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Featuring pool views, Villa AnnaMaria features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 25 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is equipped with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views. The air-conditioned villa also provides a seating area, washing machine and 3 bathrooms with a bath and a shower.
The villa offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, fishing and hiking are possible in the surroundings.
The Palace of Knossos is 27 km from Villa AnnaMaria, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 33 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Find below list of things to do near Villa AnnaMaria:
Early in the evening, under the starry sky, in a summer tavern with the atmosphere flooded with the aroma of jasmine and the sweet melody of lyre and bouzouki, in the ancient village of Karouzanos, you will have the opportunity to walk through the streets of the traditional village and take a look at the rural life of this charming place.
Then you will taste the traditional local dishes and the famous wine and shortly afterwards you will enjoy the unique grace of the Cretan dancers with their traditional costumes that will dance for you Cretan Greek and Folk dances.
Catch up at the dance with them, follow in their footsteps and feel for an evening like Zorba.
An ideal opportunity to have fun as Cretans, taste traditional dishes, learn a little more about the people of Crete and keep the memory of this wonderful night in your heart.
Experience a night dedicated to music, dancing, and tasty local food Buffet during this Cretan folklore night in Karouzana, a traditional village near Heraklion. Sip on wine and taste local products such as cheese, olive oil, and meat during a buffet meal.
Reaching the ancient village after pickup, walk through this magnificent place and experience the locals’ hospitality.
At dusk, enjoy a traditional feast. Taste delicious dishes with cheese, virgin olive oil, meat, and other products of Cretan soil.
Get treated with the wine, listen to the sound of the Cretan Lyra (Greek musical instrument), and take delight in looking at the dancers, dressed in their traditional costumes performing Cretan and Greek folk dances.
At the end of the night, join the dancers, who will teach you the basic steps. Dance with others using a special 2-meter band so that everyone can keep a safe distance while having fun.
Have a good time while still feeling safe: eating and drinking will be individual and sterile as required by law and waiters will wear masks and gloves. The seats and the tables will also have the appropriate spacing in accordance with legal requirements.
Intro:
A Cretan night out with local food, wine, traditional music and the chance to get carried away in an experience you will never forget. All you need to bring with you is your good mood and your dancing shoes.
Full Description:
Our trip starts in the evening. After the pick up, we arrive at the small traditional village of Karouzanos, where you will be greeted by the locals. You will be surprised by their hospitality as they show you around and let you taste their local products like raki and honey. You will have time to walk around the village’s narrow streets and take pictures of the blossomed evening flowers and traditional houses.
Then we are ready to enjoy the spectacle!
Watch the dancers perform folk and modern dances dressed in the traditional apparel, accompanied by the Cretan Lyra and the modern bouzouki. Taste the delicious food cooked with locally produced vegetables, cheese, meat and olive oil. The wine and raki are endless for the stronghearted.
The night does not end there though , you will have the chance to be a part of the show yourselves. The friendly dancers will teach you the steps so that you can feel like a modern Zorba and absorb the magic of the evening.
Come with us to feel like a true Cretan.
Explore a traditional Cretan village in the evening, try Greek cuisine, and watch a lively show of dancing and music on this entertaining trip.
Begin with a beautiful drive through the mountains and arrive at the small village of Karouzanos. Enjoy free time to stroll around the narrow streets and old neighborhoods of the village. Take photos of the local architecture and gaze at the fantastic view of the Cretan mountains.
Next, experience an unforgettable show as local musicians and dancers perform. Join in and learn how to dance traditional dance moves. Savor typical Cretan food at the local restaurant and sip on a glass of wine.
Finally, after the show, head back to the bus for your journey back to your accommodation.
Begin your excursion with a scenic drive through the majestic mountains, arriving at the delightful village of Karouzanos for a four-hour exploration.
Here, you’re invited to delve into the village’s allure, meandering through its slender streets and heritage-rich quarters while soaking up the extraordinary mountain vistas and the vibrancy of local life through your lens.
Upon reaching the taverna with our guide, anticipate a cultural feast as local musicians and dancers take the stage for a riveting show. Enjoy the tastes of Cretan cuisine and sip on local wines, all before joining the residents in a dance that promises to make the evening even more unforgettable.
The celebration culminates with a return bus journey, which may extend beyond an hour, retracing our steps back to your initial pick-up spot. The time may adjust according to traffic and varied pick-up points.
As the vibrant Karouzanos night draws to a close, cherish the kaleidoscope of memories made amongst friendly locals, amidst the flavors of Greek gastronomy and the toasts of shared libations. It’s a heartfelt goodbye to an evening that’s bound to echo in your narratives for years to come.
Discover the mountains of Crete on a guided quad biking tour. Go offroad and ride along dusty tails as you explore Sisi, Vrahasi, and St. Georg’se Monastery on this unique tour.
