhabitants and lies at an altitude of 200 metres in the foothills of Mount Dafnomadara (1680 m).
Kournas prospered from the 16th century onwards and is linked to many battles for freedom from the Turks. It was the seat of the Revolutionary Government in the Rising of 1866 and the seat of the Cretan General Assembly in 1897.
The village of Kournas lacks particular facilities for tourists, but nearby Georgioupoli offers everything you might need.
In the village of Kournas is the church of Agios Georgios, to which leads a road to the right of the square. It was built in Byzantine times, with architectural features added later during the Venetian period. The church is locked and you will not be able to see inside unless you find someone in the neighbourhood to give you the key, but it’s worth a try.
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Kournas
Kournas is a pretty traditional village 8 km from Georgioupoli and about 4 km from Lake Kournas.
If you are visiting Lake Kournas it is worth driving 15 minutes further along the narrow uphill road to Kournas.
While the lake is 'touristy', Kournas village is completely unaffected by tourism and takes visitors on a journey back in time, as do many villages in the interior of Crete (these words were written in 2009, I hope I won’t need to change them in future…)
The old houses, the village square, the pottery workshop opposite the large kafeneio and Agapinakis's taverna "Kali Kardia", with its wonderful salads and delicious meat, are the first things you will notice in the village of Kournas.
The village of Kournas has 500 inhabitants and lies at an altitude of 200 metres in the foothills of Mount Dafnomadara (1680 m).
Kournas prospered from the 16th century onwards and is linked to many battles for freedom from the Turks. It was the seat of the Revolutionary Government in the Rising of 1866 and the seat of the Cretan General Assembly in 1897.
The village of Kournas lacks particular facilities for tourists, but nearby Georgioupoli offers everything you might need.
In the village of Kournas is the church of Agios Georgios, to which leads a road to the right of the square. It was built in Byzantine times, with architectural features added later during the Venetian period. The church is locked and you will not be able to see inside unless you find someone in the neighbourhood to give you the key, but it’s worth a try.
Kissamos or Kastelli Kissamou is a small town in West Crete, at the northwest end of the island.
Kissamos, often still referred to by its earlier name of Kastelli, lies halfway along Kissamos Bay, 43 kilometres from Chania.
On first sight, Kissamos does not look like a town full of fascinating things to do, but the truth is quite otherwise. Don't forget that the west coast of Crete includes some of the island's most famous sights, such as Elafonissi, Falassarna and Balos on Cape Gramvoussa.
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Kissamos
Kissamos or Kastelli Kissamou is a small town in West Crete, at the northwest end of the island.
Kissamos, often still referred to by its earlier name of Kastelli, lies halfway along Kissamos Bay, 43 kilometres from Chania.
On first sight, Kissamos does not look like a town full of fascinating things to do, but the truth is quite otherwise. Don't forget that the west coast of Crete includes some of the island's most famous sights, such as Elafonissi, Falassarna and Balos on Cape Gramvoussa.
Maleme is located in West Crete, 16 kilometres from Chania.
Maleme is just 2 kilometres from the large seaside resort of Platanias and essentially forms part of the great tourist area extending from Chania in the east to Kolymbari in the west.
Maleme offers visitors a lovely beach and ever-developing tourist infrastructure.
16 lokalkjente anbefaler
Maleme
Maleme is located in West Crete, 16 kilometres from Chania.
Maleme is just 2 kilometres from the large seaside resort of Platanias and essentially forms part of the great tourist area extending from Chania in the east to Kolymbari in the west.
Maleme offers visitors a lovely beach and ever-developing tourist infrastructure.
Paleochora is located 77 kilometres south of Chania in south-western Crete.
The town of Paleochora is built on a long, narrow peninsula that stretches into the Libyan Sea on the south side of Crete, and offers, among other things, a different beach on either side: sandy to the west. pebbly to the east.
Paleochora is a place of sparkling appeal with such an abundance of gifts that it’s called the Bride of the Libyan Sea.
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Palaiochora
Paleochora is located 77 kilometres south of Chania in south-western Crete.
The town of Paleochora is built on a long, narrow peninsula that stretches into the Libyan Sea on the south side of Crete, and offers, among other things, a different beach on either side: sandy to the west. pebbly to the east.
Paleochora is a place of sparkling appeal with such an abundance of gifts that it’s called the Bride of the Libyan Sea.
lakias is located in southern Crete, about 30 minutes' drive or 35 km south of Rethymnon. The houses of Plakias hug a large crescent-shaped bay, with most buildings near the small harbour.
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Plakias
lakias is located in southern Crete, about 30 minutes' drive or 35 km south of Rethymnon. The houses of Plakias hug a large crescent-shaped bay, with most buildings near the small harbour.
Platanias is located in west Crete, just 11 kilometres west of Chania.
Platanias is one of the most popular tourists resorts in Crete and is so close to Agia Marina that they have essentially merged into a single large resort.
Of course, we are talking about the Platanias in Chania, not the Platanias in Rethymno. The two places are many kilometres distant but you might be confused by the same name.
Platanias and Agia Marina may seem two noisy, bustling places and everything is much more intense, especially if you’ve just come from a less touristy part of Crete. You certainly won’t be bored here!
A busy nightlife, bars, restaurants, a large sandy beach and countless hotels along the seafront are the basic features of Platanias, the main tourist resort of Chania Prefecture.
Platanias and Agia Marina are near Chania, making it easy to get to if you’re on holidays in west Crete - it’s close to Chania Airport, and you can visit beautiful Chania whenever you feel like it.
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Platanias
Platanias is located in west Crete, just 11 kilometres west of Chania.
Platanias is one of the most popular tourists resorts in Crete and is so close to Agia Marina that they have essentially merged into a single large resort.
Of course, we are talking about the Platanias in Chania, not the Platanias in Rethymno. The two places are many kilometres distant but you might be confused by the same name.
Platanias and Agia Marina may seem two noisy, bustling places and everything is much more intense, especially if you’ve just come from a less touristy part of Crete. You certainly won’t be bored here!
A busy nightlife, bars, restaurants, a large sandy beach and countless hotels along the seafront are the basic features of Platanias, the main tourist resort of Chania Prefecture.
Platanias and Agia Marina are near Chania, making it easy to get to if you’re on holidays in west Crete - it’s close to Chania Airport, and you can visit beautiful Chania whenever you feel like it.
The old town of Rethymnon is one of the best-preserved towns of the Renaissance. Lying in the heart of modern Rethymnon, it combines the oriental features of the Turkish period with Renaissance-style Venetian architecture.
After the Venetian conquest of Crete (1204), the town of Rethymnon was built according to the rules of Venetian architecture. The original craftsmen were Venetians, but these later were replaced by Cretan murari, Venetian-trained master builders.
The layout of Rethymnon is directly linked to the sea, with the main Venetian street, the Ruga Maistra (today's coastal Venizelou Avenue) running parallel to the sea. The opposite is true of Heraklion and Hania, where the town is closed to the sea for reasons of defence and the main street is at right angles to the coast.
The private mansions of Rethymnon are not as impressive as those of Venice, mainly for financial reasons. Furthermore, the strong traditions of Cretan architecture could not be overcome, and Renaissance influences are most apparent on building facades.
Finally, as opposed to Heraklion and Hania, Greek features are predominant in Rethymnon because most nobles were Greeks, known as "Archondoromeoi" (noble "Romans", that is, inhabitants of the Eastern Roman Empire).
turkish house in the old town of RethymnonMany buildings with gothic features were lost in the destruction of the town by Ulu Ali in 1571, while Rethymnon was rebuilt almost in its entirety in the third quarter of the 16th century.
Many fine examples of Turkish architecture are preserved scattered around the narrow streets of the old town.
Their main feature is the heavy use of wood. Building styles changed during the years of the Turkish occupation (1646-1898) and the dressed stone of the Venetians was replaced by a wooden frame filled with rubble and mud (bagdati). The walls were then thickly plastered. The upper storey almost always projects out over the street (sahnisi) and is faced with wood, often with kafasoto latticework.
In Rethymnon the Turks made full use of the existing Venetian public and private buildings, which they modified according to their needs.
Today the old town of Rethymnon is a living museum of monuments of past centuries. Despite the damage sustained in the Second World War, many Venetian and Turkish monuments still stand, especially as the town has not been struck by major earthquakes.
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Rethymno
The old town of Rethymnon is one of the best-preserved towns of the Renaissance. Lying in the heart of modern Rethymnon, it combines the oriental features of the Turkish period with Renaissance-style Venetian architecture.
After the Venetian conquest of Crete (1204), the town of Rethymnon was built according to the rules of Venetian architecture. The original craftsmen were Venetians, but these later were replaced by Cretan murari, Venetian-trained master builders.
The layout of Rethymnon is directly linked to the sea, with the main Venetian street, the Ruga Maistra (today's coastal Venizelou Avenue) running parallel to the sea. The opposite is true of Heraklion and Hania, where the town is closed to the sea for reasons of defence and the main street is at right angles to the coast.
The private mansions of Rethymnon are not as impressive as those of Venice, mainly for financial reasons. Furthermore, the strong traditions of Cretan architecture could not be overcome, and Renaissance influences are most apparent on building facades.
Finally, as opposed to Heraklion and Hania, Greek features are predominant in Rethymnon because most nobles were Greeks, known as "Archondoromeoi" (noble "Romans", that is, inhabitants of the Eastern Roman Empire).
turkish house in the old town of RethymnonMany buildings with gothic features were lost in the destruction of the town by Ulu Ali in 1571, while Rethymnon was rebuilt almost in its entirety in the third quarter of the 16th century.
Many fine examples of Turkish architecture are preserved scattered around the narrow streets of the old town.
Their main feature is the heavy use of wood. Building styles changed during the years of the Turkish occupation (1646-1898) and the dressed stone of the Venetians was replaced by a wooden frame filled with rubble and mud (bagdati). The walls were then thickly plastered. The upper storey almost always projects out over the street (sahnisi) and is faced with wood, often with kafasoto latticework.
In Rethymnon the Turks made full use of the existing Venetian public and private buildings, which they modified according to their needs.
Today the old town of Rethymnon is a living museum of monuments of past centuries. Despite the damage sustained in the Second World War, many Venetian and Turkish monuments still stand, especially as the town has not been struck by major earthquakes.
Sfendili village in Crete is located in the 37th km of road Heraklion - Lasithi and found inside the water reservoir of the Aposelemis dam, resulting in the first houses have already begun to dip in the Lake.
Sfendili
Sfendili village in Crete is located in the 37th km of road Heraklion - Lasithi and found inside the water reservoir of the Aposelemis dam, resulting in the first houses have already begun to dip in the Lake.
Located 60 km from Iraklion, on the south coast of Crete is the idyllic village of Tsoutsouros (GR:Τσούτσουρος, also known as Tsoutsouras) built next to the ruins of the ancient city of Inatos. Mainly a fishing/ farming community of about 100 permanent residents, is becoming a popular base of operations for visitors who prefer a less intense style of vacations, than that offered by big towns.
Access
From Heraklion' s east gate (Kazantzidis Av.), you take the road to Arkalochori via Peza. After Arkalochori take the road to Viannos via Martha village. A little before the village of Martha at the junction you take the west direction to the villages Skinias, and Kato Kasteliana.
The drive is quite interesting passing through vine yards and olive tree groves. From Kato Kasteliana the last village before Tsoutsouros starts an uphill road 12 km long, reaching at 435 m above sea level before ending to Tsoutsouros. The route is impressive with spectacular views to the surrounding mountains, the imposing peak of Kofinas and the small valley of the river Mindris, which ends at the sea through a small wonderful ravine.
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Tsoutsouros
Located 60 km from Iraklion, on the south coast of Crete is the idyllic village of Tsoutsouros (GR:Τσούτσουρος, also known as Tsoutsouras) built next to the ruins of the ancient city of Inatos. Mainly a fishing/ farming community of about 100 permanent residents, is becoming a popular base of operations for visitors who prefer a less intense style of vacations, than that offered by big towns.
