Vrouchas is a village in the Lasithi region of Crete, north of Agios Nikolaos and 1.8 km from the beach at Plaka. Our page on that beach puts Plaka 16 km north of Agios Nikolaos, facing Spinalonga island across the Gulf of Mirabello. Vrouchas stands on the road that carries on from Plaka towards the Aforesmenos lighthouse.
Sitia airport is the nearest terminal to the village. Vrouchas works as a quiet base for the Spinalonga end of Mirabello. The fortified islet lies 2.3 km off, Elounda 6.2 km away, and the coast north of the village turns wild, with bare mountains, steep cliffs and small bays that fishermen use when the sea gets up.
6 things to do around Vrouchas lie within about 7 km of the village, listed below from nearest to furthest.
Vrouchas sits on the dividing line between two very different coasts. South of the village the shore is sheltered and built up, taking in Plaka, the Korfos lagoon at Elounda and the olive groves of Tsifliki, all looking across calm water to Spinalonga. North of the village the northern Mirabello coast takes over, a landscape of bare mountains, steep cliffs, pebble beaches among rugged rocks and frequent strong winds.
That northern side is thinly inhabited. Kato Selles, 2.7 km away, holds a few small beaches with sparsely scattered cottages and farms, reached by a mostly passable dirt road. The gorges inland are emptier still: the Skotini gorge, 6.1 km off, is remote enough that the University of Crete put an aerosol research station there, away from urban pollution, and its walls hold caves and two or three water-filled wells, as the Skotini Gorge page records.
5 beaches lie within 4 km of Vrouchas, and they run from an organised resort beach to a bay that fishermen use in bad weather.
Eating near Vrouchas means the 2 km to Plaka, where the tavernas and restaurants sit along the waterfront.
Reach Vrouchas on the coast road that runs north from Agios Nikolaos through Elounda and Plaka and carries on towards the Aforesmenos lighthouse. Sitia airport is the nearest terminal, Hersonissos lies west and Ierapetra south.
A car is the sensible way to use the village. Plaka and its boats are 1.8 km away, Elounda 6.2 km on, and the northern beaches need dirt roads. Spinalonga itself is the exception, since the fortress island can only be reached by boat.
Vrouchas lies in the Lasithi region, north of Agios Nikolaos and 1.8 km from Plaka beach, on the Gulf of Mirabello. Plaka itself is given as 16 km north of Agios Nikolaos.
The nearest beach to Vrouchas is Plaka, 1.8 km away. Spinalonga follows at 2.3 km, Kato Selles at 2.7 km, Tsifliki at 3 km and Chomatistra at 3.8 km, so 5 beaches sit within 4 km of the village.
To reach Spinalonga, take a boat from Plaka, 1.8 km from Vrouchas. Plaka is one of the main departure points for the island, and the beach below the fortress can be reached no other way.
Tsifliki is the one described as suiting families. The sea there is tranquil, tamarisk shade reaches the sand and it carries the basic facilities of an organised beach. Kato Selles, by contrast, suits fishing rather than family swimming.
Yes. The Kouroukoulos gorge, 5 km away, is hikeable along its entire length. It begins at the abandoned village of Agalianos, follows the Lagos stream through oak woods that give way to brushwood and oregano near the sea, and merges with the Patsopoulos gorge just before the shore.
The Malia booze cruise is a four-hour boat party out of Agios Nikolaos port, with coach transfer from Malia, DJs on two decks, a swim stop and drinking games. It ran Thursdays and Sundays through the season on a boat carrying up to 400 people. We have no current booking route for it, so this page sets out what the trip involved and what the alternatives are.
The day ran to a fixed timetable from Malia and back. Four stages made it up.
First was the coach from Malia at 15:00, a drive of about 40 minutes east to the port at Agios Nikolaos. Second, the boat left the port at 16:00 for four hours on the water, with two bars, two decks and Malia’s DJs and MCs playing throughout. Third was the swim stop, in a sheltered bay where the boat anchored for swimming, jumping from the deck and the organised games, champagne dives and belly flops among them. Fourth was the return to port at 20:00 and the coach back to Malia.
A light lunch was included: a sandwich or hot dog, with a vegetarian sandwich on request. Drinks were bought on board from around €5 for a spirit and mixer. A photographer worked the boat and posted the pictures free afterwards.
The trip ran between the Malia resort strip and the Mirabello gulf.
