The family-run Anna Studio is located in Ammoudara of Heraklion, just 70 metres from the sandy beach and within a short walk from restaurants and shops. It offers self-catering accommodation with free Wi-Fi and a private balcony.
The simply decorated studios and apartments of Anna have a kitchenette with dining area. Featuring a private bathroom with shower, each unit is equipped with a fridge, cooking hobs and a TV. Some units offer views over the Cretan Sea.
Heraklion City and Port are 7 km away from Anna Studio, while Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is at 11 km. The famous archaeological site of Knossos is at 10 km, while Archanes Town is 22 km away. Free private parking can be found on site.
Milou Str. & Parodos Patmou 5
Find below list of things to do near Anna Studio:
Explore Heraklion city at your own pace using a hop-on hop-off bus. Enjoy a combo ticket good for 48hours and for 2 different bus lines. See famous attractions, visit the beach of Ammoudara and the Knossos archaeological site. Take your chance to see it all with one combo ticket.
Discover the Cretan civilization, history, and architecture and learn all about the old and modern city of Heraklion. Enjoy onboard commentary in 8 different languages explaining important details and facts.
On the first route, embark on a 12 stop line that tours Heraklion city over one hour. Get off and on when you please and appreciate hours from 830am until 530pm every day. The second route provides a 6 stop line that leads to Ammoudara beach.
An incredible day with a team of professionals will be filled with extremes and entertainment!
A day that will leave the best and warmest memories of Crete will start early in the morning. A transfer from the hotel will pick you up and take you to the team meeting point.
If you have a driver’s license, you will be able to drive a jeep by yourself and experience extreme driving on off roads. However, if you do not have a driver’s license or you just want to relax, we will provide you with a driver.
After meeting your guide and a brief briefing on the day’s plan, you will set off on an unforgettable journey.
The first location you will be able to enjoy will be Aposelemis Dam. A place of incredible beauty, where you definitely won’t be able to resist taking a couple of incredible photos.
Continuing along the serpentines and admiring the mountain scenery, you will reach the traditional village of Askoi, where you can taste some traditional delicious or simply enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee.
At the middle of the day, an unforgettable BBQ awaits you near the church of Agia Anna, where you can eat deliciously, relax, catch your breath and regain your strength.
On the way home, you will see an extremely beautiful landscape combining sea and mountains.
Embark on a full-day guided trip to northeastern Crete and take a boat trip to Spinalonga Island. Visit Agios Nikolaos with its famous lake, and explore the picturesque village of Elounda.
Begin the day with the visit to Agios Nikolaos, and see the shore of Mirabello Bay. Explore the town, famous for the lake at its center and its shopping and cafes.
Take your time for a walk to enjoy the views, enjoy some shopping or have a drink in one of the numerous cafes around the lake. Explore an open-air market on Wednesdays.
Move on to see Elounda village, a former fishing village on the northern coast of the island. Depart from Elounda for the cruise to Spinalonga Island.
Learn about the island’s vibrant history, from a home for the Venetians and Turks to a place of isolation for those suffering from leprosy.
Experience the island, more popular after the 2005 historical novel “The Island” about how lepers lived in Spinalonga.
Join the hundreds of people who come to the island every day to visit and learn its history.
My name is Maria and I am a professional dancer in Cretan and Greek Dances. I am also the leader of the dancing group of Arolithos Village and the dancing teacher for kids and adults of the local cultural association of the area where I live.
I am a very good friend of Michalis who is the main host of this experience and one of the owners of Arolithos Village. I collaborate with him because he loves to dance and culture as I do. Very often Evi one of the best Cretan dancers in the area of Tilissos also helps me to realize the dancing lessons.
As a professional teacher of dances, dressed in traditional uniform, I will show you the first steps of popular dances of Crete and Greece. Sousta, Zorba the Greek, and much more.
We will have also the chance to do a tour of Arolithos Village and show you shortly the Museum, the old houses and the rest of the village.
You will enjoy a welcome drink on the terrace with the panoramic view.
In the end, I will offer you a copy of a CD with Greek and Cretan music and your dancing certificate.
