Located on the southern shores of Heraklion, Dyskos is a picturesque village that promises a serene and rejuvenating holiday experience. The beach, which boasts a combination of small pebbles and sand, is an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming. In the past, Dyskos was a popular destination for nature lovers and nudists, and even today, the western part of the beach is open to nudists. Visitors can also take a stroll around the area and witness the stunning sunset. The village has a range of taverns and accommodation complexes that offer comfortable rooms and apartments for rent, making it an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful getaway. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat or a family vacation, Dyskos is the perfect destination to unwind and relax.
Located in Léntas in the Crete region with Lenta Beach nearby, Marina apartments provides accommodation with free private parking.
Each unit comes with a terrace offering sea views, a flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with bath and a hair dryer. A balcony with mountain views is offered in each unit.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Phaistos is 31 km from the villa, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 31 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 67 km from Marina apartments.
from
€85
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Villa Nostalgia Lentas No3 is located in Léntas. It features a garden, a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
Lenta Beach is 90 metres from the apartment, while Phaistos is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 75 km from Villa Nostalgia Lentas No3.
Panorama Luxury Apartment is a beachfront property located in Léntas, a few steps from Lenta Beach and 39 km from Phaistos. It features mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 39 km from the apartment. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 75 km from Panorama Luxury Apartment.
Celine Private Residences features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Léntas, less than 1 km from Lenta Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with shower and bathrobes. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests can enjoy the infinity pool and garden at Celine Private Residences.
Phaistos is 38 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 39 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 75 km from Celine Private Residences.
Boasting sea views, Katerina’s Lux Home offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.8 km from Limanaki Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace and free private parking.
With free WiFi, this apartment features a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and fridge. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Phaistos is 32 km from the apartment, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 69 km from Katerina’s Lux Home.
from
€153
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a rooftop pool, mountain view and a patio, Villa Melpomeni is set in Andiskárion. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at Villa Melpomeni.
Psili Ammos Beach is 1.1 km from the accommodation, while Kokkines Plakes Beach is 2.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 69 km from Villa Melpomeni.
from
€266
/night
Southern Crete is a natural beauty which begs to be explored, while the region’s turbulent history has left behind some of the most beautiful remains. Come with us on a day trip with no planned destinations and let us explore together the hidden gems of this magnificent part of Crete!
Our crew will meet you at Agia Galini port and welcome you on board, where you will be given a briefing about safety and boat handling. We set our sails to the unexplored beaches of South Crete.
We arrive at the beach of our choice. We drop our anchor and you will have free time for swimming, snorkelling, enjoying the sun and nature. We carefully approach the coves that are surrounded by the protected wildlife.
Our team will tell you everything about the history and the myths of the places we will visit while a delicious meal from fresh and local organic ingredients is being prepared.
After your lunch and perhaps after a quick dive, we will set our sails again to return back to Agia Galini port.
We only wish to see the dolphins on the way back!
Places of interest: Agios Georgios, Agios Pavlos, Triopetra, Preveli, Komos Beach, Matala, Kokkini Ammos (Red Beach), Vathi Beach, Akra Lithino, Martsalo, Agiofarago, Kaloi Limenes.
**Please note that the itinerary might change due to the weather condition and the duration of the trip!
Discover a shipwreck during 2 scuba dives with an experienced instructor. Head over to South Crete , crossing amazing landscapes , gear up and swim through the now bustling aquatic life living around the cargo ship wreck. Tuck into local snacks in between your dives, reenergizing yourself.
Drive through varying landscapes, past mountains and traditional villages before arriving at the South Coast, where the “Byron I” cargo ship wreck is laying down on the sea floor.
During your dive briefing learn the history of the wreck. The “Byron I” was a cargo ship carrying 11,000 tons of sugar. On January 17, 1985 the ship sunk in bad weather conditions, dropping its sugary cargo around it. Luckily, the crew managed to survive and was saved from the wreck.
Nowadays. this 100-meter ship wreck is home to divers aquatic life, from groupers to octopuses, and from moray eels to lionfish, and more. Dive in crystal clear waters with great visibility, making this dive site a unique place for underwater photography.
Tuck into a delicious local snack with fruits and drinks between your 2 dives, and enjoy a debrief with your instructor after both dives, as your dive log is filled out.
