Our amazing off-road adventure begins by crossing a valley full of orange and avocado trees, and many vegetables gardens. Climbing up the foothills of the White Mountains where we make our coffee stop at Deres to enjoy our morning break. Continuing we drive through the Cretan villages of Vatolakos, Alikianos, Fournes, Meskla, Zourva and Therisso getting a taste of the mountainous Crete in the foot of the White Mountains, following an off road route up to the shepherd’s hut called “Mitato” far away from tourist areas. We are traveling on uncharted routes where only a four wheel drive can approach and we enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of northern Crete and, if lucky … to marvel some wild eagles and goats from up close giving us a good reason to stop and capture the moment. A small rocky road will lead us up to our trip’s highest point of 1350 meters altitude in the heart of the White Mountains of Crete, where you will find out all about the lifestyle of a shepherd. We will learn where the famous Cretan “Graviera” cheese was produced and explore an original Shepherd’s hut called “Mitato”.
On our way back we will enjoy the best panoramic view of Chania from above, until we arrive at Therisso village for a short walk in the historic village and a visit in a small Cretan family tavern for our lunch. After our lunch we will follow the road through the amazing gorge of Therisso that will lead us back to the city of Chania.
Start your experience with pickup from your hotel in Chania or the surrounding area and head towards the White Mountains. Admire the scenery as you follow unmarked routes across the landscape in an off-road vehicle.
Pass through orange and lemon tree orchards, and see the traditional villages of Patelari, Varipetro, Alikianos, and Vatolakkos. Arrive at a viewpoint overlooking Chania to enjoy panoramic views of the sunset.
Continue to Manousakis Winery for a wine tasting session, along with a platter of local delicacies to try. At the end of the tour, your driver will drop you off back at your hotel.
Get picked up from your accommodation in Crete and be driven through the countryside to the scenic village of Vatolakkos, where the Manousakis Winery is located. Upon arrival, be welcomed by the team to the tasting terrace, marking the beginning of your wine experience.
Taste five of Manousakis Winery’s excellent wines along with rusks and olive oil. Additionally, you can indulge in Cretan delicacies at their restaurant (restaurant rates apply). While these wines are exported worldwide, get the chance to purchase a bottle or two directly from the producer.
Premium Sunset Safari Tour in the Northwest side of the inland of Crete… Allow yourself to indulge in a romantic off-road route experience with the best panoramic view followed by a wine tasting with delicacies platter in a semi private tour with up to 6 or 8 persons per vehicle.
Our evening tour begins from Chania city centre and tourist areas, heading towards the White Mountains through uncharted mountain routes. Our premium off-road vehicles driven by well trained escorts will help you enjoy the best panoramic sunset view of Northwest Crete from above.
Unpaved off-road routes, with wild and dense vegetation, non tourist places, unique panoramic views, ideal for sunset capture stops, combined with a five wines tasting accompanied by Cretan delicacies platters (meze), are only some of the experiences that you will have in this 4-5 hour premium sunset safari tour.
After our off-road exploration through orange and lemon tree valleys in villages of Patelari, Varipetro, Alikianos and Vatolakkos, we reach an amazing point in the hill of Vatolakkos at 700m altitude where we will have the best panoramic view of the sunset and the possibility to admire the entire city below. After experiencing the sunset, we continue our road-trip to Cretan Villages, full of amazing sights and stories until we reach Manousakis Winery where we will taste their wine accompanied by a cretan delicacies pllater (Meze).
After the winety visit, we begin to reach the end of our Sunset Safari tour, driving back to our hotels full of memories, premium service and experiences, adventures and best panoramic views of Chania from above.
Nopigia, a coastal village, is situated 6km east of Kissamos and 30km west of the city of Chania. Nestled on the eastern side of Kissamos Bay, it sits adjacent to the base of Rodopos Cape and follows the eastern end of Drapanias beach.
A long beach lies ahead of the village, stretching westwards up to Kissamos. The beach boasts sandy shores with clear, shallow waters. As Nopigia village is close by, visitors can easily access facilities like umbrellas, showers, restaurants and accommodation, all set in a peaceful environment.
