Korakias peak sanctuary

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Place description

Above the Atsipades village in St Basil province, Rethymno, you can find a series of small peaks, with the highest being Kouroupa. The Kouroupa mountain range extends from west to east, separating the villages in the Agios Vassilios valley from the coastal settlements and creating a distinct climate. Kouroupa’s boundaries are well-defined, with two long and majestic canyons, Kourtaliotis and Kotsifos, marking its edges. Beyond Kouroupa’s peak, there are several smaller yet equally stunning peaks.

One of the most beautiful and unique peaks is Korakias, located just above Atsipades. The name Korakias means “the place with crows.” From a distance, Korakias appears impressive and peaky, with steep cliffs on each side and only the south side being easily accessible. This imposing, fortress-like location was chosen by the ancient Minoans as a peak sanctuary. Korakias was identified as a peak sanctuary in 1985, and its discovery has been announced in academic journals on several occasions. In 1989, Dr. Alan Peatfield excavated this peak sanctuary on behalf of the British School at Athens, and numerous papers have been published since then. A few artifacts from Korakias can be viewed at the Archaeological Museum in Rethymnon.

Unfortunately, there are no signs explaining the area’s history or providing directions to the site. Korakias can be reached via a rough dirt road starting from Atsipades, but the numerous side-streets can make identifying the peak difficult. However, the view from the peak sanctuary is breathtaking and stretches for several kilometers.

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    Stays near Korakias peak sanctuary

    Find below the list of hotels near Korakias peak sanctuary:

    • 9.3 / 10
    • Atsipades village

    Set amidst a blossomed garden and covering an area of 800 sq.m., the stone-built Kefali Villa, eco tourism experience, By ThinkVillage is a villa situated in Atsipádhes. It features a private, outdoor pool, a hot tub and a furnished sun terrace. Free WiFi is provided throughout.

    Boasting views of the mountains, the traditionally decorated villa has 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a living room. Facilities include a dishwasher, a microwave, a flat-screen TV and a washing machine.

    Guests can relax at the sun loungers by the pool or use the BBQ facilities available in the garden and enjoy al fresco dining.

    Rethymno Town is 16 km from Kefali Villa, eco tourism experience, By ThinkVillage, while Georgioupolis is 36 km away. Preveli Beach lies within a 30-minute drive and Plakias Beach is a 20-minute drive away. Chania International Airport is 85 km from the property.Free private parking is available on site.

    from

    €336

    /night

      • 450 m
      • 10 / 10
      • Koxare Village

      Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a balcony, Olive Forest Villa is located in Koxaré. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.

      The villa is equipped with 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with streaming services and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, a microwave and a toaster. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.

      The villa offers a barbecue.

      Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 21 km from Olive Forest Villa, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 88 km from the accommodation.

        • 1.7 km
        • 9.7 / 10
        • Agkouseliana

        Boasting pool views, arismari cretan holiday home offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 20 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. This property offers a rooftop pool, free WiFi and free private parking.

        The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.

        The holiday home offers a picnic area. A an indoor play area is also available for guests at arismari cretan holiday home.

        Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 43 km from the accommodation, while Psiloritis National Park is 46 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 82 km from arismari cretan holiday home.

          • 2.1 km
          • 10 / 10
          • Koxare

          Surrounded by a 2.500-m² vineyard, Villa Aurora offers spacious accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen and a swimming pool with a separate children’s section. Located in the village of Koxare, it is 1 km away from Kourtalioti Gorge.

          Opening to 2 furnished terraces, the 3-level Aurora villa enjoys views over the pool, the mountains and the garden. On the ground floor, there is a living room with fireplace, on the first floor there is a second living room with dining area and the kitchen, while the bedrooms are on the second floor. Facilities include a TV, DVD player and dishwasher.

          The scenic town of Rethymno is 18 km away, while Plaka and the monastery of Preveli are at 15 km. Free WiFi throughout and free private parking are provided.

            • 2.2 km
            • 9.9 / 10
            • Επαρχιακή Οδός Ρέθυμνου-Αγίας Γαλήνης

            Boasting accommodation with a terrace, Breeze Holiday Home is situated in Koxaré. The accommodation is 19 km from the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and features free WiFithroughout the property.

            The apartment has 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.

            Psiloritis National Park is 41 km from the apartment, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 42 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 86 km from Breeze Holiday Home.

            from

            €59

            /night

              • 2.3 km
              • 9.3 / 10
              • Παλέ

              Located in Koxaré, 19 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and 41 km from Psiloritis National Park, Sun Moon Suite with Pool provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. This holiday home also has a private pool.

              The holiday home features 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.

              Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 42 km from the holiday home, while Municipal Garden is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 86 km from Sun Moon Suite with Pool.

              from

              €132

              /night

                • 2.3 km

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