Achlada is a village in the Malevizi area west of Heraklion, on the hills above the north coast of Crete, roughly 20 km from the city. Achlada gives its name to the district that holds Parasfougario beach, and the resorts of Agia Pelagia and Ligaria lie under 3.5 km away on the coast below. The village itself sits back from the sea among the slopes, so the beaches, the monastery and two gorge walks all involve a short drive down or along.
This is a quieter address than the coast road, within easy reach of Heraklion and its airport but without the seafront crowds. Five beaches lie within about 3 km, and the cluster of tavernas around Agia Pelagia covers most evenings.
Five outings sit within about 8 km of the village, listed below from nearest to furthest.
Achlada belongs to Malevizi, the farming and hill country immediately west of Heraklion, and it functions as a village rather than a resort. Achlada has a small ecotourism hotel on its edge and takes its everyday services from the settlements around it, which is what makes the neighbouring coast worth knowing.
Two coastal neighbours carry the rooms and the tavernas. Agia Pelagia, 2.7 km away, wraps around an amphitheatric bay where rock outcrops almost close off the water, and it grew from a fishing settlement into a low-key resort. Ligaria, 3.3 km off and also spelled Lygaria, began as summer houses built by Heraklion families and now has small tavernas, hotels and cafés along its beach; its name comes from the Greek for the willow.
Inland the picture changes again. The village of Fodele lies 3.5 km away in its river valley, and Marathos stands 5.7 km off on the higher ground.
Five beaches lie within 3.2 km, all in the same sheltered run of coast and all needing a short drive down from the village.
Eating means dropping down to Agia Pelagia, where the choice concentrates about 2.5 km from the village.
Leave the north-coast national road at the Agia Pelagia exit and climb the short road into the hills. The village sits above the coast rather than on it, so the last stretch is a few minutes of winding road once you leave the main route.
Heraklion and its airport lie east along the same national road, which makes arrival straightforward, and the drive west towards Rethymno passes the turning. A car is worth having here, because the beaches, the monastery and the gorges are spread across several kilometres of hillside.
Achlada lies in the Malevizi area west of Heraklion, on the hills above the north coast, with Agia Pelagia 2.7 km below it and the city about 20 km east.
Achlada sits inland, but 5 beaches lie within 3.2 km, and one of them, Parasfougario, falls inside the Achlada district itself. Agia Pelagia and Ligaria are the two with full facilities.
Agia Pelagia and Ligaria both sit in bays shielded from the north-west wind. Cape Souda blocks the summer meltemi at Agia Pelagia, and Ligaria’s cove closes off the same weather, so both stay calm when the coast further east turns choppy.
By a 20 to 25 minute swim from Ligaria or Agia Pelagia. The beach lies on a steep slope between the two, and the only land route is a set of stairs leading down from a house above it.
Three canyons lie within 8 km. Spiliotissa, 3.8 km away, drops to a 10-metre waterfall on a rope-assisted descent; Santorinios at Fodele is short but overgrown; and the Almiros gorge, 7.9 km off, is the easy one.
Experience unforgettable moments on the Quad Safari Peninsula and discover a world full of fascinating highlights. Our tours offer you the perfect mix of adventure, nature experience and cultural discovery.
Join us on our journey to a ghost village that reveals a forgotten past. Immerse yourself in history, get to know the only three residents of the village as you explore the deserted streets and soak up the atmosphere of this place.
With our newest, comfortable quads you drive through picturesque landscapes and enjoy the untouched nature. From the rolling hills to the majestic mountains, we offer you a variety of captivating panoramas and views stretching all the way to Heraklion.
We run our tours in small groups to give you a personalized experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, our experienced, multilingual guides are always by your side.
Also discover the village of the famous painter El Greco – a wonderful place that fascinates artists and art lovers alike. Let yourself be enchanted by the charming streets and the cultural treasures of this place. Explore the enchanting village of oranges and savor the delicious flavors and incomparable charm of this location.
Take part in a unique adventure where you can combine the beauty of nature, the culture of the region and the joy of quad biking. Book now to start your journey and create unforgettable memories.
