Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a patio, Giannis Villa is set in Skinés. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa 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 3 bathrooms with a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The reception at the villa can provide tips on the area.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete is 5.5 km from Giannis Villa, while Limnoupolis is 11 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 28 km from the accommodation.
Επαρχιακή Οδός Χανίων - Σούγιας
Find below list of things to do near Giannis Villa:
This is a Paint and Wine Event at Manousakis Winery. It costs €60, and includes:
•Tour of the beautiful winery
•Tasting of 5 different Manousakis Wines
•Rusks and Olive Oil
•Step by step Painting related to the Winery
• All Paint Materials are provided and you’ll take home your painting on canvas / canvas paper.
Transport to and from the winery is also provided and food from the Winery’s restaurant can be purchased.
Premium Sunset Safari Tour in the Northwest side of the inland of Crete… Allow yourself to indulge in a romantic off-road route experience with the best panoramic view followed by a wine tasting with delicacies platter in a semi private tour with up to 6 or 8 persons per vehicle.
Our evening tour begins from Chania city centre and tourist areas, heading towards the White Mountains through uncharted mountain routes. Our premium off-road vehicles driven by well trained escorts will help you enjoy the best panoramic sunset view of Northwest Crete from above.
Unpaved off-road routes, with wild and dense vegetation, non tourist places, unique panoramic views, ideal for sunset capture stops, combined with a five wines tasting accompanied by Cretan delicacies platters (meze), are only some of the experiences that you will have in this 4-5 hour premium sunset safari tour.
After our off-road exploration through orange and lemon tree valleys in villages of Patelari, Varipetro, Alikianos and Vatolakkos, we reach an amazing point in the hill of Vatolakkos at 700m altitude where we will have the best panoramic view of the sunset and the possibility to admire the entire city below. After experiencing the sunset, we continue our road-trip to Cretan Villages, full of amazing sights and stories until we reach Manousakis Winery where we will taste their wine accompanied by a cretan delicacies pllater (Meze).
After the winety visit, we begin to reach the end of our Sunset Safari tour, driving back to our hotels full of memories, premium service and experiences, adventures and best panoramic views of Chania from above.
Start your experience with pickup from your hotel in Chania or the surrounding area and head towards the White Mountains. Admire the scenery as you follow unmarked routes across the landscape in an off-road vehicle.
Pass through orange and lemon tree orchards, and see the traditional villages of Patelari, Varipetro, Alikianos, and Vatolakkos. Arrive at a viewpoint overlooking Chania to enjoy panoramic views of the sunset.
Continue to Manousakis Winery for a wine tasting session, along with a platter of local delicacies to try. At the end of the tour, your driver will drop you off back at your hotel.
Get picked up from your accommodation in Crete and be driven through the countryside to the scenic village of Vatolakkos, where the Manousakis Winery is located. Upon arrival, be welcomed by the team to the tasting terrace, marking the beginning of your wine experience.
Taste five of Manousakis Winery’s excellent wines along with rusks and olive oil. Additionally, you can indulge in Cretan delicacies at their restaurant (restaurant rates apply). While these wines are exported worldwide, get the chance to purchase a bottle or two directly from the producer.
Discover Crete’s natural landscapes and wine culture on a private off-road winery trip from the Chania area. Tour the Manousakis Winery in Vatolakko, ride off-road through the vibrant vineyards, and enjoy a wine tasting. Celebrate your trip with a Cretan meal and unlimited wine.
Following pickup, start your private day trip by driving off-road to the hill of Vatolakos where the Manousakis vineyards are located. Experience the thrill of driving up to an altitude of 660 meters to reach the top of the hill/
Panoramic views of the north part of Crete accompanied by the natural environment and fresh air await you. Continue the drive to reach the Manousakis Winery for a tour of the estate and a tasting experience.
Following a tasting of five wines, savor a full meal (lunch or dinner) consisting of Cretan specialties and as many additional glasses of wine as you’d like. Finish your trip with a ride along an easy asphalt route back to your hotel or accommodation.