Access
From Heraklion' s east gate (Kazantzidis Av.), you take the road to Arkalochori via Peza. After Arkalochori take the road to Viannos via Martha village. A little before the village of Martha at the junction you take the west direction to the villages Skinias, and Kato Kasteliana.
The drive is quite interesting passing through vine yards and olive tree groves. From Kato Kasteliana the last village before Tsoutsouros starts an uphill road 12 km long, reaching at 435 m above sea level before ending to Tsoutsouros. The route is impressive with spectacular views to the surrounding mountains, the imposing peak of Kofinas and the small valley of the river Mindris, which ends at the sea through a small wonderful ravine.
The beach Ditiko (Diskos) resembles a place forgotten from time. It still is the paradise of camping and tens of tents are set up each summer under the enormous lion-shaped rock that dominates above Lentas. Lentas comes from the Greek word "Leontas", which means "lion". A lion that protects the south coast of Crete...This rock keeps the sunrays away from the tents in the early morning, thus preventing the early morning rise. Surely, the campers all over, consider this a great advantage. Of course there are plenty of tamarisk trees, which offer their shade almost throughout the day.
Although hippies have been "extinct" from the remainder world, "Diskos" is the place where you may meet a few of them, occasional or permanent. You will find them on the beach having set up offhand lodgings or in front of the tavern "Odysseus" with their benches, selling cheap jewels.
There are plenty of rooms for rent on beach Ditiko (Diskos) plus 3-4 taverns. People resorting here, love the wild beauty of nature, the relaxed and primitive atmosphere and the makings of relative isolation this long beach has to offer.
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Lentas
The beach Ditiko (Diskos) resembles a place forgotten from time. It still is the paradise of camping and tens of tents are set up each summer under the enormous lion-shaped rock that dominates above Lentas. Lentas comes from the Greek word "Leontas", which means "lion". A lion that protects the south coast of Crete...This rock keeps the sunrays away from the tents in the early morning, thus preventing the early morning rise. Surely, the campers all over, consider this a great advantage. Of course there are plenty of tamarisk trees, which offer their shade almost throughout the day.
Although hippies have been "extinct" from the remainder world, "Diskos" is the place where you may meet a few of them, occasional or permanent. You will find them on the beach having set up offhand lodgings or in front of the tavern "Odysseus" with their benches, selling cheap jewels.
There are plenty of rooms for rent on beach Ditiko (Diskos) plus 3-4 taverns. People resorting here, love the wild beauty of nature, the relaxed and primitive atmosphere and the makings of relative isolation this long beach has to offer.
Keratokambos Beach is a long, wild beach, virtually unpopulated and is quite a drive from major centres, located on the south coast of Crete.
This beach is about 70 km from Heraklion and 54 km from Ierapetra and makes a good break point between the two towns.
Make your way here from Heraklion via Knossos, the villages of Archanes and Peza and their wineries, and across the island via Arkalohori, Pervola and Chondros.
The approach to the beach is a dramatic, steep and twisting road with excellent views and plenty of reasons to stop and take photos of the Chondros gorge and the turquoise water.
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Keratokampos
Keratokambos Beach is a long, wild beach, virtually unpopulated and is quite a drive from major centres, located on the south coast of Crete.
This beach is about 70 km from Heraklion and 54 km from Ierapetra and makes a good break point between the two towns.
Make your way here from Heraklion via Knossos, the villages of Archanes and Peza and their wineries, and across the island via Arkalohori, Pervola and Chondros.
The approach to the beach is a dramatic, steep and twisting road with excellent views and plenty of reasons to stop and take photos of the Chondros gorge and the turquoise water.
The area of Viannos covers the southern side of mountain Dikti from the small plateau of OMALOS to the beautiful coastline.
The capital and seat of the municipality is the village of Ano Viannos located 560m above sea level, 65 km away from Iraklion and 40km from Ierapetra (to the east).
All the mountainous area with the villages Loutraki, Kato Viannos, Hondros, Vahos, Amiras, Agios Vassilios, Kefalovrissi, Pefkos, Kalami, Sykologos, Ano Symi and Kato Symi, is of outstanding natural beauty. Most villages still keep the old traditional architectural style while a good number of old churches - some with well preserved frescoes - can be found.
Small ravines with running water and rich vegetation is another characteristic of the area.
The main product of Viannos is its unique and famous olive oil. Recent years, Arvi, Psari Forada, Keratokambos and Kastri, the small settlements of the coastal part have prospered due to the cultivation of early vegetables and bananas.
They also attract many visitors during the summer time. There are quite few rooms and apartments for rent, hotels, taverns with fresh fish, shops etc.
The coastal area does not fall short in natural beauty. The gorge of Arvi with its 454m high walls, the 200m long cave "Vigla" with stalagmites and stalactites located at the top of the hill "Kerato", long sandy beaches, small secluded coves are some of the many attractions.
Viannos history goes back in the mythical ages. Its name is supposed to come from "Viennos" one of the "Kourites" (men who, in ancient times, lived in Crete and used to bang their arms and their shields together in order to cover Zeus cry - the Greek word "krousis" implies this). Other believe that the name comes from the fight (via = violence) of two of the Kourites, "Otos" and "Efialtis" - sons of Poseidon - against Aris, the god of war.
There are myths and legends about almost every place in Viannos. Toponyms such as "tou' piskopou to pidima", "tou listi" etc have their own history and every one of the locals has its own version about them.
Many findings prove that Viannos was a strong city during the antiquity, with its own coins and allies.
During both the Turkish and German occupation the people of Viannos added golden pages in Crete's struggle against the invaders. A nice - one of a kind - memorial stands at Amiras to remind the sacrifice of "Viannites" and the holocaust of September 14 1943, when 358 men, women and children were executed and many villages were burnt after the strict order of the German commander " DESTROY VIANNOS COUNTY".
Viannos has also a long tradition in literature and science. Ioannis Kondilakis (1862-1920) a famous journalist and novelist was born in Viannos and its novels "Patouhas" and "when I was a teacher" are still among the most interesting in New Greek literature.
Viannos
The area of Viannos covers the southern side of mountain Dikti from the small plateau of OMALOS to the beautiful coastline.
The capital and seat of the municipality is the village of Ano Viannos located 560m above sea level, 65 km away from Iraklion and 40km from Ierapetra (to the east).
All the mountainous area with the villages Loutraki, Kato Viannos, Hondros, Vahos, Amiras, Agios Vassilios, Kefalovrissi, Pefkos, Kalami, Sykologos, Ano Symi and Kato Symi, is of outstanding natural beauty. Most villages still keep the old traditional architectural style while a good number of old churches - some with well preserved frescoes - can be found.
Small ravines with running water and rich vegetation is another characteristic of the area.
The main product of Viannos is its unique and famous olive oil. Recent years, Arvi, Psari Forada, Keratokambos and Kastri, the small settlements of the coastal part have prospered due to the cultivation of early vegetables and bananas.
They also attract many visitors during the summer time. There are quite few rooms and apartments for rent, hotels, taverns with fresh fish, shops etc.
The coastal area does not fall short in natural beauty. The gorge of Arvi with its 454m high walls, the 200m long cave "Vigla" with stalagmites and stalactites located at the top of the hill "Kerato", long sandy beaches, small secluded coves are some of the many attractions.
Viannos history goes back in the mythical ages. Its name is supposed to come from "Viennos" one of the "Kourites" (men who, in ancient times, lived in Crete and used to bang their arms and their shields together in order to cover Zeus cry - the Greek word "krousis" implies this). Other believe that the name comes from the fight (via = violence) of two of the Kourites, "Otos" and "Efialtis" - sons of Poseidon - against Aris, the god of war.
There are myths and legends about almost every place in Viannos. Toponyms such as "tou' piskopou to pidima", "tou listi" etc have their own history and every one of the locals has its own version about them.
Many findings prove that Viannos was a strong city during the antiquity, with its own coins and allies.
During both the Turkish and German occupation the people of Viannos added golden pages in Crete's struggle against the invaders. A nice - one of a kind - memorial stands at Amiras to remind the sacrifice of "Viannites" and the holocaust of September 14 1943, when 358 men, women and children were executed and many villages were burnt after the strict order of the German commander " DESTROY VIANNOS COUNTY".
Viannos has also a long tradition in literature and science. Ioannis Kondilakis (1862-1920) a famous journalist and novelist was born in Viannos and its novels "Patouhas" and "when I was a teacher" are still among the most interesting in New Greek literature.
The beach of Agia Fotia is located 13 kilometers east of Ierapetra, in Crete. It was awarded the Blue Flag in 2006. The village is named after the church of Agia Fotini located here.
Agia Fotia Beach has small pebbles and calm, clear waters. It is an organized beach with umbrellas, as well as a beach bar, restaurant and tennis beach volley. Also, there are large trees for those who like to enjoy nature. Around the beach, there are some other restaurants and some hotels.
At the eastern end of the beach, there is a source rock that runs clean fresh water.
Agia Fotia Cretan Restaurant
The beach of Agia Fotia is located 13 kilometers east of Ierapetra, in Crete. It was awarded the Blue Flag in 2006. The village is named after the church of Agia Fotini located here.
Agia Fotia Beach has small pebbles and calm, clear waters. It is an organized beach with umbrellas, as well as a beach bar, restaurant and tennis beach volley. Also, there are large trees for those who like to enjoy nature. Around the beach, there are some other restaurants and some hotels.
At the eastern end of the beach, there is a source rock that runs clean fresh water.
Zakros Palace in Crete is one of the latest vestiges of the ancient Minoan civilization that was unearthed in our time. Zakros Palace is the last of the Minoan Palaces that has come into light as a whole.
The site of this Minoan palace is situated on Crete’s eastern coast, in the region of Zakros, just south of Palaikastro, another interesting Minoan settlement.
Of the four Minoan palaces to be discovered by archaeologists – the others being Malia, Phaistos and, of course, Knossos – the palace of Zakros is the smallest.
The palace itself covered an extension of 4,500 square meters and crowned a flourishing urban centre with an area of over 8,000 square metres as a whole. However Zakros Palace is only a fifth of the size of Knossos, the latter being the largest of the Minoan palaces in Crete and the centre of the Minoan civilization in general.
The first excavations in the area occupied by Zakros Palace were done in the early 1900s. They were headed by David George Hogarth, an archaeologist and scholar who worked with the British School of Archaeology in Athens. Hogarth’s digs yielded about 10 Late Minoan houses and other valuable findings such as pottery, bronze tools and spurs of mail exchange dating back to the prehistorical era, yet the Second World War discontinued his project.
The ruins of Zakros Palace emerged when work at the site was resumed by renowned Greek archaeologist Nikolaos Platon in 1961. Much of what is known about Zakros Palace is due to Platon’s work. The excavations at Kato Zakros continue until today.
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Zakros
Zakros Palace in Crete is one of the latest vestiges of the ancient Minoan civilization that was unearthed in our time. Zakros Palace is the last of the Minoan Palaces that has come into light as a whole.
The site of this Minoan palace is situated on Crete’s eastern coast, in the region of Zakros, just south of Palaikastro, another interesting Minoan settlement.
Of the four Minoan palaces to be discovered by archaeologists – the others being Malia, Phaistos and, of course, Knossos – the palace of Zakros is the smallest.
The palace itself covered an extension of 4,500 square meters and crowned a flourishing urban centre with an area of over 8,000 square metres as a whole. However Zakros Palace is only a fifth of the size of Knossos, the latter being the largest of the Minoan palaces in Crete and the centre of the Minoan civilization in general.
The first excavations in the area occupied by Zakros Palace were done in the early 1900s. They were headed by David George Hogarth, an archaeologist and scholar who worked with the British School of Archaeology in Athens. Hogarth’s digs yielded about 10 Late Minoan houses and other valuable findings such as pottery, bronze tools and spurs of mail exchange dating back to the prehistorical era, yet the Second World War discontinued his project.
The ruins of Zakros Palace emerged when work at the site was resumed by renowned Greek archaeologist Nikolaos Platon in 1961. Much of what is known about Zakros Palace is due to Platon’s work. The excavations at Kato Zakros continue until today.
