Through this route you will have the opportunity to take a wine tour at a local winery with tasting and information on wine production from ancient times to the present day. Also enjoy the route which combines impressive mountains, a panoramic view of southern Crete, the impressive gorge with the incomparably beautiful waterfall Richtra and the charming beaches of southern Crete.
Starting from your hotel we head to the winery where the wine experts will introduce you to this special world of wine. You will have the opportunity to taste but also to learn all the secrets of production, of the varieties we have in Crete, as well as winemaking techniques of yesterday and today. Then we will cross a route through small traditional villages surrounded by verdant hills and olive groves. Just before our descent into the gorge we will make a photo stop at a spot with an incredibly beautiful panoramic view of the South Cretan sea that will amaze you!
Then we will head to the local gorge by a highly impressive off-road descent with continuous spectacular views amidst nature. The Portela Gorge which has an extremely unspoiled landscape that will be deeply etched in your memory as its river passes through cliffs and sheer cliffs, rich in both flora and fauna ending in the spectacular Richtra waterfall with flowing water until the spring that ends in Keratokampos.
Having enjoyed our walking exploration among this magical landscape we will be transferred to the beach of Tsoutsouros, where you will have enough time to enjoy both the crystal clear waters of southern Crete and a wonderful bbq lunch by the sea. This quiet and welcoming place will enchant you and the photos you will take will be impressive.
Full of unique memories and images we take the way back having visited unique places and having experienced life experiences!
Discover the magic of South Crete on a Self-Drive Private Jeep Safari in Convoy with our Brand New & Fully air conditioned 4X4 Dacia Duster. Shared or Private!
Feel the Off-road, Swim in the South, visit the local pottery workshop, create your ceramics and feel the authentic vibes of Crete! We start by exploring off the beaten paths through olive groves, traditional villages, scenic landscapes, and more! Then let’s uncover the art of pottery from ancient traditions to modern processes in the local workshop. We continue our adventure with an impressive off-road descent through the Gorge of Portela that is offering a breathtaking photo stop. Enjoy seaside driving along the Libyan Sea, Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Tsoutsouros beach and have your lunch by the sea. We end our day with panoramic views, letting the essence of Southern Crete captivate us! Take the wheel and let’s explore the South!
Discover Tsoutsouros gorge, one of the many gorges in the Viannos area of South Crete. Abseil down this beautiful and technical canyon, suitable for beginners and anyone up for a challenge.
Begin your adventure with a short hike from the parking lot and reach the entrance to the canyon. From there, hear a short safety and equipment briefing before strapping up and entering the canyon. Start with short and easy abseils, ideal for getting used to the techniques and the use of the equipment. Gradually, take on longer and steeper abseils.
Admire the constantly changing terrain and seaview during your descent through the canyon. Depending on the weather conditions, you may come across water in the gorge until the beginning of summer. If so, have the incredible opportunity of abseiling through waterfalls.
The duration of the descent can vary from 3 to 4 hours depending on the experience of the group. After your abseil, head to the beautiful Tsoutsouros village.
Through this route we explore the south-eastern Crete. We head to Agios Nikolaos and stop in the traditional village of Kritsa, one of the most famous villages of Crete with its narrow picturesque alleys and its traditional shops.
Afterwards we ascend through a beautiful route with magnificent views and end up at the Katharo Plateau at an altitude of 1250 meters where we stop for coffee in a traditional cafe. We cross the forest of SELAKANO and end up in the SARAKINA Gorge which will surprise you with its beauty. Continuing and after our amazing meal, we reach the southernmost end of eastern Crete, the village of Myrtos with its amazing beach where you can have a swim in the crystal clear waters of the LIBIAN SEA.
Returning through a very beautiful route we arrive at your hotel.
This route will leave you with the very best memories.
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.
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.
