Kefalas is a traditional hilltop village in the Apokoronas area of the Chania region, about 30 km east of Chania town. The village sits on the slopes of the Drapanos peninsula and looks out over the Bay of Georgioupolis, the Lefka Ori (White Mountains), and, on a clear day, Rethymno. Kefalas has no beach of its own, so most visitors come for the quiet lanes, the sea and mountain views, and the cluster of churches that give the village its nickname, then drive down to nearby coves and resorts for swimming.
This guide covers what Kefalas is, what to see and do, where to eat and stay, how to get there, and the nearest beaches and gorges.
Kefalas is a Byzantine-era village in the Apokoronas province, perched on the Drapanos peninsula in eastern Chania. The village was founded in the 11th century by Byzantine settlers who were sent to colonise Crete. Its name comes from the Kephalades, the leaders of those settlers.
The village spreads across two districts, Epáno Kefalás (upper) and Káto Kefalás (lower), where the streets are a mix of new homes, tastefully renovated houses, and partially ruined buildings. These narrow lanes are tight, so only medium-sized cars can pass through comfortably. At the heart of the village lies a small square with a café, a few shops, and taverns.
The setting is what most people remember. From the edge of the village, the view reaches across the Bay of Georgioupolis to the peaks of the Lefka Ori, and the town of Rethymno appears on the horizon on clear days.
Kefalas rewards slow, unhurried exploration on foot rather than a fixed list of paid attractions. The main draws are the churches, the village square, and the walking routes that open up the panoramic views. Below are the things worth your time in and right around the village.
Kefalas keeps its food simple and local, centred on the tavernas and café around the village square. The square is where you will find somewhere to sit for a coffee or a traditional meal, and it doubles as the meeting point of the village. Exact opening days and hours vary by season, so it is worth checking on the day, especially outside the summer months.
For fresh fish, the nearest standout is the single tavern beside the small harbour at Ombrosgialos Bay, which is well known locally for its fish dishes. It sits about 2 km from the village, on the coast below Kefalas and Paleloni.
Kefalas is a self-catering base rather than a hotel resort, so the accommodation is mostly villas and holiday homes on the outskirts of the village. Many of these rentals sit in the Epáno Kefalás and Káto Kefalás districts and come with gardens, terraces, and sea or mountain views, and some have private pools. Staying here suits travellers who want quiet, space, and views over convenience to a beach.
The trade-off is that the village has no beach and limited services, so a car makes a stay far more practical. You can compare current rentals and rates through the site’s Kefalas stays listings, which show live availability rather than fixed prices.
Kefalas is reached by car, and the drive is the most reliable way to arrive because the village has no beach shuttle and only light local services. The village lies about 30 km east of Chania town, roughly 40 minutes by road, and Chania International Airport is around 40 km away to the northwest. Rethymno sits about 35 km to the east.
Because the lanes inside the village are narrow and only take medium-sized cars, a compact or mid-size vehicle is the sensible choice for both the drive and the village itself. Travellers who want the freedom to reach Ombrosgialos, Almyrida, and the Georgioupolis beaches on their own schedule usually book a rental car for Crete in advance.
Kefalas has no beach of its own, but several good ones sit within a short drive on the Apokoronas coast. The closest is a rocky swimming cove, while the sandy family beaches lie a little further around the Bay of Georgioupolis and Souda Bay. The main options are listed below by distance from the village.
The Apokoronas countryside around Kefalas gives easy access to several Cretan gorges, from short family walks to the famous full-day route. The nearest canyon drains toward the Apokoronas coast, while the region’s best-known hike lies further west in the White Mountains. The closest options are outlined below.
You can browse the rest of the region’s canyons on the Crete gorges index.
Kefalas works well as a quiet base for day trips into the Apokoronas province and the wider Chania region. The nearby coast and villages host boat tours, diving, and food experiences that suit families and couples alike. Three stand out for their proximity.
Kefalas sits among some of the most attractive villages in Apokoronas, most of them a short drive away. Each has its own character, from coastal resorts to inland market towns. The closest and best known are listed below.
