Located in Kavros, 1.2 km from Peristeras Beach, Nima Boutique Hotel provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. This 4-star hotel offers a bar. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. At Nima Boutique Hotel each room has bed linen and towels.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast. At Nima Boutique Hotel you will find a restaurant serving European cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 18 km from the hotel, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 42 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 51 km from Nima Boutique Hotel.
from
€73
/night
Featuring a garden, private pool and pool views, Villa Eleftherios near sea is located in Chania Town. This beachfront property offers access to free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa comes with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with mountain views. The air-conditioned villa also provides a seating area, washing machine and 2 bathrooms with bathrobes.
Peristeras Beach is 1.1 km from the villa, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 51 km from Villa Eleftherios near sea.
from
€361
/night
Located in Georgioupolis in the Crete region and Peristeras Beach reachable within less than 1 km, Argiri Apartments & Suites provides accommodation with free WiFi, a children’s playground, a garden and free private parking.
The units come with tiled floors and feature a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, a dining area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The aparthotel offers a sun terrace. Argiri Apartments & Suites provides a housekeeping service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 19 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 43 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 51 km from Argiri Apartments & Suites.
from
€57
/night
Situated less than 1 km from Peristeras Beach, Vantaris Blue adults only offers 4-star accommodation in Kavros and has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is set 19 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.
A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the hotel.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 43 km from Vantaris Blue adults only, while Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 17 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 51 km from the accommodation.
Located within the Kavros district in Kavros, Solis Villa, close to the beach! Heated pool, By ThinkVilla has air conditioning, a balcony, and pool views. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa comes with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa offers a children’s playground. If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings and Solis Villa, close to the beach! Heated pool, By ThinkVilla can arrange a car rental service.
Peristeras Beach is 1.2 km from the accommodation, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 51 km from Solis Villa, close to the beach! Heated pool, By ThinkVilla, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€283
/night
Located within the Kavros district in Dhrámia, Cretan Sunset Villa Heated Pool has air conditioning, a balcony, and pool views. It features pool with a view, a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa comes with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a barbecue. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Cretan Sunset Villa Heated Pool.
Peristeras Beach is 1.6 km from the accommodation, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 18 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 52 km from Cretan Sunset Villa Heated Pool, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Start your day of adventure at your first stop of the trip, a local oil mill. Here you will have the opportunity to see how Crete’s famous olive oil is produced on this fascinating and informative outing.
Follow on your journey through Crete and make a quick stop at the watersprings of Argyroupolis. These watersprings are responsible for the rich vegetation that surrounds the village, a truly magical and refreshing experience. Your last stop of the tour, lasting roughly 2,5 hours, will give you enough time to enjoy a swim and eat Cretan delicacies at the many taverns that are located around the lake.
Argiroupolis – Kournas Lake – Gergioupolis
Embark on an extraordinary adventure to Kournas Lake, Argiroupoli, and Georgioupoli, immersing yourself in their mesmerizing beauty. Delight in the pristine, transparent waters of Kournas Lake, lose yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Argiroupoli’s traditional village, and unwind on the picturesque golden beaches of Georgioupoli. This captivating journey guarantees awesome inspiring landscapes and treasured memories,a must for families with young children and those seeking to minimize bus travel time.
Private Family Full Day Tour to Lake Kournas | Rethymno
9:00 pick up at your Hotel , coffee stop on the road!
9:30 arrival at Rethymno old town , so you can explore the Old Town of Rethymno is a maze of narrow streets, alleys, and picturesque squares. Take a leisurely stroll through the winding streets, admire the well-preserved Venetian and Ottoman architecture, and discover hidden gems, such as the Venetian Loggia and Rimondi Fountain.
12:00 We start our way to Kournas Lake. Kournas Lake is renowned for its natural beauty. The lake’s crystal-clear turquoise waters reflect the surrounding hills and lush vegetation, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The picturesque landscapes, including olive groves and rolling hills, provide a serene backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
The surrounding area of Kournas Lake offers several walking trails that allow you to explore the natural landscapes and enjoy scenic views. The trails take you through olive groves, meadows, and hills, providing a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Some paths lead to elevated viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas of the lake and its surroundings.
15:00 Begin to return at your respective Hotel.
Any changes to the schedule can be arranged upon contacting us !
Embark on a journey to explore the hidden gems of Western Crete, where you’ll experience the region’s rich history, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes. With our expert guide, uncover the authentic Crete and its unique selling points, ensuring a memorable adventure.
Begin by venturing into the captivating Melidoni Cave, filled with fascinating geological features and ancient legends. Then, wander through the picturesque Margarites village, renowned for its traditional pottery. Participate in a pottery-making show with a local artisan and explore the charming alleys.
