Exploring the Olive Treasures: Begin your day with a visit to an olive mill in Kolymbary, where you’ll witness the olive oil-making process and engage in a flavorful olive oil tasting. Journey to Ano Vouves to encounter a 3000-year-old ancient olive tree, delving into the rich history and significance of olives in Cretan culture.
Wine Tasting and Longevity Secrets: At Karavitakis winery, savor the finest wines while uncovering the secrets of longevity associated with Cretan living. Enjoy an informative wine tasting session amidst stunning vineyard landscapes, immersing yourself in the cultural significance of winemaking in Crete.
Off-Road Adventure and Scenic Beauty: Embark on an exhilarating off-road adventure towards Sebronas village, navigating through picturesque gorges, lush vegetation, and panoramic vistas. Capture the essence of Cretan countryside life with photo opportunities of chapels, livestock, vineyards, and olive groves.
Cretan Gastronomy and Hospitality: Satisfy your appetite at a quaint tavern in Nea Roumata, experiencing the true essence of Cretan hospitality through local platters and authentic cuisine. Immerse yourself in the flavors and warmth of Cretan culture while enjoying a memorable dining experience.
Embark on a unique wine and olive escape, immersing yourself in the famed Greek hospitality and embracing the sights, flavors, and warmth of Cretan culture. Enjoy a professionally guided journey through ancient landscapes and indulge in authentic culinary delights, making this safari tour an unforgettable experience.
Explore the World War II history of Crete and learn about its wider impact in southeast Europe and Greece. Explore the story of the Greek-Italian War of 1940 and the circumstances that lead to Hitler’s Operation Mercury.
Hear how the Battle of Crete and the resistance to the invasion helped revive the morale of the Allied troops around the world. Visit key location sites such as the pretty village of Maleme, where the German paratroopers first landed. Discover remnants of the war at Tavronitis and Galatas, and visit the war cemeteries of the German and Allied troops.
Be amazed as your guide brings history to life and tells you about secret shelters and other monuments from the war. Hear untold stories that take you behind the scenes and explore the role the partisans played as they helped the British, Australian and New Zealand armies change the course of history.
On our Kayak Sunset Tour, you will have the opportunity to paddle in a stunning sea gulf, visit the shipwreck that rests in middle of Kissamos bay, the old Ravdoucha metal mine ruins, a very interesting sea cave and reach out to a small private beach for rest and snorkel!
The Kayak Sunset Tour starts in the afternoon, on a beach very close to Kissamos city. After the reservation, a small form is sent to you with extra details that we will need in order for us to have the kayaks adjusted and ready for our small kayak adventure.
We start by meeting all together in our starting point, fitting the safety equipment and taking instructions on how to kayak and being safe in the sea!
When all the participants take place in their kayaks, we start our tour by heading for our first point of interest, which is a shipwreck (Manassa Rose) in the middle of Kissamos Bay!
You will hear the story of this shipwreck and after that we will take the course heading to the next point of interest that is some metal mine ruins from 1905!
On the way, we will paddle through a beautiful coast line and hear some interesting facts about the area!
Distant small chapels are along our way and very nice rocky natural formations!
Reaching the mine ruins, we will hear the small story of them and straight after we will head for a small private beach accessible only by sea!
There we have a stop for rest, swim and snorkel its amazing underwater formations.
Right after we leave the small beach, we will have the opportunity to explore the sea cave of Ravdoucha.
When we are ready and the sunset light is getting ready to lay down its colors, we start paddling back to the starting point in the lights of the Sunset.
A total paddling time is around 3 hours and the total tour is around 4,5 hours!
No kayaking experience is required since all our equipment is beginner friendly and instructions are provided before our tour!
On our Kayak Morning Tour, you will have the opportunity to paddle in a stunning sea gulf, visit a shipwreck and some other very interesting spots and reach out to a small private beach for rest and snorkel!
Our Kayak Morning Tour starts from a beach very close to Kissamos city.
After the reservation, a small form is sent to you with extra details that we will need in order to have the kayaks adjusted and ready for our small kayak adventure.
