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Embark on a guided off-road driving adventure in discovery of the history and traditions of Crete. Meet locals, see nature and wildlife, and embrace the renowned Cretan hospitality. Then enjoy a relaxing lunch featuring local food and wine.
Head south from Rethymno, passing through the villages of Halepa, Garazo, Faratsi, and Veni, known for their dense vegetation, fresh aromas, and unique views. Stop off at the historic Halepa Monastery, former refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars. Take pictures of the magnificent mountain tops and valleys that surround you.
Continue the drive while taking in the panoramic views and trying to spot wild eagles and goats along the way. Arrive at a mitato (shepherd’s hut) and learn all about the shepherd
lifestyle and cheese-making process.
Satisfy your appetite at a traditional Cretan tavern in the village of Axos and savor the local cuisine and wine before returning to Rethymno.
Immerse yourself in the traditional customs of Crete on a private tour from Rethimno. Meet the only living nun at Vossakos monastery and be introduced to Mr. Andreas and Mrs. Eleni at a local pasture. Learn about goat-herding and beekeeping from the experts and indulge in delicious Cretan cuisine.
Get picked up from your accommodations in Crete and leave the city center behind for the picturesque countryside. Arrive at the historical Vossakos monastery, settled in a landscape of beautiful flowers, lush trees, and aromatic herbs.
Walk towards the monastery and be welcomed within by the one remaining nun who lives here. Be treated to her smile and a taste of the sweet loukoumi, learning about the stories surrounding these holy walls.
Depart from the monastery to visit a local pasture. Pass through the entrance of three huge trees and meet Mr. Andreas, the resident shepherd. Listen to him detail his daily routine, including taking care of the goats and the process of producing milk.
Indulge in the delicious flavors of traditional Cretan appetizers, such as cheese, olives, and a glass of raki. With a happy stomach, follow the shepherd out to his flock and watch as 100 goats rush out of their pen into the high hills.
Say goodbye to Mr. Andreas and be introduced to his wife, Mrs. Eleni. Slide into your beekeeping uniform as she leads you to the hives, demonstrating her mastery over the honey-loving insects.
Observe the procedure for honey extraction that Mrs. Eleni undertakes with her bare hands! Learn the family secrets behind why she has no need for her own beekeeper’s uniform.
Bee welcomed into the home of Mr. Andreas and Mrs. Eleni, situated high up in the mountains with breathtaking views over the village. Take a walk through the peaceful environment, relaxing into this fairytale-like world.
Open a bottle of wine and enjoy a glass while a traditional lunch is prepared for you. Tuck into a range of local organic products and finish off your meal with a delicious dessert, such as pitakia with honey on top.
After lunch, be guided to the heart of Apladiana, one of the most ancient villages on the island which still adheres to Cretan customs. Cross through a field full of orange trees, reveling in the citrusy breeze, and finish your tour in the village square.
The start point is west of Heraklion from the beach of Ammoudara and head south towards the hinterland of Crete. After leaving the urban area behind us, entering a rural area full of vineyards and olive groves. On one side of the route people can see the holy mountain of Yioukta and on the other the highest mountain of Crete, Psiloritis. The first village on the way is Gournes and after a few kilometers is the village of Athanati. The road becomes uphill until the almost uninhabited village of Xirolia. Riding west and after a few kilometers the group will reach the capital of wine in Crete, the village of Dafnes. Here the well-known wine festival takes place every year in July.
In this area there are many wineries that produce the best wines of Crete. Here the group of the bikers will taste 4 different wines, accompanied by Cretan cheese, rusks and olives. After the tasting the bikes will be left there and the group will go by car back to the starting point.
This e-bike tour is possible to be done by everybody who is able to ride a bike. It is 24 km long and the net riding time ist about 90 minutes.
If it has rained recently, then the route will change, because the previous route has some dirt roads and there will be mud.
