Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a patio, Sea view villa with private pool close to the beach is set in Karteros. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace and free private parking.
The villa is located on the ground floor and has 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, a microwave and a toaster. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers a hot tub. Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Amnissos Beach is 700 metres from Sea view villa with private pool close to the beach, while Karteros Beach is less than 1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 2 km from the accommodation.
from
€371
/night
Located in Karteros and only less than 1 km from Amnissos Beach, United blue Resorts – Blue view provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property was built in 2020 and has air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
Staff at the villa are available to provide guidance at the 24-hour front desk.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Karteros Beach is 1.1 km from United blue Resorts – Blue view, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 8.7 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 2 km from the accommodation.
Right on its private area of Amnisos Beach with free sun loungers, Unique Blue! Resort and Villas Adults Only features an outdoor pool. Facilities include a fitness room with hammam. Free Wi-Fi is provided.
Bright and spacious, all air-conditioned rooms open to a balcony with views over the Cretan Sea or the hotel’s garden. Each includes a mini fridge and TV with satellite channels. The private bathroom is fitted with bathrobes, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Enjoying panoramic views of the Cretan Sea, the main restaurant of Unique Blue! Resort and Villas Adults Only serves Greek and international dishes in buffet style. Drinks and snacks are prepared at the beach bar.
For leisure moments, there is a games room with billiards. Small gifts and the essentials can be found at the on-site mini market.
Unique Blue! Resort and Villas Adults Only is located 5 km from Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport and 7 km from the city of Heraklion. Free, private parking is provided on site.
Set in Karteros, a few steps from Karteros Beach, Pnoe Breathing Life – Adults Only offers accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a garden and a restaurant. This 5-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property is allergy-free and is situated 1 km from Amnissos Beach.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. At Pnoe Breathing Life – Adults Only all rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels.
Continental and American breakfast options are available every morning at the accommodation.
There is an on-site bar and guests can also make use of the business area.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 8.1 km from Pnoe Breathing Life – Adults Only, while Venetian Walls is 8.7 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 2 km from the hotel.
from
€543
/night
Quietly located in a 9,000 m2 plot, in Karteros Village, BlueGreen Villa features a 75-m2 outdoor pool with hydromassage jets, 2 furnished terraces with mountain view and BBQ facilities. Free WiFi and on-site parking are also included. Heraklion City is 5 km away.
Divided in 2 levels, the lower level includes a seating area, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a storage room. The upper level has a spacious living room with dining area and fireplace, 3 more bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
This villa comes with a separate air-condition unit in every room. Flat-screen Tv with satellite channels in all bedrooms. For your convenience, you will also find a washing machine, a dishwasher and coffee maker for espresso and filter coffee.Towels are provided.
Organised beaches, a mini market and horse riding facilities can be found at a distance of 700 metres from BlueGreen Villa. Heraklio Airport lies 3 km away, while the archaeological site of Knossos 4.5 km away. There is also an aquarium at 8 km and a golf course 17 km away.
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.
Every day we organize safari with Quad, Buggy1000cc, Monster800cc and Jeep.
Our adventure starts in the small village of Karteros, where we will have a 30-minute briefing on safety and instructions on operating ATVs.
(Only Quad ) We start by passing a deep stream at the end of which we will come across a cave of historical importance, where we will stop for a while.
(Only Jeep & Buggy) Our next stop will be in the forest near the church of St. Irene, where we will visit the old church and enjoy the countryside.
***The route is subject to change due to unfore seen circumstances
(Only Quad )Τhen we will climb to the highest hill in the area where we will enjoy the panoramic view of the area of Heraklion.
Αnd we return through the village of Passa in the direction of Karteros gorge.
(Only Jeep & Buggy)We will continue to the Mt. Juktas Ecological Park in Archanes, an extraordinary archaeological site of Fourni where we will see the Municipal Contemporary Theater and enjoy the panoramic views.
***The route is subject to change due to unfore seen circumstances
After we will continue our route and explore the Gorge of Karteros. All the way through our journey we will have the opportunity to take photos of some of Crete’s most amazing scenery, and our guide will share information about each location we visit.