ELA Quad Safari runs guided quad tours from Achlada, in the hills above Agia Pelagia west of Heraklion. The route takes riders to viewpoints and stretches of country that no coach or hire car reaches, passing two traditional villages, with experienced guides leading the group to the spots where wildlife is most often seen.
The tour is a guided convoy on tracks rather than roads. Three things define it.
First is the terrain. Quads get to ground that is closed to other vehicles, the dirt tracks above the coast, the ridges between the villages, and viewpoints that exist only at the end of an unsurfaced road. That access is the whole reason to take a quad rather than a bus.
Second are the villages. The route passes two traditional settlements in the hills behind the coast, which is a different Crete from the resort strip 20 minutes below.
Third is the guiding. The guides choose the vantage points for the combination of view and the chance of seeing wildlife, rather than running the shortest loop.
The route works the hills behind the coast west of Heraklion.
We recommend ELA Quad Safari for its patch of the island. Most quad and buggy operators in Crete work the tracks inland from Hersonissos and Malia, which get busy in summer. The hills above Agia Pelagia are the quieter side, west of Heraklion rather than east, and the ridges there give you the coast on one side and the interior on the other with far fewer vehicles on the same tracks.
Our listing records a strong rating across a substantial number of ratings, which for a small independent operator is a meaningful signal. The listing is also verified on this site, meaning the business has claimed and confirmed it directly rather than it being scraped from a feed.
The villages are the part we would go for. Two traditional settlements in the hills, reached on a quad rather than a coach, is the kind of stop that turns an adrenaline activity into a day you remember for the place rather than the vehicle.
Two things to check before you book.
Confirm what you need to ride. Quad operators in Greece generally require a valid driving licence, and the rules on who can carry a passenger vary by operator, ask when you book.
Confirm departure times and duration directly with the operator, since these change with the season.
Call ahead, wear clothes you can dust, and pick the morning.
The base is at Achlada, above Agia Pelagia and west of Heraklion. The operator is a verified listing on this site.
Contact ELA Quad Safari directly for departure times, prices and licence requirements: infoelaquadsafari@yahoo.com, +30 694 944 3991.
The base is at Achlada, above Agia Pelagia, in the hills west of Heraklion.
The tour visits viewpoints unreachable by other vehicles and two traditional villages in the hills behind the coast.
Confirm this with the operator when booking. Quad operators in Greece generally require a valid licence, and passenger rules vary.
Ask the operator directly, since experienced guides lead the group and briefing arrangements are set by the operator.
ELA works the hills west of Heraklion rather than east, which is the quieter side of the island for off-road tracks.
Contact the operator directly by phone or email for departures, prices and availability.
Take part in this exciting and unforgettable experience which is guaranteed to highlight your holiday in Crete. Elevate your adventurous side to a whole new level with this quad safari. Ride and ATV through Crete’s rugged mountainous terrains and lush green valleys. Have a thrilling and adrenaline pumping experience by overcoming obstacles along the way through well-hidden routes of the island. Be surrounded by stunning landscapes and scenic viewpoints not accessible with other means of transportation. Our experienced local guides will take you to unique vantage points that provide the most chances of encountering wildlife coupled with the awe- inspiring vistas of two traditional villages in Crete. The combination of this exhilarating quad biking safari and access to unreachable viewpoints will give you a unique perspective of the island assured to create lasting memories.
Visit of the ‘Ghost town’
Off-the-beaten-path exploration: Explore a deserted village which was once thriving and learn about its rich history. Step back in time and learn about the culture and lifestyle of people who used to inhabit there. Have a chance to exchange pleasantries with the few residents that still live there and ask them any questions about this fascinating village. Wander around the picturesque alleys and observe the architectural remnants of the past whilst capturing unique photographs of the history frozen in time. Connect with a different side of the island’s history and culture that it is not commonly visited and known. Our quad safari will introduce you to one of Crete’s mysterious ‘ghost town’ in a funny and safe way to create life lasting memories.
