Romantic house Priotissa II is located in Tympáki, 2.8 km from Kokkinos Pirgos Beach, 43 km from Psiloritis National Park, and 4.6 km from Museum of Cretan Ethnology. It features a terrace, barbecue facilities, inner courtyard views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The air-conditioned apartment is composed of 1 separate bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
Phaistos is 6.3 km from the apartment, while Arkadi Monastery is 44 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 61 km from Romantic house Priotissa II.
Find below list of things to do near Romantic house Priotissa II:
Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at Eleftherias Square in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel at 08.30, we drive to Gortyna, the Roman capital of Crete and Cyrenaica and was first inhabited around 3200 BC. After the visit of Gortyna, we drive through valley of Mesara to visit the archaeological site of Phaistos and its palace, the most important center of the Minoan civilization, and the most wealthy and powerful city in southern Crete. After our visit to Phaistos, we drive to Matala where you will enjoy some free time to swim in the crystal clear waters and optional lunch. Finally we arrive to Zaros, attractive, refreshingly unspoiled village famous for its spring water, which is now bottled and sold all over Greece, and an ideal base for walkers to explore the beautiful nature. Zaros also has some fine Byzantine monasteries, and delicious farm-raised trout served up in tavernas around town and on emerald-green Lake Votomos which will be visited. Late in the afternoon at 17:00, we return to Heraklion at the terminal in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel.
Flexible Private Tour in Crete. Four choices of Tour/Daytrip directions ……………… Have a unique experience, sightseeing and traveling in a Classic Mercedes without missing any of the comforts you need! Ice cold AC, plush leather seats, modern sound system ect, all while driving around in classic! Very experienced local driver, fluent in English and very knowledgable of the island and its hidden jewels …………………. East Crete: Ag. Nikolaos-Elounda-Plaka-Spinalonga: Made famous also by Victoria Hishop’s homonymous novel, Spinalonga (The island) bears way more history than its size would ever suggest. Being a Venetian Fortress overseeing the Bay – Port of Elounda as well as a later leper Colony, “The island” is basically a nutshell full of our past! Elounda being one of the most beautiful places / beaches of the north of Crete, and St. Nicolas with its famous narrow walking streets will definitely complete the experience of a nice day’s trip.
…………………. East Crete: Kera-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus: One of Pithagoras’s favorite meditation sights, the “Cave of Zeus” has been the subject of myths and stories alike, for millennia… Today you’ll probably not find Zeus himself in the cave, but you’ll certainly be awarded with spectacular views, both on the way, and on top of the Cave’s mount. Through traditional Villages, mountain trails and the Plateau of Lasithi, you’ll probably find yourself on a trip worth remembering.
………………… South Crete: Faistos Palace-Gortyna-Matala: The second of the four Minoan Palaces to have been found on the island, Festos makes a good fit for the connoisseur’s kind of choice… Lacking the famous red pillars of Knossos, it nevertheless offers a more authentic bare-bones experience, due to the simple fact that it has not been reconstructed! Also the original home of the famous Festos’s Disk! Gortyn. Home of most major civilizations to ever pass from Crete, also served as the Praetorium for the Roman Governor of Crete! Matala! The beach of the hippies! A tripping and relaxing way to complete a nice day trip, enjoy the beach, the caves and the hippie vibes. ……………….. Heraklion: Knossos Palace-Spilia-Arc. Museum-Heraklion City: Experience Heraklion, one of the most intimidating “star – fortress” cities of its time, that managed to endure 21 years of Ottoman siege! Now a modern city, with all the positives and negatives of such…
Knossos Palace, basically the headquarter of Europe’s first, known, advanced civilization, along with the Archeological Museum of Heraklion, will definitely paint a vivid picture of how and where the “West” started!
St. Irene of Spilia, one of the many hidden Jewels of Crete just three minutes from Knossos, an imposing Roman aqueduct and an overall stunning place to spend some time and enjoy nature.
