Located in Avdou, 24 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos and 39 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Kagiampakis Concept Residences I provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With quiet street views, this accommodation offers a patio.
The apartment comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Venetian Walls is 40 km from the apartment, while The Palace of Knossos is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 32 km from Kagiampakis Concept Residences I.
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Find below list of things to do near Kagiampakis Concept Residences I:
The first stop is at the historical monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, a monastery inhabited and run by nuns, which is located in an idyllic landscape. Here you can admire the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, plenty of frescoes, and a variety of other icons, dating back to the 14th century.
Then, you head to Lasithi Plateau, one of the few areas in the Mediterranean with permanent inhabitants at an altitude of over 800 meters. It is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and 18 quaint villages, which still retain the atmosphere of another era. You can admire the remaining famous windmills and the Venetian ditches, the drainage system of the Plateau.
The next stop will be the village of Psychro. You can visit the Dicteon Cave with the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, where according to the myth God Zeus was born. Psychro is also well known for its handmade ceramics and the workshop there will leave you with the best impressions after your visit.
The last stop, Tzermiado, the capital of the villages on the plateau, will amaze you with its natural beauty, its traditional architecture, and its breathtaking views. Here you can take pictures of the wonderful landscape, rest for a while, and enjoy your lunch in one of the local taverns.
When seeking out unique and delicious local food on Crete Island, consider visiting a family-owned restaurant. These charming establishments offer authentic Cretan dishes made with love and tradition. The Lassithi Plateau is very famous for its local vegetable products and the taste of their fresh daily picked products will last forever in your mind.
Our ATV quad safari tour allows you to explore Crete’s picturesque mountainscapes, rich olive groves, and unspoiled countryside, providing a thrilling and immersive way to connect with the island’s authentic nature.
As you ride through the rugged terrain on your all-terrain vehicle, you’ll encounter breathtaking panoramic views of the Cretan landscapes. The tour takes you off the beaten path, offering glimpses of traditional villages, remote settlements, and untouched natural wonders tucked away amidst the mountains.
The adventure isn’t just about the ride; it’s also an opportunity to embrace the local culture and traditions. Along the way, you might pause to interact with friendly locals, experience genuine hospitality, and taste traditional Cretan delicacies at rustic tavernas or quaint roadside cafes.
Our ATV quad safari tour is designed to provide an immersive and authentic experience, allowing participants to appreciate the rugged beauty of Crete’s mountains while getting a taste of the island’s rich cultural heritage. It’s an ideal adventure for those seeking a blend of adrenaline, exploration, and a deeper connection with the natural and traditional essence of Crete.
Depart Hersonissos on a Quad Bike safari into the mountains of Crete and discover a more authentic side of the island as you get back to nature on small, traffic-free roads.
Drive to the traditional villages of Koutouloufari, Piscopiano and old Hersonissos before heading to the Lasithi plateau. Continue along the riverbed en route to the village of Potamies, and pass small gardens of fruit trees and olive groves along the way.
Enjoy the scent of different herbs and listen to the sound of millions of tiny tsitsikia (insects).
Visit some small churches and see sheep and goats grazing as you continue to the traditional village of Karouzanos. Stop at a café before driving towards Askous village.
Get an amazing view of Lyttos and Kasteli before traveling downhill to the village. Enjoy an authentic tsikoudia (raki) and some tasty snacks. Then, continue downhill to the Aposelemis dam and underwater village of Sfentili en route to the Panagias monastery.
Through this route we will explore the central part of Crete climbing to an altitude of 1150 meters
We will learn a lot about mythology as well as we will have a lot of information about Crete and local life
We will drive through a beautiful route with lush olive groves and we will first reach the aposelemi dam where we can see the sunken village of sfentili Then we will visit the traditional olive mill where we will learn how to produce Cretan olive oil and have the opportunity to buy products pure olive oil. Then we will reach the shepherd’s farm and we will have the opportunity to learn how the traditional Cretan cheese is produced.
Our next stop is the zeus cave where mythology states that the father of the gods was born there (There is a ticket of 6 euros) After we will enjoy a genuine Cretan meal with traditional cuisine in one of the best local taverns
Then we will follow a beautiful dirt route at an altitude of 1150 meters where we will definitely be enchanted by the landscape and the photos we will take from this point will be the best of our vacation.
