Set in Moírai, 38 km from Venetian Walls and 39 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Diogenis House traditional vacation family place offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. The apartment has access to a restaurant.
The apartment with a balcony and mountain views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings.
The Palace of Knossos is 42 km from the apartment, while Phaistos is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 41 km from Diogenis House traditional vacation family place.
from
€86
/night
Boasting mountain views, ARISTIDIS’S PLOUTI MOIRES offers accommodation with a terrace and a coffee machine, around 38 km from Venetian Walls. This country house provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
With free WiFi, this country house features a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and toaster. Towels and bed linen are offered in the country house.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 39 km from the country house, while The Palace of Knossos is 42 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 41 km from ARISTIDIS’S PLOUTI MOIRES.
from
€67
/night
Situated in Morónion, 39 km from Venetian Walls and 40 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Villa Moroni features air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. With mountain views, this accommodation provides a balcony.
Boasting a Blu-ray player, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a toaster, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 4 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a bath. A flat-screen TV with streaming services and DVD player, as well as a CD player are available.
A car rental service is available at the villa.
The Palace of Knossos is 43 km from Villa Moroni, while Phaistos is 16 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 42 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Boasting mountain views, Villa Isida offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 43 km from Venetian Walls. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
This villa is fitted with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with a microwave and a toaster, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms fitted with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue. A car rental service is available at Villa Isida, while snorkelling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 44 km from the accommodation, while The Palace of Knossos is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 47 km from Villa Isida.
Featuring lake views, PALIAMA BY THE RIVER offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 41 km from Venetian Walls. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The holiday home offers a barbecue. A outdoor play equipment is also available at PALIAMA BY THE RIVER, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 42 km from the accommodation, while The Palace of Knossos is 45 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 44 km from PALIAMA BY THE RIVER.
from
€72
/night
Set in Áyioi Dhéka, 43 km from Venetian Walls and 44 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Gortis House offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With city views, this accommodation provides a patio.
The holiday home is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views.
The Palace of Knossos is 46 km from the holiday home, while Phaistos is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 46 km from Gortis House, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€51
/night
Take and airconditioned bus trip through South Crete on this day trip with pickup from Heraklion. Travel back in time as you explore Cretan history at the Gortys archeological site and have plenty of free time to soak up the vibes of at the colorful, seaside town of Matala.
Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in selected locations on Crete in the morning. Drive for 1.5 hours to the Gortys archeological site. Purchase a ticket to the site to uncover sights from 5000 years of Cretan history.
Take a short drive to Matala and spend 4.5 hours of free time where you can go swimming, sunbathe at the beach, purchase a ticket to the local caves or have lunch at a charming seaside café.
Return to your accommodation in Crete at the end of your free time in Matala.
A special excursion to the South of the island, starting our exploration with a visit to the emblematic lake of incomparable beauty in Zaros in a highly impressive landscape in central Crete! Then driving among the biggest valley of Crete, Messara, where we drive through pre-Minoan, Minoan, ancient Greek, and Roman ruins. We continue to the gorge of Trypiti through the biggest valley of Crete, this of Messara where our descent inside the gorge and through huge vertical rocks ends at the well hidden and exotic beach of Trypiti. Landscape of incomparable natural beauty rich in flora and fauna. Arrival at the beach and time for swim in its crystal clear waters. Quiet beach for moments of relaxation just before our lunch with authentic Cretan food in the center of the wild olive tree forest in the canyon of St. Savvas. Satisfying experiences and good traditional food, we return to your hotel with the best memories !
Our Cretan cooking class is a 100% hands-on experience, perfect for those eager to explore and indulge in the flavors of Cretan gastronomy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, what truly matters is your open heart and eagerness to embrace the warmth of Cretan culture, becoming a cherished part of our family along the way!”
Mama Stella, my wonderful mum, loves to share her culinary knowledge and techniques with you! We will cook a 4-course meal, by providing all you need, from aprons to fresh, farm-sourced ingredients ensuring a 100% hands-on cooking experience! Local homemade refreshments and water will also be provided. After your cooking adventure, revel in the joy of your creations accompanied by local Cretan wine. Leftovers are carefully packed for you to take along.
Immerse yourself in this unique, 3.5 to 4-hour experience at our olive oil farm. Cooking unfolds in an outdoor space beneath a beautiful wooden roof, surrounded by olive trees on one side and a lush garden on the other. Engage your senses—smell, taste, and feel our culture through a one-of-a-kind cooking adventure. Join us, cook with passion, and savor the moments!”
Born and raised in Crete, we would love to guide you through our way of life and explore the rural aspects of Crete!
We carefully designed this tour for those who wish to see Crete through the eyes of a local family! The journey begins with an engaging walking tour in our family’s olive groves and greenhouses. Discover the secrets of olive cultivation, the meticulous process of harvesting, and the art of producing the finest extra virgin olive oil.