Gortys, also known as Gortyn or Gortyna is one of the most important cities in Crete with an unbroken history of 6,000 years and one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Greece. It lies in south central Crete in the fertile Mesara plain, the site of the first human habitation of Crete at the end of the Neolithic period (5th millennium BC).
Gortys is about 40 minutes drive south of Heraklion, on the same road that will take us to Phaistos and Matala. Gortys is about 1 km past the village of Agii Deka, at the side of the main road.
The name Gortys or Gortyna
According to one tradition, Gortys was named after its founder Gortys, the son of Radamanthys, king of Phaistos and brother of Minos.
Another story is that it was founded by Gortys from Tegea in Arcadian Gortynia.
A third variation on the same myth has Gortys founded by Queen Gortyna of Crete, mother of King Taurus.
Excavations at Gortys
Gortys was one of the first areas of Crete to attract the attention of researchers and archaeologists as early as the period of Turkish occupation in the late 19th century, when Minoan civilisation was still a matter of conjecture and myth.
In 1884 the discovery and preservation of the Great Inscription by Iosif Hatzidakis, Stefanos Xanthoudides and Italian Federico Halbherr led to excavations in the Gortys area. Excavations were undertaken by the Italian Archaeological Mission in collaboration with the Archaeological Service after Crete became an autonomous state in 1898, and lasted until 1940.
Excavations in the wider area of Gortys brought important buildings and finds to light, although a large part of the Roman city still remains unexplored today. The most important finds are displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum, while some will be housed in the Mesara Archaeological Museum once this is built in a few years time.
History of Gortys
The area has been inhabited since the end of the Neolithic period. Habitation continued in Minoan times, a fact proven by the Minoan country villa found in the Kannia area near Mitropolis village, not far from Gortys.
From the middle of the 1st millennium BC, Gortys replaced Phaistos as the chief power in the Mesara, centred around the fortified acropolis with the temple of Athena Poliouchos (Protector of the City).
After the Roman conquest of Crete in 67 BC, Gortys, which was well disposed towards Rome, became capital of Crete, replacing Knossos. Gortys was declared the capital of the Roman province of Crete and Cyrenaica, a position it held until the Arab conquest of Crete in 828 AD.
Gortys reached the peak of its power in the 2nd century AD, while its final period of glory was in the early Christian period (until the 7th century AD).
It is believed that Gortys expanded across a wide area and had a large population. It may have been built using stone from the nearby Roman quarry in the village of Ambelouzos, known in Crete as the Labyrinth of Mesara.
In 796 AD the city was hit by an earthquake which almost destroyed it. After the Andalusian Arabs conquered Crete in 828 AD, the capital was transferred to Chandax, modern-day Heraklion.
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Gortyn
Gortys, also known as Gortyn or Gortyna is one of the most important cities in Crete with an unbroken history of 6,000 years and one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Greece. It lies in south central Crete in the fertile Mesara plain, the site of the first human habitation of Crete at the end of the Neolithic period (5th millennium BC).
Gortys is about 40 minutes drive south of Heraklion, on the same road that will take us to Phaistos and Matala. Gortys is about 1 km past the village of Agii Deka, at the side of the main road.
The name Gortys or Gortyna
According to one tradition, Gortys was named after its founder Gortys, the son of Radamanthys, king of Phaistos and brother of Minos.
Another story is that it was founded by Gortys from Tegea in Arcadian Gortynia.
A third variation on the same myth has Gortys founded by Queen Gortyna of Crete, mother of King Taurus.
Excavations at Gortys
Gortys was one of the first areas of Crete to attract the attention of researchers and archaeologists as early as the period of Turkish occupation in the late 19th century, when Minoan civilisation was still a matter of conjecture and myth.
In 1884 the discovery and preservation of the Great Inscription by Iosif Hatzidakis, Stefanos Xanthoudides and Italian Federico Halbherr led to excavations in the Gortys area. Excavations were undertaken by the Italian Archaeological Mission in collaboration with the Archaeological Service after Crete became an autonomous state in 1898, and lasted until 1940.
Excavations in the wider area of Gortys brought important buildings and finds to light, although a large part of the Roman city still remains unexplored today. The most important finds are displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum, while some will be housed in the Mesara Archaeological Museum once this is built in a few years time.
History of Gortys
The area has been inhabited since the end of the Neolithic period. Habitation continued in Minoan times, a fact proven by the Minoan country villa found in the Kannia area near Mitropolis village, not far from Gortys.
From the middle of the 1st millennium BC, Gortys replaced Phaistos as the chief power in the Mesara, centred around the fortified acropolis with the temple of Athena Poliouchos (Protector of the City).
After the Roman conquest of Crete in 67 BC, Gortys, which was well disposed towards Rome, became capital of Crete, replacing Knossos. Gortys was declared the capital of the Roman province of Crete and Cyrenaica, a position it held until the Arab conquest of Crete in 828 AD.
Gortys reached the peak of its power in the 2nd century AD, while its final period of glory was in the early Christian period (until the 7th century AD).
It is believed that Gortys expanded across a wide area and had a large population. It may have been built using stone from the nearby Roman quarry in the village of Ambelouzos, known in Crete as the Labyrinth of Mesara.
In 796 AD the city was hit by an earthquake which almost destroyed it. After the Andalusian Arabs conquered Crete in 828 AD, the capital was transferred to Chandax, modern-day Heraklion.
The Dikteon Cave (or Dikteon Andron or Dictaean Cave) is one of the most important and famous of the 3,000 caves in Crete and the 8,500 in Greece.
It is in the impressive Dikteon Cave, rich in stalagmites and stalactites, that Zeus was born according to legend. This is why the Dikteon Cave was already famous in antiquity, dedicated to the worship of the greatest of the gods, as the many offerings found there indicate.
In our days the Dikteon Cave continues to receive many visitors, no longer worshippers, of course, but travellers from all over the world.
Location of the Dikteon Cave
The Dikteon Cave is found in the Mount Dicte range in East Crete, on the Lassithi Plateau.
The Lassithi Plateau was inhabited as early as the Neolithic Period (6000 BC) and is one of the few sites in the Mediterranean where settlements arose at such high altitude (an average of 840 m. above sea level). An important factor was that the Lassithi Plateau has particularly fertile soil, and large amounts of water from the snow that falls on the peaks of My Dicte collect in the water table.
To visit the Dikteon Cave you need to drive up to the Lassithi Plateau, which is near Neapoli, Malia, Stalida and Hersonissos. It is not many kilometres from these as the crow flies, but the road is winding and uphill, so you will need 45 minutes to an hour to reach the Lassithi Plateau and the village of Psychro.
map of dikteon caveThe Dikteon Cave lies at an altitude of 1025 m. on the northern slopes of Mount Dicte, which dominates the Lassithi Plateau and the whole of East Crete. The cave is near the village of Psychro, which is why it is also known as Psychro Cave.
From Psychro, follow the paved path with oak trees on either side. For the more adventurous, at the beginning of the path you will find donkeys to take you up to the Dikteon Cave. At the end of the short path, just before the cave entrance, it is worth stopping to catch your breath, enjoy the panoramic view of the whole plateau and draw into your lungs the refreshing mountain air, scented with thyme, sage and other local aromatic herbs. It’s a wonderful feeling, making you think it was no accident that the Dikteon Cave was chosen as the site of such an important event as the birth of Zeus, Father of the Gods of Olympus.
Inside the Dikteon Cave
On entering the Dikteon Cave, you find yourself in the antechamber and immediately notice the difference in temperature. The sun’s rays cannot penetrate into the cave and the humidity, as in all caves, can reach 85%, while absolute silence prevails.
These ideal conditions make the Dikteon Cave an important habitat, rich in animal life. In the antechamber roost rock doves and other birds, while deeper in live species from arthropods to the Long-Eared Bat.
In the antechamber of the Dikteon Cave were discovered the foundations of a built altar and the remains of offerings. The worshippers’ offerings, such as olive oil, honey, wine, wheat and animal sacrifices, were placed on the altar and burnt. The ashes were still considered offerings, so they could not be thrown away like common rubbish; they were collected reverentially next to the altar.
The Dikteon Cave was in continuous use over a long period of time, so due to the lack of space it seems that many finds have been exposed to fire many times, from successive burnings of offerings on the same altar. An unfortunate consequence of the use of the cave down the centuries is that many finds have been despoiled. As you descend into the cave you will see the ancient walls of the temenos, the sacred space.
The Dikteon Cave consists of five chambers large and small. The most impressive sight is the lake at the lowest point, surrounded by massive stalactites and stalagmites.
To reach the lake, suitable shoes are recommended. Remember that the lake is at its lowest level in late September, while in the winter it rises noticeably due to rainfall.
At the lake you will see the “Mantle of Zeus”, a stalactite which hangs over the lake like a chandelier and whose shape, in the local imagination charged with centuries of myths, resembles a cloak.
At the back of the lake you can easily see a small chamber of the Dikteon Cave, in which it is said that the Father of the Gods was born.
The cult of Zeus at the Dikteon Cave
The sacred Dikteon Cave seems to have been a central sanctuary of East Crete, with two possible annexes at Praisos and Palaikastro. Many myths surround the cave, demonstrating its significance for Crete and indeed the whole of ancient Greece.
The Dikteon Cave and the Ideon Cave in central Crete are the most important ancient sacred caves in Crete, and they share many myths. The most famous myth is obviously the birth of Zeus, which Hesiod tells us took place near the city of Lyktos in east-central Crete, i.e. at the Dikteon Cave.
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Psychro Cave
The Dikteon Cave (or Dikteon Andron or Dictaean Cave) is one of the most important and famous of the 3,000 caves in Crete and the 8,500 in Greece.
It is in the impressive Dikteon Cave, rich in stalagmites and stalactites, that Zeus was born according to legend. This is why the Dikteon Cave was already famous in antiquity, dedicated to the worship of the greatest of the gods, as the many offerings found there indicate.
In our days the Dikteon Cave continues to receive many visitors, no longer worshippers, of course, but travellers from all over the world.
Location of the Dikteon Cave
The Dikteon Cave is found in the Mount Dicte range in East Crete, on the Lassithi Plateau.
The Lassithi Plateau was inhabited as early as the Neolithic Period (6000 BC) and is one of the few sites in the Mediterranean where settlements arose at such high altitude (an average of 840 m. above sea level). An important factor was that the Lassithi Plateau has particularly fertile soil, and large amounts of water from the snow that falls on the peaks of My Dicte collect in the water table.
To visit the Dikteon Cave you need to drive up to the Lassithi Plateau, which is near Neapoli, Malia, Stalida and Hersonissos. It is not many kilometres from these as the crow flies, but the road is winding and uphill, so you will need 45 minutes to an hour to reach the Lassithi Plateau and the village of Psychro.
map of dikteon caveThe Dikteon Cave lies at an altitude of 1025 m. on the northern slopes of Mount Dicte, which dominates the Lassithi Plateau and the whole of East Crete. The cave is near the village of Psychro, which is why it is also known as Psychro Cave.
From Psychro, follow the paved path with oak trees on either side. For the more adventurous, at the beginning of the path you will find donkeys to take you up to the Dikteon Cave. At the end of the short path, just before the cave entrance, it is worth stopping to catch your breath, enjoy the panoramic view of the whole plateau and draw into your lungs the refreshing mountain air, scented with thyme, sage and other local aromatic herbs. It’s a wonderful feeling, making you think it was no accident that the Dikteon Cave was chosen as the site of such an important event as the birth of Zeus, Father of the Gods of Olympus.
Inside the Dikteon Cave
On entering the Dikteon Cave, you find yourself in the antechamber and immediately notice the difference in temperature. The sun’s rays cannot penetrate into the cave and the humidity, as in all caves, can reach 85%, while absolute silence prevails.
These ideal conditions make the Dikteon Cave an important habitat, rich in animal life. In the antechamber roost rock doves and other birds, while deeper in live species from arthropods to the Long-Eared Bat.
In the antechamber of the Dikteon Cave were discovered the foundations of a built altar and the remains of offerings. The worshippers’ offerings, such as olive oil, honey, wine, wheat and animal sacrifices, were placed on the altar and burnt. The ashes were still considered offerings, so they could not be thrown away like common rubbish; they were collected reverentially next to the altar.
