In the heart of Heraklio Town, set within a short distance of Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Venetian Walls, PORTVIEW CASA NEORIA offers free WiFi, air conditioning and household amenities such as an oven and coffee machine. The property features city and inner courtyard views, and is 2.6 km from Amoudara Beach.
The apartment is fitted with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with sea views.
Popular points of interest near the apartment include Koules, Municipal Art Gallery and Morosini Fountain. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 3 km from PORTVIEW CASA NEORIA.
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Find below list of things to do near PORTVIEW CASA NEORIA:
Visit Dia Island, by sailing boat. You can choose between a morning or sunset private half-day cruise, and a full-day private cruise, up to ten persons.
Embark on a half-day cruise to Dia Island from Heraklion and explore this rugged island with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or relax on its pristine shores.
Swim in the crystal clear water, take a walk among the island’s cedar trees or just relax in the quiet bay overlooking Heraklion.
Our cruises include historical narrations across the Cretan coastline, sailing, swimming, exploring the Aegean Sea.
Relax on board our sailing boat Maryline, enjoy the stunning view of the city and feel the refreshing summer breeze!
Experience Ancient Crete at your own pace with two tickets for the top archaeological attractions, the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and two captivating self-guided audio tours on your smartphone.
Receive your e-tickets by email, download the app and the audio tours on your phone, prior to your visit, and travel back in time to experience the grandeur of Ancient Crete.
Follow the itinerary below: Start at 08:00 from Knossos and enter the Heraklion Archaeological Museum at 13:00 or Start at 10:00 from Knossos and enter the Heraklion Archaeological Museum at 17:00.
Remember you must be at the venue entrance 15 minutes before the start time.
Put on your headphones and discover the most well known archaeological attractions of Crete through the power of storytelling and learn historical information and uncommon stories and anecdotes from the ancient times. The content of the tours is the result of in-depth research, squeezed into brief original stories that will make your visit both engaging and informative. The audio tours can be used repeatedly and anytime, before or after your visit.
This is an unmissable opportunity to gain valuable insights into ancient Crete and the Minoan civilization and relate to your surroundings in an entirely original way.
Board a high-speed vessel and enjoy a nice ferry cruise from Heraklion or Rethymno to the island of Santorini.
Upon arrival in Santorini, you will be transferred from the port to the magnificent village of Oia in the north.
During the transfer, an experienced guide on the bus will share many interesting facts about Santorini, its history, features, and secrets.
In Oia, you will have approximately 2 hours of free time to visit picturesque spots and viewpoints and enjoy breathtaking views.
The town of Oia is famous worldwide for its iconic panoramic views, Cycladic architecture with white houses and churches with blue domes.
After Oia, the tour continues to the capital of Santorini – the town of Fira.
Fira is just as beautiful as Oia, with breathtaking views of the sea and Caldera from its streets.
You can visit the big Orthodox Cathedral on the main square in the center of Fira and walk through the city.
Fira is full of interesting and picturesque spots and corners. You will have almost 1.5-2 hours there to explore on your own.
The tour will end with a transfer to the Santorini port, where you will take a return trip to Crete.
The day trip ends at the port of Heraklion or at your hotel area if you select the option that includes hotel transfer.
CRETAquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe and the public face of Thalassokosmos, the biggest marine research complex in the Mediterranean. The ticket covers a full day’s entry to 60 habitats holding more than 2,000 sea creatures and over 150 species, from Mediterranean stingrays and scorpionfish to sharks, jellyfish and tropical clownfish. Entry starts at €15, and the aquarium holds a 4.36 rating across 2,716 reviews, it ranks 17th among all GetYourGuide experiences in Greece.
The ticket buys entry and the route through the tanks takes about an hour. Three things define the visit.
First are the Mediterranean habitats, which make up the bulk of the aquarium and recreate the caves and crevices where stingrays and rock-like scorpionfish live. Second are the open-topped shallow tanks, which let you look down on jellyfish and clownfish rather than through glass at them, a different perspective on species most people have seen before. Third is the research context: CRETAquarium belongs to the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, which studies climate impact on marine organisms here and rehabilitates injured sea turtles for release with local authorities and NGOs.
