Kallithea is a village on the southern edge of Heraklion, in the Heraklion region of Crete, about 4 km from the city centre and 1.8 km from the Palace of Knossos. Kallithea sits in the belt of settlements between the city and the vineyards of the Pediada, close enough to walk to the most visited archaeological site on the island. The airport lies just north-east, which makes this one of the shortest transfers anywhere in Crete.
What the village offers is proximity rather than scenery: Knossos, the city museums, the north-coast beaches and two easy gorge walks are all within about 9 km. Prices here track a residential suburb rather than a resort.
Five things lie within about 9 km of the village, listed below from nearest to furthest.
Kallithea sits inland, so every beach needs a short drive. Four lie within 9 km, on both sides of the city.
Two green canyons start within 7 km, and both are walks rather than climbs.
Eating options sit in the village and along the road towards Knossos, all within about 2 km.
Head south out of Heraklion on the Knossos road and Kallithea arrives within a few minutes, before the palace itself. City buses run along the same route through the day, which makes the village reachable without a car.
Anyone staying here for a week has the whole centre of the island within reach. Heraklion holds the archaeological museum and the main bus station 3.1 km north, and Archanes and its vineyards lie 8.7 km south.
Kallithea lies about 4 km south of Heraklion city centre, in the Heraklion region, on the road towards Knossos and the Pediada villages.
The Palace of Knossos stands 1.8 km from Kallithea, which is the shortest approach to the site of any settlement around it and makes an early visit straightforward.
Kallithea is inland and has no beach, but 4 lie within 9 km. Karteros at 3 km is the nearest, and Ammoudara, 7 km of organised sand west of the city, is the longest.
Kallithea works well for anyone wanting Knossos and the city without city prices. The village is on a bus route, the airport transfer is among the shortest on the island, and the museums, beaches and two family gorge walks all sit within about 9 km.
The Astrakiano gorge, 5.7 km away, has easy trails suited to families. It joins the Kounaviano near Skalani, and the combined route runs about 21 km down to Karteros beach, so a short section makes a manageable outing.
Featuring a garden, private pool and sea views, Arte Casa Luxury Resort is located in Prasás. This property offers access to a balcony, ping-pong, free private parking and free WiFi.
This villa comes with 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms equipped with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The villa offers a terrace. A outdoor play equipment is also available for guests at Arte Casa Luxury Resort.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 7.7 km from the accommodation, while Venetian Walls is 8.7 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 3 km from Arte Casa Luxury Resort.
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€45
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Featuring garden views, Olive Grove Cottage Skalani provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 8 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The air-conditioned accommodation is 5.3 km from The Palace of Knossos, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Venetian Walls is 8.6 km from Olive Grove Cottage Skalani, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 4 km from the accommodation.
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€98
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Situated in Prasás and only 7.7 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Hammam, Private Pool & Home Cinema – Green Sight features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation provides a terrace and a swimming pool.
The holiday home is located on the ground floor and features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with streaming services and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, a toaster and a fridge. Towels and bed linen are available in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a steam room. Guests can also relax in the garden.
Venetian Walls is 8.7 km from Hammam, Private Pool & Home Cinema – Green Sight, while The Palace of Knossos is 10 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 3 km from the accommodation.
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Set in Karteros and only 7.8 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, The Three Graces offers accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation provides a terrace and a swimming pool.
Boasting a DVD player, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 4 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers an outdoor fireplace. If you would like to discover the area, fishing, hiking and walking tours are possible in the surroundings and The Three Graces can arrange a car rental service.
Venetian Walls is 8.7 km from the accommodation, while The Palace of Knossos is 10 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 3 km from The Three Graces, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Situated in Áno Fortétsa, 2 km from The Palace of Knossos and 4.2 km from Venetian Walls, Melina Knossos Iraklio Crete features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. It is located 4.7 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum and provides a lift.
The apartment features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 17 km from the apartment, while Cultural Conference Centre of Heraklion is 4.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 5 km from Melina Knossos Iraklio Crete.
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€45
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Set in Heraklio Town and only 2.6 km from Karteros Beach, Airport And Beach Apartment offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchenette with a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Amnissos Beach is 2.9 km from Airport And Beach Apartment, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 7.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 3 km from the accommodation.
