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Our company is based in Crete and provides a wide variety of ground transportation services throughout the island while being the most reliable partner for every incoming visitor or travel agent. Our highly trained staff as well as our remarkable fleet are available to satisfy even the most demanding guests with responsibility,comfort and safety.
Discover the wonderful mountain landscape around Heraklion and decide between riding comfortably in a coach or riding a horse yourself.
After around 50 minutes, arrive at the top of the Finikia Mountains – a perfect place for a cozy picnic with soft drinks, raki and fruit. Enjoy the fantastic view of the sleepy mountains of Zeus, father of the gods, said to have been born in the Dikti Cave on the Lasithi Plateau.
Continue your ride over the incredibly beautiful landscape and enjoy a hearty lunch in Cretan style with traditional house wine. Spend a little time on the lands, relax with a glass of wine and watch as your children take the reins.
Get an introduction to the best food that Heraklion has to offer by treating your palate to traditional Cretan dishes and exceptional local wines! Go on an unforgettable tasty journey through Heraklion’s local neighbourhoods.
After meeting your local guide, start off with a traditional Greek coffee also known as ellinikós kafés. Learn why Greeks love coffee and see it brewed the traditional way in sand and be taught “cup reading”, a centuries-old tradition that reads your future.
Enjoy Heraklion’s well-known bougatsa in a family-owned business that has mastered its bougatsa technique since 1922. Consisting of semolina custard, cheese, or minced meat filling between layers of phyllo, bougatsa is a must-taste pastry that you shouldn’t miss while being in the city.
Continue to a local market where you’ll meet the local vendors and learn about their products. Sample some of the basic elements of Cretan cuisine such as olives, rusks, and cheese. Become a cheese-tasting expert by receiving local hints and learn how to spot the best local cheeses. Taste the island’s famous olive oil and find out why organic Cretan olive oil is one of the best oils in the world.
Sit down for a local organic meat dish or if you want to show yourself how brave you are, sample a dish that is loved by most Cretans: fried snails.
Move on to your last stop and taste some local Cretan wines in a family-run shop. Keep in mind that winemaking in Crete has a long history that dates back to the Bronze Age. Before you go, don’t forget to ask your local guide for more tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay.
Journey through the authentic flavors of Crete at a private wine tasting with professionals from the industry, and sample 15 different wines. Join a small and friendly group of no more than 8 people and learn more about the vines, terroir and gastronomy of Crete.
Hear about local produce, such as olive oil and cheese. Benefit from the services of a guide who is a former journalist and restaurant chef, and speaks both English and French. Meet some of the best producers of the island’s wines from the central regions of Archanes and Peza, where wine was first made in Crete. Take a tour of 2 of their wineries and vineyards, and then experience the flavors of the wines at a private tasting of 15 wines following a wine presentation.
Enjoy a sensational tasting of olive oil and other traditional products from Crete, such as honey, marmalade, wine vinegar and more. Then, meet a selection of chefs at a gourmet lunch in one of the best restaurants in the wine making region; and get ready to be dazzled by their creative talents in the kitchen!
The Karteros Bay, situated at the exit of the synonymous Karteros Gorge, lies 7km east of Heraklion and stretches 3.5km to the east. It pays homage to the Byzantine General, Krateros, who in 824AC attempted to liberate Crete from the Saracens by landing his ships on the bay’s beach, but unfortunately, he was defeated. The bay encompasses two villages, Karteros and Amnissos, which have now merged due to the area’s rapid evolution. The area’s development can be attributed to its proximity to Heraklion and the presence of an exquisite beachfront featuring fine golden sand.
You’ll find numerous hotels, eateries, and beach bars in close proximity to the bay. Karteros Bay is exposed to the northern winds, and as a result, the water tends to be wavy. The water is shallow with almost no rocks, except for a few areas. The least crowded part of the beach is situated next to the “Nikos Kazantzakis” airport, 7km west of Heraklion, known as Florida. This part got its name from an old tavern that no longer exists and is the most serene of all the beaches. Compared to the easternmost beaches, Florida has fewer umbrellas and facilities. The river from the Karteros Gorge empties into Florida, creating a small wetland on the beach, which dries up during the summer. It’s certainly worth a visit, especially in the spring.