We descend and reach the traditional village of kastamonitsa where we will visit the remains of the roman aqueduct learning about its usefulness for the surrounding areas
Finally through a beautiful route with a very nice view we end up at the hotel full of memories
This day will be full of surprises and will surely fill you with memories that will accompany you for a lifetime.
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping tour aboard an innovative jet boat combining boat and plane technology. Glide across the water at top speeds and gaze at Crete’s vibrant shore from the water. Take a break from your adventure to go swimming and snorkeling.
Climb aboard the jet boat at Hersonissos Port to begin your exhilarating journey. Feel the thrill of making fantastic 360° maneuvers at high speeds, and experience how the boat dashes across the ocean and stops quickly. Stay safe at all times as you ride a stable vessel steered by a professional.
During your fun ride we explore places like Malia,Stalis and Analsipsi and after we enjoy a stop at Saint George’s Bay, a paradisiac location, to unwind from the speed. Seize the chance to go swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters before making your way back to the port.
This Cretan night takes you to the mountain village of Kato Karouzana for a buffet dinner, unlimited wine and a live music and dance show. Kato Karouzana sits inland from the north coast, and the evening runs roughly 18:00 to 22:45 including hotel transfer. TOURLINE operates it from €29, with a 4.27 rating across 111 reviews.
The evening follows a fixed sequence from pick-up to the return coach. Four stages fill the three hours on site.
First, the coach collects you from around 18:00 and reaches Kato Karouzanos at about 19:45. Second, you have free time in the village, narrow streets, old stone houses and cultural rooms explaining local history, with a welcome of raki and homemade pies from the villagers. Third, the buffet opens, built on local meat, vegetables and Cretan cheese, with dietary requirements catered for and two free soft drinks for children. Fourth, the show begins: musicians on lyra and laouto, dancers in costume, and an interactive stretch where the dancers pull the audience up to learn steps.
The evening finishes around 22:45 and the coach returns you to your hotel.
The night happens in one village inland from the Heraklion coast.
The fare covers the coach, the meal, the wine and the show, and it excludes soft drinks and spirits.
Included:
Not included:
Children receive two free soft drinks.
We recommend this night for the setting more than the show. Kato Karouzana is a real village rather than a purpose-built venue on the ring road, and the hour of free time before dinner, walking the stone streets, being handed raki and a pie by somebody who lives there, is the part that separates this from a hotel folklore evening. Reviewers pick up on it: one described the setting as a small traditional Greek community, another as a tiny village with a beautiful location.
The show itself earns consistent praise. Reviewers describe the dancers performing almost continuously with only short breaks, the musicians and singer as excellent, and the audience being brought up to dance repeatedly. One guest had attended twice and rated the second visit as highly as the first, which is a stronger endorsement than a single five-star review.
Food and wine are the third recurring positive. The buffet offers real choice, and the wine is genuinely unlimited, several reviewers make a point of saying so.
Three things to weigh before you book.
The coach is the weak link. One reviewer described it as stuffy and hot with very little leg room, another noted it makes a lot of stops along the way, and transport scores 4.2 out of 5. Pick-up starts around 18:00 and arrival is not until 19:45, so most of that gap is collecting other guests.
The group is large. One reviewer counted roughly 350 people. This is a mass event staged in a village, not an intimate dinner, and expecting the latter is where disappointment comes from.
The dancing is unstructured. A guest who loved the evening still wished for an actual dance tutorial, noting the audience participation ended up as a conga line rather than a Cretan dance. Join in for the fun, not for the technique.
Book the transfer rather than driving, arrive hungry, and carry cash for anything beyond wine.
The operator emails your pick-up point and time the day before, check junk mail if it has not arrived. Exchange your voucher at the entrance to the theatre on arrival.
Bring a camera and cash. Pets are not allowed. The evening runs from roughly 18:00 pick-up to a 22:45 finish, so plan on a late night rather than an early dinner.
The evening lasts 3 hours on site, with pick-up from around 18:00, arrival at 19:45 and a finish near 22:45.