Benches sit through the halls, so the visit can be slow rather than a walk-through.
The aquarium sits on the coast at Gournes, between Heraklion and Hersonissos.
The ticket covers the gate and nothing else.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend CRETAquarium as the reliable wet-weather and heatwave answer on the Heraklion coast, and the thing that separates it from a commercial aquarium is what sits behind it. This is the visitor wing of a working marine research institute. The turtles you see being cared for are injured animals brought in by local authorities and released once recovered, and the research programme studies how climate change affects Mediterranean species. That context is not marketing, it is the institution.
The reviews back the basics. Visitors describe it as clean, well maintained, with large tanks and good variety, and singling out the turtles, the sharks and the dusky groupers. A British reviewer spent an hour and a half and made a point of the benches for sitting and watching. Another found it surprisingly bigger than expected and good value. An Israeli visitor praised having an explanation and description on everything.
The cafe outside under the olive trees comes up more than once as a good place to finish.
Three things worth knowing.
Value for money is the weakest score at 4.3 out of 5, and the price has moved. The bestseller listing shows €12 while the current price is €15, and a German reviewer noted the facility is from an older generation with a few tanks feeling overcrowded.
Queues build in the middle of the day. The operator states it gets very busy between 11:00 and 16:00 in summer with long lines, and GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers want clearer entry directions during busy periods. Buying ahead helps, one Italian reviewer got quick entry precisely because they had.
It is genuinely remote. A Polish reviewer described the surrounding landscape as looking like the end of the world and noted the bus stops quite far away, leaving a walk. Come by car or taxi.
Arrive outside the midday rush, rent the audio guide, and plan an hour rather than a morning.
The aquarium is at Gournes, Heraklion 710 03, reachable by car or taxi in about 25 minutes from Heraklion, Malia or Hersonissos. Allow roughly an hour inside.
If you miss your time slot the ticket stays valid for the day, but you lose the skip-the-line benefit. Comfortable shoes help; pets, smoking and alcohol are not permitted.
About an hour covers the aquarium, though reviewers who sat and watched the larger tanks report spending closer to two.
No guided tour is included. An audio guide can be rented at reception for €3 in a choice of 9 languages.
The aquarium holds more than 2,000 sea creatures across 60 habitats, covering over 150 species.
Between 11:00 and 16:00 in summer, when the operator warns of long lines at the entrance.
CRETAquarium is at Gournes, about 25 minutes by car or taxi from Heraklion, Malia or Hersonissos. Bus stops leave a considerable walk.
Your ticket stays valid for the rest of the day, but you can no longer skip the line.
Check dates and prices for CRETAquarium admission.
Embark on a captivating journey through Eastern Crete’s rich heritage, culture, and natural beauty on this small group tour. Designed for cruise ship guests, explore the island’s hidden gems and immerse yourself in local traditions with our expert guide.
Your adventure begins in the picturesque Fourni village, showcasing the authentic Cretan lifestyle. Next, marvel at the stunning Spinalonga viewpoint, absorbing the island’s breathtaking panoramas. Continue to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, where you’ll be enchanted by its vibrant atmosphere and stunning lake.
Venture onward to Kritsa, one of Crete’s oldest and most picturesque villages. Wander its narrow streets, admire the traditional architecture, and learn about the village’s fascinating history.
As your tour concludes, you’ll be returned to the cruise ship port, filled with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Eastern Crete’s diverse beauty and cultural richness. Experience the magic of Crete in a way that few others can, with our small group heritage tour.
This is a sailing trip rather than a motorboat cruise: 4.5 hours from Heraklion port out to Dia island, under sail where the wind allows, with a stop for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding and a full meal served on board. Dia is the uninhabited island you can see on the horizon from Heraklion, and its sheltered bays are the anchorage. SAILINGTRIPS.GR run it from €80, with a 4.84 rating across 1,491 reviews, one of the largest review bases of any tour we list.
