Located in Achlada, 22 km from Venetian Walls and 23 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Luxurious Stone house provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With mountain views, this accommodation features a patio.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The apartment offers a barbecue. A car rental service is available at Luxurious Stone house.
The Palace of Knossos is 26 km from the accommodation, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 38 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 26 km from Luxurious Stone house, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Situated in Agia Pelagia and only 2.2 km from Agia Pelagia Beach, Villa Nefeli Agia Pelagia features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation provides a terrace and a swimming pool.
This villa has 4 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms fitted with a bath. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Psaromoura Beach is 2.6 km from the villa, while Mononaftis Beach is 3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from Villa Nefeli Agia Pelagia.
Brand new studio Sea View has garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Agia Pelagia, 22 km from Venetian Walls.
Each unit has a terrace offering sea views, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a well-fitted kitchenette and a private bathroom with shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries. An oven, a fridge and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 23 km from the country house, while The Palace of Knossos is 26 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from Brand new studio Sea View.
from
€59
/night
Situated in Agia Pelagia, 2.4 km from Agia Pelagia Beach, Cloud 9 with Garden near the Sea features a living room with a flat-screen TV, and free WiFi. With free private parking, the property is 2.6 km from Psaromoura Beach and 22 km from Venetian Walls.
Providing access to a terrace with garden views, the air-conditioned holiday home consists of 1 bedroom and a fully equipped kitchen.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 23 km from the holiday home, while The Palace of Knossos is 25 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 25 km from Cloud 9 with Garden near the Sea.
from
€158
/night
Offering an outdoor pool, “BlueVedere” Sea View Luxury Villa is a Detached villa with a balcony and views of the Cretan Sea, located 4 km from Agia Pelagia in the Crete Region. It provides free private parking and free grocery deliveries. The closest beach is 400 metres away.
There is a dining area and a kitchen complete with a dishwasher, an oven and a coffee machine. Other facilities include a washing machine, an iron and a TV in every room.
Other facilities at “BlueVedere” Sea View Luxury Villa include a BBQ and grocery delivery service. The owners can help with car rentals to explore the Crete island, as well as massage, special nights and private chef.
A supermarket can be found at a distance of 1 km. Heraklio Town is 15 km from “BlueVedere” Sea View Luxury Villa, while Hersonissos is 38 km away. The nearest airport is Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, 19 km from “BlueVedere” Sea View Luxury Villa.
from
€45
/night
Set in Agia Pelagia and only 20 km from Venetian Walls, Olenia Residence offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 4 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
Guests can swim in the pool with a view, relax in the garden, or go hiking.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 21 km from the apartment, while The Palace of Knossos is 24 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 24 km from Olenia Residence.
from
€172
/night
This is the ideal diving course for those who want to try scuba diving but do not have a diving certificate. Enjoy a pre-dive lesson and always be accompanied by a certified instructor.
Begin your day with the basic theory on diving and the skills necessary to do so. You will then move on to real-life diving under the supervision of a certified instructor.
During the dive, you will have the opportunity to explore the bottom of the sea in Agia Pelagia, learn the basic commands, and get the chance to observe up-close the fish and sea creatures living near the seabed.
Dive into a new adventure and experience this scuba activity suitable for first-timers. Enjoy 45 minutes of theoretical training and 45 minutes inside the water.
Learn from a local experienced and licensed instructor who will teach you how to breathe and move underwater. Get introduced to the marvelous experience of diving.
U will learn about the use of your diving equipment, hand signals, the sea life of Ligaria and more!
Take photos , live the dream of diving for an unforgettable experience with our certified experienced professionals.
Enjoy a pickup from your accommodation.
Experience unforgettable moments on the Quad Safari Peninsula and discover a world full of fascinating highlights. Our tours offer you the perfect mix of adventure, nature experience and cultural discovery.
Join us on our journey to a ghost village that reveals a forgotten past. Immerse yourself in history, get to know the only three residents of the village as you explore the deserted streets and soak up the atmosphere of this place.
With our newest, comfortable quads you drive through picturesque landscapes and enjoy the untouched nature. From the rolling hills to the majestic mountains, we offer you a variety of captivating panoramas and views stretching all the way to Heraklion.
We run our tours in small groups to give you a personalized experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, our experienced, multilingual guides are always by your side.
Also discover the village of the famous painter El Greco – a wonderful place that fascinates artists and art lovers alike. Let yourself be enchanted by the charming streets and the cultural treasures of this place. Explore the enchanting village of oranges and savor the delicious flavors and incomparable charm of this location.
