Xiron Chorion is a village in the Rethymno region of Crete, 3.2 km south of Rethymno city and 1.5 km from the mouth of the Mili Gorge. The village also appears as Xero Chorio, the spelling our Mili Gorge guide uses when it places the ravine between Chromonastiri and Xero Chorio. That position puts two very different days within a couple of kilometres: the sandy beachfront of Rethymno Bay 2 km away, and the shaded gorge country running south towards Mount Vrysinas.
Chania (CHQ) is the nearest airport. Xiron Chorion is not a resort in its own right; it works as a quiet address on the edge of a city, with 4 gorges inside 6 km, 5 beaches inside 5 km and a dozen cafés, tavernas and beach bars within 2.2 km.
Four outings sit within 4 km of Xiron Chorion, listed below from nearest to furthest. Two further ravines add to the walking: Gallos Gorge 4.8 km away and Kaminolakkos Gorge 5.6 km away.
Xiron Chorion is a small inland village on the southern edge of Rethymno rather than a destination of its own. The city centre lies 3.2 km away, close enough that the village shares the city’s beaches, buses and shops instead of keeping a full set of its own.
The setting changes sharply either side of the village. North of it, the flat coastal strip of Rethymno Bay carries the suburbs of Pervolia, Misiria and Platanias 3-5 km from the city centre, all built along one continuous 13 km beach. South of it, the ground rises into the ravines that drain Mount Vrysinas and the Gargana hills, where Mili runs past its abandoned watermills and the Prassano cuts through the rock.
Xiron Chorion has no beach of its own, and the nearest sand lies 2 km away on Rethymno Bay. Every beach below belongs to the same 13 km run of shore that starts at Rethymno harbour and ends at Skaleta, and the whole of it is a nesting shore for loggerhead sea turtles.
Eating around Xiron Chorion splits between village tavernas and the beach bars on the bay, and the nearest of either sits 1.6 km away. The gorge end of the village has the quieter option, the shore end the louder one.
Xiron Chorion is reached on the road that climbs south out of Rethymno towards Chromonastiri, and the city lies 3.2 km behind you. That short distance is what makes the village workable without a car, because Rethymno’s buses and its beachfront both start within walking or cycling range.
Chania is the nearest airport, on the same north coast. Drivers have the Prassano gorge and the Mili trail to the south and the 13 km beach strip towards Skaleta to the north.
Xiron Chorion lies 3.2 km south of Rethymno city, in the Rethymno region of northern Crete. The village also goes by the spelling Xero Chorio.
Xiron Chorion has no beach of its own, but 5 lie within 5 km. Pervolia is the closest at 2 km, and all of them sit on the single 13 km stretch of sand running east from Rethymno harbour to Skaleta.
The Mili Gorge trail starts 1.5 km from Xiron Chorion. The walk covers 2.5 km in about 2.5 hours and rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, which makes it the gentlest of the 4 gorges inside 6 km of the village.
The Prassano Gorge opens from mid-June to mid-October. The route runs for about three hours through large rocks and some demanding passages, so it asks more of a walker than the Mili trail 1.5 km from the village.
Rethymno city centre sits 3.2 km from Xiron Chorion. The old town, the Venetian port and the town beach all lie together at that end, and the beach is 2.9 km from the village.
While in Rethymno don’t miss the chance to enjoy the sea, right at the main beach of the city. Book from a selection of watersports that are organized by experienced English-speaking crew and safe vessels.
You can choose between Slides, Banana, Crazy Sofa and Water-Ski. At the beginning, you will get safety measures training and the crew will be at all times attentive of your activity.
When booking please read through the options and the requirements if any. Please note that the starting time might vary by up to 30 minutes due to weather conditions or if it’s too crowded (for safety reasons).
Discover the village of Loutro, named after the Greek word for “bath”, due to the many ancient baths in the area. Eat seafood and drink wine by the sea. Go for a swim in the warm blue sea. Marvel at the many famous white houses, and enjoy a relaxing sailing trip on a boat.
