Set in Plátanos, 48 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum and 14 km from Phaistos, The Platano_Village Residence offers a terrace and air conditioning. The accommodation is 47 km from the Venetian Walls and features free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with quiet street views.
Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 14 km from the apartment, while Pankritio Stadium is 45 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 50 km from The Platano_Village Residence.
Platanos Gortynas
Find below list of things to do near The Platano_Village Residence:
Take and airconditioned bus trip through South Crete on this day trip with pickup from Heraklion. Travel back in time as you explore Cretan history at the Gortys archeological site and have plenty of free time to soak up the vibes of at the colorful, seaside town of Matala.
Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in selected locations on Crete in the morning. Drive for 1.5 hours to the Gortys archeological site. Purchase a ticket to the site to uncover sights from 5000 years of Cretan history.
Take a short drive to Matala and spend 4.5 hours of free time where you can go swimming, sunbathe at the beach, purchase a ticket to the local caves or have lunch at a charming seaside café.
Return to your accommodation in Crete at the end of your free time in Matala.
A special excursion to the South of the island, starting our exploration with a visit to the emblematic lake of incomparable beauty in Zaros in a highly impressive landscape in central Crete! Then driving among the biggest valley of Crete, Messara, where we drive through pre-Minoan, Minoan, ancient Greek, and Roman ruins. We continue to the gorge of Trypiti through the biggest valley of Crete, this of Messara where our descent inside the gorge and through huge vertical rocks ends at the well hidden and exotic beach of Trypiti. Landscape of incomparable natural beauty rich in flora and fauna. Arrival at the beach and time for swim in its crystal clear waters. Quiet beach for moments of relaxation just before our lunch with authentic Cretan food in the center of the wild olive tree forest in the canyon of St. Savvas. Satisfying experiences and good traditional food, we return to your hotel with the best memories !
Our Cretan cooking class is a 100% hands-on experience, perfect for those eager to explore and indulge in the flavors of Cretan gastronomy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, what truly matters is your open heart and eagerness to embrace the warmth of Cretan culture, becoming a cherished part of our family along the way!”
Mama Stella, my wonderful mum, loves to share her culinary knowledge and techniques with you! We will cook a 4-course meal, by providing all you need, from aprons to fresh, farm-sourced ingredients ensuring a 100% hands-on cooking experience! Local homemade refreshments and water will also be provided. After your cooking adventure, revel in the joy of your creations accompanied by local Cretan wine. Leftovers are carefully packed for you to take along.
Immerse yourself in this unique, 3.5 to 4-hour experience at our olive oil farm. Cooking unfolds in an outdoor space beneath a beautiful wooden roof, surrounded by olive trees on one side and a lush garden on the other. Engage your senses—smell, taste, and feel our culture through a one-of-a-kind cooking adventure. Join us, cook with passion, and savor the moments!”
Born and raised in Crete, we would love to guide you through our way of life and explore the rural aspects of Crete!
We carefully designed this tour for those who wish to see Crete through the eyes of a local family! The journey begins with an engaging walking tour in our family’s olive groves and greenhouses. Discover the secrets of olive cultivation, the meticulous process of harvesting, and the art of producing the finest extra virgin olive oil.
Explore how locals cultivate greenhouses, learn about the variety of vegetables and fruits grown, and understand why these local products hold significance not only for local markets but also for the metropolitan markets of Greece. We are eager to share this information and more with you!
The walking tour concludes in an outdoor space beneath a beautiful wooden roof, surrounded by olive trees on one side and a lush garden on the other. There, we’ll have the pleasure of meeting my lovely mother, Mama Stela, and savoring authentic Cretan food prepared by her! Of course, the Cretan spirit, Raki, is an integral part of our meal! You might even get the chance to meet more members of my family.
A standout moment during the food tour is witnessing my mom demonstrate the crafting of Cretan cheese, followed by the delightful experience of tasting it!
The entire event will last approximately 2.5 hours. Our sincere desire is for you to become a part of our world and immerse yourself in the authentic way of Cretan living!
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.