Wine and water are unlimited, and reviewers consistently confirm it. Soft drinks and other alcohol are charged separately.
The evening is held in Kato Karouzana, a mountain village inland from the north coast, rather than in a hotel or a purpose-built venue.
The event is large. One reviewer counted around 350 guests, so treat it as a staged village celebration rather than a small dinner.
Both are catered for. The buffet covers special dietary needs and children receive two free soft drinks.
The dancers bring the audience up repeatedly. No formal tutorial is given, and one reviewer noted the result is closer to a conga line than a Cretan step.
Check dates and prices for the Cretan night with dance show and buffet dinner.
This folklore night takes you from the Heraklion coast to Kato Karouzana, a village inland, for a Cretan buffet with local wine and a live dance show. Kato Karouzana is a working village rather than a purpose-built venue, and the evening includes time to walk it before dinner starts. PLATANOS TOURS runs it over 6 hours 30 minutes from €29.05, with a 4.23 rating across 36 reviews.
The evening moves from village to table to dance floor. Four parts make it up.
First is the pick-up from the Heraklion coastal strip and the drive inland to the village. Second is the arrival, with time to walk through Karouzana and meet the locals who host it. Third is the feast at dusk: a buffet built on Cretan cheese, virgin olive oil, meat and other local produce, served with local wine. Fourth is the show, the Cretan lyra, dancers in traditional costume performing Cretan and Greek folk dances, and an invitation at the end for the audience to learn the basic steps.
The evening runs 6 hours 30 minutes door to door, most of that being the village itself rather than the coach.
The night happens in one village inland from the north coast.
The €29.05 covers the coach, the meal, the wine and the show.
Included:
Not included:
Infants sit on a parent’s lap.
We recommend this evening for the same reason we recommend any Cretan night, the setting decides whether it feels genuine, and Karouzana is a real village. Reviewers describe being welcomed on a rustic Greek farm rather than shown into a function room, and one British guest rated the buffet and wine as plentiful and delicious with repeated chances to join the dancing through the evening.
The dance show earns the strongest praise. A Polish reviewer described taking part in the performances rather than watching them, a Portuguese guest called the night fun and well spent, and an Italian reviewer called the whole thing a very emotional experience. Guides and drivers are described as taking care of the arrangements properly, and one British couple said they would book again.
The price is the other argument. At €29.05 including transport from your hotel, a full buffet and unlimited local wine, this is one of the cheaper evenings out available on the coast.
Three things to weigh, because this scores 4.23 out of 5 and the complaints are specific.
Language is the recurring problem. A French guest rated the night three stars, the lowest in our sample, after finding the evening run in English despite many French guests present, and an Italian reviewer rating it four stars asked why Italian was not offered. The listing names English, German, French and Polish guides, but which language the evening actually runs in appears to depend on the night. Ask before booking if it matters to you.
Value for money is the weakest dimension at 4.1 out of 5, below both guiding and transport at 4.3.
The transport is long. One French reviewer who enjoyed the night still called the transport a bit long, which follows from a coach collecting along the whole coastal strip before heading inland.
If your base is further west or you want a shorter evening, the same village also hosts a three-hour Cretan night run by a different operator.
Confirm the evening’s language, eat lightly beforehand, and use the village time rather than waiting at the table.
Mention your hotel name and location when booking; the pick-up point and time arrive by email. The evening runs 6 hours 30 minutes in total.
The meeting point is Kato Karouzana 700 06. Infants need to sit on a parent’s lap.
The evening runs 6 hours 30 minutes door to door, including the coach from the Heraklion coast and back.
Local wine is included with the traditional buffet dinner, as is the transport and the show.
The listing names English, German, French and Polish guides, but reviewers report the evening running in English on nights with many French guests. Confirm before booking.
The evening is held at Kato Karouzana, a village in the hills inland from the Heraklion coast.
The dancers teach the basic steps at the end of the night, and reviewers describe repeated opportunities to join in.
Pick-up and drop-off are included from twelve named areas along the coast, from Agia Pelagia to Malia.
Check dates and prices for the Cretan folklore night at Karouzanos.