Start with pickup from your hotel and get set up with your ATV, including an introductory lesson for beginners. Start the adventure by riding uphill to the Omalia Olive Press and taste some olive oil produced onsite. Arrive at the port of Malia and Potamos Beach, and enjoy the views of the surroundings.
Continue on the dirt roads to explore the narrow streets of the quaint fishing village of Sisi. Head off-road along a dusty route passing by the traditional village of Vrachasi until you reach the St. George Selinari Monastery, where you can stop for a short break.
Next, hit the off-road trail again and travel through a lush landscape of vineyards and olive forests to reach the chapel of the Prophet Elias. From here, relax and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, before returning to the starting point, with drop-off at your hotel.
Find below list of beaches near Villa AnnaMaria:
Living on the island of Crete, about 28km east of Heraklion, you’ll find the popular tourist town of Hersonissos. It’s known for its array of beaches, particularly on the eastern side. Located a short 2km distance from the Hersonissos port, these delightful coves extend up to the Drapanos Cape. The most vibrant among them is Star Beach, known for being one of the island’s busiest spots.
As you travel further east, there are several small, scenic sandy and pebbly coves that offer a feeling of tranquillity. Some of these secluded spots enjoy cool water due to the presence of freshwater springs in the sea. Next to these coves, you’ll find the Lychnostatis Folklore Museum, a place where visitors can delve into the historical Cretan way of life.
The final beach in the Hersonissos vicinity is located in front of the Nana Beach Hotel, at the edge of Drapano Cape, and is accessible by heading east. This well-maintained beach has sunbeds and a lifeguard on duty, with a variety of water sports and beach bars available. Thanks to the protection offered by two long piers, this beach enjoys calm waters all year round, as it’s shielded from the north winds.
Hersonissos, a bustling tourist hotspot in Crete situated just 28km to the east of Heraklion, is renowned for its tranquil beaches and calm seas – a rarity along the northern coast of Crete due to the prevailing northern winds. The most serene beaches can be found to the west of the port, shielded by the Cape Sarandaris. Towards the east of the port, however, lie the resort’s most frequented beaches.
As you venture east from the port of Hersonissos, the first sight to greet you is a sprawling, narrow, sandy beach, buzzing with throngs of beachgoers. It’s impeccably organized and conveniently close to the city’s amenities, though it may not be the best choice for those seeking a more serene environment.
Journeying further east, a series of small, sandy coves become apparent, primarily situated in front of hotels. Of these, Silva Maris Beach stands out with its high level of organization, a lifeguard, and numerous facilities. Continuing eastwards, you’ll encounter Star Beach, one of Crete’s most populous beaches, largely patronized by British and Dutch tourists. Lastly, near Cape Drapanos lie the peaceful beaches of Eastern Hersonissos, offering a quieter seaside experience.
Stalida Beach (or Stalis) is located 30km east of Heraklion, between Malia and Hersonissos. Originally a small seaside village formed by the inhabitants of Mochos, it has now evolved into a bustling tourist destination, harmoniously blending into the neighbouring town of Malia. Stalis caters primarily to families seeking a tranquil retreat, and is beautifully equipped with a range of accommodations, eateries, bars, and taverns, not to mention an ATM and a pharmacy for convenience.
Stalida makes for a perfect base to explore the nearby attractions and engage in an array of activities. The locality is teeming with stunning beaches, enriching archaeological sites, and captivating cultural spots. A short 6km trip from the beach takes you to the Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre – a place where you can acquaint yourself with a variety of marine creatures and reptiles. Nearby, the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum offers a deep dive into Crete’s natural history and culture.
For those seeking aquatic thrills, the Acqua Plus waterpark, the island’s largest, is not far from the coastline. To the west, beyond Malia and Potamos Beach, lies the Malia Palace Archaeological Site, home to the third largest Minoan palace complex and steeped in millennia-old history. A further 20km south, the ancient Minoan settlement of Karfi offers another slice of history, believed to have been home to around 3,500 inhabitants.
For those with a passion for hiking, the Bulgarian trail, starting from Stalis and leading up to Mohos, is a must. Named after the Bulgarian prisoners of war who constructed it during WWII, this 5km trail, though lengthy and ascending, is an experience in itself. Along the way, you’ll cross a pedestrian bridge spanning the highway and encounter the contemporary Panagia Theogenitor Monastery. Once in Mohos, enjoy a leisurely stroll along narrow lanes, relax with a coffee in the spacious square, and enjoy the warm company of the locals. You can choose to return via the same trail or follow a different one leading from Mohos to Malia.
The Aposelemis River, situated 19km east of Heraklion, between Analipsi and Gouves, is a significant wetland in northern Crete. The pond that forms near the shoreline serves as a natural habitat for various migratory birds and rare species. The river’s outlet gives way to a beautiful sandy beach with shallow cool waters. Although it’s in close proximity to large hotels and tourist spots, the beach lacks organization compared to other top beaches in the vicinity, with only a handful of umbrellas and sunbeds available.
