Gdohia is a picturesque village located 22 km away from Ierapetra, at an altitude of 225 m. The village is situated next to the Ierapetra-Vianos provincial road and offers a stunning view of the Libyan Sea and surrounding areas. The village is known for its olive groves and old stone houses with chiseled doorframes and coats of arms bearing the Christian cross. The village has a rich history, as it was often raided by pirates from the Barbary Coast. The name Gdohia comes from the verb “gdyno,” which means to skin, set fire, or devastate.
Gdohia’s settlements are built leaving a distance between each other, and they are named after the families living there. The village is famous for its stonecutters and stoneworkers who built the mansions of the whole area and the famous bridge of Myrtos using stones from the quarries of Kolleitos. The village’s residents also built the miraculous church of Panagia Evaggelistria, a great ecclesiastical monument.
Today, Gdohia is a Local Department of the Municipality of Ierapetra and presents an exceptional sight-seeing interest. It provides natural landscapes, beautiful beaches, picturesque little churches on the hills, a spacious square with palm trees, seats, and a war memorial for the fallen fighters of the liberation wars. The village has a rich history and civilization, with vast olive groves and a nice mild climate, both during summer and winter.
In the 1881 census, 296 residents were registered, and 73 in 2001. Gdohia’s permanent residents, along with some foreigners’ families who have bought and renovated old houses, struggle for the village’s development, which gradually acquires the necessary infrastructures. The old mansions, half-wrecked and burned in the German Occupation, stand as if they were sculptures, a painting with the deep blue Libyan Sea serving as a background, narrate the flourishing, the glory, and the history of Gdohia and wait to be inhabited again.
Only 250 metres from the nearest beach, Villa Aliki is located in Mirtos of Crete Island. From the spacious terraces, you will enjoy sea views, while free WiFi connection is available.
Villa Aliki offers apartments with 1 or 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and living room with a flat-screen, satellite TV. Bed linen and towels, as well as ceiling fans are included.
Car hire is available at the property and the area is popular for snorkelling. A range of activities are offered in the area, such as diving and cycling. Malia is 50 km from Villa Aliki, while Elounda is 36 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 80 km from Villa Aliki.
from
€75
/night
Featuring river views, Sophie’s Village House offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 300 metres from Myrtos Beach. It features mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings.
Vatos Beach is 2.5 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 46 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Sophie’s Village House.
Situated in Myrtos, 300 metres from Myrtos Beach and 2.5 km from Vatos Beach, Villa Mertiza features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a garden and a terrace.
Each unit features a balcony offering mountain views, a flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchenette and a private bathroom with shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also available, as well as a kettle.
A continental breakfast is available each morning at the aparthotel.
A car rental service is available at Villa Mertiza.
Lake Voulismeni is 46 km from the accommodation, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Villa Mertiza.
from
€55
/night
Offering free WiFi and free private parking, Stonehouse Elia Up is set in Myrtos, just 100 metres from Myrtos Beach. The air-conditioned accommodation is 2.3 km from Vatos Beach.
The apartment has a balcony, 1 bedroom, a living room and a well-equipped kitchenette.
Kalikovrechtis Beach is 2.9 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 46 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Stonehouse Elia Up.
from
€65
/night
Boasting a terrace, Irene Luxury Apartments is situated in Myrtos, within 200 metres of Myrtos Beach and 2.4 km of Vatos Beach. Free WiFi is availablethroughout the property.
Lake Voulismeni is 46 km from the apartment, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Irene Luxury Apartments.
from
€75
/night
Situated in Myrtos, within 200 metres of Myrtos Beach and 2.4 km of Vatos Beach, Myrthe Apartments features accommodation with a garden and free WiFi. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The accommodation offers airport transfers, while a car rental service is also available.
The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a wardrobe. With a private bathroom fitted with a bath and a hairdryer, some rooms at the hotel also boast a city view. At Myrthe Apartments rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels.
Kalikovrechtis Beach is 3 km from the accommodation, while Lake Voulismeni is 46 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Myrthe Apartments.
from
€65
/night
Through this route we explore the south-eastern Crete. We head to Agios Nikolaos and stop in the traditional village of Kritsa, one of the most famous villages of Crete with its narrow picturesque alleys and its traditional shops.
