Asi Gonia is an inland village in the Rethymno region of Crete, 4.7 km west of Argyroupolis. The village is also written Asigonia. It stands between the two coasts of the island: the north-coast sand at Kavros, Episkopi and Georgioupolis lies to the north, and the south-coast beaches below Rodakino lie to the south, at much the same remove.
Chania (CHQ) is the nearest airport to Asi Gonia. The village suits walking rather than swimming: 4 gorges cut the ground within 8 km, the springs and mills of Argyroupolis stand 4.7 km east, and the ruins of ancient Lappa lie 5.6 km east. Tavernas start 4.4 km from the village.
Six outings lie within about 9 km of the village, listed below from nearest to furthest.
Asi Gonia is a small inland settlement in the Rethymno region, away from both coastlines. The country around it is gorge country. The Kollita pair runs east towards Kato Poros, the Moundros gorge among them, bordered by the Vigla peak at 567 m and by Nissiani hill with the abandoned settlement of Nissi on it. Skaloti lies 7.3 km south and Kallikratis 7.8 km south-west.
Neighbouring villages give the district its shape. Argyroupolis, 4.7 km east, carries the water: springs, waterfalls and mill buildings turned into tavernas. Agios Konstantinos stands 7.9 km east, Episkopi 7.7 km north-east, and Georgioupolis on the coast due north. Rodakino, 8.5 km south, sits at a steep canyon through the Kryoneritis mountain, between Plakias to the west and Frangokastelo to the east.
Asi Gonia has no beach of its own, and the nearest sand lies on two different coasts. North of the village the long sandy bays of Kavros, Georgioupolis and Episkopi run along the north coast. South of it, the coves below Rodakino face the South Cretan Sea.
Eating near Asi Gonia means driving to Argyroupolis or down towards the coast, and the nearest taverna is 4.4 km away. The cluster east of the village sits around the springs, where several tavernas occupy old mill buildings.
Reach Asi Gonia on the inland roads, turning off at Argyroupolis 4.7 km east or coming up from Episkopi 7.7 km north-east on the old Rethymno to Chania road. Rethymno lies east of the village and Chania north-west, and Chania (CHQ) is the nearest airport.
A car is needed here. Both coasts, all 4 gorges and every taverna sit outside the village, on minor inland roads. Drivers heading south towards Rodakino cross the Kryoneritis range on the way.
Asi Gonia lies inland in the Rethymno region of Crete, 4.7 km west of Argyroupolis. The village sits between the north and south coasts, west of Rethymno city and south-east of Chania.
Asi Gonia has no beach of its own. The nearest sand lies due north at Kavros, Georgioupolis and Episkopi on the north coast, and due south at Korakas and Polirizos below Rodakino on the south coast, with the two groups about the same distance from the village.
Chania (CHQ) is the nearest airport to Asi Gonia, although the village belongs to the Rethymno region. The approach runs inland from the old Rethymno to Chania road.
Four gorges lie within 8 km of Asi Gonia. The Kollita pair, Vilandredo and Moundros, lies 5.6 km and 6.9 km east and finishes near Kato Poros. Skaloti is 7.3 km south and Kallikratis 7.8 km south-west.
Asi Gonia is nearest to Argyroupolis, 4.7 km east. Episkopi stands 7.7 km north-east, Agios Konstantinos 7.9 km east, and Rodakino 8.5 km south.
This trip books you an hour on a pedalo at Lake Kournas and drives you there and back. Lake Kournas is the only freshwater lake in Crete, held in a bowl of rocky hills between Georgioupolis and the mountains, and the water shifts through blue and green depending on the light and the season. Allcretetours runs it over 4 hours from €120, and it holds a 3.67 rating across 24 reviews, the lowest score of anything we list.
The package is transport plus a pre-booked pedalo, and the rest of the time is yours. Three parts make it up.
First is the hotel pick-up and the drive to the lake. Second is the pedalo, booked and paid for in advance, for 60 minutes on the water, long enough to cross to the far shore where the springs feed the lake and the water runs cold. Third is roughly four hours of free time at the lakeside, which covers walking the shore, swimming, and eating at one of the tavernas above the water.
Terrapins live in the lake and are the thing children look for, though how many surface depends on how many boats are out.
The day is spent at one lake inland from the north coast.
The price covers the transfer and one hour on the water.
Included:
Nothing else is included, so food, drinks and any extra pedalo time are yours to pay for.
