Anogia is a picturesque mountain town located at an altitude of 700m, 55 km from Rethymno and 36 km from Heraklion. The town has a population of 2500 permanent residents who are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. Anogia has a rich history of resistance against conquerors, including the Turkish and Germans, which has left an indelible mark on the village’s culture and tradition.
Apart from its historical significance, Anogia is also famous for its traditional music and dance. The village is home to many talented musicians who have preserved the Cretan music tradition for generations. Visitors can enjoy live performances of the lyra, a traditional Cretan instrument, and witness the intricate footwork of the local dancers. Anogia’s music and dance culture is so significant that it has even inspired a museum dedicated to the preservation of Cretan music and dance.
The museum showcases the history and evolution of Cretan music and dance, and visitors can learn about the different styles and instruments used in traditional performances. Anogia’s charm and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Crete.
Perachori Boutique Studios in square has well-equipped accommodation boasting free WiFi in Anogia, 35 km from Venetian Walls and 36 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna.
The apartment provides guests with a patio, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a stovetop, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and slippers. Some units have a dining area and/or a balcony.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 36 km from Perachori Boutique Studios in square, while The Palace of Knossos is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 39 km from the accommodation.
from
€75
/night
Set in an area of 28 acres, this resort combines the fine facilities of a luxurious hotel with the authenticity of Cretan tradition and the wild beauty of the island.
Delina Mountain Resort is located 1 km away from Anogia village, on the road towards Nida at an altitude of 910 metres. Take advantage of the hotel’s prime location to explore the natural landscapes of the island every season of the year. Delina Mountain Resort offers its services for pleasant moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. Specially decorated rooms which emit a sense of calmness and cleanliness are waiting for you to repel the intensity of everyday routine.
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€42
/night
Set 34 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Asfendamos Villas offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
Each unit is fitted with air conditioning, private bathroom and a kitchen including a dishwasher, oven, microwave and a toaster. A fridge and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Venetian Walls is 42 km from the villa, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 43 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 46 km from Asfendamos Villas.
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€152
/night
Set in Zonianá in the Crete region, Faraggi Villas offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
Each unit is fitted with air conditioning, private bathroom and a kitchen including a dishwasher, oven, microwave and a toaster. A fridge and kitchenware are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 33 km from the villa, while Venetian Walls is 43 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 46 km from Faraggi Villas.
from
€152
/night
Featuring quiet street views, Rustic Stone Home, Milopotamos, Rethymno provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 29 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna. It has a garden, barbecue facilities, garden views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views features 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 2 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area.
Venetian Walls is 39 km from Rustic Stone Home, Milopotamos, Rethymno, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from the accommodation.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Villa Fisi I and Wellness is situated in Apladhianá. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
Fishing and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 24 km from the villa, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from Villa Fisi I and Wellness.
from
€147
/night
Embark on a guided off-road driving adventure in discovery of the history and traditions of Crete. Meet locals, see nature and wildlife, and embrace the renowned Cretan hospitality. Then enjoy a relaxing lunch featuring local food and wine.
Head south from Rethymno, passing through the villages of Halepa, Garazo, Faratsi, and Veni, known for their dense vegetation, fresh aromas, and unique views. Stop off at the historic Halepa Monastery, former refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars. Take pictures of the magnificent mountain tops and valleys that surround you.
Continue the drive while taking in the panoramic views and trying to spot wild eagles and goats along the way. Arrive at a mitato (shepherd’s hut) and learn all about the shepherd
lifestyle and cheese-making process.
Satisfy your appetite at a traditional Cretan tavern in the village of Axos and savor the local cuisine and wine before returning to Rethymno.
See Crete from a different angle on this all-day Land Rover safari tour.
Begin the day in Heraklion, where you will get to know your guide and listen to a short presentation of the excursion before heading to the Livadi Plateau.
Enjoy the incredible views of Heraklion and the Cretan as the Land Rover climbs through the mountainous, provincial road to the eastern slopes of Psiloritis. Marvel at the breathtaking atmosphere of the plateau, including the thousands of apple and pear trees that are scattered throughout the area.
Drive through the off-road route to the plateau of Nida, where you will visit Idaion Andron, the cave where Zeus was born. On the way back, stop at Ancient Zominthos, which was only discovered in 1982 but is considered one of the most important archeological discoveries in Crete.
Have lunch in a local tavern in the village of Anogia.
Immerse yourself in the traditional customs of Crete on a private tour from Rethimno. Meet the only living nun at Vossakos monastery and be introduced to Mr. Andreas and Mrs. Eleni at a local pasture. Learn about goat-herding and beekeeping from the experts and indulge in delicious Cretan cuisine.