Afterwards we ascend through a beautiful route with magnificent views and end up at the Katharo Plateau at an altitude of 1250 meters where we stop for coffee in a traditional cafe. We cross the forest of SELAKANO and end up in the SARAKINA Gorge which will surprise you with its beauty. Continuing and after our amazing meal, we reach the southernmost end of eastern Crete, the village of Myrtos with its amazing beach where you can have a swim in the crystal clear waters of the LIBIAN SEA.
Returning through a very beautiful route we arrive at your hotel.
This route will leave you with the very best memories.
Discover the scenery of Crete’s White Mountains on a road trip from Platanias to Zourva. Explore local villages, stop to take photos of gorges, and savor a typical snack in Zourva.
Begin the tour with pickup in Platanias, then set off through the colorful scenery of the Orange Valley. Continue climbing slowly up the west side of the White Mountains, admiring the views as you go.
After passing Meskla village we will have a short stop to visit a small Sarakina gorge where we will see the impressive rock walls of the gorge just a short walk away from the road. Curvy road will take us all the way up at Zourva where we will have a break with a simple snack with incredible view.
Breathtaking sceneries will continue to the next village Therisso which played an important role in Crete’s modern history. On the way back to Platanias we will drive along the Therisso gorge where you can admire the high vertical cliffs and the huge Plane trees.
Route: Platanias – Patelari – Meskla – Zourva – Therisso – Varipetro – Agia – Drakiana – Platanias
Explore the natural beauty of South Crete on our “Sarakina Gorge” safari tour! Discover the charm of Kritsa village, capture breathtaking Mirabello Gulf views, and navigate the off-road terrain of Kroustas Pine Forest. Savor a cup of coffee in Males village. Afterward… The highlight of your tour awaits at Sarakina Gorge, a sublime natural spectacle that is certain to fill you with wonder and amazement. Hike through this stunning canyon, surrounded by towering rock formations and lush vegetation. The brave may even take a dip in the natural pools that dot the landscape. After hiking … Taste Crete with a delicious lunch combined with local wine in the family’s restaurant. As the journey continues, venture to the coastal haven of Myrtos, where crystal-clear waters beckon you to refresh in the embrace of the South Cretan sea. Dive into a Cretan paradise!
Through this route you will have the opportunity to take a wine tour at a local winery with tasting and information on wine production from ancient times to the present day. Also enjoy the route which combines impressive mountains, a panoramic view of southern Crete, the impressive gorge with the incomparably beautiful waterfall Richtra and the charming beaches of southern Crete.
Starting from your hotel we head to the winery where the wine experts will introduce you to this special world of wine. You will have the opportunity to taste but also to learn all the secrets of production, of the varieties we have in Crete, as well as winemaking techniques of yesterday and today. Then we will cross a route through small traditional villages surrounded by verdant hills and olive groves. Just before our descent into the gorge we will make a photo stop at a spot with an incredibly beautiful panoramic view of the South Cretan sea that will amaze you!
Then we will head to the local gorge by a highly impressive off-road descent with continuous spectacular views amidst nature. The Portela Gorge which has an extremely unspoiled landscape that will be deeply etched in your memory as its river passes through cliffs and sheer cliffs, rich in both flora and fauna ending in the spectacular Richtra waterfall with flowing water until the spring that ends in Keratokampos.
Having enjoyed our walking exploration among this magical landscape we will be transferred to the beach of Tsoutsouros, where you will have enough time to enjoy both the crystal clear waters of southern Crete and a wonderful bbq lunch by the sea. This quiet and welcoming place will enchant you and the photos you will take will be impressive.
Full of unique memories and images we take the way back having visited unique places and having experienced life experiences!
Discover the magic of South Crete on a Self-Drive Private Jeep Safari in Convoy with our Brand New & Fully air conditioned 4X4 Dacia Duster. Shared or Private!