Begin the excursion and travel from Rethymno, known for its harbor with fishing boats, to Chora Sfakion. Then, sail for 20 minutes to the village of Loutro, on the south coast of Chania. After you arrive here, you can spend 5 hours exploring in your own free time to do whatever activities you want.
Go swimming in the clear blue waters of the sea. Eat some delicious local food such as fresh fish if you are hungry. Sip on wine by the sea. Also, admire the many white houses that make this place famous. Finally, board the boat and sail to Sfakia then return to Rethymno to finish your tour.
Embark on a delightful 3-hour cruise along the tranquil east coast, where we’ll unveil the rugged pirate caves and the awe-inspiring “Camarola” arch, shaped by the relentless sea. Dive into the crystal-clear blue waters for a rejuvenating 30-minute swim directly from the boat. As we journey back to Rethymnon port, witness the grandeur of the Venetian fortress, “Fortezza,” and glide through the picturesque Venetian Port, adorned with timeless beauty. Experience nature’s wonders and historical charm on this unforgettable voyage.
Holidays on a yacht is a great opportunity to enjoy wonderful sea views, have a good time and take a bunch of pictures that will delight you for a long time. The boat trip starts in the morning from Rethymno Marina. Our premium class catamaran Lagoon 450F* can accommodate up to 20 passengers.
During the cruise, you can go snorkelling, swim on a sup board or just ride the waves on an inflatable flamingo. We provide guests with all the necessary equipment.
On board, we will treat you with Cretan white wine and Mediterranean cuisine with seafood**
* Catamaran model may change,
** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.
Three neighbouring suburbs of Rethymnon, Pervolia, Misiria, and Platanias (also known as Platanes) are situated 3-5km west of the city. Initially independent settlements, they have been subsumed into Rethymnon’s urban region due to expansion in residential development.
A lengthy sandy beach, part of Rethymnon bay’s expansive beachfront, extends in front of these suburbs. The beach begins near Rethymnon’s harbour and continues eastwards for 13km until reaching Skaleta. The beach is well-maintained and offers a wide selection of food, drink, and lodging options.
A notable feature of this beach, like the entirety of the vast beachfront, is the nesting activity of the Caretta caretta sea turtle. These turtles, protected by international law, lay their eggs in the sand. Rethymno Gulf is one of Greece’s three critical habitats for Caretta caretta, with over 400 nests documented annually.
Pervolia, Misiria, and Platanias, also known as Platanes, form a trio of suburbs that adjoin the city of Rethymnon, and are situated 3-5km west of the city. Previously individual settlements, they have now merged into Rethymnon’s urban district due to the growth of residential areas.
A sprawling sandy beach extends in front of these suburbs, forming part of a 13km long coastal strip that begins near Rethymno’s harbour and reaches as far as Skaleta beach. This well-maintained beach offers a wide variety of options for dining, drinking, and lodging. Along this extensive stretch of coastline, loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) come to nest. These turtles are at risk of becoming extinct, but the Rethymno Gulf stands as one of the three most crucial habitats for the species in Greece, hosting an average of over 400 nests each year.
The name Misiria originates from the Arabic term ‘Misr’, referring to a suburb of Cairo known for its fertile soil. In a similar vein, Misiria is so named due to its productive land, which continues to yield a bounty of vegetables.
Platanes beach is a long, sandy, well-organised beach on Rethymno Bay, on the north coast of Crete, 3-5 km from the town of Rethymno. Platanes beach has shallow, light-blue water, sunbeds and lifeguards in season, and it is part of a protected nesting shore for loggerhead sea turtles. The sand runs in front of the Pervolia, Missiria and Platanias suburbs, which are also known together as Platanes, and joins the wider Rethymno Bay coastline that stretches about 13 km east from Rethymno harbour to Skaleta.
