Situated in Mesklá, 7.2 km from Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete and 15 km from Limnoupolis, Platanus House features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With garden views, this accommodation offers a patio.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area. Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 18 km from Platanus House, while Platanias Square is 18 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 31 km from the accommodation.
Meskla Chania
Find below list of things to do near Platanus House:
Enjoy a fun day out for all the family with a visit to Limnoupolis Water Park. After getting picked up from your hotel in Chania or Rethymno, enjoy a short journey to the park.
Slide down one of the many freefall rides or experience the thrill of the black hole. If you prefer to chill out, float down the lazy river or kick back and relax on one of the sunbeds where you can enjoy views of the White Mountains.
After working up an appetite, choose from a wide array of lunch options, including pizza, burgers, and pasta, all served with a scoop of refreshing ice cream. Re-energized, get your adrenaline pumping on the giant slides and crazy river before heading back to your hotel in the evening.
Embark on an exhilarating waterpark adventure that starts with convenient pickups from hotels and designated points. Upon arrival, pay the entrance fee and step into a world of aquatic fun, where you’ll have 4.5 hours to explore and enjoy the myriad activities on offer. Discover the heart of the park where there is a massive 1500 sq.m. central pool, mimicking the sea with its refreshing waters, including a deep 3.80 m. section, surrounded by ample sunbeds and umbrellas.
“Aqua Creta Limnoupolis” is designed to entertain every age group with its impressive variety of attractions. Try one (or all) of the 11 uniquely designed water slides, each promising a burst of adrenaline, from high-speed free falls and a mysterious black hole to gentler options like a lazy river stretching 206 meters. The children’s pool features colorful slides and playful elements like a rotating wooden barrel that splashes water, mini falls, and adventure climbs.
For those seeking extreme thrills, the park offers a blend of intense slides, including a triple twist and a crazy river. The entire family can enjoy amenities such as a full-service restaurant, fast food options, and the Pirates Bar on an artificial island. Retail outlets, a mini market, and a first aid center ensure that all your needs are met for a worry-free day of splashy fun, while professional photographers are ready to capture your best moments.
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.
Find below list of beaches near Platanus House:
The Glaros beach, a coastal front for the village of Kato Daratsos in the Kidonia province, is situated 5 kilometres to the west of Chania city, within the Makris Tihos area. It’s flanked by Kalamaki on its western side and the Agii Apostoli beaches to its east. A narrow land strip, terminating at the cape home to the Holy Apostles’ church, separates it from the Agii Apostoli’s western beach.
Boasting of fine sand and abundant tamarisk trees for those seeking shade instead of renting umbrellas, Glaros beach is a popular destination due to its proximity to Chania city. It’s exposed to the northern winds, which means if the waves get too high, you can relocate to the sheltered bays of Agii Apostoli nearby.
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.
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.
Chrissi Akti, or Golden Beach, is an organised sandy beach about 2.5 kilometres west of Chania, in the Agii Apostoli area of Crete. Chrissi Akti takes its name from its fine golden sand and ranks among the closest good beaches to Chania town, with shallow, clear water that stays calm on most days. The beach is well organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and beach cafes, and it holds a Blue Flag.
Chrissi Akti beach lies on the north coast of western Crete, about 2.5 kilometres west of Chania city, next to the beaches of Agii Apostoli. The beach sits in the Daratso area of the Kydonia region, so it is an easy trip from the city centre by road or on foot. The whole Agii Apostoli area is dotted with small parks full of pine and eucalyptus trees, which give shade and green space right behind the coast. Golden Beach is one of two sandy coves here, separated by a low band of rocks from the quieter Aptera beach next to it.
Chrissi Akti has fine golden sand and shallow, crystal-clear water that gives the beach its name. The main beach runs about 500 metres along the shore, and the sand continues further east toward Chania. The sea here is usually calm with few waves, because the beach is well protected from the west and summer winds. When the north wind picks up, the water can turn choppier, so many visitors move to the more sheltered coves of Agii Apostoli nearby.
Chrissi Akti is made up of 2 sandy beaches split by a line of rocks, and each one has a different character. Golden Beach, the west cove, is the main and most popular stretch, and it is very well organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing cabins, cafes and water sports. Aptera beach, the east cove closer to Chania, is quieter and less developed, so it suits visitors who want a calmer spot within a short walk of the city. Both coves share the same fine golden sand and shallow water.
