Featuring pool views, Europa Villa in Crete provides accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 1.2 km from Fraskia Beach. This property offers a private pool, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a balcony and sea views features 4 bedrooms, a living room, a TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
A car rental service is available at the villa.
Mades Beach is 1.3 km from Europa Villa in Crete, while Ligaria Beach is 2.1 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 22 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Find below list of things to do near Europa Villa in Crete:
If you are over 8 years old, this day-program offers you the opportunity to discover the feelings of freedom and tranquility that scuba diving gives you. Throughout this program, you will be accompanied by an english speaking instructor.
Without you having particular knowledge and in small groups, STAY WET DIVING CENTER makes you discover what you have dreamed of for a long time already! Lack of experience is not an obstacle, since when you arrive with us, you will follow a briefing (about 30 minutes) given by a diving instructor. He will teach you the basics of diving and introduce you to the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean.
Add this unforgettable experience to your vacation!
Following this theory, you will be divided into groups of 4 people maximum and supervised by 1 instructor from the center. At no time will you be alone in the water! We are waiting for you with firm fins to guide you for 45 minutes through this fantastic world, at a maximum depth of 6 meters (regulatory depth for a first dive, 12 meters for the second). Whether it’s the feeling of weightlessness, discovering the fascinating world of the sea or simply breathing easily underwater – you will quickly develop a taste for diving!
If you chose to come with us, the transfer back to your hotel will leave at 4PM. It will give you time to enjoy our beautiful beach and eat at the delicious restaurants we have at the bay.
Do not miss this day!
Discover the underwater world with the experts of Scuba Diving at the famous bay of Agia Pelagia, where the sea is always calm and clear.
Discover the underwater world and feel as a diver. This program is specifically designed for those who never dived before and know nothing about scuba diving.
You’ll be taught the basics of scuba so that you’ll have a real dive, always following the safety standards of Padi, the leading scuba diving organization in the world. Feel like diver, breathe and move freely underwater and listen to the sounds of silence, always accompanied and supervised by qualified PADI instructors.
You’ll spend one hour in the diving center for basic information and introduction to scuba diving, watch a 20 minutes informational video in your language. Your experienced instructors will teach you all the secrets and the techniques of scuba diving. that makes it easy and simple, and will be continuously with you during your whole activity.
You’ll spend one more hour in the sea where you’ll be practicing the simple techniques you previously learned, while your instructors will guide you to the top experience of your life. You’ll be breathing and moving freely and play underwater games while exploring the house reef and thousands of fish swim around you.
Your instructors will teach you how to be autonomous and enjoy the most, not just hold you and pull you around.
During your first dive, you’re allowed to reach the depth of six meters, but you’ll be taken only where you feel comfortable and safe.
Return to the dive center to watch the footage and HD videos captured during your whole activity.
If you are over 8 years old, this day-program offers you the opportunity to discover the feelings of freedom and tranquility that scuba diving gives you. Throughout this program, you will be accompanied by an english speaking instructor.
Without you having particular knowledge and in small groups, STAY WET DIVING CENTER makes you discover what you have dreamed of for a long time already! Lack of experience is not an obstacle, since when you arrive with us, you will follow a briefing (about 30 minutes) given by a diving instructor. He will teach you the basics of diving and introduce you to the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean.
Add this unforgettable experience to your vacation!
Following this theory, you will be divided into groups of 4 people maximum and supervised by 1 instructor from the center. At no time will you be alone in the water! We are waiting for you with firm fins to guide you for 45 minutes through this fantastic world, at a maximum depth of 6 meters (regulatory depth for a first dive, 12 meters for the second). Whether it’s the feeling of weightlessness, discovering the fascinating world of the sea or simply breathing easily underwater – you will quickly develop a taste for diving!
After learning the basics during this first dive, we invite you to repeat the experience during a 2nd dive during the day. During this, you will discover a completely different universe since you will leave the bay to do a slightly deeper dive (12 meters) where you will be able to observe new types of fish as well as a unique relief.
The second dive will be done around 2PM. The transfer back to your hotel will leave at 4PM. It will give you time to enjoy our beautiful beach and eat at the delicious restaurants we have at the bay.
Do not miss this day!
The Discover Scuba – Intro program takes approximately 1 and a half hours, including a 30 minute theory session conducted by one of our professionals. This is followed by a dive in our pool or in confined water (shallow water in front of our dive center) where divers practice a few basic diving skills. Then the program involves a Confined Water dive to a maximum depth of 5 meters for approximately 30 minutes.
The Discover Scuba Diving and Discover Scuba – Intro program lets you experience the thrill of diving under the supervision of a PADI/SSI Instructor in ideal conditions.
Mermaid diving is a popular and exciting new trend in the world of diving. Instead of traditional scuba gear, divers wear a mermaid tail, allowing them to swim like a mermaid or merman.
Mermaid diving is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers, as long as they are comfortable in the water and have basic swimming skills.The experience of mermaid diving is not just about swimming with a tail. It’s also about exploring the underwater world in a new and magical way. In mermaiding participants use their whole bodies, similar to the dolphin movement. The movement starts in the chest and from there continues like a wave throughout the entire body.
