Explore a traditional Cretan village in the evening, try Greek cuisine, and watch a lively show of dancing and music on this entertaining trip.
Begin with a beautiful drive through the mountains and arrive at the small village of Karouzanos. Enjoy free time to stroll around the narrow streets and old neighborhoods of the village. Take photos of the local architecture and gaze at the fantastic view of the Cretan mountains.
Next, experience an unforgettable show as local musicians and dancers perform. Join in and learn how to dance traditional dance moves. Savor typical Cretan food at the local restaurant and sip on a glass of wine.
Finally, after the show, head back to the bus for your journey back to your accommodation.
Intro:
A Cretan night out with local food, wine, traditional music and the chance to get carried away in an experience you will never forget. All you need to bring with you is your good mood and your dancing shoes.
Full Description:
Our trip starts in the evening. After the pick up, we arrive at the small traditional village of Karouzanos, where you will be greeted by the locals. You will be surprised by their hospitality as they show you around and let you taste their local products like raki and honey. You will have time to walk around the village’s narrow streets and take pictures of the blossomed evening flowers and traditional houses.
Then we are ready to enjoy the spectacle!
Watch the dancers perform folk and modern dances dressed in the traditional apparel, accompanied by the Cretan Lyra and the modern bouzouki. Taste the delicious food cooked with locally produced vegetables, cheese, meat and olive oil. The wine and raki are endless for the stronghearted.
The night does not end there though , you will have the chance to be a part of the show yourselves. The friendly dancers will teach you the steps so that you can feel like a modern Zorba and absorb the magic of the evening.
Come with us to feel like a true Cretan.
Begin your excursion with a scenic drive through the majestic mountains, arriving at the delightful village of Karouzanos for a four-hour exploration.
Here, you’re invited to delve into the village’s allure, meandering through its slender streets and heritage-rich quarters while soaking up the extraordinary mountain vistas and the vibrancy of local life through your lens.
Upon reaching the taverna with our guide, anticipate a cultural feast as local musicians and dancers take the stage for a riveting show. Enjoy the tastes of Cretan cuisine and sip on local wines, all before joining the residents in a dance that promises to make the evening even more unforgettable.
The celebration culminates with a return bus journey, which may extend beyond an hour, retracing our steps back to your initial pick-up spot. The time may adjust according to traffic and varied pick-up points.
As the vibrant Karouzanos night draws to a close, cherish the kaleidoscope of memories made amongst friendly locals, amidst the flavors of Greek gastronomy and the toasts of shared libations. It’s a heartfelt goodbye to an evening that’s bound to echo in your narratives for years to come.
Early in the evening, under the starry sky, in a summer tavern with the atmosphere flooded with the aroma of jasmine and the sweet melody of lyre and bouzouki, in the ancient village of Karouzanos, you will have the opportunity to walk through the streets of the traditional village and take a look at the rural life of this charming place.
Then you will taste the traditional local dishes and the famous wine and shortly afterwards you will enjoy the unique grace of the Cretan dancers with their traditional costumes that will dance for you Cretan Greek and Folk dances.
Catch up at the dance with them, follow in their footsteps and feel for an evening like Zorba.
An ideal opportunity to have fun as Cretans, taste traditional dishes, learn a little more about the people of Crete and keep the memory of this wonderful night in your heart.
Stalida Beach (or Stalis) is located 30km east of Heraklion, between Malia and Hersonissos. Originally a small seaside village formed by the inhabitants of Mochos, it has now evolved into a bustling tourist destination, harmoniously blending into the neighbouring town of Malia. Stalis caters primarily to families seeking a tranquil retreat, and is beautifully equipped with a range of accommodations, eateries, bars, and taverns, not to mention an ATM and a pharmacy for convenience.
Stalida makes for a perfect base to explore the nearby attractions and engage in an array of activities. The locality is teeming with stunning beaches, enriching archaeological sites, and captivating cultural spots. A short 6km trip from the beach takes you to the Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre – a place where you can acquaint yourself with a variety of marine creatures and reptiles. Nearby, the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum offers a deep dive into Crete’s natural history and culture.
For those seeking aquatic thrills, the Acqua Plus waterpark, the island’s largest, is not far from the coastline. To the west, beyond Malia and Potamos Beach, lies the Malia Palace Archaeological Site, home to the third largest Minoan palace complex and steeped in millennia-old history. A further 20km south, the ancient Minoan settlement of Karfi offers another slice of history, believed to have been home to around 3,500 inhabitants.
