Amariano village is located in the western part of Mount Dikte, just 8km away from Kastelli and 43km from Heraklion. According to a report by Kastrofilakas in 1583, the village had 285 inhabitants. It is believed that the village was established during the early centuries of Venetian rule, as a document from 1380 mentions “Mariano”. The Kornaros Family also owned large estates in Amariano.
The village’s main square features a beautiful 1898 stone fountain with a neoclassical influence. Visitors can relax under the shade of the old plane trees and admire the open-air exhibition of traditional stone tools used in olive production.
For those interested in traditional celebrations, the festivities on August 15 in honour of the Virgin Mary and on September 20 to commemorate the village’s patron saint, Saint Eustathius, are not to be missed. These celebrations are a great opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions.
Featuring garden views, THE AA VILLA: Your Interactive Home Experience! offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 30 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. It features an infinity pool, a garden, pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment comes with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The apartment offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at THE AA VILLA: Your Interactive Home Experience!, while diving and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
The Palace of Knossos is 32 km from the accommodation, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 45 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 38 km from THE AA VILLA: Your Interactive Home Experience!.
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€243
/night
Located in Kastamonitsa Village of Heraklion, the stone-built Metohi Nature Living features an outdoor pool surrounded by a blossomed sun terrace overlooking the mountains and the countryside. It includes a snack bar, a common living room with fireplace, and offers free Wi-Fi throughout.
Fitted with stone walls, arches and traditional furnishings, the rooms of Metohi have a seating area. Each is equipped with a TV, a fridge and a private bathroom with hairdryer and free toiletries. All units enjoy views over the pool, the garden and the mountains, while some also feature a fireplace.
Breakfast and other meals can be requested and served on the communal terrace, in the units or in the common living room by the fireplace. Free BBQ facilities are available on site, while traditional local appetizers can be enjoyed at the on-site snack bar.
The 24-hour front desk can provide information on nature walks and other activities. Metohi Nature Living is situated 20 km from the lively Malia and 45 km from Heraklion city. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is 47 km away. Hersonissos is 15 km away. Free public parking is available nearby.
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€175
/night
Featuring garden views, Mylopetra Traditional House provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 34 km from The Palace of Knossos. The air-conditioned accommodation is 31 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
The villa is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa offers an outdoor fireplace. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Mylopetra Traditional House.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 45 km from the accommodation, while Venetian Walls is 46 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 39 km from Mylopetra Traditional House, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Villa Zenovia is situated in Heraklio Town. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 21 km from the villa, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 36 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 29 km from Villa Zenovia.
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€238
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Featuring pool views, Villa AnnaMaria features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 25 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is equipped with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views. The air-conditioned villa also provides a seating area, washing machine and 3 bathrooms with a bath and a shower.
The villa offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, fishing and hiking are possible in the surroundings.
The Palace of Knossos is 27 km from Villa AnnaMaria, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 33 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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€298
/night
Located in Arkalochori in the Crete region, Nipiditos Village provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
Some units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine and a coffee machine, as well as a kitchen.
Guests at the villa can enjoy hiking nearby, or make the most of the sun terrace.
The Palace of Knossos is 31 km from Nipiditos Village, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 33 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 35 km from the accommodation.
Explore a traditional Cretan village in the evening, try Greek cuisine, and watch a lively show of dancing and music on this entertaining trip.
Begin with a beautiful drive through the mountains and arrive at the small village of Karouzanos. Enjoy free time to stroll around the narrow streets and old neighborhoods of the village. Take photos of the local architecture and gaze at the fantastic view of the Cretan mountains.
Next, experience an unforgettable show as local musicians and dancers perform. Join in and learn how to dance traditional dance moves. Savor typical Cretan food at the local restaurant and sip on a glass of wine.
Finally, after the show, head back to the bus for your journey back to your accommodation.
