Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the rich culture and traditions of Crete! Set in the charming village of Kefalas in Apokoronas, our Authentic Cretan Night offers a unique experience filled with delicious food, live music, and traditional dance.
Pick-up Service:
Begin your evening with the convenience of a pick-up service . Relax as you are transported to Taverna Ortaki , nestled in the heart of Kefalas .
Arrival and Welcome:
Upon arrival, step into the warm embrace of Cretan hospitality. The welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for an unforgettable night filled with cultural delights.
Dinner with Cretan Flavors:
Indulge in a sumptuous Cretan dinner crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu showcases the diverse and mouthwatering flavors of Cretan cuisine, offering a culinary exploration of the region.
Live Music Performance:
Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of live traditional Cretan music. Local musicians, often featuring instruments like the lyre and laouto, create an authentic ambiance that transports you to the heart of Crete.
Traditional Dance Show:
Be mesmerized by a spirited traditional dance performance, where skilled dancers adorned in vibrant costumes showcase the unique dances of Crete. The rhythmic beats and lively movements tell stories of the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Audience Engagement:
Feel the energy of the performance and join in the fun! The friendly atmosphere encourages audience participation, allowing you to experience the joy of traditional Cretan dances firsthand.
Dessert Delights:
Conclude your gastronomic journey with delectable Cretan desserts, adding a sweet note to your evening. Indulge in treats like baklava or loukoumades, savoring the perfect end to your culinary experience.
Closing and Departure:
Bid farewell to the gracious hosts and fellow guests, leaving with cherished memories of an authentic Cretan night. If you arranged for transportation, enjoy a comfortable drop-off back to your accommodation.
Embark on a cultural odyssey at Taverna ORTAKI , where every element of this Cretan night has been thoughtfully curated to offer an immersive and unforgettable experience. A perfect blend of music, dance, gastronomy, and warm hospitality awaits you.
Set sail from Kolymvari and start your trip with a welcome on board. Get to know the team and get briefed by your captain about the safety rules.
Navigate toward one of the most picturesque bays in the area, among the Agioi Theodoroi islands. Stop to swim, snorkel, play with inflatables, or try stand-up paddleboarding.
Enjoy a Mediterranean dinner onboard with vegetarian options available. Savor delicious seafood, and local and imported drinks. Cruise back to Kolymvari while surrounded by sweeping scenery.
Explore the island of Kri-Kri (Thodorou island) onboard a cruise around Crete. Sail around stunning gulfs, secluded small islands, and enjoy the turquoise blue waters.
Begin your cruise in the morning. Sail around Thodorou Island, located near Chania, opposite Agia Marina beach, and see the surrounding secluded islands in the area.
Discover Cretan wild goats (kri-kri). Enjoy the calm and tranquil sea. The coastline of the island and the wreck of a German aircraft from WW2 are perfect places for snorkeling.
Head to Kolymvari port, Chania and be greeted by a crew member who will escort you to the vessel. Hop aboard and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea along with some light snacks. Then, after a short safety briefing, set sail towards the Agioi Theodoroi islands.
Sit back and relax as you make your way to the islands, where you can take advantage of a selection of fun activities. Go for a swim, try your hand at snorkeling, or use the SUP boards to go paddling.
If you prefer a more laid-back experience, this cruise also offers the ideal opportunity for some relaxed sunbathing.
A special entertainment area with board games provides some extra fun for those traveling with kids and if your little one needs a nap, the boat has some comfortable cabins at the ready.
Take a break to refuel with lunch aboard the catamaran. The menu is prepared using local, organic products and includes salad, pasta, seafood, and chicken.
Enjoy local white wine, beer, and soft drinks with your food, and savor a selection of homemade sweets and fresh fruit to round out the meal. A kid’s menu of chicken nuggets or pasta ensures that your little ones will be satisfied too.
Finally, benefit from some more free time before making your way back to the marina in Kolymvari where your cruise comes to an end.
Situated 7km west of Chania, nestled between Kalamaki and Agia Marina, lies Stalos. This well-developed location magnetizes a significant amount of tourists each summer. The coastal region of Stalos, known as Kato Stalos, boasts a stunning sandy beach that is not only well-equipped but also provides all necessary touristic amenities. This makes it a yearly recipient of the coveted blue flag award.
