Kokkino Chorio, a picturesque village located in the Chania region of Crete, is known for its traditional architectural style and narrow roads. The village has managed to preserve its cultural heritage, making it a popular tourist destination. The village is home to three churches, including the main church of St Haralambos, which is always in use. The village was also the setting for the classic 1964 film, Zorba the Greek, which helped to put Crete on the tourist map. Visitors to the village can explore the interesting ground formations and caves, such as the cave of Petsi and Katalimata. The coastline northwest of the village is also a great place for a stroll. One of the most impressive sites in the area is the Elephant cave, which is located approximately 10 meters underwater at cape Drapano. The cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes and colors, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
Comfy two-bed Country House in Apokoronas is located in Kókkinon Khoríon, 2.3 km from Koutalas Beach, 2.8 km from Vrasco Beach, as well as 39 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
This 2-bedroom holiday home will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a living room. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 7.3 km from the holiday home, while Ancient City of Aptera is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 35 km from Comfy two-bed Country House in Apokoronas.
Featuring mountain views, PhantΩm Villa provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 2 km from Koutalas Beach. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
A bicycle rental service is available at the villa.
Vrasco Beach is 2.5 km from PhantΩm Villa, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 35 km from the accommodation.
from
€65
/night
Situated in Chania Town and only 2 km from Koutalas Beach, Roumatsali home – Hidden 2BR historical gem features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment offers air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace.
This apartment features 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with an oven and a microwave, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom fitted with a bath. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Vrasco Beach is 2.6 km from the apartment, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 35 km from Roumatsali home – Hidden 2BR historical gem.
from
€67
/night
Old zorbas place has sea views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Kókkinon Khoríon, 2 km from Koutalas Beach.
Fitted with a terrace, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. There is also a fridge, kitchenware and a kettle.
Vrasco Beach is 2.6 km from the bed and breakfast, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 35 km from old zorbas place.
from
€72
/night
Set in Plaka, 1.8 km from Vrasco Beach and 2.3 km from Koutalas Beach, Villa Afrati Sea Views Pool AC offers air conditioning. This villa has a private pool, a garden and free private parking.
The villa is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a TV with satellite channels, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views.
Almirida Beach is 2.4 km from the villa, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 40 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 34 km from Villa Afrati Sea Views Pool AC.
from
€336
/night
Titans Villas has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Kókkinon Khoríon, 1.8 km from Vrasco Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with hot tub and bathrobes. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Spa and wellness facilities including a hot tub and a hammam are at guests’ disposal during their stay at Titans Villas.
Guests can enjoy the pool with a view and garden at the accommodation.
Almirida Beach is 2.3 km from Titans Villas, while Koutalas Beach is 2.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 34 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Discover what it feels like to breathe underwater in a safe environment with an introduction to scuba diving off a beach close to Chania. Following pick-up from your hotel in the city, head to the dive center in Almyrida to meet your PADI instructors for a pre-dive theory lesson.
Benefit from 1 instructor per 2 adult students and 1 instructor for every child for maximum attention. Your friendly instructor will be with you throughout for your comfort and safety. Once you feel confident, dive to a depth of 8 meters with your instructor to marvel at the marine life beneath the surface of the sea.
Choose from a morning or afternoon session to suit your schedule, and relax in the knowledge that all diving equipment will be provided, along with full insurance for your peace of mind. Photos and videos of your experience will be taken throughout, and sent to you free of charge as a fantastic souvenir of your time in Crete.
Escape the ordinary and dive into an authentic 3-hour Cretan adventure! Join a local fisherman and discover secret fishing spots along Chania’s stunning coastline.
Choose your perfect timing – sunrise departure (8:00 AM) with traditional breakfast aboard, or magical sunset trip (5:30 PM) with wine and homemade delicacies.
What awaits you:
Don’t just visit Chania – LIVE it like a local! Book now for an exclusive maritime experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and authentic Greek hospitality. Limited spots available!
