Offering a garden and garden view, Tulip House is situated in Yerakárion, 26 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna and 26 km from Psiloritis National Park. This holiday home is 36 km from Municipal Garden and 37 km from Venetian Harbour.
With free WiFi, this 2-bedroom holiday home features a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with kitchenware.
Guests at the holiday home can enjoy a continental breakfast.
Tulip House offers a terrace.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 37 km from the accommodation, while Arkadi Monastery is 18 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 91 km from Tulip House.
Γερακαρι Αμαρι Ρεθυμνης
Find below list of things to do near Tulip House:
Arkadi Monastery (in Greek Moní Arkadíou) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery, situated near Rethymno. It is one of the most historic monasteries on Crete.
What’s Included:
Experienced guide, use of bicycle, helmet, reflective orange vest, bottle of water, break for discussion and soft drink in a village during the tour.
Departure & Return:
Sofokli Venizelou 4, Rethymno 741 00, Greece
You will enjoy the beautiful view and you will be enchanted of the wonderful green landscape.
Additional Info:
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Check the prices and make your reservation from our booking system in our website.
All protection measures are taken by COVID 19. Helmets and reflective vests are sterilized by a special machine at 120o C.
Visit Preveli beach, the Kourtaliotiko gorge, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Rethymno or Chania. Cruise aboard a boat on the Libyan sea, swim in crystal-clear waters, and relax on a sandy beach.
Start your tour from your accommodation where your guide will meet you. Take a short scenic drive through to Damnoni beach where your personal boat driver awaits. Find yourself in Preveli after a short, picturesque boat ride.
Enjoy a swim in the Libyan Sea at Preveli beach and feel free to explore the Kourtaliotiko gorge and marvel at the mountainous terrain. Connected to Preveli beach is a series of springs and waterfalls that lead into the gorge which can also be visited.
Discover a mixture of sandy beaches, lush forest, and mountains. Return to your accommodation on a route through the Kourtaliotiko gorge.
This river trek takes you into Kourtaliotiko gorge from Rethymno, wading and swimming down the riverbed to the waterfall that pours into the canyon’s cave. Kourtaliotiko is the biggest gorge in the Rethymno regional unit, and the route runs below the roadside viewpoint where most visitors stop. Cretan Explorer supplies wetsuits, helmets and poles over 5 hours from €67.50, and this Rethymno departure carries the largest review base of the two, 4.89 across 324 reviews, with guiding at a perfect 5.0.
The van meets you at a parking area above the gorge, and the route follows the water down to an olive grove at the exit. Four stages fill the 5 hours.
First is the equipment and briefing, a neoprene short-sleeve suit, a helmet, walking poles and a safety talk covering the whole route. Second is the great waterfall, which never stops flowing and is reached by a swim into the cave beneath it. Third is about two hours descending the river, dropping through natural pools under plane trees on a path away from the marked trail. Fourth is the Banana Garden, a small farm near the exit where a light lunch is served.
The operator rates it as a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels.
The trek runs south from Rethymno into the mountains behind the coast.
The price covers the kit, the guiding, the internal transfers and lunch, and it excludes the gorge ticket.
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We recommend this departure specifically for people staying on the north coast, and the number that matters is 324. This Rethymno version has run three times as many bookings as the Plakias one, which means the pick-up logistics from the busier side of the island are well worn rather than improvised. If you are in Rethymno town or along that coast, this is the version built for you.
What the reviews describe is a well-drilled operation. One Swiss guest described the safety briefing explaining the entire river trekking process clearly before anyone got wet, and the guide flagging slippery and uneven ground throughout the walk. Another praised the pace: never rushed, time to look at things, time to ask questions. The guide, Yiannis, is named by German, Dutch, French and Irish reviewers alike.
Two details from the reviews worth repeating. One reviewer who had previously visited Kourtaliotiko with a large operator, a brief stop, a look at the waterfall, back on the coach, described this as a completely different experience. And several mention the Banana Garden by name, one noting it is still beautiful despite fire damage, with the plants explained in detail by the people who grow them.
Three things to weigh.
