Schinokapsala is a village in the Lasithi region of eastern Crete that holds Ahlia beach within its jurisdiction, 0.9 km away and 15 km east of Ierapetra. Schinokapsala stands east of Ierapetra, south-east of Agios Nikolaos and south-west of Sitia, on the south-east coast between Ierapetra and the resort of Makry Gialos. Five beaches lie within 2.5 km of the village, and a walkable gorge drops from its western edge to the sea.
Sitia (JSH) is the nearest airport to Schinokapsala. The coves here are small and mostly unorganised, shaded by tamarisks rather than lined with sunbeds.
Six outings lie within about 4 km of Schinokapsala, listed here from nearest to furthest.
Schinokapsala is a village whose name carries down to the coast below it. Schinokapsala holds Ahlia in its jurisdiction, and the gorge that shares the beach’s name starts west of the houses, so village, ravine and cove read as one unit. Our own pages spell the name both Schinokapsala and Skinokapsala.
The setting is the seaward edge of the Thripti Range, where pine woods run from the slopes above Ahlia to the Apiganias woods at Koutsouras. Streams come down off Thripti to each cove, and the one at Agia Fotia is cloaked by enormous plane trees. Makry Gialos, 6.7 km away, is the nearest resort centre: a fishing village on the Libyan Sea with a small harbour, about 1,000 year-round residents and the role of local centre for a municipal unit inside the Ierapetra municipality. Our guide covers Makry Gialos in full.
Five beaches lie within 2.5 km of Schinokapsala, starting with Ahlia at 0.9 km. They run from a sandy family cove to cliff-backed beaches that only a boat or a hidden trail reaches.
Eating near Schinokapsala means beach tavernas and cafés along the coast road, the closest 800 m out.
Take the main road that runs east from Ierapetra towards Makrigialos along Crete’s southern shoreline. Our Ahlia page places the village’s beach 15 km east of Ierapetra and 50 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, and our Mavros Kolimbos page notes that public buses also serve this coast. Sitia (JSH) is the nearest airport.
Two directions open from the village. Makry Gialos lies 6.7 km further east along the coast, about 25 km from Ierapetra and 33 km from Sitia, while the Orino Gorge turns inland into the Thripti and Papouri mountains 4 km away.
Schinokapsala lies in the Lasithi region of eastern Crete, east of Ierapetra on the south-east coast. Our Ahlia page puts the village’s own beach 15 km east of Ierapetra and 50 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos.
Ahlia beach lies 0.9 km from Schinokapsala and falls within the village’s jurisdiction. Four more beaches sit within 2.5 km, among them Mavros Kolimbos, Galini and Agia Fotia.
Yes, the sandstone walls of the Ahlia Gorge stand wide enough that the walk needs no canyoning gear. The route runs from the Kipos spot west of Schinokapsala down to Ahlia beach, past waterfalls of 5 m to 8 m that run in winter.
Ahlia suits families, with coarse sand, usually calm sea and tamarisk shade 0.9 km from the village. The cove keeps a few umbrellas and water sports, with mini markets, taverns and rooms nearby.
Sitia (JSH) is the nearest airport to Schinokapsala. Makry Gialos, 6.7 km east along the coast, sits about 33 km from Sitia and 25 km from Ierapetra.
This quad safari rides the mountain tracks of south-eastern Crete from a meeting point at Galini, between Ierapetra and Makrigialos. The route crosses olive groves and pine forest to a plateau with a 360-degree view taking in both the Cretan Sea and the Libyan Sea at once, and finishes with a Cretan lunch in a mountain taverna. SOUTHEAST CRETE IKE runs it over 5 hours 30 minutes from €195, with a 4.94 rating across 70 reviews.
The day starts with a briefing and ends with lunch, with five stops in between. The route is a loop from Galini back to Galini.
First is the 09:00 meeting and briefing, covering the vehicle controls and safety rules, followed by a test drive so you are comfortable before leaving. Second, the group heads into the southern mountains through olive groves, stopping at stalactite formations for photographs. Third comes a mountain village and a forest of Mediterranean plant species, then a stop above the Libyan Sea. Fourth, the track climbs past a sheepfold and an isolated Orthodox chapel to a plateau at around 1,500 metres, from there you see Mirabello bay, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda to the north, and Chrissi and Koufonisi islands to the south. Fifth is the descent to a mountain village for lunch, then the winding roads back to Galini.