The half-day splits into the sail out, the anchorage and the sail back.
First is the departure from Heraklion port, where the crew take passenger details for the port authority before casting off. Second is the crossing to Dia, about seven nautical miles north of the city, spent on deck cushions with the island growing ahead. Third is the anchorage in one of Dia’s bays, where snorkelling gear, stand-up paddleboards and fishing tackle come out and lunch is served with unlimited drinks. Fourth is the return leg under sail to Heraklion.
Dia is a protected, uninhabited island. There is no development on it at all, which is why the water in its bays is as clear as it is.
The route runs north from the city into open water.
The €80 covers the boat, the crew, the food, the drinks and all the water equipment.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this one on the strength of its record. A 4.84 average across 1,491 reviews is a large enough sample that it stops being an opinion and starts being a measurement, most tours on this site are rated by a few dozen people. Guide quality and transportation both score 4.9 out of 5.
The crew is the reason. Reviewers name Captain Dionysis and his co-captain Vangelis repeatedly and unprompted. A British guest who sailed on a windy, choppy day praised the captain specifically for keeping the passage smooth and for briefing everyone properly before departure, which is the thing you actually want to read about a sailing trip.
Sailing is also genuinely different from a motor cruise. A Canadian visitor described it as peaceful even on a windier day, and jumping off a sailboat into open water is not the same experience as stepping off a catamaran platform. If you want the sea rather than a floating sunbed, this is the right boat.
Two honest points.
The booking options confuse people, and this is the one consistent criticism. GetYourGuide’s own summary of verified reviews says travellers want clearer detail on what is included, particularly lunch and drink options by tour length. The listing carries three different products: the shared half-day trip to Dia with lunch, private trips where meals are an optional extra, and a 1-hour coastal sail that does not reach Dia and includes no lunch, no snorkelling, no paddleboards and no fishing. Book the wrong one and you get a very different afternoon.
Value for money is the weakest score at 4.7 out of 5. €80 is real money for half a day, and while the meal and unlimited drinks account for much of it, it is the dimension reviewers rate lowest.
If you want the same island with a steadier deck and a family focus, the catamaran option covers the same water.
Check which option you booked, send passport details early, and bring your own towel.
The meeting point is Epimenidou 19 at Heraklion port. All passengers must supply passport or ID details in advance for departure authorisation; these go only to the local port authority.
Bring your passport or ID card, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a jacket. The minimum age on shared cruises is 4; infants are welcome on private trips. Flag any dietary requirement in advance.
The shared cruise runs 4 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion port, including the sail out, the swimming stop and the return.
A full meal and unlimited drinks are included on the shared half-day trip; on private trips the meal is an optional add-on chosen at checkout.
No, the 1-hour coastal tour stays along the Heraklion shore and includes no lunch, snorkelling, paddleboards or fishing.
Your passport or ID card is required by the port authority, plus a towel, which is the only item not supplied on board.
Dia is uninhabited and protected, with no development on it, which is why its bays stay so clear.
Shared cruises take children from age 4; infants are welcome on private charters.
Check dates and prices for the Dia island sailing trip from Heraklion.
Find below list of beaches near PORTVIEW CASA NEORIA:
Ammoudara is a 7 km organized sandy beach that begins about 1 km west of Heraklion’s centre and runs west toward the mouth of the Almiros river. Ammoudara pairs long stretches of fine brown sand and shallow blue water with sunbeds, beach bars and water sports, so it suits both a busy family beach day and a quiet swim near the dunes. The beach starts at the Giofyros river mouth by the Pancretan Stadium, and a low rock strip about 50 m inland marks where the ancient shoreline once stood.
Ammoudara is one of the longest beaches in the Heraklion area, which is why it can feel busy and lively in one stretch and almost empty in the next. The sand is fine and brownish, the water is blue and shallow close to shore, and the sea often turns choppy when the wind picks up. Now effectively a suburb of Heraklion, the beach draws thousands of visitors each summer because it is close to the city yet still has open sand and dunes at its western end.