Kefalas suits travellers who want views and village life rather than beach amenities on the doorstep. A few practical points make the visit smoother, and they follow from the village’s hilltop setting and quiet character.
Kefalas is a small village in the Apokoronas area, about 30 km east of Chania in western Crete. It sits on the slopes of the Drapanos peninsula.
Kefalas was established in the 11th century by Byzantine settlers who were sent to colonise Crete. The village name comes from the Kephalades, the leaders of those settlers.
Kefalas offers views over the Bay of Georgioupolis, the Lefka Ori (White Mountains), and Rethymno on a clear day. The village’s position on the Drapanos peninsula gives it this wide outlook.
Kefalas is known as the “village of churches” because of an Ottoman rule that land could not be confiscated if a church was built on it. There are at least 8 publicly accessible churches, plus many more in private yards.
Kefalas does not have a beach of its own. The closest swimming spot is Ombrosgialos Bay, a rocky cove with a concrete pier about 2 km away.
Kefalas offers villas and holiday homes for rent on the outskirts of the village. These are self-catering rentals rather than hotels, many with gardens, terraces, and sea or mountain views.
Kefalas has narrow streets that only medium-sized cars can navigate. In the centre there is a small square with a café, shops, and taverns, and the houses range from new builds to renovated and partially ruined stone homes.
Boasting a garden and a private pool with sea views, Villa Kristina is set in Epáno Kefalás. The property was built in 2005 and has air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace.
The villa includes 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a seating area, and a kitchen with a dishwasher. A TV and DVD player are available.
Villa Kristina offers an outdoor pool.
Chania Town is 24 km from Villa Kristina, while Balíon is 49 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 17 km from the property.
from
€254
/night
Boasting garden views, Villa Garifalia with Sauna & Hydromassage offers accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 33 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. This property offers a private pool, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a balcony and mountain views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers a sauna. Villa Garifalia with Sauna & Hydromassage features a garden and sun terrace.
Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 5.4 km from the accommodation, while Ancient City of Aptera is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 40 km from Villa Garifalia with Sauna & Hydromassage, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Situated in Epáno Kefalás, this air-conditioned holiday home features free WiFi and a terrace. It provides free private parking.
There is a seating area, a dining area and a kitchen complete with an oven and a microwave. A flat-screen TV is offered. Other facilities at Villa Sunrise include a sun terrace.
Chania Town is 30 km from Villa Sunrise, while Rethymno is 35 km away. The sandy beach of Almyrida is at a distance of 7 km. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 40 km away from Villa Sunrise.
from
€53
/night
Featuring garden views, G&M House provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 5.5 km from Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori. The air-conditioned accommodation is 33 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
The apartment comes with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Ancient City of Aptera is 20 km from the apartment, while Conference Centre of MAICh is 27 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 40 km from G&M House.
from
€142
/night
Set in Epáno Kefalás and only 32 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Anatolí Village House features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. With garden views, this accommodation provides a patio.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a bath. The air-conditioned holiday home also offers a seating area, washing machine and 1 bathroom with a hair dryer.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 5.7 km from the holiday home, while Ancient City of Aptera is 21 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 40 km from Anatolí Village House.
Set in Káto Kefalás and only 33 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Villa Almyros offers accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation features a terrace and a swimming pool.
Featuring a DVD player, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue. A outdoor play equipment is also available at Villa Almyros, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 6.2 km from the accommodation, while Ancient City of Aptera is 21 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 41 km from Villa Almyros.
From ± 9:00 Until 12:30
14:00 Until 17:30
Without captain(Only Guide)
No licenses needed
Boats available for safari exploration that can accommodate from 1 to 5 people
The Rent a Boat Safari category includes a sea tour, which is an adventure worth choosing. The duration is 3:30 hours and takes place in the wider area of Georgioupolis, Obrogialos near a cave. You will be drawn by the crystal blue waters, where you will have enough time to jump in for a refreshing swim. Each boat is 5 meters long, has 5 seats and its engine is 30hp YAMAHA.
Tour guide safety will be on the first boat to give directions on navigation and show you the route while the rest of the rental boats will follow. There is also pick up and drop off service and we can supply you with sandwiches and water.