For those with a passion for hiking, the Bulgarian trail, starting from Stalis and leading up to Mohos, is a must. Named after the Bulgarian prisoners of war who constructed it during WWII, this 5km trail, though lengthy and ascending, is an experience in itself. Along the way, you’ll cross a pedestrian bridge spanning the highway and encounter the contemporary Panagia Theogenitor Monastery. Once in Mohos, enjoy a leisurely stroll along narrow lanes, relax with a coffee in the spacious square, and enjoy the warm company of the locals. You can choose to return via the same trail or follow a different one leading from Mohos to Malia.
Living on the island of Crete, about 28km east of Heraklion, you’ll find the popular tourist town of Hersonissos. It’s known for its array of beaches, particularly on the eastern side. Located a short 2km distance from the Hersonissos port, these delightful coves extend up to the Drapanos Cape. The most vibrant among them is Star Beach, known for being one of the island’s busiest spots.
As you travel further east, there are several small, scenic sandy and pebbly coves that offer a feeling of tranquillity. Some of these secluded spots enjoy cool water due to the presence of freshwater springs in the sea. Next to these coves, you’ll find the Lychnostatis Folklore Museum, a place where visitors can delve into the historical Cretan way of life.
The final beach in the Hersonissos vicinity is located in front of the Nana Beach Hotel, at the edge of Drapano Cape, and is accessible by heading east. This well-maintained beach has sunbeds and a lifeguard on duty, with a variety of water sports and beach bars available. Thanks to the protection offered by two long piers, this beach enjoys calm waters all year round, as it’s shielded from the north winds.
Situated 72km southeast of Heraklion, within the sheltered Keratokambos bay, you’ll find Kastri – the larger of the two conjoined settlements in the region, the other being Keratokambos. Over recent years, tourism in Kastri has seen significant growth, driven largely by the appeal of its surrounding beaches. The serene and welcoming atmosphere attracts many families, some of whom visit multiple times a year. Kastri is accessible by car, with the drive from Ano Viannos to Heraklion taking between 45 to 55 minutes.
Kastri’s distinctive port serves the local fishing community and welcomes other boats. Adjacent to the port, towards the west, there’s a small but stunning sandy beach, adorned with tamarisk trees. Given its proximity to the village amenities, such as rooms, taverns, and shops, it’s one of the most popular beaches in the area. Further west of this beach, you’ll find the longest beach in Skouros.
While in Kastri, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Church of St. Demetrius Galatoktistos, which used to be a monastery, and the chapel of St. George Vagionitis, set amidst a verdant garden.
Located 72km southeast of Heraklion, the small seaside resort of Keratokambos, along with the nearby coastal settlement of Kastri, has evolved into a sought-after family destination over recent years. The village of Keratokambos is fronted by a lengthy sandy beach, extending for several kilometers in both directions.
The village’s main beach is situated to the east of the local harbour, extending eastwards up to the Keratokambitis river. The beach is quite organized where it adjoins the village, and in some areas, it is strewn with large pebbles, making it a suitable spot for snorkelling. The beach becomes more peaceful and secluded as you move eastwards. Following this is Monobouka beach, located near the Kapsali settlement, and equipped with a few tourist facilities. Monobouka beach, with its sandy terrain and shallow waters, is perfect for children. The beach is dotted with many tamarisk trees, providing ample shade.
A brief overview of the Keratokambos area reveals that Keratokambos (and Kastri) function as the harbour for the inhabitants of the mountainous village of Ano Viannos, situated further north. In the 1950s, the area housed only warehouses for storage of products like carob, citrus, oil, etc. The local harbour was employed for transporting these products to urban centres via cargo ships, as there was no road network at that time. Today, Kastri and Keratokambos form a unified village, which has witnessed significant growth in tourism in recent years. The village boasts of a school, a clinic and a notable gallery.
The name Keratokambos translates to Carob Fields in Greek, a name derived from the locust trees grown in the region for producing carobs. Another interpretation suggests that the name comes from the Greek word ‘Kerato’, meaning horn, referring to the towering steep rock, called Kerato, located north of the village in the Vigla area. The top of Vigla houses the ruins of a Venetian fortress, while its base is home to a large cave with rich stalagmite decorations and numerous bats.