Take part in a unique adventure where you can combine the beauty of nature, the culture of the region and the joy of quad biking. Book now to start your journey and create unforgettable memories.
An evening quad safari in Crete can be a magical experience, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the island’s landscapes as the sun dips bellow the horizon. Here is what to expect from our sunset tour:
Gather at the starting point at 17:00 pm for a short introduction to the quads following by a practical lesson in our private course (4 acres).
Once familiar with the quad bike our fun begins and we are setting off heading to our first stop which is at the top of the mountain ‘the ghost town’. The route is along the golden mountain trails which offers panoramic views of the sea coast and verdant mountains of Crete. It is a great opportunity to capture stunning photographs and create lasting memories whilst enjoying a smooth ride.
The ‘Ghost Town’ is situated on top of the mountain very well hidden and secluded. Our experienced guides will take you to this traditional abandoned village to show you the most interesting parts and tell you a few facts about the place. There are many abandoned old cottages in this village and the setting brings to mind a horror movie. Be prepared for amazing pictures and a unique experience.
Filled with fresh oxygen from the heights of Achlada ‘Ghost Town’ we are heading off road through an old donkey road descending 300 meters to the sea coast of Fodele. The selected route offers scenic views riding through olive groves and the natural beauty of Crete. As the tour progresses you will make your way to the sea coast where we can pause for a brief moment to take in the scenery and capture some pictures.
Our next stop is at a charming traditional village
renowned for its scenic beauty and the birthplace of the famous painter EL Greco. Once there, we are taking a 20 mins break to recharge and why not explore the streets of the village and the shops who offer local products such as fresh orange juice, honey, raki and handicrafts.
Having explored Fodele and being rejuvenated, we are taking the road back to the seacoast to capture a magnificent sunset. Once located in a comfortable spot by the beach which offers a clear view of the horizon, you can share a special moment with friends, family or loved ones anticipating the sunset. The warm hues of orange, pink and red in the sky in combination with the cooler blues and purples of the sky and sea are guaranteed to create a mesmerizing spectacle.
Learn how to dive in a small family dive centre, enjoy high quality services and brand new equipment.
Start your course today and become a PADI Open Water Diver. The absolute certification that turns you into a responsible and well trained diver ready to discover the beauty of the sea.
PADI is the largest diving organization in the world and the licence you will get is recognizable by all diving centers around the globe.
Your experienced Padi instructor will teach you all the tips and tricks on how to be comfortable and safe in all the kind of dives you will ever make.
Get taucht on site everything related to your equipment and tactics we use.
Dive in confined water to learn all the necessary skills according to PADI standards, and become a safe and skilled diver.
Enjoy 4 open water dives, 1 and 2 at max 12m deep, 3 and 4 at 18m deep.
Explore different dive sites during your course.
Your personal PADI instructor will be with you continously to show you, teach you and guide you through the knownedge of your PADI course.
Get your licence and start exploring the seas of the world.
Enjoy your day on the water with friends and family by renting the perfect boat. With or without license, with captain or not you can join the most beautiful spots in Crete, accessible only by boat. Explore the wild life, and the open sea, also if you prefer you have the chance for fishing, by offering you specialized fishing tools.
Situated 21km west of Heraklion, on the southern side of the compact Cape Souda, you’ll find Agia Pelagia beach, also known as Santa Pelagia. This beach is nestled amidst several picturesque coves with stunning beaches. Originally, Agia Pelagia was a quaint settlement utilized by Achlada villagers for agricultural purposes, but it has since evolved into a bustling tourist destination replete with hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, and more. Routine bus services to Heraklion ensure its accessibility.
The primary beach of Agia Pelagia is a slender, sandy stretch with greenish water. The Turks dubbed it Tsanak Limani, meaning ‘plate harbor’ due to its circular shape. The bay forms a natural, tranquil harbor, and the beach provides an array of amenities such as watersports, diving, food, and accommodation. However, in some areas, the beach is narrow with sunbeds occupying most of the space.
The beach is well-shielded from northern winds by the Cape of Souda, where ruins of the ancient port town Apollonia can be found. A luxury hotel now stands on Souda, but the ruins are accessible for tourists. A small shrine stands near the hotel, marking where the icon of Santa Pelagia was discovered centuries ago. Not far from the beach is the former Agia Pelagia monastery, renowned throughout the island during the Venetian era. Worshippers would flock to the beach during the monastery’s feast, seeking healing in the sand.