Do not forget your swimsuit!
This will be an unforgettable tasting day for you and your friends exploring the mainland of Chania and discovering the non-touristic locations of Apokoronas province. In a few hours, you’ll have the chance to meet the local producers and taste the pure and authentic delicacies of Crete.
Commencing at a local olive mill, the tour affords you the opportunity to witness the intricacies of olive oil production and gain insights into the craftsmanship of the highest quality olive oil, namely extra virgin. The entire olive oil production process, from harvesting to the palate, promising exquisite tastes and flavors.
Subsequent to the olive mill exploration, the tour extends to the realm of “Tsikoudia” or “Raki” production, the renowned Cretan spirit, through a visit to a local distillery in a traditional village. Both the tour of the time-honored conventional distillery and the contemporary professional one will provide an understanding of the production of this esteemed beverage, culminating in a tasting session.
Through a fantastic route passing by villages of the province, you will arrive in the White mountains’ foothills. In the village of Embrosneros, you will first stop to a bakery to taste the local bread, cookies & biscuits and then to a traditional cheese factory. The secrets of “Graviera”, “Anthotiros” and “Mizithra” cheese will be revealed in front of your eyes. After explaining each cheese’s production, you will taste them combined with local honey and rusk (dry bread).
The last stop will be in a local coffee shop (“Kafeneio”), where the Cretans are also enjoying meals. Incredible flavours and traditional recipes are waiting for you in the charming square of the village of Fres. The customary lunch will immerse you in various facets of Cretan cuisine and gastronomy. It is often said that taste is our most refined sense. Following this tour, your palate will be enriched with new flavors, enhancing your tasting memory.
Discover what it feels like to breathe underwater in a safe environment with an introduction to scuba diving off a beach close to Chania. Following pick-up from your hotel in the city, head to the dive center in Almyrida to meet your PADI instructors for a pre-dive theory lesson.
Benefit from 1 instructor per 2 adult students and 1 instructor for every child for maximum attention. Your friendly instructor will be with you throughout for your comfort and safety. Once you feel confident, dive to a depth of 8 meters with your instructor to marvel at the marine life beneath the surface of the sea.
Choose from a morning or afternoon session to suit your schedule, and relax in the knowledge that all diving equipment will be provided, along with full insurance for your peace of mind. Photos and videos of your experience will be taken throughout, and sent to you free of charge as a fantastic souvenir of your time in Crete.
Explore the famous Samaria Gorge on a trip along the northern coastline of Crete and through the White Mountains up to the Omalos Plateau. Samaria Gorge became a National Park in 1962 and today, it is the last natural refuge for the Cretan goat species known as Kri-Kri.
Depart early in the morning and board a coach which will pick you up from your hotel. After a comfortable drive, arrive at the plateau of Omalos for a small break before heading to the entrance of the gorge. The start of the hiking trail through the gorge is at a height of 1200m. On the route, pass by rich vegetation and through the tall rock walls known as the “Iron Gates”. Fill up your water bottle at one of the springs in the gorge.
At the end of the 17km walk, reach the Libyan Sea. There, at the beach of Ayia Roumeli, enjoy a refreshing swim or sit at one of the taverns until a ferry takes the group to Chora Sfakion where the bus will be waiting for you to return you back to your hotel.
This tour is for those who would like to get to know Cretan culture and traditions while enjoying a four-hour off-road excursion. You will visit a modern olive mill, so that you can see how olive oil is produced, and you can also enjoy the opportunity to sample some of the oils.
After this, you will explore some myths and stories hidden
After that you will climb 600 metres above sea-level on an off-road route. You will travel through the Lefka Ori woods and you will be stunned by the panoramic views from the trail. Later, you will meet a shepherd who will show you how Cretan cheeses are made and you can try some of the cheeses he makes himself.
Finally, the evening will come to a close with a traditional evening meal. There will be lots of food and traditional dishes for everyone to enjoy, and the evening will leave you with fond memories of your day spent exploring Crete.