It is a big honor for me to be your host and I or Evi will do my best for you to have a memorable experience of Cretan amusement and culture.
In your own free time Arolithos village you may have lunch and relax after such a creative experience in the tavern and the swimming pool.
Niki Lyroni will welcome you to Arolithos Traditional Cretan Village. Niki started her artistic activity many years ago. Niki is a very pleasant person- a friend of my family who will give all her attention to you and she will help you learn about her art even if you are not familiar with it. After a short tour of the Museum of the Village and a quick treatment at our Taverna Delfys, you will finish by visiting her workshop.
The workshop of Niki is full of pieces of art from small to very big decorative objects.
She will treat you to Greek coffee & water as we use to do with any friend.
She will initiate you to several techniques and she will explain to you in detail the differences between each one. Mosaic is a very ancient art used for the purpose of artists to decorate public monuments or their own houses.
Then you will use her own tools to cut the little stones. At this point, you have to be very careful not to cut your fingers or your nails as the process demands a bit of force from you. The little pieces you create you will put them carefully with her own instructions. Step by step, you will see your own mosaic to be created. You do not have to be skillful. Then you have to wait for half an hour for the object to dry and finally, you will keep it as a souvenir. In your own free time at Arolithos village, you may have lunch and relax after such a creative experience in the tavern and the swimming pool.
Embark on a delectable journey through the culinary delights of Heraklion with our Ecobike Food Tour Tasting. Indulge in a gastronomic adventure as you explore the city’s hidden food gems, savor authentic flavors, and learn about the rich culinary heritage of Crete. Join us for a unique and delicious experience that will leave you craving for more.
During this food tour, you’ll hop on our comfortable and eco-friendly ecobikes, allowing you to effortlessly navigate the streets of Heraklion. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll venture off the beaten path to discover the city’s best-kept culinary secrets. From charming local markets to tucked-away tavernas, you’ll sample a variety of traditional dishes and local delicacies, carefully selected to showcase the vibrant flavors of Crete.
Throughout the tour, our expert guide will share fascinating stories and insights into the Cretan cuisine, its history, and the cultural significance of the ingredients. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with local vendors, meet passionate chefs, and gain a deeper appreciation for the culinary traditions that have shaped the island’s gastronomy.
As the tour comes to an end, you’ll be dropped off at our office, allowing you to continue exploring the city’s attractions and landmarks. Whether you choose to wander through the charming streets, visit historical sites, or relax at a local café, you’ll be left with unforgettable memories and a satisfied palate.
Join us on the Ecobike Food Tour Tasting and immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Crete. This culinary adventure promises a unique blend of cultural exploration, delicious food, and a memorable experience that will satisfy your appetite for discovery.
Find below list of beaches near Anna Studio:
Situated 8km west of Heraklion city, Linoperamata, also known as Ellinoperamata, is a scenic sandy beach stretching up to 7km long, beginning from Linoperamata and culminating at the Pancretan Stadium, 1km west of Heraklion. The beach is uniquely bordered by the Almiros river in the west.
The locals do not frequent Linoperamata as much due to the presence of a local Power Station and heavy industries in its western region. Nevertheless, the beach boasts of clean water and a serene atmosphere. Unlike the highly organized beaches in the neighboring Ammoudara, Linoperamata has a more natural appeal, although there are a few hotels in the vicinity.
Open to the northern winds, the beach is often wavy, making it a favorite among windsurfers. Getting to Linoperamata from Heraklion is convenient via the city’s bus service.
Ammoudara is a 7 km organized sandy beach that begins about 1 km west of Heraklion’s centre and runs west toward the mouth of the Almiros river. Ammoudara pairs long stretches of fine brown sand and shallow blue water with sunbeds, beach bars and water sports, so it suits both a busy family beach day and a quiet swim near the dunes. The beach starts at the Giofyros river mouth by the Pancretan Stadium, and a low rock strip about 50 m inland marks where the ancient shoreline once stood.