We recommend Lake Kournas itself without reservation and this particular package with real caution, and the two need separating.
The lake is worth the trip. It is the only freshwater swim in Crete, the setting is genuinely unusual, rock walls, green vegetation, no sea in sight, and reviewers who got there early describe it as magical. A Belgian guest arriving at 08:45 for the 09:00 pedalo opening found almost nobody there. A Swiss reviewer said the same about an early arrival. That early-morning window is the whole experience at its best.
When the transfer works, reviewers praise it warmly: helpful communication, punctual drivers, spot-on transport all appear in the five-star reviews.
Now the reasons this scores 3.67, which are worth reading before you book.
Value for money scores 3.1 out of 5 and transport 3.2, and both are low enough to take seriously. At €120 you are getting a transfer and 60 minutes of pedalo. A British reviewer put it plainly: a bit pricey for what you get, though still a lovely day. A Danish reviewer regretted not buying a second hour.
The transfer is the real risk. One American guest rating the trip two stars reported being forgotten at pick-up and collected an hour and a half late, with problems again at the end of the day. That is a single account, but transport scoring 3.2 across 24 reviews suggests it is not isolated.
Crowding changes the lake. The same two-star reviewer noted there were no terrapins because there were so many boats, and a British guest arriving at 13:00 on a Sunday found the beaches packed. This is a small lake and it fills.
Get there at opening, budget for a second hour, and confirm your pick-up the night before.
Your ticket with the pick-up time and point becomes available one day before the tour at allcretevoucher.gr, check it rather than waiting to be called.
Bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. The lakeside tavernas cover food and drink, and swimming in the lake is free.
The rental covers 60 minutes on the water, with about 4 hours of free time at the lake in total.
Swimming is allowed and free. Kournas is the only freshwater lake in Crete and the water is noticeably colder near the springs on the far shore.
Value for money is the weakest score at 3.1 out of 5. €120 covers the transfer and one hour of pedalo, and reviewers describe it as pricey for what is included.
Arrive for the 09:00 pedalo opening. Reviewers who came early found the lake nearly empty; those arriving at midday found it packed.
Terrapins live in the lake but surface less when it is busy. One reviewer saw none at all because of the number of boats out.
Your voucher with the pick-up time and point appears one day before the tour at allcretevoucher.gr.
Check dates and prices for the Lake Kournas pedal boat rental with transfer.
Depart from Heraklion and travel west by bus to the captivating city of Chania. Learn about its rich Minoan history and explore landmarks from various civilizations, including the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian periods.
Take in the picturesque view of the lighthouse at the port, and meander through the charming narrow streets of the old town. Savor some leisure time for lunch at the delightful harbor. Browse for gifts and souvenirs at the renowned market.
Next, journey to Lake Kournas and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the lush green hills. Watch for rare birds and aquatic life, such as eels and turtles. Enjoy a refreshing swim or take a stroll through the protected wetlands.
Return towards Heraklion, stopping in the city of Rethymno along the route. Wander through the alleys of the old town, admire the domes and minarets of the Ottoman-era mosques, and marvel at the 16th-century Venetian fortress.
Timings:
7:15 AM to 9:15 AM: Pick-up service from Malia to Agia Pelagia.
The pick-up time depends on your hotel’s location.
10:00 AM: Stop in Skaleta for breakfast and restroom break.
10:15 AM: Leave Skaleta.
11:30 AM: Arrive in Chania.
1:30 PM: Depart from Chania.
2:15 PM: Arrive Lake Kournas for swimming and lunch.
3:45 PM: Leave Lake Kournas.
4:15 PM: Arrive in Rethymno.
5:30 PM: Depart from Rethymno.
7:00 PM: Arrive in Heraklion.
Time Spent at Each Stop:
Chania: 2 hours.
Lake Kournas: 1 h and 30 min.
Rethymno: 1 h and 15 min.
Pick-up locations and times are as follows:
Malia: 7:15 AM
Stalida and Stalis: 7:25 AM
Hersonissos 7:35 AM
Anissaras: 7:45 AM
Analipsi: 7:55 AM
Kato Gouves: 8:05 AM
Kokkini Chani and Gournes: 8:15 AM
Karteros: 08:20 AM
Heraklion center: 08:30 AM
Ammoudara Beach Road: 8:45 AM
Agia Pelagia: 9:05 – 9:15 AM
Chania:
Discover Chania, from ancient Minoan times to Venetian, Ottoman, and Byzantine influences.