The water is genuinely cold. One reviewer described being up to the neck in it, another said the wetsuit made it manageable rather than warm. This is shaded mountain water, and the swim to the waterfall is not optional.
Pre-tour communication is the one recurring gap. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers would like clearer information on the meeting point and start time beforehand. Confirm both directly with the operator rather than assuming.
Footwear is specified for a reason. Soft-soled water shoes are stated as unsuitable, and sure footing matters more here than fitness does.
Confirm the meeting point in writing, send your measurements, and bring cash for the ticket.
You meet the van at a parking area above the gorge, or take the optional pick-up from around Rethymno. Send your height and weight after booking for the wetsuit, and your hotel name if you have chosen pick-up.
Bring swimwear, sports shoes, a towel, flip-flops, snacks, water and €5 cash. Soft-soled water shoes are not suitable for this activity.
The trek runs 5 hours, including the waterfall section, roughly two hours down the riverbed and lunch afterwards.
The water is cold year-round. The gorge is shaded and fed from the mountains, which is why a neoprene wetsuit is provided rather than optional.
The price covers the guide, wetsuit, helmet, poles, waterproof bags, lunch and all internal transfers, plus skip-the-line entrance handling.
No experience is needed, the operator rates the route moderate and suitable for most fitness levels, though sure footing on wet rock matters.
Optional pick-up covers hotels around Rethymno, which is the main reason to choose this departure over the Plakias one.
The entrance fee is €5 per person, paid in cash and not included in the tour price.
Check dates and prices for the Kourtaliotiko gorge river trek from Rethymno.
Preparation and gear briefing
Arriving in the entrance of Kourtaliotiko gorge, we are immediately amazed by the majestic walls that stand hundreds of meters high. We take the stone steps that lead us to the source of the river that formed this scenery through the ages. There, we can visit the little church of S. Nicolas Kourtaliotis, the local saint that lived here as a hermit, and learn about the old myths of the gorge. We take some time to put on our neoprene suits and our personal gear, distributed by the team leaders. Then, the instructors will give a safety briefing so that we can understand the use of our gear and learn to trust it. Now we are ready to get the fun started!
Canyoning games in the river
The source of Kourtaliotiko river becomes a natural playground for us! You are welcome to rappel down the steep canyon wall next to the waterfall and try adrenaline jumps in the water as many times as you wish. We swim around, we take pictures, and we play like kids. Our specialized instructors and guides will be next to you at all times to ensure your safety and guide you through the different activities.
Short river trek
Our adventure continues further down the river. Hiking towards the south, we soon discover a small cave called “the fairy cave” – if you are lucky enough, you may see one hiding behind the stalactites and stalagmites.
This river trek walks down the bed of Kourtaliotiko gorge from Plakias, wading and swimming through natural pools to the waterfall that falls into the canyon’s cave. Kourtaliotiko is the largest gorge in the Rethymno regional unit, and this route follows the water rather than the marked path, which keeps it away from the viewpoint crowds. Cretan Explorer supplies wetsuits, helmets and poles, runs it over 5 hours from €63.75, and holds a 4.92 rating across 105 reviews with a perfect 5.0 for guiding.
The route drops into the gorge from above and follows the river downstream to an olive grove at the exit. Four stages make up the 5 hours.
First comes the kit-up above the gorge, a short-sleeved neoprene suit, a helmet, walking poles and a briefing on the route. Second is the great waterfall, viewed from the water and reached by a short swim into the cave it falls into; a small controlled jump is part of getting there. Third is roughly two hours down the riverbed, splashing through natural pools under plane trees on a path that does not appear on the standard trail. Fourth is the exit at an old olive grove and a light lunch at the Banana Garden, a small agricultural farm where the family grow what they serve.
The operator rates this as a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels.
The trek runs inland from the south coast into the Rethymno mountains.
The price covers every piece of equipment plus lunch, and it excludes the €5 gorge ticket.
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Not included:
We recommend this trek for a reason that is easy to miss from the listing: it is the only way to be in Kourtaliotiko rather than looking at it. Almost everyone who visits this gorge stops at the road viewpoint, photographs the waterfall from above and drives on. One reviewer described exactly that, having visited before with a large operator, stopped briefly, looked, and left, and said this tour is a different thing entirely.