After a short drive through the Messara plain you reach Matala. Known for the colony of hippies in the Sixties, where they lived in large holes formed on the mountain. The rocks are holes with a Roman burial. In Matala you will have time for a refreshing dip in the water, eat something or just enjoy a drink on the beach. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both, the Minoans and the Romans used the place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s – 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs
Explore the highlights of southern Crete on a guided full-day trip from Heraklion. Enjoy a small-group tour of some of the region’s most popular sights.
Meet your guide at your hotel and hop on the bus that will take you to your first stop, Phaistos. Along the way, take in scenic views of the Messara winegrowing region’s mountains and vineyards. At Phaistos, explore the ruins of a medieval city and the second-largest palace in Crete. Learn more about the history of the complex from your guide and enjoy panoramic views of the Ida Mountains and the Lassithi Massif.
Afterward, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea in the former fishing village of Matala and take a walk to the world-famous cliffside caves. Then, tuck into a delicious lunch with views over the bay.
On the way back to Heraklion, stop at the monastery of Odigitria. Here, witness 2 tholos tombs and let yourself be enchanted by the monastery’s charm before heading back to your hotel.
Join us on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning valleys of Malevizi and Messara, home to millions of olive trees. Experience the thrill of an off-road jeep ride through the Asterousia mountain range, exploring rarely seen areas, and stopping at an observation deck at the peak of the mountains to admire eagles and the breathtaking canyon and Libyan Sea in the background.
During our trip to southern Crete, you’ll learn about the local tradition of goat-keeping from a shepherd. He’ll show you how to feed, milk, and catch goats. Then, you’ll cook Cretan goat cheese with him inside a cave, which is a unique experience. Finally, you’ll get to taste the delicious cheese you made together.
We’ll have lunch at a charming seaside tavern, take a refreshing swim at the tranquil Tripitis beach, make a wish at a picturesque church, and experience a true Cretan farewell with the hospitable old man who owns the tavern and takes care of the church.
This adventure is perfect for anyone looking for an exciting and unique experience in Crete. Book your trip with us now and let us take you on an unforgettable journey.
Hop down to the heart of Central Crete, the beloved land of our ancestors, and let the wonders of the Minoan world collide on this luxurious passage of time.
From the comfort of a premium chauffeured vehicle & escorted by our top local insider, revel in the endless luxuries of the ancient Messara plain where wine-red fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves stretch perennially toward the horizon.
Visit a family award-winning winery set on the peak of alluring panoramas & let our passionate winemakers immerse you into their intoxicating world. Luxuriate in ages, unearthing the Bronze Age palaces of Phaistos & Gortyna along with storied villages & monasteries.
In the afternoon, tuck in the bohemian vibe of Matala that captivated Bob Dylan & Janis Joplin. Bask in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea & unwind in the charming village, irresistible for its freshly caught grilled fish & finest ouzo.
To us, travel means putting fire in your soul with the best stories.
Find below list of beaches near Romantic house Priotissa II:
Kokkinos Pirgos, also known as Red Tower, resides 67km west of Heraklion, near the town of Tymbaki. Its name is derived from a tower constructed from red soil, situated at the mouth of the Geropotamos river. As the coastal village of Timbaki’s main port and a hotspot for tourism, Kokkinos Pirgos is home to numerous hotels, dining establishments, and cafes. The area’s climate is typically warm, enabling locals to cultivate fresh vegetables in greenhouses.
The village boasts a lengthy sandy beach that stretches southeast towards Kommos for several kilometres. This expansive beach is a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles (Carretta Carretta) during the summer months. Conservation organizations such as Archelon work to protect these sea turtles and their nests. The beach, which is susceptible to western winds, begins at Timbaki’s military airport wire fence on the east and extends to Agia Galini on the west.
The beach’s eastern portion, stretching from the port to the airport, is known as Katalyki. This well-equipped beach features amenities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguards, and water sports. A coastal road lined with cafes and restaurants runs alongside the beach, making it a popular spot for refreshments. East of Katalyki lies a sizable marsh, a key wetland in the Mesara plain, which is irrigated by the Geropotamos River.
The beach area west of the harbor is known as Makrimaliana. The beach near Kokkinos Pirgos is relatively broad, but as it extends towards Agia Galini, gravel massifs encroach upon it, narrowing the beach and in some places, eliminating it during high tide. This unorganized, remote beach may not be extraordinary, but the wind and sea-carved rock formations that flank it are certainly impressive.