The organized sections of Ammoudara offer sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, lifeguards, showers and changing rooms, and several stretches carry a Blue Flag for water quality and safety. Because the beach is exposed to steady north winds, it is a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and local schools rent equipment and give lessons. Visitors also find jet ski hire, parasailing, and snorkeling or diving and boat trips along the coast. Tavernas, cafes and beach bars line much of the front, so food, coffee and evening drinks are within a short walk of the sand.
For a calmer swim, head to the western part of the beach, which runs from the Pancretan Stadium toward the Xeropotamos wetland and its dunes. The river mouths of the Almiros and Gazanos, together with the Ellinoperamata area, stay quiet because they are protected natural spots rather than organized plazas. Just inland lies the Almiros spring, the largest water source in Crete, which feeds the most extensive wetland habitat in the area. Walkers can follow the easy Almiros gorge or climb Stroumboulas, the volcano-like mountain that rises over Heraklion, and from the western end the coastline continues toward Ellinoperamata beach.
Take Heraklion city bus line 6 from the centre, or drive the coastal road west, to reach Ammoudara in a few minutes. Heraklion International Airport sits about 9 km east, so a taxi or transfer from arrivals is short. Parking is available on the side streets near the beach, though it fills up on peak summer days. Renting a car is the simplest way to reach both the organized front and the quieter western spots, which you can arrange through Crete Locals car rental.
Ammoudara beach is on the north coast of Crete, starting about 1 km west of Heraklion’s centre and running roughly 7 km west toward the Almiros river. It lies in the Gazi area of the Malevizi municipal unit, so the city and the beach almost merge.
Take Heraklion city bus line 6 from the centre, or drive the coastal road west. Heraklion International Airport is about 9 km away, a short taxi or transfer ride to the beach.
Yes, the shallow, gently shelving water near the shore suits families with children. Lifeguards, showers, changing rooms and beach bars along the organized sections add to the convenience for a day out with kids.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are the signature activities, thanks to the beach’s steady north winds. Jet ski hire, parasailing, and snorkeling or diving and boat trips are also offered along the coast.
Yes, several organized stretches of Ammoudara carry a Blue Flag for water quality and safety. The water is generally clean and blue, and it is shallow near the shore.
Ammoudara has fine, brownish sand along its full length. A low rock strip about 50 m inland marks the ancient shoreline behind the modern beach.
Yes, Ammoudara is known for steady winds and can get wavy, which makes it a favourite for windsurfers and kitesurfers. On calmer days the same open water is fine for swimming.
The best time to visit is summer, from June to September, when the sea is warm and the organized beach is in full swing. For fewer crowds, choose late spring or early autumn, or use the quieter western end near the wetland and dunes.
Yes, you can park on the side streets near the beach, and some hotels offer parking. Spaces fill up quickly on peak summer days, so arriving early helps.
Nearby you can visit the Palace of Knossos, Heraklion’s old town and Venetian walls, and the Cretaquarium. Closer to the beach, the Almiros gorge gives an easy walk and Stroumboulas mountain offers a longer hike.
No, this Ammoudara is the long organized beach west of Heraklion, not the smaller Ammoudara beach near Agios Nikolaos in Lasithi. The two beaches share a name but sit at opposite ends of the north coast.
Karteros beach is a wide, fine-sand bay on the north coast of Crete, about 7 km east of Heraklion and right beside the island’s airport. The bay stretches roughly 3 km east from the mouth of the Karteros Gorge and takes in two neighbourhoods, Karteros and Amnissos, which have grown together as the area developed. Its name honours the Byzantine general Krateros, who landed here in 824 AD in a failed attempt to free Crete from the Saracens.
The sand is fine and golden, mixed with a little pebble in places, and the water is shallow with almost no rocks. The bay faces the open sea and catches the northern winds, so the surface is often wavy, especially towards the eastern end. Those same winds make Karteros a popular spot for windsurfing. The shallow, gently deepening water suits children and families, and lifeguards watch the organised stretches in season.