Find below list of beaches near Kagiampakis Concept Residences I:
Stalida beach is a long, sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, about 30 km east of Heraklion between the resorts of Hersonissos and Malia. Stalida beach has shallow, gently sloping water and a full set of sunbeds, tavernas, and water sports, which makes it one of the most family-friendly beaches in the Heraklion area. The sand sits right in front of the Stalida resort, so food, drink, and services stay a few steps away.
Stalida beach lies on Crete’s north coast, roughly 30 km east of Heraklion and its airport and about 3 km east of Hersonissos. Stalida, also written Stalis, has grown until it merges with Malia into one continuous stretch of coast, yet it keeps a calmer, family feel while Malia draws the louder party crowd. The name comes from the Greek verb “stalizo”, meaning to rest in the shade, because local shepherds once rested their flocks on this spot.
The sand at Stalida beach is a long run of soft golden sand backed by a seafront promenade of tavernas and shops. The sea is shallow and deepens gently over a soft, sandy seabed, so young children can paddle safely a good way from the shore. A short rocky cape splits the beach into 2 sandy stretches, and the rocky sections are good places to snorkel. Afternoon winds can raise short waves because the shore faces north, so mornings are usually the calmest time to swim.
Stalida beach is well organised for most of its length. Stalida beach offers sunbeds and umbrellas in packages, along with showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards on duty in season. Each section is run by a beach bar or taverna, and cafes and restaurants line the beachfront road. Water sports are available, including jet skis toward the Malia end, and there is room for beach volleyball. A small colony of Cretan date palms grows along part of the shore, a tree that is uncommon on the northern Heraklion coast.
Stalida beach makes a handy base for the eastern Heraklion coast. A short 6 km trip reaches the Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre, and the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum nearby explores Crete’s folk culture and natural history. Acqua Plus, one of the largest water parks on the island, sits a short drive inland. To the west, beyond Malia, the Malia Palace archaeological site preserves the third-largest Minoan palace complex on Crete. Walkers can follow the 5 km Bulgarian trail from Stalis up to the village of Mohos, named after the Bulgarian prisoners of war who built it during the Second World War.
The coast on either side of Stalida beach is lined with beaches, listed below by distance.
Stalida beach sits on the old national road, and the KTEL buses between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos stop about 500 m from the sand, a 5-minute walk from most hotels. A paved road runs down to the beach, with parking nearby. A beach day here pairs easily with the Minoan palace at Malia and the quieter sands further east, and the easiest way to reach them on your own schedule is with a rental car, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Stalida beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 30 km east of Heraklion and around 3 km east of Hersonissos, on the stretch of coast that runs into Malia.
Yes. The water is shallow and gently sloping over a sandy seabed, so children can paddle safely close to shore, and the beach is fully organised with facilities within easy reach.
Stalida beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards in season, plus beach bars, tavernas, and water sports along the shore.
Yes. Stalida beach is a long stretch of soft golden sand, split into 2 parts by a short rocky cape.
Stalida beach is popular and busiest in July and August, yet it stays calmer and more family-oriented than the main beach at nearby Malia.
Yes. Water sports are available along the shore, including jet skis toward the Malia end, and the rocky sections are good for snorkelling.
Take the KTEL bus between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, which stops about 500 m from the beach, or drive down the paved road and park nearby; a rental car also makes the quieter beaches along the coast easier to reach.
Malia beach is a long, lively sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, about 35 km east of Heraklion and just east of Stalida. Malia beach forms the eastern end of a 6 km bay that begins at Stalis, and its fine sand, shallow clear water, and full set of sunbeds, water sports, and beach bars make it one of the busiest, most developed resort beaches in the Heraklion area. The sand runs right in front of Malia town, so bars, tavernas, and services stay a few steps from the shore.
Malia beach lies on the north coast of Crete, about 35 km east of Heraklion, in front of the town of Malia in the Heraklion region. Malia beach is the eastern part of a single 6 km bay that starts at Stalida to the west, so the coast runs almost without a break from Stalida through to Malia. Hersonissos sits further west along the same shore, which places Malia at the eastern end of Crete’s busiest resort strip.