Platanes beach lies on Rethymno Bay, 3-5 km from the centre of Rethymno, where the suburbs of Pervolia, Missiria and Platanias meet the sea. Platanes beach sits near the start of a long sandy strip that runs about 13 km east along the bay to Skaleta. These three suburbs were once separate settlements that merged into the urban area of Rethymno over the last century. The nearest airport is Chania International, about 75 km to the west.
The sand at Platanes beach is soft and the water is shallow and light blue, so children can paddle safely close to the shore. The sea faces north and lies open to the wind, which keeps the water fresh but turns the calm morning surface wavy by the afternoon. Lifeguards watch the main organised stretch during the day in season, and a playground sits nearby for families. Mornings are usually the quietest and calmest time to swim.
Platanes beach is a well-organised beach with a full set of services along the sand. Platanes beach offers sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, showers, and food and drink at the tavernas and cafes behind the shore. Water sports run from the beach in season, such as jet skiing, parasailing and banana-boat rides. The beach holds a Blue Flag, and you can reach it on foot, by bus from Rethymno, or along the paved coast road, with a handicap-friendly entrance and parking nearby for a fee.
Platanes beach is a nesting ground for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), a species protected by the Greek State. Rethymno Bay is one of the 3 most important nesting sites for the species in Greece, with more than 400 nests recorded each year. The turtles lay their eggs in the sand along the whole bay, so marked nests are sometimes roped off and visitors keep clear of them to protect the eggs.
The coast on either side of Platanes beach holds several more sandy beaches, listed below by distance.
Platanes beach sits just outside Rethymno, so buses from the town centre stop close to the sand and the paved coast road brings you to the door. A beach morning here fits easily with the old town of Rethymno, the turtle-nesting bays toward Skaleta, and the quieter coves further east. The simplest way to reach them all on your own schedule is by car, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Platanes beach is on Rethymno Bay, 3-5 km from the centre of Rethymno, on the north coast of Crete.
Yes. The water is shallow and light blue, lifeguards watch the main stretch in season, and a playground sits nearby, so children can swim and play safely.
Platanes beach has sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, showers, lifeguards in season, a Blue Flag, and food and drink at the tavernas and cafes behind the shore.
Yes. Water sports run from Platanes beach in season, such as jet skiing, parasailing and banana-boat rides.
Yes. Parking is available near Platanes beach for a fee, and town buses and the paved coast road also reach the sand.
Platanes beach lies on Rethymno Bay, one of Greece’s 3 most important nesting sites for the loggerhead sea turtle, where more than 400 nests are recorded each year.
Rethymno beach is the organised town beach of Rethymno, a strip of golden sand and shallow, clear water on the city’s seafront. Rethymno beach sits about 500 metres east of the old town and next to the Venetian port, so you can walk there from the centre in a few minutes without a car. It marks the westernmost end of Rethymno Bay’s long beachfront, which runs east from the harbour toward Skaleta. Entry to the sand is free, and you pay only to rent a sunbed and umbrella. The beach stays busy through the day yet rarely feels packed, and the seafront promenade, Eleftheriou Venizelou, runs alongside it for an evening walk.
Rethymno beach lies on the north coast of Crete, at the edge of Rethymno town. Rethymno beach is a short walk east along the seafront from the old town and the Venetian port. From there you can keep walking east past the town beach toward the suburbs of Perivolia and Platanes and on to Skaleta, because the town beach is the western end of the bay’s continuous sandy beachfront.
Rethymno beach is a well-organised beach, with amenities lined up along the sand and the promenade behind it. Entry to the beach is free, and you pay only for a sunbed and umbrella. The services along the shore include:
The beach is wheelchair accessible, sits on a paved road, and is served by local buses, so you can reach it without a car.
Rethymno beach is a safe choice for swimming, and its shallow, clear water suits families with young children. The sea faces open water, so the surface can turn choppy when the wind picks up, and calm mornings are the easiest time to swim. In peak season the sand fills quickly, and arriving early is the surest way to find shade and a quiet spot.