The Dikteon Cave was in continuous use over a long period of time, so due to the lack of space it seems that many finds have been exposed to fire many times, from successive burnings of offerings on the same altar. An unfortunate consequence of the use of the cave down the centuries is that many finds have been despoiled. As you descend into the cave you will see the ancient walls of the temenos, the sacred space.
The Dikteon Cave consists of five chambers large and small. The most impressive sight is the lake at the lowest point, surrounded by massive stalactites and stalagmites.
To reach the lake, suitable shoes are recommended. Remember that the lake is at its lowest level in late September, while in the winter it rises noticeably due to rainfall.
At the lake you will see the “Mantle of Zeus”, a stalactite which hangs over the lake like a chandelier and whose shape, in the local imagination charged with centuries of myths, resembles a cloak.
At the back of the lake you can easily see a small chamber of the Dikteon Cave, in which it is said that the Father of the Gods was born.
The cult of Zeus at the Dikteon Cave
The sacred Dikteon Cave seems to have been a central sanctuary of East Crete, with two possible annexes at Praisos and Palaikastro. Many myths surround the cave, demonstrating its significance for Crete and indeed the whole of ancient Greece.
The Dikteon Cave and the Ideon Cave in central Crete are the most important ancient sacred caves in Crete, and they share many myths. The most famous myth is obviously the birth of Zeus, which Hesiod tells us took place near the city of Lyktos in east-central Crete, i.e. at the Dikteon Cave.
The Minoan town of Kommos was the harbour of Phaistos from 1650 to around 1250 BC.
In the 19th century, in an outbreak of imagination and romanticism, the Italian archaeologist Taramelli identified Kommos as the place where King Menelaus was shipwrecked on his way home from Troy after the end of the Trojan war, a deadly accident mentioned by Homer.
Today part of the ancient town has been excavated. The Kommos archaeological site is not open to the public, but you can see a bit of it from the side of the fenced-off area as you walk down to the beach. You can also see it from above, stopping at the crossroads after Pitsidia before heading down to Kommos beach.
Excavations at Kommos
Sir Arthur Evans was the first to refer to the relationship between Kommos and Phaistos, but the excavation of Kommos was undertaken much later, starting in 1967, by a team of Canadian archaeologists.
The head of the Kommos excavations is Professor Joseph Shaw of Toronto University. He places the Kommos archaeological site at one point of a “Great Minoan Triangle”, the other two being Phaistos and Agia Triada.
The Minoan town of Kommos flourished in the Middle and Late Minoan period, and remained inhabited until Roman times.
The discoveries in the Kommos area include the harbour settlement and a set of successive public buildings which may have been storerooms or shipsheds for housing and protecting the ships of Phaistos.
The palatial buildings discovered at Kommos are dated to the Neopalatial period, 1450-1300 BC, and the Postpalatial period, 1300-1200 BC.
The fascinating building complex excavated in the town includes a temple, a prytaneion (official building), a round enclosure and a courtyard with four square altars.
In 1100 BC a sanctuary was founded which remained in constant use until the end of the Hellenistic period. Under the sanctuary were discovered the Postpalatial stoai (covered walkways), presumably used as storerooms.
Ancient olive presses at Kommos
Within the harbour installation very well-preserved buildings came to light, revealing the advanced state of olive cultivation in Minoan times. Slabs from the olive press were found here, together with a multitude of tools and fittings such as separators, counterweights, collection basins and vessels used to store the oil produced.
The olive press installation shows that the Minoans built platforms on which the olive press bed was set. The olives were crushed into paste and ground on the press bed by stone weights, which were also found during the course of the excavations.
Today most of the olive oil production finds from Kommos, as well as many other stone, clay and metal objects, are housed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
The destruction of Kommos
Unfortunately Kommos was extensively destroyed many centuries ago. The houses and public buildings of the town were destroyed by earthquake and later rebuilt from the foundations up. Interestingly, the town was originally built on terraces, as we can see from the underground, semi-underground and raised areas which have been discovered.
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Kommos Antiquities
The Minoan town of Kommos was the harbour of Phaistos from 1650 to around 1250 BC.
In the 19th century, in an outbreak of imagination and romanticism, the Italian archaeologist Taramelli identified Kommos as the place where King Menelaus was shipwrecked on his way home from Troy after the end of the Trojan war, a deadly accident mentioned by Homer.
Today part of the ancient town has been excavated. The Kommos archaeological site is not open to the public, but you can see a bit of it from the side of the fenced-off area as you walk down to the beach. You can also see it from above, stopping at the crossroads after Pitsidia before heading down to Kommos beach.
Excavations at Kommos
Sir Arthur Evans was the first to refer to the relationship between Kommos and Phaistos, but the excavation of Kommos was undertaken much later, starting in 1967, by a team of Canadian archaeologists.
The head of the Kommos excavations is Professor Joseph Shaw of Toronto University. He places the Kommos archaeological site at one point of a “Great Minoan Triangle”, the other two being Phaistos and Agia Triada.
The Minoan town of Kommos flourished in the Middle and Late Minoan period, and remained inhabited until Roman times.
The discoveries in the Kommos area include the harbour settlement and a set of successive public buildings which may have been storerooms or shipsheds for housing and protecting the ships of Phaistos.
The palatial buildings discovered at Kommos are dated to the Neopalatial period, 1450-1300 BC, and the Postpalatial period, 1300-1200 BC.
The fascinating building complex excavated in the town includes a temple, a prytaneion (official building), a round enclosure and a courtyard with four square altars.
In 1100 BC a sanctuary was founded which remained in constant use until the end of the Hellenistic period. Under the sanctuary were discovered the Postpalatial stoai (covered walkways), presumably used as storerooms.
Ancient olive presses at Kommos
Within the harbour installation very well-preserved buildings came to light, revealing the advanced state of olive cultivation in Minoan times. Slabs from the olive press were found here, together with a multitude of tools and fittings such as separators, counterweights, collection basins and vessels used to store the oil produced.
The olive press installation shows that the Minoans built platforms on which the olive press bed was set. The olives were crushed into paste and ground on the press bed by stone weights, which were also found during the course of the excavations.
Today most of the olive oil production finds from Kommos, as well as many other stone, clay and metal objects, are housed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
The destruction of Kommos
Unfortunately Kommos was extensively destroyed many centuries ago. The houses and public buildings of the town were destroyed by earthquake and later rebuilt from the foundations up. Interestingly, the town was originally built on terraces, as we can see from the underground, semi-underground and raised areas which have been discovered.
Lissos is an ancient city whose ruins are preserved between Paleochora (west) and Sougia (east), on the south coast of Chania Prefecture.
Lissos was a harbour of the Dorian city of Elyros, near the modern-day village of Rodovani. Both Elyros and its two harbours, Sougia and Lissos, flourished in the Hellenistic, Roman and First Byzantine periods, and were destroyed by the Saracen Arabs who arrived in large numbers from Spain.
It is said that, at its, peak, Elyros had 30,000 inhabitants. It also minted its own coinage, as did Lissos. The Lissos coin depicted the head of the goddess Artemis on one side and a dolphin on the reverse.
The Temple of Asklepios in Lissos
In antiquity, Lissos was known for its famous Temple of Asklepios (Aesculapium), where people came fromruins of ancient lissos all over Crete to be cured by the local waters. The temple was destroyed in a great earthquake, but its mosaic floor depicting animals and geometrical patterns is preserved.
The Temple of Asklepios is open in the morning for you to admire, but don't stop there. Continue your walk in the valley of Lissos, and you will discover column capitals hidden in the bushes and the Roman cemetery with its chamber tombs (they look like little houses).
At Lissos were found famous statues of Asklepios, the goddess Hygeia and Pluto, now on display at Chania Archaeological Museum, along with the rest of the 20 statues discovered here by chance in 1957, by a shepherd in search of water for his flock. In no other city on Crete have so many statues been found, except for Gortys, the capital of Crete under Roman rule.
The excavations at Lissos have not yet been completed and more treasures are surely still hidden here, as the city flourished from the Hellenistic to the First Byzantine period, with its own theatre and spa baths. During the First Byzantine period Lissos was even a bishop's seat, so it was obviously a thriving city.
The beach at Lissos
Lissos has its own beach with big pebbles, but it's nothing like as good as the large beach at Sougia.
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Lissos Archaelogical Site
Eparchiaki Odos Chanion - SougiasLissos is an ancient city whose ruins are preserved between Paleochora (west) and Sougia (east), on the south coast of Chania Prefecture.
Lissos was a harbour of the Dorian city of Elyros, near the modern-day village of Rodovani. Both Elyros and its two harbours, Sougia and Lissos, flourished in the Hellenistic, Roman and First Byzantine periods, and were destroyed by the Saracen Arabs who arrived in large numbers from Spain.
It is said that, at its, peak, Elyros had 30,000 inhabitants. It also minted its own coinage, as did Lissos. The Lissos coin depicted the head of the goddess Artemis on one side and a dolphin on the reverse.
The Temple of Asklepios in Lissos
In antiquity, Lissos was known for its famous Temple of Asklepios (Aesculapium), where people came fromruins of ancient lissos all over Crete to be cured by the local waters. The temple was destroyed in a great earthquake, but its mosaic floor depicting animals and geometrical patterns is preserved.
The Temple of Asklepios is open in the morning for you to admire, but don't stop there. Continue your walk in the valley of Lissos, and you will discover column capitals hidden in the bushes and the Roman cemetery with its chamber tombs (they look like little houses).
At Lissos were found famous statues of Asklepios, the goddess Hygeia and Pluto, now on display at Chania Archaeological Museum, along with the rest of the 20 statues discovered here by chance in 1957, by a shepherd in search of water for his flock. In no other city on Crete have so many statues been found, except for Gortys, the capital of Crete under Roman rule.
The excavations at Lissos have not yet been completed and more treasures are surely still hidden here, as the city flourished from the Hellenistic to the First Byzantine period, with its own theatre and spa baths. During the First Byzantine period Lissos was even a bishop's seat, so it was obviously a thriving city.
The beach at Lissos
Lissos has its own beach with big pebbles, but it's nothing like as good as the large beach at Sougia.
The Fortezza (in this case pronounced "Fortedza" rather than "Fortetsa") is the Venetian fortress of Rethymnon, almost in the centre of the old town. The giant Fortezza, with its hidden centuries of history, is visible from every corner of the town and offers panoramic views of Rethymnon and the coast to the west.
The Fortezza of Rethymnon - history
According to one theory, the hill on which the Fortezza is built was once, in a time lost in the mists of history, an island joined to Crete by a narrow strip of land. Over the centuries the channel silted up and the hill became part of the Cretan mainland.
The hill of Paleokastro ("Old Castle") was probably the site of the acropolis of ancient Rithymna with its Temple of Apollo and Sanctuary of Artemis, although this has not been proven to date. In the 3rd century AD, in the Roman period, there is a reference to a temple of Artemis Roccaea on the hill. In those times Rethymnon was an independent city with its own coinage but not a particularly powerful one.
During the Second Byzantine Period (10th-13th c. AD), a small walled settlement was established east of Paleokastro hill, the Castrum Rethemi or Castel Vecchio or Antico Castello ("Old Castle") as the Venetians later called it.
In the early 13th century the Genoese pirate Enrico Pescatore, an enemy of the Venetians who claimed Crete for himself, seems to have repaired the Byzantine fortifications surrounding the buildings of the small town near the harbour. The Castrum Rethemi was preserved after the Venetian occupation of the island in the 13th century, but unfortunately nothing remains today of the fortifications with their square towers and two gates.
The Venetians, as a marine power, intended to use Rethymnon as a shelter and intermediate base between Heraklion and Chania by building a harbour, even a small one. This led to Rethymnon becoming a city whose expansion necessitated the construction of new fortifications.
The events that followed in Crete from the first half of the 16th century onwards - the Turkish threat and the development of artillery after the invention and widespread use of gunpowder - led Venice to embark on the organisation of Crete's military defences and demonstrated the need for the Fortezza in Rethymnon. It was decided to build walls according to the plans of the Veronese architect Michele Sanmicheli. The foundation stone was laid on 8 April 1540 but the walls were only eventually completed just before 1570.