You need a driving licence to ride.
The route stays in the mountains behind the south-east coast.
The €195 covers the quad, the fuel, the guiding and the meal.
Included:
Not included:
Bring your driving licence, it is required.
We recommend this one for the viewpoint, which is the single best argument any tour on this page has. Standing on a plateau at 1,500 metres where you can see the Cretan Sea and the Libyan Sea at the same time, Mirabello bay one way, Chrissi island the other, is something Crete offers in very few places, and almost none of them have a road.
At 4.94 across 70 reviews with a flat 5.0 for guiding, the delivery is as good as the route. The guide, Jürgen, is named in review after review by guests from Germany, France, the Netherlands, the UK and Austria, praised for speaking English, French, German and even Dutch, for explaining how the landscape and the island came to be, and for looking after small groups properly. One German couple were the only two on their tour.
The safety briefing gets repeated praise, which matters on a quad. A French reviewer described the instructions as very clear and said it let them ride with confidence. Another noted the staff explain the day’s schedule and the safety briefing before anything starts, and the test drive means nobody’s first time on a quad is on a mountain track.
The lunch is not an afterthought. Reviewers from France, Germany and the Netherlands all single it out, a family tavern, a typical Cretan meal, properly taken care of.
Two honest points rather than complaints, because this review record contains no criticism at all.
It is €195, which is at the upper end for a half-day activity in Crete. Value for money still scores 4.9, so people who paid it thought it worth it, but go in knowing the number.
Transport is extra. The meeting point at Galini is signposted from the main road, but if you are staying in Heraklion or Chania this is a long drive, and the transfer is a paid option rather than an inclusion.
Bring your licence, ride the test loop properly, and take a layer for the altitude.
The meeting point is at Galini, between Ierapetra and Makrigialos, marked by a large sign on the main road. The day starts at 09:00 and runs 5 hours 30 minutes.
Bring your driving licence. Transfer from your accommodation is a paid option rather than an inclusion.
The tour runs 5 hours 30 minutes, starting at 09:00 from the meeting point at Galini.
A driving licence is required to ride the quad.
Lunch and drinks at a mountain taverna are included, and reviewers consistently rate the meal as a highlight rather than a filler.
From the plateau you see the Cretan Sea with Mirabello bay, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda to the north, and the Libyan Sea with Chrissi and Koufonisi islands to the south.
A safety briefing and a test drive come before the route starts, and reviewers who had never ridden a quad describe feeling confident afterwards.
Transfer is a paid option, not an inclusion. The meeting point is signposted on the main road at Galini.
Check dates and prices for the Ierapetra quad safari day tour.
Take a tour to Richtis beach on the far side of Mirabello Bay and trek through the forest to the stunning Richtis waterfall. After pickup from your accommodation, enjoy the beautiful scenery on the 1-hour drive to the bay of Mirabello. Leave the asphalt and travel off road down to Richtis beach, hugging the mountainside.
Park at the bottom and enter Richtis gorge to start the 30-minute walk to reach the falls. Follow a trail through the forest, listening to the sounds of birds and running water. Stop to admire the incredible waterfalls, with time to climb up the stairs to the top of the falls, take photos, or swim in the cool waters.
When you are ready to leave, head back to the beach along the same trail. During the tour you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local tavern, with wine and water included. At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in the Elounda area.
This is a small family boat trip rather than a charter: four hours out of Agios Nikolaos marina with Captain Kostas aboard the Monomahos, fishing the bays of Mirabello with rods, stopping to swim, and eating a snack his wife cooks. Fishing Trips Crete run it from €90, with a 4.87 rating across 68 reviews, and reviewers keep saying the same thing, that beginners are welcome.
The four hours divide between fishing, swimming and eating, and the captain reads the weather to decide the order.
First is the marina at Agios Nikolaos, where Kostas meets you at the boat. Second is the run out into Mirabello Bay, the large sheltered gulf that gives eastern Crete its calmest water, to whichever spot is fishing that day. Third is the fishing itself, with rods and tackle provided and the captain baiting and advising as needed. Fourth is a stop in one of the bays for a swim and the snack, with beer, local wine, soft drinks, coffee and water on board.