A short walk past the shrine on Cape of Souda will lead you to Fylakes, considered the most beautiful beach of Agia Pelagia. Fylakes consists of two small coves with fine sand and greenish water, concealed by Cape Souda’s towering rocks. Accessing Fylakes requires navigating the rocky coast and wading through chest-high water, so secure your belongings accordingly.
To the east of Agia Pelagia, beneath Hotel Diana, is the lesser-known pebbled beach, Vlyhada. This small, man-made beach is exposed to the winds and can only be reached by swimming from Agia Pelagia, as the hotel does not permit land access.
Agia Pelagia served as a crucial port during the Venetian period, providing aid to the besieged Cretans during the Candia siege. The Turks later constructed a fort here, though no remnants remain today. The port was also where the legendary ship of Arkadi docked during the Cretan Revolution to provide ammunition to the rebels.
Kladissos, situated 21km northwest of Heraklion and to the northwest of the Agia Pelagia resort, is home to a historically significant hotel that sprawls across the entire Cape Souda area. The beach here boasts fine gravel and tranquil green waters, with the hotel providing an array of amenities such as umbrellas, deck chairs, bars, showers, and changing rooms.
Despite appearing to be private due to the hotel’s influence, it’s essential to remember that all beaches in Greece are accessible to the public. You can gain access to the beach by requesting permission from the hotel, at no cost. Kladissos beach is typically serene and secluded, as locals tend to favor the nearby Agia Pelagia or Psaromoura beaches.
In close proximity to the shore, post-Minoan tombs have been discovered, adding a historical significance to the area. Additionally, archaeologists have uncovered a large public building from the third to fourth century AD, known as the Prytaneum, which was used for political meetings of the ancient town Apolonia. Some of the ceramic artifacts found in the area are now displayed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
Psaromoura, situated 22km northwest of Heraklion and only 500m north of Agia Pelagia, faces east and is protected from the prevalent northwest winds. There are no immediate accommodations or dining options on the beach, but various facilities can be found within a short walking distance. The beach is pebbled and tends to be frequented more by locals than tourists. The northern end of the beach features a large, folded rock formation common to the Talea Range area, which shields the beach from the waves.
In the past, Psaromoura was one of the most beautiful unorganized beaches in Crete. Today, it has been transformed into a well-organized beach equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers, and a beach canteen serving refreshments and cocktails. Environmental groups in Crete have repeatedly requested the removal of the umbrellas to restore the beach to its original state.
To reach Psaromoura, one must drive to Agia Pelagia. After passing the Hotel Capsis Out of the Blue, continue westwards for an additional 100 meters before turning right onto a small road. A few steps ahead, you’ll find a closed gate and a sign indicating “To the Beach”. After parking your car, head west past the gate and you’ll soon arrive at Psaromoura. Alternatively, heading east from the gate will lead you to an elevated view of Kladissos Beach, accessible via the hotel.
The name Psaromoura derives from the Greek words psari, meaning fish, and mouri, meaning cape. Thus, it is located on a cape populated with fish.
The Ligaria beach, nestled 21km northwest of Heraklion and just 1km east of Agia Pelagia, is shielded by the Bay of Ligaria from the common northwest winds of the region. Not far from here is the Panagia church, a relic from its days as the Panagia Ligariani monastery. The area is named after this monastery, which in turn, derives its name from the abundant osier plant, also known as ‘ligaria’ in Greek, famous for its pliable stems and lovely flowers.
The beach is an enchanting spot with its rough sand and serene, turquoise water. The presence of small boats adds to the charm of the scene. While the eastern part is more exposed to waves and tends to gather more debris, the western side boasts cleaner water and a flat sea. Smooth rocks are found close to the shore except for the western part of Ligaria which has small sandy areas. The beach is well-equipped with facilities like umbrellas, sunbeds, water sports, a diving school, beach bars, restaurants, and accommodations. However, parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends due to the influx of locals.
A trail leading northeast from the west end of the beach takes you to the top of the cape safeguarding Ligaria. Adjacent to this cape lies a secluded little beach named Parasfougario. It has sand and pebbles but is exposed to the wind. A stone pathway starting from a cliffside house leads to this beach, but it is off-limits as it falls under private property.
