Agia Galini is a serene seaside resort located on the southern shores of Amari, 61km southeast of Rethymno and 68km southwest of Iraklion. The name Agia Galini translates to “Holy Tranquility” or “Holy Serenity” in Greek, and it truly lives up to its name. The resort offers a peaceful atmosphere that visitors can only find at the shoreline, with calming waters lapping against its tranquil shores.
Once a modest fishing community providing sustenance for nearby villagers, Agia Galini experienced rapid growth in the ’60s and ’70s when tourism began to flourish in the area. The beauty of the resort attracted a new generation of carefree and liberated “hippies,” and since then, countless travelers have been captivated by its charm, visiting year after year.
Today, Agia Galini is a modern resort with a traditional character that offers all amenities to its visitors, including accommodation, food, entertainment, medical services, post office, banks, and shops. To the west of Agia Galini, awe-inspiring caves have been molded by nature and are only accessible to travelers via boat tours. One particular cave is famously known as Daedalus’ Cave due to its rumored association with the mythical craftsman and artist, Daedalus himself.
Visitors can also take a boat tour to explore the neighboring beaches of Agios Georgios, Agios Pavlos, and Preveli. The two islets of Paximadia lie opposite of Agia Galini, and tourists can take a tour boat there to explore the area. Archaeological excavations in the area have revealed several findings, including remains of columns and a temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis, as well as a Roman shipwreck from the 3rd AD century.
Erofili is a small family run hotel situated on the upper part of the village of Agia Galini, offering lovely views over the village, the harbour and the Libyan Sea.
All rooms have private balconies with sea view, a fridge and private toilet and shower. The room rate includes continental breakfast, which can be served on the balcony. Free Wi-Fi internet access is also provided.
Guests can start their day with a traditional Cretan breakfast including yogurt with local honey, fresh eggs, handmade sweets, fresh fruits, olives, fresh bread and handmade jams.
The sandy beach of Agia Galini is situated just beside the village. It is well protected from the winds and well organised, offering fish taverns, sun beds and umbrellas.
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€55
/night
Stella Luxury Apartments is situated in Agia Galini, 300 metres from Agia Galini Beach and 41 km from Psiloritis National Park. This 3-star hotel features free WiFi and a terrace. The hotel has family rooms.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a toaster, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. Rooms include a kettle, while selected rooms also boast a patio and others also feature mountain views. At Stella Luxury Apartments the rooms have bed linen and towels.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 49 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 17 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 73 km from Stella Luxury Apartments.
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€47
/night
Family-run Antigoni is situated only 350 metres from the beach at Agia Galini town in Rethymno, in the South of Crete. Set on a low hill, it offers a view of the Libyan Sea and mount Psiloritis.
Antigoni offers well appointed rooms with sea or garden-view balconies. All rooms feature modern amenities such as satellite TV, air conditioning, fridge and electric kettle. The cleaning service of the room wil be done every other day.
Tea and coffee facilities are also available free of charge in the rooms.
The village and port of Agia Galini, where cars are only allowed on the main road, are ideal for a stroll or a visit to one of the many bars and restaurants.
Antigoni is a great base to visit the beaches, villages and countryside of sunny South Crete. Antigoni is close to excellent transport connections to the many places to be visited nearby. Airport transfer is available for a surcharge.
Situated in Agia Galini, 500 metres from Agia Galini Beach and 41 km from Psiloritis National Park, Agapi’s Place offers air conditioning. It features a terrace, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment with a balcony and sea views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 50 km from the apartment, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 18 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 73 km from Agapi’s Place.
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€65
/night
Set in Agia Galini, 200 metres from Agia Galini Beach, 40 km from Psiloritis National Park and 49 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, SUNFLOWER offers accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. This apartment provides accommodation with a balcony.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a bath and slippers. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
A continental breakfast is available every morning at the apartment.
A car rental service is available at SUNFLOWER.
Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 17 km from the accommodation, while Phaistos is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 73 km from SUNFLOWER, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Set in Agia Galini, 200 metres from Agia Galini Beach, Loggia Two offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The property is located 40 km from Psiloritis National Park, 49 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna and 17 km from Museum of Cretan Ethnology. Every room has a balcony with views of the sea.