Embark on a guided hike through the Samaria Gorge from Chania or Rethymno and soak up the dramatic views across the canyon. Continue to a seaside village to explore and unwind in the sea, before being chauffeured back to your hotel.
After being picked up early in the morning from your hotel in Chania or Rethymno, meet your expert guide and journey to Xyloskalo on the Omalos Plateau. From there, together you will start the 18-kilometer hiking tour.
As you hike through the Samaria Gorge, admire the ever-changing, dramatic landscapes and scenery. Head downriver on the south side of the White Mountains for incredible photos.
At the end of the canyon, find yourself in the small village of Agia Roumeli, where the great canyon meets the Libyan Sea. Explore this seaside fishing village and enjoy a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters. Get recommendations from your guide on where to have lunch.
Take the boat to the Hora Sfakion, where your private driver will meet you and take you back. Travel in comfort after your hike as you relax in a premium, chauffeured vehicle.
Ombros Gialos (also spelled Omprosgialos or Ombrosgialos) is a small, rocky bay on the east coast of the Drapanokefala peninsula, 26km east of Chania. Ombros Gialos sits near the villages of Kefalas and Paleloni, and it centers on a little harbour whose dock lets swimmers step straight into deep, clear water. This is an unorganized cove built for people who want blue-green sea, a single well-known fish tavern, and calm surroundings rather than sunbeds and busy beach bars.
Use this guide to decide if the bay fits your day, then plan how to reach it.
Ombros Gialos is a rocky beach with rocks in places rather than a wide sandy shore. The water runs deep blue and green right off the shore, and the small harbour includes a dock that swimmers use as a diving point into the crystal sea. The bay stays quiet and feels remote, because it lies well away from large resorts and organized beach services. You get scenery and swimming here, so treat it as a spot for a relaxed dip rather than a full day of loungers and amenities. The rocky character of the shoreline shapes everything about a visit, from where you enter the water to what shoes you pack, and the shore counts among the Crete beaches with rocks in places.
Ombros Gialos is reached by car on the asphalt road that starts from Paleloni. The paved route makes the drive straightforward once you are near the village, and the road leads down toward the harbour on the east coast of Drapanokefala. A boat trip is the other option, since you can arrive by private boat from a nearby port. Georgioupolis and Kalives both work as departure points for that short sea approach, and Georgioupolis in particular is an easy base if you are already exploring the wider stretch of coast covered in the guide to the Georgioupolis beaches.
Having your own vehicle gives you the most flexibility for a remote cove like this one, so many visitors combine the trip with other stops in Apokoronas by renting a car in Crete.
Ombros Gialos is not well organized, and it sits quite far from well-organized accommodation choices. One tavern stands next to the harbour, and it is very famous for its fish dishes. The taverna keeps food and water available on site, which covers the essentials for a visit. Beyond the taverna, plan to bring what you need, because the bay is a natural, low-key spot rather than a serviced beach.
The sea around Ombros Gialos is ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers. Deep, clear water sits right at the harbour dock, and swimmers commonly dive in from that dock into the blue sea below. The rocky seabed and deep-blue water make the cove a strong choice for anyone who wants to explore underwater rather than lie on sand. Enter carefully over the rocks, since the shoreline is stony in places and the water gets deep quickly near the dock. Water shoes help you cross the rocks comfortably and protect your feet at the entry points.
Ombros Gialos suits swimmers, snorkelers, and divers who prefer a quiet, scenic cove over an organized resort beach. The bay rewards visitors who value deep clear water, a good fish taverna, and calm surroundings. It is a weaker match for families who need sunbeds, umbrellas, and shallow sandy shallows for young children, because the shore is rocky and the services are minimal. Choose this cove for a relaxed swim and a seafood lunch, and pick a sandier, organized beach elsewhere if you want full facilities. Travelers who enjoy dramatic, off-the-beaten-path Chania coves often pair a visit here with a stop at the striking cliffs of Seitan Limania beach.
Ombros Gialos is on the east coast of the Drapanokefala peninsula, 26km east of Chania, near the villages of Kefalas and Paleloni.
Ombros Gialos is a rocky beach with rocks in places, and the water turns deep blue and green close to shore.