Situated 150m to the south is Pano Stalos, a charming traditional village that is enveloped by lush green hills and striking rock formations.
Stalos serves as a perfect holiday destination due to its proximity to the city of Chania and its ability to cater to all the needs of its visitors. There are also frequent bus services to the city of Chania.
The name ‘Stalos’ is steeped in Cretan mythology, believed to be derived from Talos, a bronze giant who guarded the island from enemies by circling it thrice daily. Legend has it that Talos had his base in Stalos. However, it is more likely that the name ‘Stalos’, originates from the Greek verb stalizo, meaning to stop for rest. This is where local shepherds would halt with their flocks for rest, hence the English word ‘stall’ shares the same Greek roots.
Agia Marina, a charming coastal town, lies just 9km west of the city of Chania. It’s one of Chania’s most sought-after holiday spots, boasting numerous hotels and a full range of tourist amenities. The town’s name is derived from the local Agia Marina church, which holds its festival on July 17th.
Agia Marina is renowned for its stunning chain of sandy beaches. To the west, near the Platania port, there are several small, man-made piers where swimming is possible. To the east, the beach extends to Stalos, offering a long stretch of sand. A variety of services are available along the seashore, typical of a well-appointed beach.
Around 1.5km south of the town, you’ll find the Nerospilia cave, home to spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. Unfortunately, public access is not permitted due to its location on private property. This cave was a place of worship during the Middle Minoan era. While in Agia Marina, don’t miss a visit to the local folklore museum.
Facing the beach of Agia Marina is the protected island of Thodorou, designated as a nature reserve. It’s a sanctuary for the endangered Cretan wild goats, relocated here from the White Mountains, near Samaria Gorge. While approaching the island is generally forbidden, limited boat tours are sometimes available with special permission from the Forest Service. The island’s small sandy beach in the tiny cove, which doubles as the harbour, offers wonderful views of Agia Marina.
The coastal resort of Kalamaki, situated 6km west of Chania city, serves as the beachfront extension of Galatas village. Nestled within a rich, fertile plain adorned with citrus and olive groves, Galatas once relied heavily on agriculture; however, tourism now drives the region’s economy.
Kalamaki marks the western end of an extensive beach that begins 1km eastwards at Agii Apostoli. Its attractive shoreline features fine sand and gentle waters, offering a well-equipped and organized beach experience. Facilities include beach umbrellas, showers, lifeguard services, accommodation, dining, beach bars, and water sports. Additionally, a tiny, secluded cove exists next to the beach’s western edge, set apart from the main beach by a slim sand strip. Regular city bus services from Chania center provide easy access to Kalamaki.
Galatas is the birthplace of Mikis Theodorakis, a distinguished modern Greek composer and activist, who suffered poisoning under the military dictatorship that seized Greece in April 1967. He was also a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. During the Turkish Occupation, Galatas was a Christian-inhabited village, while the nearby Daratsos was occupied by Ottomans.
Glaros Beach
Glaros Beach, characterized by its spacious bay stretching from Holy Apostles to Kalamaki, boasts soft sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters. Tamarisk trees providing natural shade line the beach, contributing to its status as one of Chania’s most popular beaches. However, its northern exposure means it can get windy, making the sheltered coves of Holy Apostles a suitable alternative. Its excellent facilities, stunning beach, and convenient access to and from Chania make Glaros an ideal holiday destination.
Platanias, a coastal hamlet situated 11km west of the city of Chania, has seen a significant surge in tourism in recent years, transforming it from a quaint village into a bustling suburb of Chania. Its close proximity to the city, coupled with its stunning beach and frequent bus services from Chania, have made it the most favoured beach near the city. The original village, nestled on a hillside, offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the islet of Thodorou.
The beach in Platanias is an attractive stretch of sandy shore dotted with hotels of varying class and standard tourist facilities. Beachgoers can avail of all the amenities typical of well-organized beaches, including beach bars, umbrellas, showers, snack bars, lifeguards, and water sports. On the eastern side of the local harbour, near Agia Marina, swimmers can enjoy several small, man-made coves. In the summer, the area’s nightclubs come alive, hosting thousands of both Greek and foreign party-goers who dance until daybreak.
