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Located in Agia Pelagia resort and just 1.5 km from its 3 beaches, Happy Cretan Suites have panoramic Stavros Bay and Cretan Sea views. Featuring a seawater pool and whirlpool, they offer tastefully decorated accommodation with free WiFi.
Opening to a private balcony with Cretan Sea views, all air-conditioned and modernly decorated units at Happy Cretan come with elements of the traditional local architecture. Each has a flat-screen, satellite TV, mini fridge and electric kettle. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer, free toiletries and makeup mirror. Some accommodation types are stone-built with a slanted ceiling and some are fitted with an indoor or outdoor hot tub.
A traditional buffet breakfast, enriched with homemade sweets, can be enjoyed daily. Greek and Cretan dishes are served at the on-site restaurant by the pool. The poolside cocktail bar prepares refreshing drinks and light meals.
Guests can relax in the outdoor hot tub or on the sun loungers by the pool and enjoy the panoramic views over the Cretan Sea. A sea-view fitness centre is offered, while massage treatments can be arranged upon request. Free WiFi is available throughout.
Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport and Heraklio Port are 22 km away from Happy Cretan. The Museum of El Greco is at a distance of 8 km and the archaeological site of Knossos is 27 km away. A bus stops just right outside the property. Free parking is possible on site.
Find below list of things to do near Happy Cretan Suites:
Take part in this exciting and unforgettable experience, which is guaranteed to highlight your holiday in Crete. Elevate your adventurous side to a whole new level with this quad safari.
Be surrounded by stunning landscapes and scenic viewpoints not accessible with other means of transportation. Our experienced guides will take you to unique vantage points that provide the most chances of encountering wildlife coupled with the awe-inspiring vistas of two traditional villages in Crete.
Meet your guide at the Peninsula Hotel and Spa in Agia Pelagia and start with driving tutorial session. Practice driving to ensure that you are confident with your quad bike. Cruise along lonely paths far away from main traffic that wind through scenic vistas.
Explore a cliff path that overlooks the sea and arrive at the traditional village of Achlada. Find out about the background of the village and hear about the ancient and traditional Cretan way of life. Share a special moment with the three last inhabitants of this village.
Enjoy a drive and a walk through this village which is not accessible by any other means. Continues through the mountains to the mountain village of Rogdia where yiuo can gaze out at the bay of Heraklion. View the 16th century tower of Modino, a chateau that was once occupied by feudal lords.
Have some free time to watch as the colors of the sunsetting between the sea the mountains. Ride back to the meeting point after the sun sets.
Please note that in the month of September the tour is shorter due to the earlier sunset. The return of the tour in September will most likely be at 20:30. There may only be a visit of one village. The tasting and sunset however will still be included.
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.
This is the ideal diving course for those who want to try scuba diving but do not have a diving certificate. Enjoy a pre-dive lesson and always be accompanied by a certified instructor.
Begin your day with the basic theory on diving and the skills necessary to do so. You will then move on to real-life diving under the supervision of a certified instructor.
During the dive, you will have the opportunity to explore the bottom of the sea in Agia Pelagia, learn the basic commands, and get the chance to observe up-close the fish and sea creatures living near the seabed.
Dive into a new adventure and experience this scuba activity suitable for first-timers. Enjoy 45 minutes of theoretical training and 45 minutes inside the water.
Learn from a local experienced and licensed instructor who will teach you how to breathe and move underwater. Get introduced to the marvelous experience of diving.
U will learn about the use of your diving equipment, hand signals, the sea life of Ligaria and more!
Take photos , live the dream of diving for an unforgettable experience with our certified experienced professionals.
Enjoy a pickup from your accommodation.
An evening quad safari in Crete can be a magical experience, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the island’s landscapes as the sun dips bellow the horizon. Here is what to expect from our sunset tour:
Gather at the starting point at 17:00 pm for a short introduction to the quads following by a practical lesson in our private course (4 acres).
Once familiar with the quad bike our fun begins and we are setting off heading to our first stop which is at the top of the mountain ‘the ghost town’. The route is along the golden mountain trails which offers panoramic views of the sea coast and verdant mountains of Crete. It is a great opportunity to capture stunning photographs and create lasting memories whilst enjoying a smooth ride.
The ‘Ghost Town’ is situated on top of the mountain very well hidden and secluded. Our experienced guides will take you to this traditional abandoned village to show you the most interesting parts and tell you a few facts about the place. There are many abandoned old cottages in this village and the setting brings to mind a horror movie. Be prepared for amazing pictures and a unique experience.
Filled with fresh oxygen from the heights of Achlada ‘Ghost Town’ we are heading off road through an old donkey road descending 300 meters to the sea coast of Fodele. The selected route offers scenic views riding through olive groves and the natural beauty of Crete. As the tour progresses you will make your way to the sea coast where we can pause for a brief moment to take in the scenery and capture some pictures.
Our next stop is at a charming traditional village
renowned for its scenic beauty and the birthplace of the famous painter EL Greco. Once there, we are taking a 20 mins break to recharge and why not explore the streets of the village and the shops who offer local products such as fresh orange juice, honey, raki and handicrafts.
Having explored Fodele and being rejuvenated, we are taking the road back to the seacoast to capture a magnificent sunset. Once located in a comfortable spot by the beach which offers a clear view of the horizon, you can share a special moment with friends, family or loved ones anticipating the sunset. The warm hues of orange, pink and red in the sky in combination with the cooler blues and purples of the sky and sea are guaranteed to create a mesmerizing spectacle.