Visit Fodele – El-Greco
Visit and explore a traditional charming Cretan village known for its picturesque surroundings, characterised by green valleys and hills covered in olive and orange groves. The village is nestled in a fertile valley, providing a tranquil and idyllic atmosphere to visitors. It is renowned as the birthplace of El Greco, the famous Renaissance painter. Our quad safari will take you right outside the house of El Greco where you will have the chance to see his family home and learn about his life. Another point of interest in the beautiful village of Fodele is the 11th century church of Panagia which features traditional Byzantine architectural elements and gives a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Byzantine Empire. During the visit you will have the opportunity to see this church as well as to explore the central village and have a short break for refreshments in an iconic café next to a river.
Return
Having explored different aspects of the island through this diverse and enriching quad biking tour we take the return route back to the starting point. Our fun does not end until the last min
Arolithos is a recreated traditional Cretan village in the hills outside Heraklion, built as a working complex of stone houses, a museum and a taverna. This experience covers a tour of the village and its folk museum, a hands-on cooking lesson, and lunch or dinner of the dishes you made, with local wine included. The village runs it itself over 4 hours from €99, with a 4.96 rating across 72 reviews and a perfect 5.0 for guiding.
The day splits into a tour and a class, then the meal you produced. Four parts make it up.
First is the walk through the village streets, past the stone architecture and into the two old houses furnished as they would have been. Second is the museum, holding the family’s own collection of everyday objects from Cretan rural life. Third is the cooking itself, in the taverna kitchen with the chefs, covering dishes from the village’s own weekly cooking, stuffed vine leaves, stuffed vegetables, pork in wine sauce, lamb with green beans, ntakos and tzatziki among them. Fourth is eating what you made, on a terrace looking over the valley towards Heraklion, with vineyards, olive trees and Mount Giouchtas in view.
The activity itself runs 2.5 hours; lunch brings the total to 4. Recipes go home with you.
Everything happens at one village complex in the hills.
The €99 covers the village, the museum, the class and the meal.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this as the cooking class to book if you want the food rather than the photographs. The reason is that Arolithos is not a venue that hosts classes, it is a family complex where the taverna, the museum and the village are all theirs, and the recipes taught are described as what they cook in their own weekly diet rather than a curated tourist menu.
At 4.96 across 72 reviews with a flat 5.0 for guiding, the execution matches. Reviewers name their hosts individually, Eva and Vicki both appear, and describe a relaxed atmosphere rather than a production line. An American guest called it one of the best parts of their trip to Crete, describing the sequence exactly as it runs: a short tour of the village and museum, then cooking lamb, pork and more.
The setting does a lot of work. Eating what you cooked on a terrace over the valley, with vineyards and Mount Giouchtas in front of you, is a better ending than a classroom, and reviewers mention the view as often as the food.
Two things to be clear about.
Value for money scores 4.8 out of 5, the lowest of its dimensions, and €99 is a real price for four hours. What you get is a museum, a village tour, a hands-on class, a full meal and wine, but it is not a cheap afternoon.
Getting there is on you. No transfer is included, though the village can arrange one at extra cost. Arolithos is in the hills outside Heraklion and there is no practical bus.
Accessibility is partial. Only the cooking class is wheelchair accessible, not the village and museum tour.
Arrange the transfer when you book, declare diets early, and stay on after lunch.
The meeting point is Arolithos Traditional Cretan Village. The activity runs 2.5 hours, with lunch bringing the total to 4.
Transfer service and car hire can be organised at extra charge. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and dietary requirements including vegetarian options must be advised at booking.
The cooking activity runs 2.5 hours, and with the meal afterwards the total visit is 4 hours.
The class covers dishes from the village’s own everyday cooking, stuffed vine leaves, stuffed vegetables, pork in wine sauce, lamb with green beans, ntakos and tzatziki among them.
You eat the dishes you prepared, with local wine and mineral water included, on a terrace overlooking the valley.
No transfer is included, though the village can arrange transport or car hire at extra cost.
Vegetarian options are available with advance notice, so state any dietary requirement when you book.
Only the cooking class is wheelchair accessible, not the village and museum tour.
Check dates and prices for the Cretan cooking lesson at Arolithos.