The impressive Late Minoan vaulted tomb of Maleme can be found in close proximity to the German military cemetery and the historic airport of Maleme, situated on Kafkala hill amidst olive groves and overlooking the North Cretan Sea. The tomb had been looted since the early 20th century and suffered significant damage from a bomb during the Battle of Crete, causing its roof to collapse. In 1966, archaeologist Kostas Tzavaras conducted excavations at the site.
Visitors today will be struck by the tomb’s large size and the extensive 13-meter-long entrance corridor leading to the entrance gate. The entrance gate itself is the most remarkable aspect of the construction, standing 3 meters tall and 1.60 meters wide. What truly inspires awe, however, is the enormous carved limestone rock used as a lintel, which is noticeably larger than any other building material found in the tomb. A road takes visitors to the area, where a sign at one point directs them to the tomb via a brief path weaving through the surrounding olive groves.
The Minoan settlement situated near the village of Nerokouros in the suburbs of Chania was unearthed in 1977. A Minoan villa, constructed according to palatial standards (such as tiled floors, polythyron, and two floors) was discovered at this location. The villa is believed to date back to around 1600 BC.
Another, less remarkable house was found 300 meters to the east, featuring two storage rooms and a tiled floor. Besides the Minoan sites, various other antiquities spanning from the Minoan era to the Early Christian years have been excavated in the broader area of Nerokouros.
The Minoan Kydonia was established at the present site of the old town of Chania. Kydonia was likely the third largest town of Minoan Crete. A flourishing craft industry developed here, and the town became wealthy through maritime trade, which was facilitated by its location. In fact, ancient writers referred to Kydonia as the mother of the Cretan towns.
There are two versions of the origin of the name. One version attributes it to Kydon, the mythical son of Minos and the nymph Akakkalida. The other version suggests it comes from an old name for Crete (Chthonia).
Most remnants have been identified on the Kastelli hill above the old Venetian port. Plates of Linear A and Linear B have also been discovered. The remaining traces, such as the palace of Kydonia, are situated beneath the modern city of Chania and have not been excavated.
The city has continued to develop up until today, incorporating elements from all periods of the island’s history. So far, excavations have uncovered Minoan tombs, Mycenaean buildings, small palaces with frescoes, numerous vases, Roman statues, Hellenistic mosaics, and more.
The Agia Triada of Tzagarolon Monastery is among the most opulent and stunning monasteries in Crete. Located near Chania Airport, it sits on the Tzobomylos area of Cape Melecha and at the base of Mount Stavros. Chania is a mere 15km away.
The monastery was established by Venetian noblemen Jeremiah and Lawrence Tzagarolo. Jeremiah, a renowned scholar and friend of the Patriarch of Alexandria, Meletios Pigas, had an extensive education. He was even considered for the role of Patriarch of Constantinople. Influenced by Italian architect Sebastiano Serlio from Verona, Jeremiah designed and constructed the monastery complex.
Nowadays, the monastery houses a small museum showcasing various paintings and icons. The most notable pieces include a 12th-century altar covering, icons of St. John the Theologian (16th century), St. Nicholas (17th century), and the works of painter Skordilis: the Enthroned Christ, Living Spring, and the Second Coming (1635-1645).
Despite its storied history, the monastery still plays a significant role in the religious and economic life of Crete. As a Stavropegic institution, it falls under the direct management of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Visitors can experience a beautifully preserved and lively monastery that produces and exports organic products such as olive oil, wine, honey, vinegar, and high-quality olive oil soap.
The Monastery of St. John the Baptist, located in the Korakies area of Akrotiri near Chania’s airport, is a historic yet relatively unknown convent in Chania.
Throughout its history, the monastery has been destroyed multiple times by various conquerors of Crete, resulting in the loss of valuable documents that could have helped determine the exact date of its foundation. However, it is believed to have been initially established before the Fall of Constantinople (1453) in the coastal region of Agia Kyriaki, within Chania’s Halepa suburb. Due to the continuous pirate raids by the Arabs, the nuns relocated to a safer location on St. Matthew’s hill, and eventually moved to their present location.