The walls of Rethymnon were only token defences, which were unfortunately not strong enough to withstand the attack of the corsair Ulu Ali Reis. He was an Italian who had been captured by Barbarossa's men and later become a Muslim, who rose to become Pasha of Algiers and fought many battles against the Christians in the Mediterranean. In 1571 Ulu Ali attacked Rethymnon with 40 galleys. The Venetians had abandoned the city, leaving behind only a skeleton guard of 100 men who were unable to resist for long. Ulu Ali easily scaled the defences and razed the city to the ground.
This destruction demonstrated the need for more effective fortifications. The local authorities, both Venetian and Cretan, the people of Rethymnon and the Venetian Senate, decided to build a fortress which could shelter all the houses in Rethymnon. The hill of Paleokastro was chosen as the most suitable site and work began on the Fortezza, one of the largest and most complete fortification works built in Crete under Venetian rule.
The Fortezza was built according to the bastion fortification system, with bastions joined by straight sections of thick curtain wall, inclined outwards to make enemy missiles bounce off without damaging the fortress. The original plans of the military engineer Sforza Pallavicini were used, with some necessary modifications, improvements and extensions to complete the fortress.
The foundation stone of the Fortezza was laid by the Venetian Rector (as the Governor was called) Alvise Lando on 13 September 1573. Work on the walls and the public buildings within them was completed by 1580.
During the years it was being built, 107,142 Cretans took part in compulsory labour and 40,205 pack animals were requisitioned to work on the Fortezza, under the direction of master builder Giannis Skordilis.
The role of the Fortezza in Venetian Rethymnon
map of Fortezza and Rethymnon in Venetian periodAs soon as the Fortezza was completed it became obvious that there was hardly any space left for private homes, so the fortress was declared a public area, only to be used as a last resort by the inhabitants in the event of a siege.
It is reported that, even though the Rethymniots themselves had requested the construction of the Fortezza, once it was finished they refused to abandon the razed town with its weak walls and gain the security of the Fortezza.
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Fortezza slott
The Fortezza (in this case pronounced "Fortedza" rather than "Fortetsa") is the Venetian fortress of Rethymnon, almost in the centre of the old town. The giant Fortezza, with its hidden centuries of history, is visible from every corner of the town and offers panoramic views of Rethymnon and the coast to the west.
The Fortezza of Rethymnon - history
According to one theory, the hill on which the Fortezza is built was once, in a time lost in the mists of history, an island joined to Crete by a narrow strip of land. Over the centuries the channel silted up and the hill became part of the Cretan mainland.
The hill of Paleokastro ("Old Castle") was probably the site of the acropolis of ancient Rithymna with its Temple of Apollo and Sanctuary of Artemis, although this has not been proven to date. In the 3rd century AD, in the Roman period, there is a reference to a temple of Artemis Roccaea on the hill. In those times Rethymnon was an independent city with its own coinage but not a particularly powerful one.
During the Second Byzantine Period (10th-13th c. AD), a small walled settlement was established east of Paleokastro hill, the Castrum Rethemi or Castel Vecchio or Antico Castello ("Old Castle") as the Venetians later called it.
In the early 13th century the Genoese pirate Enrico Pescatore, an enemy of the Venetians who claimed Crete for himself, seems to have repaired the Byzantine fortifications surrounding the buildings of the small town near the harbour. The Castrum Rethemi was preserved after the Venetian occupation of the island in the 13th century, but unfortunately nothing remains today of the fortifications with their square towers and two gates.
The Venetians, as a marine power, intended to use Rethymnon as a shelter and intermediate base between Heraklion and Chania by building a harbour, even a small one. This led to Rethymnon becoming a city whose expansion necessitated the construction of new fortifications.
The events that followed in Crete from the first half of the 16th century onwards - the Turkish threat and the development of artillery after the invention and widespread use of gunpowder - led Venice to embark on the organisation of Crete's military defences and demonstrated the need for the Fortezza in Rethymnon. It was decided to build walls according to the plans of the Veronese architect Michele Sanmicheli. The foundation stone was laid on 8 April 1540 but the walls were only eventually completed just before 1570.
The walls of Rethymnon were only token defences, which were unfortunately not strong enough to withstand the attack of the corsair Ulu Ali Reis. He was an Italian who had been captured by Barbarossa's men and later become a Muslim, who rose to become Pasha of Algiers and fought many battles against the Christians in the Mediterranean. In 1571 Ulu Ali attacked Rethymnon with 40 galleys. The Venetians had abandoned the city, leaving behind only a skeleton guard of 100 men who were unable to resist for long. Ulu Ali easily scaled the defences and razed the city to the ground.
This destruction demonstrated the need for more effective fortifications. The local authorities, both Venetian and Cretan, the people of Rethymnon and the Venetian Senate, decided to build a fortress which could shelter all the houses in Rethymnon. The hill of Paleokastro was chosen as the most suitable site and work began on the Fortezza, one of the largest and most complete fortification works built in Crete under Venetian rule.
The Fortezza was built according to the bastion fortification system, with bastions joined by straight sections of thick curtain wall, inclined outwards to make enemy missiles bounce off without damaging the fortress. The original plans of the military engineer Sforza Pallavicini were used, with some necessary modifications, improvements and extensions to complete the fortress.
The foundation stone of the Fortezza was laid by the Venetian Rector (as the Governor was called) Alvise Lando on 13 September 1573. Work on the walls and the public buildings within them was completed by 1580.
During the years it was being built, 107,142 Cretans took part in compulsory labour and 40,205 pack animals were requisitioned to work on the Fortezza, under the direction of master builder Giannis Skordilis.
The role of the Fortezza in Venetian Rethymnon
map of Fortezza and Rethymnon in Venetian periodAs soon as the Fortezza was completed it became obvious that there was hardly any space left for private homes, so the fortress was declared a public area, only to be used as a last resort by the inhabitants in the event of a siege.
It is reported that, even though the Rethymniots themselves had requested the construction of the Fortezza, once it was finished they refused to abandon the razed town with its weak walls and gain the security of the Fortezza.
Zoniana village is a mountainous village of Milopotamos province belonging to Rethimnon Prefecture in Crete. It is built on the northern foot of Psiloritis mountain (Mount Ida) in an altitude of about 640 metres. It has a population of about 1,500 inhabitants, the majority of whom are occupied with agriculture and cattle-breeding. The legends and traditions which accompany it are lost in the depths of time.
Zoniana
Zoniana village is a mountainous village of Milopotamos province belonging to Rethimnon Prefecture in Crete. It is built on the northern foot of Psiloritis mountain (Mount Ida) in an altitude of about 640 metres. It has a population of about 1,500 inhabitants, the majority of whom are occupied with agriculture and cattle-breeding. The legends and traditions which accompany it are lost in the depths of time.
Palekastro sits surrounded by olive groves, grapevines and gardens in a hilly rugged part of the island. Above the town and between its two beaches is a curious flat-topped hill called Kastri. It gives a special character to the village and the beautiful bays.
There are plenty of cafés serving good food, and a local kafenion that is very authentic. There are lots of rooms, domatia and pensiones dotted in and about the town, and good local bus services.
The people of Palekastro village are proud of their Cretan heritage and local traditions, there is a unique restored Cretan house fully refurbished and decorated as a folkloric museum. It contains 20th Century artifacts and shows the traditional way of life of Kríti.
Locals still work at agriculture with olives, grapes and fishing. So locally they produce great olive oil, wine and the meals to go with them, and offering hospitality in their hotels and tavernas.
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Palekastro
Palekastro sits surrounded by olive groves, grapevines and gardens in a hilly rugged part of the island. Above the town and between its two beaches is a curious flat-topped hill called Kastri. It gives a special character to the village and the beautiful bays.
There are plenty of cafés serving good food, and a local kafenion that is very authentic. There are lots of rooms, domatia and pensiones dotted in and about the town, and good local bus services.
The people of Palekastro village are proud of their Cretan heritage and local traditions, there is a unique restored Cretan house fully refurbished and decorated as a folkloric museum. It contains 20th Century artifacts and shows the traditional way of life of Kríti.
Locals still work at agriculture with olives, grapes and fishing. So locally they produce great olive oil, wine and the meals to go with them, and offering hospitality in their hotels and tavernas.
A popular tourist resort, Bali is yet ideal for a quiet family holiday. It sits on the side of an ancient town – Astali, which the Venetians later shortened to Atali, before the Turks gave it is present name.
Here you will find amenities such as a doctor and a pharmacy, and many shops. Within the village there operate a great number of hotels, apartments and rooms for rent, restaurants, tavernas (fresh fish and the delights of the Cretan cuisine). In the summer months, a ‘water taxi’ will ferry people too and from Rethymnon.
Bali has five sheltered beaches – all sandy and with greeny-grey crystal waters .. and a small harbour.
For lovers of water-sports, Bali hosts a diving school.
The first beach you encounter on entering Bali is the largest of all. It is well-equipped, and attracts a crowd in the summer.
The second beach lies a little to the east – it, however, has no infrastructure and therefore has less visitors.
The third beach is small and sheltered, with sand and clear waters – recently becoming developed, there are on every side now tavernas that have fresh fish too, as well as hotels and apartments to rent.
By this is the small port, with a tiny each associated: though small it too is reasonably organized and you will find all you need nearby.
The fifth and final strand is the most scenic: organized, with umbrellas and sunbeds, it yet does not boast the same array of amenities that the others can.
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Bali
A popular tourist resort, Bali is yet ideal for a quiet family holiday. It sits on the side of an ancient town – Astali, which the Venetians later shortened to Atali, before the Turks gave it is present name.
Here you will find amenities such as a doctor and a pharmacy, and many shops. Within the village there operate a great number of hotels, apartments and rooms for rent, restaurants, tavernas (fresh fish and the delights of the Cretan cuisine). In the summer months, a ‘water taxi’ will ferry people too and from Rethymnon.
Bali has five sheltered beaches – all sandy and with greeny-grey crystal waters .. and a small harbour.
For lovers of water-sports, Bali hosts a diving school.
The first beach you encounter on entering Bali is the largest of all. It is well-equipped, and attracts a crowd in the summer.
The second beach lies a little to the east – it, however, has no infrastructure and therefore has less visitors.
The third beach is small and sheltered, with sand and clear waters – recently becoming developed, there are on every side now tavernas that have fresh fish too, as well as hotels and apartments to rent.
By this is the small port, with a tiny each associated: though small it too is reasonably organized and you will find all you need nearby.
The fifth and final strand is the most scenic: organized, with umbrellas and sunbeds, it yet does not boast the same array of amenities that the others can.
Located at a distance of 7 km from the center of Chania city on its south-east, Souda is offering you only the best opportunities to love this blessed island! Souda, the largest natural bay of the Mediterranean sea, will make you fall in love with the island of Crete and will give you only the best memories for you and and your family and your friends.
Souda is one of the closest villages to Chania town and is the second biggest port of Crete from where daily ferries connect the Souda to Piraeus-Athens making travelling easy and comfortable. Souda, one of the most amazing places in Chania provides you all kind of accommodations and entertainment and you will find daily transportation to Chania in order to satisfy your needs. Take your time to explore this amazing area and visit the interesting surrounding region that is considered one of the bigger ports of the Mediterranean. Due to this geographical place it has always been a strategic point.
However when in Souda you need to be able to find your way around the area and explore its beauty. Visit the Fortress of Itzedin, 9 kilometers eastern to the town, by the village Kalami or walk around the picturesque little streets and enjoy the most unforgettable tastes in a wide variety of Greek taverns and restaurants. Besides if you wish to visit the center of Chania or take your coffee at the old town you will very easily be able to move to Chania and enjoy your day there. From a great variety of traditional shops selling anything you can think of to touristic shops and shops selling original Greek products, Souda is considered to be one of the most interesting places to visit during your stay in Crete that will remain in your memory for ever.