We start driving through the route of the vineyards of crete. The villages we will cross are famous for the grape varieties and their wines and that is why there are many well-known wineries on our way.
Our first stop is at agios thomas a village at an altitude of 760 meters, dating back to 1371 AD. In the village there are byzantine churches, ruins of the byzantine aqueduct as well as roman era tombs.
Going down, we will cross the messara valley and following a route through olive groves, we will reach the monastery of odogitria one of the most famous monasteries of crete, dating back to the 14thcentury. You will be amazed by the beauty of the monastery and you will have the opportunity to visit the museum with objects of the daily life of cretans.
Following a beautiful dirt road we arrive at the entrance of agiofarago and start crossing it on foot. Walking through the gorge (with zero difficulty degree) you will have the opportunity to get close to sheep and goats which are beautiful and absolutely harmless. After 20 minutes walking you will end up on a beach with fine pebble that will really enchant you. It is the paradise of southern crete
After swimming in the crystal clear waters and driving through a beautiful dirt road we reach matala, the famous village of southern crete where the hippies lived in the 70s. You will have free time to admire the beauties of the village and visit the caves of the hippies.
We return to the hotel through a beautiful route. This journey will amaze and fill you with pictures that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Hop down to the heart of Central Crete, the beloved land of our ancestors, and let the wonders of the Minoan world collide on this luxurious passage of time.
From the comfort of a premium chauffeured vehicle & escorted by our top local insider, revel in the endless luxuries of the ancient Messara plain where wine-red fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves stretch perennially toward the horizon.
Visit a family award-winning winery set on the peak of alluring panoramas & let our passionate winemakers immerse you into their intoxicating world. Luxuriate in ages, unearthing the Bronze Age palaces of Phaistos & Gortyna along with storied villages & monasteries.
In the afternoon, tuck in the bohemian vibe of Matala that captivated Bob Dylan & Janis Joplin. Bask in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea & unwind in the charming village, irresistible for its freshly caught grilled fish & finest ouzo.
To us, travel means putting fire in your soul with the best stories.
Join us on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning valleys of Malevizi and Messara, home to millions of olive trees. Experience the thrill of an off-road jeep ride through the Asterousia mountain range, exploring rarely seen areas, and stopping at an observation deck at the peak of the mountains to admire eagles and the breathtaking canyon and Libyan Sea in the background.
During our trip to southern Crete, you’ll learn about the local tradition of goat-keeping from a shepherd. He’ll show you how to feed, milk, and catch goats. Then, you’ll cook Cretan goat cheese with him inside a cave, which is a unique experience. Finally, you’ll get to taste the delicious cheese you made together.
We’ll have lunch at a charming seaside tavern, take a refreshing swim at the tranquil Tripitis beach, make a wish at a picturesque church, and experience a true Cretan farewell with the hospitable old man who owns the tavern and takes care of the church.
This adventure is perfect for anyone looking for an exciting and unique experience in Crete. Book your trip with us now and let us take you on an unforgettable journey.
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
Situated 75km southwest of Heraklion, Dyskos, also known as Dytikos, is just a stone’s throw away from Lendas, separated only by the renowned Cape Lion. The legend says that Lion was one of the lions that served the goddess Rhea and was turned to stone at this location.
The settlement of Dyskos is nestled just west of Lion, where a sprawling beach with fine pebbles stretches out all the way to the village of Tsigounas. To reach this spot, one must travel the paved road from Lendas in the direction of Gerokambos. About a kilometer past Lendas, the beach will come into view on the left. In the absence of a car, one can still get to Dyskos by following the brief trail that skirts Cape Lion.
The eastern section of the beach, which lies in front of the village, is moderately developed with a handful of taverns and accommodation options. As one ventures westward, the beach becomes more secluded. The western area, close to Gerokambos, is particularly favored by nudists. In the past, Dyskos was a popular destination for hippies. For those seeking respite from the sun, numerous tamarisk trees line the beach providing ample shade.
Dyskos is also well-known for its breathtaking sunsets, with the sun disappearing behind the wild Asterousia mountains.
