Join us for an unforgettable journey through the Lasithi region, where every moment promises adventure and discovery.
Psychro Cave or Cave of Zeus: Embark on a 1-hour and 40-minute exploration of the legendary Psychro Cave, the mythical birthplace of Zeus. Marvel at its awe-inspiring formations.
Vidiani Monastery: Discover the tranquility of Vidiani Monastery, nestled at the foot of Louloudaki Mountain. Explore its spiritual surroundings for 25 minutes.
Village of Krasi: Begin your day in the picturesque village of Krasi, renowned for its freshwater springs and the oldest and biggest tree on the island of Crete. Explore its traditional streets and landmarks during our 20-minute stop.
As a delightful conclusion to our tour, we will visit the site of the “Olive Oil Festival” in Sisi. Nestled in a picturesque location in the mountains, surrounded by carobs, wild olives, herbs, and grazing goats and sheep, this festival is a perfect blend of culture and nature. Here, you will be educated on various local productions such as olive oil, soaps, and honey.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet lunch prepared right before your eyes in a specially designed outdoor area, available at an extra cost. The festival also features an exhibition of locally produced items available for purchase, ensuring you can take a piece of this authentic experience home with you. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions and flavors in a truly beautiful setting.
Experience the essence of Crete on this enriching journey through its history, culture, and natural beauty.
After the tour, participants will return to their respective points by bus, with the duration varying based on traffic conditions and individual pick-up locations.
Upon arrival at the farm, we’ll immerse ourselves in a comprehensive experience that spans approximately 4 hours.
The educational segment of the tour will feature workshops covering various traditional practices:
Olive oil: From the 18th-century mill to the modern ecological olive mill, learn about the history and production of olive oil.
Local Honey: Gain insights into honey-making from local beehives and discover the fascinating world of bee activity.
Raki: Delve into the traditional production of Raki, an integral part of Cretan culture, and understand its significance.
Soap: Explore the art of soap-making from olive oil and its numerous benefits.
Please note that although we won’t demonstrate production processes at the farm, local farmers will lead workshops to share their knowledge and insights.
The gastronomical part of the tour offers a delightful journey:
Wine Tasting: Experience the flavors of exceptional wines crafted from local Cretan grape varieties and learn about ancient winemaking traditions.
Homemade Cretan Food in Wood Fired Oven: Indulge in authentic cuisine cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, featuring seasonal greens, fava beans, French fries, garden salads, and appetizers prepared with olive oil.
Live Show: Immerse yourself in Cretan culture with lively Greek music, dance performances, and a captivating orchestra.
Before concluding the tour, explore the Local Products Market to browse and purchase high-quality local products directly from the producers, including those sampled during the experience.
Just before we start for this unforgettable guided and self-driving quad tour experience, the experts of our quad safari will teach you everything about the atv vehicles, including lessons for beginners so that everyone is ready to discover Crete safely, with lots of fun and excitement!
Let’s start by heading uphill through an off-road path surrounded by olive groves to reach the chapel of the Prophet Elias. There, we will take in the breathtaking panoramic views.
Next, we’ll hit the off-road trail again and traverse a lush landscape filled with vibrant colors as we safari through the vineyards and olive forest, immersing ourselves in the stunning beauty of Crete.
We will then visit a local olive oil factory and learn the process of extracting olive oil. And, of course, we’ll finish with a delightful tasting session!
As we continue our safari tour we will drive our quads through the narrow streets of the beautiful villages until we reach the traditional village of Sissi, a peaceful escape from our safari tour. Take a walk, relax or swim to recharge before continuing our adventure!
Prepare yourself to have unlimited fun on an amazing dynamic dusty-sandy off-road route!
After this amazing Off-roading through the dirty roads , we will enjoy our dinner.
Having experienced an incredible Safari Experts quad trip in Crete and the chance to learn about authentic Cretan life, we are sure you will come back full of amazing memories that will last a lifetime!
Set out on a self-driving quad safari and explore the Cretan countryside with a guided tour with hotel transfers from Malia, Heraklion, Sisi, and surrounding spots. Drive to Milatos, featuring rock-hewn caves and a little beach. Visit an olive oil factory, and discover the Palace of Malia.
Before starting your quad tour experience, get acquainted with your ATV vehicle, including lessons for beginners, by an instructor. Begin by going uphill on off-road terrain to reach your first stop, the chapel of the Prophet Elias, where you will be greeted by panoramic views of the surroundings.