Tour a boutique winery in Vatolakkos and admire views of rolling vineyards in the countryside. Let the winemakers reveal the winemaking process to you. Savor a hand-picked selection of regional wines paired with some local snacks.
Meet the staff and go down to see where the wine is stored in the cellar. Listen as you hear about how grape varieties are selected and cultivated following strict guidelines set by a an international team from France, the United States, and Greece.
See the verdant vineyards where varieties of Rodanos of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Roussanne grapes are ripened to perfection. Head to the garden to satisfy your palate with 5 different wines that are accompanied by a simple traditional Cretan flatbread, sea salt, and olive oil.
Find below list of beaches near Giannis Villa:
Situated 7km west of Chania, nestled between Kalamaki and Agia Marina, lies Stalos. This well-developed location magnetizes a significant amount of tourists each summer. The coastal region of Stalos, known as Kato Stalos, boasts a stunning sandy beach that is not only well-equipped but also provides all necessary touristic amenities. This makes it a yearly recipient of the coveted blue flag award.
Situated 150m to the south is Pano Stalos, a charming traditional village that is enveloped by lush green hills and striking rock formations.
Stalos serves as a perfect holiday destination due to its proximity to the city of Chania and its ability to cater to all the needs of its visitors. There are also frequent bus services to the city of Chania.
The name ‘Stalos’ is steeped in Cretan mythology, believed to be derived from Talos, a bronze giant who guarded the island from enemies by circling it thrice daily. Legend has it that Talos had his base in Stalos. However, it is more likely that the name ‘Stalos’, originates from the Greek verb stalizo, meaning to stop for rest. This is where local shepherds would halt with their flocks for rest, hence the English word ‘stall’ shares the same Greek roots.
Platanias, a coastal hamlet situated 11km west of the city of Chania, has seen a significant surge in tourism in recent years, transforming it from a quaint village into a bustling suburb of Chania. Its close proximity to the city, coupled with its stunning beach and frequent bus services from Chania, have made it the most favoured beach near the city. The original village, nestled on a hillside, offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the islet of Thodorou.
The beach in Platanias is an attractive stretch of sandy shore dotted with hotels of varying class and standard tourist facilities. Beachgoers can avail of all the amenities typical of well-organized beaches, including beach bars, umbrellas, showers, snack bars, lifeguards, and water sports. On the eastern side of the local harbour, near Agia Marina, swimmers can enjoy several small, man-made coves. In the summer, the area’s nightclubs come alive, hosting thousands of both Greek and foreign party-goers who dance until daybreak.
Agia Marina, a charming coastal town, lies just 9km west of the city of Chania. It’s one of Chania’s most sought-after holiday spots, boasting numerous hotels and a full range of tourist amenities. The town’s name is derived from the local Agia Marina church, which holds its festival on July 17th.
Agia Marina is renowned for its stunning chain of sandy beaches. To the west, near the Platania port, there are several small, man-made piers where swimming is possible. To the east, the beach extends to Stalos, offering a long stretch of sand. A variety of services are available along the seashore, typical of a well-appointed beach.
Around 1.5km south of the town, you’ll find the Nerospilia cave, home to spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. Unfortunately, public access is not permitted due to its location on private property. This cave was a place of worship during the Middle Minoan era. While in Agia Marina, don’t miss a visit to the local folklore museum.
Facing the beach of Agia Marina is the protected island of Thodorou, designated as a nature reserve. It’s a sanctuary for the endangered Cretan wild goats, relocated here from the White Mountains, near Samaria Gorge. While approaching the island is generally forbidden, limited boat tours are sometimes available with special permission from the Forest Service. The island’s small sandy beach in the tiny cove, which doubles as the harbour, offers wonderful views of Agia Marina.
The coastal resort of Kalamaki, situated 6km west of Chania city, serves as the beachfront extension of Galatas village. Nestled within a rich, fertile plain adorned with citrus and olive groves, Galatas once relied heavily on agriculture; however, tourism now drives the region’s economy.