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
Find below list of beaches near The Platano_Village Residence:
East Tsigounas, also known as Petrakis, is a serene beach situated 1km east of Lendas and 76km south of Heraklion on the foot of the rugged slopes of the Asterousia Mountains. The beach can be reached by car from Lendas via a road leading east to the local port. A section of it is referred to as Ostria, named after a small local hotel.
East Tsigounas is home to a quaint hamlet comprising 2-3 taverns with rooms and a handful of houses. The hamlet overlooks a lengthy beach adorned with beautiful round pebbles. Tamarisk trees line the beach, providing shade and an ideal spot for camping. Despite not being well-developed, the beach does offer a few umbrellas provided by the taverns.
Located just 3km to the east of the coastal village of Lendas, and 77km to the south of Heraklion, you’ll find Loutra. Known to locals as the home of the Lendas port, it’s safeguarded on the eastern side by Cape Trafoulas. Adjacent to the harbour, there are several coves with sandy and rocky sea beds, perfect for snorkelling and fishing. Although it’s relatively unorganised and not overly busy, there are a few nearby restaurants and rental rooms. Before the construction of Lendas’ port, Loutra was a favourite amongst naturists, but these days they tend to feel less at ease here.
West of the main beach and detached from the harbour is a small beach known as “Pasiphae’s Baths” or Hammam. Legend has it that this beach was the bathing place of choice for females, led by Queen Pasiphae, wife of the mythical King of Knossos, Minos. Minos and his male counterparts, however, would typically be found at Trafoulas beach.
Close by Loutra, there’s the charming Panaghia (Virgin Mary) Vithanos chapel, which is uniquely built into a rock. According to local folklore, a shepherd found a Panaghia icon in the rocks above Loutra near the canyon. After the icon was stolen from a church in the Plain of Mesara and went missing, the shepherd re-discovered it in the same spot. To express their gratitude for this miracle, the shepherd and his companions decided to construct a church at this site. They were faced with the difficult task of bringing water up from the valley, a task made possible by Panaghia who created a spring from the barren rock. This is the reason the church’s icons depict Panaghia surrounded by water.
Situated 74km south of Heraklion, on the southern fringes of the grand Asterousia Mountains, is the isolated seaside village of Lendas. This modestly designed tourist resort promises a serene vacation. The journey to Lendas, from Agii Deka near Mires town, via the village of Miamou, is via a narrow paved road that winds through the rough mountains, descending from an elevation of about 1000m to sea level, offering an awe-inspiring view of the Lendas sea.
The vicinity is scattered with beaches, popular among naturists. The beach in the village of Lendas, shielded on the east by Cape Psamidomouri and on the west by the renowned Cape Lion, was once the old port of Lendas, which has since been relocated to Loutra. This beach is the busiest in the area with basic amenities such as umbrellas, showers, sunbeds, and water sports. Beyond the beach, numerous taverns and rental rooms are available. The beach’s trademark is its ducks that wander freely. Additionally, the endangered loggerhead sea turtle lays its eggs on Lendas beach between May and September. For those seeking solitude, the secluded beaches of Dyskos and Loutra are ideal.
Lendas is established on the site of the ancient city Levina, a name believed to be derived from the Phoenician “Lavi” meaning Lion. A lion-like cape located west of the village supports this belief. Legend says this lion was one of the lions pulling goddess Rhea’s chariot and was turned into stone at this location. Another theory suggests the name originates from the Phoenician word “levina”, meaning white, describing the whitish hue of the local rocks. The modern name Lendas is derived from the Greek word “Leondas” meaning lion. This cape, also known as Lion, is an archaeological site that can be visited by a short 15-minute walk to its peak, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of early Minoan graves and a settlement, which had ties with Egypt. The ancient city of Levina prospered in the Hellenistic and Roman era, serving as a port for Gortys, the most powerful town in Crete at the time.
East of Lentas, a spring with supposed healing properties can be found. Even today, studies suggest the water aids in healing stomach, blood, and bleeding disorders. Consequently, a massive temple dedicated to the divine doctor Asclepius and Hygeia Sotira was built in the 4th century AC. This temple gained fame as a center for hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and psychiatry, attracting patients from distant places, such as Libya. Remnants of the temple, a Byzantine church dedicated to Agios Ioannis Theologos, and Roman baths can still be found in the area. Levina was presumably abandoned in the 7th-8th century due to frequent pirate attacks.