Discover the long kept secrets of wine and olives and Cretan tastes as you travel through Cretan villages in a semi private group of 6-8 persons in each vehicle.
Our day safari in the secrets of the Cretan tastes and culture begins with a visit to Klados winery in Panormos. There we will be welcomed by the owner of the winery for a wine tour and a mouthwatering wine tasting experience unraveling the secrets of high longevity in Crete. Continuing our day we follow the north coastline through traditional villages of Sisses, Aloides in the heart of Cretan mountains admiring the unique view of Psiloritis and Mylopotamos area will inspire you to take pictures, combining the highest mountain top of Crete with the beautiful valley until we reach the historic Vosakos Monastery, that used to be a refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars. Afterwards our amazing route continues with panoramic views that will take your breath away and If we are lucky, we will get to marvel up close some wild eagles and goats and take some photos. Driving through picturesque villages of Doxaro, Apladiana, Agia nestled amongst lush vegetation we will have plenty of opportunities to take photos of picturesque chapels, sheep, goats, sprawling vineyards and gorgeous olive groves. An asphalt route will lead us to a traditional and modern olive mill in Melidoni village in Rethymnon. There you will have the chance to be guided in three different olive oil factories (ancient handmade production, by the help of diesel engines and modern production with centrifuge) learn everything about the olives harvesting, olive oil production and taste some local olive oil.
Working up our appetite we arrive at a small village tavern in Melidoni, where we will introduce you to the Cretan cuisine with plenty of Cretan delicacies and let you feel the very essence of the renowned Cretan hospitality. On the way back we will follow an easy asphalt route through the national road before we reach back into Rethymnon town.
A unique wine and olive escape, an exciting adventure to embrace the renowned Greek hospitality, enjoy the sights and professional and relaxed service!!!
Between the coast of Panagia Charakiani and Kefali hill, where archaeological remnants have been found, lies the region of Propatoumenos, just a short distance west of Holy 317 Fathers Church. Propatoumenos translates to “the area that can be walked”. This is because there used to be a walking trail to the ancient town of Astali, near Bali. Given that the surrounding Talean mountains are incredibly steep and difficult to traverse, this area was perfect for walking. This broader area is rich in unexcavated Minoan settlements, most of which have been left to the mercy of roaming goats. Within this region, we encounter three remote pebbly beaches with pristine waters, situated just a stone’s throw away from the highway. The seabed, teeming with rocks, conglomerate formations and natural arches, is an ideal spot for snorkelling. Across the beaches, the small islet of Prassonissi, home to seagulls, can be accessed by swimming.
Kefala Beach
Tucked away to the east of Panagia Charakiani, near Bali, is Kefala Beach. This hidden gem, with its crystal clear waters all year round, remains fairly unknown. Although generally inaccessible, the beach unveils a stunning coastline adorned with vibrant hues of red soil and green vegetation from shrubs and wild carob trees during calm weather. Kefala has a charming pebble beach with a rich seabed. Further east, the beaches of Kalo Horafi and Vrahi can be found. Kefala gets its name from the low peak, about 40 meters high, situated just above the sea that once housed an unknown Minoan settlement. The entire area above the beach is scattered with remnants of ancient walls and structures.
Kalo Horafi, situated about 37km east of Rethymno and 43km west of Heraklion, is the former site of the 317 Agii Pateres Pelekida (317 Holy Fathers) monastery. While the original monastery cells no longer exist, a more recent chapel has been erected in their place. The area, known as Kalo Horafi, is marked by the rugged beauty of the Cretan landscape, complete with the towering Talean mountains and verdant ravines.
A brief unpaved path (200m), starting from the point on the main road where the Chnaris tavern stands, leads to a charming small beach facing the west. The beach, adorned with pebbles, is rarely crowded. Aside from the tavern and a few villas, the area is largely undeveloped. The beach is also recognized as Vossako, as it marks the beginning of the Vossako ravine, which leads to the Vosako monastery after a walk of approximately 1-1.5 hours. The monastery, which is dedicated to Timios Stavros (Holy Cross), was in ruins until recent restoration works unveiled a hidden treasure of the Cretan religious heritage that you should definitely visit (via Doxaro village).