All units in the guest house are equipped with a kettle. The units feature a private bathroom, a hair dryer and bed linen.
Phaistos is 19 km from Loggia Two, while Arkadi Monastery is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 73 km from the accommodation.
from
€43
/night
Intro:
Located approximately 68 km southwest of Heraklion, Matala is one of the most popular destinations and one of the most beautiful beaches of our island. Mostly famous for the caves carved in the rocks next to the beach and the hippies of the 60’s.
Gortyna,also known as Gortys, was a city of ancient Crete mentioned by numerous ancient writers for its importance and splendor that is by no means inferior to that of Knossos.
Full description:
Once you are greeted by our friendly driver and guide, your day trip is about to begin.
Our first stop of the day is a visit to the archaeological site of Gortyn which is located 45 km south of Heraklion. Inhabited since 3000 BC, evolved as one of the largest cities during the Minoan era, finally reaching its peak during the Roman Empire, the city of Gortyn is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Walk around the site and have a chance to travel back in time while admiring the ancient ruins.
After a quick ride, we reach our second destination, the village of Matala. As we approach the village, a beautiful sandy beach of around 300 m long will greet you. You will have plenty of time to dive in the crystal clear deep water, swim under the Cretan sun and have lunch in one of the traditional taverns surrounding the beach. Matala is also known for its hand-carved caves that are found in the cliff of its bay. The caves were created in the Neolithic Age and were used throughout history as living spaces. During the 60’s the caves were occupied by the hippies who travelled from all over the world in search of their very own paradise on earth.
Explore the intriguing caves, enjoy a refreshing dive and allow us to take you on an unforgettable experience.
This day trip crosses Crete from the north coast to Matala, the south-coast village where Roman rock tombs became homes for the hippie community of the late 1960s. Matala sits in a sheltered bay below cliffs cut with those caves, and the trip gives you free time to swim, explore the caves and walk the village. ETHERION runs it from €34 with free pick-up anywhere between Malia and Ammoudara, and it holds a 3.81 rating across 30 reviews.
The coach runs south across the island, spends the afternoon in Matala and returns to Heraklion. Three things fill the time on site.
First is the beach, a curve of fine sand in a calm bay with clear water and cliffs at either end. Second are the caves, carved into the soft rock as Roman tombs and occupied by the flower children in the late 1960s and early 1970s, they are the reason most people come, and entry costs €4 separately. Third is the village, with small shops, tavernas along the water and the ruins of Roman buildings including a bath and an arena near the shore.
Matala’s history runs deeper than the hippies. Both the Minoans and the Romans used the bay as a harbour, and Greek myth places it as the spot where Zeus, in the form of a bull, came ashore with Europa.
The trip crosses from the Heraklion coast to the southern shore, ending at one beach.
The fare covers the coach, the guide and the pick-up, and it excludes the cave entry and everything you eat.
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We recommend Matala itself without hesitation and this particular trip with reservations, and it is worth separating the two.
Matala earns its reputation. The caves are genuinely unusual, Roman tombs turned into a 1960s commune, still open to walk through, and the bay behind them is a good beach on its own terms. Reviewers who went agree: several call it a must-see in Crete, and the ones who rated the day three stars still said they were glad they saw the place. If you are based on the Heraklion coast without a car, a coach is the practical way to get there.
The reviews also praise the guides on the good days, with one calling them great and very informative, and several note the pick-up going smoothly from their hotel door.
Now the problems, because this trip scores 3.81 out of 5 and three of the ten reviews we read sit at three stars or below.
Coach time is the biggest complaint by a distance. Value for money scores 3.4 and guiding 3.5, the two lowest marks. The trip is billed as 7 hours but that is door to door, one reviewer reported only 3 hours actually in Matala, another 4 hours, and a third said an hour went on collecting other passengers before the coach even set off south, calling it more time on the bus than on site.
Guiding is inconsistent. One reviewer said the guide spoke three sentences on the coach and then left the group to its own devices with no explanation of the caves or the town. Another booked a Polish-language tour and found it running in French, and was told it did not matter. A third struggled to follow the English commentary.
Matala gets crowded. One reviewer could not get a lounger on the beach at all in August.
Bring the cave money, set your expectations on timing, and head for the caves before the beach.