We’ll have lunch at an Greek tavern.
To finish our adventure, we will make our last stop at Karteros beach for a swim (if the weather is good).
Note: the remaining time is for the round tour.
Choose the pick up and the dropp off point based on your needs.
Τhe fleet of our company consists of premium class cars and serves the entire island of Crete every day. if the point you receive or the point of delivery is not shown in our price list, contact the service department of our company to receive an offer.
Website : www.groundtransportationservices.gr
Email : gtscrete@gmail.com
Our company is based in Crete and provides a wide variety of ground transportation services throughout the island while being the most reliable partner for every incoming visitor or travel agent. Our highly trained staff as well as our remarkable fleet are available to satisfy even the most demanding guests with responsibility,comfort and safety.
Bring your family or friends along to one of Heraklion’s most fun attractions with a full day pass. Bask in the sun and enjoy the tropical weather as you go down the water slides, float along the lazy river, or take the kids to the unique playground.
Spend a day at WaterCity and take part in the many activities, meant to help you unwind, but also to get your adrenaline pumping. Experience the wide range of water games and feel like a kid again. Playgrounds, slides, a jacuzzi, and a 385-meter lazy river are waiting for you to visit.
Make the most of your day with a delicious cocktail or meal from one of the restaurants and bars open at the park, with exciting options to purchase at your own expense. And don’t worry about your family’s safety while you’re away, as there are lifeguards present at all times.
Bring your family or friends along to one of Heraklion’s most enjoyable attractions with a full-day pass. Bask in the sun and enjoy the tropical weather as you slide down the water slides, float along the lazy river, or take the kids to the unique playground.
Spend a day at WaterCity and participate in the many activities designed to help you unwind and get your adrenaline pumping. Experience a wide range of water games and feel like a kid again. Playgrounds, slides, a jacuzzi, and a 385-meter lazy river are waiting for your visit.
Make the most of your day with a delicious cocktail or meal from one of the restaurants and bars open in the park, with exciting options available for purchase at your own expense. Don’t worry about your family’s safety while you’re away, as lifeguards are present at all times.
Settlements in Knossos date as far back as the Neolithic period. Neolithic remains from around 7000 BC are found throughout Crete. Explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization and enjoy a skip-the-line tour of the Knossos Palace.
The Knossos Palace was built from 1700 to 1400 BC. Advanced architectural techniques were used in its construction, and sections of the palace stood up to 5 stories high.
It featured 1,300 rooms connected by corridors, and a theater and extensive storerooms, which held large clay containers of oil, grains, dried fish, beans and olives – often with gold hidden beneath.
Take the hassle out of visiting Crete’s capital and the Palace of Knossos with transport arranged for you. Relax on a day tour including hotel pickup, a transfer to the palace, then Heraklion, and drop-off back at your hotel in Rethymno. Take your time exploring the attractions at your own pace.
After hotel pickup, head straight to the first stop, the Palace of Knossos. Marvel at the ruins of the neolithic settlement and explore the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization. Discover where thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Minotaur and labyrinth, were born.
Next, stop at Heraklion, where you will have 4 hours of free time to spend as you wish. Explore the city and visit the archeological museum. Buy some souvenirs. Grab a coffee, or tuck into a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Then, climb back on the bus to be returned to your hotel in Rethymno.
The Karteros Bay, situated at the exit of the synonymous Karteros Gorge, lies 7km east of Heraklion and stretches 3.5km to the east. It pays homage to the Byzantine General, Krateros, who in 824AC attempted to liberate Crete from the Saracens by landing his ships on the bay’s beach, but unfortunately, he was defeated. The bay encompasses two villages, Karteros and Amnissos, which have now merged due to the area’s rapid evolution. The area’s development can be attributed to its proximity to Heraklion and the presence of an exquisite beachfront featuring fine golden sand.