Agia Pelagia beach is a sandy, sheltered bay about 21 km west of Heraklion, on the north coast of Crete. Cape Souda shields it from the summer meltemi winds, so the greenish water stays calm and clear for most of the season. The main beach is a several-hundred-metre strip of sand mixed with patches of small pebbles, narrow at the edges where sunbeds fill much of the space.
The bay curves into a natural, protected harbour, which the Turks once called Tsanak Limani, meaning “plate harbour”, after its rounded shape. Agia Pelagia began as a small settlement worked by Achlada villagers, then grew into a busy resort lined with hotels, tavernas, cafes and bars.
The main beach is fully organised. You will find sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, a lifeguard and parking near the seafront, with a row of tavernas, cafes and bars set just behind the sand. The calm, clear water suits swimming, snorkelling and diving, and the bay runs water sports through the summer months. Scuba diving centres operate here from around April to October, so first-timers and certified divers can both get in the water.
The sheltered bay makes Agia Pelagia a comfortable choice for families. Cape Souda blocks the strong summer winds, the surface stays calm, and the water shelves gently near the shore, so children can paddle and swim close to the sunbeds while parents watch from the beach.
Regular buses connect Agia Pelagia with Heraklion, and the drive along a paved road takes roughly half an hour, so the beach is easy to reach with or without a car. There is parking near the beachfront, though spaces fill quickly in peak summer, so arriving early helps. Having your own car also makes it simple to reach the quieter coves around the bay, and you can compare options for car rental in Crete before you travel.
The beach takes its name from an icon of Saint Pelagia, found centuries ago in the Evresi cave on the northern side of the bay, where a small shrine still marks the spot. The find inspired the nearby Agia Pelagia monastery, once known across Crete: worshippers would gather on the beach during its feast and lie in the sand seeking healing.
Cape Souda itself holds the ruins of ancient Apollonia, the port town that once guarded this coast; the ruins remain open to visitors even though a hotel now stands on the headland. Agia Pelagia stayed an important harbour into the Venetian period, when it supplied the Cretans besieged during the siege of Candia, and later the legendary ship of the Arkadi docked here to land ammunition for the rebels during the Cretan revolution.
A short walk past the shrine on Cape Souda leads to Fylakes, two small coves of fine sand and green water tucked below the cape’s rocks; reaching them means crossing the rocky shore and wading through deep water, so keep your belongings dry. East of the main beach, below Hotel Diana, lies the small man-made pebble cove of Vlyhada, which you reach by swimming round from Agia Pelagia because the hotel does not allow access by land.
Agia Pelagia beach sits about 21 km west of Heraklion, on the north coast of Crete, on the sheltered southern side of Cape Souda.
Regular buses run between Heraklion and Agia Pelagia, and the drive along a paved road takes roughly half an hour. There is parking near the beachfront, but it fills quickly in peak season, so arrive early.
The main beach is mostly sand with patches of small pebbles. It is narrow at the edges, where sunbeds take up much of the space.
Yes. Cape Souda shelters the bay from strong winds, the water stays calm, and it shelves gently near the shore, so children can swim and paddle safely close to the beach.
The bay offers swimming, snorkelling and organised water sports, and scuba diving centres run introductory and guided dives through the summer season, roughly April to October.
The beach is fully organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, a lifeguard and parking, plus tavernas, cafes and bars just behind the sand.
The beach is named after an icon of Saint Pelagia found centuries ago in the Evresi cave beside the bay. A shrine marks the spot, and the nearby Agia Pelagia monastery grew from the same story.
Fylakes, two sandy coves below Cape Souda, is a short walk past the shrine, and the small pebble cove of Vlyhada lies just east of the main beach below Hotel Diana.
Kladissos, situated 21km northwest of Heraklion and to the northwest of the Agia Pelagia resort, is home to a historically significant hotel that sprawls across the entire Cape Souda area. The beach here boasts fine gravel and tranquil green waters, with the hotel providing an array of amenities such as umbrellas, deck chairs, bars, showers, and changing rooms.
Despite appearing to be private due to the hotel’s influence, it’s essential to remember that all beaches in Greece are accessible to the public. You can gain access to the beach by requesting permission from the hotel, at no cost. Kladissos beach is typically serene and secluded, as locals tend to favor the nearby Agia Pelagia or Psaromoura beaches.