While in Florida, you should stop by the old Church of St. John and St. Nikon Metanoite, constructed within a large cave. Moreover, don’t be startled if you spot horses on the beach as it’s home to the Heraklion Riding Club.
Ammoudara, a beach extending 7km west from River Giofyros, located 1km west of Heraklion’s centre, draws in thousands of tourists annually, predominantly due to its expansive sandy coastline. Now a suburb of Heraklion, the beach is known for its unique brownish sand, with a rocky strip about 50m inland signifying the ancient shoreline.
Whether you prefer bustling environments or more private settings, Ammoudara caters to all. The coastline offers organized beaches equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, and a plethora of water sports. Known for its year-round strong winds, Ammoudara is a popular spot for windsurfers. For a quieter experience, the beach’s western area, starting from the Pancretan Stadium and extending east towards the Xeropotamos wetland and dunes, is ideal. River Almiros and River Gazanos’ mouth areas, along with the Ellinoperamata industrial area, also offer peaceful beach spots.
The surrounding locale is also remarkable. The Almyros river spring, Crete’s largest water source, forms the area’s most extensive habitat. Nearby lies the Almiros gorge, an easy location for a leisurely walk. Alternatively, you can opt for a hike up the Stroumboulas mountain, Heraklion’s volcanic-like mountain.
Situated 15km east of Heraklion lies the well-liked tourist resort of Vathianos Kambos. It derives its name from the nearby village of Vathia, found just a few kilometers to the south. The region is known for the Vathianos River that drains into the area and dries up during the summer. It is characterized by several contiguous bays with golden sands and shallow waters. Due to its north-facing beach front, the area experiences regular wave activity in the months of July and August, leading to the construction of numerous small piers that help to break the waves, retain the sand, and safeguard swimmers.
The most developed beach of Heraklion is found in the westernmost part of Vathianos Kambos, within the Estavromenos settlement. It is widely recognized as Arina, named after a local hotel. This extensive sandy beach attracts thousands of locals who flock there daily for a swim. The beach is teeming with umbrellas, bustling beach bars, and offers a plethora of beach sports options.
Moving east of Arina, you’ll come across the small bay of Agii Theodori. Here, you can still find the carved Minoan shipyard visible in the sea. Further on, you’ll encounter the successive coves of Vathianos Kambos, hidden from the main road due to the hotels interspersed between them. These bays are somewhat protected due to the presence of small piers. Only a handful of locals are privy to these secluded beaches, which extend all the way to Kokkini Hani.
Situated 8km west of Heraklion city, Linoperamata, also known as Ellinoperamata, is a scenic sandy beach stretching up to 7km long, beginning from Linoperamata and culminating at the Pancretan Stadium, 1km west of Heraklion. The beach is uniquely bordered by the Almiros river in the west.
The locals do not frequent Linoperamata as much due to the presence of a local Power Station and heavy industries in its western region. Nevertheless, the beach boasts of clean water and a serene atmosphere. Unlike the highly organized beaches in the neighboring Ammoudara, Linoperamata has a more natural appeal, although there are a few hotels in the vicinity.
Open to the northern winds, the beach is often wavy, making it a favorite among windsurfers. Getting to Linoperamata from Heraklion is convenient via the city’s bus service.
The archaeological site of Fourni can be found on a hill with the same name, situated 17km south of Heraklion and southwest of Kato Archanes. To visit the site (which is not always open, but you can contact the guard), you can either walk along the Minoan path that starts from Kato Arhanes and crosses the stunning artificial grove of Fourni, or climb the stairs from the Apano Archanes ring road.
At Fourni, archaeologists have identified a preminoan cemetery (2800BC-2200BC) which is, in fact, the largest prehistoric cemetery in the Aegean Sea. Additionally, more graves have been discovered, dating back to the period between 2200BC and 1200BC. You can also see the quarry from which the materials for the cemetery’s construction were extracted.
Archaeologist Ioannis Sakellarakis began excavations in 1964, and so far, 26 buildings have been uncovered, with most of them being graves. The objects found in these graves suggest that ancient Archanes had strong connections with the Aegean, Egypt, and the East.