A petite gorge forms to the west of the Rogdia village and opens up at the Paliokastro area. The journey begins from the ancient Koukos watermill, situated on the primary road linking Rogdia to Achlada, and takes you down to its most striking feature, the 10-meter tall Rechtra waterfall, which can be accessed through a relatively steep descent with ropes. As you traverse down the gorge, you’ll encounter several small waterfalls, the cave-like chapel of Panagia Spiliotissa, and finally arrive at the Paliokastro beach.
One of the most astounding sights is a cave situated right in the heart of the gorge, which has been converted into a studio for creating Christian icons by a hagiographer, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It is highly recommended to stop by this unique site, engage in conversation with the artist, admire the icons, and perhaps purchase a few.
You can also conveniently reach the fall by trekking up the gorge from Paliokastro.
Just a stone’s throw away from Heraklion city, near the Agios Panteleimonas Monastery in Fodele, you’ll find the Santorinios canyon. This canyon carries water from the Marathos village and the western slopes of Platani to the Fodelianos river. Although the canyon is relatively short, it remains unexplored due to the challenging access caused by thick vegetation and numerous ponds. Trekking through the riverbed, despite getting wet, simplifies the journey but calls for a change of footwear. The canyon’s name originates from the soil’s resemblance to that of Santorini Island, which was previously used in Crete’s construction.
Upon entering the gorge, you’ll encounter the ruins of a two-room watermill, its walls still standing tall, supported by an ivy branch woven into them. After some time, you’ll reach the first pond, Azilakokolymbos, which appears to be the path’s endpoint. However, if you manage to bypass the lake by either swimming or rock climbing, there’s more to discover. After overcoming this hurdle, the journey continues smoothly until you reach a majestic waterfall that forms a stunning pond at its base.
The adventure intensifies from this point. To proceed, you’ll need to scale the right side of the waterfall, approximately 15 meters, to reach the hilltop. To access the waterfall’s edge from here, a rope is necessary due to the steep and slippery terrain. As you continue up the canyon, you’ll be greeted by two awe-inspiring twin waterfalls.
Almyros Gorge, situated in Ellinoperamata, is the closest canyon to the west of Heraklion city. The gorge, a small oasis near the bustling city, is formed between Keri hills and the post-Minoan town of Kastrokefala. It serves as a crucial habitat, primarily due to the largest holly wood (Phillirea media) in Crete located on its eastern side. Other species like platan trees, carob, and wild olive trees also thrive here despite overgrazing.
The gorge has various names, such as Keri Gorge, named after the adjacent hill, or Almiros, due to its closeness to the Almiros river. It’s also called Ellinoperamata, the area where the gorge terminates. Frequently termed Porofarago, a common name for Cretan gorges, it’s also known as the Three Churches, in honor of the three chapels — Santa Marina, St. Antonios, and St. Paraskevi. Its commencement point near the Strouboulas peak gives it the Strouboulas name, while stories of Satanist assemblies and ghost sightings have resulted in its spooky moniker, the Ghosts’ Gorge.
Despite its proximity to Heraklion, few people have ventured here. Cars can reach the location where the 14th-century monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis (Saint John inside the Gorge), dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, was constructed near the canyon exit. The surviving chapel of Saint Marina was used as a cemetery, while the main temple was the present two-aisled chapel of Saint Anthony and Saint Paraskevi with significant frescoes. A little further, a shrine dedicated to Saint George can be found, and after nearly 1:30 hours of walking, the chapel of Lord Christ at the gorge’s starting point is reached.
The trail is lined with various trees, and the vegetation thickens as one ascends. Initially, the gorge is typically dry but transitions into a small stream during spring. While ascending, one can encounter three small waterfalls, which form at a site with a pinkish limestone hue after prolonged, heavy rainfall.
Almiros Gorge is a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers. To reach this wild beauty, navigate towards the equally breathtaking Lake of Almiros. Located just a short distance from the path leading to the gorge, this lake is a wonder in itself. The lake’s crystal-clear water, flowing directly from the spring-fed mountain cliffs, offers an extraordinary view all the way to its bed.
The Zoniana canyon is situated to the south of Zoniana village within the Psiloritis Range. It begins at a height of 950m, gathering water from several streams that flow from the Zoniana mountains, and concludes at the village at a height of 650m. The “serpentine” river Oaxis, which carries water until spring and ultimately drains into the Geropotamos river, flows through this gorge.
This gorge is not only easily accessible but also safe for hiking due to its gentle slope. The rock formations in many areas are truly remarkable, made up of numerous layers, and there are stunning geological structures and trees clinging to the steep slopes and narrow points. As it nears the village, the canyon broadens and morphs into a slender valley.
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