Kastri, a serene location nestled 72km southeast of Heraklion in the protected bay of Keratokambos, offers the longest beach of Skouros just to the west of its central beach, located next to the Saint Myronas church. The beach is a picturesque blend of sand and pebbles and remains largely unpopulated. A grove of tamarisk trees along the beach offers a haven of shade. The shoreline is dotted with unique rock formations, both on land and extending into the sea, adding to the beauty of the landscape. The beach derives its name from a large, dark rock known as Skouros, located in the western part. The beach is an ideal spot for free camping and offers a secluded retreat.
Further west of the Skouros rock, you can explore the most isolated beaches in the region, starting from Xerokambi and extending to the eastern edge of the Listis rock. Access to these beaches is via dirt roads leading to nearby greenhouses.
The beach of Armenopetra is nestled between the Skoutaris river to the east and the small village of Monobouka to the west, located 5km east of Keratokambos. This stunning beach is one of the most picturesque in the Keratokambos area. The name Armenopetra, translating to ‘Sailing Rock’ in Greek, is inspired by the large, distinct rock that sits in the middle of the beach. It boasts a mixture of petite pebbles and sand, and its waters are a captivating shade of blue. The area is relatively untouched, with only a few greenhouses cultivating bananas and vegetables. This allows for tranquil, secluded spots on the beach, potentially for those who prefer to sunbathe in the nude.
Just west of Armenopetra, you’ll discover the low sandhills known as Pahia Ammos or ‘thick sand’. Regrettably, these sandhills have experienced significant reduction due to prolonged exposure to irrigation pipes. This has resulted in hardened mud formations. These sand dunes are a unique and scarce ecosystem in Crete, inhabited by rare flora and fauna. If you’re fortunate, you might spot the rare white sand lilies, a sign that summer is drawing to a close.
As you transition from Keratokambos towards the Arvi area, the final stretch of beach you’ll encounter is Cape Peristerionas, situated below the Vahoudianos Xerokambos greenhouses. This beach is entirely uncommercialised and is almost always deserted. However, there’s no natural shade available, so bringing an umbrella is advisable. The beach consists of fine sand and a few small rocks on the eastern side.
The Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite can be found in a stunning location in the southern part of the Dikti mountain range, at an altitude of 1150m, near the Krya Vrysi spring, and about 5 km northeast of the village Kato Symi. The site spans 1.7 hectares, with only a portion having been excavated. To this day, it remains the most significant archaeological site in the Viannos province. Established around 2000 BC, like many other Minoan Peak Sanctuaries in Eastern Crete, worship at this sanctuary continued until Roman times, making it one of the most enduring sanctuaries of Greek Antiquity. Hermes was worshipped from the 7th century BC, while Aphrodite was worshipped during the Hellenistic Times (around 330BC). In the early Christian era, a small chapel was built at the site.
The sanctuary’s location is associated with the Ieron Oros (Holy Mountain), as according to Ptolemy, it was situated between the ancient Tsoutsouras (Inatos) and the ancient Ierapetra (Ierapytna). Due to its immense importance, it is believed to have been a point of contention among various powerful cities in the region. However, the respect that everyone had for the sanctuary is evident in the fact that it was never destroyed by vandalism, but only by natural causes.
Most archaeological findings from the 11th century BC include evidence of animal sacrifice and religious feasts, while animal replicas, tubular utensils, plates with male figures carrying or leading animals, clay cups, three swords, a golden ring-seal depicting a runner, and a hieroglyphic plate were discovered in the ashes. Ritual vessels and utensils do not display the typical female figures of the Minoans, so it has not been determined which deities the sanctuary was dedicated to during the Minoan times. After the 11th century BC, the vessels were replaced by figurines whose main theme was the coming of age of the visitors. According to inscriptions found at the sanctuary, the patron saint of adulthood was Hermes Kedritis, who was worshipped alongside the goddess Aphrodite. The most significant findings from the sanctuary are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Excavations began in 1972 and continue sporadically. The site can be visited after contacting the guard. A forest dirt road leading to the sanctuary starts from Kato Symi and goes towards the Lapathos plateau.