Rethymno beach is a nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Rethymno Gulf is one of Greece’s 3 most important nesting areas for the species, with more than 400 nests recorded here each year. During nesting season, roped-off patches of sand mark protected nests where eggs have been found, so keep clear of the marked areas and leave them undisturbed.
Several more sandy beaches line the same bay on either side of Rethymno beach, listed below by distance.
Rethymno beach opens a single run of sand that continues about 13 kilometres east from the town harbour to Skaleta, and 7 more named beaches sit along it within 8 kilometres of the town. Loggerhead turtles nest on the whole of that shore rather than on the town beach alone. Only one of the group, Koumbes, lies on the western side of the city, so a walk or drive east keeps you on the same continuous beachfront.
Rethymno beach is on the north-coast seafront of Rethymno town in Crete, about 500 metres east of the old town and next to the Venetian port. It is the westernmost part of Rethymno Bay’s long beachfront.
Yes. The water is shallow and clear, which suits both swimmers and children. The surface can get choppy on windy days, so mornings are usually the calmest time to swim.
Yes. The shallow, clear water, the seasonal lifeguard and the cafes and facilities along the promenade make it a practical choice for families with young children.
Yes. Entry to the beach is free, and you pay only to rent a sunbed and umbrella. Food, drinks and water sports along the seafront are charged separately.
The beach is organised with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, a seasonal lifeguard, showers, changing rooms, water sports, and beach bars, cafes and restaurants along the seafront. It also holds Blue Flag status.
7 beaches lie within 8 kilometres of Rethymno beach. Pervolia sits 2.1 kilometres east, Koumbes 2.6 kilometres west, Misiria 2.7 kilometres east, Platanes 3.8 kilometres east, Adelianos Kambos 5.5 kilometres east, Pigianos Kambos 7.1 kilometres east and Kamari 7.3 kilometres east.
Koumbes is the one beach on the western side of Rethymno, 2.6 kilometres from the town beach. Its sand and fine pebbles face the Fortezza fortress, and it has a lifeguard service, tourist amenities and walkways along the coast.
Walk east from the old town and Venetian port along the seafront, take a local bus, or drive in on the paved road beside the beach. The beach is also wheelchair accessible.
Rethymno beach is a nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta. Roped-off patches of sand mark protected nests where eggs have been found, so swimmers keep clear of them.
The beach is busiest in peak summer, when it fills quickly during the day. Arriving early in the morning is the surest way to find shade and a quiet spot, and mornings also tend to have the calmest water.
Reaching Rethymno beach is simple, on foot from the old town and the Venetian port, by local bus, or by car on the paved road beside the sand. A car makes it easy to reach the quieter beaches further east along the bay and the villages inland on your own schedule. You can compare rates and pick up a vehicle for the trip through our car rental in Crete page.
The Armeni Minoan necropolis is located 9km south of the town of Rethymnon, on the main road leading to the south coast of Crete. This significant Late Minoan III A-B (c. 1400-1200 BC) cemetery was found on a shallow hill called Prinokefalo, which translates to “hill of the wild oaks.”
Systematic excavations began in 1969, and by 2012, 231 tombs, including one tholos (domed grave), had been uncovered. A unique feature of the Armeni necropolis is that it initially had an overall plan, with specific areas designated for wealthy noblemen and the less fortunate. However, this plan was abandoned during the Late Minoan III B Period (1300-1200 BC), resulting in a mix of large and small tombs throughout the cemetery.
All the tombs were carved into the rock and consisted of a corridor and a chamber. The corridor was either a staircase or a ramp. Some tombs were left incomplete, with only a corridor and no burial chamber. The more affluent tombs had tombstones of varying sizes, with eleven found away from their original locations.
Each tomb likely represented a family group. Osteological (bone) analysis revealed that the average age at death for adult males and females was approximately 31 and 28 years, respectively. Most female deaths occurred between the ages of 20 and 25, likely due to the dangers of childbirth. Chemical analysis of bones indicated that the people buried at Armeni did not consume marine food, but their diet generally consisted of a fair amount of animal protein and plants. They suffered from various infectious and nutritional/metabolic diseases, as well as dental caries.