Ammoudara is one of the longest beaches in the Heraklion area, which is why it can feel busy and lively in one stretch and almost empty in the next. The sand is fine and brownish, the water is blue and shallow close to shore, and the sea often turns choppy when the wind picks up. Now effectively a suburb of Heraklion, the beach draws thousands of visitors each summer because it is close to the city yet still has open sand and dunes at its western end.
The organized sections of Ammoudara offer sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, lifeguards, showers and changing rooms, and several stretches carry a Blue Flag for water quality and safety. Because the beach is exposed to steady north winds, it is a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and local schools rent equipment and give lessons. Visitors also find jet ski hire, parasailing, and snorkeling or diving and boat trips along the coast. Tavernas, cafes and beach bars line much of the front, so food, coffee and evening drinks are within a short walk of the sand.
For a calmer swim, head to the western part of the beach, which runs from the Pancretan Stadium toward the Xeropotamos wetland and its dunes. The river mouths of the Almiros and Gazanos, together with the Ellinoperamata area, stay quiet because they are protected natural spots rather than organized plazas. Just inland lies the Almiros spring, the largest water source in Crete, which feeds the most extensive wetland habitat in the area. Walkers can follow the easy Almiros gorge or climb Stroumboulas, the volcano-like mountain that rises over Heraklion, and from the western end the coastline continues toward Ellinoperamata beach.
Take Heraklion city bus line 6 from the centre, or drive the coastal road west, to reach Ammoudara in a few minutes. Heraklion International Airport sits about 9 km east, so a taxi or transfer from arrivals is short. Parking is available on the side streets near the beach, though it fills up on peak summer days. Renting a car is the simplest way to reach both the organized front and the quieter western spots, which you can arrange through Crete Locals car rental.
Ammoudara beach is on the north coast of Crete, starting about 1 km west of Heraklion’s centre and running roughly 7 km west toward the Almiros river. It lies in the Gazi area of the Malevizi municipal unit, so the city and the beach almost merge.
Take Heraklion city bus line 6 from the centre, or drive the coastal road west. Heraklion International Airport is about 9 km away, a short taxi or transfer ride to the beach.
Yes, the shallow, gently shelving water near the shore suits families with children. Lifeguards, showers, changing rooms and beach bars along the organized sections add to the convenience for a day out with kids.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are the signature activities, thanks to the beach’s steady north winds. Jet ski hire, parasailing, and snorkeling or diving and boat trips are also offered along the coast.
Yes, several organized stretches of Ammoudara carry a Blue Flag for water quality and safety. The water is generally clean and blue, and it is shallow near the shore.
Ammoudara has fine, brownish sand along its full length. A low rock strip about 50 m inland marks the ancient shoreline behind the modern beach.
Yes, Ammoudara is known for steady winds and can get wavy, which makes it a favourite for windsurfers and kitesurfers. On calmer days the same open water is fine for swimming.
The best time to visit is summer, from June to September, when the sea is warm and the organized beach is in full swing. For fewer crowds, choose late spring or early autumn, or use the quieter western end near the wetland and dunes.
Yes, you can park on the side streets near the beach, and some hotels offer parking. Spaces fill up quickly on peak summer days, so arriving early helps.
Nearby you can visit the Palace of Knossos, Heraklion’s old town and Venetian walls, and the Cretaquarium. Closer to the beach, the Almiros gorge gives an easy walk and Stroumboulas mountain offers a longer hike.
No, this Ammoudara is the long organized beach west of Heraklion, not the smaller Ammoudara beach near Agios Nikolaos in Lasithi. The two beaches share a name but sit at opposite ends of the north coast.
Pantanassa, situated 12km west of Heraklion, is named after the Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The beach lies adjacent to the quaint port of Pantanassa. Prior to the establishment of the port, Pantanassa boasted an enchanting beach, concealed by a small pine forest and possessing crystal-clear waters. Now, the beach has been divided by the port, causing Pantanasa beach to lose some of its former allure. Nonetheless, it still retains its beauty, featuring pebbles and clear waters.