Descending through this lush place, hit an off-road route between the vineyards and olive groves to explore Cretan nature in all its glory. Stop at an olive oil factory to see how locals extract olive oil, followed by a brief tasting.
Continue on the dirt roads to Milatos to explore a series of caves hewn into rocks, surrounded by mountains, rich flora, and fauna. This is your chance to collect some local herbs and be one with nature.
After the hike on the path to Milatos cave, head to Milatos beach for a swim. Next, it’s time for a seaside safari tour through the narrow streets of the quaint fishing villages of Milatos and Sissi.
Then, we’ll drive through impressive off road around the picturesque countryside, where the Malia palace archaeological site once stood. Finally, unwind over lunch after a full day of adventure in Crete.
Sissi, also known as Sisi, is a tranquil traditional seaside village nestled 26km west of Agios Nikolaos and 41km east of Heraklion, not far from Malia. The village is renowned for its natural harbour, characterized by tranquil deep green waters, and its charming taverns nestled within narrow streets. The Sissi coastline is predominantly rocky, with only a few sandy stretches. The sea around here is typically choppy, making the only calm swimming spot the small beach within the harbor (Limani). This petite beach offers a few umbrellas and showers for visitors.
If you desire to explore other beaches, you can travel east to Harkoma bay, home to the well-kept Boufos beach. This sandy beach is exposed to the wind. Adjacent to it, you’ll find the smaller Avlaki beach, situated at the exit of a narrow bay.
Moving further east, you’ll find the sandy Kalimera beach, located in front of the Kalimera Kriti hotel. Managed by the hotel, the beach is well-organized and boasts of shallow waters, making it perfect for children. On the opposite side of the hotel is Spiliada, the last beach within the Sissi territory. Spiliada is a sandy beach shaded by numerous tamarisk trees, offering a more peaceful atmosphere compared to the other beaches.
The Agia Varvara beach, positioned 41km to the east of Heraklion and nestled between Malia and Sissi, earns its name from a church in the east dedicated to Santa Barbara. This sandy haven forms a petite bay in front of a hotel, with the islet of Agia Varvara just across the bay, an ideal spot for swimming, although one should be careful of the strong currents. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, and tamarisk trees are scattered around for added shade. However, be aware that this beach, like many others in northern Crete, is often subject to the frequent northwest winds.
The primary beach of Malia, situated in the heart of the town, is often teeming with visitors. As a result, those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle tend to head towards the sandy stretches to the east of Malia’s port, conveniently located near the Palace of Malia. The most easterly of these beaches is named Potamos (meaning River), due to a small stream that flows along its eastern edge, adjacent to Malia’s wetlands.
Potamos is a lengthy, sandy expanse that is well maintained, yet typically less populated than Malia’s main beach. The eastern portion of the region remains relatively untouched due to its archaeological significance. However, to the west of the beach, a number of hotels can be found, each boasting its own sandy cove.
The Malia Swamp is a wetland of unparalleled ecological importance, home to an expansive reed bed that provides habitat for numerous bird species. This area also preserves several types of coastal vegetation that have been lost elsewhere on Crete. The entire area is irrigated by water that flows from Mount Selena, forming a stunning river in the winter months, mere meters from the shore, resulting in crystal clear waters that feed into Potamos beach. The sea here is so fresh, locals can even drink from it! It’s not an uncommon sight to see goats descending from the mountain, swimming in the sea and drinking the water due to its fresh scent. Surrounding Potamos are smaller sand dunes, which come autumn, are adorned with stunning white sand lilies.
Situated 34km northwest of Agios Nikolaos and 16km east of Hersonissos, on the western fringes of the Mirabello province, lies Milatos. This coastal village has managed to preserve many of its traditional attributes. Just 1km north, one can find the coastal settlement known as Beach of Milatos or Paralia Milatou in Greek. The region is renowned for the Milatos cave, near the village, where a significant massacre of locals by the Ottomans took place in 1823. Today, Milatos is a popular tourist spot with a significant fishing port. The area is dotted with ancient olive groves and the shoreline is speckled with small, rocky inlets, some of which are suitable for swimming.