Reviewers commonly report three different stops in a single trip, and several describe snorkelling between the fishing spots.
The boat works the gulf immediately around the town.
The €90 covers the boat, the captain, the tackle and the food.
Included:
There is nothing listed as excluded, which is unusual and worth noting, the price is the price.
We recommend this one because of who it works for: people who have never fished. That is not the usual pitch for a fishing trip, and it is the single most repeated point in the reviews.
A German guest put it directly, Kostas is attentive, helpful and patient, and that matters when you have people aboard fishing for the first time in their lives. Another German family called it recommended even for inexperienced anglers. A British couple reported their daughter Freya catching her first fish ever. If you have been put off booking because you would not know what to do with a rod, this is the trip that solves that.
The second thing is that it is genuinely a family operation. Kostas runs it with his daughter Katerina, the snack is cooked by his wife, and there is a dog on board that a French reviewer went out of their way to mention. A German visitor said it felt more like being out with friends than on a tour. Guide and transportation both score 4.9 out of 5.
Third, it is not only fishing. Reviewers describe three stops in four hours, snorkelling between them, and the captain explaining the species being caught. A Dutch family of four fished and snorkelled at three different locations. If half your group wants to swim rather than fish, they are catered for.
Two honest notes.
Value for money is the weakest dimension at 4.7 out of 5, which is still high, but €90 for four hours is a real price, and it reflects a small boat with few passengers rather than a bargain.
Weather decides the itinerary. The operator states that the captain chooses the route and the spot according to conditions on the day, so nothing about the route is fixed in advance.
Say you are a beginner, bring a towel, and come hungry.
The meeting point is Akti Nearchou 18 at the Agios Nikolaos marina. The trip runs 4 hours and the boat is the Monomahos.
Bring swimwear, a towel and sun protection. The captain has 30 years at sea and all fishing equipment is supplied, so there is nothing else to bring.
The trip runs 4 hours from the marina, covering fishing, a swim stop and a snack.
No, reviewers repeatedly describe it as suitable for complete beginners, including children catching their first fish.
All fishing equipment is included, along with a snack, water, a soft drink or coffee, and a beer or glass of local wine.
Yes, the boat stops in one of the bays for a swim, and reviewers commonly report snorkelling between fishing spots.
Into Mirabello Bay, the sheltered gulf around Agios Nikolaos, with the exact spots chosen by the captain on the day.
Captain Kostas, with 30 years at sea, working alongside his daughter Katerina, with the onboard snack cooked by his wife.
Check dates and prices for the Agios Nikolaos fishing trip.
This boat trip leaves Agios Nikolaos harbour at 12:30 and spends 4.5 hours in the Mirabello gulf, crossing to Spinalonga and stopping to swim at Kolokytha bay on the way. Spinalonga carries Venetian fortifications and the buildings of the leper colony that operated there until 1957, and the route also passes the sunken city of Olous and Barbarossa’s cave. NOSTOS CRUISES runs it from €25, with a 4.41 rating across 3,526 reviews, ranking 37th among all GetYourGuide experiences in Greece.
The boat makes a circuit of the gulf with one landing and one swim. Four things fill the 4.5 hours.
First is the cruise across Mirabello bay from the main harbour, with live commentary and views back at the coast. Second are the sights passed en route: the cave associated with the corsair Barbarossa, the submerged remains of the ancient city of Olous, and the island where the kri-kri goats live. Third is Spinalonga itself, with a guided walk covering the Venetian period and the colony years. Fourth is the swim stop at Kolokytha bay, entered straight off the boat by ladder and platform.
Live guiding runs in English and Dutch; French, German, Polish and Greek are provided by audio guide only.
The route stays within the Mirabello gulf on the north-east coast.
The €25 covers the boat and the guiding; the island fee and everything you consume are separate.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this as the efficient way to do Spinalonga: half a day, from a town harbour you can walk to, at €25. It leaves your morning and evening free, which the full-day coach trips do not.