In close proximity to the shore, post-Minoan tombs have been discovered, adding a historical significance to the area. Additionally, archaeologists have uncovered a large public building from the third to fourth century AD, known as the Prytaneum, which was used for political meetings of the ancient town Apolonia. Some of the ceramic artifacts found in the area are now displayed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
Psaromoura, situated 22km northwest of Heraklion and only 500m north of Agia Pelagia, faces east and is protected from the prevalent northwest winds. There are no immediate accommodations or dining options on the beach, but various facilities can be found within a short walking distance. The beach is pebbled and tends to be frequented more by locals than tourists. The northern end of the beach features a large, folded rock formation common to the Talea Range area, which shields the beach from the waves.
In the past, Psaromoura was one of the most beautiful unorganized beaches in Crete. Today, it has been transformed into a well-organized beach equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers, and a beach canteen serving refreshments and cocktails. Environmental groups in Crete have repeatedly requested the removal of the umbrellas to restore the beach to its original state.
To reach Psaromoura, one must drive to Agia Pelagia. After passing the Hotel Capsis Out of the Blue, continue westwards for an additional 100 meters before turning right onto a small road. A few steps ahead, you’ll find a closed gate and a sign indicating “To the Beach”. After parking your car, head west past the gate and you’ll soon arrive at Psaromoura. Alternatively, heading east from the gate will lead you to an elevated view of Kladissos Beach, accessible via the hotel.
The name Psaromoura derives from the Greek words psari, meaning fish, and mouri, meaning cape. Thus, it is located on a cape populated with fish.
Ligaria is a sheltered, organised beach of coarse sand and clear turquoise water, about 1 kilometre east of Agia Pelagia and 21 kilometres northwest of Heraklion. Ligaria sits inside the Bay of Ligaria, which closes the cove off from the region’s northwest winds, so the sea here usually stays calm. The beach is well organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports and tavernas, though a rocky seabed near the shore makes the sandy west end the easiest place to swim.
Ligaria beach lies on the north coast of central Crete, about 1 kilometre east of Agia Pelagia and 21 kilometres northwest of Heraklion. Ligaria belongs to the Malevizi area, tucked into the enclosed Bay of Ligaria that shelters it from the frequent northwest winds. The beach takes its name from the Panagia Ligariani monastery, whose church of Panagia still survives just above the shore. That monastery drew its own name from the osier plant, known as “ligaria” in Greek, which grows across the area and carries flexible stems and small flowers.
Ligaria beach has coarse sand and calm, clear turquoise water, with small fishing boats moored off the shore. The sea stays sheltered because the bay faces away from the northwest winds, so the surface is usually flat and easy for swimming. The water looks its clearest on the west side of the cove, while the east side sits more open to the waves and gathers more seaweed and debris. Ligaria ranks among the larger organised beaches in the Agia Pelagia area, so it draws a steady mix of families and local day trippers.
Smooth rocks lie just below the surface near the shore along most of Ligaria beach, so the entry into the sea can be slippery. The west end of the beach has patches of open sand, which give the easiest and softest way into the water. Water shoes help on the rockier stretches, and they make the walk to deeper water more comfortable for children and less sure-footed swimmers. Choose the western, sandier side for the calmest water and the cleanest entry, and keep to the east side only when you want more space.
Ligaria beach suits families, but the water is shallow at the shoreline and then deepens quite abruptly a few steps out. Parents should stay close and let children know where the drop begins, especially near the rockier parts of the seabed. The sandy west end is the safest and most comfortable spot for young children, with softer ground underfoot and shallow water for paddling. The calm, sheltered bay and the on-site sunbeds and tavernas make a full beach day with children straightforward.
Ligaria beach is well organised, with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire and a row of beach bars and tavernas set behind the sand. The beach also has water sports and a diving school, showers, and a lifeguard, plus rooms and apartments within a few steps of the shore. A sunbed and umbrella set costs roughly 7 to 10 euros, and the beach itself is free to enter. The rocky edges of the cove and the calm water make Ligaria a good spot for snorkelling and spearfishing.