Kalamaki marks the western end of an extensive beach that begins 1km eastwards at Agii Apostoli. Its attractive shoreline features fine sand and gentle waters, offering a well-equipped and organized beach experience. Facilities include beach umbrellas, showers, lifeguard services, accommodation, dining, beach bars, and water sports. Additionally, a tiny, secluded cove exists next to the beach’s western edge, set apart from the main beach by a slim sand strip. Regular city bus services from Chania center provide easy access to Kalamaki.
Galatas is the birthplace of Mikis Theodorakis, a distinguished modern Greek composer and activist, who suffered poisoning under the military dictatorship that seized Greece in April 1967. He was also a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. During the Turkish Occupation, Galatas was a Christian-inhabited village, while the nearby Daratsos was occupied by Ottomans.
Glaros Beach
Glaros Beach, characterized by its spacious bay stretching from Holy Apostles to Kalamaki, boasts soft sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters. Tamarisk trees providing natural shade line the beach, contributing to its status as one of Chania’s most popular beaches. However, its northern exposure means it can get windy, making the sheltered coves of Holy Apostles a suitable alternative. Its excellent facilities, stunning beach, and convenient access to and from Chania make Glaros an ideal holiday destination.
Find below list of gorges near Giannis Villa:
In the mountainous region of Kydonia near Chania, nestled at the base of the White Mountains, you’ll find the picturesque Kydoni gorge. Named after the area, not the Greek word for “quince” which is also kydoni, this gorge is one of the most verdant in Crete, boasting lush vegetation with trees towering over twenty meters high. The journey begins in the village of Karanou, starting at the site of an ancient fountain. A downhill path takes you through a breathtaking centuries-old olive grove, past the church of Saint Demetrius (Agios Dimitrios) with its remnants of old frescoes, and finally to the stream bed. The greenery is abundant throughout the gorge, with sunlight only filtering through in a few places, making it a perfect spot for a cool walk on a hot, sunny day.
The trail that traverses the gorge is one of the most well-marked in Crete, with signs posted every 500 meters indicating the distance. The entire route is 2 km long, ending where the Kydoni stream meets the Platanias river tributary, Mavropiliotis, in the Mavra Pila area. The name Mavra Pila translates to “dark muddy soil” in the Cretan dialect, a fitting description for the blackish soil that turns into black mud when wet.
The trail continues from the end of the Kydoni gorge into the Boriano gorge, which runs parallel to Kydoni and originates from the Boriana neighborhood in Karanou. The Kydoni stream is typically dry throughout the year, only filling with water during the heavy rains of winter. Along the route, there are 2-3 small waterfalls, with the tallest one crossed by a charming wooden bridge that leads to a rock shelter adorned with small stalactites. The descent through Kydoni takes about an hour of hiking. Towards the bottom of the gorge, you’ll find two old trails leading to the nearby settlement of Skordalou.
The verdant Boriano canyon, more commonly referred to as Karanou Gorge, begins in the Boriana neighborhood of Karanou village and extends for 1800 meters until it merges with the Mavropiliotis River via an attractively laid out path. The trail features a dilapidated watermill, caves, and the entrances to the old iron ore quarries (locally referred to as the Averof quarries), along with a charcoal furnace and tunnels. The gorge runs parallel to the Kydoni Gorge, and it’s common for hikers to explore both gorges simultaneously.
Sarakina Gorge is a short, easy hiking gorge near the village of Meskla, about 20 km from Chania town at the foot of the White Mountains. The gorge runs 3 km, rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, and takes roughly 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to walk as a circular route that starts and ends beside the Church of the Panagia in Meskla. Water flows through the ravine until spring, and a developed path of dirt track, wooden and stone staircases, and metal walkways carries you between towering cypress and plane trees to a point where the limestone rock splits down the middle.
Sarakina Gorge is a compact hiking gorge hidden inside a deep ravine at the foot of the White Mountains. The gorge sits close to Meskla, a quiet village roughly 20 km from Chania, and its somewhat elusive location keeps it off the beaten track for many locals. That obscurity is part of the appeal, because it has kept the ravine an untouched natural spectacle rather than a crowded attraction.