The ticket covered the transfer, the boat and a light lunch.
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We have to be honest about what we can tell you here. This trip no longer has a live booking listing, so we have no current price, schedule or verified review record to work from. Our own stored figures put it at 3.91 out of 5 across 65 ratings and around €60, a middling score, and one we cannot re-verify.
What we can say about the format is this. A 400-capacity boat with two decks and two bars is a large party, and that is the whole point of the product, nobody books a booze cruise hoping for a quiet afternoon. The structure was well judged for it: four hours is long enough to be a proper event and short enough that the return coach is not a disaster, and the swim stop in a sheltered bay broke the drinking up with something to do.
Starting from Agios Nikolaos rather than Malia was a sensible choice too. The Mirabello gulf has calmer, more sheltered water than the open north coast, which matters on a boat where people are jumping off the deck.
Three things to be clear about.
We cannot verify that this still operates, at what price or on what days. Check directly before planning anything around it.
The 3.91 rating in our own records is the lowest of any boat trip we list, and we have no detail on what drove it.
The coach journey was 40 minutes each way on top of the four hours afloat, so the day ran from 15:00 to roughly 21:00 door to door.
If you want a boat day on this coast with a live booking and a current review record, the Elounda bus and boat trip works the same gulf with a BBQ lunch and two swim stops, and the Agios Nikolaos boat trip to Spinalonga sails from the same port.
Check it still runs, carry cash for the bar, and plan the evening after it.
The trip ran Thursdays and Sundays through the season, with the coach leaving Malia at 15:00, the boat sailing from Agios Nikolaos at 16:00 and returning at 20:00.
We hold no current booking route for this trip. Contact the operator directly, or consider one of the alternatives above.
The boat party ran four hours, from 16:00 to 20:00, with a 40-minute coach each way from Malia.
The boat sailed from Agios Nikolaos port, about 40 minutes east of Malia by coach.
A light lunch was included, a sandwich or hot dog, with a vegetarian sandwich on request. Drinks were bought on board.
The boat carried up to 400 people across two decks, with two bars and DJs playing throughout.
The boat anchored in a sheltered bay for swimming, deck jumping and the organised games.
We hold no current booking route. Check with the operator directly, or look at the other boat trips sailing from the same port.
This trip combines a coach transfer from the Heraklion coast with a boat cruise around the Mirabello gulf, sailing past Spinalonga, stopping at the pirate Barbarossa’s cave and swimming at Kolokytha and Skistra beaches. A BBQ souvlaki lunch, fruit, raki and a glass of wine or juice come with the boat. Orange Travel runs it over 7 hours from €48.36, with a 4.12 rating across 60 reviews.
The coach carries you east to the Mirabello gulf and the boat does the rest. Four stages make up the day on the water.
First, the boat circles Spinalonga, the fortified islet that served as a leper colony until 1957, seen from the water rather than landed on. Second is a short stop at Barbarossa’s cave, where the Ottoman corsair sheltered before taking the island. Third is Kolokytha beach, where the crew grills the souvlaki and serves it with bread on the sand, with music playing. Fourth is Skistra, a quieter beach that few boats call at, for a last swim.
The captain can change the destinations and timings at any point for weather or safety, which is standard for this coast and worth knowing before you book around one particular stop.
The route runs east from the Heraklion coast into the Mirabello gulf.
The fare covers the boat, the food and the drinks named below, and it excludes equipment and towels.
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We recommend this trip for the two beaches rather than for Spinalonga. Kolokytha and Skistra are both awkward to reach any other way, Kolokytha needs a rough track and a walk, Skistra barely sees visitors at all, and a boat that stops at both, feeds you on the sand and puts music on is a genuinely good day.
The reviews consistently praise the crew over everything else. Guides are named individually, Marissia, Nektaria, Nandia, Nadia, and one German reviewer singled out the history of the area being told in a lively and charming way. The atmosphere gets mentioned repeatedly: music on the boat, people jumping off it, dancing at the beach stop. One British reviewer noted the boat was spacious and not overcrowded, which is not something you can say about every Spinalonga cruise.
The extras land well. Watermelon and the complimentary raki both come up by name, and one reviewer called the bar drinks reasonably priced and properly cold.
Three things to weigh, since this scores 4.12 out of 5.