The villages of Keratokambos and Kastri are built in a valley formed by several wild gorges, with the Keratokambitis river cutting through the rugged Portela gorge. In the Richtra region, a beautiful 10m high waterfall can be found, which is worth a visit (especially in spring).
The Kavousi and Piskopi Pidima (Bishop’s Jump) gorges are other impressive natural formations of the area. The latter gets its name from a local legend of a bishop and his horse miraculously leaping across the gorge to escape from the Turks. As a tribute to this miracle, the bishop built the church of St. George near the gorge.
Cave of Zeus is a legendary sanctuary where, according to mythology, the Titaness Rhea hid her son Zeus to protect him from his father Cronus, who had a grim habit of devouring his children. It also serves as the backdrop for the mythological tale of Zeus and Princess Europa. Nestled on the rugged northern slopes of Mount Dikti, at an elevation of 1,025 meters near the village of Psychro, the cave – often referred to as the Dikteon Cave or Psychro Cave – is one of Crete’s most visited archaeological and mythological sites.
Begin your expedition from Stalida, Hersonissos, or Malia, traversing the winding road that ascends to the Lassithi plateau and onward to Psychro. The journey is scented with wild aromatic herbs and offers breathtaking panoramic views. A path bordered by oak trees leads to the cave’s entrance, inviting you to explore.
Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by the cave’s inhabitants: wild rock doves and bats, thriving in the cool darkness. A noticeable chill sets the scene for an exploration filled with wonder. Descend along a clearly defined trail to reach the central chamber after 250 meters, where millennia have sculpted a stunning display of stalactites and stalagmites. The highlight is a grand stalactite that hangs over the lake’s center, known as “Zeus’s cloak.” Evidence of the cave’s historical role as a worship site, including an altar, niches filled with votive offerings, and various archaeological discoveries, underscores its significance. Many of these sacred artifacts are now preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Visitors can access the cave from 08:00 to 18:00 in the summer months and from 08:30 to 15:30 in the winter.
To explore the depths of the legendary Cave of Zeus, visitors are required to pay a nominal entrance fee of 6 Euros, with free admission for students and a 50% discount for all during the winter months.
Perched atop the rocky hill of Prophet Elijah (Profitis Ilias) near Smari, at an elevation of 590 meters, lie the remnants of a fortress surrounded by a robust defensive wall. This location offers sweeping views over the fertile plains of Kasteli and Smari. Archaeologist Hadji-Vallianou believes this fortress to be the site of ancient Lyttos mentioned by Homer. The city was continuously inhabited from 1800 BC to 630 BC before being deserted by its residents.
Inside the city walls, three oblong structures can be found, and a sanctuary of Athena Ergani was identified on the northern side, confirmed by ceramic plates depicting the goddess Athena. These plates are considered the oldest representations of Athena in Crete. A settlement was constructed around the peak, enclosed within a secondary wall. A stone-paved street connects the village to the citadel. Large buildings, likely used as warehouses and workshops, were located outside the second wall.
The terraces outside the citadel are also fascinating, as they demonstrate how the city’s inhabitants managed to preserve the minimal soil in the area and cultivate wheat. Furthermore, the city’s development in such a rugged and rocky location would not have been possible without the presence of the water spring now found inside the Prophet Elijah church, situated just a few meters below the peak.
Ancient Lyktos, also known as Littos, can be found near the settlement of Xidas. This city was one of the most powerful in ancient Crete, a perpetual rival of Knossos, and it controlled the port of Hersonissos. Many ancient historians have written about Lyktos, mentioning that it was the oldest city in Crete, well-organized and constructed, and the place where Rhea’s parents advised her to give birth to Zeus.
Lyktos was a colony of the Lacedaemonians, and the deity Karnian Apollo was worshiped here. The city participated in the Trojan War, during which the leader of the Lyktaeans, Kiranos, sacrificed himself to save Idomeneus from Hector’s spear.
Lyktos held dominance over Eastern Crete and was in continuous conflict with its archenemy, Knossos. In 343 BC, Knossos occupied Lyktos, but the Spartans assisted the Lyktaeans in regaining their city. However, in 220 BC, while Lyktos was at war with Ierapytna, Knossos invaded the unguarded city, destroyed it completely, and captured the women. The returning Lyktaeans were too afraid to enter the city and instead sought refuge in Lappa (present-day Argiroupolis). This event led to the formation of an alliance against Knossos and the beginning of the First Cretan War.