Starting from Plakias is the practical advantage of this particular version. The south-coast villages sit minutes from the gorge, so more of your five hours goes on the water and less on the road than it does from the north coast.
Guiding scores a flat 5.0 out of 5 and the reviews explain why. The guide, Yannis, is named by walkers from Lithuania, the UK, Germany and France, praised for pointing out the herbs, trees and creatures in the rocks, for explaining slippery ground before people reached it, and for setting a pace that let families keep up. One family with children aged 11 and 15 called it the best morning of their holiday.
The Banana Garden lunch comes up almost as often as the gorge. Reviewers describe it as rustic, plentiful and locally grown, with the family showing what they have planted.
Two honest warnings, both of which GetYourGuide’s own review summary flags.
The water is cold and you will swim in it. Several reviewers said they had not understood that swimming to the waterfall was part of the route, and one described cold water and wind funnelling through the cave making the swim hard work. The wetsuit helps, but this is mountain water in a shaded canyon.
Footwear catches people out. The operator states that soft-soled water shoes are unsuitable, and reviewers repeat that ordinary sports shoes you do not mind soaking are what you want. Sure footing matters more than fitness on this route.
Send your measurements ahead, wear shoes you can ruin, and take the first slot of the day.
Provide your height and weight after booking so the right wetsuit comes with the van, and your hotel name if you have chosen pick-up. Bring €5 in cash for the gorge entrance.
Pack swimwear, sports shoes, a towel, flip-flops, snacks and water. Soft-soled water shoes are not suitable. The trek is moderate rather than hard, but sure footing on wet rock is the skill it asks for.
The trek runs 5 hours in total, with roughly two hours of walking down the riverbed after the waterfall section.
Yes, reaching the waterfall cave requires a short swim. GetYourGuide’s review summary notes travellers would like this made clearer in advance, and the water is cold.
A short-sleeved neoprene wetsuit is included, along with a helmet, hiking poles and waterproof bags for your phone and belongings.
Wear sports shoes with a firm sole that you can get wet. Soft-soled water shoes are explicitly unsuitable for this route.
A light lunch at the Banana Garden farm is included, though drinks are charged separately.
Families rate it highly. One group with children aged 11 and 15 called it the best morning of their trip, and the operator describes the route as moderate and suitable for most fitness levels.
Check dates and prices for the Kourtaliotiko gorge river trek from Plakias.
This day trip crosses Crete from Georgioupolis to the south coast, then reaches Preveli by water taxi rather than by the cliff staircase. The day gives you two hours at the palm beach, free time in the village of Plakias and a photo stop at the Kourtaliotiko gorge on the return. BALLOS TRAVEL AGENCY run it from €28, with a 4.25 rating across 121 reviews.
The route runs south by coach, switches to a boat, and comes back through the gorge. Four stages make up the day.
First is the coach, roughly an hour from Georgioupolis across the island to a small bay on the Libyan Sea. Second is the water taxi, a 20 to 30 minute crossing to Preveli. Third is Preveli itself, about two hours at the beach where the Megalos Potamos river runs out through a wild palm forest into the sea. Fourth is the return: free time in Plakias, then a stop above the Kourtaliotiko gorge, where small churches are built into the cliff face.
Arriving by boat is the point. The overland route to Preveli ends in a long staircase down the cliff and the same climb back in full sun; the water taxi puts you on the sand.
The route crosses from the north coast to the Libyan Sea and back through the mountains.
The €28 covers the coach and the guide. The boat is paid separately on the day.
Included:
Not included:
Budget €14 per adult in cash on top of the ticket.
We recommend this one because it solves the hard part of Preveli for €28. The beach is the reason people come to the south coast, and the cliff path is the reason many regret it. Putting the boat in the middle of the day turns a strenuous trip into an easy one, and at this price it is the cheapest way we know to reach the palm forest from the Georgioupolis side.
