Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a patio, Antigoni Villa, a back-to-nature sanctuary, By ThinkVilla is located in Elefterna. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa is equipped with 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa offers a barbecue. A car rental service is available at Antigoni Villa, a back-to-nature sanctuary, By ThinkVilla, while snorkelling and walking tours can be enjoyed nearby.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 2.3 km from the accommodation, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 27 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 69 km from Antigoni Villa, a back-to-nature sanctuary, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Ελεύθερνα
Find below list of things to do near Antigoni Villa, a back-to-nature sanctuary, By ThinkVilla:
Arkadi Monastery (in Greek Moní Arkadíou) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery, situated near Rethymno. It is one of the most historic monasteries on Crete.
What’s Included:
Experienced guide, use of bicycle, helmet, reflective orange vest, bottle of water, break for discussion and soft drink in a village during the tour.
Departure & Return:
Sofokli Venizelou 4, Rethymno 741 00, Greece
You will enjoy the beautiful view and you will be enchanted of the wonderful green landscape.
Additional Info:
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Check the prices and make your reservation from our booking system in our website.
All protection measures are taken by COVID 19. Helmets and reflective vests are sterilized by a special machine at 120o C.
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.
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.
Discover the long kept secrets of wine and olives and Cretan tastes as you travel through Cretan villages in a semi private group of 6-8 persons in each vehicle.
Our day safari in the secrets of the Cretan tastes and culture begins with a visit to Klados winery in Panormos. There we will be welcomed by the owner of the winery for a wine tour and a mouthwatering wine tasting experience unraveling the secrets of high longevity in Crete. Continuing our day we follow the north coastline through traditional villages of Sisses, Aloides in the heart of Cretan mountains admiring the unique view of Psiloritis and Mylopotamos area will inspire you to take pictures, combining the highest mountain top of Crete with the beautiful valley until we reach the historic Vosakos Monastery, that used to be a refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars. Afterwards our amazing route continues with panoramic views that will take your breath away and If we are lucky, we will get to marvel up close some wild eagles and goats and take some photos. Driving through picturesque villages of Doxaro, Apladiana, Agia nestled amongst lush vegetation we will have plenty of opportunities to take photos of picturesque chapels, sheep, goats, sprawling vineyards and gorgeous olive groves. An asphalt route will lead us to a traditional and modern olive mill in Melidoni village in Rethymnon. There you will have the chance to be guided in three different olive oil factories (ancient handmade production, by the help of diesel engines and modern production with centrifuge) learn everything about the olives harvesting, olive oil production and taste some local olive oil.
Working up our appetite we arrive at a small village tavern in Melidoni, where we will introduce you to the Cretan cuisine with plenty of Cretan delicacies and let you feel the very essence of the renowned Cretan hospitality. On the way back we will follow an easy asphalt route through the national road before we reach back into Rethymnon town.
A unique wine and olive escape, an exciting adventure to embrace the renowned Greek hospitality, enjoy the sights and professional and relaxed service!!!
Combine some of the most unique panoramic views, visit a honey factory and taste, drive through traditional Cretan villages and find out all about the lifestyle of a Cretan shepherd by exploring an original shepherd’s hut called ‘’Mitato’’ with a small group of 6-8 people in each vehicle. Learn about the history and the traditions of the Island, meet the locals, explore the wildlife of Crete, embrace the renowned Cretan hospitality and taste the delicious Cretan cheese and cuisine.
Our day starts from Rethymnon city heading south east through coast line road until Melidoni Village and Apithano Honey factory where we make our first stop for a guided tour in the factoiry and tast some honey. After our morning stop and driving through the traditional villages of Milopotamos (Melidoni, Apladiana, Doxaro, Agridia Tsaxiana) and areas with dense vegetation, fresh aromas and unique views. The amazing route and views continue until we reach the historic Halepa Monastery, that used to be a refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars where we make our second stop. The unique view from the monastery will inspire you to take pictures, combining the highest mountain tops of Crete with the beautiful valley.