From ± 9:00 Until 12:30
14:00 Until 17:30
Without captain(Only Guide)
No licenses needed
Boats available for safari exploration that can accommodate from 1 to 5 people
The Rent a Boat Safari category includes a sea tour, which is an adventure worth choosing. The duration is 3:30 hours and takes place in the wider area of Georgioupolis, Obrogialos near a cave. You will be drawn by the crystal blue waters, where you will have enough time to jump in for a refreshing swim. Each boat is 5 meters long, has 5 seats and its engine is 30hp YAMAHA.
Tour guide safety will be on the first boat to give directions on navigation and show you the route while the rest of the rental boats will follow. There is also pick up and drop off service and we can supply you with sandwiches and water.
Do not forget your swimsuit!
Join us on a Fully Private Sail, ALL INCLUSIVE east out of the bay past a Venetian Fortress standing for 800 yrs on the waterline, on a small uninhabited island, a treasure of history with excellent photography. Anchor to take a refreshing jump-in swim and some unique photos at the pebbled beach of the scenic white chapel of A’giannis.
Follow the coast on the wind and marvel at views of the Ottoman fort high up on the hills and the fort of the Idjedin prison just below it. Continue past the seaside villages of Kalyves and Almyrida, around the Isle of Karga before reaching the lighthouse on the peninsula of Drapano. Again, if the gods of the winds are with you the boat will anchor in a tiny, secret cove for another quick swim.
The wind will dictate if the boat sails northeast to a very small cove with beautiful sandy waters or otherwise northwest around another small island to a beautiful lagoon. Either way, the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) will be in view, serving as the backdrop to the cruise. After dropping anchor, enjoy a swim or snorkel and play in crystal clear turquoise waters while a freshly cooked Cretan/Spartan 3 course lunch is prepared with Greek specialties, local homemade ingredients, sauttéed vegetables, fresh salad, mama’s olives, goat cheese and fresh bread with wine and beer to refresh with dessert of fresh local yogurt with sweet fruits.
Following a relaxing meal sail back to the port as the sun starts to set, arriving back by around 5:30 PM. Even if you’ve never sailed before, have a go at taking control of the boat with expert supervision for a roughly 30 nautical mile trip.
Navigate Marathi and Loutraki’s calm waters on the northwest side of Chania. Get up on your paddle board and follow your guide to breathtaking coastal locations. Admire incredible rock formations, and enjoy the chance to swim in the refreshing crystal-clear water.
Suitable for anyone above the age of 15 years old, in this tour we teach the basic paddling techniques, how to turn, stop and stand up until our guests grow confident on their boards, while for the connoisseurs of SUP, we offer tips and tricks to advance their skills!
We then start our aquatic adventure within our small, wind-shielded bay, colouring our guests’ time with us, with the most vivid Greek blue.
This guided tour takes a route along the scenic waterfront of Marathi Bay, giving you 360° views of imposing rock formations, inviting you to dive into the transparent, bright sea and teach you all about the fascinating yet fragile Mediterranean ecosystem.
We often spot sea turtles, and we always see a variety of sea urchins, native as well as invasive fish.
In this 2 hours venture, full of surprise elements, you will have ample time to swim, sunbathe, talk, make new friends, take pictures and videos and just relax under the Cretan sun!
It is so easy! Let this innovative, fun and playful tour be the highlight of your vacations!
From Marathi, you can visit the beaches of Seitan Limania, Kalami, Kalyves, Almyrida, Kera and almost all the bay of Souda. We will of course give you a detailed briefing on where to go, which places to visit, where the best beaches are etc (and also where to be careful of rocks!) upon arrival (we will show you on a local map, there is also the same map on the boat). We will then also give you a detailed briefing on the boat and show you how everything works.
Koutalis, also known as Koutalas beach, is positioned 25km to the east of the metropolis of Chania, situated near Cape Drepano and approximately 1km north of Kokkino Chorio. The region is notable for its extraordinary caves, such as the Elephants’ Cave and Petsis Cave. Adjacent to Koutalis, Kokkino Chorio is recognized for the WWII cavernous shelters erected by the Germans on Drapanokefala hill to safeguard Souda Bay, its charming traditional residences, and a collection of wells for water collection. This location also served as a filming location for “Zorba the Greek.”