There are two alternative routes to reach the beach. One option is to drive towards the beach of Analipsi and then follow the coastal road heading west. After traversing a few meters past the region’s rocky shores, you’ll arrive at the extensive Aposelemis beach. Alternatively, you can take the coastal road of Kato Gouves to its eastern end, where the road veers right and runs along a hotel’s walls. Aposelemis beach is directly across from this hotel, adjacent to Gouves’ soccer field.
Find below list of gorges near Villa AnnaMaria:
The Aposelemis Canyon, also known as the longest and most significant geological canyon in the northern part of the Heraklion prefecture, terminates at the settlement of Agrianá (locally known as Adrianna), near Hersonissos. The Aposelemis River traverses this canyon, though water is only present in parts of the canyon following heavy rainfall. However, the river at higher altitudes retains water throughout the wet months, thanks to the phyllite rocks. Despite its length, accessibility, and proximity to Heraklion, the canyon remains relatively undiscovered by the local population. The Aposelemis Canyon is characterized by strikingly beautiful and imposing vertical walls that reach up to 200 meters in height, along with several rock shelters. The canyon floor is smooth throughout, posing no technical challenges. In recent times, the Hersonissos Municipality has constructed a lovely trail along the canyon floor, making the walk both enjoyable and easy. The trail also features recreational areas with wooden benches at the start and end points.
This crucial ecosystem is home to waterfowl and birds of prey. A hidden riparian forest, particularly in the upper region of the canyon, is the real gem. The mixed forest is made up of ancient trees with massive trunks, truly natural marvels. Trees such as the plane, holm oak, oak, holly, carob, osier, among others, can be found here. The dense forest often obscures the trail. An old stone bridge, Xerokamares, is located just before the southern entrance, within the river. The most convenient way to access the canyon is via its northern exit. A dirt road from the bridge of the old national road leads to the Aposelemis gorge. Following this dirt road, you’ll pass the picturesque yet ruined settlement of Plevris, and eventually reach the bridge of the new highway, where the trail begins. It takes at least two hours to traverse the gorge.
Roza Gorge, a branch of the larger Ambelos Gorge, originates near the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery in the Ano Kera region. It connects with the rural road that traverses the Ambelos Gorge close to the village of Gonies. Walking along the riverbed is not feasible due to the precipitous drops, but a well-marked hiking trail is available on the gorge’s sides. The gorge’s sides are visually striking, showcasing unique geological formations that captivate visitors. After heavy rainfall, surface water is visible in the gorge, evidenced by the growth of oleander plants in the riverbed.
The name ‘Roza’ is derived from the pinkish hue (‘roz’ translates to pink) of the gorge’s walls. Another theory suggests that the gorge was used as a disposal site for sterile animals like donkeys in the past. As a result, locals named it ‘Stira Za’ (meaning sterile animals), which eventually evolved into ‘Sti Roza’ (or in Roza).
Canyoning in the Roza Gorge
Roza Gorge is technical in nature, implying that hiking in its bed is not an option due to the numerous steep descents (rappels) that necessitate specific technical gear and training. For canyoning enthusiasts, it’s important to note that the largest rappel is approximately 18m high. The points are secured with relays from the speleological clubs of Crete, and the descent for a small group typically takes around 3 hours. The gorge’s proximity to Heraklion and easy accessibility make it a popular choice for canyoning schools.
The Agia Anastasia Gorge commences from Kenourgio Horio in the Pediada Province (at an elevation of 160m) and concludes at the coastal village of Gournes. It’s named after the cavernous chapel of Saint Anastasia situated near its entry point. The stream that flows within it collects water from the region east of Sgourokefali and originates near Agia Triada.
Its plant life mainly consists of oleanders and the gorge narrows at various points along its path. A descent through the gorge typically takes around three hours. Regrettably, the gorge has been heavily polluted by trash and waste from nearby sheepfolds. Despite ongoing appeals from hiking clubs to the Hersonissos municipality, the situation remains dire.
The Embasa Gorge, also known as Apotyposi, begins its journey from the village of Kato Kera in the Pediada province and concludes near the village of Gonies, spanning a length of approximately 2km. The upper section of the gorge is notably steep, giving rise to several waterfalls during the winter season, with the tallest one measuring around 20m in height. The largest waterfall is particularly intriguing due to its division into several smaller cascades. It is possible to reach all the waterfalls without any special equipment as they can be circumvented from the sides.
Ascending the canyon from Gonies provides easier access to the waterfalls. However, the dense vegetation and steep inclines may pose a challenge for beginners. The gorge is predominantly populated by oak trees, planes, and brambles. The Life-Giving Spring church (Zoodohos Pigi) is located on the edges of the gorge, above the largest waterfall. According to local lore, a natural rock formation resembling the Virgin Mary can be found above this church. Hence, the gorge is also referred to as Apotiposi (Depiction). The church serves as the nearest parking spot to the large waterfall and can be conveniently reached from here, provided one can first overcome the initial hurdle of the fence erected by local shepherds.
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