The beach offers amenities such as umbrellas and sunbeds, and some pine trees still grace the nearby cliffs. A pathway from the port allows for easy access. If hunger strikes, there are eateries in the port of Pantanassa and nearby areas. Visitors can combine their beach visit with a trip to the Pantanassa Monastery, perched atop the pine-covered hill above the beach. Built in the mid-20th century, it was envisioned to serve as a charity monastery, but the founder, Nikolaos Xenos, passed away before realizing his dream. Today, the monastery functions as a nunnery.
The Lefkadia area lies to the west of Pantanassa beach. Here, two secluded bays, largely unknown to most Heraklion residents, provide an ideal spot for relaxation. Recently, a beach bar was established and a trail leading to the beach was opened. Helidoni beach, featuring sandy and pebbly areas with a predominantly rocky seabed, is perfect for snorkeling. The western view is captivating, with the ruins of the old Paliokastro castle visible. Visitors can park in the nearby small pine grove and hike up to the castle.
Contrary to the prevailing belief that Crete’s scenic beaches are situated in remote areas far from major cities, those familiar with the island know that hidden gems are scattered across every corner. One such paradise is the Helidoni (Swallow) beach, just a stone’s throw from the historical Paliokastro fort in Rogdia near Heraklion. This haven is just a five-minute drive from the outskirts of Heraklion.
The beach known as Helidoni or Porto Helidoni is situated just south of Paliokastro and is nestled beneath the highway. A staircase with wooden steps descends to the sea level. The beach stands out for its cleanliness and the crystal-clear water that brings to mind the best beaches of southern Crete. The beach is oriented towards the east and, as a result, is typically calm, much like other beaches stretching from Ellinoperamata to Frankia. It is a quaint beach with a blend of fine pebbles and sand in certain spots. The seabed is quite rocky, making it perfect for snorkelling. There’s also a small canteen on the beach. Its name, Helidoni, is derived from the swarms of swallows that flock to this area annually.
Just a few meters east of the main Helidoni beach, another small sandy beach can be found, surrounded by picturesque rocks. This beach can only be reached by traversing the rocky coastline from Helidoni, lending it a tranquil atmosphere. There are stairs leading to the beach, but they pass through private properties, making them inaccessible to visitors.
Find below list of gorges near Anna Studio:
Almyros Gorge, situated in Ellinoperamata, is the closest canyon to the west of Heraklion city. The gorge, a small oasis near the bustling city, is formed between Keri hills and the post-Minoan town of Kastrokefala. It serves as a crucial habitat, primarily due to the largest holly wood (Phillirea media) in Crete located on its eastern side. Other species like platan trees, carob, and wild olive trees also thrive here despite overgrazing.
The gorge has various names, such as Keri Gorge, named after the adjacent hill, or Almiros, due to its closeness to the Almiros river. It’s also called Ellinoperamata, the area where the gorge terminates. Frequently termed Porofarago, a common name for Cretan gorges, it’s also known as the Three Churches, in honor of the three chapels — Santa Marina, St. Antonios, and St. Paraskevi. Its commencement point near the Strouboulas peak gives it the Strouboulas name, while stories of Satanist assemblies and ghost sightings have resulted in its spooky moniker, the Ghosts’ Gorge.
Despite its proximity to Heraklion, few people have ventured here. Cars can reach the location where the 14th-century monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis (Saint John inside the Gorge), dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, was constructed near the canyon exit. The surviving chapel of Saint Marina was used as a cemetery, while the main temple was the present two-aisled chapel of Saint Anthony and Saint Paraskevi with significant frescoes. A little further, a shrine dedicated to Saint George can be found, and after nearly 1:30 hours of walking, the chapel of Lord Christ at the gorge’s starting point is reached.
The trail is lined with various trees, and the vegetation thickens as one ascends. Initially, the gorge is typically dry but transitions into a small stream during spring. While ascending, one can encounter three small waterfalls, which form at a site with a pinkish limestone hue after prolonged, heavy rainfall.
Almiros Gorge is a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers. To reach this wild beauty, navigate towards the equally breathtaking Lake of Almiros. Located just a short distance from the path leading to the gorge, this lake is a wonder in itself. The lake’s crystal-clear water, flowing directly from the spring-fed mountain cliffs, offers an extraordinary view all the way to its bed.