Ligaria beach stays quiet on weekdays and gets busy at weekends, when hundreds of locals come down for a swim. Mornings and early afternoons are calmer for both the water and the sunbeds, so arrive early in peak season for space and shade. Parking sits close to the beach but is limited, and it fills quickly on summer weekends when the local crowd arrives. Late spring and early autumn stay pleasant for swimming and much quieter, which makes May, June and September good months for a calmer visit.
Reach Ligaria beach from Heraklion in a few simple steps by car:
A car is the practical way to reach Ligaria, since the beach sits below the highway with no direct bus from the main resorts. Parking near the sand is limited, so aim to arrive early on weekends and through the peak summer weeks.
Ligaria beach sits within a short distance of several quieter coves and landmarks on this stretch of coast. A path from the west end of the beach climbs northeast to the top of the cape that shelters Ligaria, and just beside the cape lies the secret little beach of Parasfougario, which has sand and pebbles but stays open to the wind and is reached only across private land. Madés beach lies about 0.7 kilometres away, and the sandy bay of Agia Pelagia is about 1.1 kilometres to the west. The church of Panagia and the small Lygaria waterfall sit within half a kilometre of the beach for a short walk inland.
A day at Ligaria works best with your own car, because the beach lies off the Heraklion to Rethymno highway and down a road with no direct bus from the resorts. Having a car lets you reach the seafront parking before it fills on a weekend, move on to Agia Pelagia or the quieter Madés cove when Ligaria gets busy, and carry beach gear and water shoes for the family without a long walk. For the most flexible way to reach Ligaria and the coves around Agia Pelagia, book a car rental in Crete.
Ligaria beach is on the north coast of central Crete, about 1 kilometre east of Agia Pelagia and 21 kilometres northwest of Heraklion. The beach sits in the enclosed Bay of Ligaria, in the Malevizi area, which shelters it from the northwest winds.
Ligaria beach has coarse sand on the shore and smooth rocks in the water near the shoreline. The west end of the beach has the widest patches of sand and the easiest, softest way into the sea.
Yes, the water at Ligaria beach is usually calm and clear, because the bay is closed off from the northwest winds. The west side of the cove has the cleanest water, while the more open east side collects more seaweed and debris.
Yes, Ligaria beach suits families, though the water is shallow at the shore and then deepens abruptly a few steps out. Keep children close, choose the sandy west end, and watch the rocky patches on the seabed.
Water shoes help at Ligaria beach, because smooth rocks lie near the shore and can make the entry slippery. The sandy west end is the exception, where you can usually walk into the sea without them.
Ligaria beach is organised, with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire, beach bars and tavernas, water sports, a diving school, showers and a lifeguard. Rooms and apartments sit within a few steps of the sand, and a sunbed set costs roughly 7 to 10 euros.
To reach Ligaria beach, follow the Heraklion to Rethymno national highway, take the Lygaria exit, and drive down the road to the beach. A car is the practical way in, as the cove sits below the highway with no direct bus from the resorts.
Yes, there is parking near Ligaria beach, but the spaces are limited and fill quickly at weekends. Arrive early in peak season and on weekends, when hundreds of locals visit and parking is hard to find.
The best time to visit Ligaria beach is a weekday morning, or a day in late spring or early autumn, when the cove is calmer and easier to park at. Weekends in high summer are the busiest, so mornings and the months of May, June and September stay quieter.
On the eastern edge of Pera Galini beach, there is a small cape known as Kefali Soudas. This area is home to the ruins of a Minoan settlement, believed to have been one of the most significant ports in the Talea Range region.
At Kefali, you will notice ongoing excavations covered with plastic sheets that resemble greenhouses. These excavations have uncovered a sanctuary, and it is believed that the settlement was destroyed by an earthquake. Please note that entry to the fenced archaeological site is not allowed.
To the west of the village Tylisos in Malevizi province, the mountain Pirgos stands tall with its peak reaching an altitude of 684m. In 1963, archaeologist Stylianos Alexiou identified one of the most significant Minoan Peak Sanctuaries in Central Crete at this steep peak. Religious figurines, stone horns, and a rectangular building measuring 13m x 4.50m were discovered. To reach this site, it takes about a 20-minute walk from the nearest parking area, accessible via a rural road.