Visit the historic harbor and capture the iconic lighthouse.
Explore the market and shop for local souvenirs.
Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Lake Kournas:
Escape to the Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and greenery.
Take a boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of the lake.
Swim in the refreshing waters.
Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the wetlands, home to rare bird species.
Rethymno:
Step back in time as you explore the old town of Rethymno.
Admire the elegant Venetian architecture and stroll along the atmospheric alleys.
Visit the Fortezza, a 16th-century Venetian fortress overlooking the town.
Discover the blend of Ottoman and Venetian influences in the mosques, churches, and minarets scattered throughout the town.
Relax at one of the charming cafes or tavernas and savor authentic Cretan cuisine.
This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing an unforgettable experience of Crete’s most captivating destinations.
This day trip crosses western Crete from a Heraklion-coast base, stopping at Chania old town, Lake Kournas and Rethymno. Chania and Rethymno are the island’s two Venetian harbour cities, and Lake Kournas is the only freshwater lake in Crete. PLATANOS TOURS runs the 9-hour coach trip from €34 with hotel pick-up along the north coast, and it holds a 4.26 rating across 199 reviews.
The coach runs west along the north coast, works back east, and returns. Three stops fill the day.
First is Chania, where the old city layers Minoan archaeology, Venetian fortifications, Turkish minarets and Ottoman neighbourhoods within a few streets. You see the dockyards, the fountains and squares, and the Venetian lighthouse at the harbour mouth, with time to eat at the port or browse the Agora market hall. Second is Lake Kournas, the island’s only freshwater lake, ringed by steep hills and holding eels, moorhens and terrapins, you can swim, hire a pedalo or walk the shore. Third is Rethymno, the third-largest town in Crete, where the alleys of the old town run up to the Venetian fortress and a Greek coffee at the old port is the usual way to end.
The tour is transport with commentary rather than a guided walk in each city. Reviewers describe exploring on their own at each stop, and several prefer it that way.
The route takes in three of the main destinations of western Crete.
The €34 covers the coach and the guide; the day out of it is yours to spend.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this trip as the efficient way to see the western half of Crete from an eastern base, and the honest framing is that it is a well-run coach day rather than a guided tour. If you are staying in Hersonissos or Malia without a car, the alternative is not seeing Chania at all, it is 140 kilometres each way, and at €34 this solves that.
The guiding earns real praise. Guides are named by reviewers from the UK, Germany, France and Lithuania, Olga and Rania both appear repeatedly, described as knowledgeable, friendly and giving explanations throughout the drive. One French reviewer called their guide very high quality. On a day that is largely coach time, that commentary is the product.
Reviewers also like the freedom at each stop. One Austrian guest put it plainly: it is basically transportation with no guided walk in the cities, and they preferred exploring on their own anyway.
Three things to weigh, because this trip scores 4.26 and the complaints are consistent.
The schedule is tight. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers find it rushed and want more time at each stop, and the reviews agree on which stop suffers, Lake Kournas. Multiple guests said they wanted longer at the lake and would trade time at Rethymno for it. One reviewer wanted the opposite. Either way, 9 hours across three places means about 2 hours each.
The coach varies. Transport scores 4.2 out of 5, the weakest dimension, and one Polish reviewer reported the bus in poor condition inside with air conditioning that was practically not working. Another noted the road is very winding and recommended travel sickness tablets.
The language rota matters. The guide’s languages depend on the day, English, German and French on Tuesday and Friday, English and Polish on Thursday, and one German reviewer found their English-advertised tour being translated on the fly. Check the day you book.
Pick your day by the language rota, wear shoes for the lake path, and decide in advance which stop you care about most.
Give your hotel name and location when booking; the pick-up point and time arrive by email. The day runs 9 hours from pick-up to drop-off.
Lunch is not included, and both Chania and Rethymno have plenty of options. Bring swimwear if you intend to use Lake Kournas.
The trip runs 9 hours from hotel pick-up to drop-off, covering three stops.
No, this is transport with commentary. The guide talks on the coach, and you explore Chania and Rethymno on your own at each stop.
Swimming is allowed at Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete, and pedalos are available to hire.
Roughly 2 hours per stop, which reviewers consistently describe as tight, particularly at Lake Kournas.
Lunch is not included. You can eat at the Chania harbour or the Agora market hall during the longest stop.