Afterwards our amazing off-road route continues and on the way up to the shepherd’s hut called “Mitato” the panoramic views will take your breath away. If we are lucky, we will get to marvel up close some wild eagles and goats and take some photos. The road will lead us up to a traditional Shepherd’s hut where you will find out all about the lifestyle of a shepherd and the cheese making process.
Leaving the shepherd’s hut and already working up our appetite we will soon arrive at a traditional Cretan tavern in Axos village, where we are going to introduce you to Cretan cuisine and heartfelt hospitality with plenty of local platters. Enough time will be provided after lunch for those who wish to enjoy a cup of coffee. On our way back we will follow an asphalt road that will lead us to the city of Rethymnon.
Embark on semi private safari tour for up to 6 or 8 persons per vehicle
Find below list of beaches near Antigoni Villa, a back-to-nature sanctuary, By ThinkVilla:
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.
Geropotamos beach is a small sandy beach at the mouth of the Geropotamos river, about 18 kilometres east of Rethymno and 3 kilometres west of Panormo, beneath the Heraklion to Rethymno highway bridge on the north coast of Crete. Geropotamos beach stays quiet and uncrowded, and its water is clear but cold and deep, so the open, north-facing shore suits confident swimmers more than young children.
Geropotamos beach lies on the north coast of Crete, about 18 kilometres east of Rethymno and 3 kilometres west of Panormo, in the Mylopotamos province. The beach sits right below the Geropotamos bridge, which carries the main Heraklion to Rethymno highway across the river mouth, so you can see it from the road as you drive by. The nearest village is Panormo, a fishing village with more hotels and tavernas about 3 kilometres to the east.
Geropotamos beach takes its name from the Geropotamos river, which flows all year and meets the sea at the eastern end of the sand. The river gathers water from the north side of the Psiloritis massif and joins the Mylopotamos before it reaches the coast, forming a small lake near the shore. The shore itself is mainly sand, with some pebbles in places, and the water is clear. The water stays cold because the river feeds the sea here, and it deepens quickly a short way out from the sand.
Swimming at Geropotamos beach rewards strong swimmers more than families with young children. The water is clear and cool, but it gets deep only a few steps from the shore, and the north wind, the meltemi, often turns the sea wavy. Keep young children close to the edge, and bring water shoes for the pebbles. Stay clear of the rocks at both ends of the beach, because the western side carries a risk of landslides. On calm, windless days the clear water is good for snorkelling, and you can swim west along the coast towards the Kamara rock arch.
Geropotamos beach is minimally organised, with a few umbrellas and sunbeds and a canteen near the sand. The canteen serves refreshments, coffee, water and simple food, and most of the beach stays open and quiet even in summer. There are no organised water sports, so the main activities are swimming and snorkelling. Several hotels, apartments and tavernas stand nearby, and Panormo is about 3 kilometres away.
Two natural landmarks frame Geropotamos beach: the Kamara rock arch to the west and Lianos Cape to the east. The Kamara arch stands a few metres west of the beach, above a small cove of sand and pebbles with clear blue water and vertical cliffs that give shade. This cove is reached by boat or seen from the cliffs above, and the north wind sends waves almost across it on rough days. Lianos Cape, in the Lavris area at the eastern end, is a rocky headland with a luxury hotel and small artificial coves protected by piers. A footpath starts near Geropotamos beach and leads east to these coves, and it stays open to walkers who are not hotel guests.
The Geropotamos wetland and Lianos Cape belong to the European Natura 2000 network. This protected area shelters reptiles, birds, turtles, amphibians, mammals and plants, some of them rare or found only in Crete. West of the beach, sea caves in the cliffs are home to the rare Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus.