This Cretan night takes you to the mountain village of Kato Karouzana for a buffet dinner, unlimited wine and a live music and dance show. Kato Karouzana sits inland from the north coast, and the evening runs roughly 18:00 to 22:45 including hotel transfer. TOURLINE operates it from €29, with a 4.27 rating across 111 reviews.
The evening follows a fixed sequence from pick-up to the return coach. Four stages fill the three hours on site.
First, the coach collects you from around 18:00 and reaches Kato Karouzanos at about 19:45. Second, you have free time in the village, narrow streets, old stone houses and cultural rooms explaining local history, with a welcome of raki and homemade pies from the villagers. Third, the buffet opens, built on local meat, vegetables and Cretan cheese, with dietary requirements catered for and two free soft drinks for children. Fourth, the show begins: musicians on lyra and laouto, dancers in costume, and an interactive stretch where the dancers pull the audience up to learn steps.
The evening finishes around 22:45 and the coach returns you to your hotel.
The night happens in one village inland from the Heraklion coast.
The fare covers the coach, the meal, the wine and the show, and it excludes soft drinks and spirits.
Included:
Not included:
Children receive two free soft drinks.
We recommend this night for the setting more than the show. Kato Karouzana is a real village rather than a purpose-built venue on the ring road, and the hour of free time before dinner, walking the stone streets, being handed raki and a pie by somebody who lives there, is the part that separates this from a hotel folklore evening. Reviewers pick up on it: one described the setting as a small traditional Greek community, another as a tiny village with a beautiful location.
The show itself earns consistent praise. Reviewers describe the dancers performing almost continuously with only short breaks, the musicians and singer as excellent, and the audience being brought up to dance repeatedly. One guest had attended twice and rated the second visit as highly as the first, which is a stronger endorsement than a single five-star review.
Food and wine are the third recurring positive. The buffet offers real choice, and the wine is genuinely unlimited, several reviewers make a point of saying so.
Three things to weigh before you book.
The coach is the weak link. One reviewer described it as stuffy and hot with very little leg room, another noted it makes a lot of stops along the way, and transport scores 4.2 out of 5. Pick-up starts around 18:00 and arrival is not until 19:45, so most of that gap is collecting other guests.
The group is large. One reviewer counted roughly 350 people. This is a mass event staged in a village, not an intimate dinner, and expecting the latter is where disappointment comes from.
The dancing is unstructured. A guest who loved the evening still wished for an actual dance tutorial, noting the audience participation ended up as a conga line rather than a Cretan dance. Join in for the fun, not for the technique.
Book the transfer rather than driving, arrive hungry, and carry cash for anything beyond wine.
The operator emails your pick-up point and time the day before, check junk mail if it has not arrived. Exchange your voucher at the entrance to the theatre on arrival.
Bring a camera and cash. Pets are not allowed. The evening runs from roughly 18:00 pick-up to a 22:45 finish, so plan on a late night rather than an early dinner.
The evening lasts 3 hours on site, with pick-up from around 18:00, arrival at 19:45 and a finish near 22:45.
Wine and water are unlimited, and reviewers consistently confirm it. Soft drinks and other alcohol are charged separately.
The evening is held in Kato Karouzana, a mountain village inland from the north coast, rather than in a hotel or a purpose-built venue.
The event is large. One reviewer counted around 350 guests, so treat it as a staged village celebration rather than a small dinner.
Both are catered for. The buffet covers special dietary needs and children receive two free soft drinks.
The dancers bring the audience up repeatedly. No formal tutorial is given, and one reviewer noted the result is closer to a conga line than a Cretan step.
Check dates and prices for the Cretan night with dance show and buffet dinner.
This folklore night takes you from the Heraklion coast to Kato Karouzana, a village inland, for a Cretan buffet with local wine and a live dance show. Kato Karouzana is a working village rather than a purpose-built venue, and the evening includes time to walk it before dinner starts. PLATANOS TOURS runs it over 6 hours 30 minutes from €29.05, with a 4.23 rating across 36 reviews.
The evening moves from village to table to dance floor. Four parts make it up.