You will find tavernas, cafes, and beach bars along the shore, together with umbrellas and sunbeds on the organised sections. A paved road and a city bus from Heraklion reach the beach, and there is a parking area by the shore, so getting here without a car is straightforward. Off the bay lies the small rocky islet of Monochorako, close enough for confident swimmers to reach from the sand.
The quietest part of the bay is Florida, at the western end next to Heraklion’s Nikos Kazantzakis airport. Here the Karteros River flows out of the gorge and forms a small seasonal wetland that dries up in summer, and there are fewer umbrellas and facilities than further east. The wetland is easiest to see in spring, before the summer heat dries it out. While you are at this end, look for the small church of St John and St Nikon, built inside a cave in the rock face across the old national road. Do not be surprised to see horses on the sand here either, as the Heraklion Riding Club brings them down to the beach.
A rental car makes it easy to combine Karteros with the beaches and sites further east along the coast. Compare options for your trip on the Crete car rental page.
Karteros beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 7 km east of Heraklion and directly east of the island’s airport. The bay stretches around 3 km and includes the Karteros and Amnissos neighbourhoods.
A paved road links Karteros beach to Heraklion, and a city bus serves the area, so you can reach it with or without a car. There is a parking area next to the shore for visitors who drive.
Yes. The water is shallow and deepens gently with few rocks, which suits children, and lifeguards watch the organised stretches in season. The sea is often wavy because the bay faces the northern winds, so keep an eye on the conditions and any warning signs.
The bay is exposed to the northern winds and the surface is frequently wavy, most of all towards the eastern end. Calmer conditions are more likely early in the day and on the more sheltered western sections.
The organised sections have umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, and lifeguards in season, with tavernas, cafes, and beach bars along the shore. The western Florida stretch, next to the airport, is quieter and has fewer facilities.
Yes. The steady northern winds make the bay well suited to windsurfing, and water-sports operators work the organised stretches in the summer season.
The beach is named after the Byzantine general Krateros, who landed on the bay in 824 AD to try to free Crete from the Saracens but was defeated. The nearby river and settlement carry the same name.
At the western Florida end, the Karteros River forms a small seasonal wetland, and the cave church of St John and St Nikon sits across the old national road. Off the bay lies the small islet of Monochorako, which strong swimmers can reach, and the eastern Amnissos area continues the same long stretch of sand.
Situated 8km west of Heraklion city, Linoperamata, also known as Ellinoperamata, is a scenic sandy beach stretching up to 7km long, beginning from Linoperamata and culminating at the Pancretan Stadium, 1km west of Heraklion. The beach is uniquely bordered by the Almiros river in the west.
The locals do not frequent Linoperamata as much due to the presence of a local Power Station and heavy industries in its western region. Nevertheless, the beach boasts of clean water and a serene atmosphere. Unlike the highly organized beaches in the neighboring Ammoudara, Linoperamata has a more natural appeal, although there are a few hotels in the vicinity.
Open to the northern winds, the beach is often wavy, making it a favorite among windsurfers. Getting to Linoperamata from Heraklion is convenient via the city’s bus service.
Pantanassa, situated 12km west of Heraklion, is named after the Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The beach lies adjacent to the quaint port of Pantanassa. Prior to the establishment of the port, Pantanassa boasted an enchanting beach, concealed by a small pine forest and possessing crystal-clear waters. Now, the beach has been divided by the port, causing Pantanasa beach to lose some of its former allure. Nonetheless, it still retains its beauty, featuring pebbles and clear waters.
The beach offers amenities such as umbrellas and sunbeds, and some pine trees still grace the nearby cliffs. A pathway from the port allows for easy access. If hunger strikes, there are eateries in the port of Pantanassa and nearby areas. Visitors can combine their beach visit with a trip to the Pantanassa Monastery, perched atop the pine-covered hill above the beach. Built in the mid-20th century, it was envisioned to serve as a charity monastery, but the founder, Nikolaos Xenos, passed away before realizing his dream. Today, the monastery functions as a nunnery.