Due to its significant findings, Fourni is considered the most important Minoan cemetery on Crete. The most notable discovery was the unlooted sarcophagus of the “Queen,” containing jewelry (over 140 pieces) of immense value and other items believed to accompany her to the next world. Remains of an ox and a horse sacrifice were also found. Many of these findings are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and the Archaeological Museum of Archanes.
At the location known as Anemospilia, situated on the northern slopes of Mount Jiouchtas, archaeologists Giannis and Efi Sakellarakis discovered a small Minoan-era sanctuary in 1979 that took the global archaeological community by surprise. This modest sanctuary provided the first evidence of human sacrifices in Minoan Crete.
The two-story structure was constructed in the 17th century BC and was later destroyed by an earthquake a few decades afterward. To date, four sites have been uncovered, but there could potentially be more.
In the temple’s first room, numerous utensils were discovered, including around 150 pots of various shapes. The main room was filled with the largest temple utensils, pots, and jars. The east room, where bloodless rituals occurred, contained many objects and a stepped altar on which all worship utensils were placed. The bloody sacrifices took place in the temple’s west room, which had fewer findings.
The most significant discovery of the excavation was the presence of four human skeletons. Scientific investigations revealed that three of them (including one woman) were killed by the collapsing roof and a simultaneous fire. They were likely two priests and a priestess. The fourth deceased individual was the most intriguing discovery, as he was found lying on a trapezoidal table with a short sword or spear in his body. According to anthropologists and forensic experts, this man was a victim of human sacrifice, and the scene was preserved for posterity due to the earthquake.
Jiouchtas, in ancient times, was considered a sacred mountain, primarily because it resembles a human face that looks to the sky from the northwest. Even today, the mountain’s anthropomorphic shape sparks interest. According to legend, this is the face of the Greek god Zeus, and the mountain is his tomb. Indeed, the name Jiouchtas is a corruption of the Latin word for Zeus, Jupiter.
The mountain was very important for the Minoans, as it was the first mountain they saw while their ships approached the shores of Crete. Here, they built at least two Minoan sanctuaries, one at the highest point of the mountain (Psili Korfi) and the second at the position Anemospilia.
The sanctuary of the Giouchtas peak is the most important and largest peak sanctuary in Crete and was directly dependent on Knossos, with covered and open spaces for accommodation, storage, and rituals.
The Psili Korifi peak hosted an 8mx5m worship building with a precinct surrounded by a cyclopean wall, in the sanctuary of which archaeologists have revealed many idols of men, women, animals, body parts, offering tables, inscriptions on Linear A script, bronze and silver pendants, bronze axes, and golden items. The natural trench of the sanctuary on the mountain’s rock, where many of the archaeological findings were found, was used for placing the devotees of the worshippers.
On the eastern end of the extensive Vathianos Kambos beach, near the Agii Theodori church, lies a rocky peninsula. Here, one can still see the carved rock that once housed a large shipbuilding yard during the Minoan Era.
Researchers have found that this large carving, measuring 48 meters in length and 11 meters in width, could have been used by the Minoans to build ships up to 50 meters long. Additionally, there is a smaller carving to the south that was likely used for storing timber.
It is interesting to note that the surrounding area has sunk into the sea over the centuries, with remnants of Minoan buildings both inside and outside the water. The carving was likely filled with water when the ship was completed, allowing it to be easily lowered into the sea.
The Rodia nunnery, also known as the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary, was established in 1990 by Bishop Nektarios Papadakis. The land for the monastery was generously donated by Agapi Sbokou to the Archdiocese of Crete for the purpose of founding the monastery.
In the center of the monastery’s courtyard, visitors can find the temple of the Virgin Mary, along with the cells, guest houses, and other facilities. The small, aisle church is constructed in the Aegean style and holds a celebration on November 21.
Located on a pine-covered hill by the sea at an elevation of 30m, the Pantanassa Monastery (Panagia Pantanassa) is situated approximately 14km west of Heraklion. This relatively new female monastery is dedicated to the Nativity of Mary, with celebrations held on September 8.