Free pick-up covers Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos, Limenas Chersonisou, Koutouloufari, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kato Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos, Karteros, Heraklion and Ammoudara. The operator emails your exact pick-up point within 24 hours of booking.
Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen and beachwear. The trip is flagged as likely to sell out.
Reviewers report 3 to 4 hours on site. The trip is listed at 7 hours, but that includes the coach south and a pick-up circuit along the north coast first.
Cave entry costs €4 and is not included. One reviewer noted EU residents under 25 entered free.
A multilingual guide travels with the coach, though reviewers report the amount of commentary varying considerably and at least one language mismatch.
Matala’s cliff caves are Roman rock tombs that the flower children lived in during the late 1960s and early 1970s, which is how the village got its name in travel writing.
Pick-up is free from anywhere between Malia and Ammoudara, covering the whole Heraklion north coast strip.
The bay is sheltered and the sand is fine, though reviewers travelling in August report the beach busy enough that loungers ran out.
Check dates and prices for the Matala hippie caves day trip.
This day trip runs south from Rethymno across the island’s interior to the Libyan Sea, taking in the fishing village of Agia Galini, the cave-cut bay at Matala, a four-acre medicinal herb garden and the village of Spili with its lion-head fountains. The stops are timed generously: 1.5 hours at Agia Galini and 3 hours at Matala. PLATANOS TOURS run it over 7 hours from €30.40, with a 4.58 rating across 24 reviews.
The coach crosses to the south coast and works back north through the hills. Four stops fill the 7 hours.
First is Agia Galini, a fishing village built up a hillside above a small harbour, with 1.5 hours to take a coffee and walk the alleys. Second is Matala, where the cliff at the north end of the bay is honeycombed with caves cut as Roman tombs and occupied by the hippie commune of the 1970s, you get 3 hours for the caves and the beach. Third, on the return, is the botanic garden, four acres of medicinal and aromatic herbs that are at their best from April to September. Fourth is a short stop at Spili, known for the row of Venetian lion-head fountains that still run in the village square.
Three hours at Matala is the longest stop any Matala trip we list gives you.
The route crosses the island from the north coast to the Libyan Sea and back.
The €30.40 covers the coach and the guide, and every stop on the route.
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We recommend this one on the time it gives you. Most Matala trips from the north coast leave you three or four hours for the whole day and much of that on a coach. This one puts 3 hours at Matala and 1.5 at Agia Galini inside a 7-hour day, which means you can actually swim, climb to the caves and eat rather than photographing the cliff and leaving.
The four stops are also well chosen as a set. A working fishing village, a famous beach with genuine archaeology, a herb garden and a Venetian fountain square is a fair cross-section of southern Crete, and at €30.40 it is the cheapest multi-stop day we list.
Reviewers praise the running of it consistently. A British guest called the guide informative and the driver fantastic and very safe; a German group named their guide Barbara for providing information throughout the day including on the bus. Value for money scores 4.7 out of 5, the strongest of its three dimension scores.
Two things reviewers flag.
The botanic garden stop is short. A German reviewer who otherwise rated the day five stars said the time there was too brief and suggested two hours. It is a return-leg stop rather than a destination.
Matala does not suit everyone. A Romanian reviewer rating the trip four stars found the water uncomfortably cold at Matala even on a 33-degree day, because the bay is shaded and deep against the cliff. If a warm swim is the point of your day, Agia Galini’s beach is the gentler option.
Climb to the caves early, budget cash for the €4 entry, and take a jumper for the fountains.
Pick-up covers eleven named points between Panormo and Georgioupoli; the Georgioupoli area, Petres, Kavros and Gerani are excluded as transfer points. Personalised pick-up information arrives in a separate email, check your spam folder.
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. Smoking is not permitted in the vehicle.
The day runs 7 hours, with 1.5 hours in Agia Galini and 3 hours at Matala.
Three hours, the longest Matala stop of any trip we list, enough for the caves, a swim and lunch.
The cliff at Matala is cut with Roman rock tombs that the hippie commune lived in during the 1970s, which is how the bay got its name in travel writing.
Spili has a row of Venetian lion-head fountains still running in the village square, and the stop is a short break on the return leg.