A petite gorge forms to the west of the Rogdia village and opens up at the Paliokastro area. The journey begins from the ancient Koukos watermill, situated on the primary road linking Rogdia to Achlada, and takes you down to its most striking feature, the 10-meter tall Rechtra waterfall, which can be accessed through a relatively steep descent with ropes. As you traverse down the gorge, you’ll encounter several small waterfalls, the cave-like chapel of Panagia Spiliotissa, and finally arrive at the Paliokastro beach.
One of the most astounding sights is a cave situated right in the heart of the gorge, which has been converted into a studio for creating Christian icons by a hagiographer, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It is highly recommended to stop by this unique site, engage in conversation with the artist, admire the icons, and perhaps purchase a few.
You can also conveniently reach the fall by trekking up the gorge from Paliokastro.
Just a stone’s throw away from Heraklion city, near the Agios Panteleimonas Monastery in Fodele, you’ll find the Santorinios canyon. This canyon carries water from the Marathos village and the western slopes of Platani to the Fodelianos river. Although the canyon is relatively short, it remains unexplored due to the challenging access caused by thick vegetation and numerous ponds. Trekking through the riverbed, despite getting wet, simplifies the journey but calls for a change of footwear. The canyon’s name originates from the soil’s resemblance to that of Santorini Island, which was previously used in Crete’s construction.
Upon entering the gorge, you’ll encounter the ruins of a two-room watermill, its walls still standing tall, supported by an ivy branch woven into them. After some time, you’ll reach the first pond, Azilakokolymbos, which appears to be the path’s endpoint. However, if you manage to bypass the lake by either swimming or rock climbing, there’s more to discover. After overcoming this hurdle, the journey continues smoothly until you reach a majestic waterfall that forms a stunning pond at its base.
The adventure intensifies from this point. To proceed, you’ll need to scale the right side of the waterfall, approximately 15 meters, to reach the hilltop. To access the waterfall’s edge from here, a rope is necessary due to the steep and slippery terrain. As you continue up the canyon, you’ll be greeted by two awe-inspiring twin waterfalls.
The Astrakiano and Kounaviano canyons are two verdant gorges that converge near Skalani village and empty out onto Karteros beach. The combined length of these canyons is roughly 21 km. Situated to the east of Heraklion city, these gorges are part of the broader Mount Jiouktas area. They offer easy walking trails, making them perfect for families and children.
The longer of the two, Astrakiano, begins at the Paliarda location in Kolomodi and extends to the area beneath the deserted Kato Astraki village, after crossing the picturesque Astrakiani Kamara bridge. From Kato Astraki, a brief trail leads to the Neraidospilios site, known for its stunning pond and gushing water caves.
The path along the Karteros river commences from this point, offering a lush green trail equipped with wooden bridges and railings. After crossing the Aitania bridge at Kaki Rachi, we reach Kali Rachi where the Astrakiano and Kounaviano Gorges, originating from Peza, merge. From Kali Rachi, the river continues to Karteros along a well-structured path. This section, known as Karteros Gorge, passes by ancient water mills and the historic Saint Nicholas Church (Agios Nikolaos). Near the Karteros gorge exit, at the Mesa Karteros spot, you’ll find an old inn and a second chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas. This location, accessible by car from Karteros, is an ideal picnic spot.
The Astrakiano canyon (Astraki – Kali Rachi) measures about 7km, with a hiking duration of 3-4 hours. The Kounaviano Gorge (Peza- Kali Rachi) is roughly 4km long, requiring about 2 hours for trekking. The shared section of the Karteros gorge (up to the second Saint Nicholas chapel (Kali Rachi – Mesa Karteros)) is approximately 6km.
The canyons’ route is abundant in natural, morphological, aesthetic, historical, and cultural aspects. The landscape boasts exceptional natural beauty, featuring springs, ponds, rivers, mini waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Prior to World War II, the canyon housed 10 watermills, and locals would fish for eels and crabs, some of which still exist today.
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