You’ll find numerous hotels, eateries, and beach bars in close proximity to the bay. Karteros Bay is exposed to the northern winds, and as a result, the water tends to be wavy. The water is shallow with almost no rocks, except for a few areas. The least crowded part of the beach is situated next to the “Nikos Kazantzakis” airport, 7km west of Heraklion, known as Florida. This part got its name from an old tavern that no longer exists and is the most serene of all the beaches. Compared to the easternmost beaches, Florida has fewer umbrellas and facilities. The river from the Karteros Gorge empties into Florida, creating a small wetland on the beach, which dries up during the summer. It’s certainly worth a visit, especially in the spring.
While in Florida, you should stop by the old Church of St. John and St. Nikon Metanoite, constructed within a large cave. Moreover, don’t be startled if you spot horses on the beach as it’s home to the Heraklion Riding Club.
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.
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.
Located 16km east of Heraklion, between Kokkini Hani and Kato Gouves, lies the tourist resort of Gournes. The area of Gournes, originally a separate village, is now part of a 23 kilometer stretch of unified beachfront that begins in Vathianos Kambos and ends in Malia. The fertile plains of Gournes are abundant with vegetable crops and olive groves.
The name ‘Gournes’ is derived from the Latin word ‘urna’ which means water troughs for livestock. However, there is another theory suggesting that the name comes from the Minoan larnakes (urns) that were found in the area.
The beaches of Gournes, like most on Crete’s north coast, are exposed to north winds. The beachfront is dotted with small artificial piers constructed to absorb wave impact and to preserve the sand. This has resulted in the formation of several sandy coves between these piers. The area’s long beach, located on the west part of Gournes, is well organized with lifeguards and umbrellas.
As you head east, the coast becomes rockier and you’ll come across a small torrent. A kilometer further east, you’ll find the former American Airbase of Gournes, which was abandoned in the early 1990s. Despite the derelict buildings, the area is home to the International Exhibition Center of Crete, the Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), the City Hall, and the Aquarium. There is also a small port and the longest beach of Gournes, a beautiful sandy stretch that extends to the beaches of Gouves. Particularly noteworthy is the well-organized municipal beach of Gouves, located west of the Old Base boundary.
During your visit to Gournes, don’t miss the chance to see the old church of the Annunciation in the old village and the picturesque church of Agios Ioannis Pezetis with its ancient frescoes. An excavated Minoan settlement and cemetery nearby have revealed many vases, figurines and seals. One of the most popular attractions in Gournes is the Cretaquarium. Once the largest aquarium in southern Europe, it continues to attract thousands of visitors daily and is located within the former U.S. base.
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 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.
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 Aposelemis Canyon, also known as the longest and most significant geological canyon in the northern part of the Heraklion prefecture, terminates at the settlement of Agrianá (locally known as Adrianna), near Hersonissos. The Aposelemis River traverses this canyon, though water is only present in parts of the canyon following heavy rainfall. However, the river at higher altitudes retains water throughout the wet months, thanks to the phyllite rocks. Despite its length, accessibility, and proximity to Heraklion, the canyon remains relatively undiscovered by the local population. The Aposelemis Canyon is characterized by strikingly beautiful and imposing vertical walls that reach up to 200 meters in height, along with several rock shelters. The canyon floor is smooth throughout, posing no technical challenges. In recent times, the Hersonissos Municipality has constructed a lovely trail along the canyon floor, making the walk both enjoyable and easy. The trail also features recreational areas with wooden benches at the start and end points.
This crucial ecosystem is home to waterfowl and birds of prey. A hidden riparian forest, particularly in the upper region of the canyon, is the real gem. The mixed forest is made up of ancient trees with massive trunks, truly natural marvels. Trees such as the plane, holm oak, oak, holly, carob, osier, among others, can be found here. The dense forest often obscures the trail. An old stone bridge, Xerokamares, is located just before the southern entrance, within the river. The most convenient way to access the canyon is via its northern exit. A dirt road from the bridge of the old national road leads to the Aposelemis gorge. Following this dirt road, you’ll pass the picturesque yet ruined settlement of Plevris, and eventually reach the bridge of the new highway, where the trail begins. It takes at least two hours to traverse the gorge.
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