First is the pick-up from the Heraklion coastal strip and the drive inland to the village. Second is the arrival, with time to walk through Karouzana and meet the locals who host it. Third is the feast at dusk: a buffet built on Cretan cheese, virgin olive oil, meat and other local produce, served with local wine. Fourth is the show, the Cretan lyra, dancers in traditional costume performing Cretan and Greek folk dances, and an invitation at the end for the audience to learn the basic steps.
The evening runs 6 hours 30 minutes door to door, most of that being the village itself rather than the coach.
The night happens in one village inland from the north coast.
The €29.05 covers the coach, the meal, the wine and the show.
Included:
Not included:
Infants sit on a parent’s lap.
We recommend this evening for the same reason we recommend any Cretan night, the setting decides whether it feels genuine, and Karouzana is a real village. Reviewers describe being welcomed on a rustic Greek farm rather than shown into a function room, and one British guest rated the buffet and wine as plentiful and delicious with repeated chances to join the dancing through the evening.
The dance show earns the strongest praise. A Polish reviewer described taking part in the performances rather than watching them, a Portuguese guest called the night fun and well spent, and an Italian reviewer called the whole thing a very emotional experience. Guides and drivers are described as taking care of the arrangements properly, and one British couple said they would book again.
The price is the other argument. At €29.05 including transport from your hotel, a full buffet and unlimited local wine, this is one of the cheaper evenings out available on the coast.
Three things to weigh, because this scores 4.23 out of 5 and the complaints are specific.
Language is the recurring problem. A French guest rated the night three stars, the lowest in our sample, after finding the evening run in English despite many French guests present, and an Italian reviewer rating it four stars asked why Italian was not offered. The listing names English, German, French and Polish guides, but which language the evening actually runs in appears to depend on the night. Ask before booking if it matters to you.
Value for money is the weakest dimension at 4.1 out of 5, below both guiding and transport at 4.3.
The transport is long. One French reviewer who enjoyed the night still called the transport a bit long, which follows from a coach collecting along the whole coastal strip before heading inland.
If your base is further west or you want a shorter evening, the same village also hosts a three-hour Cretan night run by a different operator.
Confirm the evening’s language, eat lightly beforehand, and use the village time rather than waiting at the table.
Mention your hotel name and location when booking; the pick-up point and time arrive by email. The evening runs 6 hours 30 minutes in total.
The meeting point is Kato Karouzana 700 06. Infants need to sit on a parent’s lap.
The evening runs 6 hours 30 minutes door to door, including the coach from the Heraklion coast and back.
Local wine is included with the traditional buffet dinner, as is the transport and the show.
The listing names English, German, French and Polish guides, but reviewers report the evening running in English on nights with many French guests. Confirm before booking.
The evening is held at Kato Karouzana, a village in the hills inland from the Heraklion coast.
The dancers teach the basic steps at the end of the night, and reviewers describe repeated opportunities to join in.
Pick-up and drop-off are included from twelve named areas along the coast, from Agia Pelagia to Malia.
Check dates and prices for the Cretan folklore night at Karouzanos.
This day tour climbs to the Lasithi Plateau, the high mountain basin in eastern Crete, and works round it: the 14th-century frescoes at Panagia Kera monastery, the white-sailed windmills that once irrigated the fields, a family pottery workshop at Psychro, the Dictean cave where myth places the birth of Zeus, and an olive oil factory at Avdou. SEALAND TRAVEL runs it over 7 hours from €35, with a 4.39 rating across 91 reviews.
The route climbs from the coast to the plateau and back down. Five stops fill the 7 hours.
First is Panagia Kera, the monastery before the village of Kera, holding 14th-century frescoes and the story of the icon of Kyra Kardiotissa, stolen three times by the Ottomans and returning each time. Second is the plateau itself, with the white-sailed windmills that drew water for the fields. Third is Psychro, where a family ceramic workshop lets you try the wheel and buy what they make. Fourth is the Dictean cave, a Minoan sacred site full of stalactites, where myth says the goat Amalthea nursed the infant Zeus while his mother Rhea hid him from Kronos. Fifth is Seli for the view across the plateau and a local meal, then an olive oil factory at Avdou with a tasting.