Enclosed by a tall wall, the monastery’s main entrance is relatively modest compared to other monasteries in Akrotiri. Within the lush grounds, visitors can find the two-aisled church of St. John the Baptist (celebrated on August 29) and St. George (April 23), accompanied by simple cells and other monastery buildings. The monastery’s icons have been painted by the nuns, and the small chapels of St. Andrew the Cretan and Panagia Portaitissa can also be found on the premises.
In the past, a notable Housekeeping School operated within the monastery, in the present-day museum location. The school quickly gained an outstanding reputation across the island, with the nuns even sewing the wedding dress of Greek Queen Olga in 1867.
The coastal Monastery of Panagia Odigitria can be found at the base of the Spatha peninsula, approximately 26km west of Chania and 2.5km north of Kolimbari. It is also referred to as the Lady of the Angels Monastery of Gonia (Gonia = Corner) due to its position on the western edge-corner of Chania Bay.
Established in the 17th century, the monastery soon thrived as a rich monastic tradition developed in Spatha, and the monks congregated in Gonia. The Gonia Monastery has played a significant role in local history, often serving as a refuge for Cretan rebels and consequently being destroyed numerous times by various conquerors. Evidence of this can be seen in a cannonball embedded in the east wall.
The original 14th-century church is situated in the current cemetery, close to the existing monastery complex. The complex is encircled by a high wall, reminiscent of a Venetian castle. The temple is dedicated to the Virgin Hodhegetria (celebrated on August 15th). Surrounding the temple are numerous other monastery buildings, including monk cells, an abbey, dining room, stores, cellars, and more. The Orthodox Academy of Crete, gym, pool, schools, county court, and other facilities are also housed within the monastery. In the monastery’s museum, visitors can view ancient icons, such as those by Constantine Palaiokapas.
Several notable individuals have served as abbots of the monastery, including Misael Apostolidis, who taught the Greek language to the Greek King Otto and was the first rector of the University of Athens. Others include Joachim Tzagarolos, Parthenios Kelaidis, and Parthenios Pieridis.
In the Varypetro region, nestled on a rocky hill beneath the ruins of the Byzantine fort Kastellos, lies the recently constructed monastic buildings of Chrisopigi Monastery in Chania town. In 2002, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew graced the location with his presence, walking the surrounding trails and laying the foundation stone for the new monastery temple, dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ. On September 2, 2012, Patriarch Bartholomew officially inaugurated the temple.
Visitors can appreciate the stunning beauty of the area by strolling along the trail that connects the picturesque monastery to the Agia Kyriaki dependency.
The Cyclamen Gorge, also known as Agios Georgios Gorge or Gorge Vandes, is nestled on the northern slopes of the White Mountains. Its starting point is the Aletrouvari settlement, situated at an altitude of 300m, and it extends east of Agios Georgios village, ultimately ending at the village of Vandes, which is at an elevation of 50m. The stream that runs through this gorge gathers water from the Drakona area, resulting in the formation of quaint, small ponds at certain spots.
However, this route is not recommended for novice hikers as it requires approximately 2 hours to traverse from Aletrouvari or about 1 hour from Agios Georgios. As visitors journey through this route, they will encounter a diverse landscape that changes along the river, all under the cool shade of towering plane trees and cypresses.
Positioned near the city of Chania, the Therisso Gorge (also known as Eleftherios Venizelos) is an awe-inspiring sight. This six-kilometre-long canyon is adorned with impressive vertical cliffs and lush greenery, rivalling any other gorge in the Chania region. Accessible by car, it’s worth combining a trip to the gorge with a visit to the historic village of Therisso, nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, just 15 kilometres from Chania. This village, steeped in history, offers an unforgettable experience to any visitor.
With a population of just over 100, the valiant village of Therisso has held a significant role in Crete’s modern history, mainly due to the resilience of its inhabitants against Turkish invasions. In 1866, the village was burnt by Mustapha Pasha Naili, forcing many, including the mother of future Greek Prime Minister, Eleftherios Venizelos, to relocate to Kythera and the Peloponnese. Therisso gained further historical prominence in 1905 when Eleftherios Venizelos and his allies initiated a revolution against the autocratic rule of Prince George, imposed by the Great Powers, charting a course for Crete’s union with Greece. Notably, the heroic Halides brothers, key figures in the 1821 revolution, also hailed from Therisso.