The name comes from local lore that the Saracens once used the ravine as a hiding place. Do not confuse this ravine with the other well-known Sarakina Gorge in East Crete, near Mythi in the Province of Ierapetra.
Sarakina Gorge has a difficulty level of 1 out of 10, which makes it one of the gentler walks in the region. The gorge is 3 km long with an altitude difference of about 300 meters, so the effort stays light across the whole route. Walking it as a circular trail takes about an hour, and most visitors finish somewhere between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on how long they linger at the rock formations.
No technical skill or climbing is needed here. Families with children and casual walkers manage the path comfortably, since local authorities have developed the trail with staircases and walkways throughout.
Reach the trailhead by driving to Meskla, where a paved road leads all the way to the gorge. The village lies about 20 km inland from Chania town, and the drive climbs gently toward the White Mountains. Park at the Church of the Panagia in Meskla, which marks both the start and the finish of the circular trail and offers the parking space for visitors.
Public transport into these mountain villages is limited, so the easiest way to arrive is with your own vehicle. Book a rental car for exploring inland Crete if you want the freedom to combine Meskla with the wider valleys around Chania town.
The walk opens with a ten-minute stretch on a dirt road that then joins a path running alongside the river. Wooden and stone staircases and metal walkways cross the water as you move deeper into the ravine, framed the whole way by cypress and plane trees. Water runs through this section until spring, adding sound and greenery to the shaded canyon.
After the first segment the landscape changes sharply, shifting from a gravel bed to solid limestone boulders. The highlight arrives where the rock appears split down the middle, carving out a breathtaking natural sculpture that gives the gorge its character. This limestone gallery is the reason most hikers make the trip, and it rewards a slow pace and a camera.
Pack for a short mountain walk with water underfoot. Bring the essentials below so the easy grade stays comfortable across the 3 km loop:
Meskla sits within easy reach of several other Chania gorges worth pairing with Sarakina on a walking day. Each offers a different character, from lush greenery to historic villages, and all lie in the same mountainous corner south of Chania.
For guided hikes and day trips that include transport, browse the full range of Crete hiking experiences. You can also compare the region’s ravines side by side on the Crete gorges.
Sarakina Gorge is a hiking gorge. The trail suits walkers of all levels and needs no climbing or canyoning gear.
Yes, water flows through Sarakina Gorge until spring. The river runs alongside much of the path, crossed by wooden and stone staircases and metal walkways.
Sarakina Gorge is easily accessible, because a paved road leads all the way to it. Parking sits at the Church of the Panagia in Meskla, where the circular trail begins and ends.
Sarakina Gorge is 3 km long. The circular route walks back to Meskla, so you cover the distance and return to your car without arranging a pickup.
Sarakina Gorge has a difficulty level of 1 out of 10. The altitude difference of about 300 meters is spread gently across the walk, keeping it suitable for families.
Hiking Sarakina Gorge takes approximately 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. Most walkers complete the circular trail in about an hour, with extra time for photos at the split-rock formation.
Positioned near the city of Chania, the Therisso Gorge (also known as Eleftherios Venizelos) is an awe-inspiring sight. This six-kilometre-long canyon is adorned with impressive vertical cliffs and lush greenery, rivalling any other gorge in the Chania region. Accessible by car, it’s worth combining a trip to the gorge with a visit to the historic village of Therisso, nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, just 15 kilometres from Chania. This village, steeped in history, offers an unforgettable experience to any visitor.
With a population of just over 100, the valiant village of Therisso has held a significant role in Crete’s modern history, mainly due to the resilience of its inhabitants against Turkish invasions. In 1866, the village was burnt by Mustapha Pasha Naili, forcing many, including the mother of future Greek Prime Minister, Eleftherios Venizelos, to relocate to Kythera and the Peloponnese. Therisso gained further historical prominence in 1905 when Eleftherios Venizelos and his allies initiated a revolution against the autocratic rule of Prince George, imposed by the Great Powers, charting a course for Crete’s union with Greece. Notably, the heroic Halides brothers, key figures in the 1821 revolution, also hailed from Therisso.
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