Situated 74km south of Heraklion, on the southern fringes of the grand Asterousia Mountains, is the isolated seaside village of Lendas. This modestly designed tourist resort promises a serene vacation. The journey to Lendas, from Agii Deka near Mires town, via the village of Miamou, is via a narrow paved road that winds through the rough mountains, descending from an elevation of about 1000m to sea level, offering an awe-inspiring view of the Lendas sea.
The vicinity is scattered with beaches, popular among naturists. The beach in the village of Lendas, shielded on the east by Cape Psamidomouri and on the west by the renowned Cape Lion, was once the old port of Lendas, which has since been relocated to Loutra. This beach is the busiest in the area with basic amenities such as umbrellas, showers, sunbeds, and water sports. Beyond the beach, numerous taverns and rental rooms are available. The beach’s trademark is its ducks that wander freely. Additionally, the endangered loggerhead sea turtle lays its eggs on Lendas beach between May and September. For those seeking solitude, the secluded beaches of Dyskos and Loutra are ideal.
Lendas is established on the site of the ancient city Levina, a name believed to be derived from the Phoenician “Lavi” meaning Lion. A lion-like cape located west of the village supports this belief. Legend says this lion was one of the lions pulling goddess Rhea’s chariot and was turned into stone at this location. Another theory suggests the name originates from the Phoenician word “levina”, meaning white, describing the whitish hue of the local rocks. The modern name Lendas is derived from the Greek word “Leondas” meaning lion. This cape, also known as Lion, is an archaeological site that can be visited by a short 15-minute walk to its peak, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of early Minoan graves and a settlement, which had ties with Egypt. The ancient city of Levina prospered in the Hellenistic and Roman era, serving as a port for Gortys, the most powerful town in Crete at the time.
East of Lentas, a spring with supposed healing properties can be found. Even today, studies suggest the water aids in healing stomach, blood, and bleeding disorders. Consequently, a massive temple dedicated to the divine doctor Asclepius and Hygeia Sotira was built in the 4th century AC. This temple gained fame as a center for hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and psychiatry, attracting patients from distant places, such as Libya. Remnants of the temple, a Byzantine church dedicated to Agios Ioannis Theologos, and Roman baths can still be found in the area. Levina was presumably abandoned in the 7th-8th century due to frequent pirate attacks.
East of the village, opposite the Psamidomouri Cape, a rock resembling a crouching elephant can be seen, with another beach formed opposite the rock. Further on, Cape Trafoulas bears a resemblance to a crocodile from Lendas. According to a local legend, Cleopatra once visited Lendas with her favorite animals, namely a lion, a crocodile, and an elephant. She was so enchanted by the place that she left her animals behind when she returned to Egypt. To this day, these “animals” remain there, patiently waiting for Cleopatra’s return.
To the west of Lendas, you’ll encounter the quaint village of Tsigounas, which is home to the modest beach of Limanaki that serves as a local harbour due to its safeguarded orientation. The village of Tsigounas derives its name from the term ‘tsigounis’, meaning ‘stingy’, which is a reference to a local spring that produces a limited amount of water.
East Tsigounas, also known as Petrakis, is a serene beach situated 1km east of Lendas and 76km south of Heraklion on the foot of the rugged slopes of the Asterousia Mountains. The beach can be reached by car from Lendas via a road leading east to the local port. A section of it is referred to as Ostria, named after a small local hotel.
East Tsigounas is home to a quaint hamlet comprising 2-3 taverns with rooms and a handful of houses. The hamlet overlooks a lengthy beach adorned with beautiful round pebbles. Tamarisk trees line the beach, providing shade and an ideal spot for camping. Despite not being well-developed, the beach does offer a few umbrellas provided by the taverns.
The Trafoulas Gorge, located in the Asterousia Range, begins southeast of Krotos village and concludes at the Psili Ammos beach on the southern coast of the Cretan Sea. The majority of trekkers only explore a small portion of the gorge, typically from where they park their vehicle to the beach, despite the gorge’s origin being at a greater altitude. Even this limited section of the gorge is quite striking, characterized by narrow walls and towering rocks. According to local lore, the most narrow section of the gorge is referred to as the Pidimatou Gorge, or Jumping Gorge, given that a goat could feasibly leap from one side to the other.