The primary discoveries in the tombs included clay larnakes, finely decorated pottery, bronze arms, utensils and ornaments, sealstones, and necklaces made from semi-precious stones. Among the most notable finds were a boar’s tusk helmet, a basket made of reeds and adorned with small bronze pins, a steatite pendant with Linear A script, and a stirrup jar with Linear B script (mentioning the name wi-na-jo).
At the location of the chapel of Agio Pnevma (the Holy Spirit) on top of Mount Vrysinas, with an elevation of 858m, archaeologists have discovered what is likely the most significant Minoan Peak Sanctuary in West Crete, the peak sanctuary of Vrysinas. From this vantage point, one can see the northern coast of Rethymnon and the province of Agios Vasilios to the south.
Excavations at this open-air sanctuary have uncovered extremely important findings dating from 1900-1050 BC. The Minoans offered hundreds of zoomorphic and anthropomorphic clay offerings to their goddess. In 2011, a red steatite seal was discovered, engraved with the oldest known Minoan language, the hieroglyphic script. This is the only known example of this script in West Crete.
The Agio Pnevma (Holy Spirit) Monastery likely dates back to the 12th century and had already achieved autonomy and prosperity by the end of Venetian rule. Tragically, on June 15, 1821, local Turks slaughtered the monks and set fire to the monastery.
Subsequently, the damaged monastery became a subsidiary of the Preveli Monastery, and by 1836 it functioned as a widely known school throughout Crete and Gavdos, drawing thousands of students from all over the island.
In the present day, the monastery is home to a monument dedicated to the 200 volunteers led by Demetrios Petropoulakis, who lost their lives in a battle against the Turks on December 5, 1868. The monastery has since been restored and has resumed operations.
The Profitis Elias Monastery, situated on a hill with sweeping views 20km south of Rethymno and adjacent to Roustika village, is a relatively lesser-known monastery in Crete. Founded during the Venetian Era, it is among the island’s most historic convents.
Throughout its history, the monastery was repeatedly destroyed by the Ottomans, with the last instance occurring during the 1866 revolution. The monastery played an active role in the resistance against Turkish rule. Consequently, the monastery’s buildings, aside from the temple, were constructed in their present form after 1866. Additionally, Profitis Ilias made a significant contribution to preserving Cretan history by housing the Historical Archive of Crete during the German Occupation.
The monastery features a fortress-like architectural design. At the center of the courtyard, visitors will find a three-aisled basilica with a dome dedicated to Prophet Elijah (celebrated on July 20), the Holy Trinity, and Agia Zoni (August 31). The belfry of the monastery, along with that of Arkadi Monastery, are the only surviving Venetian bell towers in Crete. Surrounding the courtyard are the two-story monks’ cells, an incomplete guest house, and the refectory.
Within the temple, visitors can admire the ancient wooden iconostasis, the throne (dated 1843), and the pulpit. Additionally, numerous relics are housed in the sanctuary, including sacred vessels, vestments, gospels, crosses, relics of various saints, a brocade epitaph, old books (dating back to 1640), and manuscripts (from 1620).
In the early 1990s, the monastery of Saints Raphael began operating on the hill of the Episcopacy (Diocese seat) of Lambi, Sivritos, and Sfakia in Spili. The primary temple is devoted to the martyrs Saint Raphael, Nikolaos, and Irini. Additionally, the monastery houses the chapels of Saint Irinaeus, Saint John the Baptist, Saint John the Hermit, and Archangel Michael.
Constructed atop Timios Stavros hill in the western suburb of Rethymnon called Koumbes, the Convent of Jesus Christ (Christ the Savior) likely dates back to the Venetian period, similar to numerous other temples and monasteries in the area.
Historians speculate that the monastery was originally home to the Convent of Our Lady of Erimitiani, as evidenced by a 17th-century Renaissance painting. However, the monastery was destroyed during the Turkish occupation of Rethymnon in 1645 and only reopened in 1935.