The guide works in three languages, reviewers report English, French and German on the same coach.
The route runs from the coast up onto the Lasithi plateau in eastern Crete.
The €35 covers the coach and the guide, with two optional entry fees on top.
Included:
Not included:
Both entries are genuinely optional, so the day can be done for €35 or for €52.
We recommend this tour for the range. Seven hours covering Byzantine frescoes, a working pottery, a mythological cave and an olive mill is a lot of different Crete in one day, and reviewers say exactly that, a great variety of activities, full without being rushed, a good mix of organisation and free time.
The plateau itself is the argument. Lasithi is a flat, fertile basin ringed by mountains at around 850 metres, farmed for millennia and once covered in thousands of sail-driven windmills. Coming up from the coast to it is a genuine change of scenery, and a Swiss reviewer described it as a welcome change from the beaches.
The pottery workshop is the stop reviewers did not expect to enjoy. Several mention making their first ceramic pot, and one Hungarian guest who booked mainly for the Zeus cave ended up rating the whole day on the variety instead.
Guiding earns consistent praise, with reviewers noting presentations delivered in three languages on the same coach and a driver handling the mountain roads safely.
Three things to weigh.
The Cave of Zeus costs €15 on top, which is a lot next to a €35 tour. It is optional, but it is also the reason most people book, so budget €50 rather than €35.
Pick-up and return take too long. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers find hotel pick-ups and returns lengthy and want more efficient routing, and one German reviewer described being collected by a minibus and having to change vehicles later into a fully occupied coach.
Access is limited. The tour involves walking and a cave, which the operator says may not suit anyone with mobility issues or claustrophobia, the Dictean cave is a real descent, not a walkway.
Check before booking whether the cave is open. The operator notes it has been closed for construction in past seasons, with Krasi village substituted.
Budget for the cave, wear grippy shoes, and ask the guide about the windmills.
Pick-up and drop-off are included, and the day runs 7 hours. Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and both cash and a card.
The tour involves walking and a cave visit, which the operator states may not suit people with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
The tour runs 7 hours, covering five stops between the coast and the plateau.
No, cave entry costs €15 and is optional, with free time outside the site for anyone who prefers not to go in.
Greek myth places the birth of Zeus in the Dictean cave, where the goat Amalthea nursed him while his mother Rhea hid him from Kronos.
The operator advises against it. The day involves walking and a cave descent that may not suit anyone with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
They are the white-sailed windmills that once drew irrigation water across the plateau, and some have been restored at the Seli viewpoint.
Reviewers report the guide presenting in English, French and German on the same coach.
Check dates and prices for the Lasithi Plateau and Cave of Zeus tour.
Discover traditional life in rural Crete by witnessing the daily activities of the locals and visiting the sites where Greek myths were born. Enjoy a tour of Potamies, Aposelemis dam, Empasa, the cave of Zeus, and the beautiful scenery of the plateau.
Start with pickup from your accommodation. Visit one of the most characteristic Cretan villages, Potamies, for a tour of a traditional local farm. See the process of milking and cheese-making, meet the animals, and sample their fresh cheese.
Next, head to the Aposelemis dam, the largest water supply project in Crete. See the village of Sfendili submerged in the waters of the dam with its impressive old houses fading on the surface of the water. Explore the natural wetlands and spot a unique variety of birds.
Continue uphill on the dirt roads to the gorge of Empasa. Enjoy the views of the mountainous landscape and thriving wildlife. Try your hand at foraging for native herbs or relax and take in the panoramic views.
Take a trip to Lassithi Plateau to enter Psychro Cave, the fabled birthplace of the Greek God Zeus. Follow the trails of the gods and after that take a tour around the plateau to get a sense of local life.
Finally, enjoy authentic food baked in the wood oven in one of the most celebrated taverns in the picturesque village of Krasi. Admire the town square filled with fountains and see imposing plane trees that are up to 2000 years old. Return to your hotel full of unforgettable memories of Crete.