We start by meeting all together in our starting point, fitting the safety equipment and taking instructions on how to kayak and being safe in the sea!
When all the participants take place in their kayaks, we will start our tour by heading for our first point of interest, which is a shipwreck (Manassa Rose) in the middle of Kissamos Bay!
You will hear the story of this shipwreck and after that we will take our course heading to the next point of interest that is some metal mine ruins from 1905!
On the way, we will paddle through a beautiful coast line and hear some interesting facts about the area!
Distant small chapels are along our way and very nice rocky natural formations!
Reaching the mine ruins, we will hear the small story of them and straight after we will head for a small private beach accessible only by sea!
There we have a stop for rest, drink some beverages, swim and snorkel its amazing underwater formations.
Right after we leave the small beach, we will have the opportunity to explore the sea cave of Ravdoucha.
The expansive beach in Rapaniana, situated 20km west of Chania and 4km east of Kolimbari, is a part of the larger stretch of beach that extends from Peninsula Rodopos to Chania, incorporating the beaches near the villages of Skoutelonas, Minothiana, and Rapaniana. The beach, featuring a mix of sandy and pebbly areas, is a perfect choice for visitors, especially during calm weather, as the northern coastline frequently experiences waves. It is impeccably clean and equipped with essential tourist amenities like umbrellas, showers, and a lifeguard tower.
Rapaniana and its neighboring beaches serve as nesting grounds for the protected loggerhead sea turtle. The village of Rapaniana offers a variety of services including mini markets, restaurants, accommodation facilities, a health centre, pharmacy, dentist, post office, bank, telephone, and car rental services.
Kolimbari, a quaint seaside town housing over 5000 residents, is situated 24km west of Chania, on the eastern edge of the Rodopos Peninsula. This picturesque town is quite developed, primarily due to its stunning, lengthy beach that extends from the village to Tavronitis in the east. The sandy beach at Kolimbari is occasionally dotted with small pebbles, and while the waters are shallow, they tend to be wavy, a typical characteristic of northern Crete’s open beaches. The area adjacent to the beach offers ample choices for accommodation, dining, and entertainment.
For those seeking a more serene beach experience, the tiny coves near the Gonia Monastery, just 1km northwest of Kolimbari, are worth visiting. Boats frequently depart from the Kolimbari port to the Rodopos Cape, renowned for its majestic cliffs and tranquil beaches, with Menzies being the most popular.
The historic Gonia Monastery, reminiscent of a fortress, is located 1km northwest of the town. It’s dedicated to the Virgin Mary Odigitria, also known as the Guide, and houses a notable collection of Byzantine icons. The Orthodox Academy of Crete, a venue for nationwide and global conferences on theological and general topics, is also located near Gonia.
Tavronitis beach, found 20km west of Chania, is situated on the western side of the historic Maleme airport, one kilometer north of the village of Tavronitis and is named after the Tavronitis river that flows nearby. This long, pebbly beach is just a segment of the expansive coastline that stretches from Kolimbari to Stalos, making it an ideal swimming spot, especially during calm weather as the northern coast of Crete often experiences waves. There are ample amenities nearby, including hotels, tavernas, restaurants, and a variety of tourist facilities.
The beach holds historical significance as it is near Maleme airport, the site of a significant resistance against the German forces in 1941, known as the Battle of Crete. This marked the first time in World War II where the local population fiercely resisted the German army, causing them heavy losses. Despite this, the Germans managed to gain control of a small area east of the Tavronitis river and the airport. Today, visitors can pay their respects at the German cemetery and other monuments dedicated to this historic event.
Situated 18km west of Chania, Maleme forms part of the expansive beach that stretches from Kolimbari to the vicinity of Chania. This lengthy bay is adorned with stunning sandy and pebbly beaches, although they are exposed to frequent northerly winds. The beach at Maleme is sandy and the surrounding area is well developed, with all necessary amenities conveniently located near the beach. For those seeking a more secluded spot for a swim, the west end of the beach, adjacent to the old military airport, offers a quieter location.