Feel the Off-road, Swim in the South, visit the local pottery workshop, create your ceramics and feel the authentic vibes of Crete! We start by exploring off the beaten paths through olive groves, traditional villages, scenic landscapes, and more! Then let’s uncover the art of pottery from ancient traditions to modern processes in the local workshop. We continue our adventure with an impressive off-road descent through the Gorge of Portela that is offering a breathtaking photo stop. Enjoy seaside driving along the Libyan Sea, Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Tsoutsouros beach and have your lunch by the sea. We end our day with panoramic views, letting the essence of Southern Crete captivate us! Take the wheel and let’s explore the South!
On our ATV-Quad tour from Ierapetra we go off-roading in the rugged landscapes of Crete’s southern coast. We start with a theoretical introduction and a small driving practise, before we start the adventure. Lonely tracks away from main traffic, in the midst of the most beautiful nature will take you to a beautiful landscape on the Cretan mountains. Splash through streams, wind along ancient gorges, and look for island wildlife from behind the wheel of a personal quad vehicle. Get a taste of Cretan history and culture during several stops along the way, including a traditional Greek brunch at Kalamafka Village. The off-road quad safari from Ierapetra explores hard-to-reach areas of Crete’s southern coast. A Great way to experience Cretan culture and nature off the beaten path.
Vatos, a small settlement situated 18km west of Ierapetra and 3km east of Myrtos, falls within the jurisdiction of the village Gdohia. The village is accessible via the asphalt road that links Mirtos and Tertsa. Most of the locals earn their living by growing bananas and vegetables in the area’s greenhouses. Positioned at the entrance of a lush valley that starts in the north at Gdohia, the village boasts the expansive Vatos beach which extends east to Mirtos, featuring numerous secluded beaches along its coastline. The beach is distinguished by its unique grayish pebbles typical of southern Crete, and it’s known for its deep waters. As Vatos is not a developed area, the beach is usually tranquil, frequented mostly by locals. Some parts of the coast are adorned with tamarisk trees. To the west of Vatos, you’ll find the settlement of Kalikovrehtis, home to another pebbly beach.
If you happen to visit Vatos on July 27th, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in the feast day of the church of Saint Panteleimon. It’s also worth visiting the nearby village of Gdohia, with its narrow lanes and rejuvenating springs. A sad incident occurred in Gdohia in the autumn of 1943 when 43 residents were executed by the Nazis in revenge for the killing of two German soldiers in the village of Kato Simi. The village is also home to the ancient chapel of Annunciation, which houses rare Byzantine icons. Lastly, archaeologists have discovered traces of a pre-Minoan settlement between the beach and the village.
The Kallikovrechtis beach, situated 19km west of Ierapetra and 4km east of the scenic town of Myrtos, can be accessed via an asphalt road from Myrtos or Tertsa. This beach is part of the Ghodia village outskirts and is created at the Kalikovrechtis stream’s exit, nestled between the peaks of Kolechtos and Kako Oros, right on the boundary that separates the counties of Heraklion and Lassithi.
Kallikovrechtis is home to only a handful of cottages, and the beach itself is entirely untouched. It boasts beautiful, fine, greyish pebbles, and the water is typically tranquil. A few tamarisk trees provide shade, and due to the high and steep slopes, the beach gets shaded early in the afternoon. The road linking Teresa and Myrtos runs directly above the beach, making access quite easy.
Myrtos, a quaint seaside village, lies 13km west of Ierapetra where the River Kryos meanders through the stunning Sarakina Gorge and into a valley abundant with greenhouses and citrus groves. Despite recent mild development, Myrtos has retained its traditional charm. Its appealing beaches, characterized by coarse grey sand that doesn’t stick to the skin, have amassed a global following. The village offers small hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, a gas station, and a clinic, in addition to a nearby pharmacy and accessible bus route to Ierapetra.
The extensive beach, considered among the finest in southern Crete, is ideal for serene family vacations as it’s sheltered from strong winds. According to locals, Myrtos is where the wind never rages. The beach is well-equipped with lifeguards, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, cafes, restaurants, water sports, and beach volleyball. As you head west, the beach widens and offers even more tranquility.