The Lefkadia area lies to the west of Pantanassa beach. Here, two secluded bays, largely unknown to most Heraklion residents, provide an ideal spot for relaxation. Recently, a beach bar was established and a trail leading to the beach was opened. Helidoni beach, featuring sandy and pebbly areas with a predominantly rocky seabed, is perfect for snorkeling. The western view is captivating, with the ruins of the old Paliokastro castle visible. Visitors can park in the nearby small pine grove and hike up to the castle.
Find below list of gorges near PORTVIEW CASA NEORIA:
Almiros Gorge is a 3 km walking gorge in Ellinoperamata, the closest canyon to the west of Heraklion city. The route takes about 1.5 hours, gains 150 meters in elevation, and rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, so it suits families and first-time hikers who want a short walk close to the city. A paved road reaches the trail, water runs here only until spring, and the path links a 14th-century monastery, three small chapels, a spring-fed lake, and three seasonal waterfalls.
Almiros Gorge is a small canyon and hiking trail in Ellinoperamata, formed between the Keri hills and the post-Minoan town of Kastrokefala. Almiros Gorge sits west of Heraklion and counts as the closest gorge to the city on that side. The eastern side holds the largest holly wood (Phillirea media) in Crete, and platan trees, carob, and wild olive trees also grow here despite overgrazing.
The gorge carries several local names, each tied to its geography or folklore: Keri Gorge after the neighboring hill, Almiros after the nearby Almiros river, Ellinoperamata after the area where it ends, Porofarago (a common Cretan gorge name), the Three Churches after its three chapels (Santa Marina, St. Antonios, and St. Paraskevi), Strouboulas after the Strouboulas peak near its start, and the Ghosts’ Gorge, a spooky local nickname. Few visitors make the trip despite the short distance from central Heraklion.
Almiros Gorge rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, which makes it one of the easiest gorges to hike near Heraklion. The full walk covers 3 km and takes about 1.5 hours, with 150 meters of elevation change along the way. The chapel of Lord Christ at the gorge’s starting point is reached after nearly 1 hour 30 minutes of walking.
The gentle grade and short length make the gorge a good option for a half-day outing rather than a demanding trek. Because the terrain stays easy throughout, most walkers of average fitness finish the route without difficulty.
A paved road leads to Almiros Gorge, and cars can reach the location near the canyon exit. The 14th-century monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis stands near that exit, which gives you a clear landmark to aim for on arrival.
The gorge lies a short drive west of Heraklion, so most visitors arrive on their own wheels. Having a car also makes it easy to combine the walk with the nearby villages and coast, and you can compare options on the car rental page.
Almiros Gorge packs a monastery, three chapels, a seasonal stream, three small waterfalls, and a spring-fed lake into a single short walk. The trail is lined with trees, and the vegetation thickens as you climb.
The 14th-century monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis (Saint John inside the Gorge) was built near the canyon exit and is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The monastery gives the gorge much of its religious character and its “Saint John inside the Gorge” name.
The surviving chapel of Saint Marina was used as a cemetery, while the main temple was the two-aisled chapel of Saint Anthony and Saint Paraskevi, which holds significant frescoes. Further along, a shrine dedicated to Saint George appears, and the chapel of Lord Christ marks the gorge’s starting point.
The gorge is usually dry and turns into a small stream during spring. Water stays in the gorge only until spring, so plan a visit for the wetter months to see the streambed flowing. After prolonged, heavy rainfall, three small waterfalls form at a site with a pinkish limestone hue.
Lake Almiros sits beside the gorge and is a wonder in itself. The lake’s crystal-clear water flows directly from the spring-fed mountain cliffs and stays clear enough to see all the way to its bed. For more swimming spots along the coast nearby, the beaches near Heraklion are a short drive away.
