Afroditi Suite

  • 9.8

Boasting garden views, Afroditi Suite features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 16 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna. The air-conditioned accommodation is 11 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.

The apartment has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with pool views.

At the apartment guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. In addition to a seasonal outdoor pool, Afroditi Suite also offers a kids pool.

Psiloritis National Park is 34 km from the accommodation, while Arkadi Monastery is 10 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 75 km from Afroditi Suite, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

Property Details

  • 1 room

Place Amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Airport shuttle
  • BBQ facilities
  • Family rooms
  • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
  • Kids' pool
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Parking
  • Shuttle service
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Sun umbrellas
  • Swimming pool
  • WiFi

Property Type

  • Apartments

Location

Λούτρα

User reviews

Other stays near Afroditi Suite

  • 40 m
  • Loutra Loutra Resort
  • 9.9
  • 100 m
  • 9.7
  • From
  • €99
  • per night
  • 330 m
  • 8.6
  • (287)

Things to do near Afroditi Suite

Find below list of things to do near Afroditi Suite:

  • Pigi, Rethymno

The wood oven is hot and waiting!
We will meet at the village of Pigi. A beautiful spacious garden will be the scenery for our cooking class. As we get to know each other you will have the chance to visit our vegetable and herbs garden or enjoy the swimming pool (bring your swimming suit!).

Now it’s time for you to cook!
As soon as you feel ready for work our host will dress you with your apron and will guide you through each of the recipes that you are going to learn. Home-made cheese, ntakos, tzatziki, staffed vegetables, greek salad and much more all cooked to local level perfection by you.

Enjoy your creations
After preparing all the dishes, lunch follows; we will use a traditional wood-fired oven for cooking our dishes and we will taste everything we have prepared outdoors, in an idyllic setting with a glass of raki and local wine. Let’s savor the wonderful Cretan flavors of traditional cuisine!

  • Adele, Crete

Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Crete as you embark on a gastronomic journey like no other. Learn from a passionate cook and proud native of a charming Cretan village.

Enter the cook’s home and discover the secrets of traditional Cretan cuisine using fresh products sourced from her family’s farm or local farmers. Learn in a charming atmosphere and cook in a traditional wood oven.

Enjoy a menu that can be adapted for our vegetarian friends or those with allergies. Experience the hospitality of a local home with a warm welcome with Greek coffee or herbal tea, homemade lemonade, ladokouloura, rolls made with olive oil, and loukoumakia.

Chat with the hose to get to know each other and learn the recipes with old traditional practices and cooked in a wood oven.

Try making starters like dakos (Cretan salad with tomato, cheese, olive oil, herbs), tzatziki (the famous Greek dip), and Greek salad. Learn to cook main dishes like gemista (stuffed vine leaves, zucchini flowers, tomatoes, zucchini, and pepper), and mousaka.

Indulge in a traditional dessert like Tyropitakia, traditional pies with homemade cheese, local honey, and cinnamon sprinkled, homemade ice cream, and seasonal fruit. Enjoy local wine and raki alongside your meal.

Experience genuine connections forged during the class and feel like part of the extended Cretan family, creating lasting memories and forging a deep appreciation for the traditions and flavors of this remarkable island.

  • Skaleta

For this excursion, you will be picked up from your hotel area by our airconditioned bus. The first
stop is at the Spili village. You will have a chance to see a 100% traditional village with its well know
lion-head fountains in the middle of the village. Walking along its cobbled streets you can explore
the tourist shops which are full of traditional Cretan products. The next stop is at Matala where you
will have 2,5 hour of free time to enjoy the golden sandy beach. Matala is not only known for its
beautiful beaches but also for its artificially carved caves that date all the way back to the Minoan
period. These same caves were later occupied by a hippy commune in the late 6 0’s and 7 0’s. Many
musicians have composed song about the beauty of Matala including Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens.
The next stop is at the amphitheatrically built village of Agia Galini. Here will have 1,5 hours to
explore the village. The small, traditional houses and the harbor make the perfect match for a
coffee οr lunch break. The bus will then take you back to your hotel ending this amazing excursion.

  • Monastery of Arkadi

After you will be picked off in the morning from your hotel in Rethymnon, this unique village tour begins from Arkadi. There you will visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, renowned for its pivotal role in the resistance against the Turks. You will learn a lot about local history from the icons and the weapons there.

After this enriching visit, you will enjoy a majestic route towards Eleutherna where you will stop to glaze the landscape and enjoy the view.