Find below list of beaches near Happy Cretan Suites:
Psaromoura, situated 22km northwest of Heraklion and only 500m north of Agia Pelagia, faces east and is protected from the prevalent northwest winds. There are no immediate accommodations or dining options on the beach, but various facilities can be found within a short walking distance. The beach is pebbled and tends to be frequented more by locals than tourists. The northern end of the beach features a large, folded rock formation common to the Talea Range area, which shields the beach from the waves.
In the past, Psaromoura was one of the most beautiful unorganized beaches in Crete. Today, it has been transformed into a well-organized beach equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers, and a beach canteen serving refreshments and cocktails. Environmental groups in Crete have repeatedly requested the removal of the umbrellas to restore the beach to its original state.
To reach Psaromoura, one must drive to Agia Pelagia. After passing the Hotel Capsis Out of the Blue, continue westwards for an additional 100 meters before turning right onto a small road. A few steps ahead, you’ll find a closed gate and a sign indicating “To the Beach”. After parking your car, head west past the gate and you’ll soon arrive at Psaromoura. Alternatively, heading east from the gate will lead you to an elevated view of Kladissos Beach, accessible via the hotel.
The name Psaromoura derives from the Greek words psari, meaning fish, and mouri, meaning cape. Thus, it is located on a cape populated with fish.
Kladissos, situated 21km northwest of Heraklion and to the northwest of the Agia Pelagia resort, is home to a historically significant hotel that sprawls across the entire Cape Souda area. The beach here boasts fine gravel and tranquil green waters, with the hotel providing an array of amenities such as umbrellas, deck chairs, bars, showers, and changing rooms.
Despite appearing to be private due to the hotel’s influence, it’s essential to remember that all beaches in Greece are accessible to the public. You can gain access to the beach by requesting permission from the hotel, at no cost. Kladissos beach is typically serene and secluded, as locals tend to favor the nearby Agia Pelagia or Psaromoura beaches.
In close proximity to the shore, post-Minoan tombs have been discovered, adding a historical significance to the area. Additionally, archaeologists have uncovered a large public building from the third to fourth century AD, known as the Prytaneum, which was used for political meetings of the ancient town Apolonia. Some of the ceramic artifacts found in the area are now displayed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
Mononaftis is a stunning pebble-strewn beach situated 24km northwest of Heraklion and just 1km north of Agia Pelagia on the island of Crete. Its name, meaning “One sailor”, originates from a local tale about a shipwreck where only one sailor survived. Interestingly, the term Mononaftis also refers to the large boulder floating about 50m off the shore.
The beach is nestled in the northern region of the Agia Pelagia peninsula and is shielded from the prevalent north winds due to its eastward facing position. This makes it, along with the nearby beaches, a popular choice among locals.
Mononaftis beach has a mixture of coarse sand and pebbles and the sea displays a unique greenish hue. It’s well-equipped with amenities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, and water sports facilities. Additionally, a variety of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options can be found in close proximity. The seabed is rocky, making it a perfect spot for fishing and scuba diving.
Reaching Mononaftis from Heraklion involves driving on the National Road towards Chania, bypassing the first sign to Agia Pelagia. Take a right at the second exit to Agia Pelagia/Achlada and continue northwards towards the sea. After driving for 2-3 km, you’ll notice a petrol station on your left. Take a left before the station and keep driving until you arrive at the Mononaftis settlement. However, be aware that finding parking can be a challenge during the peak season.
Situated 21km west of Heraklion, on the southern side of the compact Cape Souda, you’ll find Agia Pelagia beach, also known as Santa Pelagia. This beach is nestled amidst several picturesque coves with stunning beaches. Originally, Agia Pelagia was a quaint settlement utilized by Achlada villagers for agricultural purposes, but it has since evolved into a bustling tourist destination replete with hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, and more. Routine bus services to Heraklion ensure its accessibility.
The primary beach of Agia Pelagia is a slender, sandy stretch with greenish water. The Turks dubbed it Tsanak Limani, meaning ‘plate harbor’ due to its circular shape. The bay forms a natural, tranquil harbor, and the beach provides an array of amenities such as watersports, diving, food, and accommodation. However, in some areas, the beach is narrow with sunbeds occupying most of the space.
The beach is well-shielded from northern winds by the Cape of Souda, where ruins of the ancient port town Apollonia can be found. A luxury hotel now stands on Souda, but the ruins are accessible for tourists. A small shrine stands near the hotel, marking where the icon of Santa Pelagia was discovered centuries ago. Not far from the beach is the former Agia Pelagia monastery, renowned throughout the island during the Venetian era. Worshippers would flock to the beach during the monastery’s feast, seeking healing in the sand.
A short walk past the shrine on Cape of Souda will lead you to Fylakes, considered the most beautiful beach of Agia Pelagia. Fylakes consists of two small coves with fine sand and greenish water, concealed by Cape Souda’s towering rocks. Accessing Fylakes requires navigating the rocky coast and wading through chest-high water, so secure your belongings accordingly.
To the east of Agia Pelagia, beneath Hotel Diana, is the lesser-known pebbled beach, Vlyhada. This small, man-made beach is exposed to the winds and can only be reached by swimming from Agia Pelagia, as the hotel does not permit land access.
Agia Pelagia served as a crucial port during the Venetian period, providing aid to the besieged Cretans during the Candia siege. The Turks later constructed a fort here, though no remnants remain today. The port was also where the legendary ship of Arkadi docked during the Cretan Revolution to provide ammunition to the rebels.
Find below list of gorges near Happy Cretan Suites:
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.
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.
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