Get picked up from your accommodations in Crete and leave the city center behind for the picturesque countryside. Arrive at the historical Vossakos monastery, settled in a landscape of beautiful flowers, lush trees, and aromatic herbs.
Walk towards the monastery and be welcomed within by the one remaining nun who lives here. Be treated to her smile and a taste of the sweet loukoumi, learning about the stories surrounding these holy walls.
Depart from the monastery to visit a local pasture. Pass through the entrance of three huge trees and meet Mr. Andreas, the resident shepherd. Listen to him detail his daily routine, including taking care of the goats and the process of producing milk.
Indulge in the delicious flavors of traditional Cretan appetizers, such as cheese, olives, and a glass of raki. With a happy stomach, follow the shepherd out to his flock and watch as 100 goats rush out of their pen into the high hills.
Say goodbye to Mr. Andreas and be introduced to his wife, Mrs. Eleni. Slide into your beekeeping uniform as she leads you to the hives, demonstrating her mastery over the honey-loving insects.
Observe the procedure for honey extraction that Mrs. Eleni undertakes with her bare hands! Learn the family secrets behind why she has no need for her own beekeeper’s uniform.
Bee welcomed into the home of Mr. Andreas and Mrs. Eleni, situated high up in the mountains with breathtaking views over the village. Take a walk through the peaceful environment, relaxing into this fairytale-like world.
Open a bottle of wine and enjoy a glass while a traditional lunch is prepared for you. Tuck into a range of local organic products and finish off your meal with a delicious dessert, such as pitakia with honey on top.
After lunch, be guided to the heart of Apladiana, one of the most ancient villages on the island which still adheres to Cretan customs. Cross through a field full of orange trees, reveling in the citrusy breeze, and finish your tour in the village square.
We offer cooking lessons in Krousonas village. Super family friendly! The programme last at least 4 hours. Firstly we will welcome you with some cretan delights and refreshments . We will discuss the menu and you can choose from the season options(vegan or not) what would you like to cook. Secondly we will visit the farm , we will feed the goats and sheeps and if its summer probably you can also milk the goats! In continue when you choose menu (vegeterian or not) we go to gather our organic vegetables from our orchard, you wiil have time to explore nature, breath fresh air, learn important information about the plant and of course live the experience cutting the fresh vegetables and fruit. When we collect our vegetables , we learn how we use every ingredient in our kitchen, how does it help our health, about the appropriate quantities we use and we start to how prepare our meal and how we cook. You will learn all the secrets of cretan cuisine with us . (It depends from the season you can also taste and watch the production of cheese.) When the meal is ready you can enjoy it in our veranda relaxing with the amazing view. A travel to history, nature and cretan cuisine.Dont forget to wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Cooking lessons become under the shadow of the grapevine. Also the cooking lessons are the perfect family activity! Live as a local for a day!!
Take part in this exciting and unforgettable experience which is guaranteed to highlight your holiday in Crete. Elevate your adventurous side to a whole new level with this quad safari. Ride and ATV through Crete’s rugged mountainous terrains and lush green valleys. Have a thrilling and adrenaline pumping experience by overcoming obstacles along the way through well-hidden routes of the island. Be surrounded by stunning landscapes and scenic viewpoints not accessible with other means of transportation. Our experienced local guides will take you to unique vantage points that provide the most chances of encountering wildlife coupled with the awe- inspiring vistas of two traditional villages in Crete. The combination of this exhilarating quad biking safari and access to unreachable viewpoints will give you a unique perspective of the island assured to create lasting memories.
Visit of the ‘Ghost town’
Off-the-beaten-path exploration: Explore a deserted village which was once thriving and learn about its rich history. Step back in time and learn about the culture and lifestyle of people who used to inhabit there. Have a chance to exchange pleasantries with the few residents that still live there and ask them any questions about this fascinating village. Wander around the picturesque alleys and observe the architectural remnants of the past whilst capturing unique photographs of the history frozen in time. Connect with a different side of the island’s history and culture that it is not commonly visited and known. Our quad safari will introduce you to one of Crete’s mysterious ‘ghost town’ in a funny and safe way to create life lasting memories.
Visit Fodele – El-Greco
Visit and explore a traditional charming Cretan village known for its picturesque surroundings, characterised by green valleys and hills covered in olive and orange groves. The village is nestled in a fertile valley, providing a tranquil and idyllic atmosphere to visitors. It is renowned as the birthplace of El Greco, the famous Renaissance painter. Our quad safari will take you right outside the house of El Greco where you will have the chance to see his family home and learn about his life. Another point of interest in the beautiful village of Fodele is the 11th century church of Panagia which features traditional Byzantine architectural elements and gives a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Byzantine Empire. During the visit you will have the opportunity to see this church as well as to explore the central village and have a short break for refreshments in an iconic café next to a river.