Enjoy a tour of the mythological Labyrinth with your own licensed guide who will take you through Knossos, focusing on the highlights of the area and its most prominent features. Afterward, the driver will take your group to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion where your private tour will continue.
Discover Knossos, the capital of Minoan Crete, considered Europe’s oldest city. Hear about the islands long history from your guide and learn about the peak of the Minoan culture in 2000 B.C. Later visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion where you can marvel at the findings of the first civilization of Europe, the Minoans.
The tour will guide you through the ages, in a period of time that extends over a 5.000 years, from the neolithic to the roman era.
Get to know the lesser-known side of Crete with a guided tour of the Lasithi Plateau, Knossos Palace, and an archaeological museum. Tour traditional local villages, an olive oil factory to learn about olive oil making, and old windmills once used to make corn and flour.
Start off with the Lasithi Plateau, the highest plateau in Crete with an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. Step into history with a visit to old traditional villages and head to an olive oil factory where you can discover how olive oil used to be made as compared to its modern production.
After tasting some olive oil, visit Krasi village where the oldest plane tree in Crete is located. Visit old windmills that were used for corn and wheat production, as well as others that were used to pump water up to water the crops. See the cave where the mythical Zeus was rumored to have been born.
Visit Crete’s most important archeological sites, the Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological museum. Enjoy lunch and peruse the area before leaving.
Rent a mini iPad tablet and make the most of your visit to Knossos Palace. See how the site looked in ancient times while learning about the Palace’s history via audio guide.
Immerse yourself in Greek history with a special virtual and augmented reality application. Pick up your rental tablet to see a representation of the archaeological site in its original state in 3D and 360°. The reconstruction is based on studies supervised by a team of globally renowned archaeologists.
Feel peace of mind knowing that the tablet is fitted with a shockproof protective case, and purpose-built sun shield allowing you to use it seamlessly under the summer sun. It also features a carry strap, and disposable earphones sealed in a small bag.
Take advantage of the audio guide, allowing you to listen to recorded spoken commentary in your choice of language. Hear fascinating facts and learn about the Palace’s history as you walk around its ancient ruins.
Visit the most important Minoan palace on a full-day trip to Knossos Palace from Chania. Explore Heraklion city center with free time, or pay a visit to the Heraklion Archeological Museum. Stop in the picturesque city of Rethymno on your way back to Chania.
After pickup from your hotel or a nearby meeting point, head straight to Knossos Palace, the home of various Greek legends and myths such as the Labyrinth, Minotaur, Daedalus, and Icarus.
Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the palace with your guide. Learn about the Minoan civilization, and see what is believed to be the throne of the legendary King Minos.
At the end of your palace tour, continue toward the center of Heraklion and enjoy free time to explore once there. If you like, you can use part of your free time on a tour of the Heraklion Archeological Museum.
Once your time in Heraklion is up, reconvene with your guide and start the drive back. Along the way, stop for a break in Rethymno and enjoy more free time to stroll through the city’s streets. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.
Join a tour with all of Crete’s most iconic products. All the areas that you will visit are famous for their vineyards, the olive groves, and their wine production since the Minoan era. Even today they are considered the largest areas in Greece for cultivating grapes and high-quality olive oil.
Stop at a local olive mill and take a tour of the olive grove and after the olive mill where you can taste fresh olive oil. The second stop is a family-owned winery that uses organic methods for cultivating. You will get a tour around the vineyards and the winery and taste 5 wines.
The next stop is a unique distillery with an ancient wine press. Raki is the most famous Cretan spirit. Take a tour of the distillery and then enjoy a traditional lunch at a local tavern. Before finishing off the tour with a visit to a pottery studio located in a traditional village that is famous for its pottery.
*The pottery lab is not available on Sundays
This tour walks a family olive farm at Prassas, in the hills behind Heraklion, where the same family have grown olives for more than five decades across five generations and now also cultivate dragon fruit. The visit covers cultivation, harvesting and oil extraction, then a tasting of the farm’s own oil with bread, and coffee or a herbal tea. Alex Alexakis IKE runs it over 1 hour 30 minutes from €9, with a 4.75 rating across 200 reviews.