The next station will be the village of Margarites, in which you can learn about the art of pottery and create your own ceramic in their local pottery workshop. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this village and the ladies there will be more than happy to initiate you to the Cretan pottery art.

Afterwards, you will be heading to Melidoni cave, also called “Gerodospilios,” which is a historic cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. This 220-meter altitude cave was a place of worship for Talos the bronze giant guardian of Crete who protected the island of Crete from enemies. You will have an hour to explore the cave.

Before heading back to Rethymnon, you will stop at Axos Village, where you will have the chance to experience firsthand the production process of fresh cheese. Along with the local people you can take part in the milking process, witness the production of local cheese pies and cheese and of course taste the fresh traditional handmade snacks.

After the relaxed time for snacks and resting you are ready to depart and get dropped off at your hotel in Rethymnon, with a full experience of Crete’s history, art and flavors.

  • Monastery of Arkadi

Explore the northeastern part of Crete on a guided half-day trip from Rethymno. Encounter sights like the Fragma Potamon Dam as you soak up the local atmosphere.

Climb onboard the bus and start your trip by heading east to your first stop at iconic Melidoni Cave. Visit the fascinating site and perhaps enjoy a coffee (own expense) while admiring a magnificent view of the valley of Melidoni village.

Then, move south to Margarites village and make a stop at a pottery workshop. Have the opportunity to observe how traditional handmade pottery is made.

Next, move on to the famous Arkadi Monastery, where you have time for coffee or lunch (own expense). Finally, pause at a vantage point with a magnificent view at the well-known Fragma Potamon Dam for a photo stop. Return to your hotel in the early afternoon.

  • Monastery of Arkadi

Welcome to our Rethymno Sunset Tour, an opportunity for a magical and memorable trip! Discover the most beautiful panoramic views along paths running through hills and valleys. Cross picturesque villages and experience the natural wonders that Crete has to offer.

After we pick you up from your hotel, our first stop will be at the Venetian village of Pikris , where you will see the Cretan way of life and our hospitality.The village was built next to the river with its mythical nymphs. You will have the chance to see the amazing central gate of the villa Claudio. What makes it even more intriguing is the Latin inscription in letters: “Pateat bonis,” which translates to “the good man passes through.” This phrase hints at a place that values virtues and welcomes those of moral character.

Our next stop will be the Arkadi Monastery wich is one of the most important monasteries in Crete and holds great cultural and historical value.It is renowned for its stunning architecture, with a mix of Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences, making it a unique and captivating structure.(to enter the Monastery is optional and the entrance fee is 4 euro)

We continue through the changing scenery of wild flowers, herbs and local groves to reach the mountains at an altitude of around 1000m.Here you will have an amazing view point of the dam of Potamon. We stop to relax with a glass of wine whilst admiring the vivid colors of the sun sinking into the ocean!

Our last stop will be at Limnokastro where we will have a Cretan style evening meal at a local tavern by the river, where giant trees and a 1000 year old church will fascinate you! Here you will have the opportunity to try a selection of traditional local starters and main courses (vegetarian option available) and enjoy unlimited Cretan wine.

Don’t miss this unique experience and an unforgettable, epic Rethymno sunset tour!

Beaches near Afroditi Suite

Find below list of beaches near Afroditi Suite:

  • 3.3 km
Pigianos Kambos beaches is located 3.3 km away.

Pigianos Kambos, also known as Pigi beach, is situated 8km to the east of Rethymno, centrally positioned along Rethymno Bay’s extensive beach. The name, Pigianos Kambos, translates to “Plane of Pigi” from Greek, reflecting the fertile fields that belong to the inhabitants of the nearby Pigi village. Today, Pigianos Kambos serves as a coastal tourist destination, albeit less developed than its neighbor, Adelianos Kambos. The area boasts a variety of accommodations, from apartments and rooms to larger hotels, complemented by multiple dining, entertainment, and shopping options.

The beach in Pigianos Kambos offers a peaceful and quieter atmosphere compared to the other beaches in Rethymnon. Between Pigianos Kambos and Stavromenos, visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the numerous small, rocky coves. A unique feature of Pigianos Kambos is the opportunity to spot protected sea turtle nests, as these creatures choose this sandy beach to lay their eggs.

Regular bus services from the center of Rethymnon make Pigianos Kambos easily accessible.

  • Pigianos Kambos beaches
  • Rocks in places, Sand
  • Shallow
  • Blue
  • 3.9 km
Skaleta beaches is located 3.9 km away.