Located 65km south of Heraklion and nestled on the eastern side of the rugged Asterousia Mountains, Agios Nikitas is a stunning monastery that was once a hermitage for monks from Koudoumas Monastery. Perched atop a high hill, it offers breathtaking views of the Libyan Sea. The monastery’s church, which is dedicated to St. Nikitas (celebrated on September 15), is housed in a cave and dates back to 1640.
Within the church, visitors can admire ancient frescoes and a smoke-stained roof – a testament to the attacks by the Turks. Engravings from past visitors can also be found here. Additionally, a small stalactite in the sanctuary produces water, which is then shared with pilgrims as holy water. The monastery is believed to be miraculous and is home to hospitable monks who are always eager to share the monastery’s wonders, as well as offer coffee and fruit to visitors. Overnight stays in the cells are also possible.
Agios Nikitas serves as a verdant oasis amid the arid landscape of the Asterousia Mountains. The area’s dry climate allows for the growth of mango and avocado trees in the monastery’s gardens.
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.
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The Portela Gorge, positioned in the southern region of the Heraklion prefecture, serves as a drainage channel for the Ano Viannos basin, directing water towards the South Cretan Sea. The gateway to this gorge is situated at the Hondros village, and it leads out to Keratokambos. It ranks among Greece’s most perilous canyons, only to be traversed by seasoned canyoners. Particularly after heavy rainfall, the gorge can prove lethal. However, a passable trail and road run alongside the gorge, stretching from Hondros to Keratokambos, but they lack the allure of the canyon’s interior.
This gorge is a blend of beauty and wilderness, earning it legendary status in the region and ranking it among Crete’s most popular canyoning locations, alongside Ha and Arvi. It boasts the greatest water volume during winter and early spring compared to other local gorges. The canyon features 25 technical descents with the highest being 30m, and a 340m altitude difference between the entrance and exit. Owing to the area’s inaccessibility, locals are primarily familiar with the last waterfall, Richtra, at the gorge’s exit, which can be reached without any equipment.
Five faults intersect the canyon, contributing to its formation along with gully erosion. These faults divide Portela into three sections, resulting in a rich variety of plants and landscapes. A unique feature of this canyon is the abundance of mud it holds, possibly due to the “Viannos” rock formation visible before the gorge. This formation contains large amounts of clay, which is carried into the canyon by the water flow. The gorge’s signature feature is the stunning Sifoni, a large waterfall in a sinkhole, the “bottom” of which has been opened, allowing the waters to continue their journey.
Crete is home to numerous stunning locations, but a select few can truly be classified as natural marvels. One such marvel is the Arvi gorge, which dramatically splits Arvion Mount in two. This is the location where the shrine of Zeus Arveios once stood. The Arvi and Cha gorges are considered the most awe-inspiring canyons in Crete. The Arvi gorge can be found to the north of the coastal village of Arvi, in the southern region of the Heraklion prefecture, and it has been carved out of the limestone of Mount Dikti.
This gorge is technical in nature, meaning it necessitates canyoning equipment and flashlights to navigate due to the presence of numerous waterfalls in succession. It is a truly perilous area, and any attempts to cross it by those unaccustomed to canyoning could result in tragedy. From winter until the onset of summer, the canyon is filled with water, which adds to its awe-inspiring beauty. The majority of this water originates from the perennial springs of Kefalovrysi. The Arvi gorge presents a high level of difficulty.
The entrance to the gorge is located in the Konisma (Icon) forest, named after a rock that resembles an icon of Christ. The gorge stretches across the Fournos area and features numerous descents, the most remarkable of which is an astounding 85-meter waterfall named Kapnistis (Smoker). This waterfall is named for its smoke-like water spray, which is a result of its incredible height. Kapnistis is one of Crete’s tallest and most impressive waterfalls. However, what truly sets this canyon apart from others in Greece is the section after the high rappel of Kapnistis, where the river flows into the earth for 150 meters, forming an underground river within a cave. In this underground section, the river continues to form waterfalls. Lighting equipment is necessary to navigate this completely dark area. After this dark section, the gorge remains incredibly narrow with extraordinary formations and large rocks, known as splines, beneath which we pass.