Malia beach is a wide stretch of fine sand that fills with sunbeds through the summer. The water is shallow and clear, and it deepens gently over a sandy seabed, so children can paddle safely close to the shore. The central and most organised part in front of the town is known as Klotzani, and the sand then continues east through quieter stretches toward Potamos beyond the port. Malia beach faces north, so afternoon winds can raise short waves, and mornings are usually the calmest time to swim.
Malia beach is organised along its length, with sunbeds and parasols to rent, showers, and a lifeguard on duty during the day. Malia beach also offers a wide range of water sports, including jet skis, banana boat rides, and parasailing, alongside extra services such as beachfront massage, a beach gym, and pool bars at the seafront hotels. Cafes, tavernas, and beach bars line the sand, and the beach holds a Blue Flag for its water quality and facilities.
Malia beach sits beside the liveliest resort strip in the Heraklion area, and the main street of bars, pubs, and clubs runs a short walk back from the sand and stays open into the early hours. The main beach turns busy and loud in high summer, so visitors who want calm often head east, beyond the local port, to the quieter beaches of Pirgos and Potamos. These eastern beaches keep a relaxed feel next to the Malia wetland and the Minoan palace, away from the crowds on the main strip.
Opposite Malia’s main beach lies the small islet of Afendi Christos, home to the chapel of the Metamorphosis tou Sotiros, the Transfiguration of the Saviour. The islet draws a crowd every year on 6 August, when people cross for the church service and its festival. Near the islet, a spring on the shore is said by locals to hold holy water that once helped childless women conceive, and you can reach the spot with a short swim from the beach.
The coast on either side of Malia beach is lined with more beaches, listed below by distance.
Malia beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 35 km east of Heraklion, in front of the town of Malia. It forms the eastern end of a 6 km bay that begins at Stalida.
Yes. Malia beach is a wide stretch of fine sand that runs in front of the town, and it fills with sunbeds and parasols through the summer.
Yes. The water is shallow and clear and deepens gently over a sandy seabed, so children can paddle safely close to shore. The eastern end, away from the main strip, tends to be the calmest.
Malia beach has sunbeds and parasols, showers, and a lifeguard during the day, plus water sports, beach bars, and tavernas along the sand. The beach also holds a Blue Flag.
Malia beach is one of the busiest beaches in the area and is packed in July and August. The quieter eastern stretches toward Potamos stay calmer if you want more space.
Malia beach offers jet skis, banana boat rides, and parasailing, along with swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
Malia beach is partly accessible, with ramps and special chairs to help people reach the water. Access is by a paved road, and buses stop nearby.
The best time to visit Malia beach is from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry. July and August are the busiest and liveliest months, while June and September stay calmer.
Malia beach sits a short way down from the town centre, and a paved road runs to the sand with parking beside it. Buses between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos stop close to Malia, from where it is a short walk to the beach. A beach day here pairs easily with the Minoan palace at Malia and the quieter sands east toward Potamos, and the simplest way to reach them on your own schedule is with a car rental in Crete.
Potamos Beach is a quiet, sandy beach about 3 km east of Malia on the north coast of the Heraklion region of Crete, named after the small river that runs beside it. It sits just east of Malia’s port, next to the Malia wetland and the Minoan Palace of Malia, and stays calmer than Malia’s busy main beach. From Heraklion it is roughly a 30 to 35 minute drive east.
Potamos is a long, well kept stretch of sand that draws far fewer people than the main beach in the middle of Malia. The eastern end stays largely undeveloped because of the archaeological site and the protected wetland behind it, while a few hotels sit to the west, each with its own patch of sand.
The Malia wetland is an ecologically important reed bed that shelters many bird species and preserves coastal plants that have disappeared from much of Crete. Water flowing down from Mount Selena keeps a stream running here, turning into a small river close to the shore in winter and feeding clear water into the sea. The water is fresh enough that goats often come down from the hills to swim and drink at the edge of the beach. In autumn, white sand lilies bloom across the low dunes that back the shore.
The beach is fine golden sand, and the sea is clear and shallow, deepening gently over a soft, sandy seabed. That makes it a good choice for families with young children, who can paddle safely close to shore.