The bay is unorganized and has one taverna next to the harbour that is famous for its fish dishes and provides food and water on site.
Drive the asphalt road that starts from Paleloni, or arrive by private boat from a nearby port such as Georgioupolis or Kalives.
The deep, clear sea around the harbour is ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers, and swimmers dive straight in from the dock.
June to September is the best window for swimming and warm, settled conditions. For more coves along this coast, browse the wider collection of Crete beaches.
Kalivaki beach is the westernmost beach of Georgioupolis bay, on the north coast of Crete, 38 km east of Chania and 21 km west of Rethymno. Kalivaki sits at the mouth of the Almyros river, where the river meets the sea, so its sandy shore stays sheltered from the wind and its shallow water runs noticeably cool. This sheltered, family-friendly setting makes Kalivaki a good choice for children, especially on days when the wind stirs up the more open beaches nearby.
Kalivaki beach lies at the western edge of Georgioupolis bay, west of the Georgioupolis port and the church of Agios Nikolaos, 38 km east of Chania and 21 km west of Rethymno. Kalivaki sits at the exit of the Almyros river, joined by the smaller Boutakas stream, and both keep a steady flow of fresh water into the sea all year. The beach faces the open north coast, so its surface is calm in the sheltered corner near the river and turns wavy further out when the wind picks up. This position, tucked at the protected western end of the bay, is what sets Kalivaki apart from the longer, more exposed Georgioupolis beach to the east.
The water at Kalivaki is noticeably cooler than the open sea because the Almyros river and freshwater springs push cold water into the shallows. This cool current is strongest at the parts of the beach closest to the river mouth, where the cold river water meets the warmer sea. Many families come to Kalivaki for exactly this refreshing dip, which feels sharper and cooler than a swim on the neighbouring sandy beaches. Swim towards the eastern side of the beach, away from the river outflow, if you prefer warmer water.
Kalivaki is a sandy beach with soft sand and small dunes behind the shore, and its shallow, sheltered water suits families with young children. Kalivaki usually stays less crowded than the other Georgioupolis beaches, though visitor numbers rise on summer weekends. The sheltered cove keeps the water calm on windy days, when the longer beaches to the east grow choppy, so Kalivaki works well as a fallback when the wind is up. Where the Almyros river meets the sea the outflow can create a noticeable current and colder water, so keep children in the calmer, sheltered part of the cove and take extra care on windy days.
Kalivaki gives visitors umbrellas and sunbeds to rent, with beach bars and taverns nearby for food and water a few steps from the sand. Parking sits close to the shore and the beach is free to enter, so a family beach day here needs little planning. Services such as showers, changing rooms and a lifeguard are not a guaranteed feature at Kalivaki, so check what is open on arrival if you rely on them. Most of the beach services run mainly through the summer season, and they thin out in the quieter spring and autumn months.
Kalivaki beach is a recorded nesting point for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), which lays its eggs in the sand in the warm months. Keep clear of the soft dry sand and any marked nests, and avoid digging or pushing umbrella poles deep into the sand near the back of the beach. Take your litter home with you, because a single nest can sit just below the surface. These small steps let the turtles and their eggs stay undisturbed while you enjoy the beach.
Reach Kalivaki beach in a few simple ways from Georgioupolis and the main coast road:
Kalivaki sits between Chania and Rethymno, so a beach morning here fits easily with Lake Kournas, the Georgioupolis waterfront, and the quieter coves along the Apokoronas coast. Reaching them all on your own schedule is simplest with your own vehicle, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Kalivaki beach is the westernmost beach of Georgioupolis bay, on the north coast of Crete, 38 km east of Chania and 21 km west of Rethymno.
Yes, Kalivaki beach suits families, because the water is shallow, the cove is sheltered from the wind, and the beach stays calmer than the neighbouring Georgioupolis beaches. Keep children near the calmer part of the cove and away from the stronger current at the river mouth.
The water at Kalivaki is cold because the Almyros river and freshwater springs feed cool water into the shallows, and the effect is strongest close to the river mouth.