Languages depend on the day: English, German and French on Tuesdays and Fridays, English and Polish on Thursdays.
Check dates and prices for the Chania, Lake Kournas and Rethymno day trip.
This trip handles the logistics of walking Samaria Gorge from a Georgioupolis base: coach up to the Omalos plateau in the morning, the 17-kilometre walk down to the Libyan Sea, then the ferry to Chora Sfakion where the coach waits. Samaria became a national park in 1962 and remains the last natural refuge of the kri-kri, the Cretan wild goat. BALLOS TRAVEL AGENCY runs the transfer from €30, and it holds a 4.82 rating across 315 reviews.
The day is a one-way walk with transport arranged at both ends, because the gorge exits nowhere near where it starts. Four stages make it up.
First is the early coach along the north coast and up through the White Mountains to the Omalos plateau, with a break before the gorge entrance. Second is the descent, starting at 1,200 metres at Xyloskalo and dropping through the Iron Gates, where the walls rise 350 metres and narrow to a few metres across. Springs along the route let you refill your bottle. Third is Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea at the end of the 17 kilometres, where you can swim or sit at a taverna. Fourth is the ferry to Chora Sfakion and the coach back.
A guide walks with the back of the group rather than the front, which is the right way round on a route where nobody gets lost but people do get tired.
The route crosses the island from the north coast to the south through the White Mountains.
The €30 buys the transport, and every fee on the day is paid separately in cash.
Included:
Not included:
Budget €24 per adult in cash on top of the ticket.
We recommend this booking for what it removes rather than what it adds. Samaria cannot be walked as a round trip, you finish 17 kilometres away on the opposite coast, with a ferry and a mountain road between you and your car. Solving that yourself means a pre-dawn start, a ferry timetable and a long drive after six hours of walking. This trip is a coach seat at both ends, and at €30 that is the whole point.
The reviews say the same thing in different words: excellently organised, everything worked smoothly, a challenging day made to feel stress-free. Guides are named by walkers from the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Germany and Poland, Mara, Alexandra, Aleksandra all appear, and what people praise is specific. One German reviewer described Alexandra noticing when somebody needed motivation and being fully there for them without losing sight of the group or the timetable, with a plan B ready. Another noted she was always waiting at the agreed meeting points. That is exactly what a guide on this route should do.
One practical tip came straight from a reviewer and is worth passing on: there is a taverna stop before the gorge entrance, and you should use the toilets there, because inside the gorge there are none.
Three things we would be blunt about.
This is a demanding hike and the operator says so plainly. Seventeen kilometres of descent on rock takes 4 to 5 hours of actual walking and 5 to 6 hours with stops. Reviewers who loved it still call it really challenging and say it should not be underestimated. It is not recommended for anyone with limited mobility.
Footwear decides your day. Two separate reviewers said they would do it again with different shoes. Trainers are not enough for 17 kilometres of loose rock.
Heat is the other variable. One reviewer would repeat the walk but only when it is not so hot, and that is sound, the gorge is shaded in parts and an oven in others.
Carry the cash, wear real boots, and start earlier in the season if you can choose.
Pick-up covers accommodation in the Dramia, Kavros and Georgioupolis area, contact the supplier if you are staying elsewhere. Departure is early in the morning and the day runs until evening.
Bring comfortable hiking shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen and cash. The walk takes about 4 to 5 hours with necessary stops, and the operator states it is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
The trail runs 17 kilometres, taking about 4 to 5 hours of walking and 5 to 6 hours including stops.
You pay €10 for gorge entry and €14 for the ferry in cash, with reduced rates for children.
Samaria is a demanding hike. The operator states it requires hiking shoes and good physical stamina, and reviewers who rated it five stars still describe it as really challenging.
The gorge exits at Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, which has no road, so a ferry carries walkers to Chora Sfakion where the coach waits.
The Iron Gates are the narrowest point of the gorge, where the walls rise 350 metres and close to a few metres apart.
Pick-up covers Dramia, Kavros and Georgioupolis; anywhere else needs arranging with the local supplier.
Check dates and prices for the Samaria Gorge transfer from Georgioupolis.
Located between Georgioupoli and Pyrgos, Kavros refers to the expansive beach situated just 4 km east of Georgioupoli, near the hotel bearing the same name. Though the area has experienced substantial tourist development, it’s somewhat less commercialized compared to the adjacent Georgioupolis. Kavros beach is a sandy stretch with transparent, shallow waters; however, its openness to the wind often results in notable wave activity. The beach provides several facilities for visitors, including an array of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a perfect spot for an all-day excursion. For those seeking tranquillity, parts of the beach remain unorganized, offering a more serene experience.