The lunch is a snack served late. Value for money scores 4.1, the weakest dimension, and the reason is in the reviews: one guest described the light lunch arriving at 16:00, and two pieces of souvlaki with bread is a modest meal for a 7-hour day. Bring your own snacks.
Vegetarians must arrange it in advance. The vegetarian option is a Greek salad and is available on request only, which one reviewer discovered had not been arranged. Confirm it at booking.
The coach ride is longer than people expect. One British reviewer said they had not realised how long the bus ride from Heraklion would be. The boat is in the Mirabello gulf, which is the far side of the Heraklion regional unit.
Bring your own snorkel, pack snacks, and confirm any dietary request in writing before the day.
Pick-up covers the Heraklion, Malia and Hersonissos coastal strip, and the day runs about 7 hours in total. The captain may change destinations or timings at any point for safety or weather.
Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, snacks, cash, snorkelling gear and motion sickness prevention. Pets, unaccompanied minors and non-folding strollers are not permitted on board.
The day runs about 7 hours, combining the coach transfer from the Heraklion coast with the boat cruise in the Mirabello gulf.
The boat circles Spinalonga rather than landing. You see the fortress walls from the water, which is a different view from the ferry landings.
Two pieces of pork souvlaki with grilled bread are included, plus fruit, water, raki and one glass of wine or juice. Reviewers report it served mid-afternoon, so bring snacks.
A Greek salad is available on request only, so it must be arranged when you book rather than on the day.
Snorkelling and fishing equipment are not included. Reviewers who brought their own were glad they did.
The cave is where the Ottoman corsair Barbarossa sheltered before taking the island, and the boat makes a short stop there between Spinalonga and Kolokytha.
Check dates and prices for the Elounda bus and boat trip.
This private boat cruise charters a motorboat and skipper from Agios Nikolaos harbour for 4 hours, taking you along the Mirabello coast to Spinalonga, Kolokytha and the hidden bays in between. The charter is priced per boat rather than per person, starting at €400 for groups of up to 9 depending on which of the five boats you take. Mirabello Boats runs it from 1 April to 31 October.
The skipper sets the route on the day, working from the wind and what you want to see, and the standard run covers three stops between Agios Nikolaos and the Elounda lagoon.
First comes Agioi Pantes, the small island off the harbour mouth with a chapel on its high point, where Cretan wild goats, the kri-kri, live freely. Second is Spinalonga, 800 metres off the coast, where the 16th-century Venetian fortress is viewed from the water rather than landed on. Third is a swim stop at Kolokytha, and often a second one at Agriomantra, a quiet cove backed by tamarisk trees.
Snorkelling gear comes with the boat, and the Elounda lagoon is the best of the water for it. Boats carry Bluetooth speakers, so the soundtrack is yours.
The cruise works the Mirabello bay between Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, and three of its stops have their own page here.
The charter covers the boat, the skipper, drinks and snorkelling kit, and it leaves out fuel, food and transport to the harbour.
Included:
Not included:
The fuel arrangement is the one to read twice. Consumption is measured at the end and billed then, so the headline charter price is not the final price.
We recommend this charter to people who have already seen Spinalonga from a ferry and want the coast on their own terms. We rate the Mirabello bay as the most interesting stretch of water in eastern Crete, and the difference between a scheduled boat and a private one here is not luxury, it is the ability to stop where the water is empty rather than where the timetable says.
The review record is small, at 8 ratings and a 4.75 average, so we are reading it as indicative rather than settled. Within that sample the same points repeat. The skippers are named personally and praised by name, which in our experience is the clearest signal a small operator is running things properly. Several guests describe abandoning the listed itinerary to stay longer at a bay they liked, and the skipper simply agreeing, that flexibility is what you are paying for. One group had their date rearranged free of charge when the weather made the open-water crossing unwise, which tells you how the operator handles a bad forecast.
Two things we would raise before you book.
The fuel is billed separately and metered at the end of the trip, so the price you see is a floor rather than a total. A 300-horsepower nine-metre boat burns considerably more than a 30-horsepower five-metre one over the same four hours, and that gap lands on your bill, not the charter fee.
The second point is the sample size. Eight reviews is not enough to detect a recurring problem, and we would treat a 4.75 across 8 bookings with more caution than a 4.4 across 3,000. Nothing negative recurs in what is published, but there is not much published.
Match the boat to your group, book the morning slot, and settle how fuel is charged before you leave the pontoon.