Kalamaki, a quaint seaside hamlet, is nestled between Matala and Kokkinos Pirgos, 65km southwest of Heraklion. The beach, a 2.5km stretch of the vast Messara Bay coastline, graces the village’s front. Its sandy shore is kissed by the sea, which conceals a slick, flat rock bed beneath its surface. It features large waves, usually stirred by northwest winds, making beach access challenging at times due to the rocky seabed.
The village-facing part of the beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, eateries, accommodation, a lifeguard, playground, and water sports. For a more isolated experience, head southeast towards Kommos beach, a favorite among nudists.
To the north, you’ll find Afratias and the Pahia Ammos beach, which features patches of rocks. Devoid of amenities, the beach does boast a small park used for hosting cultural events like concerts during summer months.
Further north lies the Timbaki military airport, now serving as a resort for Greek Air Force staff. Although the beachfront is accessible, trespassing beyond the fence is prohibited and could lead to arrest. Sometimes, parachuters and skydivers can be spotted descending from small aircraft, courtesy of a local club based at the airport. In 2008, a small plane crashed into the Kalamaki sea, with the pilot miraculously surviving the ordeal. The Tymbaki airport holds ecological significance for the Mesara plains as it’s intersected by the Geropotamos River, which flows out to the beach. This river, the area’s largest, serves as a sanctuary for hundreds of rare birds across its numerous ponds.
The sandy coast of Messara Bay is a protected breeding ground for the loggerhead sea turtle. To prevent nest destruction and avoid frightening these creatures, it’s best not to roam the beach’s darker areas during summer nights.
Although Kalamaki doesn’t boast a significant history due to its relatively new establishment, it’s a popular seaside resort for Kamilari locals. Some believe it once served as a small harbor for Phaestus or Gortys in ancient times, though no concrete evidence supports this claim.
Situated 66km southwest of Heraklion, Kommos (or Komos) lies a mere 2km north of Matala and in close proximity to Pitsidia village. It stands as the southernmost and remotest section of the extensive beachfront of Messara Bay. Once serving as the port of Phaestus, the remnants of the ancient port of Kommos can still be observed on the beach. It can be reached by driving towards Matala and following a sign to Kommos near Pitsidia.
The entire beachfront of Messara is exposed to the prevalent westerly winds. Visitors should exercise caution as the seabed can be rocky in certain areas. The beach also serves as a nesting ground for the protected loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) between the months of May and September.
Potamos or Potamoserma, the northern section of Kommos, is a popular spot among naturists, dating back to when hippies frequented the area. The location is dotted with sparse tamarisk trees and devoid of buildings due to its protected archaeological status, restricting construction. Next to the archaeological site in the south, there is a developed beach equipped with amenities such as umbrellas, sun beds, a toilet, showers, a canteen and a lifeguard. Surrounding sand dunes are home to white sand lilies that mark the end of summer. Nearby Kalamaki or Pitsidia and Matala offer options for accommodation and dining.
The sight of Paximadia islets during sunset is breathtaking. A large rock, known locally as Volakas, stands 300m out at sea, opposite the archaeological site. According to local lore, this rock is the tip of the boulder that the blinded Cyclops Polyphemus hurled at Odysseus’ ship to prevent his escape, following Odysseus and his crew’s escape from Polyphemus’ cave.
Kommos, the ancient port of Phaestus, was established around 200BC. However, it was subsequently destroyed by an earthquake and then rebuilt at the same location. The archaeological site of Komos, not open to the public, houses a Minoan harbour, public buildings, warehouses, oil presses, shipyards and a large courtyard. Archaeologists have uncovered a small temple, constructed on the ruins of an older one.
Agia Galini, a well-loved seaside resort in the southern part of the Rethymnon prefecture, is located near the Amarianos or Platys River mouth. It’s 61km south of Rethymno city and 68km southwest of Heraklion. This quaint town flourishes with activity in the summer and offers all necessary tourist facilities. The stunning green beaches, the fascinating caves in the west, the legends of Icarus and Daedalus, the hippie memories and the peaceful sea, make this village a popular spot for numerous visitors.