Take a leisurely stroll around Myrtos’ local harbor or wander through its traditional narrow streets filled with lush gardens and homes that echo Aegean landscapes. The surrounding nature and gorges are also worth exploring. Notably, you can visit two Minoan settlements, Fournou Korifi (near Nea Myrtos) and Pirgos (on the east shores of the River Kryos), which were uncovered during excavations. The Archaeological and Folk Art Museum of Myrtos, situated next to the old church of St. Anthony, is a point of interest. Lastly, a monument in the village commemorates the 18 victims who were executed by the Nazis in 1943 as retribution for the deaths of two Germans in the neighboring village of Symi.
Tertsa, a quaint village, is nestled 91km south of Iraklion and 54km southwest of Agios Nikolaos, positioned between Myrtos and Psari Forada. The village, situated in a lush valley carved by the Tsounas river, houses a fresh water spring within a small gorge formed by the river. The majority of the land in Tertsa is owned by settlers from the northern village of Sykologos, just 7.5km away. Originally, the structures in the settlement served as storage depots for carobs and citrus fruits harvested in the region. Presently, the handful of villagers continue their agricultural pursuits, their land teeming with greenhouses of bananas and fields of tomato, pepper, cucumber and more. The Byzantine church of St. George is a significant landmark near the village.
The village overlooks a tranquil beach adorned with rough grey sand. Despite its lack of development, Tertsa retains its traditional Cretan charm, with just a few taverns and rooms available. The settlement is shaded by several tamarisk trees. The beach extends westward to Vourdolakos bay, beyond the rock of Psaroharako. The beach beyond the rock, also named Psaroharako, is more secluded and beautiful than the one in front of the settlement.
The Holy Apostles (Agii Apostoli) or Lapathos Gorge is situated on the southern part of Mount Dikti, 28km to the west of Ierapetra and 72km to the south of Heraklion, in the broader vicinity of the village of Kato Simi. This is a technical canyon, implying that crossing it necessitates technical gear and specific training. The Lapathos canyon is an ideal challenge for highly skilled canyoners. It spans approximately 4km and there is a height difference of about 900m between the start and finish points.
The canyon originates from the small plateau of Lapathos, where the Holy Apostles church stands, and concludes on the road that links the village of Pefkos with Ierapetra. Although it’s typically a dry canyon, in 2009, the team of seasoned canyoners Vassilis Vagias, Savvas Paragamian, and Giannis Skondinakis discovered it to contain surprisingly large amounts of water.
The gorge features 28 steep descents that demand excellent rappelling skills. The tallest rappel is 80m, making it one of the highest in all of Crete. The sheer walls of Lapathos serve as nesting grounds for a variety of birds including vultures, hawks, and crows. Towards the gorge’s exit, the vegetation is predominantly made up of pines and cypresses. Following the exit, the stream continues its journey to Tertsa beach.
This magnificent natural phenomenon – Sarakina Gorge – can be found near the traditional village of Mythi and the coastal settlement of Myrtos, where the Kryos river merges with the sea.
As the tale goes in Greek mythology, Zeus’s son, the giant Sarantapihos, once paused to quench his thirst from the Myrtos or Kryos river, near Ierapetra. His sweeping beard slashed the mountain, dividing it into two parts, thereby forming the Sarakina canyon.
Regarded by many visitors as Crete’s most captivating hiking gorge, Sarakina may only stretch 1.5km, but within this concise journey, one encounters an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature, a natural sculpture painstakingly crafted by water over countless years. The canyon boasts towering walls that rise up to 150m high and extremely narrow passages often found in technical gorges that require canyoneering equipment. The width of Sarakina fluctuates between 3 to 10 meters, rarely extending beyond these points.
The majority of the canyon is accessible to explorers of all abilities, featuring water, pools, and a handful of climbing points that necessitate careful navigation. A standout feature is the abundant water almost all year round, creating picturesque waterfalls and ponds perfect for a refreshing dip, even in the summer. In winter, traversing the gorge without getting soaked is a challenge. As one embarks on the route, they’ll encounter the need to climb, navigate immense boulders, and cross rocky bridges. Carved stone stairs and tree trunks are present in tricky spots to facilitate easier climbing.