Initially, Pantanassa was established to perform charitable work, similar to the Kalyviani Monastery near Mires. Unfortunately, its founder, Bishop Nikolaos Xenos, passed away before he could realize his ambitious dreams of creating an orphanage, nursing home, kindergarten, nursery, and more.
Located in Ellinoperamata, Malevizi district, on the road to Rodia village, the Monastery of Agia Fotini the Samaritan was established in June 1991 by Archbishop Timotheos of Crete. Within the monastery, you can find the church of Agia Fotini, the chapel of St. Fanourios, the nuns’ cells, and the tomb of Timotheos, the monastery’s founder.
Martyr Fotini, who originated from the city of Sihar in Samaria, is mentioned in the life of evangelist John (D’1 – 38). Agia Fotini dedicated her life to spreading the Gospel throughout Africa and Rome during Emperor Nero’s reign (54-68 AD). She was ultimately martyred alongside her sons and five sisters.
The church observes celebrations on February 26th and the Sunday of the Samaritan woman.
Located along the road to the University Hospital of Heraklion, the Holy Monastery of St. Theodore was established by Timothy Tzannis circa 1980.
The Astrakiano and Kounaviano canyons are two verdant gorges that converge near Skalani village and empty out onto Karteros beach. The combined length of these canyons is roughly 21 km. Situated to the east of Heraklion city, these gorges are part of the broader Mount Jiouktas area. They offer easy walking trails, making them perfect for families and children.
The longer of the two, Astrakiano, begins at the Paliarda location in Kolomodi and extends to the area beneath the deserted Kato Astraki village, after crossing the picturesque Astrakiani Kamara bridge. From Kato Astraki, a brief trail leads to the Neraidospilios site, known for its stunning pond and gushing water caves.
The path along the Karteros river commences from this point, offering a lush green trail equipped with wooden bridges and railings. After crossing the Aitania bridge at Kaki Rachi, we reach Kali Rachi where the Astrakiano and Kounaviano Gorges, originating from Peza, merge. From Kali Rachi, the river continues to Karteros along a well-structured path. This section, known as Karteros Gorge, passes by ancient water mills and the historic Saint Nicholas Church (Agios Nikolaos). Near the Karteros gorge exit, at the Mesa Karteros spot, you’ll find an old inn and a second chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas. This location, accessible by car from Karteros, is an ideal picnic spot.
The Astrakiano canyon (Astraki – Kali Rachi) measures about 7km, with a hiking duration of 3-4 hours. The Kounaviano Gorge (Peza- Kali Rachi) is roughly 4km long, requiring about 2 hours for trekking. The shared section of the Karteros gorge (up to the second Saint Nicholas chapel (Kali Rachi – Mesa Karteros)) is approximately 6km.
The canyons’ route is abundant in natural, morphological, aesthetic, historical, and cultural aspects. The landscape boasts exceptional natural beauty, featuring springs, ponds, rivers, mini waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Prior to World War II, the canyon housed 10 watermills, and locals would fish for eels and crabs, some of which still exist today.
The Kounaviano gorge, known for its lush vegetation, is the greenest canyon in the entire Heraklion prefecture, serving as a verdant oasis in the heart of Pediada province. The gorge is named after the village of Kounavi in its district, even though it actually begins from the village of Peza, hence it could be referred to as Pezzano Gorge. This gorge is a tributary of the Karteros river and runs parallel to the Astrakiano gorge. The Astrakiano and Kounaviano gorges converge at the Kaki Rachi area near Skalani, forming the Karteros Gorge. Kounaviano’s entrance is situated at the northernmost point of the fertile Peza plain, collecting all the area’s water. It has numerous springs along its bed, some of which retain water throughout the year.
In recent years, the gorge’s trail has been marked and cleared, with the addition of small bridges, wooden railings, and informational signs. Walking along this trail is a delightful and easy experience, shaded by perennial plane, oak, and other trees. The riverbed walk is simple, without significant altitude changes or difficulties. At the gorge’s starting point, two small waterfalls can be seen. Old watermills, once used to grind the area’s cereals, can be found at three different points along the trail. This region has always been one of Crete’s most productive. Additionally, limestone kilns and various fruit tree gardens can be spotted. A walk from the gorge’s entrance at Peza to its exit at Kaki Rachi near Skalani takes approximately 2 hours.