The swim stop is what reviewers rate highest, and it is better than it sounds. A New Zealand guest called it the highlight of the trip, jumping into the sea straight from the boat using the ladder and platform, far more convenient than wading off a beach. French and Polish reviewers describe the same thing, and one noted the swimming time is exactly right.
Guiding on the island earns specific praise. A Dutch reviewer named Dimitri for the history he gave on Spinalonga; a British reviewer described the island guide as very informative and happy to answer questions. A Greek guest said the guides were warm and attentive from the first minute to the last.
The boat itself gets good marks, clean, with a bar and restaurant, food and drink at reasonable prices, and plenty of facilities.
Two honest caveats, and one of them is the dominant complaint in this record.
The €20 island fee is not clear enough at booking. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers want clearer information on the additional entry fee, and two separate German reviewers raised it directly, one saying the price should be more clearly indicated, the other spelling out that an add-on ticket of €20 each is needed for the roughly 90 minutes on the island. At €25 for the boat, the fee nearly doubles your cost.
Language coverage is uneven. Only English and Dutch get a live guide; French, German, Polish and Greek passengers listen to a recording. Guiding scores 4.3 out of 5, the weakest dimension, and this is the likeliest reason.
If you would rather have the towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda included with a coach and a guide for the whole day, the full-day Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga trip covers all three.
Budget €45 not €25, bring a towel, and take the ladder rather than the beach.
The boat departs from Nostos Cruises at Akti Koundourou 6, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, at 12:30. No hotel transfer is included.
French, German, Polish and Greek commentary is by audio guide rather than a live guide. Pets are allowed on board, towels are not provided, and the Spinalonga entry fee is paid separately.
The trip runs 4.5 hours, departing Agios Nikolaos harbour at 12:30.
No, the island entry fee of around €20 is separate, and it is the most common complaint in the review record.
The swim stop is at Kolokytha bay, entered directly from the boat by ladder and platform rather than from a beach.
A live guide covers English and Dutch. French, German, Polish and Greek are provided by audio guide only.
No transfer is included. The boat leaves from the main harbour in Agios Nikolaos, walkable from the town centre.
Pets are allowed on board, which is unusual among the Spinalonga boats.
Check dates and prices for the Agios Nikolaos boat trip to Spinalonga.
Ahlia, also known as Achlia, is situated 50km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 15km east of Ierapetra, within the jurisdiction of the village Schinokapsala. It’s a small community nestled in a cove, with the Thrypti Range’s steep slopes and pine trees surrounding it. The cove opens up into a stunning beach with coarse sand and vibrant blue water. The beach has minimal development, with only a few umbrellas, water sports, and some nearby accommodations, mini markets and taverns. Tamarisk trees provide shade for visitors, and the sea is usually calm. This location is perfect for a tranquil vacation, particularly for families.
The Achlia Gorge, which is small but reasonably wide, begins west of the Skinokapsala village at the Kipos location. The gorge, covered in pine trees, ends at Ahlia beach. During winter, water from the Thripti Range forms a river with several waterfalls (between 5 to 8 meters high) along its path. As the sandstone walls are not narrow, hiking is relatively easy without the need for canyoning equipment.
To get to Ahlia, take the main road east to Makrigialos, following the southern coastline of Crete, until you see the signpost for Ahlia. East of Ahlia, before reaching the Agios Panteleimonas community, you’ll find the small beach known as Bonda or Grias Pidima.
The beach known as Mavros Kolimbos or Agios Panteleimon is situated 51km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 16km to the east of Ierapetra. This quaint coastal settlement has experienced gentle growth over recent years. The area boasts several rental accommodations and small eateries. The beach itself is a charming spot with dark grey pebbles and typically tranquil waters. Some parts of the seabed are rocky, making it perfect for snorkelling. Although the beach is not organized, there are tamarisk trees nearby that provide natural shade.
To reach Mavros Kolimbos from Ierapetra, take the main road east towards Makrigialos, which runs along Crete’s southern shoreline. Public bus services are also available to Makrigialos and can stop in the area. If you’re driving, consider stopping by the mountainous Orino village in the Thrypti Range and the Gorge of Red Butterflies. Within the settlement, pay a visit to the Agios Panteleimonas church, from which the beach derives its alternative name.