No food or drink is included. Agia Galini and Matala both have tavernas, and the stops are long enough to eat.
Eleven points from Panormo through Rethymno town to Georgioupoli, though the Georgioupoli area, Petres, Kavros and Gerani are excluded.
Check dates and prices for the Matala, Agia Galini and Spili day trip.
This day trip runs 90 km south from the Heraklion coast to Matala, the bay on the Libyan Sea where a cliff of Roman rock tombs became a hippie commune in the late 1960s. The coach arrives at 11:00 and leaves at 15:00, so you get four hours to swim, climb to the caves and eat before the return. PLATANOS TOURS run it over 8 hours from €38.72, with a 4.41 rating across 210 reviews.
The day is one long transfer built around a single four-hour stop. Three stages make it up.
First is the pick-up run along the north coast, starting at Malia at 08:30 and working west through Hersonissos, Gouves and Heraklion to Ammoudara by 09:55. Second is the drive south across the island to Matala, arriving at 11:00. Third is four hours of free time, then departure at 15:00 and arrival back in Heraklion at 16:15.
Matala earns its reputation twice over. The cliff at the north end of the bay is honeycombed with caves cut as Roman tombs and later lived in by the flower children of the late 1960s and 1970s. The bay itself was a working harbour for the Minoans and the Romans, and in myth it is where Zeus came ashore as a bull carrying Europa.
The route crosses the island from the north coast to the Libyan Sea.
The €38.72 covers the coach and the transfer. Everything at Matala is your own.
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We recommend this for one specific reader: someone staying on the Heraklion coast without a car who wants to see Matala. At €38.72 it removes a 180 km round trip on mountain roads and the parking problem at the other end, and the pick-up net is wide, twelve named points from Malia to Fodele.
Reviewers who booked it on those terms are satisfied. A visitor from Réunion put it exactly right: a day trip done in an organised setting from central Heraklion without having to rent a vehicle. A British guest praised the organisation and the amount of time at Matala, and several reviewers single out the hostess.
Matala itself is worth the road. The caves are real archaeology you can walk into, the village is small and colourful, and Red Beach is a walk over the headland for anyone who wants a quieter swim.
Three things to weigh honestly, because this rates 4.41 and the complaints repeat.
Four hours divides opinion. Two separate reviewers rated the day four stars specifically on time: a French guest said the experience was far too short and it was impossible to do everything, and a British visitor said four hours at the beach is not long enough and you need at least five. If you want the caves, Red Beach and a proper swim, four hours is tight.
The coach is the weak link. A French reviewer reported the bus had no working air conditioning and the journey was hot; a Dutch reviewer called the bus outdated. Transportation scores 4.4 out of 5.
This is transport, not a guided tour. GetYourGuide’s own summary of verified reviews says travellers would like clearer information that the day is mainly transport with limited guiding. Guide quality also scores 4.4. Book it as a coach to Matala and you will not be disappointed.
If you would rather have longer at the beach, our Matala hippie beach page covers the alternative departures.
Wear water shoes, carry small change for the caves, and climb early.
Pick-up times run from 08:30 at Malia to 09:55 at Ammoudara, and the route covers 90 km each way. Arrival at Matala is 11:00 and departure 15:00, with drop-off in Heraklion at 16:15.
Bring a sun hat, swimwear and a towel. Infants are seated with their parents rather than given their own seat.
You get four hours of free time, arriving at 11:00 and departing at 15:00.
The cliff at Matala is cut with Roman rock tombs that a hippie commune lived in during the late 1960s and 1970s, which is how the bay entered travel writing.
Entry is €2, paid at the site and not included in the tour price.
A multilingual guide accompanies the coach, English, Polish, French and Italian on Mondays, Russian instead of Italian on Thursdays, but reviewers describe the day as mainly transport.
Yes, reviewers recommend them, the beach is rocky, the water deepens quickly and sea urchins sit near the rocks.
Twelve points from Malia through Heraklion to Fodele, with times running from 08:30 to 09:55.
Check dates and prices for the Matala hippie beach and caves day trip.