Head to Kournas Lake, Crete’s only natural freshwater lake, and marvel at its serene beauty. Take the opportunity to spot local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds this unique location.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Rethymno, the main western town, boasting stunning Venetian architecture and a rich historical past. Stroll through its enchanting streets, taking in the sights and sounds of local life.
After a day of exploration, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Crete’s hidden treasures.
The magical Kournas Lake is one of the most fascinating destinations of Crete, a wondrous natural treasure that offers plenty of things to experience. The first impression of the lake is astonishing, with its unbelievable blue shades surrounded by green vegetation and the imposing rocky hills of the White Mountains.
Kournas Lake is the ideal place for an afternoon walk or a daytrip nearby. The place is ideal for walks and flower picking while the biggest fun for the kids is the pedal boat around the lake. Ride a pedalo on the waters of the lake, swim and enjoy a meal in one of the little tavernas. Watch the ducks and feed them. There are many ducks with their ducklings on Lake Kournas, and when they all start quacking together it can be deafening.
Book the pedal boat you like and enjoy a day at Kournas Lake. You will have 4 hours free time to walk and explore Kournas. You will find a lot of tavernas where you can enjoy your lunch with lake view.
The first stop is the town of Rethimno, the third biggest town in Crete west of Heraklion on the north coast of Crete. Here, archeological monuments of the Ottoman and Venetian eras co-exist. Enjoy a stroll in the alleys of the old town, a visit to the Turkish minarets and the Venetian fortresses, or a coffee at the magnificent harbor.
The next stop is Chania town, the second largest town of Crete on the north coast west of Rethymno. The city of Chania is divided into the Old City, with the gorgeous harbor, and the New City, beyond its Venetian fortifications. The Old City is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean and is called “Venice of the East”. You can find Turkish minarets and mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, Venetian fortresses, dockyards, fountains, squares, arches, mansions, Loggia and the Lighthouse. Visit the famous Agora (market), which houses traditional little shops and taverns.
The last stop of the day is Kournas lake, a beautiful habitat with natural freshwater, one of a kind in Crete. The whole area of Kournas is protected under ‘Natura 2000’, as it’s a designated wetland. Vast greenery, steep cavities between hills, and rare species of fish and birds make Kournas the ideal place to enjoy an early afternoon walk.
Located between Georgioupoli and Pyrgos, Kavros refers to the expansive beach situated just 4 km east of Georgioupoli, near the hotel bearing the same name. Though the area has experienced substantial tourist development, it’s somewhat less commercialized compared to the adjacent Georgioupolis. Kavros beach is a sandy stretch with transparent, shallow waters; however, its openness to the wind often results in notable wave activity. The beach provides several facilities for visitors, including an array of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a perfect spot for an all-day excursion. For those seeking tranquillity, parts of the beach remain unorganized, offering a more serene experience.
The place at its greatest part is developed and only a very small part of it has been left untouched. Between the remaining virgin parts of the beach, there is an extensive and very important ecosystem of dunes. The dunes of Kavros, like all dunes, host a significant and very fragile ecosystem that is home to its own plants. The most important role of the dunes in Crete is that they protect the inner lands from erosion. In the area, in winter we meet small ponds and the landscape is quite different from the summer.
Georgioupolis, a small coastal town located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon, is a seaside resort nestled in a verdant valley crisscrossed by rivers and springs. Situated on the western edge of a sprawling 10km beach, the town’s beach spans 2km to the east, beginning at the Almiros river and terminating at Kavros beach, a natural continuation of the former. The beach in Georgioupolis is sandy, dotted with dunes, and has shallow waters.
The beach is well-maintained and child-friendly, with lifeguards on duty. Caution is advised during windy conditions due to sea currents. Amenities such as umbrellas, showers, and food and drink stalls are available for beachgoers. Approximately 700m east of the port, the Perastikos river bifurcates the beach, which then widens as it continues eastward. On the opposite end, west of Georgioupolis’s port and near the Almyros river’s exit, lies the picturesque Kalivaki beach.
Episkopi beach is a 3.5 km sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, 14 km west of Rethymno and 45 km east of Chania. Episkopi beach sits in a fertile valley between the Mouselas river and the river that runs out of the Petres gorge. The water is shallow and usually a little wavy, like most beaches on Crete’s north coast, and it takes its name from the village of Episkopi, 2 km inland to the south.