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Souda
Located at a distance of 7 km from the center of Chania city on its south-east, Souda is offering you only the best opportunities to love this blessed island! Souda, the largest natural bay of the Mediterranean sea, will make you fall in love with the island of Crete and will give you only the best memories for you and and your family and your friends.
Souda is one of the closest villages to Chania town and is the second biggest port of Crete from where daily ferries connect the Souda to Piraeus-Athens making travelling easy and comfortable. Souda, one of the most amazing places in Chania provides you all kind of accommodations and entertainment and you will find daily transportation to Chania in order to satisfy your needs. Take your time to explore this amazing area and visit the interesting surrounding region that is considered one of the bigger ports of the Mediterranean. Due to this geographical place it has always been a strategic point.
However when in Souda you need to be able to find your way around the area and explore its beauty. Visit the Fortress of Itzedin, 9 kilometers eastern to the town, by the village Kalami or walk around the picturesque little streets and enjoy the most unforgettable tastes in a wide variety of Greek taverns and restaurants. Besides if you wish to visit the center of Chania or take your coffee at the old town you will very easily be able to move to Chania and enjoy your day there. From a great variety of traditional shops selling anything you can think of to touristic shops and shops selling original Greek products, Souda is considered to be one of the most interesting places to visit during your stay in Crete that will remain in your memory for ever.
Tourists in Crete have the option to visit the exhibition halls of three wineries in the Peza area.
The wineries you may visit are the:
- Fantaxometoho (Boutaris Winery)
vathipetro minoan wine press- Minos Wines (Milliarakis Winery)
- Peza Union Winery
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Peza
Tourists in Crete have the option to visit the exhibition halls of three wineries in the Peza area.
The wineries you may visit are the:
- Fantaxometoho (Boutaris Winery)
vathipetro minoan wine press- Minos Wines (Milliarakis Winery)
- Peza Union Winery
The coastal village of Agios Pavlos (St. Paul) is located 58km south of Rethymno, west of Agia Galini, and on the edge of Cape Melissa. You can access the area by driving from the villages Akoumia or Sachtouria.
It's a peaceful place, well-hidden in a sheltered bay, which is ideal for family holidays. The bay has a beautiful beach with green deep waters and magnificent rocky seabed. Near the beach you can find a few rooms and taverns. Moreover, basic services are provided on the beach, such as umbrellas, sunbeds and pedal boats.
Although the beach in front of the village is pretty, visitors mainly prefer St. Paul for accommodation and food, but swim in the nearby idyllic beach with the huge sand dunes. Akoumiani Gialia, as this beach is called, is behind the western edge of St. Paul bay and is probably the best beach in Rethymno. You can get there through a path that starts from St. Paul.
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Agios Pavlos
The coastal village of Agios Pavlos (St. Paul) is located 58km south of Rethymno, west of Agia Galini, and on the edge of Cape Melissa. You can access the area by driving from the villages Akoumia or Sachtouria.
It's a peaceful place, well-hidden in a sheltered bay, which is ideal for family holidays. The bay has a beautiful beach with green deep waters and magnificent rocky seabed. Near the beach you can find a few rooms and taverns. Moreover, basic services are provided on the beach, such as umbrellas, sunbeds and pedal boats.
Although the beach in front of the village is pretty, visitors mainly prefer St. Paul for accommodation and food, but swim in the nearby idyllic beach with the huge sand dunes. Akoumiani Gialia, as this beach is called, is behind the western edge of St. Paul bay and is probably the best beach in Rethymno. You can get there through a path that starts from St. Paul.
Village where the ruins of one most significant basilicas of Crete can be found,dating back to the 6th century B.C.There is also a pretty,pebbled beach with good,clean water.
79 lokalkjente anbefaler
Almyrida
Village where the ruins of one most significant basilicas of Crete can be found,dating back to the 6th century B.C.There is also a pretty,pebbled beach with good,clean water.
Panormo, belongs to the network of “the most beautiful villages of Crete” and is located in the North Coast of Crete, 22 kilometers East from Rethymno and 55 West from Heraklion. Its population is estimated to be around 400 people. In the village, but also in the wider area, there are a lot of beautiful sights that everyone should have a chance to visit and enjoy. One of the most vital sights is what is left from Aghia Sophia, built in the 5th century, the early Christian times and excavated in the year of 1948.It was one of the biggest Christian Royal churches of Greece.
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Panormos in Rethymno
Panormo, belongs to the network of “the most beautiful villages of Crete” and is located in the North Coast of Crete, 22 kilometers East from Rethymno and 55 West from Heraklion. Its population is estimated to be around 400 people. In the village, but also in the wider area, there are a lot of beautiful sights that everyone should have a chance to visit and enjoy. One of the most vital sights is what is left from Aghia Sophia, built in the 5th century, the early Christian times and excavated in the year of 1948.It was one of the biggest Christian Royal churches of Greece.
Gramvousa island in ancient times was called Koryko, while the name “Gramvousa’ comes from the Venetian word Garabuse.
On the highest part of the island, at 137 meters, the Venetian built an impressive castle between 1579 and 1584 for the protection of the entire northeastern Crete.
Despite its size and its great capacity (3000 men), it seems that it was not used by Venetians in a major battle. Gramvousa was surrendered to Turks in 1692, after the Turks bribed the Venetian commander (who lived happily after in Constantinople).
The fortress was captured by Cretan Fighters, in 1825, and became the seat of the Revolutionary Committee of Crete. For 3 years it was the basis of more than 3000 rebels, who lacking food in this place, were forced to become pirates. Soon Gramvousa gained a reputation all over Europe as "the Pirate island".
The piracy issue was against the interests of the European forces and in 1828 intervened, A multinational force of English, French and (mainland) Greeks atacked and captured the island. and in 1830, with cooperation of Kapodistrias (Governor of Greece), the island was liberated. Following the London Protocol in 1830, Crete, with the fort, was given back to Turks, till the liberation of Crete.
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Imeri Gramvousa
Gramvousa island in ancient times was called Koryko, while the name “Gramvousa’ comes from the Venetian word Garabuse.
On the highest part of the island, at 137 meters, the Venetian built an impressive castle between 1579 and 1584 for the protection of the entire northeastern Crete.
Despite its size and its great capacity (3000 men), it seems that it was not used by Venetians in a major battle. Gramvousa was surrendered to Turks in 1692, after the Turks bribed the Venetian commander (who lived happily after in Constantinople).
The fortress was captured by Cretan Fighters, in 1825, and became the seat of the Revolutionary Committee of Crete. For 3 years it was the basis of more than 3000 rebels, who lacking food in this place, were forced to become pirates. Soon Gramvousa gained a reputation all over Europe as "the Pirate island".
The piracy issue was against the interests of the European forces and in 1828 intervened, A multinational force of English, French and (mainland) Greeks atacked and captured the island. and in 1830, with cooperation of Kapodistrias (Governor of Greece), the island was liberated. Following the London Protocol in 1830, Crete, with the fort, was given back to Turks, till the liberation of Crete.
The second bay of Istron village is located 500m east of the village very close to the main road from Agios Nikolaos city to Sitia - Ierapetra area. Here is one of the most beautiful beaches of Greece, which is featured in many card postals of Crete.It is a beautiful sandy beach with blue-green crystal clear sea. The beach offers full facilities for swimming, sunbathing (umbrellas, sunbeds etc.), and sea sport. It is very popular.
The small town of Istron - some 10km south of Agios Nikolaos - lays claim to a number of cove beaches, each separated by large land peninsulas jutting out into the bay of Mirabello .The area - which is unique in natural beauty - is surrounded by sea, creating beaches of special beauty, some of which are small voes while others are big ones. There are beaches of different kind, some have pebbles, some other have sands, some are completely organized while others are not. The diversity of beaches gives the visitor the opporunity to choose where to go according to his preference.
Voulisma or Golden Beach is a beautiful beach with white sand and amazing turquoise waters. The few times that it is wavy, you can move to the smaller beach in the west part of the bay, which is very well protected from winds and less organized.
Voulisma, or ‘Golden Beach’, a gorgeous narrow stretch of white sand backing onto relatively low, olive-clad cliffs. With a blue flag award to its name, Voulisma beach is a great all-rounder. It’s not uniquely different to many other beaches in Greece, but it does provide everything you need for a family-orientated beach holiday – soft sand with few pebbles, crystal waters, gentle shelving, and a couple of places to buy an ice cream. For these reasons, Voulisma Beach can get pretty packed in the height of summer.
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Istro
The second bay of Istron village is located 500m east of the village very close to the main road from Agios Nikolaos city to Sitia - Ierapetra area. Here is one of the most beautiful beaches of Greece, which is featured in many card postals of Crete.It is a beautiful sandy beach with blue-green crystal clear sea. The beach offers full facilities for swimming, sunbathing (umbrellas, sunbeds etc.), and sea sport. It is very popular.
The small town of Istron - some 10km south of Agios Nikolaos - lays claim to a number of cove beaches, each separated by large land peninsulas jutting out into the bay of Mirabello .The area - which is unique in natural beauty - is surrounded by sea, creating beaches of special beauty, some of which are small voes while others are big ones. There are beaches of different kind, some have pebbles, some other have sands, some are completely organized while others are not. The diversity of beaches gives the visitor the opporunity to choose where to go according to his preference.
Voulisma or Golden Beach is a beautiful beach with white sand and amazing turquoise waters. The few times that it is wavy, you can move to the smaller beach in the west part of the bay, which is very well protected from winds and less organized.
Voulisma, or ‘Golden Beach’, a gorgeous narrow stretch of white sand backing onto relatively low, olive-clad cliffs. With a blue flag award to its name, Voulisma beach is a great all-rounder. It’s not uniquely different to many other beaches in Greece, but it does provide everything you need for a family-orientated beach holiday – soft sand with few pebbles, crystal waters, gentle shelving, and a couple of places to buy an ice cream. For these reasons, Voulisma Beach can get pretty packed in the height of summer.
Very close to Elounda and the Spinalonga peninsula there is an islet called Kolokytha. On the opposite side of the islet there is a wonderful beach, the beach of Saint Loukas or Kolokythas as it is called by the locals.
The water is superbly clean, and the island of Spinalonga in the background is a reminder of the past. Spinalonga was the last leper colony in Europe which closed in 1957. The branches of the aged olive trees cast their shadows like strokes of an artist’s brush.
If you are in the area Kolokytha is really worth a visit. It is suitable for older children but maybe not so much for the younger ones, unless you go well prepared of course. You can reach the beach on foot from the chapel of Saint Loukas . In that case, take a car as far as the church and the beach is just a 5 minute walk. Alternatively, you can take one of the excursion boats from Elounda.
The route via Saint Loukas s especially scenic and beautiful, and we would recommend it without hesitation if you have a jeep and you enjoy walking.
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Kolokithia Beach
Very close to Elounda and the Spinalonga peninsula there is an islet called Kolokytha. On the opposite side of the islet there is a wonderful beach, the beach of Saint Loukas or Kolokythas as it is called by the locals.
The water is superbly clean, and the island of Spinalonga in the background is a reminder of the past. Spinalonga was the last leper colony in Europe which closed in 1957. The branches of the aged olive trees cast their shadows like strokes of an artist’s brush.
If you are in the area Kolokytha is really worth a visit. It is suitable for older children but maybe not so much for the younger ones, unless you go well prepared of course. You can reach the beach on foot from the chapel of Saint Loukas . In that case, take a car as far as the church and the beach is just a 5 minute walk. Alternatively, you can take one of the excursion boats from Elounda.
The route via Saint Loukas s especially scenic and beautiful, and we would recommend it without hesitation if you have a jeep and you enjoy walking.
Pahia Ammos is located 20km east of Agios Nikolaos, on the road connecting Agios Nikolaos with Sitia and Ierapetra. It is a large village, built on the north side of the narrowest part of Crete, at the exit of a fertile plain with olive groves. The local beach and the sights of the surrounding area have contributed to the mild development of the village. In the village you will find small hotels, rooms and taverns.
In front of Pahia Ammos and 500m to the east, a long beach with sand and pebbles unfolds, which is open to the north winds. The sea is usually wavy, but you can stay at the west part of the beach, which is well protected by a jetty. This part is sandy and clean, well organized with umbrellas and sunbeds.