After a short drive through the Messara plain you reach Matala. Known for the colony of hippies in the Sixties, where they lived in large holes formed on the mountain. The rocks are holes with a Roman burial. In Matala you will have time for a refreshing dip in the water, eat something or just enjoy a drink on the beach. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both, the Minoans and the Romans used the place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s – 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs
Discover the long kept secrets of wine and olives and Cretan tastes as you travel through Cretan villages in a semi private group of 6-8 persons in each vehicle.
Our day safari in the secrets of the Cretan tastes and culture begins with a visit to Klados winery in Panormos. There we will be welcomed by the owner of the winery for a wine tour and a mouthwatering wine tasting experience unraveling the secrets of high longevity in Crete. Continuing our day we follow the north coastline through traditional villages of Sisses, Aloides in the heart of Cretan mountains admiring the unique view of Psiloritis and Mylopotamos area will inspire you to take pictures, combining the highest mountain top of Crete with the beautiful valley until we reach the historic Vosakos Monastery, that used to be a refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars. Afterwards our amazing route continues with panoramic views that will take your breath away and If we are lucky, we will get to marvel up close some wild eagles and goats and take some photos. Driving through picturesque villages of Doxaro, Apladiana, Agia nestled amongst lush vegetation we will have plenty of opportunities to take photos of picturesque chapels, sheep, goats, sprawling vineyards and gorgeous olive groves. An asphalt route will lead us to a traditional and modern olive mill in Melidoni village in Rethymnon. There you will have the chance to be guided in three different olive oil factories (ancient handmade production, by the help of diesel engines and modern production with centrifuge) learn everything about the olives harvesting, olive oil production and taste some local olive oil.
Working up our appetite we arrive at a small village tavern in Melidoni, where we will introduce you to the Cretan cuisine with plenty of Cretan delicacies and let you feel the very essence of the renowned Cretan hospitality. On the way back we will follow an easy asphalt route through the national road before we reach back into Rethymnon town.
A unique wine and olive escape, an exciting adventure to embrace the renowned Greek hospitality, enjoy the sights and professional and relaxed service!!!
Agia Galini, a well-loved seaside resort in the southern part of the Rethymnon prefecture, is located near the Amarianos or Platys River mouth. It’s 61km south of Rethymno city and 68km southwest of Heraklion. This quaint town flourishes with activity in the summer and offers all necessary tourist facilities. The stunning green beaches, the fascinating caves in the west, the legends of Icarus and Daedalus, the hippie memories and the peaceful sea, make this village a popular spot for numerous visitors.
Starting east of the port, a long beach extends to Kokkinos Pirgos. The sea here is typically serene. The beach section near the port is well-facilitated and features fine pebbles and chilled water, due to the nearby Platys or Amarianos River, located 200m east of the port. Near the river, remnants of an ancient Artemis temple have been discovered.
Crossing the river via a metal bridge leads to the second beach, which stretches another 1km to the east. This beach, with small pebbles and less organization, is adjacent to the Agia Galini camping site. As you progress eastwards, the beach becomes narrower and more rugged. A 1.5-2 hour walk will take you to Kokkinos Pirgos. This beach, inaccessible by road and favored by nudists, is completely unorganized so be sure to bring food, water, and umbrellas.
On the beach’s west end, beneath a hill with houses, there’s a small network of tunnels from World War II. You can explore these to reach the hilltop.
Situated 3km west of Agia Galini, 69km southwest of Heraklion, and 60km south of Rethymno, you’ll find the tranquil valley of Agios Georgios. This spot is home to two small bays, each boasting beautiful pebbly beaches separated by a rocky shore. The weather is often mild, making these beaches perfect for year-round swimming.
The area remains relatively undeveloped, but on the eastern beach, known as Lichnistis, you’ll find a handful of rooms, a tavern, and some umbrellas for shade. A visit to Agios Georgios offers the chance to explore the rugged Cretan countryside and take a stroll to the historic Monastery of St. George, located 500m to the north. The church’s sloping walls show signs of age and soil sedimentation, and inside, you’ll find ancient frescoes.
For those seeking solitude, the western beach, Kolimbistiri, or “swimming area”, is the ideal location. Here, you can swim in peace, and the seabed offers excellent snorkelling opportunities. To reach Agios Georgios’ beaches, take the asphalt-paved road from Agia Galini to Agios Pavlos, or hop on a boat from Agia Galini.