Situated 47km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 13km east of Ierapetra, near Achlia beach, lies the quaint village of Galini. Nestled amidst a lush landscape dotted with pine trees, Galini is a small yet slightly developed village. The coastline surrounding the village is marked by numerous hidden coves and pebbly beaches, only accessible via a few well-concealed paths.
Among these is Galini beach, a serene spot nestled between Ahlia and Agia Fotia. Characterized by fine pebbles and clear calm waters, the beach’s seabed is rocky in certain spots. The beach remains concealed from the main road due to towering conglomerate rocks and isn’t easily accessible, making it a quiet and ideal spot for those seeking solitude. While the beach is not organized, the proximity of village hotels and taverns makes it convenient for visitors. A short path from Galini’s main road leads directly to the beach.
The beaches of Maheridia by Koutsouras village are a series of three different beaches with high cliffs. These beaches are all beautiful with crystal clear water and are only accessible by boat. The only one that can be accessed from the coast is the last beach to the east, accessed through two different trails hidden in the dense piney wood. The beach is only a few meters east of the well-known woods Apiganias at Koutsouras, in an area with many pine trees.
From the main road, a very short dirt road descends to the parking area where we meet a cluster of high pine trees. From here we have beautiful panoramic views of the eastern bay of Maheridia. Maheridia is a favourite destination for locals and you will very rarely see tourists. The picturesque bays are sandy and pebbly with some scattered rocks in places. The east bay at Maheridi is calm and windless almost all the time, being ideal for families with children.
The area is full of water springs, especially in winter and spring water gushes from everywhere and after a short distance reaches the sea. At some point the water is gathered, so one can see running water even in the dry summer months.
Located at Vothoni of Kakia Skala, in the province of Ierapetra, you can find the Roman fish tanks carved by the Romans into the soft sandstone, featuring a small opening to the sea to allow fresh water to flow in. There are also some steps in one corner.
It is not difficult to envision a housewife from that time standing on top, pointing, and exclaiming, “I want that one!” This historical site is truly impressive and well worth the effort to visit.
The sheltered harbor and verdant valley of Makrigialos made it a prime spot for settlements over the years. A testament to this is the Roman villa discovered at Katovigli in 1977 by archaeologist N. Papadakis, located above today’s Makrigialos port. Before this, the site had revealed plundered graves and a 4th-century AD headstone.
This grand mansion, active from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD, spanned at least 1500 sq.m. Its layout featured a central courtyard surrounded by rooms, storage spaces, and a bath system with reservoirs. The entrance showcased a mosaic floor adorned with floral and geometric designs, while rooms boasted marble flooring. The estate also housed a burial chamber, an oven with a vaulted entrance, and ash remnants, indicative of the site’s multifaceted history.
The peaceful region of Makrigialos, with its small fertile plane and sheltered sandy beach, was not overlooked by the Minoans, who left significant evidence of their presence. The primary discovery is a rural mansion, a miniature Minoan palace, located in Plakakia and found in 1971 by Kostas Davaras.
Dating back to 1480-1425 BC, the villa was likely a center for commercial control of the Makrigialos plane and its harbor. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire. The mansion featured a large central courtyard, tiled floors, sturdy external walls, secondary courtyards, rooms, a sanctuary, and a location where a sacred palm tree stood; this can be seen in a stamp depicting a sacred ship, a priestess, and a palm tree.
The archaeological site of Gournia can be found on a hill to the west of Pachia Ammos, near the road that connects Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra, approximately 19km east of Agios Nikolaos. This city, which thrived during the Minoan period, is regarded as the most comprehensively excavated Minoan town on Crete. Due to its excellent preservation, it has been dubbed the “Pompeii of Crete“. The excavation of Gournia was carried out by an American Archaeology Group, led by Harriet Boyd, between 1901 and 1904.
The city seems to have prospered between 1550-1450BC, before being destroyed by an earthquake in 1450BC and ultimately abandoned around 1200BC. Its true name remains unknown, with the name Gournia being derived from the stone and wooden bowls – basins (urns) that were discovered at the archaeological site prior to the excavations.