The name Maleme is believed to derive from the word “Malama”, translating to gold, hinting at the possibility of a gold mine existing in ancient times, although this hasn’t been confirmed. In addition, a domed tomb from the late Minoan period has been discovered near Maleme. Despite having been looted, two cylindrical seals depicting running wild animals were found by archaeologists.
During World War II, Maleme held significant historical importance. It was home to the Allies’ military airport until it was seized by German forces. The Battle of Crete in 1941 saw German paratroopers descend upon Maleme to gain control of the airport. They were met with fierce resistance from local Cretans and Allied forces, leading to substantial casualties on the German side. With only rudimentary weapons at their disposal, the local Cretans dealt a significant blow to the German paratroopers, which drew praise for Cretan patriotism from Hitler himself. This marked the first time in the Second World War where German forces faced strong resistance from a local population. It was also the first large-scale airborne invasion in history, and the last of its kind. The German Cemetery, located on a hill near Maleme, is the final resting place for the 4500 German paratroopers who lost their lives. A monument dedicated to fallen RAF airmen can also be found near Maleme, close to the River Tavronitis bridge.
The ancient city ruins of Polirinia can be found on a steep hill overlooking the North Cretan Sea. It is believed that the city was founded by the Achaeans around 1100 BC and thrived during the Roman period, becoming the most important town in West Crete. Polirinia’s ports were Phalassarna and Kissamos, and the city had close trade relations with Sparta, Milos, Rhodes, Thiva, the coasts of Ionia (Asia Minor), and Egypt. Besides trade, the town was also known for its livestock, as its name is derived from the words “polla rinia,” meaning many lambs.
Polirinia reacted positively to the Roman invasion, and as a result, it was not destroyed like other cities in Crete. Instead, it formed an alliance and managed to defeat the most powerful city in western Crete, Kydonia, and gained control of the sanctuary of Diktynna at the Spatha peninsula.
The city’s coins depict a bull’s head (voukranio) and Jupiter. On top of the hill, there once stood another temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis or Diktinna, which was demolished in 1894 to build the temple of the Holy Fathers (using materials from the original sanctuary). Today, visitors can see parts of the strong city walls from the Byzantine period, a Hellenistic tower, an aqueduct, and a temple.
The phrase “Cretan Sacrifices” is still used by Greeks today when referring to unfulfilled desires or purposes. This phrase originated from the story of Agamemnon and Polirinia: When Agamemnon, the victor of the Trojan War, returned home, he anchored on Nopigia beach to offer a sacrifice to the gods of Polirinia. However, the prisoners on board started fires, and he had to leave in a hurry without completing the sacrifice.
The impressive Late Minoan vaulted tomb of Maleme can be found in close proximity to the German military cemetery and the historic airport of Maleme, situated on Kafkala hill amidst olive groves and overlooking the North Cretan Sea. The tomb had been looted since the early 20th century and suffered significant damage from a bomb during the Battle of Crete, causing its roof to collapse. In 1966, archaeologist Kostas Tzavaras conducted excavations at the site.
Visitors today will be struck by the tomb’s large size and the extensive 13-meter-long entrance corridor leading to the entrance gate. The entrance gate itself is the most remarkable aspect of the construction, standing 3 meters tall and 1.60 meters wide. What truly inspires awe, however, is the enormous carved limestone rock used as a lintel, which is noticeably larger than any other building material found in the tomb. A road takes visitors to the area, where a sign at one point directs them to the tomb via a brief path weaving through the surrounding olive groves.
The coastal Monastery of Panagia Odigitria can be found at the base of the Spatha peninsula, approximately 26km west of Chania and 2.5km north of Kolimbari. It is also referred to as the Lady of the Angels Monastery of Gonia (Gonia = Corner) due to its position on the western edge-corner of Chania Bay.
Established in the 17th century, the monastery soon thrived as a rich monastic tradition developed in Spatha, and the monks congregated in Gonia. The Gonia Monastery has played a significant role in local history, often serving as a refuge for Cretan rebels and consequently being destroyed numerous times by various conquerors. Evidence of this can be seen in a cannonball embedded in the east wall.