Additionally, there is a second, smaller pebbly beach with a rocky seabed located just behind the northern end of the main beach, which is easily reachable on foot. This beach, named Vrahi beach, is perfect for snorkelling (but only on calm days).
Charakas is a region situated approximately 36km to the east of Rethymno and 44km to the west of Heraklion, near Bali. Just half a kilometer east of the Panagia Charakiani Church, a small peninsula forms where the petite beaches of Glaros and Katevati can be found. The major highway that links Heraklion and Rethymno is conveniently close by.
Katevati Beach
Located on the western edge of this peninsula is the small but charming Katevati beach, known for its large pebbles. It boasts spectacular views of the rugged Talean Mountains to the south. Its rocky underbelly makes it an ideal spot for fishing and snorkeling. However, it is unregulated, so visitors are advised to come equipped with necessities such as an umbrella, food, and water. Furthermore, it is shielded from the prevalent northern winds due to its eastern positioning. To the north of the beach, on a hill, there are ruins from an ancient settlement.
Glaros Beach
A short distance to the north of the first beach, accessible via a trail starting north of the highway, are the three beautiful beaches of Glaros (also referred to as Glaria or Peristeri) which face west. The beach gets its name from the small, greenish islet of Glaros that’s separated from the shore by a very narrow canal (less than 2m in width). While the shore is sandy, the seabed is rocky, making it an ideal spot for solitude seekers and snorkeling enthusiasts. The northernmost beach, which can be reached by crossing a hill with a Minoan settlement, is considered the most beautiful.
Charakiani Beach
Situated below the Panagia Charakiani Church is a beach with large, round pebbles that attract snorkelers and spearfishermen. This beach can be easily accessed by following a trail that starts from the church. It is easily identifiable by a small islet located directly opposite the beach.
Almirida is a small seaside settlement located 38km east of Rethymnon, near the village of Sisses. The village is not touristically developed and is actually the favourite beach of the residents of Sisses. On the west, there is a small cement pier, which protects the small harbour of Almirida. Next to the harbour, there is a small sandy beach with rocky seabed and surrounded by tamarisk trees, where one can find shade. Do not expect very special services, since there are a few rooms and some cafes-taverns.
Alyki beach
A few meters east of the village, near the shore, there are the ruins of the old tax office for carob, which once operated in the area, when no roads approached the area and products were exported with cargo ships. Here is the main beach of Almirida, named Alyki (i.e. salt pan), which is mainly sandy and usually wavy. There is a small stream with water all year round where you could see crabs and tortoises; some meters to the south there is the scenic chapel of Saint Nicholas.
On top of the nearby Pirgos peak, the Germans had built an outpost. You can still see the engraved name of the German soldier on the rock, dating back to 1943.
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 ancient site of Zominthos can be found in the Psiloritis range, 7km west of Anogia, on the road leading to the Nida plateau. Discovered in 1982, Zominthos is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds in Crete, often compared to Knossos.
During archaeological work in the cave of Ideon Andron (1982), archaeologist Yiannis Sakellarakis spoke with a local shepherd who mentioned the name Zominthos. Sakellarakis immediately realized that this name referred to an ancient location and visited the site the next day, where he quickly identified traces of a Minoan mansion.
Excavations are still ongoing, conducted by the Greek Archaeological Service and the University of Heidelberg. So far, archaeologists have uncovered a large, luxurious building covering an area of 1360 square meters, constructed from local stone and consisting of around 80 rooms. The two- or three-story building had walls plastered with clay for insulation and adorned with murals. A smaller Mycenaean building has also been discovered nearby. It is remarkable that such a large complex existed at an altitude of 1200m, although it is believed to have been closed during the winter months due to snow.