Reach Geropotamos beach from the main Heraklion to Rethymno highway, which crosses the river on the Geropotamos bridge. Turn off at the western end of the bridge, then follow a short dirt road down to the car park beside the beach. Ask the KTEL or the Rethymno to Panormo number 20 bus driver to stop at the bridge if you travel without a car. Parking is easy on the open ground by the sand, so arriving by car is the simplest way to come and go on your own schedule.
A car makes Geropotamos easy to combine with Panormo, the Kamara arch and the other small coves along this stretch of the north coast, where the buses stop only on request and thin out in the evening. Driving yourself lets you arrive early while the sea is calm and the small organised area is still free, carry water shoes and shade for a beach with few facilities, and move on to a sheltered bay when the north wind picks up. For the most flexible day along the Rethymno coast, book a car rental in Crete.
Geropotamos beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 18 kilometres east of Rethymno and 3 kilometres west of Panormo, beneath the Heraklion to Rethymno highway bridge. It sits at the mouth of the Geropotamos river, in the Mylopotamos province.
Geropotamos beach is mainly sandy, with some pebbles in places. The sand meets clear water at the mouth of the Geropotamos river.
The water at Geropotamos beach deepens quickly and stays cold because of the river, and the north wind often makes it wavy, so it suits confident swimmers more than young children. Keep small children close to the shore and bring water shoes for the pebbles.
No, Geropotamos beach has no organised water sports, so the main activities are swimming and snorkelling. On calm days you can snorkel west along the coast towards the Kamara rock arch.
Reach Geropotamos beach by turning off the main Heraklion to Rethymno highway at the western end of the Geropotamos bridge, then following a short dirt road to the car park by the sand. KTEL and Rethymno to Panormo buses stop at the bridge on request.
Yes, there is easy parking on the open ground beside Geropotamos beach. The car park sits at the end of the short dirt road down from the highway bridge.
The Kamara rock arch lies a few metres west of Geropotamos beach, and Lianos Cape with its coves and footpath lies to the east. Panormo, with more hotels and tavernas, is about 3 kilometres away.
No, Geropotamos is a quiet, low-key beach and is not a designated naturist beach. It has a small organised area with umbrellas and a canteen, and long open stretches of sand.
Panormo, located approximately 20km east of the city of Rethymnon in the Milopotamos province, is a peaceful coastal village. It has experienced rapid growth in recent years while preserving its traditional charm. Its attractiveness lies in the untouched beauty of the Cretan countryside, the charming village, stunning beaches, and convenient accessibility.
Panormo boasts two primary beaches and several smaller ones. The village’s Greek name, which translates to ‘a location with a natural port’, aptly describes Panormos as it is a natural harbour with tranquil waters. The beach at the harbour, known as Limanaki, serves as the region’s port. It’s sandy, with clear waters, making it perfect for families with young children due to its shallow waters and the protection from waves provided by a cement pier. The beach is well-equipped with umbrellas, showers, water sports facilities, and plenty of accommodation and dining options nearby. Adjacent to Limanaki is a smaller, less populated sandy beach.
The second main beach, Limni, is situated just 200m west of the village. Similar to Limanaki, it is sandy and shielded by a rocky pier, essentially dividing it into two separate beaches. Further east, a small, secluded cove with a pebbly beach is perfect for undisturbed relaxation and snorkelling during calm seas. Panormo can be reached via direct bus services from Rethymnon or suburban bus services between Heraklion and Rethymnon. Excursion boats also operate from the local harbour.
A short history of the area
Panormo is historically significant and is thought to be located on the site of the ancient city of Panormus. The discovery of the impressive basilica of St. Sophia, dating back to the 6th century AD, confirms the presence of an ancient city. The basilica, situated 500m southwest of the village, is considered one of the largest Christian churches in Greece and the biggest in West Crete. The village is also known as Kastelli of Milopotamos, named after the fort built by the Genoese conquerors in 1206, which was later captured by the Venetians. Remnants of this fort can still be seen near the harbour.