The monastery’s church features two aisles dedicated to the Transfiguration and St. John the Baptist. The nuns are responsible for the beautiful paintings and icons within the church. Additionally, the monastery houses a small museum and library containing books and memorabilia belonging to Bishop Titos Sylligardakis.
Last updated: August 2026. Crete Locals.
Mili Gorge is a green hiking ravine about 7 kilometres south of Rethymno, where a shaded, year-round stream runs past the abandoned mill village of Mili. Mili Gorge gathers its water from the northern slopes of Mount Vrysinas and holds so many plants and trees that it reads like a botanical garden. The signed trail follows the length of the valley, so walkers pass old watermills, spring-fed pools, and small rock-cut churches along the way.
Mili Gorge takes its name from the water mills that once worked along its stream. Mili Gorge holds the abandoned village of Mili at its heart, split into two neighbourhoods, Ano Mili (Upper Mills) and Kato Mili (Lower Mills). About 30 watermills once ground the grain from the gorge and the surrounding villages, and nearly every resident worked as a miller. Today a single renovated watermill still stands in good condition, so visitors can see how the mills turned. Fruit trees and vegetable gardens fill the ground between the ruins, fed by the same water that once drove the wheels.
Residents left Mili in 1972 after landslides threatened the houses. The villagers built a new settlement, Nei Mili (New Mills), on the high ground west of the gorge. Some of the old mills have since been restored as homes, and one now serves as a cafe-restaurant for visitors.
Water shapes every part of Mili Gorge. Springs feed the stream at several points, and the two largest, Saint Anthony and Five Virgins, keep it flowing all year. Along its course the water forms small waterfalls and pools, shaded by tall plane trees, where walkers stop for a cool rest. Birds are easy to spot in the canyon, so the gorge rewards birdwatchers as much as hikers.
Mili Gorge holds several rock-cut churches along its trail. The cavernous church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios) and the cavernous church of Saint John (Agios Ioannis) sit within the rock, and the cemetery church of the Holy Five Virgins (Pente Parthenes) stands just past the village. Beyond Kato Mili the trail passes two more cave chapels, Saint Paraskevi (Agia Paraskevi) and Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos).
Mili Gorge has two entrances, so walkers can start from either end of the valley. The northern entrance sits near Chromonastiri, and the southern entrance sits near Xero Chorio. The trail is signed and stays shaded through the summer months. After heavy rain the stream rises and the ground turns slippery, so the walk is safest in dry, settled weather. The on-site cafe-restaurant runs mainly in the summer season, so carry your own water and snacks for the walk.
What type of gorge is Mili Gorge? Mili Gorge is a hiking gorge with a signed trail.
Is there water in Mili Gorge? Yes, water runs in Mili Gorge all year round.
How accessible is Mili Gorge? Mili Gorge is reached by a paved road.
How long is Mili Gorge? Mili Gorge is 2.5 km long.
How difficult is Mili Gorge? Mili Gorge rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty.
How many hours does it take to hike Mili Gorge? Hiking Mili Gorge takes about 2.5 hours.
What is the altitude difference in Mili Gorge? The altitude difference in Mili Gorge is 190 m.
Mili Gorge sits about 7 km south of Rethymno, and the trailheads near Chromonastiri and Xero Chorio are far easier to reach with your own vehicle than by bus. Driving lets you park near the entrance, start the walk early before the midday heat, and pair the gorge with the villages and monasteries around Rethymno, which is simplest with car rental in Crete.
The untamed Prassano gorge, also known as the Gorge of Prasses, is situated 10 km southeast of Rethymnon. It commences south of the Prasses village and provides a captivating three-hour hike through enormous rocks and some fairly challenging passages, adding to the intrigue of the trek. The Prasano Gorge, currently serving as the “overflow” channel for the Potami dam, winds its way through the rocky hills of Gargana, with its stream terminating in the suburb of Platania, east of the city of Rethymnon. The river is engulfed by lush vegetation and towering plane trees, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing excursion.