Our ATV quad safari tour allows you to explore Crete’s picturesque mountainscapes, rich olive groves, and unspoiled countryside, providing a thrilling and immersive way to connect with the island’s authentic nature.
As you ride through the rugged terrain on your all-terrain vehicle, you’ll encounter breathtaking panoramic views of the Cretan landscapes. The tour takes you off the beaten path, offering glimpses of traditional villages, remote settlements, and untouched natural wonders tucked away amidst the mountains.
The adventure isn’t just about the ride; it’s also an opportunity to embrace the local culture and traditions. Along the way, you might pause to interact with friendly locals, experience genuine hospitality, and taste traditional Cretan delicacies at rustic tavernas or quaint roadside cafes.
Our ATV quad safari tour is designed to provide an immersive and authentic experience, allowing participants to appreciate the rugged beauty of Crete’s mountains while getting a taste of the island’s rich cultural heritage. It’s an ideal adventure for those seeking a blend of adrenaline, exploration, and a deeper connection with the natural and traditional essence of Crete.
Depart Hersonissos on a Quad Bike safari into the mountains of Crete and discover a more authentic side of the island as you get back to nature on small, traffic-free roads.
Drive to the traditional villages of Koutouloufari, Piscopiano and old Hersonissos before heading to the Lasithi plateau. Continue along the riverbed en route to the village of Potamies, and pass small gardens of fruit trees and olive groves along the way.
Enjoy the scent of different herbs and listen to the sound of millions of tiny tsitsikia (insects).
Visit some small churches and see sheep and goats grazing as you continue to the traditional village of Karouzanos. Stop at a café before driving towards Askous village.
Get an amazing view of Lyttos and Kasteli before traveling downhill to the village. Enjoy an authentic tsikoudia (raki) and some tasty snacks. Then, continue downhill to the Aposelemis dam and underwater village of Sfentili en route to the Panagias monastery.
Stalida beach is a long, sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, about 30 km east of Heraklion between the resorts of Hersonissos and Malia. Stalida beach has shallow, gently sloping water and a full set of sunbeds, tavernas, and water sports, which makes it one of the most family-friendly beaches in the Heraklion area. The sand sits right in front of the Stalida resort, so food, drink, and services stay a few steps away.
Stalida beach lies on Crete’s north coast, roughly 30 km east of Heraklion and its airport and about 3 km east of Hersonissos. Stalida, also written Stalis, has grown until it merges with Malia into one continuous stretch of coast, yet it keeps a calmer, family feel while Malia draws the louder party crowd. The name comes from the Greek verb “stalizo”, meaning to rest in the shade, because local shepherds once rested their flocks on this spot.
The sand at Stalida beach is a long run of soft golden sand backed by a seafront promenade of tavernas and shops. The sea is shallow and deepens gently over a soft, sandy seabed, so young children can paddle safely a good way from the shore. A short rocky cape splits the beach into 2 sandy stretches, and the rocky sections are good places to snorkel. Afternoon winds can raise short waves because the shore faces north, so mornings are usually the calmest time to swim.
Stalida beach is well organised for most of its length. Stalida beach offers sunbeds and umbrellas in packages, along with showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards on duty in season. Each section is run by a beach bar or taverna, and cafes and restaurants line the beachfront road. Water sports are available, including jet skis toward the Malia end, and there is room for beach volleyball. A small colony of Cretan date palms grows along part of the shore, a tree that is uncommon on the northern Heraklion coast.
Stalida beach makes a handy base for the eastern Heraklion coast. A short 6 km trip reaches the Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre, and the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum nearby explores Crete’s folk culture and natural history. Acqua Plus, one of the largest water parks on the island, sits a short drive inland. To the west, beyond Malia, the Malia Palace archaeological site preserves the third-largest Minoan palace complex on Crete. Walkers can follow the 5 km Bulgarian trail from Stalis up to the village of Mohos, named after the Bulgarian prisoners of war who built it during the Second World War.