Kokkinos Pirgos, also known as Red Tower, resides 67km west of Heraklion, near the town of Tymbaki. Its name is derived from a tower constructed from red soil, situated at the mouth of the Geropotamos river. As the coastal village of Timbaki’s main port and a hotspot for tourism, Kokkinos Pirgos is home to numerous hotels, dining establishments, and cafes. The area’s climate is typically warm, enabling locals to cultivate fresh vegetables in greenhouses.
The village boasts a lengthy sandy beach that stretches southeast towards Kommos for several kilometres. This expansive beach is a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles (Carretta Carretta) during the summer months. Conservation organizations such as Archelon work to protect these sea turtles and their nests. The beach, which is susceptible to western winds, begins at Timbaki’s military airport wire fence on the east and extends to Agia Galini on the west.
The beach’s eastern portion, stretching from the port to the airport, is known as Katalyki. This well-equipped beach features amenities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguards, and water sports. A coastal road lined with cafes and restaurants runs alongside the beach, making it a popular spot for refreshments. East of Katalyki lies a sizable marsh, a key wetland in the Mesara plain, which is irrigated by the Geropotamos River.
The beach area west of the harbor is known as Makrimaliana. The beach near Kokkinos Pirgos is relatively broad, but as it extends towards Agia Galini, gravel massifs encroach upon it, narrowing the beach and in some places, eliminating it during high tide. This unorganized, remote beach may not be extraordinary, but the wind and sea-carved rock formations that flank it are certainly impressive.
Louros, nestled between the settlements of Agios Georgios and Agios Pavlos, is characterized by its rocky terrain and a collection of small, pebbly beaches. A scenic coastal road provides stunning views of the two Paximadia islets. Heading west from Agios Georgios, travelers will encounter the quaint beaches of Armenopetra, named after a solitary boulder found in the sea. These beaches offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Two kilometers before reaching Agios Pavlos, another beach, either known as Agios Markos or Ligiolakos, is found across from the rock known locally as Prasonisi. The waters here are typically tranquil, making it a favorite spot for local families from Melambes. The seabed is also a great place for snorkeling and spearfishing. Further east of Prasonisi, more similar beaches can be found, usually accessed on foot.
The next beach, Aniforas or Vigdolidi, is difficult to reach due to private property blocking the path. The beach is situated near a striking rocky cape, and while the beach itself is unremarkable, the towering rock formation provides excellent photo opportunities.
The final beach, located 500m east of Agios Pavlos, is positioned at the mouth of a stream. Ancient Cretan date palm trees, known as Theophrastus, line the banks of the stream, giving the pebbly beach its name – Finikidia.
In the quiet, almost abandoned village of Chordaki, located in the Amari district, we discovered the hidden gem of Kynigospilios Canyon. Situated south of the village, this small but stunning canyon remains a secret, its location hidden from view, which contributes to its relative obscurity. The Kynigospilios Canyon boasts a significant water flow from the slopes of Mount Kedros, which lasts from winter through to late spring.
However, traversing the canyon requires the use of ropes and canyoning equipment due to the presence of eight stunning waterfalls along its path, with the last one being particularly breathtaking. Unfortunately, the canyon’s safety measures, installed by canyoners around 2011, are not ideally positioned, making them inaccessible during periods of high water flow. The canyon was christened ‘Koutsouna’ (meaning ‘small’) by the first group to cross it, as they couldn’t find an existing name for it.
At the canyon’s entrance, you’ll find two adjacent watermills, and the surrounding area is lush with greenery, including platans and oaks that provide ample shade. Beneath most of the waterfalls, you’ll find ponds perfect for swimming in the canyon’s crystal-clear river waters. The Kynigospilios Canyon eventually merges into the Platys River bed at its termination point.
Located approximately 100km southwest of Heraklion city, north of Ano Meros village, you’ll find the Kalamafka or Gorge Smiliano. The Lygiotis river, originating from the Gerakari valleys and the Samitos Mount slopes, flows through this gorge. The 2.5km long canyon begins near Vrysses village, close to the deserted settlement of Smile, and concludes north of Ano Meros, accessible via an asphalt road.