The Prassano gorge can only be accessed from mid-June to mid-October due to the water flow. It is a crucial biotope of Crete, providing a habitat for buzzards and a small group of Bonelli’s eagles.
The Prasses Village
Set amidst the verdant Cretan landscape on the slopes of Vrysinas, Prasses serves as an entrance to the southern coast. This medieval village showcases the intermingling of diverse cultures that have traversed Crete, evident in the Venetian mansions, Turkish farmsteads, and Orthodox churches. The rich natural and cultural diversity make the village an ideal location for tours and walks. Heading south from Prasses, the road leads to the Potami valley, home to the dam of the same name.
The stunning Galliano canyon begins to the southeast of Gallos and concludes at the Rethymnon town, channeling water from the Armeni region to the Koumbes beach. It stretches over a distance of 5.5km, with the journey taking you through a lush ravine. Regrettably, there are multiple spots where shepherds have put up wires to confine their herds, making the trek along the stream challenging.
Close to the entrance, you’ll encounter the ancient Saounatsides watermill, which was operational until the 20th century. You can also see remnants of an old chapel nearby. A few meters south of the mill, another path leads to the cave-like temple of Saint Anthony.
In northern Rethymnon, beneath the village of Myrthios (not to be confused with the Myrthios near Plakias), a petite ravine teeming with plane trees gives way to a wild and untamed gorge at Kaminolakos. The gorge is typically dry, only filling with water after significant rainfall. It is accessible only with canyoneering gear. This gorge remained unexplored until March 22, 2013, when Christopher Cheiladakis, Argyro Koghylaki, and Rudolf Riegler ventured into it for the first time, installing safety rings in the process.
The initial stretch of the gorge is particularly wild, leading to a series of small rappels before reaching the final waterfall, a towering 55 meters high. This waterfall is nestled under an umbrella of large trees, hidden away in a shadowy enclave. The gorge culminates at the renowned stone bridge of Simas, which is situated on the road to Amari. This bridge, the highest in Crete, is considered an architectural marvel of its time.
Located in Xirón Khoríon and only 3 km from Rethymno Beach, Doctor’s Home provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. With garden views, this accommodation offers a balcony.
The holiday home is equipped with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 6.2 km from the holiday home, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 23 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 75 km from Doctor’s Home.
from
€94
/night
Situated in Rethymno Town, 1.8 km from Rethymno Beach and 2.7 km from Platanes Beach, Nontas Ntina Villa offers air conditioning. This property offers a private pool and free private parking.
With free WiFi, this 3-bedroom villa features a TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with a microwave and toaster.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 5 km from the villa, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 22 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 74 km from Nontas Ntina Villa.
from
€298
/night
Set in Xirón Khoríon, 1.8 km from Rethymno Beach and 2.6 km from Platanes Beach, Nomadic Villa offers air conditioning. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 5 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 6 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Nomadic Villa, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 4.9 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 74 km from Nomadic Villa.
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€59
/night
Located in Giannoudi Village of Rethymno, the traditionally-built Villa Givera features a private swimming pool surrounded by a blossomed and furnished sun terrace. The spacious villa has a seating area with fireplace and enjoys views over the mountain and the Cretan Sea.
Fitted with beamed ceilings and terracotta tiles, Givera villa is tastefully decorated with wooden furnishings and wrought-iron beds. It features 3 separate bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen with dining area and 2 bathrooms. Facilities include a stove, a microwave, a washing machine and a flat-screen TV with DVD player. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Guests can relax at the sun loungers by the pool and enjoy the unobstructed views over the sea. BBQ facilities are also available at the garden, where guests can prepare al fresco meals under the shaded dining area.
Restaurants, bars and supermarkets can be found within 3 km from the property. Rethymno Town and Port are 5 km away, while the famous Arkadi Monastery is at a distance of 12 km. Chania International Airport is 70 km away. Free on-site parking is possible.
from
€396
/night
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