The meeting point depends on which boat you book, so check the voucher rather than assuming the main harbour. The season runs 1 April to 31 October, and the fleet covers 1 to 9 guests across five boats, from a 5.3-metre 30-horsepower motorboat to a 9-metre 300-horsepower one.
Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen. Food is not provided, so either eat before you board or plan the Elounda stop around lunch.
The charter runs 4 hours, which covers Agioi Pantes, the Spinalonga viewpoint and one or two swim stops.
The price is per boat, from €400, and it covers up to 9 guests depending on which vessel you choose.
No, fuel is metered and charged at the end. Consumption is measured after the trip, so a larger engine raises the final bill even over the same four hours.
The cruise views Spinalonga from the water rather than landing. For a landing you need the scheduled boats from Elounda or Plaka instead.
Snorkelling equipment comes with the boat, and the Elounda lagoon and Kolokytha are the two stops where it is worth using.
The boats operate from 1 April to 31 October, with morning departures the more reliable choice in midsummer.
Check dates and prices for the Agios Nikolaos private boat cruise with skipper.
Before heading to Spinalonga the first visit is an olive oil park where you can experience first-hand the standardization of extra virgin olive oil, table olives, and olive paste.
You will be able to taste the authentic Greek product, which is famous worldwide for its great taste and nutritional value, as well as other authentic Cretan products like “raki” and honey.
After your first stop, you reach the capital town of Lasithi, Agios Nikolaos. You can discover the pretty city on your own, stroll through the shops, or relax in one of the countless cafes next to the picturesque bottomless lake of Voulismeni.
You continue your journey to Plaka, a small fishing village directly opposite Spinalonga. Here you will have plenty of free time to enjoy lunch or a refreshing swim. Moreover, from there you can take a 15-minute boat ride that takes you to the well-known island of Spinalonga.
The history and the culture of the island of Spinalonga became one with human tragedy over time. It has been an important place throughout history for the ancient Greeks, as a natural protection for the city of Olous, for the Saracens as a hiding place for their pirates, for the Venetians as a fortress, for the Turks as a settlement and for a long time the island served as a leper colony.
After your self-guided tour at Spinalonga, approximately 90 minutes, you’ll return to Plaka. There you have plenty of time to enjoy a coffee or your lunch, before going back to the hotels. An amazing trip with many destinations that you definitely should not miss!
Additional important information about the pickup and drop-off handling:
Pickup areas and times are as follows:
Ammoudara Beach road at 8 a.m.
Heraklion center 8:05 a.m.
Karteros 8:20 a.m.
Kokkini Chani, Gournes 8:25 a.m.
Kato Gouves 8:30 a.m.
Analipsi 8:40 a.m.
Anissaras 8:50 – 8:55 a.m.
Hersonissos, Piskopiano, Koutouloufari 9 – 9:05 a.m
Stalida, Stalis 9-9:10 a.m.
Malia 9:25 a.m.
Sissi 9:40 a.m.
Plaka beach is a pebbly, well-organised beach in the village of Plaka, on the northeast coast of Crete, 16 kilometres north of Agios Nikolaos and a short drive north of Elounda. Plaka beach faces Spinalonga island and its Venetian fortress across a narrow channel, and it is one of the main points where boats leave for the island. The water is clear and usually calm, the shore is made of smooth pale pebbles, and tamarisk trees give natural shade behind the sunbeds.
Plaka beach sits in Plaka village, 16 kilometres north of Agios Nikolaos, opposite the entrance of the Korfos (Elounda) lagoon in the Gulf of Mirabello, Lasithi. The beach looks straight across the water to Spinalonga, the fortified islet also known as Kalydon, so the fortress and the channel are in view from the sand. Plaka village grew up to serve the Spinalonga leper colony, which is why the settlement and the island share one history. Present-day Plaka keeps old stone houses and waterfront taverns, and the Greek television series “The Island” was filmed here in 2010.
Plaka has two pebble beaches, and each one has a different character. The main beach, Plaka beach, lies west of the village, has calm clear water and an interesting seabed, and sits within walking distance of the taverns. Agia Marina beach lies east of the village in front of the large hotel, has bigger pebbles and deeper water, and is a known fishing ground with a rougher seabed in places. Both beaches are pebbly rather than sandy, so the water stays clear and the surface is usually calm. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire on the organised part of Plaka beach, and the tamarisk trees behind them give shade for anyone who prefers to sit on the pebbles.