The building was constructed around 1900 BC, reached its peak in 1600 BC, and was destroyed in 1400 BC, likely by an earthquake. Zominthos was undoubtedly one of the most prominent Minoan settlements and is thought to have been a station for Minoans visiting the sacred cave of Ideon Andron. Indeed, Zominthos is situated on the ancient trail that began at Knossos, passed through the gorge of Kroussonas, Livadi Plateau, and then through Zominthos, where a sacred spring was located (at the site of the current church of Saint Marina). According to Homer, King Minos visited Ideon Andron every nine years to receive laws for his people. Thus, Zominthos may have also been built to accommodate Minos during his visits to the cave.
However, Zominthos also appears to have served as a financial and organizational center for trading the famous Cretan cypress, as well as the popular agricultural products and livestock of the Ida Range. It is no coincidence that scripts from Knossos mention thousands of sheep, which likely originated from Ida.
Archaeologists are working to reconstruct the physical environment in which Zominthos was situated. This task is relatively easy, as there has been no human presence for centuries, and the natural environment has remained intact. Additionally, within the archaeological site, a large hawthorn tree has been officially declared a monument of nature.
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.
The Vrontissi Monastery can be found 49km southwest of Heraklion, situated near Vorizia Gorge and nestled between the villages of Zaros and Vorizia. From this vantage point, one can enjoy panoramic views of Vorizia village and the Messara plain. Dedicated to Saint Anthony, the monastery is among the oldest in Crete.
While the exact date of its construction remains unknown, it is believed that the monastery’s name comes from its founder. Initially, Vrontissi was a dependency of the nearby Valsamonero Monastery, but it eventually grew so wealthy that it surpassed its parent monastery and became one of Crete’s most significant monastic centers.
According to tradition, Michael Damaskinos and El Greco, two prominent figures in the Cretan School of Iconography, lived and worked at Vrontissi Monastery. In fact, six of Damaskinos’ icons, now on display at the Museum of St. Catherine in Heraklion, were once housed at Vrontissi. The surviving 14th-century frescoes in the church, which show influences from the Renaissance, demonstrate the high level of artistic expression that developed at the monastery.
The church itself is a two-aisled structure dedicated to St. Anthony (celebrated on January 17) and St. Thomas (celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter). Its bell tower, built in Venetian architectural style, stands as a separate structure. Several frescoes are preserved in the south aisle, including the Supper at Emmaus, the Apostles, Minologia, and Saint Symeon holding baby Jesus. The church also houses the 16th-century icon of Ambelos, created by Cretan artist Angelo.
Despite once being fortified, the monastery’s walls were eventually demolished in the name of modernization. The most striking remnant of the monastery’s former glory is the impressive 15th-century fountain that features depictions of Adam and Eve. At the feet of these figures, four others release water from their mouths, symbolizing the four rivers of Eden. This fountain is considered the most beautiful provincial example of fountains in Crete. The Turks referred to Vrondisi as Santrivanli Monastir, meaning Fountain Monastery.
Today, the Vrontissi Monastery serves as the International Village of Cretan Youth.
Agios Nikolaos Monastery (Saint Nicholas) can be found at the end of the stunning Gafaris (or Rouvas) canyon, approximately 48km southwest of Heraklion and 3km north of Zaros village. In 1994, a massive fire destroyed much of the gorge’s beautiful pine forest, and the monastery is located near this site.
Visitors can reach the monastery by car from Zaros, taking the path that leads to the gorge (20 minutes north of Lake Zaros). Regrettably, the monastery’s architecture is a modern and unattractive anomaly within this landscape. The only points of interest for visitors are the old church of St. Nicholas, featuring 14th-century Paleologean-style frescoes, and the restored temple of Agia Paraskevi.
