Our day is the perfect way to explore the central part of Crete from mountains to gorges to a beautiful beach.
Our journey starts as we make our way to Mount Juktas with breathtaking views of the blue infinity of the Aegean Sea. God Zeus knew what he was doing by choosing Mount Juktas as his final resting place.
From here we take the road through extensive vineyards where the Minoans built a wine press which is the oldest one in the world, to our next stop Charakas, a little mountain village where we join the locals for a coffee break in the traditional cafeneion. We continue on through dirt tracks, bumpy roads over the olive tree dotted hills to our next stop the top of Tripitis Gorge where you have a magnificent view over the Gorge with its different layers of rocks, Cretan wild herbs and the Libyan Sea. Driving down towards one of the most beautiful and pictures Gorges of Crete we stop to give you the possibility to walk thru the Gorge to the narrows place where you find the little church of Panagia which is built into the rocks.
Building up an appetite, we drive down to Tripitis beach where we have a BBQ Lunch next to the beach with unlimited wine and water. Now you can enjoy some free time for a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea where you have crystal clear blue water and the temperature of the water is always higher than in the Aegean Sea. Than we head back towards the South Coast passing through some small traditional villages full of character and interest until we stop for some refreshment and to try our local drink, Raki.
This is a day full of many surprises and the excitement is second to none, you certainly won’t forget your fun day out with Safari Club Crete.
Enjoy an exciting visit to Knossos Palace, Crete’s most famous historical attraction, with a pre-booked e-ticket, including a compelling audio tour downloadable on your phone and a detailed map of the site. Lose yourself in the audio tour’s storytelling and immerse yourself in history as you walk around this iconic site.
Visit the grand capital of Minoan Crete, located just south of Heraklion, and see the evocative setting, complete with impressive ruins and brightly-colored frescoes, come alive through an engaging narrative that sheds light on various elements of Minoan culture.
The cupbearers and procession frescoes at the South Propylaeum, which depicts scenes from everyday life and the ceremonial activities in Minoan Crete, provide a great insight into the aesthetic ideals of the time. Follow the evolution of Minoan fashion, learn about the popular hairstyles of the people, and discover the beauty products locals used to touch up their looks.
At the West Magazines, where the storage facilities of the palace are located, gain an understanding of the well-organized bureaucracy that supported the palace organization, the earliest forms of linear writing, as well as the Minoan economy and trade networks. Discover the copy of the “Prince of the Lilies” at the South Entrance Corridor and gaze out on Mount Juktas, perfectly framed by the eroded walls of the palace.
Visit the Queen’s Megaron, embellished with famous blue dolphins fresco and equipped with a bathroom and a toilet room, where you can find out everything about the bath habits in the Minoan era.
Settlements in Knossos date as far back as the Neolithic period. Neolithic remains from around 7000 BC are found throughout Crete. Explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization and enjoy a skip-the-line tour of the Knossos Palace.
The Knossos Palace was built from 1700 to 1400 BC. Advanced architectural techniques were used in its construction, and sections of the palace stood up to 5 stories high.
It featured 1,300 rooms connected by corridors, and a theater and extensive storerooms, which held large clay containers of oil, grains, dried fish, beans and olives – often with gold hidden beneath.
Take the hassle out of visiting Crete’s capital and the Palace of Knossos with transport arranged for you. Relax on a day tour including hotel pickup, a transfer to the palace, then Heraklion, and drop-off back at your hotel in Rethymno. Take your time exploring the attractions at your own pace.
After hotel pickup, head straight to the first stop, the Palace of Knossos. Marvel at the ruins of the neolithic settlement and explore the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization. Discover where thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Minotaur and labyrinth, were born.
Next, stop at Heraklion, where you will have 4 hours of free time to spend as you wish. Explore the city and visit the archeological museum. Buy some souvenirs. Grab a coffee, or tuck into a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Then, climb back on the bus to be returned to your hotel in Rethymno.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Agios Thomas (Saint Thomas) is one of the most impressive mountain villages of Crete, mainly due to the easily carvable rocks in the region. The area boasts incredible monuments of carved architecture, transporting us to ancient times with Minoan presses, Roman tombs, and cavernous temples. These features, combined with the breathtaking cliffs, natural caves, Byzantine churches, and lush green surroundings, create a magical landscape.