Drive to Plaka beach along the paved coast road that runs north from Agios Nikolaos through Elounda, a route of about 16 kilometres. Buses also serve the Elounda and Plaka area during the season, and there is parking by the beach. If you want to move between Elounda, Plaka and Agios Nikolaos on your own schedule, a rental car for the Elounda and Agios Nikolaos area gives you the most flexibility on timing.
Reach Spinalonga by boat from Plaka, because the island has no road link and sits directly across a narrow channel from the village. The crossing from Plaka is the shortest of the three departure points, since Elounda and Agios Nikolaos lie further along the coast. Boats combine the beach with a tour of the Venetian fortress and the ruins of the former leper colony, so a swim at Plaka pairs naturally with the island visit. Many guided Spinalonga boat trips and day tours leave from Plaka, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, and several add a tavern lunch or a swim stop at nearby Kolokytha bay. The small Spinalonga Beach on the island’s quieter side is reached on the same crossing.
Plaka is a traditional fishing village with a relaxed, uncrowded feel and waterfront taverns that serve fresh fish and Cretan dishes. The area west of the village, Ano Mirabello, holds picturesque villages, ancient sites and wide olive groves in the hills. North of Plaka the village of Vrouchas keeps its old windmills, and further on the Aforesmenos Cape lighthouse marks the northwest tip of the Gulf of Mirabello beside a modern wind farm. Inland stops such as Elounda, Agios Nikolaos and the craft village of Kritsa round out a day trip, and a scenic drive through Mirabello leads on to Neapoli or Milatos and the main road to Heraklion.
Visit Plaka beach between June and September, when the weather is warm and the sunbeds, taverns and boat trips run at their fullest. Spring and autumn stay quieter and still pleasant for swimming, so April to early June and September to October suit anyone who prefers fewer people. The beach faces a sheltered channel, which keeps the water calm on most summer days.
Use these tips to get the most out of a day at Plaka beach:
Yes, Plaka beach is worth visiting for its clear calm water, its pebble shore and its direct views of Spinalonga island. The beach is organised with sunbeds and umbrellas, sits beside a traditional village with waterfront taverns, and works well as both a swimming stop and the start of a boat trip to Spinalonga.
Plaka beach is on the northeast coast of Crete, 16 kilometres north of Agios Nikolaos and just north of Elounda, in the Gulf of Mirabello, Lasithi. It lies opposite the entrance of the Korfos (Elounda) lagoon and faces the island of Spinalonga.
Plaka beach is pebbly, with smooth pale stones rather than sand. The pebbles keep the water clear, and water shoes make walking into the sea more comfortable.
Yes, the water at Plaka beach is clear and usually calm, which suits swimming and snorkeling. The beach faces a sheltered channel toward Spinalonga, so the surface stays calm on most summer days.
Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire on the organised part of Plaka beach. You can also sit for free on the pebbles under the tamarisk trees that line the back of the beach.
Yes, Plaka beach suits families, because the main beach has calm clear water and taverns within walking distance. Families who prefer shade can use the tamarisk trees or hire an umbrella on the organised stretch.
Take a boat from Plaka to Spinalonga, which is the shortest of the three crossings to the island. Boats also leave from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, and most trips combine the fortress tour with time at the beach.
Yes, Plaka has waterfront tavernas within walking distance of the beach. The taverns serve fresh fish and traditional Cretan dishes beside the sea.
No, Plaka beach is an organised family beach and is not a designated naturist beach. It has sunbeds, umbrellas and nearby taverns, and it is used mainly by families and day visitors.
The best time to visit Plaka beach is between June and September, when the weather is warm and all the services run. Spring and autumn are quieter and still good for swimming, so choose April to June or September to October for fewer crowds.
Located 30km northwest of Agios Nikolaos on the less-traveled northern shores of the Mirabello area is Agios Antonios at Kato Selles, or Saint Anthony. This secluded area, nestled 3km north of the village Selles, can be reached by taking a mostly passable dirt road heading north from the village. The region is home to a few small beaches and sparsely scattered cottages and farms.
The northern Mirabello is characterized by pebble-strewn beaches tucked amid rugged rocks. Agios Antonios follows this pattern, hosting a collection of small beaches sprinkled with white, round pebbles and stones. These conditions make the beaches perfect for fishing, though not ideal for family swimming due to the frequent large waves crashing onto the northern Cretan shores and the rocky seabed. However, if the weather is calm, Agios Antonios’ beaches offer a tranquil retreat.