The reviews are unusually consistent about the running of it. Guides are named again and again, Elena, Alexandra, Alicia, Paul, Jannes, which is what a well-staffed operation looks like rather than a one-good-guide fluke. A German guest praised the timing specifically, saying the stops were not too short and not too long at each location. Transportation scores 4.7 out of 5, the strongest of the three dimensions, and several reviewers single out the driver on the mountain roads.
Adding Plakias and the gorge to the return makes it a day rather than a beach transfer. A German visitor called the Plakias stop a highlight in its own right.
Three things to weigh, because this rates 4.25 rather than higher.
There is nothing at Preveli. A British reviewer put it plainly: there is not a great deal to do there, and there are no loungers or umbrellas. They still rated it five stars and enjoyed lying on the sand, but if a sunbed is essential to your beach day, this is the wrong trip.
Guiding is the weakest score at 4.1 out of 5. The guide commentary is the part reviewers are least uniform about, even while praising individuals by name.
The boat is not guaranteed. The operator states that in strong wind you may be asked to walk to the beach instead, which means the cliff path, the very thing the boat exists to avoid. Check the forecast.
Carry the boat fare in cash, bring your own shade, and check the wind.
Pick-up and drop-off are included from Georgioupolis hotels. The coach leg runs about an hour each way and the boat crossing about 20 to 30 minutes.
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and water shoes. Temperatures on the south coast run high, so sun protection matters more here than on the north side. Pets are not permitted, though assistance dogs are allowed.
You travel by coach to a small bay, then by water taxi to the beach, which avoids the cliff staircase the overland route uses.
The water taxi costs €14 per adult, paid separately on the day and not included in the ticket price.
Reviewers report about two hours at the beach, plus free time later in Plakias.
No loungers or umbrellas are available, so bring your own shade if you need it.
Free time in Plakias village and a photo stop above the Kourtaliotiko gorge, where churches are built into the cliff.
The operator may ask you to walk down to the beach instead of taking the boat, so check the forecast before you travel.
Check dates and prices for the Preveli palm beach day trip from Georgioupolis.
Find below list of beaches near Tulip House:
Situated 51km to the south of Rethymno and 7km below the village of Kerames, Ligres is nestled at the base of the grand Siderotas mountain. It forms the northern segment of the Akoumiani Gialia beachfront, which runs from the cape of Mellissa to the south.
Ligres is an expansive beach graced with rough sand and a spectacular deep sea. Its somewhat challenging access has thankfully deterred the encroachment of tourism, preserving it as one of the most serene, secluded and pristine beaches on the island. Although the beach is not developed, there are a few taverns and rooms available on its western side accessible via a poorly maintained asphalt road. At the beach’s western tip, there is a stunning waterfall that boasts a year-round water supply, cascading right next to the sea.
Beyond the northern end of the beach, also known as Katsouni, lies a secluded beach favored primarily by nudists. Despite its seclusion, there are numerous spots along this vast, uninhabited beach where nude swimming is possible. It’s worth venturing along the beachfront to Triopetra, up to the Xiromilia area, to marvel at the astonishing rock formations. In the heart of Ligres, a remarkable reddish boulder stands out near the sea.
Kerames, a village situated 49km south of Rethymno, neighbors the village of Agalianos. It is surrounded by stunning beaches to its south, including the well-known beaches of Akoumiani Gialia, such as Ligres, Triopetra, and Agios Pavlos sandhills. Keramiani Giulia, or Keramean Beach, lies to the north of Akoumiani Gialia, its name derived from the nearby village.
A somewhat dilapidated asphalt road leads to Keramiani Gialia, ending near the local harbour of Agia Fotini, also referred to as Agia Fotia. To the southeast of Agia Fotini, the primary beaches of Keramiani Gialia are located. A well-maintained dirt track from Agia Fotini leads to these beaches, the first being Podare. With its coarse sand and rocky areas, Podare is perfect for activities like fishing and snorkelling. Despite being an unorganized beach, it offers rental rooms for visitors.
After leaving Podare, a simple dirt road heads eastward, taking you past a large hill to a parking area situated near more rental rooms. Here, the road ends, and the beach on your right, Glima, begins. This sandy, secluded, and unorganized beach offers total privacy.