Following approximately 20 waterfalls, the gorge concludes and leads to the fertile plains of Arvi, renowned for their banana crops, and situated next to the monastery of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios). The area at the gorge’s exit is humorously named Donkey’s Ass! In ancient times, a bountiful water spring existed here, but it has since dried up due to the construction of wells. This natural wonder has been a popular attraction for travelers since ancient times. The gorge’s river ends in the South Cretan Sea, but the water never reaches the sea due to its use for irrigation.
A few kilometres west of Tsoutsouras gorge in the eastern Asterousia range, you’ll find the smaller and narrower Troulla gorge. Though it’s shorter than the Tsoutsouros canyon, it has captivated the hearts of canyoners with its over 15 stunning waterfalls, the tallest reaching 15m. Its close proximity to the Tsoutsouras Canyon makes its geological features similar. It was endearingly named Tsoutsouraki, meaning small Tsoutsouras, by the first group to traverse it.
The entrance to the gorge is situated just west of a remarkable rock known as Troulla near Tsoutsouras, at a location called Meli Lakos (Honey’s Pit). The exit is located in the area of Staoussa, adjacent to the village. Descending the gorge requires technical canyoning equipment, particularly during the winter when the waterfalls are in full flow.
Situated in the eastern region of the Asterousia range, the Tsoutsouras Canyon is nestled within the Tsoutsouras area. This canyon is one of the many inaccessible ones in the region, initiating at the Sfakias position and culminating near the Larinaki area, close to the settlement. The sight of it can be quite breathtaking at first glance.
Despite its relatively short length of 1.5km, the Tsoutsouras Canyon serves as an excellent training ground for those new to canyoning. It’s a technical gorge, implying that the only way to navigate it is through the use of canyoning ropes. There are 12 descents or rappels within the canyon, with the highest one towering at 30m.
The majority of these rappels are found near the canyon’s exit, where the gorge deepens and the rocks display a stunning array of colors. During spring, the presence of water enhances the experience of rappelling down the waterfalls, making it truly unforgettable.
Boasting mountain views, Villa Vigla Keratokampos features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 200 metres from Keratokampos Beach. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a picnic area.
Armenopetra Beach is 1.8 km from Villa Vigla Keratokampos, while Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 59 km from the accommodation.
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€327
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Offering a garden and sea view, Mini Villas Blue is set in Keratokampos, 300 metres from Keratokampos Beach and 1.9 km from Armenopetra Beach. This beachfront property offers access to free WiFi and free private parking.
The 2-bedroom holiday home is fitted with a living room with a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchenette with oven and fridge, and 1 bathroom with a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 47 km from the holiday home, while Acqua Plus Waterpark is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 59 km from Mini Villas Blue.
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€86
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Set in Keratokampos, 500 metres from Keratokampos Beach and 2.1 km from Armenopetra Beach, Doria’s Seaview Apartment at Keratokampos II offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. Boasting a patio, the apartment is in an area where guests can engage in activities such as snorkelling, fishing and hiking.
The apartment has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with sea views.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 47 km from the apartment, while Acqua Plus Waterpark is 48 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 58 km from Doria’s Seaview Apartment at Keratokampos II.
Set in Keratokampos, 500 metres from Keratokampos Beach and 2.1 km from Armenopetra Beach, Beachfront apartment in keratokampos offers a terrace and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony.
The apartment is fitted with 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with an oven, a microwave, a washing machine, a fridge and a stovetop. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is 47 km from Beachfront apartment in keratokampos, while Acqua Plus Waterpark is 48 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 58 km from the accommodation.
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