Commencing 11km east of Rethymno and extending 3km eastward is the Skaleta beachfront, marking the end of the expansive beach of the Bay of Rethymno. The first resort you encounter after Pighianos Kampos is Sfakaki, which is exceptionally well arranged.

Stavromenos beach is the next stop, just 1km away, named after the area’s synonymous settlement. The beaches here are predominantly sandy and meticulously organized, with spots featuring pebbles and tiny rocks. As you journey eastward, the sandy stretch narrows down and gradually fades until it vanishes at the end of the Rethymno Gulf.

Continuing another 1km, you will reach the final segment of the immense East Rethymnon beachfront, Skaleta. Like all beaches on the north coast, Skaleta beachfront is exposed to the winds and typically experiences waves. The surrounding area has seen considerable development in recent years, now abounding with large hotels and tourist facilities. Regular bus services are available from Rethymno to Sfakaki, Stavromenos, and Skaleta.

From May to September, summer nights bring an extraordinary sight as loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs in the Gulf’s sand. It’s not uncommon to see small areas of the beach cordoned off and inaccessible to visitors where nests have been spotted.

  • Skaleta beaches
  • Rocks in places, Sand
  • Shallow
  • Blue
  • 4.1 km
Adelianos Kambos beach is located 4.1 km away.

Adelianos Kambos, also known as Adele Beach, is a seaside suburb of Rethymnon situated 6km to the east on a flat plain. This area, previously used for vegetable cultivation by residents of the adjoining village Adele, has seen considerable development over the past century, becoming an integral part of Rethymnon city. Access to Adelianos Kambos is straightforward, with local buses running regularly from the city centre.

The extensive sandy stretch of Rethymnon Gulf beach begins at Adelianos Kambos and continues to Skaleta. The suburb offers a variety of accommodation options, from large hotels to smaller establishments, and plenty of choices for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The beach is well-equipped with amenities like umbrellas, lifeguards, changing rooms, showers and bars, making it a popular spot for beach sports and water activities. The sea here is typically shallow but can be wavy, a characteristic of all open beaches on the northern side of Crete. An interesting feature of this beach is the sea turtles that lay their eggs here, leading to the occasional sight of marked nests protected by ropes and signboards.

  • Adelianos Kambos beach
  • Sand
  • Shallow
  • Blue
  • 5.5 km
Platanes beach is located 5.5 km away.

The suburbs of Pervolia, Missiria, and Platanias, also known as Platanes, are situated 3-5km to the west of Rethymnon city. Initially, these were independent settlements that have now merged into the urban region of Rethymnon, as a result of the residential growth over the previous century.

A vast sandy beach extends in front of these suburbs, forming part of the extensive coastline of Rethymnon Bay. Originating near the Rethymno harbour, the beach stretches eastward for 13km until it reaches Skaleta. This well-maintained beach offers a wealth of options for food, drink, and accommodation.

Just like the rest of the lengthy coastline, this beach also serves as a nesting ground for the loggerhead sea turtle. These turtles are under the protection of the Greek State. Rethymno Bay is counted among the three most crucial nesting sites for this species in Greece, with more than 400 nests reported annually.

  • Platanes beach
  • Sand
  • Shallow
  • Blue

Gorges to hike near Afroditi Suite

Find below list of gorges near Afroditi Suite:

  • 5.5 km

The untamed Prassano gorge, also known as the Gorge of Prasses, is situated 10 km southeast of Rethymnon. It commences south of the Prasses village and provides a captivating three-hour hike through enormous rocks and some fairly challenging passages, adding to the intrigue of the trek. The Prasano Gorge, currently serving as the “overflow” channel for the Potami dam, winds its way through the rocky hills of Gargana, with its stream terminating in the suburb of Platania, east of the city of Rethymnon. The river is engulfed by lush vegetation and towering plane trees, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing excursion.

The Prassano gorge can only be accessed from mid-June to mid-October due to the water flow. It is a crucial biotope of Crete, providing a habitat for buzzards and a small group of Bonelli’s eagles.

The Prasses Village
Set amidst the verdant Cretan landscape on the slopes of Vrysinas, Prasses serves as an entrance to the southern coast. This medieval village showcases the intermingling of diverse cultures that have traversed Crete, evident in the Venetian mansions, Turkish farmsteads, and Orthodox churches. The rich natural and cultural diversity make the village an ideal location for tours and walks. Heading south from Prasses, the road leads to the Potami valley, home to the dam of the same name.