Originally, the monastery functioned as a secondary monastery of Varsamonero Monastery. It was later abandoned but has since been repurposed as a monastery for Old Calendarists. They have constructed a large modern temple and various cells, utility rooms, and other facilities. The current temple is dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ and Agia Kiriaki, while the bell tower houses eight bells, the heaviest of which weighs 12 tons.
In the surrounding area, visitors can also explore the ancient cavernous church of St. Efthimios, adorned with numerous frescoes and featuring an inscription dating back to 1438.
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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.
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.
The Platania Gorge, positioned above the Platania village, links the southeast slopes of the Psiloritis range to the Amari valley, approximately 38km southeast of Rethymno. The river flowing through it collects water from the west of the Migia (1584m) and Spathi (1779m) peaks and channels it to the River Platys, which terminates in Agia Galini. A challenging yet secure trail winds its way up to the starting point at Kokkinoharako, skirting its steep slopes. The trail provides hikers with breathtaking views of the towering cliffs, vertical limestone rocks displaying yellow-red hues of erosion, rock shelters, and numerous caves.
At roughly 800m altitude, a small plateau hosts the cave-like church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios), constructed near a spring. The trail from Agios Antonios continues its ascent northwest, meeting a dirt road originating from the Vistagi village. On the opposite side of the gorge, in the east, lies the Panas cave, named after the ancient god Pan, god of the wild, shepherds, and flocks, who, as per local folklore, was born here. The cave houses petroglyphs from the Minoan era, indicating continuous worship at the site. The same dirt road from Vistagi provides access to the nearby church of Saint Mammes (Agios Mamas), the patron saint of shepherds in Christianity.
The Platania Gorge’s interior is stunning, though few get to witness it due to its steep waterfalls, which require technical canyoning equipment to navigate. The tallest waterfall stands at approximately 40m. The first known crossing of the gorge was in 2008 by the canyoning group of Giannis Bromirakis and Christoforos Cheiladakis. The cliffs provide a nesting habitat for various bird species, including vultures, hawks, wild pigeons, and crows.
Margarites is a renowned village in the Milopotamos province, celebrated for its stunning architecture and traditional pottery. The broader region, encompassing the villages of Margarites, Orthe and Eleftherna, is characterized by a sequence of small, parallel gorges. Tiny watercourses like Margaritianos meander northwards, contributing to the Geropotamos River. These gorges are carved into the white-yellow marly limestone from the Upper Miocene era (8-10 million years ago), a result of the area’s uplift and water erosion.
The gorges’ most striking features are their abundant flora and extraordinary environment. Small groups of horizontally branched cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens var horizontal) blend with low shrubs, wildflowers, and aromatic plants. The local authorities have fashioned small trails that reveal the area’s beauty to visitors.
Set 34 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Asfendamos Villas offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
Each unit is fitted with air conditioning, private bathroom and a kitchen including a dishwasher, oven, microwave and a toaster. A fridge and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Venetian Walls is 42 km from the villa, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 43 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 46 km from Asfendamos Villas.
from
€152
/night
Set in Zonianá in the Crete region, Faraggi Villas offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
Each unit is fitted with air conditioning, private bathroom and a kitchen including a dishwasher, oven, microwave and a toaster. A fridge and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 33 km from the villa, while Venetian Walls is 43 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 46 km from Faraggi Villas.
from
€152
/night
Featuring quiet street views, Rustic Stone Home, Milopotamos, Rethymno provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 29 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna. It has a garden, barbecue facilities, garden views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views features 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 2 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area.
Venetian Walls is 39 km from Rustic Stone Home, Milopotamos, Rethymno, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from the accommodation.
Perachori Boutique Studios in square has well-equipped accommodation boasting free WiFi in Anogia, 35 km from Venetian Walls and 36 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna.
The apartment provides guests with a patio, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a stovetop, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and slippers. Some units have a dining area and/or a balcony.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 36 km from Perachori Boutique Studios in square, while The Palace of Knossos is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 39 km from the accommodation.
from
€75
/night
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