The original 14th-century church is situated in the current cemetery, close to the existing monastery complex. The complex is encircled by a high wall, reminiscent of a Venetian castle. The temple is dedicated to the Virgin Hodhegetria (celebrated on August 15th). Surrounding the temple are numerous other monastery buildings, including monk cells, an abbey, dining room, stores, cellars, and more. The Orthodox Academy of Crete, gym, pool, schools, county court, and other facilities are also housed within the monastery. In the monastery’s museum, visitors can view ancient icons, such as those by Constantine Palaiokapas.
Several notable individuals have served as abbots of the monastery, including Misael Apostolidis, who taught the Greek language to the Greek King Otto and was the first rector of the University of Athens. Others include Joachim Tzagarolos, Parthenios Kelaidis, and Parthenios Pieridis.
In the Varypetro region, nestled on a rocky hill beneath the ruins of the Byzantine fort Kastellos, lies the recently constructed monastic buildings of Chrisopigi Monastery in Chania town. In 2002, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew graced the location with his presence, walking the surrounding trails and laying the foundation stone for the new monastery temple, dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ. On September 2, 2012, Patriarch Bartholomew officially inaugurated the temple.
Visitors can appreciate the stunning beauty of the area by strolling along the trail that connects the picturesque monastery to the Agia Kyriaki dependency.
Agia Kyriaki Monastery, situated 12km south of Chania near Varypetro, was once a collection of ruins in 1992 but has since been restored into a picturesque monastery on the island of Crete.
The monastery is a dependency of the female monastery of Chrysopigi near Chania and is nestled in a stunning area featuring a protected grove, a small canyon with a river, and several cavernous churches that can be reached via stone-paved trails.
The monastery’s church is dedicated to the Transfiguration (celebrated on 6 August) and also commemorates Agia Kyriaki fest (7 July). The temple is situated in the heart of the monastic enclosure, surrounded by nuns’ cells and other structures. Cavernous chapels of St. Anthony (17 January), the Holy Seven Children (4 August), Saint Silouan the Athonite (24 September), and the Martyrs of Crete (23 June) can be found around the monastery.
The Center of Orthodoxy and Ecology, managed by Chrysopigi Monastery, is housed within the monastery and offers educational environmental programs. Additionally, the restored 16th-century olive mill, now serving as the nuns’ dining room, is worth a visit.
During the Turkish occupation, the monastery served as a refuge for rebels. In 1866, the first Pancretian Meeting took place here, during which representatives from all provinces drafted a memorandum for the Sultan and the Great Powers (Russia, Britain, France). A subsequent meeting was held at the monastery, where the Union of Crete with Greece was requested.
Parthenos Monastery, a contemporary convent devoted to the Life Giving Spring (Zoodochos Pigi), can be found atop a small hill in the town of Kissamos. Established in 1905, it underwent renovations in 1962. The monastery was once home to the Urban School of Girls and Crete’s first Deaf School.
No results available
The Rocca, Roka, Rocka, or Rokka Gorge, situated 32km west of Chania in the Kolymbari region, stretches for 2km from the village of Deliana to the village of Roka. The settlement features Trouli hill, which is home to the remnants of a Byzantine fortress.
Despite the ease of hiking through the gorge (typically a 2-hour trek), it can be challenging to traverse without getting wet during periods of water flow in the narrower sections. The gorge is adorned with numerous plane trees that provide a cool respite from the sun. The gorge’s vertical sides are incredibly tall and impressive at certain points. The main path follows the dry riverbed during the summer.
Upon exiting Roka gorge, you’ll encounter the Mesonisi settlement. Following a dirt road will lead you to Roka village and Trouli hill. You can climb up to the castle ruins for a breathtaking view of the surrounding areas, or unwind in the local coffee shop.
The Deliana – Mesavlia Gorge, a point of contention between the villages of Mesavlia and Deliana, is situated 37km to the west of Chania. This disagreement is even evident in the area’s signage. The gorge begins in Mesavlia and stretches 5km to Deliana. A dirt road that runs alongside the riverbed makes the walk quite straightforward, taking approximately an hour. Originating from Mount Anavos, the river flows through the Mesavlia – Deliana Gorge, then the Roka Gorge, before finally reaching Nopigia beach.