Potamos is really more than one beach: a couple of sandy stretches with small rocky coves in between. The eastern bay is more sheltered and calmer, while the longer western stretch catches the north and northwest winds and turns wavier, so pick your spot to match the day. The rocky coves between the sandy sections are good for snorkeling.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent, and there are showers and a lifeguard on duty in season. Tamarisk trees along the back of the beach give natural shade, which helps when the midday sun is strong, so bring sun protection as well. For food and drink there is a snack bar on the sand, plus tavernas and a few hotels on the western side. Potamos flies a Blue Flag for its water quality and organisation.
By car it is a short drive from Malia, with parking beside both main sections of the beach. By bus, the Heraklion to Malia and Agios Nikolaos service stops close by, near the Malia Palace, from where it is a short walk down to the shore. You can also walk from Malia in about 30 to 45 minutes along Machis Kritis or Grammatiki. If you would rather have a car for the day and reach the quieter coves and nearby villages easily, you can rent a car in Crete.
Potamos Beach sits within easy reach of several sights. It is a short walk from the Minoan Palace of Malia, one of the largest Minoan palace complexes on the island, so a beach day pairs easily with some history. The wetland right behind the sand is a good spot for a short nature walk and birdwatching.
A coastal path runs east over the headland to the next cove. That walk ends at the small, church-side Agia Varvara beach.
Potamos Beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 3 km east of Malia and roughly a 30 to 35 minute drive east of Heraklion. It takes its name from the small river that runs beside it, next to the Malia wetland.
You can drive from Malia in a few minutes and park beside the beach. The Heraklion to Malia and Agios Nikolaos bus stops nearby, close to the Malia Palace, and it is also walkable from Malia in about 30 to 45 minutes along Machis Kritis or Grammatiki.
Yes. The water is clear and shallow and deepens gently over a soft sandy seabed, which suits children. The eastern bay is the most sheltered, so it is the calmest part for young swimmers.
There are sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, showers, and a lifeguard on duty in season. Tamarisk trees give natural shade, and there is a snack bar on the beach with tavernas nearby on the western side.
Potamos is quieter than Malia’s main beach and keeps a relaxed feel. It is busiest in July and August, while June and September are calmer.
The long western stretch catches the north and northwest winds and can get wavy. The eastern bay is more sheltered, so head there on windier days.
Yes, Potamos Beach holds a Blue Flag, awarded for water quality and beach organisation.
The Minoan Palace of Malia is within walking distance, and the Malia wetland behind the beach is good for a nature walk and birdwatching. A short coastal walk east over the headland reaches Agia Varvara beach.
Living on the island of Crete, about 28km east of Heraklion, you’ll find the popular tourist town of Hersonissos. It’s known for its array of beaches, particularly on the eastern side. Located a short 2km distance from the Hersonissos port, these delightful coves extend up to the Drapanos Cape. The most vibrant among them is Star Beach, known for being one of the island’s busiest spots.
As you travel further east, there are several small, scenic sandy and pebbly coves that offer a feeling of tranquillity. Some of these secluded spots enjoy cool water due to the presence of freshwater springs in the sea. Next to these coves, you’ll find the Lychnostatis Folklore Museum, a place where visitors can delve into the historical Cretan way of life.
The final beach in the Hersonissos vicinity is located in front of the Nana Beach Hotel, at the edge of Drapano Cape, and is accessible by heading east. This well-maintained beach has sunbeds and a lifeguard on duty, with a variety of water sports and beach bars available. Thanks to the protection offered by two long piers, this beach enjoys calm waters all year round, as it’s shielded from the north winds.
Find below list of gorges near Kagiampakis Concept Residences I:
The Embasa Gorge, also known as Apotyposi, begins its journey from the village of Kato Kera in the Pediada province and concludes near the village of Gonies, spanning a length of approximately 2km. The upper section of the gorge is notably steep, giving rise to several waterfalls during the winter season, with the tallest one measuring around 20m in height. The largest waterfall is particularly intriguing due to its division into several smaller cascades. It is possible to reach all the waterfalls without any special equipment as they can be circumvented from the sides.
