The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15th is one of the most significant holidays in the Greek Orthodox calendar, celebrating the “falling asleep” and Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Neapoli hosts the largest festival in the prefecture, attracting thousands of visitors and Cretan musicians.
Celebrations begin on August 14th with a cycle race and a long-distance run ending in Neapoli’s central square. After the evening church service, young men race up and down the steep mountainside to the Timios Stavros summit. The square transforms into a lively party with traditional singing, dancing, live music, and a market offering toys, icons, and clothing, continuing into the early hours.
On August 15th, a lengthy church service is followed by a grand procession of the Virgin Mary’s icon through the town, accompanied by priests, dignitaries, and the Neapoli Town Band. The festivities, combining religious, sporting, and cultural events, make this a unique and vibrant two-day celebration.
Offering free bikes and a garden, the stone Casa di Pietra are located in Neapolis. They feature fully equipped units with free WiFi access and mountain views. Elounda resort is a 15-minute drive away.
Fitted with a fireplace and parquet floor, all air-conditioned and tastefully decorated houses of Vintage come with 2 separate bedrooms. Each consists of a seating area with flat-screen TV and a kitchen with dining area and oven with hobs.
The property facilities include grocery deliveries. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling and hiking.
The popular Malia Village and Agios Nikolaos Town can be found a 15-minute drive away. This holiday home is 40 km from Heraklion International Airport.
Set in Nikithianós and within 12 km of Lake Voulismeni, Villa Sarichel features a terrace, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFithroughout the property. The property is around 38 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos, 13 km from Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) and 15 km from Agios Nikolaos Port. Rooms come with a patio with views of the mountain.
The units come with a microwave, toaster, a coffee machine, a hot tub, a hair dryer and a wardrobe. All rooms are equipped with a kettle, while selected rooms here will provide you with a kitchenette with an oven, a stovetop and kitchenware. At the guest house rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels.
Lixnostatis Folk Museum is 23 km from Villa Sarichel, while Aquaworld Aquarium is 25 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 46 km from the accommodation.
from
€63
/night
Set in Nikithianós, 12 km from Lake Voulismeni and 39 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos, Platipodi stone house offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. The property features garden views and is 14 km from Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) and 15 km from Agios Nikolaos Port.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Lixnostatis Folk Museum is 24 km from the holiday home, while Aquaworld Aquarium is 26 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 47 km from Platipodi stone house.
APIGANOS house, a property with a garden and a bar, is set in Khoumeriákos, 13 km from Lake Voulismeni, 40 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos, as well as 15 km from Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa). This property offers access to a balcony and free private parking.
With direct access to a terrace, this air-conditioned villa comes with 3 separate bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
Agios Nikolaos Port is 16 km from the villa, while Lixnostatis Folk Museum is 25 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 48 km from APIGANOS house.
from
€137
/night
The Traditional Strata is a music and dance event held by the Municipality of Chania on Tuesday evenings through the summer. The Traditional Strata gathers more than 1,500 dancers and musicians from over 20 traditional associations, from across Crete and other countries, who move through the narrow streets of Chania’s old town in traditional costume.
In 2026, the event runs on Tuesdays from June for several months, and August 11, 2026 is one of the listed dates. Each evening follows the same route through Chania Old Port and begins at 8:00 PM.
The Traditional Strata is a procession of music, dance, and song organized by the Municipality of Chania. The Traditional Strata represents the customs of Chania through costumes, instruments, and vocal performances from member associations, including groups from Crete and international regions.
The Strata takes place on Tuesday evenings from June for several months in 2026, and August 11, 2026 is one of the scheduled dates. The programme begins at 8:00 PM, so early evening is the time to arrive.
The procession follows one route through Chania Old Port each evening, in three stages. The main stages of the evening are listed below.
The harbour and squares of the old town fill with spectators on Strata evenings, and the surrounding tavernas make the event easy to combine with dinner. For more on the area and where to stay, see the guide to Chania.
The Traditional Strata is a traditional music and dance event organized by the Municipality of Chania. More than 1,500 performers from over 20 associations parade through the old town in costume.
The Strata runs on Tuesday evenings from June for several months in 2026, and August 11, 2026 is one of the listed dates. The evening programme starts at 8:00 PM.
The Strata takes place in Chania Old Port and the streets of the old town. It begins at the Neorio Moro Chania Sailing Club and ends at Cathedral Square by the Trimartiri Cathedral.
The Municipality of Chania organizes the Traditional Strata. Member associations from Crete and other countries take part.
More than 20 traditional associations take part, with over 1,500 dancers and musicians in total. The groups include performers from Crete and international regions.
Rethymno Rocks! #5 returns to Fortezza Castle from 27 to 30 August 2025 with four nights of live rock and metal. Fans created the festival for fans, bringing leading acts and diverse sounds to one of Greece’s main summer stages.
Tickets for Thursday, Friday and Saturday start at €20 (£17, $22) and are available online.
Chaniartoon – International Comic & Animation Festival was started in 2017.
Since then the festival has been embraced by locals and by people from around the world with short animation entries from all corners of the globe. The animation films are viewed at the open air cinema of the Municipal Garden.
Connect with thousands of Crete visitors and boost your bookings.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