During antiquity, Pyrgos appears to have held a crucial religious role for the Minoans. Besides the sanctuary, the nearby Pera Korfi site served as a depot for votive figurines and inscriptions, found mixed with ash and vase fragments. Additionally, on the slopes of the same mountain lies the sacred cave of the Trapeza.
The Minoan mansion of Sklavokambos was unearthed in 1930 during the construction of the main road to Anogia, resulting in the destruction of a portion of the structure. This multi-story building features a main room where a clay ox head, a Late Minoan IB period style jug, and a stone rhyton were discovered. The building had at least 17 rooms.
Artifacts found in an upper story include 39 sealings (stamps), a cylindrical vessel, a stone hammer, and a clay foot. Representations from one of the Sklavokambos stamps have been discovered in Zakros, Gournia, and Hagia Triada. Notably, no frescoes or gypsum finishings were found at the Sklavokambos building, which are typically found in Minoan palaces.
The archaeological site of Tylisos is situated in the village of Tylissos, 16km west of Heraklion, in a strategic location near the east slopes of the Psiloritis range. Tylissos was a Minoan city that flourished between 1650-1450 mainly because it was located along the road that connected Knossos to the Minoan centers of West Crete and Ida Mount. In 1450, it was destroyed but was later rebuilt and prospered until 1200.
Tylisos features three small palaces (mansions) known as Mansion A, B, and C. Their architecture is among the most impressive in Minoan Crete, rivaling that of other major palaces of the era. The best-preserved mansion is Mansion A, which had two floors with a central courtyard, apartments, and warehouses with jars. Mansion B contains very old ruins, while Mansion C housed a central chamber and a system for water supply and sanitation.
Excavations at Tylisos began in 1912 by Iosif Hatzidakis, following the accidental discovery of three large bronze cauldrons – boilers. Later, in 1940, Nikolaos Platon carried out extended restoration and maintenance works. Due to the discovery of the boilers and one impressive bronze figurine of exceptional art, Tylisos is believed to have been a significant center of bronze. Furthermore, archaeologists found several plaques and jars inscribed with Linear A in Tylisos, which is the “language of the palaces” as it has been detected only in palaces and luxurious Minoan mansions. Other impressive items include the murals, which are compared in fine art only with those of Knossos. Additionally, many tombs have been found in the area (many of them already plundered) dating back to 1400-1200BC with painted clay sarcophagi, jewelry, stamps, etc.
The Rodia nunnery, also known as the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary, was established in 1990 by Bishop Nektarios Papadakis. The land for the monastery was generously donated by Agapi Sbokou to the Archdiocese of Crete for the purpose of founding the monastery.
In the center of the monastery’s courtyard, visitors can find the temple of the Virgin Mary, along with the cells, guest houses, and other facilities. The small, aisle church is constructed in the Aegean style and holds a celebration on November 21.
The Agia Irini monastery can be found 25km south of Heraklion and 3km west of Kroussonas village, situated on the slopes of Psiloritis at an elevation of 630m. To reach it, take the road that connects Kroussonas with the Livadi plateau.
Functioning as a nunnery, this monastery is among the oldest in Crete. It is thought to have been constructed towards the end of the Venetian Era, but was destroyed by the Turks in 1822 and later rebuilt in 1944.
Dedicated to St. Irene (celebrated on May 5) and the Assumption (celebrated on August 15), the two-aisled church is part of the monastery. As one of the thriving monasteries in modern Crete, it is exceptionally well-maintained by the resident nuns.
Located on a pine-covered hill by the sea at an elevation of 30m, the Pantanassa Monastery (Panagia Pantanassa) is situated approximately 14km west of Heraklion. This relatively new female monastery is dedicated to the Nativity of Mary, with celebrations held on September 8.
Initially, Pantanassa was established to perform charitable work, similar to the Kalyviani Monastery near Mires. Unfortunately, its founder, Bishop Nikolaos Xenos, passed away before he could realize his ambitious dreams of creating an orphanage, nursing home, kindergarten, nursery, and more.