Visitors can enjoy strolling along the paved streets of the archaeological site and getting a sense of what a small Minoan town was like. Excavations have uncovered houses, walls, stairs leading to second floors, storage rooms, and workshops. The discovery of various tools (such as chisels, hooks, hammers, and pots) helps us to envision the daily life of the Minoans. Notably, there was also a sewerage system in place.
At the summit of the hill, a small palace has been discovered, along with a large courtyard (believed to be the market), a primitive theater, and a temple dedicated to the goddess of snakes. The cemetery of Gournia was found in the Sfougaras area, quite close to the beaches of Kamini.
The Kapsas Monastery of St. John is situated 9km east of Makrigialos, adjacent to Goudouras, and is owned by the Toplou Monastery near Sitia. It is dedicated to the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, which is commemorated on August 29.
This monastery is constructed like a fortress on a steep, rocky slope above the sea, along the edges of the stunning Pervolakia gorge. A picturesque pebble beach can be found in front of the monastery.
It is said that the monk Joseph Gerontoyannis, who lived in a nearby cave, made the monastery famous due to his miraculous abilities. He was able to experience divine visions, walk on the sea to the neighboring island of Koufonissi, and cure any sickness. Today, he is honored on August 7.
The Panagia Faneromeni Monastery, also known as Virgin Mary of Gournia, is situated northwest of Pachia Ammos and 24km south of Agios Nikolaos. This male monastery is perched on a steep slope at an altitude of 540 meters, offering breathtaking views of the sea. The two-aisled monastery church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Zoodohos Pigi (Source of Life), is built within a cave.
As one of the most renowned monasteries in eastern Crete, the Panagia Faneromeni Monastery attracts pilgrims from all over the island, especially on August 15th, its celebration day. Some even arrive on foot to fulfill a vow.
Constructed on a steep incline, the monastery resembles a fortress overlooking the sea. Its strategic position reflects the defensive nature of the Faneromeni Monastery against the frequent pirate attacks along the Cretan coast. The architecture is reminiscent of monasteries that were restored in the late 16th and 17th centuries.
Legend has it that a shepherd once lost his best ram every afternoon. One day, he decided to follow the ram and witnessed it drinking water flowing from the cave. As the shepherd approached, the icon of the Virgin Mary was “revealed” to him. When he took the icon home, it vanished, only to be found again in the cave where the monastery was eventually built. It is said that the same icon reappears and mysteriously disappears again, particularly on the Assumption and other Marian feasts.
The Axion Esti Monastery is situated on a hill 2km north of Ierapetra. Its full name is the Female Monastery of the Resurrection of Christ and Virgin Mary “Axion Esti”.
Established in 1984, this modern monastery is for women and is encircled by the monks’ cells. The primary temple is a three-aisled church, with each aisle dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Resurrection of Christ, and the Annunciation. Additionally, within the monastery, you can find the chapels of the Nativity of the Lord, All Saints, and Holy Trinity. Outside the complex, the Church of the Transfiguration is also present.
Notably, the monastery’s primary celebrations occur on Easter’s Resurrection and June 11th (Virgin Mary).
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Commencing from the west of the village of Skinokapsala, at the Kipos spot, lies the petite yet fairly broad Ahlia gorge. This gorge, blanketed by pine trees, concludes at the Ahlia beach, also referred to as Galini. Throughout the winter season, the Thripti Range feeds a river with its waters, creating a string of waterfalls that vary in height from 5 to 8 meters. The gorge’s sandstone walls are wide enough to make hiking a breeze, eliminating the need for any canyoning gear.
In the vicinity of the verdant and water-rich springs of Orino village, we encounter one of Crete’s most precipitous rivers. The river’s sources are found high up on the Abelia plateau, nestled within the Thripti and Papouri mountains. These springs quickly form a river which traverses the village square before making its way into the rugged Orino canyon. To navigate the canyon along the riverbed, canyoneering gear is necessary. The river carves out stunning waterfalls and pools, with the final section being particularly breathtaking. The last trio of waterfalls at Peristerionas are among Crete’s most beautiful. The river’s water volume is also noteworthy, particularly in the typically dry region of East Crete. Even in the summer, the gorge maintains a steady water flow.