Chrissi Akti beach suits families with young children, because the water is shallow and calm and the sand is soft and fine. The organised part of the beach has sunbeds and umbrellas to hire, showers, changing cabins and beach cafes, and a lifeguard watches the main beach in summer. A children’s playground sits close to the sand, and there are water sports such as windsurfing for anyone who wants an active day. Golden Beach can get busy at weekends and through the peak summer season, yet the beach is long and wide enough to find space.
Reach Chrissi Akti beach from Chania in a few easy ways, whether you have a car or not:
Parking is available near the beach, so arriving by car is straightforward outside the busiest hours. Golden Beach is free to visit, and you only pay if you hire a sunbed and umbrella on the organised stretch.
Visit Chrissi Akti beach between June and September, when the weather is warm and the sunbeds, cafes and water sports all run. The beach fills up at weekends and in high summer, so arrive earlier in the day for more space, easier parking and calmer water. Spring and early autumn stay quieter and are still pleasant for swimming, which makes May, June and September good months for anyone who prefers fewer people.
Chrissi Akti sits within a short walk of several other beaches on the west side of Chania. The beaches of Agii Apostoli lie about 0.8 kilometres away, in sheltered coves backed by a park and the chapel that gives the area its name. Nea Chora beach, about 1.5 kilometres east toward the old harbour, is the closest sandy beach to the city centre and is known for its seafood taverns. The pine and eucalyptus parks between these beaches make the whole coast easy and shaded to explore on foot or by bike.
A day at Chrissi Akti beach is easy to combine with the other beaches and villages west of Chania when you drive yourself, since bus timetables and coastal parking fill up fast in summer. Having your own car lets you reach Golden Beach early, move on to Agii Apostoli or Nea Chora when the north wind rises, and carry beach gear for the family without waiting for a service. For the most flexible timing along the Chania coast, book a car rental in Crete.
Chrissi Akti, or Golden Beach, is on the north coast of western Crete, about 2.5 kilometres west of Chania city, next to Agii Apostoli. The beach sits in the Daratso area of the Kydonia region and is one of the closest sandy beaches to Chania town.
Chrissi Akti beach is sandy, with fine golden sand that gives the beach its name. The soft sand and shallow water make it comfortable for walking into the sea and for children to play.
Yes, the water at Chrissi Akti beach is shallow and clear and stays calm on most days. The beach is protected from the west and summer winds, though the sea can turn choppier when the north wind blows.
Yes, Chrissi Akti beach suits families, because the water is shallow and calm and the sand is fine and soft. A children’s playground sits near the beach, and a lifeguard watches the main stretch in summer.
Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire on the organised part of Golden Beach. The same stretch has showers, changing cabins and beach cafes, and the beach itself is free to enter.
Reach Chrissi Akti beach from Chania by city bus, on foot along the coast in about 20 to 30 minutes, or by taxi, car or bike. The beach lies only about 2.5 kilometres west of the city, and there is parking nearby.
Golden Beach is the main, well-organised west cove, while Aptera beach is the quieter, less developed east cove closer to Chania. The two share the same golden sand and shallow water and are separated by a low line of rocks.
The best time to visit Chrissi Akti beach is between June and September, when the weather is warm and all the beach services run. The beach is busiest at weekends and in high summer, so mornings and the shoulder months of May and September are quieter.
No, Chrissi Akti is an organised family beach and is not a designated naturist beach. It has sunbeds, umbrellas, a lifeguard and beach cafes, and it is used mainly by families and day visitors from Chania.
Find below list of gorges near Platanus House:
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.
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.
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.
The Tromarissa Gorge, named after local legends of fairies and goblins that frightened passersby, is situated close to the village of Zourva. The spring of Tromarissa, which translates to ‘scare’ in Greek, is where these tales are said to originate.
Beginning beneath the Agavani peak of the White Mountains, this technical canyon concludes near Zourva, with the Ambelitsiotis River (also known as Zourvanos) flowing alongside it. A hiking trail passes through the gorge, with additional trails stemming from the spring area towards the White Mountains and Pera Gourgouthes. The stream’s course features around 40+ medium-height rappels (waterfalls), the tallest of which is 17m. It takes a small group of canyoneers approximately six hours to traverse the gorge. The Chania Mountaineering Club (ΕΟΣ Chania) has secured the descents to Zourva with double bolts.
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