Return
Having explored different aspects of the island through this diverse and enriching quad biking tour we take the return route back to the starting point. Our fun does not end until the last min
The start point is west of Heraklion from the beach of Ammoudara and head south towards the hinterland of Crete. After leaving the urban area behind us, entering a rural area full of vineyards and olive groves. On one side of the route people can see the holy mountain of Yioukta and on the other the highest mountain of Crete, Psiloritis. The first village on the way is Gournes and after a few kilometers is the village of Athanati. The road becomes uphill until the almost uninhabited village of Xirolia. Riding west and after a few kilometers the group will reach the capital of wine in Crete, the village of Dafnes. Here the well-known wine festival takes place every year in July.
In this area there are many wineries that produce the best wines of Crete. Here the group of the bikers will taste 4 different wines, accompanied by Cretan cheese, rusks and olives. After the tasting the bikes will be left there and the group will go by car back to the starting point.
This e-bike tour is possible to be done by everybody who is able to ride a bike. It is 24 km long and the net riding time ist about 90 minutes.
If it has rained recently, then the route will change, because the previous route has some dirt roads and there will be mud.
The secluded Pera Galini bay, positioned 48km east of Rethymno and 39km west of Heraklion, is found near the village of Sisses. Most locals on Crete associate the name “Pera Galini” with the local garbage disposal facility that caters to the waste of Heraklion city. The presence of a nearby beach, although significantly degraded by the adjacent landfill, is known to only a handful of people.
Two nearby beaches can be accessed through a poorly maintained dirt road originating from the highway near Sisses. These beaches, while secluded and exposed to northern winds, occasionally host swimmers from the local area. Notwithstanding the rocky terrain, the beaches are sandy. The sea was heavily polluted years ago due to the nearby disposal centre, but recent improvements to the landfill have restored cleanliness and made the waters somewhat safe for swimming.
At the east end of the longest beach, the small cape of Kefali is found. There you will find the ruins of a Minoan settlement believed to have been a significant port in the area. Ongoing excavations, marked by plastic covers that resemble greenhouses, have unearthed a sanctuary. It is believed that an earthquake was the cause of the settlement’s ruin.
Near the beach, the remnants of an old monastery dedicated to Saint Anthony can also be found. Only the chapel of the once-thriving religious center remains. It’s speculated that the monastery was abandoned during the Venetian era due to relentless pirate attacks. The monastery is situated near a picturesque river lined with platan trees. However, the water is polluted due to its proximity to the landfill.
Almirida is a small seaside settlement located 38km east of Rethymnon, near the village of Sisses. The village is not touristically developed and is actually the favourite beach of the residents of Sisses. On the west, there is a small cement pier, which protects the small harbour of Almirida. Next to the harbour, there is a small sandy beach with rocky seabed and surrounded by tamarisk trees, where one can find shade. Do not expect very special services, since there are a few rooms and some cafes-taverns.
Alyki beach
A few meters east of the village, near the shore, there are the ruins of the old tax office for carob, which once operated in the area, when no roads approached the area and products were exported with cargo ships. Here is the main beach of Almirida, named Alyki (i.e. salt pan), which is mainly sandy and usually wavy. There is a small stream with water all year round where you could see crabs and tortoises; some meters to the south there is the scenic chapel of Saint Nicholas.
On top of the nearby Pirgos peak, the Germans had built an outpost. You can still see the engraved name of the German soldier on the rock, dating back to 1943.
Kalo Horafi, situated about 37km east of Rethymno and 43km west of Heraklion, is the former site of the 317 Agii Pateres Pelekida (317 Holy Fathers) monastery. While the original monastery cells no longer exist, a more recent chapel has been erected in their place. The area, known as Kalo Horafi, is marked by the rugged beauty of the Cretan landscape, complete with the towering Talean mountains and verdant ravines.
A brief unpaved path (200m), starting from the point on the main road where the Chnaris tavern stands, leads to a charming small beach facing the west. The beach, adorned with pebbles, is rarely crowded. Aside from the tavern and a few villas, the area is largely undeveloped. The beach is also recognized as Vossako, as it marks the beginning of the Vossako ravine, which leads to the Vosako monastery after a walk of approximately 1-1.5 hours. The monastery, which is dedicated to Timios Stavros (Holy Cross), was in ruins until recent restoration works unveiled a hidden treasure of the Cretan religious heritage that you should definitely visit (via Doxaro village).
Additionally, there is a second, smaller pebbly beach with a rocky seabed located just behind the northern end of the main beach, which is easily reachable on foot. This beach, named Vrahi beach, is perfect for snorkelling (but only on calm days).