Continuing eastward on foot for about 100m, a towering sandhill becomes visible to your left. Pahia Ammos, or Coarse Sand, lies in front of the sandhill and provides an ideal spot for those seeking complete seclusion.
The quaint village of Kerames is situated 49km to the south of Rethymno, in close proximity to the village Agalianos. South of Kerames, there are numerous stunning beaches, with Ligres, Triopetra and Agios Pavlos sandhills of Akoumiani Gialia being the most well-known. To the north of Akoumiani Gialia, there is Keramiani Gialia or Kerames Beach, named after the nearby village.
The narrow, poorly paved road leading to Keramiani Giulia ends near the local port of Agia Fotini, which is also known as Agia Fotia. This location is home to beautiful small pebble beaches, perfect for snorkelling and swimming, and is surrounded by large boulders. The traditional Stavros tavern is built on an old carob storehouse and serves fresh fish on the beach. It also offers accommodation, and has a reminiscent atmosphere of the Greek islands of the 1960s. The tavern provides free umbrellas and showers. Near Agia Fotia, there is a small river that forms a green forest. Following the path north along the river, you will encounter a tall palm tree and the old church of Agia Fotini, located near a small house with a lovely garden. A 5-minute walk west of the tavern along the rocky shore will lead you to another pebbly beach.
On the hill near Agia Fotini tavern, you can still see the remnants of the ancient town Kionia, which thrived in its heyday. Today, the ruins cover an area of over 150 meters east to west and 100 meters north to south, while the other half of the town is submerged underwater, in front of the tavern. Traces of buildings and terraces that suggest the existence of Kionia can be seen in the surrounding area. It is thought that the sinking of the town forced its inhabitants to leave and move to higher ground, where the villages Kerames and Agallianos now stand.
Triopetra beach, nestled at the base of Mount Siderotas and 52km south of Rethymno, can be reached via paved roads leading from either Akoumia or Sachtouria. Part of the extensive Akoumiani Gialia beachfront, Triopetra got its name as a historical winter refuge for the inhabitants of Akoumia, who built small huts near their olive groves. Presently, most land and hotels in the area are owned by descendants of these Akoumia residents.
Triopetra boasts two distinct beaches, separated by a petite peninsula. The peninsula’s defining feature is the three spectacular rocks jutting out from the sea, giving Triopetra its name, which translates to “Three Rocks”.
The first beach, Small Triopetra or Koumado, resides in an enclosed bay lined with sand and rock to the south of the three rocks. Here, the Akoumianos river meanders into the sea, forming a natural boundary between Triopetra and the enchanting Agios Pavlos Sandhills at Cape Melissa. Small Triopetra hosts a handful of taverns and rooms, with umbrellas available for sun-seekers. Additionally, the southeast edge of the beach is home to a small harbour, known as Stomio or “mouth”, named after the river’s mouth meeting the sea. Just 1km northeast of the beach, the awe-inspiring chapel of Prophet Elias stands on a high hill, commanding an impressive view over Akoumiani Gialia.
Find below list of gorges near Tulip House:
Located approximately 100km southwest of Heraklion city, north of Ano Meros village, you’ll find the Kalamafka or Gorge Smiliano. The Lygiotis river, originating from the Gerakari valleys and the Samitos Mount slopes, flows through this gorge. The 2.5km long canyon begins near Vrysses village, close to the deserted settlement of Smile, and concludes north of Ano Meros, accessible via an asphalt road.
During winter, the gorge is filled with water, making entrance risky even for experienced canyoners. However, an alternative route via a dirt road descending from Drygies village leads just above the gorge. Here, the canyon’s steep walls form a slope with a trail, allowing relatively easy descent to the gorge’s heart, precisely at the point where the stunning waterfalls are formed continuously. The gorge comprises about 10 remarkable rappels, with the tallest waterfall being 13 meters. The ponds formed beneath each waterfall are equally breathtaking, and it’s worth noting that Gorge Smiliano boasts the largest and deepest ponds compared to any other gorge in Crete.