The place at its greatest part is developed and only a very small part of it has been left untouched. Between the remaining virgin parts of the beach, there is an extensive and very important ecosystem of dunes. The dunes of Kavros, like all dunes, host a significant and very fragile ecosystem that is home to its own plants. The most important role of the dunes in Crete is that they protect the inner lands from erosion. In the area, in winter we meet small ponds and the landscape is quite different from the summer.
Episkopi beach is a 3.5 km sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, 14 km west of Rethymno and 45 km east of Chania. Episkopi beach sits in a fertile valley between the Mouselas river and the river that runs out of the Petres gorge. The water is shallow and usually a little wavy, like most beaches on Crete’s north coast, and it takes its name from the village of Episkopi, 2 km inland to the south.
At a glance:
The sand is soft, with a short pebbly strip at the waterline that turns sandy underfoot as you walk in. Mornings are usually calm and clear enough to see the bottom, while an afternoon breeze can raise small waves. The shallow, gently shelving water suits families with children and makes the beach a good spot for a slow swim or a snorkel.
The western part of the beach is well organized. There you find lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, umbrellas and sunbeds, snack bars, and water sports. Tavernas and bars line the shore, several renting sunbeds under thatched umbrellas. Because the beach runs for about 3.5 km, you can still find a quieter, less developed stretch toward the eastern end near the Petres bridge.
The main coastal road between Rethymno and Chania runs parallel to the beach, so access by car is easy. Frequent KTEL public buses connect Chania and Rethymno and stop on the highway beside the beach, and parking is available at the shore. The simplest way to reach Episkopi and explore the rest of the north coast is to rent a car.
Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nest along this coast between May and September, and Episkopi is a recorded nesting point. If you visit in those months, keep clear of any marked nests and take your litter home with you.
Episkopi sits within a short drive of these stops:
The name Episkopi means “Diocese”: the village was the seat of the local diocese in the Byzantine period, and the old Episcopal church of St Nicholas nearby now stands in ruins. Almost unknown to travelers, the area is also the ancestral home of the Vardinoyannis family.
Episkopi beach is on the north coast of Crete in the Rethymno area, 14 km west of Rethymno and 45 km east of Chania. It lies below the village of Episkopi, between the Mouselas and Petres rivers.
Yes. The water is shallow and the sand is soft, and the organized western section has a lifeguard, so it suits children and less confident swimmers.
The western part is organized, with lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, umbrellas and sunbeds, snack bars, and water sports. The eastern end near the Petres bridge is quieter and less developed.
Yes, water sports are offered in the organized western section, alongside the lifeguard, showers, umbrellas, and snack bars.
The coastal Rethymno to Chania road runs next to the beach, so you can drive or take a KTEL public bus that stops on the highway. Parking is available at the beach.
The main season is June to September, when the weather is warm and dry. Late May, June, and September are usually quieter than midsummer.
Yes. The water is clear and shallow, and the rockier seabed near Petres beach to the east is a favorite for snorkeling and fishing.
Georgioupolis, a small coastal town located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon, is a seaside resort nestled in a verdant valley crisscrossed by rivers and springs. Situated on the western edge of a sprawling 10km beach, the town’s beach spans 2km to the east, beginning at the Almiros river and terminating at Kavros beach, a natural continuation of the former. The beach in Georgioupolis is sandy, dotted with dunes, and has shallow waters.
The beach is well-maintained and child-friendly, with lifeguards on duty. Caution is advised during windy conditions due to sea currents. Amenities such as umbrellas, showers, and food and drink stalls are available for beachgoers. Approximately 700m east of the port, the Perastikos river bifurcates the beach, which then widens as it continues eastward. On the opposite end, west of Georgioupolis’s port and near the Almyros river’s exit, lies the picturesque Kalivaki beach.
Klimata, known for its vines, is a 45km journey south from the city of Rethymno, situated next to the popular Korakas beach, close to Rodakino village. Korakas and Klimata are divided by a brief, rocky cape. Klimata is a petite bay consisting of three sequential beaches. Rodakino’s small harbour is found on the bay’s west side, reachable via a cement-paved path that starts from Korakas. From here, the first beach is easily accessible, positioned just beside the harbour. To get to the other two beaches, one can either walk through the first beach or take the dust road that links Korakas to Souda beach in Plakias.