At a glance:
The sand is soft, with a short pebbly strip at the waterline that turns sandy underfoot as you walk in. Mornings are usually calm and clear enough to see the bottom, while an afternoon breeze can raise small waves. The shallow, gently shelving water suits families with children and makes the beach a good spot for a slow swim or a snorkel.
The western part of the beach is well organized. There you find lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, umbrellas and sunbeds, snack bars, and water sports. Tavernas and bars line the shore, several renting sunbeds under thatched umbrellas. Because the beach runs for about 3.5 km, you can still find a quieter, less developed stretch toward the eastern end near the Petres bridge.
The main coastal road between Rethymno and Chania runs parallel to the beach, so access by car is easy. Frequent KTEL public buses connect Chania and Rethymno and stop on the highway beside the beach, and parking is available at the shore. The simplest way to reach Episkopi and explore the rest of the north coast is to rent a car.
Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nest along this coast between May and September, and Episkopi is a recorded nesting point. If you visit in those months, keep clear of any marked nests and take your litter home with you.
Episkopi sits within a short drive of these stops:
The name Episkopi means “Diocese”: the village was the seat of the local diocese in the Byzantine period, and the old Episcopal church of St Nicholas nearby now stands in ruins. Almost unknown to travelers, the area is also the ancestral home of the Vardinoyannis family.
Episkopi beach is on the north coast of Crete in the Rethymno area, 14 km west of Rethymno and 45 km east of Chania. It lies below the village of Episkopi, between the Mouselas and Petres rivers.
Yes. The water is shallow and the sand is soft, and the organized western section has a lifeguard, so it suits children and less confident swimmers.
The western part is organized, with lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, umbrellas and sunbeds, snack bars, and water sports. The eastern end near the Petres bridge is quieter and less developed.
Yes, water sports are offered in the organized western section, alongside the lifeguard, showers, umbrellas, and snack bars.
The coastal Rethymno to Chania road runs next to the beach, so you can drive or take a KTEL public bus that stops on the highway. Parking is available at the beach.
The main season is June to September, when the weather is warm and dry. Late May, June, and September are usually quieter than midsummer.
Yes. The water is clear and shallow, and the rockier seabed near Petres beach to the east is a favorite for snorkeling and fishing.
Located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon, Kalivaki is the furthest beach to the west in the bay of Georgioupolis. Nestled near the exit of the Almyros and Boutakas rivers, which maintain a steady flow of water year-round, Kalivaki is a gorgeous sandy beach. The water here is particularly cool, owing to the influence of the rivers and freshwater springs. Kalivaki is a well-appointed beach, complete with umbrellas, water sports facilities, and nearby restaurants. Its protective positioning relative to the other Georgioupolis beaches makes it an excellent choice for children, especially on windy days.
Situated 13km west of Rethymno, Petres Gorge opens up at the Petres beach. It houses the longest river in Rethymnon province, which is replenished by multiple tributaries that gather the waters of Kollita Gorges from the west to Mount Vrysinas in the east, spanning almost half of Rethymnon Prefecture. The river flows throughout the year and forms a significant wetland of Crete, particularly near its mouth at Episkopi.
The gorge narrows down to a small section about 1km long, beginning near the village of Karoti. Despite its short length, it is definitely worth exploring. It is easily accessible and perfect for swimming in the ponds that form along its course. However, fences are installed to confine goats, so carrying a cutter might be useful in case the fences are locked. Certain areas with large rocks may require a bit of climbing and extra caution.
The Twin Ravines, or Kollita Gorges, can be found near the charming village of Argyroupolis, approximately 22km southwest of the city of Rethymnon. The name refers to the two parallel canyons that conclude near the village of Kato Poros. The easternmost canyon, Moundros Gorge, is bordered by the Vigla peak (567m) to the east and the Nissiani hill to the west, where you can find the abandoned settlement of Nissi. Adjacent to Moundros Gorge to the west, is the Vilandredo Gorge, named after the village at its entrance and often referred to as Kollita Gorge.
The gorges offer an ideal hiking experience for novices due to their ease and stunning surroundings. It’s a perfect outing for groups of friends – park your car in Kato Poros or Argyroupolis, explore the Moundriano canyon, and return via the second Kollita Gorge for a round trip.
A suggested itinerary for the two gorges starts in the verdant Argiroupoli, built on the site of the ancient city of Lappa. From there, head east to the village of Moundros, known for its springs, fountains, and beautiful Venetian architecture. Don’t miss a stroll through the narrow streets of Moundros and a visit to the churches of Saint Constantine, Saints Anargyri (11th century), and Saint Nicholas. Near Moundros, you’ll find the deserted settlement of Nissi, notable for its impressive stone structures.