Also known as Kalami I, the Panagia (Virgin Mary) Canyon runs in parallel to the Xerofarago Gorge, or Kalami II. It’s named after the Panagia Keralimeniotissa Monastery, which used to be located at the canyon’s exit. This canyon is technical, meaning it features steep descents and requires special canyoning gear to traverse. Spanning roughly 600 meters, the canyon includes six rappels, the highest of which is about 15 meters. It’s rich in vegetation and has a distinct beauty. The riverbed holds water until spring. Crete’s speleological clubs have bolted the canyon, and a small canyoning group can navigate it in about 1:30 hours.
If you’re planning to use two cars and park them at the canyon’s entrance and exit, the distance between the two parking spots is around 2.5 km or a 10-minute drive. Alternatively, you can reach the entrance by walking along the canyon walls for approximately 20-25 minutes.
Crete is home to numerous stunning locations, but a select few can truly be classified as natural marvels. One such marvel is the Arvi gorge, which dramatically splits Arvion Mount in two. This is the location where the shrine of Zeus Arveios once stood. The Arvi and Cha gorges are considered the most awe-inspiring canyons in Crete. The Arvi gorge can be found to the north of the coastal village of Arvi, in the southern region of the Heraklion prefecture, and it has been carved out of the limestone of Mount Dikti.
This gorge is technical in nature, meaning it necessitates canyoning equipment and flashlights to navigate due to the presence of numerous waterfalls in succession. It is a truly perilous area, and any attempts to cross it by those unaccustomed to canyoning could result in tragedy. From winter until the onset of summer, the canyon is filled with water, which adds to its awe-inspiring beauty. The majority of this water originates from the perennial springs of Kefalovrysi. The Arvi gorge presents a high level of difficulty.
The entrance to the gorge is located in the Konisma (Icon) forest, named after a rock that resembles an icon of Christ. The gorge stretches across the Fournos area and features numerous descents, the most remarkable of which is an astounding 85-meter waterfall named Kapnistis (Smoker). This waterfall is named for its smoke-like water spray, which is a result of its incredible height. Kapnistis is one of Crete’s tallest and most impressive waterfalls. However, what truly sets this canyon apart from others in Greece is the section after the high rappel of Kapnistis, where the river flows into the earth for 150 meters, forming an underground river within a cave. In this underground section, the river continues to form waterfalls. Lighting equipment is necessary to navigate this completely dark area. After this dark section, the gorge remains incredibly narrow with extraordinary formations and large rocks, known as splines, beneath which we pass.
Following approximately 20 waterfalls, the gorge concludes and leads to the fertile plains of Arvi, renowned for their banana crops, and situated next to the monastery of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios). The area at the gorge’s exit is humorously named Donkey’s Ass! In ancient times, a bountiful water spring existed here, but it has since dried up due to the construction of wells. This natural wonder has been a popular attraction for travelers since ancient times. The gorge’s river ends in the South Cretan Sea, but the water never reaches the sea due to its use for irrigation.
Gdohia is a village located 22 km away from Ierapetra, at an altitude of 225 m, next to the Ierapetra-Vianos provincial road.
Gdohia has a green landscape overgrown with olive trees, with an unlimited view of the Libyan Sea, to the surrounding areas Koleitos, Kakon Oros, to the beaches Vatos and Kallikovrechtis.
Gdohia has a history of being raided by pirates from the Barbary Coast. It was also situated on the natural south passage going from the Viannos area to the Ierapetra area, which meant that it was often burnt and devastated by barbarous conquerors.
Gdohia’s settlements are built leaving a distance between each other: Kato Gdohia or Pitropiana, Pefkiana or Grysboliana, Dimitromanoliana, Daskaliana, and Papadiana.
Gdohia’s residents built the mansions of the whole area and the famous bridge of Myrtos using stones from the quarries of Kolleitos. The miraculous church of Panagia (Our Lady) Evaggelistria of Gdohia is also a great ecclesiastical monument built by Gdohia’s residents.
In the 1881 census, 296 residents are registered and 73 in 2001.
Gdohia is an almost abandoned village, but its permanent residents, along with some foreigners’ families who have bought and renovated old houses, struggle for the village’s development which gradually acquires the necessary infrastructures.
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