400m east of Agios Antonios lies the beach of Patsavra, a secluded pebble beach favored by locals for swimming. To the west, near the village of Kato Selles, you will find the stony beach of Vato Mouri followed by the even rockier beach of Agios Antonios or St Anthony. Tamarisk trees provide shade on the beach, offering a relaxing spot to unwind. Nearby stands the cavernous chapel of Agios Antonios. A small distance further east amongst the rocky shore, you will find a petite beach named Lagadaki with its crystal clear blue water. On calm sea days, which are unfortunately infrequent, Lagadaki is a fantastic spot for swimming and snorkelling.
On the easternmost shore, a dirt road begins at Agios Antonios and stretches 1km east towards Cape Kenti, near the wind turbines of Aforesmenos Cape, also known as Avlaki. Beside Avlaki, lies the pebbled beach of Xepapadia (Xepapadeas) , the only beach in the Mirabello area that faces purely east and is typically calm. Adjacent to Xepapadia, you can find the picturesque chapel of St. Dionysios.
The quaint, age-old Sanctuary of Afrodision Iero, also known as the Aphrodite Temple, can be found close to the village of Lenika and has a history that stretches back to the 10th century BC. Interestingly, this very location was utilized in the 2nd century BC to construct a more expansive, two-aisled temple dedicated to Ares and Aphrodite, a fact supported by inscriptions discovered at the site.
The ancient city of Itanos was a powerful city in Crete, particularly during the Hellenistic and Greco-Roman periods. The name Itanos comes from its founder, who originated from Phoenicia. At its peak, the city’s territory extended from Cape Samonio (now known as Cape Sidero) to Cape Erythrae (present-day Cape Goudouras). The city prospered due to the trade of glass, fishing, and Tyrian purple, a red dye derived from shell extracts. Koufonissi Island, owned by Itanos, was renowned for its purple production. Additionally, Palekastro was home to the temple of Diktaean Zeus, which brought significant profits to the region. The city was situated near the famous palm grove of Vai in East Crete.
Itanos’ power was evident in its impressive marble buildings, temples dedicated to Asclepius, Zeus, Tyche, Athena, and its own currency featuring the face of its protector, Athena. The city was a major rival of Praesus (near today’s Nea Presos) and Ierapytna (now Ierapetra). The primary point of contention was the majestic Temple of Diktaean Zeus and Koufonissi. Praesus managed to incorporate the Temple of Zeus into its territory, but Itanos regained it in 150 BC with the assistance of its Egyptian allies. A relevant inscription can still be seen on the wall of the Toplou Monastery, located a few miles to the west. After four years, the impoverished Praesus was destroyed by Ierapytna, leaving only Itanos and Ierapytna as the main players. As a result, disputes over the temple of Zeus and Koufonissi quickly escalated. Itanos began to decline in 795 AC due to an earthquake causing land subsidence, and it was further damaged by an Arab attack in the 9th century. However, even during this period, Itanos survived, as evidenced by its grand Christian churches. The city was not abandoned until the 15th century when repeated Arab raids forced its inhabitants to leave the coastal areas. It is believed that the residents founded the present-day village of Sitanos, near Nea Presos and Karydi, in the Zakros mountains.
Today, visitors can explore the archaeological site and admire various ruins such as the large tower on the western acropolis built with black stones, the grand Christian church in the eastern citadel of the Hellenistic settlement, the two Early Christian churches at the base of the hill leading to Vai, and the cemetery outside the town.
Not far from Elounda, close to the Venetian salt pans, we find a few remains of the ancient city Olous (most are submerged in the sea) or Oloundas, which was inhabited since the Minoan period. Olous was one of the hundred most important cities of ancient Crete, with a maximum population of over 30,000 people. The administrative system of Olous was Eunomia, a form of democracy. In Olous, Tallean Zeus, Apollo, and Vritomartis (Artemis) were worshipped.
Olous minted its own coin. The historian Svoronos identified 11 different types of coins. Most of them depicted Vritomartis Artemis on one side and Zeus with an eagle, a dolphin, or a star on the other. The development of Olous continued until the first Byzantine period, as evidenced by the basilicas of Poros with their marvelous mosaics and the Basilica of Kolokytha with its exceptional white marble parts.