  • Prasses Gorge
  • 5.7 km

Arkadi Gorge is a moderate 4.5 km hike in the Rethymno region of Crete that starts just north of Arkadi Monastery and takes about 2 hours to walk. The route follows the eastern bank of a green, rocky ravine, ends near the village of Pikris where it meets the Gypofarago gorge, and pairs naturally with a visit to the historic monastery above it. There is no entrance fee and no facilities on the trail, so you carry your own water and food. This guide covers what the gorge is, how hard it is, how to reach the trailhead, what you see along the way, how to combine it with the monastery, and what to pack.

What Arkadi Gorge is

Arkadi Gorge is a river gorge in the Rethymno region of Crete, Greece, set just below and north of Arkadi Monastery. The gorge runs for approximately 4.5 kilometers and drains toward the north, where its trail finishes near Pikris village and joins the Gypofarago gorge. Walkers stay on the eastern banks for most of the route. Sections of the gorge bed are inaccessible because waterfalls and dense vegetation block the floor, so the path keeps to the higher eastern side rather than the streambed. This gives the hike its mix of shaded, wooded stretches and open, rocky ground. The setting carries both natural and cultural interest. You pass representative species of Cretan flora and can spot fossils in the exposed rock, and the wider area preserves significant Venetian architectural landmarks from Crete’s Venetian period.

How difficult the hike is and how long it takes

The Arkadi Gorge hike is rated moderate, with some steep and rocky sections that call for steady footing. Most walkers complete the roughly 4.5 km route in about 2 hours, moving at an unhurried pace and stopping to look around. Difficulty comes from terrain rather than distance. Steep, uneven, and rocky ground makes up the harder parts, while the wooded eastern-bank sections are gentler underfoot. Follow the marked path and stay out of the gorge bed, because waterfalls and thick vegetation make progress unsafe there. The best time to hike is spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. Spring brings green vegetation and flowering plants, and autumn offers cooler, settled conditions. Summer is walkable but hot, and the lack of shade in the open sections and the absence of any water source on the trail make heat the main concern.

Getting to the trailhead

Reach the Arkadi Gorge trailhead by driving to Arkadi Monastery first, as the gorge begins just to its north. The monastery sits in the Rethymno region and is the main orientation point for the whole area. A paved road serves the monastery, and that same road runs through a slim section of the gorge on the approach. You can see this narrow stretch from the car without hiking if you are short on time, since the roadway passes directly through it. To walk the full route, park near the monastery and pick up the marked trail heading north toward Pikris.

What you see along the trail

The main draw of Arkadi Gorge is its natural scenery, with impressive rock formations, varied plant life, and wildlife along the eastern bank. Steep rock walls, wooded slopes, and the seasonal watercourse give the ravine its character. Look for these features as you walk:
  • Rock formations and exposed cliffs shaped by the watercourse
  • Cretan flora, including native shrubs and flowering plants in spring
  • Fossils visible in the layered limestone
  • Waterfalls and dense vegetation deep in the inaccessible gorge bed
  • Wildlife and birds moving through the ravine
The variety is what makes the walk rewarding rather than any single landmark. Green, sheltered pockets alternate with open rocky ground, and the changing surface keeps the two hours interesting.

Combining the gorge with Arkadi Monastery

Arkadi Gorge and Arkadi Monastery sit together, so most visitors treat them as one half-day outing. The gorge begins at the monastery’s doorstep, which lets you tour the buildings and then walk the ravine on the same trip. The monastery rewards the stop on its own merits. Arkadi Monastery is one of the most historically significant monasteries in Crete and is best known for its role in the 1866 Cretan uprising against Ottoman rule. For opening details, photos, and the full history before you set out, the Arkadi Monastery guide covers the site in depth. Seeing the monastery first also gives useful context for the Venetian-era landmarks you notice along the gorge.

What to bring

Pack as if there is nothing on the trail, because Arkadi Gorge has no facilities of any kind. Bring your own food, water, and supplies, and plan to carry out everything you carry in. Bring the following essentials:
  • Water in sufficient quantity, since no springs or taps are available on the route
  • Food and snacks for the roughly 2-hour walk
  • Footwear with grip for the steep and rocky sections
  • Sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen for the open stretches
  • First-aid supplies for a trail without services
Good footwear matters most. The rocky, uneven ground is where careless steps cause trouble, so shoes with proper grip do more for your comfort and safety than any other item.