The gorge is renowned for its lush vegetation, which is most vibrant in spring when water is plentiful. Not far from Mesavlia, you’ll find the cavernous chapel of Saint Paraskevi (Agia Paraskevi), which hosts an annual feast. Closer to Deliana, you’ll come across the chapel of Saint Photios (Agios Fotios).
The quickest way to reach the gorge from Chania is via Deliana, while the fastest route from Paleochora is through Mesavlia. From Deliana, you can hike (uphill) to Mesavlia and back, unless you’ve arranged for a pick-up from Mesavlia (2 hours round trip). Deliana and the nearby village of Panethimos offer several quaint, traditional taverns. Also worth a visit is the ruined monastery of Theotokos in the neighbouring village of Gra Kera.
The Gorge Chalase, also known as Porofarago, begins close to the Sassalos village and concludes just before reaching the Makronas village, after a four-hour journey through lush vegetation. The gorge is fed by two primary streams that converge south of Sassalos; the Mylonofarago ravine that originates from the Mylones village, and the Kalogirou stream.
Navigating through the gorge can be quite challenging due to a significant landslide (referred to as ‘chalase’ in the Cretan dialect) at a certain point, and the absence of a well-defined path. Near Malathyros, approximately halfway through the route, the trail transitions into a dirt road that follows the riverbed all the way to Makronas. Just before reaching Makronas, we come across a historical site where, on August 28, 1944, German forces executed 62 civilian men from Malathyros as retribution for the activities of local guerrilla groups. The German atrocities committed during this time have yet to be brought to justice.
Located about 35km southwest of Chania city, on the northern slopes of Mount Apopigadi, Palea Roumata is a verdant area. This region is made up of 13 neighborhoods, all part of the same village (Palea Roumata), spread across the slopes. Near the small settlement of Lidiana, the Vavouledo and Trachinos canyons converge, providing an ideal circular route with water until late spring.
The Trahinos Gorge, starting near the Trahinos hamlet, is fairly short but stands as one of Crete’s greenest gorges. Its walls are so narrow that they’re almost unnoticeable from above. The gorge is filled with dense vegetation, often casting shadows over the riverbed. Similar to Vavouledo, the Trahinos Gorge also features a hiking trail.
Featuring pool views, Villa Darmarohori Homeleader provides accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 13 km from Platanias Square. This property offers a private pool, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is equipped with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with mountain views.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 14 km from the villa, while Municipal Garden is 21 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 37 km from Villa Darmarohori Homeleader.
from
€134
/night
Surrounded by olive groves, Rodanthi Villas is situated in the scenic Darmarohori of Chania. Offering fully furnished, self-contained villas, it also features a swimming pool and a well kept garden.
The independent villas, each with 2 or 3 bedrooms, have spacious living areas and a fully equipped kitchen. Bedrooms open out to private balconies facing the sea, countryside or surrounding mountain. Bathrooms come with a hydromassage shower or tub.
Just 2.5 km from Kolimpari Beach, the property lies 23 km east of Chania. The Rodanthi is 28 km from Souda Port, and 35 km from the international airport of Chania.
The area is ideal for trekking, riding and cycling. Guests can visit the historic Saint Michael’s church, built in the 14th century, 2 km away.
Located in Darmarochori and only 13 km from Platanias Square, Villa Albama provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This holiday home offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Guests can enjoy the pool with a view and garden at the holiday home.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 14 km from Villa Albama, while Municipal Garden is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 37 km from the accommodation.
from
€185
/night
Featuring pool views, Zentrum Holidays Crete – Villa Kalypso provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 13 km from Platanias Square. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
A a baby safety gate is also available for guests at the villa.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 14 km from Zentrum Holidays Crete – Villa Kalypso, while Municipal Garden is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 37 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€184
/night
Connect with thousands of Crete visitors and boost your bookings.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