East of the village, opposite the Psamidomouri Cape, a rock resembling a crouching elephant can be seen, with another beach formed opposite the rock. Further on, Cape Trafoulas bears a resemblance to a crocodile from Lendas. According to a local legend, Cleopatra once visited Lendas with her favorite animals, namely a lion, a crocodile, and an elephant. She was so enchanted by the place that she left her animals behind when she returned to Egypt. To this day, these “animals” remain there, patiently waiting for Cleopatra’s return.
Situated 75km southwest of Heraklion, Dyskos, also known as Dytikos, is just a stone’s throw away from Lendas, separated only by the renowned Cape Lion. The legend says that Lion was one of the lions that served the goddess Rhea and was turned to stone at this location.
The settlement of Dyskos is nestled just west of Lion, where a sprawling beach with fine pebbles stretches out all the way to the village of Tsigounas. To reach this spot, one must travel the paved road from Lendas in the direction of Gerokambos. About a kilometer past Lendas, the beach will come into view on the left. In the absence of a car, one can still get to Dyskos by following the brief trail that skirts Cape Lion.
The eastern section of the beach, which lies in front of the village, is moderately developed with a handful of taverns and accommodation options. As one ventures westward, the beach becomes more secluded. The western area, close to Gerokambos, is particularly favored by nudists. In the past, Dyskos was a popular destination for hippies. For those seeking respite from the sun, numerous tamarisk trees line the beach providing ample shade.
Dyskos is also well-known for its breathtaking sunsets, with the sun disappearing behind the wild Asterousia mountains.
Find below list of gorges near The Platano_Village Residence:
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.
The Trypiti Gorge, nestled in the Asterousia mountain range, lies south of Vassiliki village and channels water from the valley east of Miamou village through the Agiosavvitis river. Stretching over 4 km, the gorge ends in a stunning pebble beach named Tripiti. A dirt road, running along the eastern side of the gorge, provides access to the beach, following several kilometers before reaching the riverbed at the sea’s edge.
The gorge narrows near Saint Paraskevi church, situated at an elevation of 655m. The initial section of the gorge houses steep waterfalls, making it inaccessible without technical expertise and canyoneering equipment. The western side, in particular, is incredibly steep and dangerous. The Prophet Elijah church is a prominent feature at Katsakne, the peak of the western slopes. This church can be accessed via another dirt road that begins about half a kilometer before the gorge’s entrance.
Midway through the gorge, close to the dirt road, lies the Saint Savas church, surrounded by wild olive trees. The unique feature of this woodland is its wild, uncultivated olive trees, offering a glimpse into the natural habitat of these trees. The gorge is also home to an array of wildlife and bird species.
As you continue towards the sea, the road merges with the ravine and soon leads to the most picturesque part of the gorge: the narrow canyon, also known as Steno Faragi. Here, the sides of the gorge come so close together that they appear to touch. A road, just wide enough for a car, passes through this narrow gap. At the end of this narrow section, next to the beach, you’ll find the Panagia Tripiti church, built inside a cave, that celebrates its feast on September 1st.
The Trypiti Gorge is known by various other names, including Saint Savas Gorge, Katsakne, and Lavri. On the eastern side’s Papouri hill, archaeologists have uncovered a significant Preminoan settlement. Additionally, vaulted graves have been discovered at the Kalokambos location.
The Trafoulas Gorge, located in the Asterousia Range, begins southeast of Krotos village and concludes at the Psili Ammos beach on the southern coast of the Cretan Sea. The majority of trekkers only explore a small portion of the gorge, typically from where they park their vehicle to the beach, despite the gorge’s origin being at a greater altitude. Even this limited section of the gorge is quite striking, characterized by narrow walls and towering rocks. According to local lore, the most narrow section of the gorge is referred to as the Pidimatou Gorge, or Jumping Gorge, given that a goat could feasibly leap from one side to the other.
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.
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