If you seek peace, you can stay remote in the eastern part of the beach, but it is unprotected from the waves. Moreover, at this point currents carry garbage, mainly because Pahia Ammos is located in southern part of the Gulf of Mirabello. There are several tamarisk trees and the beach is pebbly. At the east end of the beach flows the stream that carries water from the impressive Gorge of Ha (in winter).
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Pacheia Ammos
Pahia Ammos is located 20km east of Agios Nikolaos, on the road connecting Agios Nikolaos with Sitia and Ierapetra. It is a large village, built on the north side of the narrowest part of Crete, at the exit of a fertile plain with olive groves. The local beach and the sights of the surrounding area have contributed to the mild development of the village. In the village you will find small hotels, rooms and taverns.
In front of Pahia Ammos and 500m to the east, a long beach with sand and pebbles unfolds, which is open to the north winds. The sea is usually wavy, but you can stay at the west part of the beach, which is well protected by a jetty. This part is sandy and clean, well organized with umbrellas and sunbeds.
If you seek peace, you can stay remote in the eastern part of the beach, but it is unprotected from the waves. Moreover, at this point currents carry garbage, mainly because Pahia Ammos is located in southern part of the Gulf of Mirabello. There are several tamarisk trees and the beach is pebbly. At the east end of the beach flows the stream that carries water from the impressive Gorge of Ha (in winter).
24 kilometers far from Chania, at the West, just off the National Road to Kastelli Kolymbari is a small, scenic village on the sea, situated at the inlet of the homonymous bay; it counts 950 permanent residents. Due to its rather protected port, it has been used for landing of troops in various periods of the modern history of the island.
A good number of villages around Kolymbari are worth seeing, for their beautiful landscape, the Byzantine churches, some of them dating back to the 6 th century (as is the church of Archangelos Mihail near the village of Episkopi) and the relics of Venetian buildings (as Rodopos some 7 kilometers at the Northwest).
The village Nohia, 7 kilometers at the south is worth visiting for its tradition in pottery.
Those looking for natural monuments should see the ancient olive tree, near the village Ano Vouves; it is also worth seeing the cave of Aghios Ioannis Erimitis, 3 kilometers far from Kolymbari at the south, near the village Marathokefala. Close to the village Deliana, 15 kilometers at the south of Kolymbari there is the Deliana gorge. Some 3,5 kilometers at the North, the bay of Afrata is worth seeing for its wild landscape and the crystal clear sea.
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Kolymvari
24 kilometers far from Chania, at the West, just off the National Road to Kastelli Kolymbari is a small, scenic village on the sea, situated at the inlet of the homonymous bay; it counts 950 permanent residents. Due to its rather protected port, it has been used for landing of troops in various periods of the modern history of the island.
A good number of villages around Kolymbari are worth seeing, for their beautiful landscape, the Byzantine churches, some of them dating back to the 6 th century (as is the church of Archangelos Mihail near the village of Episkopi) and the relics of Venetian buildings (as Rodopos some 7 kilometers at the Northwest).
The village Nohia, 7 kilometers at the south is worth visiting for its tradition in pottery.
Those looking for natural monuments should see the ancient olive tree, near the village Ano Vouves; it is also worth seeing the cave of Aghios Ioannis Erimitis, 3 kilometers far from Kolymbari at the south, near the village Marathokefala. Close to the village Deliana, 15 kilometers at the south of Kolymbari there is the Deliana gorge. Some 3,5 kilometers at the North, the bay of Afrata is worth seeing for its wild landscape and the crystal clear sea.
Kouremenos is located 91km east of Agios Nikolaos and 21km east of Sitia, just 1km east of Palekastro. In Palekastro there are more choices for accommodation, food and entertainment, but you will also find several new hotels near the beach.
The beach is the longest in the area with a length exceeding 1.5km, bounded on the north by the Cape Tenta and on the south by the Cape Plaka. It has fine brown sand, shallow turquoise waters and several tamarisk trees around. It slightly organized in some areas with umbrellas, showers and beach bars.
The beach is beautiful but the main feature of Kouremenos is elsewhere: the wind. Indeed, the wind here is so strong that the area is popular to windsurfers and kite surfers across Europe. Indeed it is no coincidence that the area hosts the largest windmill generators park in Greece, exploiting the huge wind potential
WINDSURFING AT KOUREMENOS
A windsurfing school operates in Kouremenos beach, from where you can also rent equipment at reasonable prices. Meltemi (i.e. northwest summer wind) increases its power through the local thermal and a funnelling effect that gives the ground wind an additional 2 Beaufort, than in the surrounding area. Thus, the wind force is stably between 4 and 7 Beaufort. During the summer season, the average wind force is approximately 6 Beaufort, making Kouremenos the most wind-certain spot in Europe. The most used sail size is 4.5 – 5.3m.
Kouremenos is ideal for all levels of windsurfers. Near the coast the sea is flat and very suitable for beginners. The flat surface is ideal for planning as well as professional freestyle. Moreover, the shallow water and the sandy shore helps beginners with beach start. The local school has installed buoys for indicating the entrance. Instead, there are small waves further out, where the experts can let them-selves go and show off their chop-off jumps. Some experts prefer the quietest northern end of the beach, Tenta (near the local harbor). The shore in Tenta is rocky and the entrance to the sea can be achieved only from a cement dock.
25 lokalkjente anbefaler
Kouremenos
Kouremenos is located 91km east of Agios Nikolaos and 21km east of Sitia, just 1km east of Palekastro. In Palekastro there are more choices for accommodation, food and entertainment, but you will also find several new hotels near the beach.
The beach is the longest in the area with a length exceeding 1.5km, bounded on the north by the Cape Tenta and on the south by the Cape Plaka. It has fine brown sand, shallow turquoise waters and several tamarisk trees around. It slightly organized in some areas with umbrellas, showers and beach bars.
The beach is beautiful but the main feature of Kouremenos is elsewhere: the wind. Indeed, the wind here is so strong that the area is popular to windsurfers and kite surfers across Europe. Indeed it is no coincidence that the area hosts the largest windmill generators park in Greece, exploiting the huge wind potential
WINDSURFING AT KOUREMENOS
A windsurfing school operates in Kouremenos beach, from where you can also rent equipment at reasonable prices. Meltemi (i.e. northwest summer wind) increases its power through the local thermal and a funnelling effect that gives the ground wind an additional 2 Beaufort, than in the surrounding area. Thus, the wind force is stably between 4 and 7 Beaufort. During the summer season, the average wind force is approximately 6 Beaufort, making Kouremenos the most wind-certain spot in Europe. The most used sail size is 4.5 – 5.3m.
Kouremenos is ideal for all levels of windsurfers. Near the coast the sea is flat and very suitable for beginners. The flat surface is ideal for planning as well as professional freestyle. Moreover, the shallow water and the sandy shore helps beginners with beach start. The local school has installed buoys for indicating the entrance. Instead, there are small waves further out, where the experts can let them-selves go and show off their chop-off jumps. Some experts prefer the quietest northern end of the beach, Tenta (near the local harbor). The shore in Tenta is rocky and the entrance to the sea can be achieved only from a cement dock.
Preveli is located about 35km south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias. Beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotikos Gorge, where the Great River (Megas Potamos) is flowing.
It is certainly the most famous beach in southern Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer. During the 60s and 70s, it was a favorite destination for hippies. On the banks of the Grand River there is a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees, which give the region a sense of an African landscape. The river, forming a large lake, 500m long, before emptying into the sea, has water all year round. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees and other trees, and start ascending in the beautiful canyon. You can swim in the cold ponds formed in the gorge. A big fire in 2010 burnt almost everything of this paradise, but paradoxically the palmgrove recovered most of its damage.
At the exit of the river, a sandy beach with pebbles and sand is formed, with sea water being very cool due to the river. In the eastern part of the beach, there is a beautiful rock reminding of a mast. It is poorly organized because the area is protected, without any umbrellas, but with a few restaurants and snack bars nearby. Moreover, you could rent pedal boats for a ride in the river.
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Preveli-stranden
Preveli is located about 35km south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias. Beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotikos Gorge, where the Great River (Megas Potamos) is flowing.
It is certainly the most famous beach in southern Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer. During the 60s and 70s, it was a favorite destination for hippies. On the banks of the Grand River there is a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees, which give the region a sense of an African landscape. The river, forming a large lake, 500m long, before emptying into the sea, has water all year round. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees and other trees, and start ascending in the beautiful canyon. You can swim in the cold ponds formed in the gorge. A big fire in 2010 burnt almost everything of this paradise, but paradoxically the palmgrove recovered most of its damage.
At the exit of the river, a sandy beach with pebbles and sand is formed, with sea water being very cool due to the river. In the eastern part of the beach, there is a beautiful rock reminding of a mast. It is poorly organized because the area is protected, without any umbrellas, but with a few restaurants and snack bars nearby. Moreover, you could rent pedal boats for a ride in the river.
Koufonissi is a small island in the Libyan Sea, off the southeast coast of Crete near Cape Goudouras, 10 sea miles from Makry Gialos where the boats set off for daytrips to the island.
Koufonissi is separated from the rest of Crete by a narrow strip of sea, but it’s often rough here, so boat trips may be cancelled unless the weather is really fine.
Koufonissi is one of a group of five small desert islands (the others are Makroulo, Stroggylo, Trachila and Marmara), a handful of land in the sea, often collectively called Koufonissia. Along with Gavdos and Chryssi, these are the southernmost pieces of Greek soil, the southernmost frontiers of Europe.
In spite of its arid landscape, Koufonissi charms visitors, who come here on daytrips from Makry Gialos.
The wild scenery with its jagged rocks which welcomes you into its singular harbour is nothing like the hospitable Cretan environment, but something about it still piques your interest.
13 lokalkjente anbefaler
Koufonisi
Koufonissi is a small island in the Libyan Sea, off the southeast coast of Crete near Cape Goudouras, 10 sea miles from Makry Gialos where the boats set off for daytrips to the island.
Koufonissi is separated from the rest of Crete by a narrow strip of sea, but it’s often rough here, so boat trips may be cancelled unless the weather is really fine.
Koufonissi is one of a group of five small desert islands (the others are Makroulo, Stroggylo, Trachila and Marmara), a handful of land in the sea, often collectively called Koufonissia. Along with Gavdos and Chryssi, these are the southernmost pieces of Greek soil, the southernmost frontiers of Europe.
In spite of its arid landscape, Koufonissi charms visitors, who come here on daytrips from Makry Gialos.
The wild scenery with its jagged rocks which welcomes you into its singular harbour is nothing like the hospitable Cretan environment, but something about it still piques your interest.
Loutro (Greek: Λουτρό) (Greek: "Bath") lies on the south coast of Chania regional unit in west Crete, between Chora Sfakion and Agia Roumeli, the exit to the Samaria Gorge. The whole area is known as Sfakia. The village got its name from the Greek word for "bath," for the many ancient baths found in the area.
Loutro is a small place but it too has a rich history. This is the site of the ancient city of Phoenix (Finikas),[1] which was the port town of ancient Anopolis, and an important harbour in Hellenistic and Roman times. It later became the wintertime port of the town of Sfakia because of its natural protection during harsh weather. Today nothing remains of ancient Phoenix except the name preserved by the small village in the bay west of Loutro.
Later the Saracen pirates used Loutro as a lair from which to attack the ships sailing south of Crete. The Venetians managed to drive out the Saracens and fortified Loutro with a small fortress whose ruins are still visible today. Another fortress preserved in better condition in Loutro is evidence of the Turkish presence here.
Loutro is accessible only by foot or by sea. Ferries run daily connecting Loutro to nearby cities and the exit-point of the Samarian Gorge.
96 lokalkjente anbefaler
Loutro
Loutro (Greek: Λουτρό) (Greek: "Bath") lies on the south coast of Chania regional unit in west Crete, between Chora Sfakion and Agia Roumeli, the exit to the Samaria Gorge. The whole area is known as Sfakia. The village got its name from the Greek word for "bath," for the many ancient baths found in the area.