During winter, the gorge is filled with water, making entrance risky even for experienced canyoners. However, an alternative route via a dirt road descending from Drygies village leads just above the gorge. Here, the canyon’s steep walls form a slope with a trail, allowing relatively easy descent to the gorge’s heart, precisely at the point where the stunning waterfalls are formed continuously. The gorge comprises about 10 remarkable rappels, with the tallest waterfall being 13 meters. The ponds formed beneath each waterfall are equally breathtaking, and it’s worth noting that Gorge Smiliano boasts the largest and deepest ponds compared to any other gorge in Crete.
A journey through the canyon (as described in June of a particularly rainy year)
Starting near Smile, we first cross a small arched bridge. After just 50m, we enter the gorge’s main section, greeted by a large pond. The canyon then narrows to about 2m and forms a deep pond, 2-3m deep, requiring swimming. The first small rappel we encounter ends in a large, deep pond (perfect for jumping), where the depth exceeds 3m.
Following this, a rock lodged between the canyon walls forms a natural arch. After swimming for several meters (over 25) without touching the ground, we continue our journey unimpeded. We soon encounter the first high waterfall, and the gorge narrows further (1-1.5m). To continue through this narrow section of the canyon, ropes are required. Alternatively, we can walk alongside the canyon until we reach the 15m high rappel that ends in a very deep pond, perfect for a big jump.
The gorge extends eastward, and the deep ponds gradually become small, shallow ponds. Towards the end of the gorge, the water almost disappears, making it impossible to anticipate the aquatic paradise that lies just a few meters ahead.
The Platania Gorge, positioned above the Platania village, links the southeast slopes of the Psiloritis range to the Amari valley, approximately 38km southeast of Rethymno. The river flowing through it collects water from the west of the Migia (1584m) and Spathi (1779m) peaks and channels it to the River Platys, which terminates in Agia Galini. A challenging yet secure trail winds its way up to the starting point at Kokkinoharako, skirting its steep slopes. The trail provides hikers with breathtaking views of the towering cliffs, vertical limestone rocks displaying yellow-red hues of erosion, rock shelters, and numerous caves.
At roughly 800m altitude, a small plateau hosts the cave-like church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios), constructed near a spring. The trail from Agios Antonios continues its ascent northwest, meeting a dirt road originating from the Vistagi village. On the opposite side of the gorge, in the east, lies the Panas cave, named after the ancient god Pan, god of the wild, shepherds, and flocks, who, as per local folklore, was born here. The cave houses petroglyphs from the Minoan era, indicating continuous worship at the site. The same dirt road from Vistagi provides access to the nearby church of Saint Mammes (Agios Mamas), the patron saint of shepherds in Christianity.
The Platania Gorge’s interior is stunning, though few get to witness it due to its steep waterfalls, which require technical canyoning equipment to navigate. The tallest waterfall stands at approximately 40m. The first known crossing of the gorge was in 2008 by the canyoning group of Giannis Bromirakis and Christoforos Cheiladakis. The cliffs provide a nesting habitat for various bird species, including vultures, hawks, wild pigeons, and crows.
On the southeastern flank of Mount Sanida, near the quaint village of Skourvoula, you’ll find a petite yet wildly untamed chasm known as Rizopetro. This gorge culminates in a striking 60m waterfall that cascades into the lake of the Faneromeni dam, a sight to behold especially after heavy downpours.
Agia Galini is located on the southern shores of Amari, 61km southeast of Rethymno and 68km southwest of Iraklion.
Agia Galini translates to “Holy Tranquility” or “Holy Serenity” in Greek.
Agia Galini offers an atmosphere of peace and stillness that visitors can only find at the shoreline, with calming waters lapping against its tranquil shores.
Before it became a popular tourist destination, Agia Galini was a modest fishing community providing sustenance for Melabes villagers living nearby.
Agia Galini is a modern resort with a traditional character that offers all amenities to its visitors, including accommodation, food, entertainment, medical services, post office, banks, shops, etc.
Visitors can explore nearby beaches such as Agios Georgios, Agios Pavlos, and Preveli, as well as the awe-inspiring caves to the west of Agia Galini. They can also take a tour boat to the two islets of Paximadia.
Archaeological excavations in the area have revealed several findings, including remains of columns and a temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis, as well as a Roman shipwreck of the 3rd AD century.
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