The visit is a walk through a working grove with the person who works it. Three parts make it up.
First you wander among the olive trees while the farmer explains cultivation, the harvest and how the oil is extracted, the tools are there to handle rather than look at. Second comes the dragon fruit, an unusual crop for Crete and the reason this farm stands apart from the dozens of olive tours on the island. Third is the tasting: the farm’s own olive oil, dipped with local bread, alongside an espresso, a Greek coffee, a dragon fruit drink or a Cretan herb-infused tea, whichever you prefer.
The farm sits high enough that the view runs down to the sea.
The farm lies inland from the city, in the hills at Prassas.
The €9 covers the tour, a drink and the tasting.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this one for what it is rather than what it claims: nine euros to spend ninety minutes with a farmer on his own land. There is no coach, no group of forty, no gift shop built for cruise passengers. Reviewers describe meeting a family business, and that is exactly what the review record reads like.
The host is the product here. Alex is named directly in review after review, by visitors from the United States, Lithuania, France, Germany and Hungary, described as full of knowledge and kindness, a helpful and kind host, welcoming. An American family with three children aged 14 to 21 rated the whole visit around him. A French reviewer wrote about meeting a beautiful family-run business as much as learning about olives.
The dragon fruit is a genuine curiosity. Very little of it grows in Crete, and seeing it alongside olives on the same ground is the kind of detail that makes a farm visit memorable rather than generic.
The tasting is repeatedly described as generous, oils and jams, delicious, with products available to buy afterwards and no pressure attached.
Two honest notes, because this review record contains no complaints at all.
GetYourGuide’s own review summary reports the one soft criticism: some travellers say the farm visit feels short and want deeper insight into cultivation and processing. At €9 for 90 minutes that is a fair expectation to set, this is an introduction, not an agronomy course.
The site is a working farm at Prassas, and you make your own way there. No transfer is included and there is no public transport worth relying on, so a car or a taxi is needed.
Drive yourself, come hungry enough to taste properly, and leave room in the suitcase.
The meeting point is the farm itself, at Evangelismou 135, Prassas 715 00. The visit runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, though the operator quotes 1 to 2 hours depending on the group.
Nothing beyond the tour, the drink and the tasting is included. Farm products are available to buy but are never part of the ticket.
The visit runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, with the operator quoting 1 to 2 hours depending on the group.
The €9 covers the farm tour, one drink of your choice and an olive oil tasting with local bread.
The family have added dragon fruit alongside their olive trees, an unusual crop for Crete and the reason the farm differs from a standard olive tour.
No transport is included. The farm is at Prassas in the hills behind Heraklion and you make your own way.
Families rate it highly. One American family with children aged 14 to 21 rated the visit five stars, and the pace suits mixed ages.
Products are available to buy but are not included, and reviewers consistently mention leaving with oil or jam.
Check dates and prices for the olive grove and dragon fruit farm tour.
Karteros beach is a wide, fine-sand bay on the north coast of Crete, about 7 km east of Heraklion and right beside the island’s airport. The bay stretches roughly 3 km east from the mouth of the Karteros Gorge and takes in two neighbourhoods, Karteros and Amnissos, which have grown together as the area developed. Its name honours the Byzantine general Krateros, who landed here in 824 AD in a failed attempt to free Crete from the Saracens.
The sand is fine and golden, mixed with a little pebble in places, and the water is shallow with almost no rocks. The bay faces the open sea and catches the northern winds, so the surface is often wavy, especially towards the eastern end. Those same winds make Karteros a popular spot for windsurfing. The shallow, gently deepening water suits children and families, and lifeguards watch the organised stretches in season.
You will find tavernas, cafes, and beach bars along the shore, together with umbrellas and sunbeds on the organised sections. A paved road and a city bus from Heraklion reach the beach, and there is a parking area by the shore, so getting here without a car is straightforward. Off the bay lies the small rocky islet of Monochorako, close enough for confident swimmers to reach from the sand.