In more recent history, Panormo served as a hub for transporting goods produced in the surrounding region, particularly olives and carobs. A renovated old carob mill, now used as a cultural centre, can still be visited. The village was bombed during the German Occupation. The construction of a new national road in the 1970s, adjacent to the village, and the building of a marina in 1980 has contributed to Panormo’s tourism growth. The village celebrates three festivals every year: Ascension, St. John on June 24, and St. Nicholas on December 6.
Find below list of gorges near Antigoni Villa, a back-to-nature sanctuary, By ThinkVilla:
Margarites is a renowned village in the Milopotamos province, celebrated for its stunning architecture and traditional pottery. The broader region, encompassing the villages of Margarites, Orthe and Eleftherna, is characterized by a sequence of small, parallel gorges. Tiny watercourses like Margaritianos meander northwards, contributing to the Geropotamos River. These gorges are carved into the white-yellow marly limestone from the Upper Miocene era (8-10 million years ago), a result of the area’s uplift and water erosion.
The gorges’ most striking features are their abundant flora and extraordinary environment. Small groups of horizontally branched cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens var horizontal) blend with low shrubs, wildflowers, and aromatic plants. The local authorities have fashioned small trails that reveal the area’s beauty to visitors.
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.
The Platania Gorge, positioned above the Platania village, links the southeast slopes of the Psiloritis range to the Amari valley, approximately 38km southeast of Rethymno. The river flowing through it collects water from the west of the Migia (1584m) and Spathi (1779m) peaks and channels it to the River Platys, which terminates in Agia Galini. A challenging yet secure trail winds its way up to the starting point at Kokkinoharako, skirting its steep slopes. The trail provides hikers with breathtaking views of the towering cliffs, vertical limestone rocks displaying yellow-red hues of erosion, rock shelters, and numerous caves.
At roughly 800m altitude, a small plateau hosts the cave-like church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios), constructed near a spring. The trail from Agios Antonios continues its ascent northwest, meeting a dirt road originating from the Vistagi village. On the opposite side of the gorge, in the east, lies the Panas cave, named after the ancient god Pan, god of the wild, shepherds, and flocks, who, as per local folklore, was born here. The cave houses petroglyphs from the Minoan era, indicating continuous worship at the site. The same dirt road from Vistagi provides access to the nearby church of Saint Mammes (Agios Mamas), the patron saint of shepherds in Christianity.
The Platania Gorge’s interior is stunning, though few get to witness it due to its steep waterfalls, which require technical canyoning equipment to navigate. The tallest waterfall stands at approximately 40m. The first known crossing of the gorge was in 2008 by the canyoning group of Giannis Bromirakis and Christoforos Cheiladakis. The cliffs provide a nesting habitat for various bird species, including vultures, hawks, wild pigeons, and crows.
Located in the stunning province of Amari, the Patsos or Agios Antonios gorge is situated 8 km southwest of Arkadi Monastery. The gorge’s water is collected in the Potami dam. Trekking through the gorge is relatively easy up to a certain point, thanks to a well-marked trail created by the forest service. This trail concludes at the gorge’s narrowest point, where a unique waterfall cascades into a cave. Beyond this point, the gorge narrows and forms several small waterfalls. The descent to the Potami lake demands careful attention, particularly during winter and spring. Another path leads to the avifauna watchtower situated above the river.
The Patsos Gorge is renowned for Agios Antonios’ cavernous temple (Saint Anthony), which was once a sacred cave dedicated to Kraneos Hermes in ancient times. Water seeps from the rocks and drips from the temple roof, accumulating as holy water. It’s fascinating to observe the thousands of prayer papers that devotees have tucked into the rock cavities surrounding the temple. Large plateaus with wooden benches and tables, perfect for picnicking, are located beneath the temple and by the river.
The gorge derives its name from Patsos, a village nestled at the base of Mount Soros at an altitude of 490 meters. It’s approximately 30 km south of Rethymnon. The area boasts a rich variety of flora due to the numerous springs throughout the region that provide a year-round water supply.
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