Being relatively secluded, Koutalis beach is a familiar starting point for local scuba divers exploring the nearby sea caves. The beach is nestled at the end of a rocky gorge and cradled within a narrow bay, characterized by its large, round pebbles and stones. It’s the perfect spot for fishing and solitude, but ensure to pack essentials like umbrellas, food and water. To reach this location, head north from Kokkino Chorio village towards Drepano Cape, then onto the road leading to Faros (Lighthouse). Roughly 700m further north, look for the sign to Koutalas. A manageable dirt path will lead you directly to the beach, which might well be totally deserted. A large cave can be found next to the beach.
Vraskos Beach
A hidden gem between Koutalis and Almirida is Vraskos beach. Similar to Koutalis, Vraskos is located at the end of a short narrow gorge, but no road leads directly to it. The sea bed is quite rocky with patches of sand.
Almyrida beach is a tranquil resort offering basic facilities along with a magnificent seafront. Almyrida is situated 23km east of Chania city and nestled on the southern edge of Souda Bay near Cape Drapanos. The surrounding pristine countryside and verdant olive groves provide perfect opportunities for hiking and exploration.
A short distance of just 1km to the east lies the scenic village of Plaka, the largest in the area, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and healthy climate. The coast stretching to Drapanos Cape is dotted with numerous sea caves, presenting a breathtaking natural spectacle. Plaka is also celebrated for its charming, narrow lanes and well-preserved, traditional houses.
Each July, the village hosts the Plakiana festival, a tribute to the renowned lyre musician Michael Papadakis, or Plakianos, showcasing the area’s rich cultural heritage. Among the unforgettable experiences here is the mesmerizing sunset, a truly memorable sight.
Declared a region of infinite beauty in 1977, Almyrida boasts two beautiful sandy beaches with shallow waters. On calm days, they’re safe for children to play in. These two beaches are separated by a small rocky peninsula featuring a quaint white chapel. Ideal for water sports and windsurfing, the area is also renowned for its seaside taverns serving fresh fish and delicious traditional Cretan cuisine. Regular bus and taxi services connect Almyrida and Plaka to Chania city.
Directly across from the beach is the small island of Karga, a haven for birdlife and a popular spot for excursions and fishing. The island still bears traces of ancient Phoenician walls and shelters constructed by the Germans during World War II.
Almyrida is thought to have been a Phoenician colony, hence the nearby location Finikia. Here, you can find ancient ruins and tombs. At the entrance to the village lie the remnants of a 6th-century triple-aisle Christian basilica with well-preserved mosaics. Almirida also played a role in Crete’s history as the site of the last battle against the Turks in 1896.
For those interested in sightseeing, just four kilometres east of Almirida is Kokkino Chorio or Red Village. A small village with intriguing fortifications built by the Germans during their occupation (1941-1945) to safeguard the military port of Souda. This was also a filming location for the famous movie “Zorba the Greek”. Today, it hosts a small factory producing handmade glass using traditional blowing techniques.
Situated approximately 20km east of the city of Chania, Kera beach can be found on the southern coastline of Souda Bay, near the scenic villages of Kalives and Plaka. This beach, adorned with soft sand and the occasional pebble, is nestled amidst a breathtaking landscape of towering cliffs. The sea at Kera is shallow and boasts crystal clear waters. Although it lacks organization, the surrounding area offers numerous choices for lodging and dining. Those preferring less crowded spots will find Kera an ideal choice. The beach offers a striking view of Karga island and features a unique elongated rock in the sea towards its west end. This rock, named Karavos (meaning ship) by the locals, resembles a boat.
Close to the beach is the 19th-century church of Panagia Kera (or Dame Virgin Mary), erected on the location of a former monastery. According to local legend, when pirates once tried to invade the area, the inhabitants sought divine intervention from the church of Panagia Kera. In response to their prayers, the Virgin Mary turned both the pirates and their boat to stone.
Ombros Gialos (or Omprosgialos) is located 26km east of Chania, on the east coast of Drapanokefala, near Kefalas and Paleloni villages. It is a rocky beach with blue deep water. There is a small harbour with a dock, from which swimmers usually dive in the crystal waters. Next to the harbour, there is only one tavern, very famous for its fish dishes. The coast is not well organized and is quite far from well-organized accommodation choices. The sea around Ombrosgialos is ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers.