With Sparta’s help, Lyktos was rebuilt and once again became one of Crete’s strongest cities. During the Roman period, the city fiercely resisted the Roman general Metellus, who eventually occupied it. Statues of Marcus Aurelius and Trajan from Lyktos can be found in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
To supply water to Lyktos, water from the Kournia spring, located between Kera and Krassi, was transported to the city via a massive aqueduct. A portion of this aqueduct still stands north of Kostamonitsa village, resembling a wall (tihos).
The emblem of Lyktos coins featured an eagle with open wings and the head of a wild boar, accompanied by the word ΛΥΤΤΙΩΝ (Lyktaeans). Numerous artifacts have been discovered, including sculptures and two inscriptions of the city’s laws written in boustrophedon (alternating text direction per line).
At Kastelli Pediada, we encounter remnants of a settlement that thrived during the Minoan Era and was established since the Neolithic Period. The settlement had grown around a central two-storey structure of considerable size, the architectural remains of which can be seen today in the square of Saint George. The town was destroyed around 220 BC, possibly following the raid of Knossos. In the same location, there are remains from the fortress of Kastelli and an ancient cistern.
The Monastery of Virgin Mary Theogennitor, situated near Mohos, boasts a prime location overlooking the Stalis coastline. Despite being relatively new, this monastery has earned a significant reputation, primarily due to its founder, Father Apostolos. Previously a monk at the St. John Monastery in Anopolis, Apostolos was evicted in 2009 and subsequently established this monastery.
The Agia Moni (Holy Monastery) is situated approximately 60km east of Heraklion and 38km west of Ierapetra, close to Kavoussi Gorge. It is reachable through a brief road that begins at Ano Viannos and traverses a lush landscape.
Functioning as a male monastery, Agia Moni is small and ancient. The Monastery’s church, featuring a striking gate, is dedicated to the Assumption (celebrated on August 15). Surrounding the church are the monks’ quarters.
While the exact date of its establishment is uncertain, tradition holds that it was constructed by three Cypriot nuns who initially built the church of Agios Dimitrios in Keratokambos. Due to ongoing pirate attacks, they were compelled to relocate to the mainland, where they established Agia Moni at its present location. It is also believed that one of these nuns founded the Panagia Keralimeniotisa monastery near Psari Forada.
The Arvi Monastery is situated near the Arvi Gorge, atop a high vantage point with stunning views of the sea. Currently abandoned, the remaining monks’ cells provide a glimpse into its history.
It is thought that the monastery was initially constructed on the remnants of the ancient Temple of Arvian Zeus, located in the valley formed at the exit of the Arvi Gorge. However, due to the formation of marshes in the valley, it was eventually relocated to its present elevated location.
Within the monastery grounds, there are two churches – one quite old and the other relatively new – both dedicated to Saint Anthony.
Located on a small hill adorned with oak trees near the villages of Agios Konstantinos and Marmaketo in the Lassithi Plateau, the Monastery of Panagia Kroustallenia is a historically significant site in Crete that is always worth exploring.
As per local tradition, the monastery’s name is believed to have originated either from its first founder, Kroustallenia, or from an icon of Panagia (Virgin Mary) discovered in a nearby cave, which was engraved on crystal (Kroustalenia also translates to “made of crystal” or “glass”).
The primary temple within the monastery is devoted to the Virgin Mary and observes its celebration on August 15. The monastery complex primarily features 20th-century buildings due to the multiple destructions it faced during the Turkish occupation.
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Eligas Gorge, a stunning natural monument, is nestled on the western side of Koupa Mountain, just above the village of Miliaradon in Embaros. This remarkable location boasts a towering waterfall with nine rappels, making it a perfect spot for canyoning. The altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is approximately 230m.
Eligas is just one of numerous waterfalls in the vicinity, standing tall at 150 meters. It cascades down in 5-6 stages, with the largest drop being 50 meters.
During the winter, the waterfall is fed by crystal clear water from the local ‘Papa Lagos’ springs. On exiting the gorge, it merges with the Baritis River, a primary tributary of the Anapodaris River.
In the Cretan dialect, Eligas translates to ‘waterfall’. The gorge is unique due to its distinctive formations, created by layers of limestone that resemble a vast open-air theatre with stone tiers.
A trail from Miliaradon village leads to the base of the waterfall. From there, visitors can ascend to its highest points, offering a breathtaking view of the impressive waterfall and the Baritis-irrigated plain villages.