Located in Ellinoperamata, Malevizi district, on the road to Rodia village, the Monastery of Agia Fotini the Samaritan was established in June 1991 by Archbishop Timotheos of Crete. Within the monastery, you can find the church of Agia Fotini, the chapel of St. Fanourios, the nuns’ cells, and the tomb of Timotheos, the monastery’s founder.
Martyr Fotini, who originated from the city of Sihar in Samaria, is mentioned in the life of evangelist John (D’1 – 38). Agia Fotini dedicated her life to spreading the Gospel throughout Africa and Rome during Emperor Nero’s reign (54-68 AD). She was ultimately martyred alongside her sons and five sisters.
The church observes celebrations on February 26th and the Sunday of the Samaritan woman.
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.
Just a stone’s throw away from Heraklion city, near the Agios Panteleimonas Monastery in Fodele, you’ll find the Santorinios canyon. This canyon carries water from the Marathos village and the western slopes of Platani to the Fodelianos river. Although the canyon is relatively short, it remains unexplored due to the challenging access caused by thick vegetation and numerous ponds. Trekking through the riverbed, despite getting wet, simplifies the journey but calls for a change of footwear. The canyon’s name originates from the soil’s resemblance to that of Santorini Island, which was previously used in Crete’s construction.
Upon entering the gorge, you’ll encounter the ruins of a two-room watermill, its walls still standing tall, supported by an ivy branch woven into them. After some time, you’ll reach the first pond, Azilakokolymbos, which appears to be the path’s endpoint. However, if you manage to bypass the lake by either swimming or rock climbing, there’s more to discover. After overcoming this hurdle, the journey continues smoothly until you reach a majestic waterfall that forms a stunning pond at its base.
The adventure intensifies from this point. To proceed, you’ll need to scale the right side of the waterfall, approximately 15 meters, to reach the hilltop. To access the waterfall’s edge from here, a rope is necessary due to the steep and slippery terrain. As you continue up the canyon, you’ll be greeted by two awe-inspiring twin waterfalls.
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 Zoniana canyon is situated to the south of Zoniana village within the Psiloritis Range. It begins at a height of 950m, gathering water from several streams that flow from the Zoniana mountains, and concludes at the village at a height of 650m. The “serpentine” river Oaxis, which carries water until spring and ultimately drains into the Geropotamos river, flows through this gorge.
This gorge is not only easily accessible but also safe for hiking due to its gentle slope. The rock formations in many areas are truly remarkable, made up of numerous layers, and there are stunning geological structures and trees clinging to the steep slopes and narrow points. As it nears the village, the canyon broadens and morphs into a slender valley.
Located in Achlada, 22 km from Venetian Walls and 23 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Luxurious Stone house provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With mountain views, this accommodation features a patio.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The apartment offers a barbecue. A car rental service is available at Luxurious Stone house.
The Palace of Knossos is 26 km from the accommodation, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 38 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 26 km from Luxurious Stone house, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Situated in Agia Pelagia and only 2.2 km from Agia Pelagia Beach, Villa Nefeli Agia Pelagia features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation provides a terrace and a swimming pool.
This villa has 4 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms fitted with a bath. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Psaromoura Beach is 2.6 km from the villa, while Mononaftis Beach is 3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from Villa Nefeli Agia Pelagia.
Brand new studio Sea View has garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Agia Pelagia, 22 km from Venetian Walls.
Each unit has a terrace offering sea views, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a well-fitted kitchenette and a private bathroom with shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries. An oven, a fridge and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 23 km from the country house, while The Palace of Knossos is 26 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from Brand new studio Sea View.
from
€59
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Situated in Agia Pelagia, 2.4 km from Agia Pelagia Beach, Cloud 9 with Garden near the Sea features a living room with a flat-screen TV, and free WiFi. With free private parking, the property is 2.6 km from Psaromoura Beach and 22 km from Venetian Walls.
Providing access to a terrace with garden views, the air-conditioned holiday home consists of 1 bedroom and a fully equipped kitchen.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 23 km from the holiday home, while The Palace of Knossos is 25 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from Cloud 9 with Garden near the Sea.
from
€158
/night
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