About 1km east of Milatos, in Pigada, you’ll discover small isolated bays with narrow sandy beaches nestled between towering cliffs. These secluded coves of Milatos are perfect for those seeking solitude, though the waves can be quite high. As you approach the village, just before reaching the harbour, you’ll encounter the main beach of Milatos. This sizable beach is comprised of pebbles and rocks in certain areas, and while it’s not fully facilitated, it’s conveniently close to the village’s amenities. Regrettably, this beach is also affected by the waves. The next beach is situated within the harbour (Limani), close to the village taverns. It’s a small sandy beach that’s quite well-maintained. This beach is the most frequented, as the water is always tranquil and safe for children.
The inventory of Milatos’ beaches would typically end here, but human intervention has altered this. Following the coastal road west from the village will lead you to the Minos Imperial hotel port. For the sake of tourism and revenue, the hotel has constructed two artificial beaches in the Volaki area, both bordered by a cement pier. Previously a natural rocky coast with a stunning seabed, it has now been transformed into a profitable sandy beach, organized by the hotel owners.
The village of Milatos was established near the remnants of the Minoan city Milatos, which was destroyed in the 3rd century BC by the rival city of Lyttos. Homer referenced it as one of the seven Cretan cities that sent troops to Troy. According to legend, Milatos was the name of a boy who was raised in a forest by a wolf. Upon reaching adulthood, he killed the city’s tyrant and fled to the coasts of Asia Minor. There, he founded the famous Miletus colony in 1500BC, which later became the birthplace of several distinguished philosophers such as Thales, Hippodamus, and Anaximander.
The Malia Palace is situated 3km east of Malia town, adjacent to the wetland and Potamos beach. It was a significant Minoan city that housed the third largest Minoan palace, following Knossos and Phaistos. According to mythology, Sarpedon ruled here, who was the brother of Minos and son of Zeus and Europa. Sarpedon was expelled by his brother Minos and then sought refuge in Lycia in Asia Minor.
Until 1880, the existence of the city was completely unknown when the landowner of the Chrysolakkos area discovered a few sheets of gold a few meters west of the palace. This led to excavations in the broader area by gold diggers. In 1915, Joseph Hatzidakis began excavations in the harbour, while in 1921, the French Archaeological School continued the works in Chrysolakkos, where they found one gold jewel depicting bees, which is considered the most important finding of Malia and is displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
The city’s name is still unknown, although it is probable that it was either Tarmaros or Milatos. The city minted its own coins depicting, on both sides, the goddess Athena and two dolphins. Moreover, the town covered an area of 1 square kilometre, with neighbourhoods built sparsely around the palace. The first palace was built around 1900BC occupying an area 8800sq.m., but it later destroyed in 1700BC. The palace had two floors with a central courtyard with a rectangular shape and four wings. The most important part was its west side. There were warehouses with many pots and jars, royal rooms, workshops, a weapons room (where the famous royal scepter was found) and altars. The palace was destroyed again in 1450BC, either by an earthquake or by attack.
The archaeological site at the hill of Kefali Agiou Antoniou or Kremasma is located by the sea, between the beaches of Avlaki and Boufos, in the area of the village Sissi. This spot offers an excellent view of the Selinari canyon, which served as a passage to East Crete. The settlement was developed in the form of a palace complex, covering around 0.1 hectares, and was likely dependent on the nearby palace of Malia.
Excavations at the site began in 1960, led by the archaeologist Kostas Davaras, and were later continued by the School of Archaeology of Belgium. Today, remnants of the city walls, which thrived between 1350-1250 BC, can still be seen, along with numerous potsherds. Close to the sea, a necropolis (cemetery) was in use during 2100-1800 BC, where many pottery objects and human bones have been discovered.
The male monastery of Saint George Selinaris is nestled in the heart of the Selinari gorge, close to Vrachasi village and Neapolis. The National Road, which connects Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, runs alongside the monastery, making it a popular stop for many visitors daily. Cretans believe it is bad luck to pass through the canyon without stopping at St. George, a tradition that dates back to when travelers would stop to rest with their animals.
As per tradition, a monk from Rhodes named Nikolaos was guided by God to a location where he discovered the icon of St. George, leading him to build a church. Nikolaos resided at Selinari until his death, at which point he was buried in a small cave at the summit of Anavlohos mount, which he had carved himself. Several years after his passing, sailors from Rhodes were led to Nikolaos’ tomb by a shining star. Recognizing this as a divine sign, they transported his bones back to Rhodes. Anavlohos cave can be found on the eastern side of the gorge, directly opposite the monastery. The exact location can be identified by looking up at the gorge walls and spotting a large cross. While the cave is accessible by foot, climbing the steep path requires good physical fitness.