The mermaid tail, adds an element of fantasy and fun to the dive, and many divers enjoy performing tricks and swimming in formation with other mermaids.
Generally, there is no age limit in mermaiding but participants must be experienced swimmers.
Take the plunge with a beginner’s diving course in Agia Pelagia and earn an SSI certification at the end. Enjoy a driving trip with two open water dives, descend up to 6 meters, and benefit from the support and guidance of an SSI instructor.
After being picked up from your hotel, arrive at the base and meet your SSI instructor. Take a 30-minute theory class to learn the ins and outs of water and diving safety. Once you feel comfortable, pick up your diving equipment and make your way to the water for the first of two dives.
Take your time to get comfortable in the water and enjoy the support of your instructor. Explore the world beneath the waves of Agia Pelagia as you scout out colorful fish, unique rock formations, and otherworldly plant life.
Both dives will last approximately 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to adjust and gain confidence.
Finally, enjoy a relaxing transfer back to your hotel.
Find below list of beaches near Europa Villa in Crete:
The Ligaria beach, nestled 21km northwest of Heraklion and just 1km east of Agia Pelagia, is shielded by the Bay of Ligaria from the common northwest winds of the region. Not far from here is the Panagia church, a relic from its days as the Panagia Ligariani monastery. The area is named after this monastery, which in turn, derives its name from the abundant osier plant, also known as ‘ligaria’ in Greek, famous for its pliable stems and lovely flowers.
The beach is an enchanting spot with its rough sand and serene, turquoise water. The presence of small boats adds to the charm of the scene. While the eastern part is more exposed to waves and tends to gather more debris, the western side boasts cleaner water and a flat sea. Smooth rocks are found close to the shore except for the western part of Ligaria which has small sandy areas. The beach is well-equipped with facilities like umbrellas, sunbeds, water sports, a diving school, beach bars, restaurants, and accommodations. However, parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends due to the influx of locals.
A trail leading northeast from the west end of the beach takes you to the top of the cape safeguarding Ligaria. Adjacent to this cape lies a secluded little beach named Parasfougario. It has sand and pebbles but is exposed to the wind. A stone pathway starting from a cliffside house leads to this beach, but it is off-limits as it falls under private property.
Madé, also known as Madés, is a quaint coastal hamlet situated close to Ligaria, 20km to the northwest of Heraklion and 4km towards the east of Agia Pelagia beach. It can be found near the northernmost fringe of the Gulf of Heraklion, at a site known as Cape Bourouni of Rogdia. To reach this spot from Heraklion, you would have to travel along the highway to Chania and then take the Ligaria / Mades exit. A sign for Madé will appear just 1.5km into this route.
The village overlooks a tiny bay with a pebble beach, enveloped by several rocks and the small settlement of Madé. The local hotel manages this area well, offering both umbrellas and sunbeds to its guests. Nearby, you can find a handful of rooms, a mini-market, a beach bar, and a few taverns. The tranquillity of the beach attracts mostly locals who have constructed their summer homes here. Its rocky seabed teeming with fish makes it a perfect spot for fishing and snorkelling. However, the beach’s northern orientation leaves it susceptible to winds.
The signature feature of Mades is a pair of small islets that lie opposite the western end of the beach, which are perfect for snorkelling. The name ‘Mades’ derives from the Greek verb ‘Mado’, meaning ‘break easily’. It refers to the area’s stones, which are prone to cracking and are highly unstable.
Parasfougario Beach, situated in the Achlada district of Malevizi province, is approximately 22 km northwest of Heraklion on the island of Crete. Positioned on a steep incline between the well-known beaches of Lygaria and Agia Pelagia, the only access to it is by a 20-25 minute swim from either of these beaches.
A set of stairs from a nearby house lead directly down to this petite beach. Its backdrop of a slope blanketed in crithmum adds to its charm. The ocean floor features pebbles and coarse sand, and a small cave to the east further enhances the picturesque setting.
Unlike its neighbouring beaches, Parasfougario is exposed to the northern winds. As a result, it is advisable to avoid it during windy periods, as it tends to accumulate a significant amount of rubbish during these times.
Situated 19km northwest of Heraklion, nestled between the Capes Katarameno to the west and Bourouni of Rogdia to the east, lies Tripiti. This untouched stretch of coastline is north of its namesake settlement and boasts a pebbled shore alongside deep blue waters. Towering cliffs encase it, and to the east, exquisite caves can be found, giving the beach its name, Tripiti, which translates to ‘with holes’. These imposing cliffs contribute to the beach’s seclusion, making it one of the most remote beaches near Heraklion.
It’s worth noting that there is no vehicular access to the beach, evident by the remnants of a road that once led there until 1995. This road was entirely washed away by floods, leaving no trace of even a footpath.
The only drawback of this stunning location is its exposure to the north winds, which occasionally deposit litter along the coast. However, when the sea is tranquil, the beach offers an ideal getaway, particularly for those fortunate enough to own a private boat.
Find below list of gorges near Europa Villa in Crete:
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.
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.
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.
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