Almyros Gorge, situated in Ellinoperamata, is the closest canyon to the west of Heraklion city. The gorge, a small oasis near the bustling city, is formed between Keri hills and the post-Minoan town of Kastrokefala. It serves as a crucial habitat, primarily due to the largest holly wood (Phillirea media) in Crete located on its eastern side. Other species like platan trees, carob, and wild olive trees also thrive here despite overgrazing.
The gorge has various names, such as Keri Gorge, named after the adjacent hill, or Almiros, due to its closeness to the Almiros river. It’s also called Ellinoperamata, the area where the gorge terminates. Frequently termed Porofarago, a common name for Cretan gorges, it’s also known as the Three Churches, in honor of the three chapels — Santa Marina, St. Antonios, and St. Paraskevi. Its commencement point near the Strouboulas peak gives it the Strouboulas name, while stories of Satanist assemblies and ghost sightings have resulted in its spooky moniker, the Ghosts’ Gorge.
Despite its proximity to Heraklion, few people have ventured here. Cars can reach the location where the 14th-century monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis (Saint John inside the Gorge), dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, was constructed near the canyon exit. The surviving chapel of Saint Marina was used as a cemetery, while the main temple was the present two-aisled chapel of Saint Anthony and Saint Paraskevi with significant frescoes. A little further, a shrine dedicated to Saint George can be found, and after nearly 1:30 hours of walking, the chapel of Lord Christ at the gorge’s starting point is reached.
The trail is lined with various trees, and the vegetation thickens as one ascends. Initially, the gorge is typically dry but transitions into a small stream during spring. While ascending, one can encounter three small waterfalls, which form at a site with a pinkish limestone hue after prolonged, heavy rainfall.
Almiros Gorge is a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers. To reach this wild beauty, navigate towards the equally breathtaking Lake of Almiros. Located just a short distance from the path leading to the gorge, this lake is a wonder in itself. The lake’s crystal-clear water, flowing directly from the spring-fed mountain cliffs, offers an extraordinary view all the way to its bed.
The Agia Anastasia Gorge commences from Kenourgio Horio in the Pediada Province (at an elevation of 160m) and concludes at the coastal village of Gournes. It’s named after the cavernous chapel of Saint Anastasia situated near its entry point. The stream that flows within it collects water from the region east of Sgourokefali and originates near Agia Triada.
Its plant life mainly consists of oleanders and the gorge narrows at various points along its path. A descent through the gorge typically takes around three hours. Regrettably, the gorge has been heavily polluted by trash and waste from nearby sheepfolds. Despite ongoing appeals from hiking clubs to the Hersonissos municipality, the situation remains dire.
Set in Néa Alikarnassós, 3.8 km from Venetian Walls and 6.5 km from The Palace of Knossos, Urban Luxus Studio I offers air conditioning. The accommodation is 3.2 km from the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and has free WiFithroughout the property.
This apartment has 1 bedroom, a kitchen with an oven and a fridge, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom fitted with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 15 km from the apartment, while Heraklion Port is 1.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, a few steps from Urban Luxus Studio I.
from
€71
/night
Featuring quiet street views, Urban Luxus Studio II provides accommodation with a terrace and a kettle, around 3.2 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It features city views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
Venetian Walls is 3.8 km from the apartment, while The Palace of Knossos is 6.5 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, a few steps from Urban Luxus Studio II.
from
€71
/night
Boasting city views, Jalex Cozy Apartment offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 2.9 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It has mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
This apartment has 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with an oven and a fridge, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom fitted with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
A a baby safety gate is also available for guests at the apartment.
Venetian Walls is 3.6 km from Jalex Cozy Apartment, while The Palace of Knossos is 6.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 1 km from the accommodation.
from
€93
/night
Set in Néa Alikarnassós in the Crete region, Rita’s Apartment has a balcony. The accommodation is 3.2 km from the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and features free WiFithroughout the property.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 3 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a bath and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
Venetian Walls is 3.8 km from the apartment, while The Palace of Knossos is 6.5 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, a few steps from Rita’s Apartment.
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