The coast on either side of Stalida beach is lined with beaches, listed below by distance.
Stalida beach sits on the old national road, and the KTEL buses between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos stop about 500 m from the sand, a 5-minute walk from most hotels. A paved road runs down to the beach, with parking nearby. A beach day here pairs easily with the Minoan palace at Malia and the quieter sands further east, and the easiest way to reach them on your own schedule is with a rental car, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Stalida beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 30 km east of Heraklion and around 3 km east of Hersonissos, on the stretch of coast that runs into Malia.
Yes. The water is shallow and gently sloping over a sandy seabed, so children can paddle safely close to shore, and the beach is fully organised with facilities within easy reach.
Stalida beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards in season, plus beach bars, tavernas, and water sports along the shore.
Yes. Stalida beach is a long stretch of soft golden sand, split into 2 parts by a short rocky cape.
Stalida beach is popular and busiest in July and August, yet it stays calmer and more family-oriented than the main beach at nearby Malia.
Yes. Water sports are available along the shore, including jet skis toward the Malia end, and the rocky sections are good for snorkelling.
Take the KTEL bus between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, which stops about 500 m from the beach, or drive down the paved road and park nearby; a rental car also makes the quieter beaches along the coast easier to reach.
Living on the island of Crete, about 28km east of Heraklion, you’ll find the popular tourist town of Hersonissos. It’s known for its array of beaches, particularly on the eastern side. Located a short 2km distance from the Hersonissos port, these delightful coves extend up to the Drapanos Cape. The most vibrant among them is Star Beach, known for being one of the island’s busiest spots.
As you travel further east, there are several small, scenic sandy and pebbly coves that offer a feeling of tranquillity. Some of these secluded spots enjoy cool water due to the presence of freshwater springs in the sea. Next to these coves, you’ll find the Lychnostatis Folklore Museum, a place where visitors can delve into the historical Cretan way of life.
The final beach in the Hersonissos vicinity is located in front of the Nana Beach Hotel, at the edge of Drapano Cape, and is accessible by heading east. This well-maintained beach has sunbeds and a lifeguard on duty, with a variety of water sports and beach bars available. Thanks to the protection offered by two long piers, this beach enjoys calm waters all year round, as it’s shielded from the north winds.
Malia beach is a long, lively sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, about 35 km east of Heraklion and just east of Stalida. Malia beach forms the eastern end of a 6 km bay that begins at Stalis, and its fine sand, shallow clear water, and full set of sunbeds, water sports, and beach bars make it one of the busiest, most developed resort beaches in the Heraklion area. The sand runs right in front of Malia town, so bars, tavernas, and services stay a few steps from the shore.
Malia beach lies on the north coast of Crete, about 35 km east of Heraklion, in front of the town of Malia in the Heraklion region. Malia beach is the eastern part of a single 6 km bay that starts at Stalida to the west, so the coast runs almost without a break from Stalida through to Malia. Hersonissos sits further west along the same shore, which places Malia at the eastern end of Crete’s busiest resort strip.
Malia beach is a wide stretch of fine sand that fills with sunbeds through the summer. The water is shallow and clear, and it deepens gently over a sandy seabed, so children can paddle safely close to the shore. The central and most organised part in front of the town is known as Klotzani, and the sand then continues east through quieter stretches toward Potamos beyond the port. Malia beach faces north, so afternoon winds can raise short waves, and mornings are usually the calmest time to swim.
Malia beach is organised along its length, with sunbeds and parasols to rent, showers, and a lifeguard on duty during the day. Malia beach also offers a wide range of water sports, including jet skis, banana boat rides, and parasailing, alongside extra services such as beachfront massage, a beach gym, and pool bars at the seafront hotels. Cafes, tavernas, and beach bars line the sand, and the beach holds a Blue Flag for its water quality and facilities.