During the Ottoman Era, it is believed that the Turks attempted to destroy the monastery, as evidenced by the three bullets embedded in the old icon of Saint George, which is also considered miraculous.
A visit to the monastery is well worth it, as you can admire the stunning beauty of the lush canyon and cool off at the local spring. The monks are very welcoming and eager to share the history of the monastery. The central church’s main body is modern, as are the wall paintings in the chapel of St. George (the original temple built by Nikolaos). A modern nursing home also operates here, constructed on the ruins of the old monastery cells.
The Monastery of Virgin Mary Theogennitor, situated near Mohos, boasts a prime location overlooking the Stalis coastline. Despite being relatively new, this monastery has earned a significant reputation, primarily due to its founder, Father Apostolos. Previously a monk at the St. John Monastery in Anopolis, Apostolos was evicted in 2009 and subsequently established this monastery.
Located on a small hill adorned with oak trees near the villages of Agios Konstantinos and Marmaketo in the Lassithi Plateau, the Monastery of Panagia Kroustallenia is a historically significant site in Crete that is always worth exploring.
As per local tradition, the monastery’s name is believed to have originated either from its first founder, Kroustallenia, or from an icon of Panagia (Virgin Mary) discovered in a nearby cave, which was engraved on crystal (Kroustalenia also translates to “made of crystal” or “glass”).
The primary temple within the monastery is devoted to the Virgin Mary and observes its celebration on August 15. The monastery complex primarily features 20th-century buildings due to the multiple destructions it faced during the Turkish occupation.
Situated at the base of Louloudaki mountain, near the village of Kato Metohi in the Lassithi Plateau, the Vidiani Monastery is easily accessible as it lies just beside the plateau’s peripheral road.
Dedicated to Zoodochos Pigi (Life-Giving Spring), the monastery has been transformed from its previously abandoned state. The monk cells and other buildings within the complex have been restored, and it now functions as a male monastery. During the summer, flowers bloom throughout the grounds, and a small fountain in the courtyard, surrounded by towering cypress trees, symbolizes the spring of Life. Visitors can also enjoy a small café nestled under the shade of the trees. In partnership with the University of Crete, the monastery houses a modest natural history museum.
Constructed in the 19th century, both the monastery and the church are relatively new, likely built upon the ruins of an earlier monastery. The stone-built church features intricate masonry, stone-carved windows, and an exquisitely carved temple.
The area was once under the control of the Vidon family (hence the name Vidiani), who were descendants of a Venetian family that had been granted a portion of the plateau as a fief.
The Omalia Olive Press, a family-run business since 1925, is situated in Agias Marinas, Malia. This facility has a long history of producing virgin olive oil. A tour of the press, enhanced by videos and written guides, offers a comprehensive look at both contemporary and traditional methods of olive oil production. Visitors also have the opportunity to view the press’s historic machinery.
Additionally, the press features a shop where both bulk and individually packaged olive oil products are sold at wholesale prices. These make ideal gifts and souvenirs to bring back from your visit. Guests can learn about the various types of olive oils available and taste them to find their preferred choice before purchasing.
Located approximately 45km east of Heraklion and 21km west of Agios Nikolaos, the Gorge Sellinari is nestled on the eastern slopes of Selena Mount, draining the valley west of Vrachassi. This gorge is a well-known location for all Cretans as the National Road from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos runs along it. Historically, it served as the natural passage from the region of Lassithi to the fertile north coasts of Heraklion.
The dense vegetation of Selinari can be enjoyed either by car or by taking a leisurely walk until its exit near Milatos. A route worth exploring is the old National Road, which runs parallel to the New Road and winds through the gorge. The gorge walls and surrounding mountains provide a haven for many birds of prey. Selinari was once a refuge for the rare Cretan wild goat, but sadly, it is now extinct. Several springs are scattered around the area, but the most renowned attraction is the historic Saint George Monastery. For the Cretans, it is considered a bad omen to pass a gorge without stopping at the monastery. This belief stems from the past when the Selinari Monastery served as a rest stop for travelers and their animals.
The Maliaris Gorge, which originates near the Peronides village, travels west of the Souvlos village where a trail commences, and combines with the Anemaliaris gorge before concluding at the Tzavlidon Vlyhada beach. This gorge, characterized by scrublands, expansive areas, and cave-filled walls, is a classic representation of the Mirabello region. Notably, the gorge is home to a massive cave known as Volakospilios, situated in its center.