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 Kremasti or Kremasta Monastery can be found south of Neapolis town, along the road that connects the town to Vrisses village, offering a stunning view of Neapolis. Its forting architecture is constructed on the steep, wooded slopes of Mount Kavalaras, giving the impression that it’s suspended in mid-air – a feature to which the monastery owes its name (Kremasti means hanging).
Officially called the Monastery of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Kremasti, it is dedicated to these saints. It is believed to have been built in 1593 and played a crucial role in educating locals during the Turkish Era. The main building is situated on the northern edge of the monastery. A newer church, dedicated to Myrrhbearers, was constructed outside the fortress complex. Additionally, a Laboratory for Religious Painting is operated by nuns from Romania.
The Panagia Koufis Petras Monastery, also known as the Virgin Mary “of the hollow stone” Monastery, is dedicated to the Annunciation and can be found west of Kremasta Monastery, not far from Neapolis.
From the nunnery in Mirabello province, visitors can enjoy a sweeping panoramic view. Nearby the monastery, the remains of a small temple built within a cavernous rock can be found. It is likely that the monastery’s name (Hollow Stone) is derived from this unique temple.
Visitors will find comfortable accommodations and well-equipped facilities at the monastery. The original church has been expanded with a new aisle dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Within the monastery’s courtyard lies the tomb of Bishop Meletius Chlapoutakis, alongside the grave of his sister Irene.
The Holy Trinity Monastery of Areti is situated near the village of Karydi (close to Neapolis) in the dry and secluded region of Mirabello province. Along with the neighboring Kardamoutsa monastery, these were the most significant monasteries in the area, which boasts the highest number of monasteries in Crete. In fact, it once managed to acquire seven other monasteries within the region. After being in ruins for many years, it has recently been restored and is now inhabited by monks.
From a distance, the monastery appears like a fortress, as part of it is fortified, making it one of the five most important fortified monasteries in Crete. At its entrance, there is a gallery that leads to large vaulted storage rooms, the barn, and the main gate of the courtyard. Within the main courtyard, there are tanks and several buildings, including cells, a kitchen, bakery, metalwork room, and other rooms. Outside the enclosed area, there are two large open tanks, an olive oil mill, a creamery, and 12 ancient cypress trees symbolizing the 12 Apostles.
The main church of the monastery is situated in the center of the enclosure and features a single-spaced barrel-vaulted design with a pointed arch doorway. The bell is inscribed with the date 1618. Additionally, there is a second Venetian temple dedicated to Saint Lazarus, which likely had a funerary purpose. Lastly, the small chapel of St. Makarios of Egypt was recently founded within a small room.
A legend surrounds the founding of Areti Monastery: During the Venetian Occupation of Crete, a local worked at one of the many Venetian ports on the island and became close with some Venetians. One of them invited him to Venice for his daughter’s wedding. While there, he overheard guests discussing his homeland, Crete. Unaware that the Cretan could understand Italian, they plotted to go to the current location of Areti Monastery and unearth a hidden treasure. They also mentioned that the first person to lift the cauldron lid concealing the treasure would die. The Cretan, having heard everything, went to the area and searched for the cauldron. He found it and tied the lid to a donkey, which died upon uncovering the pot. The Cretan became wealthy and, in gratitude to God for his fortune, built the Areti Monastery in this rocky and desolate place.
Spinalonga, a rugged islet off Crete’s Elounda Bay, boasts a rich history from its ancient origins protecting the city of Olous to its transformation into a formidable Venetian fortress in the late 16th century. Renowned for its bastion-type fortifications, it served as a refuge during the Cretan War and remained under Venetian control until its surrender to the Ottomans in 1715. The islet then evolved into a bustling Muslim village, with its architecture reflecting local and Balkan traditions.
In the 20th century, Spinalonga gained a different purpose as the site of a Leper Hospital from 1904 until 1957. Despite the hardships, the residents forged a strong community, finding love and building lives under challenging circumstances. After the closure of the hospital, the islet was left deserted until it was declared an archaeological site in 1976.
Today, Spinalonga is a testament to human resilience and historical evolution, drawing visitors worldwide to explore its well-preserved houses, shops, and fortifications. As an organized archaeological site, it offers a window into various eras, from Venetian and Ottoman rule to a poignant period as a leper colony, making it a unique destination for history enthusiasts.