Loutro is a small place but it too has a rich history. This is the site of the ancient city of Phoenix (Finikas),[1] which was the port town of ancient Anopolis, and an important harbour in Hellenistic and Roman times. It later became the wintertime port of the town of Sfakia because of its natural protection during harsh weather. Today nothing remains of ancient Phoenix except the name preserved by the small village in the bay west of Loutro.
Later the Saracen pirates used Loutro as a lair from which to attack the ships sailing south of Crete. The Venetians managed to drive out the Saracens and fortified Loutro with a small fortress whose ruins are still visible today. Another fortress preserved in better condition in Loutro is evidence of the Turkish presence here.
Loutro is accessible only by foot or by sea. Ferries run daily connecting Loutro to nearby cities and the exit-point of the Samarian Gorge.
The archaeological site of Aptera, which was the most powerful city of western Crete during Minoan times, is located 15 km from the city of Chania, Crete, just south of Souda Bay, on a hill above the national road which connects Chania with the city of Rethymnon.
The findings of the archaeological excavations that still coming to light, fill the history puzzle of this ancient city. They give details about the settlement's composition, the city's architecture, the religion and habits of Apterean residents who were keen archers.
Although the earliest mention of the Aptera is found as a-pa-ta-wa on the Linear script B tablets of Knossos, which dated to the 14th-13th century BC, the currently rich findings of the excavations indicate that the hill was inhabited the 8th century BC until the 7th century AD, when abandoned due to a strong earthquake and because of the attacks by the Saracen Arab pirates.
Learn the history of the most important and the most commercial ancient city- state of western Crete, as mentioned in the historical scrapbook issued by the 25th Ephorate of Prehistory and Classical Antiquities.
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Aptera
The archaeological site of Aptera, which was the most powerful city of western Crete during Minoan times, is located 15 km from the city of Chania, Crete, just south of Souda Bay, on a hill above the national road which connects Chania with the city of Rethymnon.
The findings of the archaeological excavations that still coming to light, fill the history puzzle of this ancient city. They give details about the settlement's composition, the city's architecture, the religion and habits of Apterean residents who were keen archers.
Although the earliest mention of the Aptera is found as a-pa-ta-wa on the Linear script B tablets of Knossos, which dated to the 14th-13th century BC, the currently rich findings of the excavations indicate that the hill was inhabited the 8th century BC until the 7th century AD, when abandoned due to a strong earthquake and because of the attacks by the Saracen Arab pirates.
Learn the history of the most important and the most commercial ancient city- state of western Crete, as mentioned in the historical scrapbook issued by the 25th Ephorate of Prehistory and Classical Antiquities.
Essentials
Kastelli is a village and a former municipality in the Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Minoa Pediada.
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Kastelli
Kastelli is a village and a former municipality in the Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Minoa Pediada.
Arkalochori (Greek: Αρκαλοχώρι) is a former municipality in the Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Minoa Pediada, of which it is a municipal unit.[2] It lies on the western edge of the Minoa Pediada plain, west of the Lasithi plateau, in central Crete. It contains the archaeological site of a Minoan sacred cave. The sacred cave was used from the third millennium to ca 1450 BCE, when the natural ceiling collapsed, fortuitously protecting some of the votive deposits there.
Located near Partira, the town is 32 km south of Heraklion and at the 2001 census had a population of 10,897 inhabitants.
Arkalochori is 3 km south from the recently discovered Minoan palace at the small village of Galatas. G. Rethemiotakis[3] has associated the votive objects of the cave with the Galatas palace.
Arkalokhórion
Arkalochori (Greek: Αρκαλοχώρι) is a former municipality in the Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Minoa Pediada, of which it is a municipal unit.[2] It lies on the western edge of the Minoa Pediada plain, west of the Lasithi plateau, in central Crete. It contains the archaeological site of a Minoan sacred cave. The sacred cave was used from the third millennium to ca 1450 BCE, when the natural ceiling collapsed, fortuitously protecting some of the votive deposits there.
Located near Partira, the town is 32 km south of Heraklion and at the 2001 census had a population of 10,897 inhabitants.
Arkalochori is 3 km south from the recently discovered Minoan palace at the small village of Galatas. G. Rethemiotakis[3] has associated the votive objects of the cave with the Galatas palace.
Drinks & Nightlife
Hersonissos (Greek: Χερσόνησος(meaning peninsula), Chersónisos, pronounced [xerˈsonisos]), also transliterated as Chersonisos and Hersónisos, is a town and a municipality in the north of Crete, bordering the Mediterranean / Aegean Sea. This community is about 25 kilometers east of Heraklion and west of Agios Nikolaos. What is usually called Hersonissos is in fact its peninsula and harbour. It is part of the Heraklion regional unit. It is situated 25 km from the Heraklion airport and 27 km from the Heraklion port. The seat of the municipality is the village Gournes.[2]
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Chersonissos
51 Ελ. ΒενιζέλουHersonissos (Greek: Χερσόνησος(meaning peninsula), Chersónisos, pronounced [xerˈsonisos]), also transliterated as Chersonisos and Hersónisos, is a town and a municipality in the north of Crete, bordering the Mediterranean / Aegean Sea. This community is about 25 kilometers east of Heraklion and west of Agios Nikolaos. What is usually called Hersonissos is in fact its peninsula and harbour. It is part of the Heraklion regional unit. It is situated 25 km from the Heraklion airport and 27 km from the Heraklion port. The seat of the municipality is the village Gournes.[2]
Malia is located 37 kilometers east of Heraklion, on the way to Agios Nikolaos. The main road seems to divide the town in two, the old Malia at the foothill of Mount Selena and the newer part towards the shoreline.
Malia is an unusual small town, unlike any other in Crete. It used to be known for its delicious potatoes. But times changed, the tourists started coming to Crete and the potato fields of Malia were replaced by hotels large and small, tavernas and bars.
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Malia
Malia is located 37 kilometers east of Heraklion, on the way to Agios Nikolaos. The main road seems to divide the town in two, the old Malia at the foothill of Mount Selena and the newer part towards the shoreline.
Malia is an unusual small town, unlike any other in Crete. It used to be known for its delicious potatoes. But times changed, the tourists started coming to Crete and the potato fields of Malia were replaced by hotels large and small, tavernas and bars.
Parks & Nature
Chrissi, an island 7km long with a maximum width of 2 km, is located 8 nautical miles south of the most southern town in Europe, Ierapetra Crete. The shores of Chrissi surrounded by the Mediterranean's Libyan sea.
From the moment a visitor comes to Chrissi, he gets magnetized by the exotic natural landscape dominated by cedar, the golden sand and the light aquamarine water.The Natural images and the rhythms of nature, immediately give the visitor a newfound sense of liberation.
A walk in the woods, swimming in crystal clear water combined with the soft smell of cedar and fresh oxygen, complements the holiday experience of the visitor, offering him a deep relaxation feeling that become unforgettable. This is the reason why chrissi island welcomes more and more visitors from around the world every summer.
The island has a small bar on the north side of the island, a small tavern on the south side, an Orthodox church of St. Nicholas, a lighthouse on the northwest side, and a house on the northeast side. There are three recognized permanent residents on the island until now.
The island has a large number of shells, mainly in the north, which is one of the distinguishing features of the island.
For six months a year - from mid-May until late October there are small boats, departing from the ports of Ierapetra and Makrigialos, to the island on a daily basis. After an hour's trip around, the vessels approaching the southern side of the island, which is usually calmer. The exit is in the "Vougiou Eye" where there is a small pier, reception, and the tavern.
Chrissi is protected by Natura 2000 Networking Programme, as an "area of intense natural beauty", and also has been designated as a wildlife refuge. The island hosts the largest naturally formed Lebanon cedar forest in Europe. The majority of trees have an average age of 200 years and average height of up to 7 metres, some of the trees are up to 300 years old and 10 metres tall. The density is approximately 28 trees per hectare. The contact with such a natural and unique environment, creates environmental awareness, but also requires respect for its natural functions.
About 700m east of Chrissi is Mikronisi, a rocky islet which covers 11,7 hectares. The waters around the islands are shallow. Up to 1km to the north and 500m to the south the depth does not exceed 10m, while the 5m depth contour encompasses both the islands.
Nisi Chrysi i Gaidouronisi
Chrissi, an island 7km long with a maximum width of 2 km, is located 8 nautical miles south of the most southern town in Europe, Ierapetra Crete. The shores of Chrissi surrounded by the Mediterranean's Libyan sea.
From the moment a visitor comes to Chrissi, he gets magnetized by the exotic natural landscape dominated by cedar, the golden sand and the light aquamarine water.The Natural images and the rhythms of nature, immediately give the visitor a newfound sense of liberation.
A walk in the woods, swimming in crystal clear water combined with the soft smell of cedar and fresh oxygen, complements the holiday experience of the visitor, offering him a deep relaxation feeling that become unforgettable. This is the reason why chrissi island welcomes more and more visitors from around the world every summer.
The island has a small bar on the north side of the island, a small tavern on the south side, an Orthodox church of St. Nicholas, a lighthouse on the northwest side, and a house on the northeast side. There are three recognized permanent residents on the island until now.
The island has a large number of shells, mainly in the north, which is one of the distinguishing features of the island.
For six months a year - from mid-May until late October there are small boats, departing from the ports of Ierapetra and Makrigialos, to the island on a daily basis. After an hour's trip around, the vessels approaching the southern side of the island, which is usually calmer. The exit is in the "Vougiou Eye" where there is a small pier, reception, and the tavern.
Chrissi is protected by Natura 2000 Networking Programme, as an "area of intense natural beauty", and also has been designated as a wildlife refuge. The island hosts the largest naturally formed Lebanon cedar forest in Europe. The majority of trees have an average age of 200 years and average height of up to 7 metres, some of the trees are up to 300 years old and 10 metres tall. The density is approximately 28 trees per hectare. The contact with such a natural and unique environment, creates environmental awareness, but also requires respect for its natural functions.
About 700m east of Chrissi is Mikronisi, a rocky islet which covers 11,7 hectares. The waters around the islands are shallow. Up to 1km to the north and 500m to the south the depth does not exceed 10m, while the 5m depth contour encompasses both the islands.
Vai, or more specifically the palm forest of Vai, is one of the most popular sights in Crete and one of the most beautiful and special places in the whole Mediterranean.
Vai draws thousands of visitors each year. They come not only for its wonderful palm forest, but also for the large sandy beach spread out at its foot.
Vai was “discovered” by hippies who were turned out of Matala in the early 70s and sought a new refuge in the area. By the early 80s, Vai had become a permanent campsite and been transformed into vast rubbish tip.
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Vai
Vai, or more specifically the palm forest of Vai, is one of the most popular sights in Crete and one of the most beautiful and special places in the whole Mediterranean.
Vai draws thousands of visitors each year. They come not only for its wonderful palm forest, but also for the large sandy beach spread out at its foot.
Vai was “discovered” by hippies who were turned out of Matala in the early 70s and sought a new refuge in the area. By the early 80s, Vai had become a permanent campsite and been transformed into vast rubbish tip.
Balos beach is at the northwesternmost point of Crete, on Cape Gramvoussa, near the town of Kissamos or Kastelli in Chania Prefecture. You can get to Balos beach either by boat from Kissamos or by car, but the only road is a rough dirt track.
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Balos
Balos beach is at the northwesternmost point of Crete, on Cape Gramvoussa, near the town of Kissamos or Kastelli in Chania Prefecture. You can get to Balos beach either by boat from Kissamos or by car, but the only road is a rough dirt track.
One of the most famous places to see on Crete is the Samaria Gorge, Europe’s largest gorge. This National Park is 18kms long with unbelievable natural beauty. The gorge is rich with many endemic flowers & herbs with crystal clear spring water flowing from the mountains. – you can even refill your water bottles with it!
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Φαράγγι Σαμαριάς - Samaria Gorge
One of the most famous places to see on Crete is the Samaria Gorge, Europe’s largest gorge. This National Park is 18kms long with unbelievable natural beauty. The gorge is rich with many endemic flowers & herbs with crystal clear spring water flowing from the mountains. – you can even refill your water bottles with it!