Klimata is not organised in any way, with only Korakas beach being so. All three beaches are known for their fine pebbles and transparent waters. In certain areas, the rocky sea floor is ideal for snorkelling. It’s likely that these beaches will be deserted, except for a handful of privacy enthusiasts or naturists. Klimata, meaning vines, is named after the vineyards that were once grown on the nearby slopes.
Ancient Lappa was built near the present-day town of Argyroupolis, situated 27km south of Rethymno. The area is now renowned for its springs with waterfalls, its old mills, and the lush green landscape that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Lappa, later known as Lappi or Lambi, is one of the towns believed to have been founded by Agamemnon in Crete. The citizens of Lyttos fled to Lapa after the massacre of Lyttos by Knossos. In 193 BC, Lappa became an ally with Teos, and in 183 BC with Pergamon.
The city thrived until 68 AD when the Roman general Quintus Caecilius Metellus destroyed it. It was later revived as a Roman town with special privileges at the end of the Roman Era. Its glory is reflected in the magnificent monuments that have been discovered and the coins minted. In the area, Roman baths and basilicas with mosaics have been identified, as well as inscriptions and statues of Zeus, Aphrodite, and Dionysus. The Cave of Agia Dynami also appears to have played a significant role, with its essential spring that gushes through the rock.
Additionally, near the village is the temple of the Five Virgins (Thekla, Marianna, Ethane, Martha, and Mary), who are believed to have died there. Beside it lies the Roman necropolis with carved tombs, in a green area with a water spring and a plane tree that has been designated as a natural monument.
After the arrival of the Arabs in Crete, the town and the Diocese founded by Apostle Titus were destroyed. During the Venetian period, the city passed from the hands of the Hortatsis family to Alexios Kallergis. It then thrived once more, which is strongly reflected in the splendid Venetian buildings of the village. The Turks called the town Gaidouropoli (i.e., Donkey Town) until 1822 when the rebels renamed it Argyroupolis. The General Assembly of Crete took place in Argyroupolis in 1867 and 1878, the year that Cretans declared the Union of Crete with Greece, though the attempt ultimately failed.
Located near the quaint village of Fylaki in the Apokoronas region of Chania, you’ll discover the vaulted tomb of Fylaki. Constructed during the post-Minoan times (after 1200 BC), it shares many similarities with the domed grave of Stylos at the Azogyres site.
This well-preserved and clean tomb features a lengthy entrance aisle, and its pyramid-like roof is truly striking. One particularly fascinating element is the massive carved boulder situated at the upper part of the entrance.
Finding the tomb can be somewhat challenging. Just 30 meters past the turnoff to Kastelos village, you’ll spot a small group of cypress trees near the tomb.
The Profitis Elias Monastery, situated on a hill with sweeping views 20km south of Rethymno and adjacent to Roustika village, is a relatively lesser-known monastery in Crete. Founded during the Venetian Era, it is among the island’s most historic convents.
Throughout its history, the monastery was repeatedly destroyed by the Ottomans, with the last instance occurring during the 1866 revolution. The monastery played an active role in the resistance against Turkish rule. Consequently, the monastery’s buildings, aside from the temple, were constructed in their present form after 1866. Additionally, Profitis Ilias made a significant contribution to preserving Cretan history by housing the Historical Archive of Crete during the German Occupation.
The monastery features a fortress-like architectural design. At the center of the courtyard, visitors will find a three-aisled basilica with a dome dedicated to Prophet Elijah (celebrated on July 20), the Holy Trinity, and Agia Zoni (August 31). The belfry of the monastery, along with that of Arkadi Monastery, are the only surviving Venetian bell towers in Crete. Surrounding the courtyard are the two-story monks’ cells, an incomplete guest house, and the refectory.
Within the temple, visitors can admire the ancient wooden iconostasis, the throne (dated 1843), and the pulpit. Additionally, numerous relics are housed in the sanctuary, including sacred vessels, vestments, gospels, crosses, relics of various saints, a brocade epitaph, old books (dating back to 1640), and manuscripts (from 1620).
Constructed atop Timios Stavros hill in the western suburb of Rethymnon called Koumbes, the Convent of Jesus Christ (Christ the Savior) likely dates back to the Venetian period, similar to numerous other temples and monasteries in the area.