The quietest part of the bay is Florida, at the western end next to Heraklion’s Nikos Kazantzakis airport. Here the Karteros River flows out of the gorge and forms a small seasonal wetland that dries up in summer, and there are fewer umbrellas and facilities than further east. The wetland is easiest to see in spring, before the summer heat dries it out. While you are at this end, look for the small church of St John and St Nikon, built inside a cave in the rock face across the old national road. Do not be surprised to see horses on the sand here either, as the Heraklion Riding Club brings them down to the beach.
A rental car makes it easy to combine Karteros with the beaches and sites further east along the coast. Compare options for your trip on the Crete car rental page.
Karteros beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 7 km east of Heraklion and directly east of the island’s airport. The bay stretches around 3 km and includes the Karteros and Amnissos neighbourhoods.
A paved road links Karteros beach to Heraklion, and a city bus serves the area, so you can reach it with or without a car. There is a parking area next to the shore for visitors who drive.
Yes. The water is shallow and deepens gently with few rocks, which suits children, and lifeguards watch the organised stretches in season. The sea is often wavy because the bay faces the northern winds, so keep an eye on the conditions and any warning signs.
The bay is exposed to the northern winds and the surface is frequently wavy, most of all towards the eastern end. Calmer conditions are more likely early in the day and on the more sheltered western sections.
The organised sections have umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, and lifeguards in season, with tavernas, cafes, and beach bars along the shore. The western Florida stretch, next to the airport, is quieter and has fewer facilities.
Yes. The steady northern winds make the bay well suited to windsurfing, and water-sports operators work the organised stretches in the summer season.
The beach is named after the Byzantine general Krateros, who landed on the bay in 824 AD to try to free Crete from the Saracens but was defeated. The nearby river and settlement carry the same name.
At the western Florida end, the Karteros River forms a small seasonal wetland, and the cave church of St John and St Nikon sits across the old national road. Off the bay lies the small islet of Monochorako, which strong swimmers can reach, and the eastern Amnissos area continues the same long stretch of sand.
Situated 15km east of Heraklion lies the well-liked tourist resort of Vathianos Kambos. It derives its name from the nearby village of Vathia, found just a few kilometers to the south. The region is known for the Vathianos River that drains into the area and dries up during the summer. It is characterized by several contiguous bays with golden sands and shallow waters. Due to its north-facing beach front, the area experiences regular wave activity in the months of July and August, leading to the construction of numerous small piers that help to break the waves, retain the sand, and safeguard swimmers.
The most developed beach of Heraklion is found in the westernmost part of Vathianos Kambos, within the Estavromenos settlement. It is widely recognized as Arina, named after a local hotel. This extensive sandy beach attracts thousands of locals who flock there daily for a swim. The beach is teeming with umbrellas, bustling beach bars, and offers a plethora of beach sports options.
Moving east of Arina, you’ll come across the small bay of Agii Theodori. Here, you can still find the carved Minoan shipyard visible in the sea. Further on, you’ll encounter the successive coves of Vathianos Kambos, hidden from the main road due to the hotels interspersed between them. These bays are somewhat protected due to the presence of small piers. Only a handful of locals are privy to these secluded beaches, which extend all the way to Kokkini Hani.
Ammoudara is a 7 km organized sandy beach that begins about 1 km west of Heraklion’s centre and runs west toward the mouth of the Almiros river. Ammoudara pairs long stretches of fine brown sand and shallow blue water with sunbeds, beach bars and water sports, so it suits both a busy family beach day and a quiet swim near the dunes. The beach starts at the Giofyros river mouth by the Pancretan Stadium, and a low rock strip about 50 m inland marks where the ancient shoreline once stood.
Ammoudara is one of the longest beaches in the Heraklion area, which is why it can feel busy and lively in one stretch and almost empty in the next. The sand is fine and brownish, the water is blue and shallow close to shore, and the sea often turns choppy when the wind picks up. Now effectively a suburb of Heraklion, the beach draws thousands of visitors each summer because it is close to the city yet still has open sand and dunes at its western end.