Ombrosgialos can be accessed by car through the asphalt road that starts from Paleloni. Though, another way is to come here by private boat from any nearby port, such as Georgioupolis or Kalives.
Located at the farthest point of Akrotiri Cape lies the Diplochachalo Gorge. This gorge is situated near the village of Chordaki, en route to the renowned Stefanou or Seitan Limania beach. The gorge is a compact, breathtaking, and purely technical canyon featuring six descents, two of which are quite tall. It begins just beneath the quarry that stands out in the area. The gorge’s brief route, apart from the descents, forms dramatic rock shelters and formations with steep slopes. At the centre of the tallest waterfall, which stands at 38m, resides a beautiful cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, stretching around 20 meters deep. The gorge’s exit leads directly to the sandy shores of Stefanou Beach.
The Diktamos Canyon, nestled within the White Mountains, commences 21km to the east of Chania, near the Katochori village at an elevation of 300m. It concludes 8km further east, at the Faragi village, situated at a height of 40m and in close proximity to the Stylos village in the Apokoronas province. Consequently, it is also referred to as the Katechori Gorge or Stylos Gorge. The canyon’s stream serves as the primary tributary of the Kiliaris River, gathering water from the northern slopes of the Mavri peak and discharging it onto the Kalives beach.
Navigating through the canyon can be challenging, with certain areas requiring extra caution and approximately 3 hours to traverse. The canyon is a stunning, verdant landscape filled with towering trees and steep inclines, home to dittany or diktamos, a herb endemic to Crete. In Stylos, you have the opportunity to explore the ancient church of Apostle John (Agios Ioannis Theologos), refresh yourself at the local springs, and replenish your energy at the village’s taverns.
Avlaki Gorge is a 2 km hiking gorge in the Chania region of Crete, walked from Gouverneto Monastery down to Katholiko Bay about 16 km east of Chania city. The route rates 2 on a difficulty scale of 1 to 10, takes roughly 1 hour, drops 280 metres in altitude, and stays generally dry. Hikers reach the sea through a chain of caves, hermitages, and the abandoned Katholiko Monastery, which is why the canyon is also called Katholiko Gorge.
Avlaki Gorge is a short, steep monastic gorge that connects Gouverneto Monastery to the coast at Katholiko Bay. Avlaki Gorge sits in Arkoudovounia, a rugged pocket of the Akrotiri peninsula near Gouverneto Monastery, and it counts among Crete’s most significant canyons for its religious history. The secluded ravine gave refuge to numerous monks and hermits, who lived in its caves for centuries. The same gorge shelters the ancient, abandoned Katholiko Monastery, and that landmark gives the canyon its second name of Katholiko Gorge.
The gorge is not entirely accessible along its full length, so most visitors follow the marked trail rather than the raw riverbed. A signposted path from the monastery carries you on a scenic but steep descent toward Katholiko and the sea. The walk is dry underfoot in normal conditions, because Avlaki Gorge carries no permanent stream. You can preview other routes in the region on the wider Crete gorges guide.
Avlaki Gorge is an easy gorge to time but a steep one to walk. On a scale of 1 to 10, the route rates a difficulty level of 2, which suits reasonably fit walkers rather than technical canyoning. The one-way hike takes approximately 1 hour over its 2 km length, and it loses 280 metres of altitude between the monastery and the bay. The descent is the gentle part of the day; the same 280 metres must be climbed back on the return, so the uphill leg is where the effort concentrates.
Reach the trailhead by driving to Gouverneto Monastery, roughly 16 km east of Chania city on the Akrotiri peninsula. Follow these steps from Chania:
The monastery is the trailhead, so a hire car is the most direct way to reach it and to link Avlaki with other stops on Akrotiri. Renting a vehicle keeps the return climb on your own schedule rather than a tour timetable, which matters when you want to swim at the bay before heading back. Compare vehicles and pickup points through the Crete car rental directory.