Starting east of the port, a long beach extends to Kokkinos Pirgos. The sea here is typically serene. The beach section near the port is well-facilitated and features fine pebbles and chilled water, due to the nearby Platys or Amarianos River, located 200m east of the port. Near the river, remnants of an ancient Artemis temple have been discovered.
Crossing the river via a metal bridge leads to the second beach, which stretches another 1km to the east. This beach, with small pebbles and less organization, is adjacent to the Agia Galini camping site. As you progress eastwards, the beach becomes narrower and more rugged. A 1.5-2 hour walk will take you to Kokkinos Pirgos. This beach, inaccessible by road and favored by nudists, is completely unorganized so be sure to bring food, water, and umbrellas.
On the beach’s west end, beneath a hill with houses, there’s a small network of tunnels from World War II. You can explore these to reach the hilltop.
Find below list of gorges near Romantic house Priotissa II:
On the southeastern flank of Mount Sanida, near the quaint village of Skourvoula, you’ll find a petite yet wildly untamed chasm known as Rizopetro. This gorge culminates in a striking 60m waterfall that cascades into the lake of the Faneromeni dam, a sight to behold especially after heavy downpours.
The Apolychnos Gorge, situated just a few kilometers north of the town of Mires, is nestled in an area abundant with olive groves. This gorge is essentially a narrow valley that traces the path of a river, which in certain areas deepens and is surrounded by thick vegetation. The Tourki stream that flows through it carries water from a valley that begins west of Makres village to the Geropotamos river. The gorge, which is roughly 3 km long, begins near the village of Panagia and concludes at the traditional settlement of Agios Antonios (Vrelis). It’s conveniently accessible, particularly near its exit close to Agios Antonios, as it’s adjacent to the main road from Mires.
The gorge is named after the deserted village of Apolychnos, which is situated within the gorge at an elevation of 220m. This village, enveloped by verdant trees and bubbling springs, is home to the stunning Byzantine church of Saint Panteleimon, located in the village square.
In the quiet, almost abandoned village of Chordaki, located in the Amari district, we discovered the hidden gem of Kynigospilios Canyon. Situated south of the village, this small but stunning canyon remains a secret, its location hidden from view, which contributes to its relative obscurity. The Kynigospilios Canyon boasts a significant water flow from the slopes of Mount Kedros, which lasts from winter through to late spring.
However, traversing the canyon requires the use of ropes and canyoning equipment due to the presence of eight stunning waterfalls along its path, with the last one being particularly breathtaking. Unfortunately, the canyon’s safety measures, installed by canyoners around 2011, are not ideally positioned, making them inaccessible during periods of high water flow. The canyon was christened ‘Koutsouna’ (meaning ‘small’) by the first group to cross it, as they couldn’t find an existing name for it.
At the canyon’s entrance, you’ll find two adjacent watermills, and the surrounding area is lush with greenery, including platans and oaks that provide ample shade. Beneath most of the waterfalls, you’ll find ponds perfect for swimming in the canyon’s crystal-clear river waters. The Kynigospilios Canyon eventually merges into the Platys River bed at its termination point.
The Martsalo Gorge, stretching around 2km, is nestled on the southern coast of the rugged Asterousia Range. It collects rainwater from the Aginara region, near the Panagia Odigitria Monastery and eventually flows out onto Martsalo beach. Initially, a well-kept short trail leads from the closest dirt road to the historic church of Panagia Martsaliani. This ancient church, dating back to the early Christian era, is believed to have served as a catacomb, providing refuge for the first Christians. Surrounding the church, one can find hermit cells carved into the rocks and remnants of old structures.
From this point, it’s a relatively easy descent into the gorge’s bed, leading to the picturesque Martsalo beach. According to local lore, the Apostle Paul briefly landed here during his journey to Rome. The path to the beach is dotted with clusters of Cretan date palm trees, forming the second largest colony in Asterousia, only surpassed by the palm forest of Agios Nikitas.
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