A journey through the canyon (as described in June of a particularly rainy year)
Starting near Smile, we first cross a small arched bridge. After just 50m, we enter the gorge’s main section, greeted by a large pond. The canyon then narrows to about 2m and forms a deep pond, 2-3m deep, requiring swimming. The first small rappel we encounter ends in a large, deep pond (perfect for jumping), where the depth exceeds 3m.
Following this, a rock lodged between the canyon walls forms a natural arch. After swimming for several meters (over 25) without touching the ground, we continue our journey unimpeded. We soon encounter the first high waterfall, and the gorge narrows further (1-1.5m). To continue through this narrow section of the canyon, ropes are required. Alternatively, we can walk alongside the canyon until we reach the 15m high rappel that ends in a very deep pond, perfect for a big jump.
The gorge extends eastward, and the deep ponds gradually become small, shallow ponds. Towards the end of the gorge, the water almost disappears, making it impossible to anticipate the aquatic paradise that lies just a few meters ahead.
Located just 1km north of Kissos village in Agios Vasilios province and 34km southeast of Rethymnon, Kissano Gorge serves as a link between Kambos Kissou settlement and the small Gious Kambos plateau. The gorge’s river is a primary tributary of the Gorge Frati. The canyon, though not lush with vegetation, boasts small waterfalls, the tallest of which measure between 5-7m. These waterfalls make it an ideal location for canyoning, but it’s also possible to bypass them carefully from the sides without any specialized equipment.
The journey begins at the Gious Kambos plateau, a small haven of diverse flora. A 0 to 30-minute walk along or beside the riverbed leads you to a point where the river intersects the road connecting Kissos with Gerakari. Here, you’ll find a striking reddish rock peppered with numerous caverns known as Kokkinos Detis, leading locals to also refer to this area as the Kokkinos Detis Gorge.
While this marks the end of the main part of the canyon, the river continues its descent, creating more small waterfalls. It then passes through the 60-hectare artificial pine forest of Vatolakki, before continuing towards Spili and eventually to Frati.
Approximately 1 km to the east of Spili, in the Agios Vassilios province, you’ll find the church of Agia Fotini, also known as Saint Photini. Like many places in Crete, it’s often referred to as Agia Fotia. Situated on the main road leading to Agia Galini, the church is adjacent to a spring that flows with water throughout the year. Nearby, you’ll see a large, old watermill. This area marks the end of the picturesque Agia Fotia gorge, which is small but incredibly lush.
The gorge begins at the Gious Kambos plateau, which is 750m above sea level, and concludes at the spring, which sits at an altitude of 500m, after a 1.5km journey.
Close to the gorge’s starting point, you’ll discover waterfalls of unparalleled beauty. In the springtime, these falls are abundant with water, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape filled with plane trees. The easiest way to reach the waterfalls is by walking from the spring along the gorge. Alternatively, you can access them from Gious Kambos, though this route is more challenging. It requires bypassing the waterfalls from the sides and descending the steep slope to the riverbed.
Located in the stunning province of Amari, the Patsos or Agios Antonios gorge is situated 8 km southwest of Arkadi Monastery. The gorge’s water is collected in the Potami dam. Trekking through the gorge is relatively easy up to a certain point, thanks to a well-marked trail created by the forest service. This trail concludes at the gorge’s narrowest point, where a unique waterfall cascades into a cave. Beyond this point, the gorge narrows and forms several small waterfalls. The descent to the Potami lake demands careful attention, particularly during winter and spring. Another path leads to the avifauna watchtower situated above the river.
The Patsos Gorge is renowned for Agios Antonios’ cavernous temple (Saint Anthony), which was once a sacred cave dedicated to Kraneos Hermes in ancient times. Water seeps from the rocks and drips from the temple roof, accumulating as holy water. It’s fascinating to observe the thousands of prayer papers that devotees have tucked into the rock cavities surrounding the temple. Large plateaus with wooden benches and tables, perfect for picnicking, are located beneath the temple and by the river.
The gorge derives its name from Patsos, a village nestled at the base of Mount Soros at an altitude of 490 meters. It’s approximately 30 km south of Rethymnon. The area boasts a rich variety of flora due to the numerous springs throughout the region that provide a year-round water supply.
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