Kalivaki beach has umbrellas and sunbeds to rent, with beach bars and taverns nearby for food and water, and free parking close to the shore. Showers, changing rooms and a lifeguard are not guaranteed, so check what is open on arrival.
Drive or take a local bus to Georgioupolis, then follow the paved road or walk west from the port to the river mouth at the western end of the bay.
The main season runs from June to September, when the weather is warm and the beach services are open, while late spring and early autumn stay quieter for a calmer visit.
Georgioupolis, a small coastal town located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon, is a seaside resort nestled in a verdant valley crisscrossed by rivers and springs. Situated on the western edge of a sprawling 10km beach, the town’s beach spans 2km to the east, beginning at the Almiros river and terminating at Kavros beach, a natural continuation of the former. The beach in Georgioupolis is sandy, dotted with dunes, and has shallow waters.
The beach is well-maintained and child-friendly, with lifeguards on duty. Caution is advised during windy conditions due to sea currents. Amenities such as umbrellas, showers, and food and drink stalls are available for beachgoers. Approximately 700m east of the port, the Perastikos river bifurcates the beach, which then widens as it continues eastward. On the opposite end, west of Georgioupolis’s port and near the Almyros river’s exit, lies the picturesque Kalivaki beach.
Almyrida beach is a tranquil resort offering basic facilities along with a magnificent seafront. Almyrida is situated 23km east of Chania city and nestled on the southern edge of Souda Bay near Cape Drapanos. The surrounding pristine countryside and verdant olive groves provide perfect opportunities for hiking and exploration.
A short distance of just 1km to the east lies the scenic village of Plaka, the largest in the area, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and healthy climate. The coast stretching to Drapanos Cape is dotted with numerous sea caves, presenting a breathtaking natural spectacle. Plaka is also celebrated for its charming, narrow lanes and well-preserved, traditional houses.
Each July, the village hosts the Plakiana festival, a tribute to the renowned lyre musician Michael Papadakis, or Plakianos, showcasing the area’s rich cultural heritage. Among the unforgettable experiences here is the mesmerizing sunset, a truly memorable sight.
Declared a region of infinite beauty in 1977, Almyrida boasts two beautiful sandy beaches with shallow waters. On calm days, they’re safe for children to play in. These two beaches are separated by a small rocky peninsula featuring a quaint white chapel. Ideal for water sports and windsurfing, the area is also renowned for its seaside taverns serving fresh fish and delicious traditional Cretan cuisine. Regular bus and taxi services connect Almyrida and Plaka to Chania city.
Directly across from the beach is the small island of Karga, a haven for birdlife and a popular spot for excursions and fishing. The island still bears traces of ancient Phoenician walls and shelters constructed by the Germans during World War II.
Almyrida is thought to have been a Phoenician colony, hence the nearby location Finikia. Here, you can find ancient ruins and tombs. At the entrance to the village lie the remnants of a 6th-century triple-aisle Christian basilica with well-preserved mosaics. Almirida also played a role in Crete’s history as the site of the last battle against the Turks in 1896.
For those interested in sightseeing, just four kilometres east of Almirida is Kokkino Chorio or Red Village. A small village with intriguing fortifications built by the Germans during their occupation (1941-1945) to safeguard the military port of Souda. This was also a filming location for the famous movie “Zorba the Greek”. Today, it hosts a small factory producing handmade glass using traditional blowing techniques.
Situated 13km west of Rethymno, Petres Gorge opens up at the Petres beach. It houses the longest river in Rethymnon province, which is replenished by multiple tributaries that gather the waters of Kollita Gorges from the west to Mount Vrysinas in the east, spanning almost half of Rethymnon Prefecture. The river flows throughout the year and forms a significant wetland of Crete, particularly near its mouth at Episkopi.
The gorge narrows down to a small section about 1km long, beginning near the village of Karoti. Despite its short length, it is definitely worth exploring. It is easily accessible and perfect for swimming in the ponds that form along its course. However, fences are installed to confine goats, so carrying a cutter might be useful in case the fences are locked. Certain areas with large rocks may require a bit of climbing and extra caution.