The trail passes four monastic and coastal landmarks in sequence, each a short leg apart:
The bay guards one more curiosity worth the descent. A rock formation shaped like a boat stands near the water, and local legend calls it a pirate ship turned to stone by a monastery abbot’s curse. The deep blue water of the fjord makes the coastal finish a natural place to rest before the climb back.
Pack for a steep, dry, and shadeless walk with a coastal reward at the end. Sturdy shoes grip the rocky descent far better than sandals, and they protect ankles on the loose sections toward Katholiko. Water and sun protection matter because the gorge is dry and largely exposed, so carry enough for both legs of the hike. Swimwear is worth adding, since the deep blue fjord at Katholiko Bay invites a swim before the return climb.
What is Avlaki Gorge? Avlaki Gorge is a hiking gorge in the Chania region of Crete that runs from Gouverneto Monastery down to Katholiko Bay.
What type of gorge is Avlaki Gorge? Avlaki Gorge is a hiking gorge, walked on a marked trail rather than descended with ropes.
Is there water in Avlaki Gorge? Avlaki Gorge is generally dry, so the riverbed carries no permanent stream in normal conditions.
How can I access Avlaki Gorge? Access Avlaki Gorge on foot, following the marked trail that starts at Gouverneto Monastery.
How long is Avlaki Gorge? Avlaki Gorge is 2 km long from the monastery to the bay.
What is the difficulty level of Avlaki Gorge? On a scale of 1 to 10, Avlaki Gorge has a difficulty level of 2.
How many hours does it take to hike Avlaki Gorge? Hiking Avlaki Gorge takes approximately 1 hour one way.
What is the altitude difference in Avlaki Gorge? The altitude difference in Avlaki Gorge is 280 metres.
Where does Avlaki Gorge end? Avlaki Gorge ends at Katholiko Bay, a slender rocky fjord with deep blue water, a small Venetian well, and a tiny harbour once used by monks.
Several Chania canyons pair well with an Avlaki visit, each offering a different landscape and difficulty. Diplohahalo Gorge lies about 5.4 km away at the tip of Akrotiri, a technical route ending on the sands of Stefanou Beach. For a greener, car-accessible contrast further inland, the six-kilometre Therisso Gorge climbs toward the historic village of Therisso at the foot of the White Mountains.
Situated 13km west of Rethymno, Petres Gorge opens up at the Petres beach. It houses the longest river in Rethymnon province, which is replenished by multiple tributaries that gather the waters of Kollita Gorges from the west to Mount Vrysinas in the east, spanning almost half of Rethymnon Prefecture. The river flows throughout the year and forms a significant wetland of Crete, particularly near its mouth at Episkopi.
The gorge narrows down to a small section about 1km long, beginning near the village of Karoti. Despite its short length, it is definitely worth exploring. It is easily accessible and perfect for swimming in the ponds that form along its course. However, fences are installed to confine goats, so carrying a cutter might be useful in case the fences are locked. Certain areas with large rocks may require a bit of climbing and extra caution.
Kókino Horio village is situated in the Chania region.
Kókino Horio village has maintained its traditional architectural style with narrow roads, beautiful gates, and tiled roofs.
A group of cisterns built in a sloping field gather the rainwater, which is an interesting example of local architecture dealing with the permanent problem of lack of water.
There are three churches in Kókino Horio village, the main church being St Haralambos, and the churches of St George and St Catherine are used on Saints Days.
Kókino Horio village was the setting for the classic 1964 film, Zorba the Greek, which laid the foundations for the tourist wave that swept onto Crete’s sun-soaked beaches.
The interesting site located at the centre of Kókino Horio village is a cave called Katalimata.
The impressive underwater area located near Kókino Horio village is the Elephant cave, an area of 60mx60m full of stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes and colours.
The average temperature in Kokino Horio village ranges from 15°C to 30°C, depending on the season.
Kokino Horio village is located in the Apokoronas region of Crete, Greece.
The nearest airport to Kokino Horio village is Chania International Airport (CHQ), which is approximately 30 km away.
Some popular attractions in Kokino Horio village include the historic Venetian wells, the traditional stone houses, and the beautiful views of the Aegean Sea. Additionally, the village is located near several beaches, including Almyrida Beach and Kalyves Beach.
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