In the mountainous region of Kydonia near Chania, nestled at the base of the White Mountains, you’ll find the picturesque Kydoni gorge. Named after the area, not the Greek word for “quince” which is also kydoni, this gorge is one of the most verdant in Crete, boasting lush vegetation with trees towering over twenty meters high. The journey begins in the village of Karanou, starting at the site of an ancient fountain. A downhill path takes you through a breathtaking centuries-old olive grove, past the church of Saint Demetrius (Agios Dimitrios) with its remnants of old frescoes, and finally to the stream bed. The greenery is abundant throughout the gorge, with sunlight only filtering through in a few places, making it a perfect spot for a cool walk on a hot, sunny day.
The trail that traverses the gorge is one of the most well-marked in Crete, with signs posted every 500 meters indicating the distance. The entire route is 2 km long, ending where the Kydoni stream meets the Platanias river tributary, Mavropiliotis, in the Mavra Pila area. The name Mavra Pila translates to “dark muddy soil” in the Cretan dialect, a fitting description for the blackish soil that turns into black mud when wet.
The trail continues from the end of the Kydoni gorge into the Boriano gorge, which runs parallel to Kydoni and originates from the Boriana neighborhood in Karanou. The Kydoni stream is typically dry throughout the year, only filling with water during the heavy rains of winter. Along the route, there are 2-3 small waterfalls, with the tallest one crossed by a charming wooden bridge that leads to a rock shelter adorned with small stalactites. The descent through Kydoni takes about an hour of hiking. Towards the bottom of the gorge, you’ll find two old trails leading to the nearby settlement of Skordalou.
The verdant Boriano canyon, more commonly referred to as Karanou Gorge, begins in the Boriana neighborhood of Karanou village and extends for 1800 meters until it merges with the Mavropiliotis River via an attractively laid out path. The trail features a dilapidated watermill, caves, and the entrances to the old iron ore quarries (locally referred to as the Averof quarries), along with a charcoal furnace and tunnels. The gorge runs parallel to the Kydoni Gorge, and it’s common for hikers to explore both gorges simultaneously.
Orestis Hotel Sea View Apartments are situated on the hillside in the picturesque village of Upper Stalos, 9 km from the center of Chania, 14 km from Souda harbour and 23 km from Chania airport.
The hotel comprises of 2 buildings housing 12 apartments enjoying views of the sea and the mountains, a garden and a swimming pool.
All apartments feature marble tiled floors, cream coloured walls and elegant furnishings. Each is equipped with air condition, kitchenette with fridge, living room with coffee table and sofa and terrace.
Upper Stalos offers plenty of choices for food, shopping, daily excursions and entertainment. The nearest beaches are within walking distance. Other beaches like Agii Apostoli, Chrissi Akti, Platanias, Gerani are at a 5 to 10 minutes’ drive. Private and public parking are available at the hotel.
from
€76
/night
Boasting a shared seasonal outdoor swimming pool and welcoming guests with local products, Villa Eftichia offers accommodation in Stalós with free WiFi and sea views. The Stalos Beach is within 1.3 km of the villa.
The villa comes with 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with an oven, a microwave, and a washing machine. The villa also has 2 bathrooms with a bath.
Speaking Greek and English at the reception, staff are always at hand to help.
The villa offers a terrace.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 23 km from the property.
Set 2.4 km from Stalos Beach and 4.4 km from Platanias Square, Evora Suites in Chania Town offers air-conditioned accommodation with views of the mountain and free WiFi.
The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer, while the kitchen has an oven, a microwave and a fridge. Kitchenware is also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The apartment offers a terrace.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 4.9 km from Evora Suites, while Municipal Garden is 6.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.
Located in Stalós in the Crete region and Stalos Beach reachable within 1.3 km, Aristos Apartments & Suites provides accommodation with free WiFi, BBQ facilities, a garden and free private parking.
The apartment provides guests with a patio, sea views, a seating area, cable flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and an oven, and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer. A stovetop is also featured, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine.
Aristos Apartments & Suites offers a terrace.
A car rental service is available at the accommodation.
Agia Marina Beach is 1.9 km from Aristos Apartments & Suites, while Platanias Beach is 2.9 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 23 km from the apartment.
from
€45
/night
Connect with thousands of Crete visitors and boost your bookings.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