Historians speculate that the monastery was originally home to the Convent of Our Lady of Erimitiani, as evidenced by a 17th-century Renaissance painting. However, the monastery was destroyed during the Turkish occupation of Rethymnon in 1645 and only reopened in 1935.
The monastery’s church features two aisles dedicated to the Transfiguration and St. John the Baptist. The nuns are responsible for the beautiful paintings and icons within the church. Additionally, the monastery houses a small museum and library containing books and memorabilia belonging to Bishop Titos Sylligardakis.
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The Twin Ravines, or Kollita Gorges, can be found near the charming village of Argyroupolis, approximately 22km southwest of the city of Rethymnon. The name refers to the two parallel canyons that conclude near the village of Kato Poros. The easternmost canyon, Moundros Gorge, is bordered by the Vigla peak (567m) to the east and the Nissiani hill to the west, where you can find the abandoned settlement of Nissi. Adjacent to Moundros Gorge to the west, is the Vilandredo Gorge, named after the village at its entrance and often referred to as Kollita Gorge.
The gorges offer an ideal hiking experience for novices due to their ease and stunning surroundings. It’s a perfect outing for groups of friends – park your car in Kato Poros or Argyroupolis, explore the Moundriano canyon, and return via the second Kollita Gorge for a round trip.
A suggested itinerary for the two gorges starts in the verdant Argiroupoli, built on the site of the ancient city of Lappa. From there, head east to the village of Moundros, known for its springs, fountains, and beautiful Venetian architecture. Don’t miss a stroll through the narrow streets of Moundros and a visit to the churches of Saint Constantine, Saints Anargyri (11th century), and Saint Nicholas. Near Moundros, you’ll find the deserted settlement of Nissi, notable for its impressive stone structures.
From the village, make your way to the northern entrance of the lush Moundros Gorge, which leads to the village of Velonado. A well-marked path descends to the riverbed, which is typically full of water. The canyon boasts towering plane trees and several freshwater ponds. After about a 1.5-hour walk, you’ll reach the southern entrance of Moundriano Gorge near Velonado.
Exiting the canyon, head west on the asphalt road to the entrance of the second canyon, Kollita Gorge, near Vilandredo. This canyon is even more impressive than Moundriano, filled with plane trees and a path that runs along the riverbed. The most breathtaking part of the canyon is where its towering walls nearly touch, creating a very narrow passage. Along the slopes of the gorge, you’ll spot numerous fig and holly trees. After a total of four hours, you’ll exit the canyon, which once supplied water to the Roman baths of Lappa, now Argyroupolis.
Following the old stone path amidst laurels, myrtles, and hollies, you’ll reach Kato Poros and the area of Pente Parthenes (Five Virgins). Here, you’ll find a spring under the perennial plane tree of Pente Parthenes, the chapel of the Five Virgins, and the Hellenistic and Roman tombs of Lappa. From here, the trail broadens and leads back to the lush green Argiroupoli. In Argiroupoli, be sure to visit the Venetian buildings, churches, and picturesque alleyways. The springs of Argyroupolis are a popular attraction, particularly the spring in the cavernous chapel of Agia Dynami. The area is lush with several small waterfalls and numerous restaurants.
The Twin Ravines, or Kollita Gorges, are situated near the scenic village of Argyroupolis, approximately 22km southwest of the city of Rethymnon. The name derives from two adjacent canyons that conclude near the village of Kato Poros. The eastern canyon, Moundros Gorge, is bordered by the Vigla peak (567m) to the east and Nissiani hill to the west, which houses the deserted Nissi settlement. West of Moundros gorge lies the Vilandredo gorge, named after the village at its entrance and more commonly referred to as Kollita Gorge.
These gorges are perfect for casual hikers due to their ease and stunning beauty. They are particularly suitable for groups of friends who can park in Kato Poros or Argyroupoli, explore the Moundriano canyon, and return via the second Kollita Gorge.
Suggested Two Gorges Route
Starting from the verdant Argiroupoli, built on the ancient city of Lappa, we journey east to the village of Moundros, known for its springs and fountains. The village is home to many beautiful Venetian structures (old courts, prisons, and noble houses) and the churches of Saint Constantine, Saints Anargyri (11th century), and Saint Nicholas are well worth a visit. Don’t forget to wander the narrow streets of Moundros. Close to Moundros, the deserted Nissi settlement, famous for its stunning stone structures, can be found.