Between the coast of Panagia Charakiani and Kefali hill, where archaeological remnants have been found, lies the region of Propatoumenos, just a short distance west of Holy 317 Fathers Church. Propatoumenos translates to “the area that can be walked”. This is because there used to be a walking trail to the ancient town of Astali, near Bali. Given that the surrounding Talean mountains are incredibly steep and difficult to traverse, this area was perfect for walking. This broader area is rich in unexcavated Minoan settlements, most of which have been left to the mercy of roaming goats. Within this region, we encounter three remote pebbly beaches with pristine waters, situated just a stone’s throw away from the highway. The seabed, teeming with rocks, conglomerate formations and natural arches, is an ideal spot for snorkelling. Across the beaches, the small islet of Prassonissi, home to seagulls, can be accessed by swimming.
Kefala Beach
Tucked away to the east of Panagia Charakiani, near Bali, is Kefala Beach. This hidden gem, with its crystal clear waters all year round, remains fairly unknown. Although generally inaccessible, the beach unveils a stunning coastline adorned with vibrant hues of red soil and green vegetation from shrubs and wild carob trees during calm weather. Kefala has a charming pebble beach with a rich seabed. Further east, the beaches of Kalo Horafi and Vrahi can be found. Kefala gets its name from the low peak, about 40 meters high, situated just above the sea that once housed an unknown Minoan settlement. The entire area above the beach is scattered with remnants of ancient walls and structures.
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.
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.
The Agios Nikolaos, Gafaris or Rouvas gorge is nestled between the Ambelakia and Samari peaks. This gorge, the most significant in Psiloritis and central Crete, is named after the St Nicholas monastery located near its exit at Zaros. This area is an ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna, smaller canyons, and striking geological formations and cliffs. It spans 4 km, with 2.7 km developed by the Forest Service for activities like hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and wildlife observation. However, a fire in 1994 significantly damaged the beautiful Rouvas forest near the gorge’s south entrance.
The Rouvas forest, located in the Saint Nicholas gorge, is a nationally significant ecosystem of holly trees. It covers the inner valley of Psiloritis, surrounded by the peaks of Ambelakia, Samari, Chalazokefala, Skinakas, Koudouni, and Giristi. The area’s trees are ancient, with some trunks exceeding 1 meter in diameter and reaching heights of 15 meters. They grow densely, forming a unique forest society, supplemented by various shrub species.
The forest houses other typical Cretan flora, such as aria, zelkova, cypress, pine, plane, and pear trees, covering approximately 30,000 acres. The uniqueness of the Rouvas forest lies in the holly trees’ unusual size and characteristics compared to their typical Greek counterparts. This is likely due to the absence of external factors that allowed these shrubby oaks to evolve into their current form. Around the forest, one can spot scattered “mitata” (shepherd houses), most of which are now abandoned.
Recommended hiking routes include Zaros Lake to Saint John (a 2.5-hour return trip) and Psakofarago to Agios Ioannis to Lake Zaros (a 5-hour trip). The first route starts from Zaros Lake, leading to the St Nicholas monastery before entering the Rouvas gorge. The trail then ascends through the old burned forest, offering stunning views of the Zaros and Messara planes, before entering a narrow gorge filled with dense vegetation. The path follows the river bed, abundant with water in spring, leading to the heart of the forest, the Agios Ioannis area.
The second route begins north of Agios Ioannis at the Psakofarago gorge, the upper extension of the Rouvas gorge. The trail starts from the Holy Cross church and ends at Lake Zaros, passing through Agios Ioannis and the Rouvas gorge. This route requires a transfer to the Holy Cross church and a pick-up from Lake Zaros. Both routes offer the chance to experience the unique beauty of the Rouvas forest and its surroundings.
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.
Anogia is a mountain town located 55 km away from Rethymno and 36 km from Heraklion.
Anogia has 2500 permanent residents.
The name Anogia means high place – Ano Gi, which is connected with the location that is built, in altitude of 700 m.
Visitors can expect hospitable and pleasant residents who have a lot of old stories that have marked the tradition and the culture of the village.
Anogia is historically known for its resident’s resistance to the conquerors, Turkish and Germans.
The average temperature in Anogeia ranges from 15°C to 25°C, depending on the season.
Anogeia is a village located in the central part of Crete, Greece.
The nearest airport to Anogeia is Heraklion International Airport, which is approximately 50 km away.
Anogeia is known for its traditional architecture, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Some popular attractions include the Museum of Cretan Ethnology, the Nida Plateau, and the Ideon Cave, which is said to be the birthplace of Zeus.
Yes, there are plenty of outdoor activities to do in Anogeia, such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The village is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
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