The Mavrogiannis Gorge, also known as Skinias Gorge, originates from the vicinity of the Skinias village in the Mirabello province. Following a winding path, it culminates at the stunning Avlaki beach in Vlychadia. This dry canyon is characterized by magnificent rock structures throughout its length. Although the gorge transports water from the Areti Monastery region, it is predominantly dry.
The undiscovered Kouroukoulos gorge originates from the abandoned village of Agalianos, located in the Merambelo district of Lasithi prefecture. The old trail from the village leads us to the Lagos stream, which is suitable for hiking along its entire length. Initially, the terrain is dominated by oak trees, but as we get closer to the sea, the vegetation changes to brushwood and oregano.
To the west of Kouroukoulos lies the Patsopoulos Gorge, separated by a thin strip of rugged, rocky land known as Spathi. From the peak of Spathi, one can enjoy views of both canyons. Just before reaching the sea, the two canyons merge into one. The Kokkinos Detis (Red Cliff), a spot of exceptional beauty in the gorge, is home to a variety of rare, mostly endemic, plants that thrive in rock crevices.
Close to the sea exit, there is a quaint chapel dedicated to St. Luke, a local hermit who was fatally struck by an arrow in the canyon. Beneath the chapel lies St. Luke’s cave, from which “holy” water drips. A little further on from the chapel, the gorge opens out onto the pebble-filled Kouroukoulos beach, boasting a captivating underwater landscape. On the beach’s eastern side, a sea cave beneath the cliff leads to the delightful pebble beach of Kakia Naspa (Evil Landslide), an excellent spot for swimming.
The Skotini Gorge cuts through some of the most secluded and untamed regions of Crete. A research station for the study of aerosols, established by the University of Crete, is situated in this isolated location, far from the pollution of urban areas and devoid of human activity. From the village of Finokalias, a brief journey northward will lead you to the gorge. As you traverse this path, you’ll encounter a stunningly wild terrain characterized by bare rocks, sparse vegetation, and a variety of spices and herbs. Within the gorge, you’ll find 2-3 wells filled with water and numerous caves nestled within its towering walls. One such cave is said to have been the dwelling of a mysterious woman known as Datserolenia, according to local lore. This cave is guarded by a stone wall at its entrance. A small beach, Skotini, is situated just a short distance away.
Alternatively, you can take the dirt road from Finokalias to the Saint Andrew Monastery, situated at Cape Drepani. A section of this church is constructed on the mountain rock, with an inscription indicating that its repair was funded by patients from Spinalonga. To reach the beach from here, you’ll need to head eastward along the shoreline.
The name Skotini, meaning ‘dark’ in Greek, likely originates from the high, closely spaced walls of the canyon which, along with the tree canopy, significantly diminish the light, giving the gorge a ‘dark’ appearance. Another theory suggests that the name is derived from the numerous dark caves found within the canyon.
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.
Located in Elounda Village, Almond Tree offers accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen and private balconies. A swimming pool surrounded by a garden with sun beds is available. Plaka Beach is at 4 km.
Formerly used as stables, the stone-built Almond Tree apartments and villas are traditionally decorated with wooden furnishings and iron beds. The furnished terrace features a traditional Greek clay oven. The property includes a dining and a seating area with fireplace, and is equipped with a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, microwave and mini fridge.
Guests can enjoy local cuisine in a variety of traditional restaurants and cafes at nearby villages.
Within 30 km, you can visit the Minoan town of Gournia, while the Minoan Palace of Malia is at 35 km. The fishing village of Plaka connecting to the island of Spinalonga is at 5 km. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
from
€178
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Leyla Luxury Villa is situated in Pláka. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 7 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 7 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the villa.
Plaka Beach is 1.3 km from Leyla Luxury Villa, while Spinalonga Beach is 3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 60 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€756
/night
Villa Dimitra by Elounda Island View Villas features pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Elounda, 700 metres from Plaka Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, mountain views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Villa Dimitra by Elounda Island View Villas offers a hot tub.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation.
Spinalonga Beach is 1.5 km from Villa Dimitra by Elounda Island View Villas, while Lake Voulismeni is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 60 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€971
/night
Located in Pláka in the Lasithi region, with Plaka Beach and Spinalonga Beach nearby, Plaka Beach Cottages provides accommodation with free private parking.
The holiday home provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A private beach area is available on site.
Lake Voulismeni is 16 km from Plaka Beach Cottages, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 18 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 60 km from the accommodation.
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