The Diktamos Canyon, nestled within the White Mountains, commences 21km to the east of Chania, near the Katochori village at an elevation of 300m. It concludes 8km further east, at the Faragi village, situated at a height of 40m and in close proximity to the Stylos village in the Apokoronas province. Consequently, it is also referred to as the Katechori Gorge or Stylos Gorge. The canyon’s stream serves as the primary tributary of the Kiliaris River, gathering water from the northern slopes of the Mavri peak and discharging it onto the Kalives beach.
Navigating through the canyon can be challenging, with certain areas requiring extra caution and approximately 3 hours to traverse. The canyon is a stunning, verdant landscape filled with towering trees and steep inclines, home to dittany or diktamos, a herb endemic to Crete. In Stylos, you have the opportunity to explore the ancient church of Apostle John (Agios Ioannis Theologos), refresh yourself at the local springs, and replenish your energy at the village’s taverns.
Located at the farthest point of Akrotiri Cape lies the Diplochachalo Gorge. This gorge is situated near the village of Chordaki, en route to the renowned Stefanou or Seitan Limania beach. The gorge is a compact, breathtaking, and purely technical canyon featuring six descents, two of which are quite tall. It begins just beneath the quarry that stands out in the area. The gorge’s brief route, apart from the descents, forms dramatic rock shelters and formations with steep slopes. At the centre of the tallest waterfall, which stands at 38m, resides a beautiful cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, stretching around 20 meters deep. The gorge’s exit leads directly to the sandy shores of Stefanou Beach.
The Twin Ravines, or Kollita Gorges, can be found near the charming village of Argyroupolis, approximately 22km southwest of the city of Rethymnon. The name refers to the two parallel canyons that conclude near the village of Kato Poros. The easternmost canyon, Moundros Gorge, is bordered by the Vigla peak (567m) to the east and the Nissiani hill to the west, where you can find the abandoned settlement of Nissi. Adjacent to Moundros Gorge to the west, is the Vilandredo Gorge, named after the village at its entrance and often referred to as Kollita Gorge.
The gorges offer an ideal hiking experience for novices due to their ease and stunning surroundings. It’s a perfect outing for groups of friends – park your car in Kato Poros or Argyroupolis, explore the Moundriano canyon, and return via the second Kollita Gorge for a round trip.
A suggested itinerary for the two gorges starts in the verdant Argiroupoli, built on the site of the ancient city of Lappa. From there, head east to the village of Moundros, known for its springs, fountains, and beautiful Venetian architecture. Don’t miss a stroll through the narrow streets of Moundros and a visit to the churches of Saint Constantine, Saints Anargyri (11th century), and Saint Nicholas. Near Moundros, you’ll find the deserted settlement of Nissi, notable for its impressive stone structures.
From the village, make your way to the northern entrance of the lush Moundros Gorge, which leads to the village of Velonado. A well-marked path descends to the riverbed, which is typically full of water. The canyon boasts towering plane trees and several freshwater ponds. After about a 1.5-hour walk, you’ll reach the southern entrance of Moundriano Gorge near Velonado.
Exiting the canyon, head west on the asphalt road to the entrance of the second canyon, Kollita Gorge, near Vilandredo. This canyon is even more impressive than Moundriano, filled with plane trees and a path that runs along the riverbed. The most breathtaking part of the canyon is where its towering walls nearly touch, creating a very narrow passage. Along the slopes of the gorge, you’ll spot numerous fig and holly trees. After a total of four hours, you’ll exit the canyon, which once supplied water to the Roman baths of Lappa, now Argyroupolis.
Following the old stone path amidst laurels, myrtles, and hollies, you’ll reach Kato Poros and the area of Pente Parthenes (Five Virgins). Here, you’ll find a spring under the perennial plane tree of Pente Parthenes, the chapel of the Five Virgins, and the Hellenistic and Roman tombs of Lappa. From here, the trail broadens and leads back to the lush green Argiroupoli. In Argiroupoli, be sure to visit the Venetian buildings, churches, and picturesque alleyways. The springs of Argyroupolis are a popular attraction, particularly the spring in the cavernous chapel of Agia Dynami. The area is lush with several small waterfalls and numerous restaurants.
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