To the east, the beach becomes rockier and more secluded, presenting several pebbly and rocky coves. After walking 2km, you will come across the church of Panagia and the beautiful remote beaches of Choni.
Nopigia is believed to have a history dating back to ancient times. Local folklore suggests that upon Agamemnon’s return from Troy, he landed in the area to give offerings to the gods. However, he had to leave swiftly due to the Trojan prisoners’ attempt to burn his fleet.
Not far from Nopigia, following the road to Koleni, you’ll find the ruins of the ancient town Mythimna, nestled amidst olive groves. You can also visit the cruciform Church of St. Panteleimon, which features a cylindrical dome and rectangular floor layout. To the west of Nopigia, ruins of a Roman settlement and a church adorned with Byzantine frescoes, dedicated to Saint George, can be found. Interestingly, the church’s orientation is from North to South, unlike the typical Greek Orthodox churches that face from East to West. This is believed to be due to its construction on the site of an earlier Roman temple, the direction of which was preserved. To the east of Nopigia, there is a small seaside theatre, built in 1992, modeled after ancient Greek theatres and renowned for its excellent acoustics. Lastly, just 200m off the main village street, you can explore the cave of Rizospilios, an underground river.
Drapanias Beach, situated 5km east of Kissamos and 32km west of Chania, lies between the beaches of Korfalonas and Nopigia. It takes its name from the eponymous village located approximately 1km south of the beach. The eastern part of the beach is also known as Kokkino Metohi, named after a nearby small village whose inhabitants own the surrounding land.
Stretching over a long area of 2km, Drapanias Beach is part of a large beach that extends from Kissamos to Cape Rodopos in the east. Like its neighbouring beaches, it is sandy and shallow but is often wavy due to the northern winds.
The shoreline of Drapanias is dotted with restaurants, cafes and lodgings. It also offers amenities such as umbrellas and showers. Additionally, there are two camping sites located in Drapanias.
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.
Heading 2km east from Nopigia, you’ll encounter the rugged coastline of Choni. To reach it, take the coastal road heading east from Nopigia. After passing the quaint square theatre of the Orthodox Academy, continue along the unpaved road towards Choni and the Panagia church, also known as Santa Maria. The stunning rock formations lend an extraordinary, untamed charm to the area. In certain spots, there are petite rocky coves suitable for swimming.
The water here is clear as crystal, displaying vivid hues of blue and green, making it an excellent spot for swimming on calm days. Sparse trees offer some natural shade to visitors in this untouched oasis where there’s no sign of modern civilization. Despite its remote feel, Nopigia is just a short walk away.
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.
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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.
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.
The Vavouledo canyon begins approximately 1km east of Hamalevri village, where the Hortes stream flows. A path follows the length of the canyon. Close to Lidiana village, the canyon merges with the Trahinos Gorge, and the combined river continues to the “cosmopolitan” district of Palea Roumata, Arhontika. Here, you’ll find taverns where you can enjoy a meal.
Boasting garden views, Casa Arokaria features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 17 km from Platanias Square. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The apartment offers a barbecue. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Casa Arokaria, while cycling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 18 km from the accommodation, while Municipal Garden is 26 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 41 km from Casa Arokaria, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Laini Guest Houses offers air-conditioned rooms in Koulkouthianá. The guest house also provides free WiFi and free private parking.
All units in the guest house are equipped with a kettle. At Laini Guest Houses each room includes a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and a balcony with a garden view.
Chania Town is 20 km from the accommodation, while Palaiochóra is 30 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 31 km from Laini Guest Houses.
from
€74
/night
Boasting garden views, Mantarini House offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 20 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
This holiday home has 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms fitted with a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
Staff at the holiday home are always available to provide information at the reception.
Mantarini House offers a barbecue. A a baby safety gate is also available at the accommodation, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 21 km from Mantarini House, while Platanias Square is 22 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 44 km from the holiday home.
Featuring garden views, Old Winery House provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 22 km from Agios Dimitrios Church. The air-conditioned accommodation is 20 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a barbecue. Guests at Old Winery House can enjoy cycling nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Platanias Square is 23 km from the accommodation, while Municipal Garden is 30 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 46 km from Old Winery House.
from
€55
/night
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