The organized sections of Ammoudara offer sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, lifeguards, showers and changing rooms, and several stretches carry a Blue Flag for water quality and safety. Because the beach is exposed to steady north winds, it is a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and local schools rent equipment and give lessons. Visitors also find jet ski hire, parasailing, and snorkeling or diving and boat trips along the coast. Tavernas, cafes and beach bars line much of the front, so food, coffee and evening drinks are within a short walk of the sand.
For a calmer swim, head to the western part of the beach, which runs from the Pancretan Stadium toward the Xeropotamos wetland and its dunes. The river mouths of the Almiros and Gazanos, together with the Ellinoperamata area, stay quiet because they are protected natural spots rather than organized plazas. Just inland lies the Almiros spring, the largest water source in Crete, which feeds the most extensive wetland habitat in the area. Walkers can follow the easy Almiros gorge or climb Stroumboulas, the volcano-like mountain that rises over Heraklion, and from the western end the coastline continues toward Ellinoperamata beach.
Take Heraklion city bus line 6 from the centre, or drive the coastal road west, to reach Ammoudara in a few minutes. Heraklion International Airport sits about 9 km east, so a taxi or transfer from arrivals is short. Parking is available on the side streets near the beach, though it fills up on peak summer days. Renting a car is the simplest way to reach both the organized front and the quieter western spots, which you can arrange through Crete Locals car rental.
Ammoudara beach is on the north coast of Crete, starting about 1 km west of Heraklion’s centre and running roughly 7 km west toward the Almiros river. It lies in the Gazi area of the Malevizi municipal unit, so the city and the beach almost merge.
Take Heraklion city bus line 6 from the centre, or drive the coastal road west. Heraklion International Airport is about 9 km away, a short taxi or transfer ride to the beach.
Yes, the shallow, gently shelving water near the shore suits families with children. Lifeguards, showers, changing rooms and beach bars along the organized sections add to the convenience for a day out with kids.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are the signature activities, thanks to the beach’s steady north winds. Jet ski hire, parasailing, and snorkeling or diving and boat trips are also offered along the coast.
Yes, several organized stretches of Ammoudara carry a Blue Flag for water quality and safety. The water is generally clean and blue, and it is shallow near the shore.
Ammoudara has fine, brownish sand along its full length. A low rock strip about 50 m inland marks the ancient shoreline behind the modern beach.
Yes, Ammoudara is known for steady winds and can get wavy, which makes it a favourite for windsurfers and kitesurfers. On calmer days the same open water is fine for swimming.
The best time to visit is summer, from June to September, when the sea is warm and the organized beach is in full swing. For fewer crowds, choose late spring or early autumn, or use the quieter western end near the wetland and dunes.
Yes, you can park on the side streets near the beach, and some hotels offer parking. Spaces fill up quickly on peak summer days, so arriving early helps.
Nearby you can visit the Palace of Knossos, Heraklion’s old town and Venetian walls, and the Cretaquarium. Closer to the beach, the Almiros gorge gives an easy walk and Stroumboulas mountain offers a longer hike.
No, this Ammoudara is the long organized beach west of Heraklion, not the smaller Ammoudara beach near Agios Nikolaos in Lasithi. The two beaches share a name but sit at opposite ends of the north coast.
Situated 15km west of Heraklion and to the west of Vathianos Kambos, Kokkini Hani is a thriving resort, nestled amidst numerous crops grown in the region’s fertile plain. Its name, meaning “Kokkinis’s Inn,” harks back to the early 1900s when an inn run by a man named Kokkinis provided a resting place for weary travellers en route to Heraklion.
The resort boasts numerous beaches, safeguarded by artificial mini piers. Characterized by sandy shores and shallow turquoise waters, these beaches, though located in front of hotels, are open for public access. The resort is replete with shops and restaurants, and the beaches are well-equipped with umbrellas, lifeguards, and water sports facilities, providing all the necessary tourist infrastructure. In comparison to Malia and Hersonissos, Kokkini Hani’s nightlife is rather subdued.
Close to Vathianos Kambos, on Kokkini’s eastern side and near the coast, lies the small archaeological site of Niros Villa. This mansion from the Late Minoan Times served as the dwelling of a high-ranking Minoan priest, presumably overseeing the local Minoan harbour. Open to the public, this site offers visitors a glimpse of the architecture of a Minoan religious structure from 4000 years ago. Excavations at the villa have unearthed several large bronze axes – the emblem of the Minoans, along with jars, offering tables bearing raw clay, and a host of other smaller artefacts.