From the village, make your way to the northern entrance of the lush Moundros Gorge, which leads to the village of Velonado. A well-marked path descends to the riverbed, which is typically full of water. The canyon boasts towering plane trees and several freshwater ponds. After about a 1.5-hour walk, you’ll reach the southern entrance of Moundriano Gorge near Velonado.
Exiting the canyon, head west on the asphalt road to the entrance of the second canyon, Kollita Gorge, near Vilandredo. This canyon is even more impressive than Moundriano, filled with plane trees and a path that runs along the riverbed. The most breathtaking part of the canyon is where its towering walls nearly touch, creating a very narrow passage. Along the slopes of the gorge, you’ll spot numerous fig and holly trees. After a total of four hours, you’ll exit the canyon, which once supplied water to the Roman baths of Lappa, now Argyroupolis.
Following the old stone path amidst laurels, myrtles, and hollies, you’ll reach Kato Poros and the area of Pente Parthenes (Five Virgins). Here, you’ll find a spring under the perennial plane tree of Pente Parthenes, the chapel of the Five Virgins, and the Hellenistic and Roman tombs of Lappa. From here, the trail broadens and leads back to the lush green Argiroupoli. In Argiroupoli, be sure to visit the Venetian buildings, churches, and picturesque alleyways. The springs of Argyroupolis are a popular attraction, particularly the spring in the cavernous chapel of Agia Dynami. The area is lush with several small waterfalls and numerous restaurants.
The Twin Ravines, or Kollita Gorges, are situated near the scenic village of Argyroupolis, approximately 22km southwest of the city of Rethymnon. The name derives from two adjacent canyons that conclude near the village of Kato Poros. The eastern canyon, Moundros Gorge, is bordered by the Vigla peak (567m) to the east and Nissiani hill to the west, which houses the deserted Nissi settlement. West of Moundros gorge lies the Vilandredo gorge, named after the village at its entrance and more commonly referred to as Kollita Gorge.
These gorges are perfect for casual hikers due to their ease and stunning beauty. They are particularly suitable for groups of friends who can park in Kato Poros or Argyroupoli, explore the Moundriano canyon, and return via the second Kollita Gorge.
Suggested Two Gorges Route
Starting from the verdant Argiroupoli, built on the ancient city of Lappa, we journey east to the village of Moundros, known for its springs and fountains. The village is home to many beautiful Venetian structures (old courts, prisons, and noble houses) and the churches of Saint Constantine, Saints Anargyri (11th century), and Saint Nicholas are well worth a visit. Don’t forget to wander the narrow streets of Moundros. Close to Moundros, the deserted Nissi settlement, famous for its stunning stone structures, can be found.
From the village, the entrance to the verdant Moundros gorge is accessible, leading to the village of Velonado. A well-defined path descends to the riverbed, which is usually filled with water. The canyon is filled with towering plane trees and several fresh water ponds. After roughly 1.5 hours of walking, we reach the southern entrance of Moundriano Gorge, near Velonado.
Upon exiting the canyon, we follow the asphalt road west to the entrance of the second canyon, Kollita Gorge, near Vilandredo. This canyon, more magnificent than Moundriano, is lush with plane trees, and the path follows the riverbed. The most beautiful section of the canyon is where the high walls nearly touch, forming a narrow passage. Fig and holly trees can be seen on the gorge’s slopes, hanging overhead. After approximately four hours, we exit the canyon, which once provided water for the Roman baths of Lappa, now Argyroupolis.
Following the ancient stone path through laurels, myrtles, and hollies, we reach Kato Poros and the area of Pente Parthenes (Five Virgins). Here, one can find the spring beneath the perennial plane tree of Pente Parthenes, the chapel of the Five Virgins, and the Hellenistic and Roman tombs of Lappa. From here, the trail broadens and leads us back to the lush green Argiroupoli. In Argiroupoli, the Venetian buildings, churches, and picturesque alleys are worth a visit. A popular attraction is the springs of Argyroupolis, with the most notable spring located in the cavernous chapel of Agia Dynami. The area is lush with several small waterfalls and numerous restaurants.
The stunning Galliano canyon begins to the southeast of Gallos and concludes at the Rethymnon town, channeling water from the Armeni region to the Koumbes beach. It stretches over a distance of 5.5km, with the journey taking you through a lush ravine. Regrettably, there are multiple spots where shepherds have put up wires to confine their herds, making the trek along the stream challenging.
Close to the entrance, you’ll encounter the ancient Saounatsides watermill, which was operational until the 20th century. You can also see remnants of an old chapel nearby. A few meters south of the mill, another path leads to the cave-like temple of Saint Anthony.
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