The river continues its journey downstream, passing through the Red Butterflies canyon before reaching Koutsouras beach. Despite suffering considerable damage in a 1993 fire, the gorge’s vegetation remains lush, serving as a green oasis in the warm eastern Crete. The gorge begins near the exit of the Orino Gorge and concludes at Koutsouras after a 3-4 hour walk (starting from Orino village and circumventing the wilder parts of the Orino gorge). Signposts along the route guide the way. At the route’s commencement, there are a few small springs and waterfalls which dry up during the summer. Winter, however, makes hiking in the gorge quite challenging. The gorge earns its name from the red butterflies that flutter amongst the bushes and flowers, creating a truly unique spectacle. Regrettably, their numbers have significantly dwindled in the aftermath of the fire.
The Mylonas or Saint John Gorge is situated 18km to the east of Ierapetra. It commences near the St. John village at a height of 500m and concludes at the Kakia Skala beach. It is not feasible to descend the gorge from Saint John due to a tall waterfall, necessitating the use of canyoning equipment.
Nonetheless, there are two ascending trails that start near the Kakia Skala beach, providing access to the high fall of the Mylonas canyon. The first trail (easy – 20’) takes you through the pine-wooded side of the gorge, a large portion of which is the old concrete ditch, formerly used to transport water to Koutsounari. The other trail follows the riverbed and can be quite exhausting, especially in winter (takes approximately 1:30 hour).
Upon reaching the end of the ascending trails at a height of 300m, you will encounter the tall fall of Milonas, which stands at 20m. Below it, you will find a small pond filled with crystal-clear water, perfect for a refreshing swim. In winter, and after heavy rainfall, a second waterfall appears to the left of the main fall, creating a breathtaking view.
Ha Gorge, a mesmerizing natural wonder carved into the western side of Mount Thrypti, channels water from the Thripti plateau to the Pachia Ammos beach. The gorge’s journey commences near the Saint Anne Byzantine church and the E4 footpath at approximately 800m altitude, and concludes near the Monastiraki village, about 100m above sea level.
Traversing the Ha Gorge demands canyoneering skills and specific gear due to its series of cascading waterfalls, including a 35m high plunge. The gorge tightens to a mere thirty centimetres at certain points, squeezed between cliffs that rise to 400 meters. The Mastoras waterfall, one of Greece’s tallest free falls reaching 215m, contributes substantial water midway through the route.
For those with less experience, a hike from the Monastiraki exit of the gorge provides a peek into its splendour, leading to a charming pond at the base of the final waterfall and past ancient grain mills. The name of the gorge, Ha, originates from the Greek verb “Hasko,” which means to create a gap. However, local folklore offers vibrant alternative explanations. From stories of misleading Saracens to myths of a golden chariot hidden deep within, the Ha Gorge is not only a stunning natural spectacle but also a symbol of intriguing local mythology.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Mystique Luxury Suite is located in Achlia. This property offers a rooftop pool, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
Spa and wellness facilities including a hot tub, a hammam and a steam room are at guests’ disposal during their stay at the villa. Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Achlia Beach is 400 metres from Mystique Luxury Suite, while Lake Voulismeni is 47 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 45 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Set in Achlia, Achlia Beach Villa is located on the beachfront. The villa offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. This villa features a private pool, a garden and free private parking.
This villa is fitted with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom equipped with a shower.
A terrace is available for guests at the villa to use.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 28 km from Achlia Beach Villa.
from
€238
/night
Featuring mountain views, Villa Achlia provides accommodation with a terrace and a coffee machine, around 100 metres from Achlia Beach. It features an infinity pool, a garden, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
This villa comes with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with an oven and a microwave, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 3 bathrooms equipped with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
The villa offers a hot tub. If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings.
Agia Fotia Beach is 2.5 km from Villa Achlia, while Lake Voulismeni is 47 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 46 km from the accommodation.
from
€221
/night
Located in Achlia, 100 metres from Achlia Beach and 2.3 km from Agia Fotia Beach, Blue Horizon offers barbecue facilities and air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a patio and free WiFi.
The apartment comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Lake Voulismeni is 47 km from the apartment, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 46 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 46 km from Blue Horizon.
from
€114
/night
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