From the village, the entrance to the verdant Moundros gorge is accessible, leading to the village of Velonado. A well-defined path descends to the riverbed, which is usually filled with water. The canyon is filled with towering plane trees and several fresh water ponds. After roughly 1.5 hours of walking, we reach the southern entrance of Moundriano Gorge, near Velonado.
Upon exiting the canyon, we follow the asphalt road west to the entrance of the second canyon, Kollita Gorge, near Vilandredo. This canyon, more magnificent than Moundriano, is lush with plane trees, and the path follows the riverbed. The most beautiful section of the canyon is where the high walls nearly touch, forming a narrow passage. Fig and holly trees can be seen on the gorge’s slopes, hanging overhead. After approximately four hours, we exit the canyon, which once provided water for the Roman baths of Lappa, now Argyroupolis.
Following the ancient stone path through laurels, myrtles, and hollies, we reach Kato Poros and the area of Pente Parthenes (Five Virgins). Here, one can find the spring beneath the perennial plane tree of Pente Parthenes, the chapel of the Five Virgins, and the Hellenistic and Roman tombs of Lappa. From here, the trail broadens and leads us back to the lush green Argiroupoli. In Argiroupoli, the Venetian buildings, churches, and picturesque alleys are worth a visit. A popular attraction is the springs of Argyroupolis, with the most notable spring located in the cavernous chapel of Agia Dynami. The area is lush with several small waterfalls and numerous restaurants.
The Skaloti Gorge, nestled within the extensive area of Fragokastelo, is one of many parallel canyons in the region. This compact canyon spans a distance of 2km, beginning from the picturesque Manikas plateau and concluding at the coastal village of Skaloti. The journey, which takes approximately 2.5 hours, involves hiking along an ancient path paved with stones and surrounded by steep inclines. Initially, the canyon is wide and open, but it gradually narrows and the walls become vertical. Vegetation in the area is primarily composed of bushes and undergrowth. The Perama stream traverses the gorge, finally emptying onto the shores of Lakki beach.
The Kallikratis Canyon, a relatively small gorge located in the southeast of Lefka Ori (White Mountains) in the Sfakia province, forms part of the E4 European walking route. It serves as a passageway connecting the mountain pasture lands with the lowland villages of the Frangokastelo plain. A hike through this gorge offers a delightful walk and stunning views of the South Cretan Sea. The entrance to the canyon is situated at the Kallikratis plateau, accessible via a paved road from Askyfou, Asi Gonia, or Frangokastelo.
Kallikratis is home to the charming Panagia church, and from here, you can begin your descent through the gorge, which concludes in the village of Patsianos. From Kallikratis village, follow the asphalt road leading to Patsianos that runs parallel to the gorge bed. At certain points, you will need to follow the riverbed, which gradually deepens, with the road rising high above you. After about half an hour, the road will have risen considerably to the left, and the stream will be fairly deep. The trail has been slightly modified in some places due to debris from road construction.
Situated in Asigonía in the Crete region, Aloni Villa, an Awe-Inspiring Retreat, By ThinkVilla features a garden. The villa has mountain views and is 62 km from Chania Town.
This air-conditioned villa is fitted with 4 bedrooms, a satellite flat-screen TV, and a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven. There is a bathroom with a hair dryer.
Speaking German, Greek, English and French at the 24-hour front desk, staff will be happy to provide guests with practical information on the area.
The villa offers a seasonal outdoor pool. Aloni Villa, an Awe-Inspiring Retreat, By ThinkVilla features a barbecue.
Balíon is 60 km from the accommodation, while Rethymno Town is 19 km from the property. Chania International Airport is 65 km away.
from
€212
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Luxury love nest with hot tub & heated pool is located in Kournás. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa is equipped with 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, a microwave and a fridge. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
The villa offers a hot tub. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Luxury love nest with hot tub & heated pool, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 23 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 47 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 56 km from Luxury love nest with hot tub & heated pool, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Boasting mountain views, Villa Di Giorgio Heated Pool features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 23 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the villa.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 47 km from Villa Di Giorgio Heated Pool, while Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 21 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 55 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€418
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a patio, Casa Belvedere Boutique Villa is situated in Kournás. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views has 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 4 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
At the villa guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. A car rental service is available at Casa Belvedere Boutique Villa.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 23 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 56 km from Casa Belvedere Boutique Villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€189
/night
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