Other gorges near Arkadi Gorge

Arkadi Gorge sits within easy reach of several other Rethymno-area gorges, which makes it easy to plan more than one walk from the same base. Each lies a short drive away and offers a different landscape. Nearby gorges include:
  • Margarites Gorge, about 6.1 km away
  • Patsos Gorge, about 8.1 km away
  • Prasses Gorge, about 8.4 km away
  • Kaminolakkos Gorge, about 8.6 km away

Frequently asked questions

Where is Arkadi Gorge?

Arkadi Gorge is in the Rethymno region of Crete, Greece, near Arkadi Monastery. The gorge begins just north of the monastery and runs toward Pikris village.

How long is Arkadi Gorge?

Arkadi Gorge is approximately 4.5 kilometers long. The marked trail follows the eastern bank of the ravine from the monastery to where it meets the Gypofarago gorge.

How long does it take to hike Arkadi Gorge?

Hiking Arkadi Gorge takes about 2 hours. This covers the roughly 4.5 km route at a relaxed walking pace with stops.

How difficult is the Arkadi Gorge hike?

The Arkadi Gorge hike is moderate, with some steep and rocky sections. Sure footing helps on the uneven ground, and the wooded eastern-bank stretches are easier.

Is there an entrance fee for Arkadi Gorge?

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Arkadi Gorge. The trail is open and free to walk.

Are there facilities in Arkadi Gorge?

No, there are no facilities in Arkadi Gorge. Bring your own food, water, and supplies, because nothing is available on the trail.

When is the best time to visit Arkadi Gorge?

The best time to visit Arkadi Gorge is spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. Summer hiking is possible but hot, with no shade or water in the open sections.

Is it safe to hike Arkadi Gorge?

Yes, hiking Arkadi Gorge is generally safe. Follow the marked trails, take normal precautions, and stay out of the gorge bed, where waterfalls and dense vegetation make it impassable.

  • Arkadi Gorge
  • 7.4 km

In northern Rethymnon, beneath the village of Myrthios (not to be confused with the Myrthios near Plakias), a petite ravine teeming with plane trees gives way to a wild and untamed gorge at Kaminolakos. The gorge is typically dry, only filling with water after significant rainfall. It is accessible only with canyoneering gear. This gorge remained unexplored until March 22, 2013, when Christopher Cheiladakis, Argyro Koghylaki, and Rudolf Riegler ventured into it for the first time, installing safety rings in the process.

The initial stretch of the gorge is particularly wild, leading to a series of small rappels before reaching the final waterfall, a towering 55 meters high. This waterfall is nestled under an umbrella of large trees, hidden away in a shadowy enclave. The gorge culminates at the renowned stone bridge of Simas, which is situated on the road to Amari. This bridge, the highest in Crete, is considered an architectural marvel of its time.

  • Kaminolakkos Gorge
  • 7.5 km

Located near the town of Rethymno, Mili Gorge is an enchanting green oasis. It’s essentially a ravine that houses a vast array of plants and trees, forming a genuine botanical garden. The gorge gathers water from the northern slopes of Mount Vrysinas, beginning north of the Chromonastiri village and south of the Xero Chorio settlement. In recent times, it has become a popular spot for hikers who enjoy the pleasant trail that spans the entire valley.

Within the heart of the canyon lies the abandoned village of Mili, named after the water mills that were once situated in the gorge. The village is split into two areas, Ano Mili (Upper mills) and Kato Mili (Lower mills). The majority of villagers were millers, with nearly all the cereals from the region and surrounding villages being milled at Mili.

Nowadays, only one renovated watermill remains in good condition for visitors to understand its operation. Besides the numerous mills, the area is home to gardens filled with fruit trees and vegetables. Water continuously flows from the springs scattered throughout the canyon, with the largest springs being Saint Anthony and Five Virgins. The water along its course forms small waterfalls and lakes, perfect for a refreshing dip under the shade of towering plane trees.

The village of Mili was deserted in 1972 due to fear of landslides, with some mills being renovated into residences and a cafe-restaurant for guests. The villagers moved and built the village Nei Mili (new mills) high above the gorge on the west. The gorge also boasts a significant number of striking churches, including the cavernous church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios) and the cavernous church of Saint John (Agios Ioannis), as well as the cemetery church of the Holy Five Virgins (Pente Parthenes).

Further along Kato Mili, you’ll encounter the cavernous chapels of Saint Paraskevi (Agia Paraskevi) and Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos).

  • Myli Gorge

© All rights reserved. Crete Locals