The Astrakiano and Kounaviano canyons are two verdant gorges that converge near Skalani village and empty out onto Karteros beach. The combined length of these canyons is roughly 21 km. Situated to the east of Heraklion city, these gorges are part of the broader Mount Jiouktas area. They offer easy walking trails, making them perfect for families and children.
The longer of the two, Astrakiano, begins at the Paliarda location in Kolomodi and extends to the area beneath the deserted Kato Astraki village, after crossing the picturesque Astrakiani Kamara bridge. From Kato Astraki, a brief trail leads to the Neraidospilios site, known for its stunning pond and gushing water caves.
The path along the Karteros river commences from this point, offering a lush green trail equipped with wooden bridges and railings. After crossing the Aitania bridge at Kaki Rachi, we reach Kali Rachi where the Astrakiano and Kounaviano Gorges, originating from Peza, merge. From Kali Rachi, the river continues to Karteros along a well-structured path. This section, known as Karteros Gorge, passes by ancient water mills and the historic Saint Nicholas Church (Agios Nikolaos). Near the Karteros gorge exit, at the Mesa Karteros spot, you’ll find an old inn and a second chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas. This location, accessible by car from Karteros, is an ideal picnic spot.
The Astrakiano canyon (Astraki – Kali Rachi) measures about 7km, with a hiking duration of 3-4 hours. The Kounaviano Gorge (Peza- Kali Rachi) is roughly 4km long, requiring about 2 hours for trekking. The shared section of the Karteros gorge (up to the second Saint Nicholas chapel (Kali Rachi – Mesa Karteros)) is approximately 6km.
The canyons’ route is abundant in natural, morphological, aesthetic, historical, and cultural aspects. The landscape boasts exceptional natural beauty, featuring springs, ponds, rivers, mini waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Prior to World War II, the canyon housed 10 watermills, and locals would fish for eels and crabs, some of which still exist today.
The Kounaviano gorge, known for its lush vegetation, is the greenest canyon in the entire Heraklion prefecture, serving as a verdant oasis in the heart of Pediada province. The gorge is named after the village of Kounavi in its district, even though it actually begins from the village of Peza, hence it could be referred to as Pezzano Gorge. This gorge is a tributary of the Karteros river and runs parallel to the Astrakiano gorge. The Astrakiano and Kounaviano gorges converge at the Kaki Rachi area near Skalani, forming the Karteros Gorge. Kounaviano’s entrance is situated at the northernmost point of the fertile Peza plain, collecting all the area’s water. It has numerous springs along its bed, some of which retain water throughout the year.
In recent years, the gorge’s trail has been marked and cleared, with the addition of small bridges, wooden railings, and informational signs. Walking along this trail is a delightful and easy experience, shaded by perennial plane, oak, and other trees. The riverbed walk is simple, without significant altitude changes or difficulties. At the gorge’s starting point, two small waterfalls can be seen. Old watermills, once used to grind the area’s cereals, can be found at three different points along the trail. This region has always been one of Crete’s most productive. Additionally, limestone kilns and various fruit tree gardens can be spotted. A walk from the gorge’s entrance at Peza to its exit at Kaki Rachi near Skalani takes approximately 2 hours.
The Agia Anastasia Gorge commences from Kenourgio Horio in the Pediada Province (at an elevation of 160m) and concludes at the coastal village of Gournes. It’s named after the cavernous chapel of Saint Anastasia situated near its entry point. The stream that flows within it collects water from the region east of Sgourokefali and originates near Agia Triada.
Its plant life mainly consists of oleanders and the gorge narrows at various points along its path. A descent through the gorge typically takes around three hours. Regrettably, the gorge has been heavily polluted by trash and waste from nearby sheepfolds. Despite ongoing appeals from hiking clubs to the Hersonissos municipality, the situation remains dire.
