Rent your own motorboat or RIB boat and discover the picturesque islands and scenic views around Crete. Create your own itinerary and explore islands such as Agioi Pantes or Spinalonga, or the beaches of Agriomantra and Kolokytha.
After check-in, set off from the port of Agios Nikolaos on your adventure. Choose a route that interests you and explore lesser-known areas off the coast of Crete.
You can sail to the uninhabited island of Agioi Pantes. Spot the former church which is located at the top of the island. You may also see the endangered species of Cretan mountain goats, called “Kri-Kri”.
Sail to the beautiful island of Spinalonga located 800 meters off the coast. Admire the views of the 16th-century Venetian fortress, which also served as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957.
Make a stop for swimming at Kolokytha, one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Hike along the pathway that takes you from the beach to the church of Agios Loukas and the Byzantine chapel of Agios Fokas.
You may also choose to sail towards Agriomantra, a beach that is found at the end of Agriomantra’s gorge and is of outstanding natural beauty. Relax beneath the Tamarisk trees which offer natural shade, while there are barbecues and benches to have a picnic on the beach.
This adventure is a perfect blend of a safari and boat ride to the main area of the region. Venture through the breathtaking mountains and valleys, passing through the small villages, and explore smaller islands off the coast.
Visit the local olive oil factory and learn how traditional olive oil is made on a free guided tour. On the way back, take in picturesque views of the Gulf of Mirabello and the historical island of Spinalonga.
Once arriving at the village of Plaka, board a speedboat for the short ride to Spinalonga, which once served as a leper colony. Take a short tour of the island before heading back to Crete.
Embark on a captivating full-day excursion uncovering Crete’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Immerse yourself in Agios Nikolaos, a town nestled amidst three hills, boasting winding streets and the legendary Lake Voulismeni steeped in captivating folklore. Explore the picturesque bay of Merabelo, visit charming fishing villages, and set sail to Spinalonga, an island with a fascinating fortress and historical leper settlement.
Discover the mountainous terrain adorned with diverse flora and ancient olive trees. Pause at Krasi village to admire one of the world’s oldest plane trees and savor traditional “raki” by natural springs.
Explore the expansive Lasithi Plateau, once home to a grand wind farm of 13,000 windmills. Unveil the legendary Diktaean Cave, Zeus’s birthplace, offering breathtaking vistas of the plateau.
Opt for a delightful traditional homemade Cretan meal amidst picturesque surroundings.
Conclude your adventure in the traditional village of Mochos, engaging with locals at cozy cafes. Depart with cherished memories and a heartwarming smile, chauffeured back to your location.
Embark on an unforgettable journey blending history, natural beauty, and cultural immersion—a voyage that fosters treasured moments and a genuine connection to Crete’s soul.
At Spinalonga, the last leper colony in Europe, we will have a guided tour around this famous island, which is just a distance of 850m. Originally, Venetians fortified the islet in 1579, by building a fortress with 40 cannons and they are actually the best preserved walls in Europe.
It used to be a leper colony from 1903 until 1957, where lepers could have a better life, medical help and economical support. The ruins of the market street with the shops, the hospital and many small houses in which lepers lived isolated, can still be seen.
On our way back on the boat, we are having a stop on the beach “Kolokytha/vathi”, where you can enjoy swimming and a BBQ lunch.
Before we take the road back to Heraklion, we will visit Ag.Nikolaos, a town with 14.000 inhabitants which is built on the side of the Gulf of Mirabello. In the centre of Agios Nikolaos is the lake Voulismeni, probably created by an earthquake. There, we can have a coffee break or a walk around the lake, which gives you a great view from above, over the center and the harbor of Agios Nikolaos. Next to the lovely harbor are shady tree-lined streets filled with shops gives you the opportunity to do some shopping.
Plaka, a picturesque village, is situated 16km north of Agios Nikolaos, on the opposite side of the Korfos (or Elounda) lagoon’s entrance, and boasts one of Crete’s most stunning landscapes. The village is renowned for its spectacular views of Kalydon Island, home to the famous Spinalonga fortress, a leper hospital during the early half of the 20th century. Access to the island is primarily via boats from Elounda and Plaka. Plaka’s existence is closely tied to Spinalonga, as it was established to serve the leper colony.
Present-day Plaka is a traditional village with charming old houses and taverns, giving a sense of time standing still for 2-3 centuries. Its idyllic setting made it the perfect filming location for the popular Greek TV series “The Island” (2010). A significant change to the landscape has been the construction of a large luxury hotel on the outskirts of Plaka.
Plaka is also notable for its two beautiful pebble beaches with clear waters. The first beach, named after the nearby Byzantine church and cemetery of Agia Marina, is located in the east of the village, in front of the large hotel. It is a popular fishing ground with a rough seabed in some parts and is organized by the hotel, providing basic services mostly to its residents. The second beach, Plaka beach, lies to the west of the village and has calm waters and an interesting seabed. It is well-organized and close to Plaka’s taverns.
Apart from visiting Spinalonga, it’s worth exploring the surrounding area when in Plaka. This includes the picturesque villages, ancient sites, and extensive olive groves of Ano Mirabello, the mountainous region west of Plaka. Venturing north of the village, you’ll encounter the village of Vrouchas with its old windmills, and further east, the Aforesmenos Cape lighthouse at the northwest tip of the vast Gulf of Mirabello, along with the area’s modern wind farm. Another recommended route is through Mirabello and its scenic villages, leading to either Neapoli or Milatos, where you can find the main road to Heraklion.
Spinalonga, a fortified islet, stands as one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors are ferried over from Elounda, Plaka, and Agios Nikolaos to explore the island that once served as a Venetian stronghold protecting their Elounda saltpans. The island’s later inhabitants were Ottomans, and eventually, it became a leper colony until the mid-20th century.
While most people are familiar with this history, many are unaware of the stunning beach located on the island’s southwest part. Here, visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea, lounge under tamarisk trees, and marvel at the fortress’s backdrop and the view of the Kolokitha peninsula.
Despite the nearby coast’s proximity, it’s advised not to swim over due to the strong sea currents and frequent ferry traffic.
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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