Almiros Gorge needs only light hiking gear, because the trail is short and easy. Pack for a half-day walk in a mostly open canyon:
Several gorges sit within a short drive of Almiros, which makes it easy to pair this walk with another. Each of the following canyons lies in the wider Heraklion area:
You can browse the full set of routes on the Crete gorges guide.
No. Almiros Gorge rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, one of the easiest gorge walks near Heraklion, and the route gains only 150 meters over its length.
The trail is 3 km long and takes about 1.5 hours, with 150 meters of elevation change from end to end.
Yes, until spring. The gorge is usually dry and turns into a small stream in spring, and three small waterfalls form after prolonged, heavy rainfall.
Yes. A paved road reaches the gorge, and cars can get to the location near the canyon exit, where the monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis stands.
“Ghosts’ Gorge” is one of several local names for Almiros, alongside Keri Gorge, Porofarago, and the Three Churches, each tied to the gorge’s geography, chapels, or folklore.
The Astrakiano and Kounaviano canyons are two verdant gorges that converge near Skalani village and empty out onto Karteros beach. The combined length of these canyons is roughly 21 km. Situated to the east of Heraklion city, these gorges are part of the broader Mount Jiouktas area. They offer easy walking trails, making them perfect for families and children.
The longer of the two, Astrakiano, begins at the Paliarda location in Kolomodi and extends to the area beneath the deserted Kato Astraki village, after crossing the picturesque Astrakiani Kamara bridge. From Kato Astraki, a brief trail leads to the Neraidospilios site, known for its stunning pond and gushing water caves.
The path along the Karteros river commences from this point, offering a lush green trail equipped with wooden bridges and railings. After crossing the Aitania bridge at Kaki Rachi, we reach Kali Rachi where the Astrakiano and Kounaviano Gorges, originating from Peza, merge. From Kali Rachi, the river continues to Karteros along a well-structured path. This section, known as Karteros Gorge, passes by ancient water mills and the historic Saint Nicholas Church (Agios Nikolaos). Near the Karteros gorge exit, at the Mesa Karteros spot, you’ll find an old inn and a second chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas. This location, accessible by car from Karteros, is an ideal picnic spot.
The Astrakiano canyon (Astraki – Kali Rachi) measures about 7km, with a hiking duration of 3-4 hours. The Kounaviano Gorge (Peza- Kali Rachi) is roughly 4km long, requiring about 2 hours for trekking. The shared section of the Karteros gorge (up to the second Saint Nicholas chapel (Kali Rachi – Mesa Karteros)) is approximately 6km.
The canyons’ route is abundant in natural, morphological, aesthetic, historical, and cultural aspects. The landscape boasts exceptional natural beauty, featuring springs, ponds, rivers, mini waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Prior to World War II, the canyon housed 10 watermills, and locals would fish for eels and crabs, some of which still exist today.
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.
The Kounaviano gorge, known for its lush vegetation, is the greenest canyon in the entire Heraklion prefecture, serving as a verdant oasis in the heart of Pediada province. The gorge is named after the village of Kounavi in its district, even though it actually begins from the village of Peza, hence it could be referred to as Pezzano Gorge. This gorge is a tributary of the Karteros river and runs parallel to the Astrakiano gorge. The Astrakiano and Kounaviano gorges converge at the Kaki Rachi area near Skalani, forming the Karteros Gorge. Kounaviano’s entrance is situated at the northernmost point of the fertile Peza plain, collecting all the area’s water. It has numerous springs along its bed, some of which retain water throughout the year.
In recent years, the gorge’s trail has been marked and cleared, with the addition of small bridges, wooden railings, and informational signs. Walking along this trail is a delightful and easy experience, shaded by perennial plane, oak, and other trees. The riverbed walk is simple, without significant altitude changes or difficulties. At the gorge’s starting point, two small waterfalls can be seen. Old watermills, once used to grind the area’s cereals, can be found at three different points along the trail. This region has always been one of Crete’s most productive. Additionally, limestone kilns and various fruit tree gardens can be spotted. A walk from the gorge’s entrance at Peza to its exit at Kaki Rachi near Skalani takes approximately 2 hours.
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