Almiros Gorge is a 3 km walking gorge in Ellinoperamata, the closest canyon to the west of Heraklion city. The route takes about 1.5 hours, gains 150 meters in elevation, and rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, so it suits families and first-time hikers who want a short walk close to the city. A paved road reaches the trail, water runs here only until spring, and the path links a 14th-century monastery, three small chapels, a spring-fed lake, and three seasonal waterfalls.
Almiros Gorge is a small canyon and hiking trail in Ellinoperamata, formed between the Keri hills and the post-Minoan town of Kastrokefala. Almiros Gorge sits west of Heraklion and counts as the closest gorge to the city on that side. The eastern side holds the largest holly wood (Phillirea media) in Crete, and platan trees, carob, and wild olive trees also grow here despite overgrazing.
The gorge carries several local names, each tied to its geography or folklore: Keri Gorge after the neighboring hill, Almiros after the nearby Almiros river, Ellinoperamata after the area where it ends, Porofarago (a common Cretan gorge name), the Three Churches after its three chapels (Santa Marina, St. Antonios, and St. Paraskevi), Strouboulas after the Strouboulas peak near its start, and the Ghosts’ Gorge, a spooky local nickname. Few visitors make the trip despite the short distance from central Heraklion.
Almiros Gorge rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, which makes it one of the easiest gorges to hike near Heraklion. The full walk covers 3 km and takes about 1.5 hours, with 150 meters of elevation change along the way. The chapel of Lord Christ at the gorge’s starting point is reached after nearly 1 hour 30 minutes of walking.
The gentle grade and short length make the gorge a good option for a half-day outing rather than a demanding trek. Because the terrain stays easy throughout, most walkers of average fitness finish the route without difficulty.
A paved road leads to Almiros Gorge, and cars can reach the location near the canyon exit. The 14th-century monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis stands near that exit, which gives you a clear landmark to aim for on arrival.
The gorge lies a short drive west of Heraklion, so most visitors arrive on their own wheels. Having a car also makes it easy to combine the walk with the nearby villages and coast, and you can compare options on the car rental page.
Almiros Gorge packs a monastery, three chapels, a seasonal stream, three small waterfalls, and a spring-fed lake into a single short walk. The trail is lined with trees, and the vegetation thickens as you climb.
The 14th-century monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis (Saint John inside the Gorge) was built near the canyon exit and is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The monastery gives the gorge much of its religious character and its “Saint John inside the Gorge” name.
The surviving chapel of Saint Marina was used as a cemetery, while the main temple was the two-aisled chapel of Saint Anthony and Saint Paraskevi, which holds significant frescoes. Further along, a shrine dedicated to Saint George appears, and the chapel of Lord Christ marks the gorge’s starting point.
The gorge is usually dry and turns into a small stream during spring. Water stays in the gorge only until spring, so plan a visit for the wetter months to see the streambed flowing. After prolonged, heavy rainfall, three small waterfalls form at a site with a pinkish limestone hue.
Lake Almiros sits beside the gorge and is a wonder in itself. The lake’s crystal-clear water flows directly from the spring-fed mountain cliffs and stays clear enough to see all the way to its bed. For more swimming spots along the coast nearby, the beaches near Heraklion are a short drive away.
Almiros Gorge needs only light hiking gear, because the trail is short and easy. Pack for a half-day walk in a mostly open canyon:
Several gorges sit within a short drive of Almiros, which makes it easy to pair this walk with another. Each of the following canyons lies in the wider Heraklion area:
You can browse the full set of routes on the Crete gorges guide.
No. Almiros Gorge rates 1 out of 10 for difficulty, one of the easiest gorge walks near Heraklion, and the route gains only 150 meters over its length.
The trail is 3 km long and takes about 1.5 hours, with 150 meters of elevation change from end to end.
Yes, until spring. The gorge is usually dry and turns into a small stream in spring, and three small waterfalls form after prolonged, heavy rainfall.
Yes. A paved road reaches the gorge, and cars can get to the location near the canyon exit, where the monastery of Agios Ioannis Farangitis stands.
“Ghosts’ Gorge” is one of several local names for Almiros, alongside Keri Gorge, Porofarago, and the Three Churches, each tied to the gorge’s geography, chapels, or folklore.
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