Malia beach sits beside the liveliest resort strip in the Heraklion area, and the main street of bars, pubs, and clubs runs a short walk back from the sand and stays open into the early hours. The main beach turns busy and loud in high summer, so visitors who want calm often head east, beyond the local port, to the quieter beaches of Pirgos and Potamos. These eastern beaches keep a relaxed feel next to the Malia wetland and the Minoan palace, away from the crowds on the main strip.
Opposite Malia’s main beach lies the small islet of Afendi Christos, home to the chapel of the Metamorphosis tou Sotiros, the Transfiguration of the Saviour. The islet draws a crowd every year on 6 August, when people cross for the church service and its festival. Near the islet, a spring on the shore is said by locals to hold holy water that once helped childless women conceive, and you can reach the spot with a short swim from the beach.
The coast on either side of Malia beach is lined with more beaches, listed below by distance.
Malia beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 35 km east of Heraklion, in front of the town of Malia. It forms the eastern end of a 6 km bay that begins at Stalida.
Yes. Malia beach is a wide stretch of fine sand that runs in front of the town, and it fills with sunbeds and parasols through the summer.
Yes. The water is shallow and clear and deepens gently over a sandy seabed, so children can paddle safely close to shore. The eastern end, away from the main strip, tends to be the calmest.
Malia beach has sunbeds and parasols, showers, and a lifeguard during the day, plus water sports, beach bars, and tavernas along the sand. The beach also holds a Blue Flag.
Malia beach is one of the busiest beaches in the area and is packed in July and August. The quieter eastern stretches toward Potamos stay calmer if you want more space.
Malia beach offers jet skis, banana boat rides, and parasailing, along with swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
Malia beach is partly accessible, with ramps and special chairs to help people reach the water. Access is by a paved road, and buses stop nearby.
The best time to visit Malia beach is from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry. July and August are the busiest and liveliest months, while June and September stay calmer.
Malia beach sits a short way down from the town centre, and a paved road runs to the sand with parking beside it. Buses between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos stop close to Malia, from where it is a short walk to the beach. A beach day here pairs easily with the Minoan palace at Malia and the quieter sands east toward Potamos, and the simplest way to reach them on your own schedule is with a car rental in Crete.
Hersonissos, a bustling tourist hotspot in Crete situated just 28km to the east of Heraklion, is renowned for its tranquil beaches and calm seas – a rarity along the northern coast of Crete due to the prevailing northern winds. The most serene beaches can be found to the west of the port, shielded by the Cape Sarandaris. Towards the east of the port, however, lie the resort’s most frequented beaches.
As you venture east from the port of Hersonissos, the first sight to greet you is a sprawling, narrow, sandy beach, buzzing with throngs of beachgoers. It’s impeccably organized and conveniently close to the city’s amenities, though it may not be the best choice for those seeking a more serene environment.
Journeying further east, a series of small, sandy coves become apparent, primarily situated in front of hotels. Of these, Silva Maris Beach stands out with its high level of organization, a lifeguard, and numerous facilities. Continuing eastwards, you’ll encounter Star Beach, one of Crete’s most populous beaches, largely patronized by British and Dutch tourists. Lastly, near Cape Drapanos lie the peaceful beaches of Eastern Hersonissos, offering a quieter seaside experience.
Roza Gorge, a branch of the larger Ambelos Gorge, originates near the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery in the Ano Kera region. It connects with the rural road that traverses the Ambelos Gorge close to the village of Gonies. Walking along the riverbed is not feasible due to the precipitous drops, but a well-marked hiking trail is available on the gorge’s sides. The gorge’s sides are visually striking, showcasing unique geological formations that captivate visitors. After heavy rainfall, surface water is visible in the gorge, evidenced by the growth of oleander plants in the riverbed.
The name ‘Roza’ is derived from the pinkish hue (‘roz’ translates to pink) of the gorge’s walls. Another theory suggests that the gorge was used as a disposal site for sterile animals like donkeys in the past. As a result, locals named it ‘Stira Za’ (meaning sterile animals), which eventually evolved into ‘Sti Roza’ (or in Roza).