The Trypiti Gorge, nestled in the Asterousia mountain range, lies south of Vassiliki village and channels water from the valley east of Miamou village through the Agiosavvitis river. Stretching over 4 km, the gorge ends in a stunning pebble beach named Tripiti. A dirt road, running along the eastern side of the gorge, provides access to the beach, following several kilometers before reaching the riverbed at the sea’s edge.
The gorge narrows near Saint Paraskevi church, situated at an elevation of 655m. The initial section of the gorge houses steep waterfalls, making it inaccessible without technical expertise and canyoneering equipment. The western side, in particular, is incredibly steep and dangerous. The Prophet Elijah church is a prominent feature at Katsakne, the peak of the western slopes. This church can be accessed via another dirt road that begins about half a kilometer before the gorge’s entrance.
Midway through the gorge, close to the dirt road, lies the Saint Savas church, surrounded by wild olive trees. The unique feature of this woodland is its wild, uncultivated olive trees, offering a glimpse into the natural habitat of these trees. The gorge is also home to an array of wildlife and bird species.
As you continue towards the sea, the road merges with the ravine and soon leads to the most picturesque part of the gorge: the narrow canyon, also known as Steno Faragi. Here, the sides of the gorge come so close together that they appear to touch. A road, just wide enough for a car, passes through this narrow gap. At the end of this narrow section, next to the beach, you’ll find the Panagia Tripiti church, built inside a cave, that celebrates its feast on September 1st.
The Trypiti Gorge is known by various other names, including Saint Savas Gorge, Katsakne, and Lavri. On the eastern side’s Papouri hill, archaeologists have uncovered a significant Preminoan settlement. Additionally, vaulted graves have been discovered at the Kalokambos location.
The Koumos Gorge, nestled in the Kapetaniana region, concludes near the coastal village of Agios Ioannis, amidst a landscape abundant with pine trees. This relatively undiscovered gorge requires technical equipment for access, making it exclusively passable for canyoning experts. Typically, the gorge remains dry, but intense rainfalls transform it into a spectacle of stunning waterfalls. The tallest waterfall reaches a height of 60m, accompanied by approximately 10 smaller cascades.
The Agiofarago Gorge, situated to the south of the Panagia Odigitria Monastery, was formed near two stream beds. One stream originates from the north-northeast of Gyalomonochoro, while the other begins west of Pigaidakia village. These two streams converge near Saint Kiriaki’s chapel, and after a fairly gentle course, they form the main Agiofarago Gorge that terminates at the stunning Agiofarago beach. The gorge features vertical cliffs with caves, but the path along the flat stream bed is quite easy to traverse. Just before reaching the sea, there’s a climbing field where climbers are often spotted.
Agiofarago, meaning Gorge of Saints, is named after the hermits who established a significant hermitage in Central Crete during the early Christian era, following Saint Paul’s visit to the region. As per a legend, around 300 hermits lived here in complete solitude, only gathering once a year in the Cave Goumenospilios to count their numbers and see who had died in the past year. The church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios), encountered on the way to the cave Goumenospilios, became the hub of the area’s asceticism when the hermits began forming a religious community. The church, believed to have been renovated three times, initially started as a small church in a rock cave. As the hermit population grew, the church was expanded. The final renovation is thought to have occurred in the 14th or 15th century. A small well outside the church supplied the hermits with water as there was no nearby spring. A circular Minoan tomb on a small hill south of the church indicates human presence from the Minoan era.
You can reach Agiofarago in several ways. You can take a boat from the ports of Kokkinos Pirgos, Agia Galini, or Kali Limenes, or you can take a dirt road starting from the historic Monastery of Odigitria near Sivas, which the area is a part of. From the monastery, follow the signs to Agiofarago, descend into the gorge, and continue until you reach a dead-end and a small parking area. Be cautious not to park your car under the trees as goats might climb on the roof to eat the leaves, causing damage. The hike from the parking area to the sea through the gorge takes approximately 25-35 minutes.
Dyskos is located along the beach west of Lendas on the south shores of Heraklion.
There is a small settlement with taverns and accommodation complexes, mostly rooms and apartments for rent.
Dyskos used to be popular with nudists and nature lovers in the past.
Yes, even in the present days nudism is tolerated in the western part of the beach.
The beach has small pebbles and sand.
Those who chose Dyskos for their holidays will have, among other things, the chance to explore the area on small walking tours and enjoy the magnificent sunset.
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