The Embasa Gorge, also known as Apotyposi, begins its journey from the village of Kato Kera in the Pediada province and concludes near the village of Gonies, spanning a length of approximately 2km. The upper section of the gorge is notably steep, giving rise to several waterfalls during the winter season, with the tallest one measuring around 20m in height. The largest waterfall is particularly intriguing due to its division into several smaller cascades. It is possible to reach all the waterfalls without any special equipment as they can be circumvented from the sides.
Ascending the canyon from Gonies provides easier access to the waterfalls. However, the dense vegetation and steep inclines may pose a challenge for beginners. The gorge is predominantly populated by oak trees, planes, and brambles. The Life-Giving Spring church (Zoodohos Pigi) is located on the edges of the gorge, above the largest waterfall. According to local lore, a natural rock formation resembling the Virgin Mary can be found above this church. Hence, the gorge is also referred to as Apotiposi (Depiction). The church serves as the nearest parking spot to the large waterfall and can be conveniently reached from here, provided one can first overcome the initial hurdle of the fence erected by local shepherds.
Roza Gorge, a branch of the larger Ambelos Gorge, originates near the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery in the Ano Kera region. It connects with the rural road that traverses the Ambelos Gorge close to the village of Gonies. Walking along the riverbed is not feasible due to the precipitous drops, but a well-marked hiking trail is available on the gorge’s sides. The gorge’s sides are visually striking, showcasing unique geological formations that captivate visitors. After heavy rainfall, surface water is visible in the gorge, evidenced by the growth of oleander plants in the riverbed.
The name ‘Roza’ is derived from the pinkish hue (‘roz’ translates to pink) of the gorge’s walls. Another theory suggests that the gorge was used as a disposal site for sterile animals like donkeys in the past. As a result, locals named it ‘Stira Za’ (meaning sterile animals), which eventually evolved into ‘Sti Roza’ (or in Roza).
Canyoning in the Roza Gorge
Roza Gorge is technical in nature, implying that hiking in its bed is not an option due to the numerous steep descents (rappels) that necessitate specific technical gear and training. For canyoning enthusiasts, it’s important to note that the largest rappel is approximately 18m high. The points are secured with relays from the speleological clubs of Crete, and the descent for a small group typically takes around 3 hours. The gorge’s proximity to Heraklion and easy accessibility make it a popular choice for canyoning schools.
Situated in Sísion, less than 1 km from Boufos Beach and a 14-minute walk from Avlaki Beach, Mohlin/Johansson’s place in Sisi features air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. The property has sea and mountain views, and is 2 km from Kalimera Kriti Beach.
There is a seating area, a dining area and a kitchen complete with a toaster, a fridge and kitchenware.
Lake Voulismeni is 26 km from the apartment, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 29 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 37 km from Mohlin/Johansson’s place in Sisi.
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€63
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Situated in the fishing village of Sissi, the 4-star Porto Sisi Hotel Apartments offers accommodation with cooking facilities next to the sea. It has a sea-water swimming pool and offers free Wi-Fi access in all areas.
Porto Sisi Hotel Apartments are tastefully decorated. They are equipped with flat-screen TV, refrigerator, hairdryer and iron. In the kitchenette, guests can prepare their meal and enjoy it in the privacy of their balcony or veranda. All units feature garden or sea views.
The swimming pool is ideal for a refreshing swim. In the sun terrace guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful sea views while relaxing in the sun loungers.
Just 50 metres from Porto Sisi Hotel Apartments, guests can find many seaside taverns serving traditional Cretan specialties. Knossos Palace is a 50-minute drive from Porto Sisi Hotel Apartments, while Heraklion airport is 40 km away. Free public parking is available near the hotel.
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€92
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Set in Sissi and only 800 metres from Boufos Beach, “Sea•Si” Luxury Home offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The apartment is fitted with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with sea views.
The apartment offers a barbecue.
Avlaki Beach is 1 km from “Sea•Si” Luxury Home, while Kalimera Kriti Beach is 1.8 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 38 km from the accommodation.
Featuring sea views, Aphrodite Apartment provides accommodation with a terrace and a kettle, around 700 metres from Boufos Beach. With mountain views, this accommodation offers a balcony.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven 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.
The apartment features a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Avlaki Beach is less than 1 km from Aphrodite Apartment, while Kalimera Kriti Beach is 1.7 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 38 km from the accommodation.
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