Canyoning in the Roza Gorge
Roza Gorge is technical in nature, implying that hiking in its bed is not an option due to the numerous steep descents (rappels) that necessitate specific technical gear and training. For canyoning enthusiasts, it’s important to note that the largest rappel is approximately 18m high. The points are secured with relays from the speleological clubs of Crete, and the descent for a small group typically takes around 3 hours. The gorge’s proximity to Heraklion and easy accessibility make it a popular choice for canyoning schools.
The Embasa Gorge, also known as Apotyposi, begins its journey from the village of Kato Kera in the Pediada province and concludes near the village of Gonies, spanning a length of approximately 2km. The upper section of the gorge is notably steep, giving rise to several waterfalls during the winter season, with the tallest one measuring around 20m in height. The largest waterfall is particularly intriguing due to its division into several smaller cascades. It is possible to reach all the waterfalls without any special equipment as they can be circumvented from the sides.
Ascending the canyon from Gonies provides easier access to the waterfalls. However, the dense vegetation and steep inclines may pose a challenge for beginners. The gorge is predominantly populated by oak trees, planes, and brambles. The Life-Giving Spring church (Zoodohos Pigi) is located on the edges of the gorge, above the largest waterfall. According to local lore, a natural rock formation resembling the Virgin Mary can be found above this church. Hence, the gorge is also referred to as Apotiposi (Depiction). The church serves as the nearest parking spot to the large waterfall and can be conveniently reached from here, provided one can first overcome the initial hurdle of the fence erected by local shepherds.
Eligas Gorge, a stunning natural monument, is nestled on the western side of Koupa Mountain, just above the village of Miliaradon in Embaros. This remarkable location boasts a towering waterfall with nine rappels, making it a perfect spot for canyoning. The altitude difference from the entrance to the exit is approximately 230m.
Eligas is just one of numerous waterfalls in the vicinity, standing tall at 150 meters. It cascades down in 5-6 stages, with the largest drop being 50 meters.
During the winter, the waterfall is fed by crystal clear water from the local ‘Papa Lagos’ springs. On exiting the gorge, it merges with the Baritis River, a primary tributary of the Anapodaris River.
In the Cretan dialect, Eligas translates to ‘waterfall’. The gorge is unique due to its distinctive formations, created by layers of limestone that resemble a vast open-air theatre with stone tiers.
A trail from Miliaradon village leads to the base of the waterfall. From there, visitors can ascend to its highest points, offering a breathtaking view of the impressive waterfall and the Baritis-irrigated plain villages.
On the southeastern side of the Afendis Christos peak, nestled above the villages of Embaros, you’ll discover lush vineyards sprawled across the Erganos plateau at an elevation of 900 meters. The water, collected from the melting snow of the nearby slopes and numerous regional springs, contributes to the main tributary of the Anapodaris river, Baritis. This river traverses the Erganos plateau, carving out the striking Erganos canyon.
The Erganos canyon, adorned with flourishing plane trees, cypresses, and oaks, is a natural gem in this region. However, it is only navigable for a small portion, suitable for trekkers. After the initial 20-minute descent, the scenery transforms, revealing a unique natural sculpture with slender walls and spectacular waterfalls at nine different points. To navigate these areas, rappelling equipment is necessary.
Amariano village is situated west of Mount Dikte, 8km from Kastelli and 43km from Heraklion.
It appears that Amariano village was founded during the early centuries of Venetian rule, as a document from 1380 mentions “Mariano”.
According to a report by Kastrofilakas in 1583, Amariano village had 285 inhabitants.
The Kornaros Family was known to possess massive estates in Amariano.
In the village’s main square, guests can see an 1898 stone fountain that has a neoclassical influence. They can also relax in the shade of the old plane trees and admire the open-air exhibition of traditional stone tools used in olive production.
Traditional celebration enthusiasts should not miss the festivities on August 15 in honour of the Virgin Mary, and on September 20 to commemorate the village’s patron saint, Saint Eustathius.
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