In the village of Agios Thomas, south of the church with the same name, a short path begins at the statue of local hero Demetrius Varouchas. After a 2-minute walk, we arrive at one of the most impressive archaeological sites of Crete, located at Gria Mandra.
At Gria Madra, numerous towering boulders are scattered throughout the area, with a trail weaving between them. Many of these rocks contain carved Roman tombs that remain in excellent condition, inspiring awe in all visitors. Around the Agios Thomas area, there are about 30 tombs.
En route to the abandoned settlement of Ardachthia, we encounter a rock covered in ivy and the carved cavernous chapel of Kera Spiliotissa. Inside a recess, about 15 meters after the church, archaeologists discovered a Greco-Roman inscription in 1910 that can still be seen today.
The inscription clearly states in Greek, “Dedicated to the goddesses Larkia Artemis, Demeter and Kori,” who were all deities of Hades. Residents of Agios Thomas claim that inside the church, there was once a chasm known as the Gate of Hades, which has since been covered with cement.
All of these findings suggest that Agios Thomas was a site for worshiping chthonic deities, or the deities of Hades. Even today, when someone from Agios Thomas passes away, their clothes are dropped into an underground river to transport them to the other world.
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.
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.
The Agia Irini monastery can be found 25km south of Heraklion and 3km west of Kroussonas village, situated on the slopes of Psiloritis at an elevation of 630m. To reach it, take the road that connects Kroussonas with the Livadi plateau.
Functioning as a nunnery, this monastery is among the oldest in Crete. It is thought to have been constructed towards the end of the Venetian Era, but was destroyed by the Turks in 1822 and later rebuilt in 1944.
Dedicated to St. Irene (celebrated on May 5) and the Assumption (celebrated on August 15), the two-aisled church is part of the monastery. As one of the thriving monasteries in modern Crete, it is exceptionally well-maintained by the resident nuns.
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.
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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.
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 Spiliotissa gorge, situated approximately 24km to the south of Heraklion, is a verdant chasm that originates from the Houdetsi village, passes through Agios Vasilios, and terminates in the Peza valley, where its waters feed into the Kounaviano gorge. The most picturesque section of the gorge is the 1.5km stretch between Houdetsi and Agios Vasilios. Starting from Houdetsi, where parking is available in the village, a well-kept trail leads down to Agios Vasilios, meandering through dense foliage and groves of orange and olive trees, irrigated by the stream.
At the beginning of the path, two Byzantine churches, Saint John the Baptist and Saint Nicholas, are encountered, along with two former grain mills. After approximately 500m, the historic Sinai Monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa can be found, which lends its name to the gorge. A quick exploration of the small monastery with its cave-like church is followed by a continued journey into the verdant heart of the canyon, towards Agios Vasilios. A beautiful fountain and the Byzantine church of Saint John are located just outside the monastery.
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.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a balcony, Villa Amelie-Private pool is located in Marathítis. This property offers access to a terrace, pool at the pool table, free private parking and free WiFi.
Featuring a Blu-ray player, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 4 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms with a hot tub and a bath. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels and DVD player, as well as a CD player are provided.
The villa offers a hot tub. Guests at Villa Amelie-Private pool can enjoy table tennis on site, or hiking in the surroundings.
The Palace of Knossos is 5.7 km from the accommodation, while Venetian Walls is 8.3 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 9 km from Villa Amelie-Private pool.
Located in Vasilíai and only 4.4 km from The Palace of Knossos, Filip’s Cottage provides accommodation with garden views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property features inner courtyard and quiet street views, and is 10 km from Venetian Walls.
The apartment is equipped with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with mountain views.
Cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 11 km from the apartment, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 23 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 11 km from Filip’s Cottage.
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€85
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Located in Foinikiá, 7.9 km from Venetian Walls and 10 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Countryside apartment offers a garden and air conditioning. This property offers a private pool, free WiFi and free private parking.
The apartment is equipped with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with mountain views.
The Palace of Knossos is 12 km from the apartment, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 24 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 11 km from Countryside apartment.
Creta Luxury Villas, a property with a garden and a terrace, is set in Heraklio Town, 7.4 km from Venetian Walls, 7.8 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, as well as 21 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. The air-conditioned accommodation is 4.8 km from The Palace of Knossos, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The villa is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with garden views.
Cultural Conference Centre of Heraklion is 7.3 km from the villa, while Municipal Art Gallery is 8.8 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 8 km from Creta Luxury Villas.
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€342
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