Ascending the canyon from Gonies provides easier access to the waterfalls. However, the dense vegetation and steep inclines may pose a challenge for beginners. The gorge is predominantly populated by oak trees, planes, and brambles. The Life-Giving Spring church (Zoodohos Pigi) is located on the edges of the gorge, above the largest waterfall. According to local lore, a natural rock formation resembling the Virgin Mary can be found above this church. Hence, the gorge is also referred to as Apotiposi (Depiction). The church serves as the nearest parking spot to the large waterfall and can be conveniently reached from here, provided one can first overcome the initial hurdle of the fence erected by local shepherds.
Roza Gorge, a branch of the larger Ambelos Gorge, originates near the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery in the Ano Kera region. It connects with the rural road that traverses the Ambelos Gorge close to the village of Gonies. Walking along the riverbed is not feasible due to the precipitous drops, but a well-marked hiking trail is available on the gorge’s sides. The gorge’s sides are visually striking, showcasing unique geological formations that captivate visitors. After heavy rainfall, surface water is visible in the gorge, evidenced by the growth of oleander plants in the riverbed.
The name ‘Roza’ is derived from the pinkish hue (‘roz’ translates to pink) of the gorge’s walls. Another theory suggests that the gorge was used as a disposal site for sterile animals like donkeys in the past. As a result, locals named it ‘Stira Za’ (meaning sterile animals), which eventually evolved into ‘Sti Roza’ (or in Roza).
Canyoning in the Roza Gorge
Roza Gorge is technical in nature, implying that hiking in its bed is not an option due to the numerous steep descents (rappels) that necessitate specific technical gear and training. For canyoning enthusiasts, it’s important to note that the largest rappel is approximately 18m high. The points are secured with relays from the speleological clubs of Crete, and the descent for a small group typically takes around 3 hours. The gorge’s proximity to Heraklion and easy accessibility make it a popular choice for canyoning schools.
The Aposelemis Canyon, also known as the longest and most significant geological canyon in the northern part of the Heraklion prefecture, terminates at the settlement of Agrianá (locally known as Adrianna), near Hersonissos. The Aposelemis River traverses this canyon, though water is only present in parts of the canyon following heavy rainfall. However, the river at higher altitudes retains water throughout the wet months, thanks to the phyllite rocks. Despite its length, accessibility, and proximity to Heraklion, the canyon remains relatively undiscovered by the local population. The Aposelemis Canyon is characterized by strikingly beautiful and imposing vertical walls that reach up to 200 meters in height, along with several rock shelters. The canyon floor is smooth throughout, posing no technical challenges. In recent times, the Hersonissos Municipality has constructed a lovely trail along the canyon floor, making the walk both enjoyable and easy. The trail also features recreational areas with wooden benches at the start and end points.
This crucial ecosystem is home to waterfowl and birds of prey. A hidden riparian forest, particularly in the upper region of the canyon, is the real gem. The mixed forest is made up of ancient trees with massive trunks, truly natural marvels. Trees such as the plane, holm oak, oak, holly, carob, osier, among others, can be found here. The dense forest often obscures the trail. An old stone bridge, Xerokamares, is located just before the southern entrance, within the river. The most convenient way to access the canyon is via its northern exit. A dirt road from the bridge of the old national road leads to the Aposelemis gorge. Following this dirt road, you’ll pass the picturesque yet ruined settlement of Plevris, and eventually reach the bridge of the new highway, where the trail begins. It takes at least two hours to traverse the gorge.
Located approximately 45km east of Heraklion and 21km west of Agios Nikolaos, the Gorge Sellinari is nestled on the eastern slopes of Selena Mount, draining the valley west of Vrachassi. This gorge is a well-known location for all Cretans as the National Road from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos runs along it. Historically, it served as the natural passage from the region of Lassithi to the fertile north coasts of Heraklion.
The dense vegetation of Selinari can be enjoyed either by car or by taking a leisurely walk until its exit near Milatos. A route worth exploring is the old National Road, which runs parallel to the New Road and winds through the gorge. The gorge walls and surrounding mountains provide a haven for many birds of prey. Selinari was once a refuge for the rare Cretan wild goat, but sadly, it is now extinct. Several springs are scattered around the area, but the most renowned attraction is the historic Saint George Monastery. For the Cretans, it is considered a bad omen to pass a gorge without stopping at the monastery. This belief stems from the past when the Selinari Monastery served as a rest stop for travelers and their animals.
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