On the southeastern side of the Afendis Christos peak, nestled above the villages of Embaros, you’ll discover lush vineyards sprawled across the Erganos plateau at an elevation of 900 meters. The water, collected from the melting snow of the nearby slopes and numerous regional springs, contributes to the main tributary of the Anapodaris river, Baritis. This river traverses the Erganos plateau, carving out the striking Erganos canyon.
The Erganos canyon, adorned with flourishing plane trees, cypresses, and oaks, is a natural gem in this region. However, it is only navigable for a small portion, suitable for trekkers. After the initial 20-minute descent, the scenery transforms, revealing a unique natural sculpture with slender walls and spectacular waterfalls at nine different points. To navigate these areas, rappelling equipment is necessary.
Roza Gorge, a branch of the larger Ambelos Gorge, originates near the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery in the Ano Kera region. It connects with the rural road that traverses the Ambelos Gorge close to the village of Gonies. Walking along the riverbed is not feasible due to the precipitous drops, but a well-marked hiking trail is available on the gorge’s sides. The gorge’s sides are visually striking, showcasing unique geological formations that captivate visitors. After heavy rainfall, surface water is visible in the gorge, evidenced by the growth of oleander plants in the riverbed.
The name ‘Roza’ is derived from the pinkish hue (‘roz’ translates to pink) of the gorge’s walls. Another theory suggests that the gorge was used as a disposal site for sterile animals like donkeys in the past. As a result, locals named it ‘Stira Za’ (meaning sterile animals), which eventually evolved into ‘Sti Roza’ (or in Roza).
Canyoning in the Roza Gorge
Roza Gorge is technical in nature, implying that hiking in its bed is not an option due to the numerous steep descents (rappels) that necessitate specific technical gear and training. For canyoning enthusiasts, it’s important to note that the largest rappel is approximately 18m high. The points are secured with relays from the speleological clubs of Crete, and the descent for a small group typically takes around 3 hours. The gorge’s proximity to Heraklion and easy accessibility make it a popular choice for canyoning schools.
The Embasa Gorge, also known as Apotyposi, begins its journey from the village of Kato Kera in the Pediada province and concludes near the village of Gonies, spanning a length of approximately 2km. The upper section of the gorge is notably steep, giving rise to several waterfalls during the winter season, with the tallest one measuring around 20m in height. The largest waterfall is particularly intriguing due to its division into several smaller cascades. It is possible to reach all the waterfalls without any special equipment as they can be circumvented from the sides.
Ascending the canyon from Gonies provides easier access to the waterfalls. However, the dense vegetation and steep inclines may pose a challenge for beginners. The gorge is predominantly populated by oak trees, planes, and brambles. The Life-Giving Spring church (Zoodohos Pigi) is located on the edges of the gorge, above the largest waterfall. According to local lore, a natural rock formation resembling the Virgin Mary can be found above this church. Hence, the gorge is also referred to as Apotiposi (Depiction). The church serves as the nearest parking spot to the large waterfall and can be conveniently reached from here, provided one can first overcome the initial hurdle of the fence erected by local shepherds.
Featuring garden views, Mylopetra Traditional House provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 34 km from The Palace of Knossos. The air-conditioned accommodation is 31 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
The villa is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa offers an outdoor fireplace. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Mylopetra Traditional House.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 45 km from the accommodation, while Venetian Walls is 46 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 39 km from Mylopetra Traditional House, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located in Arkalochori in the Crete region, Nipiditos Village provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
Some units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine and a coffee machine, as well as a kitchen.
Guests at the villa can enjoy hiking nearby, or make the most of the sun terrace.
The Palace of Knossos is 31 km from Nipiditos Village, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 33 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 35 km from the accommodation.
Set in Arkalochori, 31 km from The Palace of Knossos and 33 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos, Fragk House offers a garden and air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a bath. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at Fragk House.
Venetian Walls is 37 km from the accommodation, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 38 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 35 km from Fragk House.
Featuring garden views, THE AA VILLA: Your Interactive Home Experience! offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 30 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. It features an infinity pool, a garden, pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment comes with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The apartment offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at THE AA VILLA: Your Interactive Home Experience!, while diving and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
The Palace of Knossos is 32 km from the accommodation, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 45 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 38 km from THE AA VILLA: Your Interactive Home Experience!.
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