Explore how locals cultivate greenhouses, learn about the variety of vegetables and fruits grown, and understand why these local products hold significance not only for local markets but also for the metropolitan markets of Greece. We are eager to share this information and more with you!
The walking tour concludes in an outdoor space beneath a beautiful wooden roof, surrounded by olive trees on one side and a lush garden on the other. There, we’ll have the pleasure of meeting my lovely mother, Mama Stela, and savoring authentic Cretan food prepared by her! Of course, the Cretan spirit, Raki, is an integral part of our meal! You might even get the chance to meet more members of my family.
A standout moment during the food tour is witnessing my mom demonstrate the crafting of Cretan cheese, followed by the delightful experience of tasting it!
The entire event will last approximately 2.5 hours. Our sincere desire is for you to become a part of our world and immerse yourself in the authentic way of Cretan living!
Hop down to the heart of Central Crete, the beloved land of our ancestors, and let the wonders of the Minoan world collide on this luxurious passage of time.
From the comfort of a premium chauffeured vehicle & escorted by our top local insider, revel in the endless luxuries of the ancient Messara plain where wine-red fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves stretch perennially toward the horizon.
Visit a family award-winning winery set on the peak of alluring panoramas & let our passionate winemakers immerse you into their intoxicating world. Luxuriate in ages, unearthing the Bronze Age palaces of Phaistos & Gortyna along with storied villages & monasteries.
In the afternoon, tuck in the bohemian vibe of Matala that captivated Bob Dylan & Janis Joplin. Bask in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea & unwind in the charming village, irresistible for its freshly caught grilled fish & finest ouzo.
To us, travel means putting fire in your soul with the best stories.
Join us on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning valleys of Malevizi and Messara, home to millions of olive trees. Experience the thrill of an off-road jeep ride through the Asterousia mountain range, exploring rarely seen areas, and stopping at an observation deck at the peak of the mountains to admire eagles and the breathtaking canyon and Libyan Sea in the background.
During our trip to southern Crete, you’ll learn about the local tradition of goat-keeping from a shepherd. He’ll show you how to feed, milk, and catch goats. Then, you’ll cook Cretan goat cheese with him inside a cave, which is a unique experience. Finally, you’ll get to taste the delicious cheese you made together.
We’ll have lunch at a charming seaside tavern, take a refreshing swim at the tranquil Tripitis beach, make a wish at a picturesque church, and experience a true Cretan farewell with the hospitable old man who owns the tavern and takes care of the church.
This adventure is perfect for anyone looking for an exciting and unique experience in Crete. Book your trip with us now and let us take you on an unforgettable journey.
The Apolychnos Gorge, situated just a few kilometers north of the town of Mires, is nestled in an area abundant with olive groves. This gorge is essentially a narrow valley that traces the path of a river, which in certain areas deepens and is surrounded by thick vegetation. The Tourki stream that flows through it carries water from a valley that begins west of Makres village to the Geropotamos river. The gorge, which is roughly 3 km long, begins near the village of Panagia and concludes at the traditional settlement of Agios Antonios (Vrelis). It’s conveniently accessible, particularly near its exit close to Agios Antonios, as it’s adjacent to the main road from Mires.
The gorge is named after the deserted village of Apolychnos, which is situated within the gorge at an elevation of 220m. This village, enveloped by verdant trees and bubbling springs, is home to the stunning Byzantine church of Saint Panteleimon, located in the village square.
On the southeastern flank of Mount Sanida, near the quaint village of Skourvoula, you’ll find a petite yet wildly untamed chasm known as Rizopetro. This gorge culminates in a striking 60m waterfall that cascades into the lake of the Faneromeni dam, a sight to behold especially after heavy downpours.
The Agios Nikolaos, Gafaris or Rouvas gorge is nestled between the Ambelakia and Samari peaks. This gorge, the most significant in Psiloritis and central Crete, is named after the St Nicholas monastery located near its exit at Zaros. This area is an ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna, smaller canyons, and striking geological formations and cliffs. It spans 4 km, with 2.7 km developed by the Forest Service for activities like hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and wildlife observation. However, a fire in 1994 significantly damaged the beautiful Rouvas forest near the gorge’s south entrance.
The Rouvas forest, located in the Saint Nicholas gorge, is a nationally significant ecosystem of holly trees. It covers the inner valley of Psiloritis, surrounded by the peaks of Ambelakia, Samari, Chalazokefala, Skinakas, Koudouni, and Giristi. The area’s trees are ancient, with some trunks exceeding 1 meter in diameter and reaching heights of 15 meters. They grow densely, forming a unique forest society, supplemented by various shrub species.
The forest houses other typical Cretan flora, such as aria, zelkova, cypress, pine, plane, and pear trees, covering approximately 30,000 acres. The uniqueness of the Rouvas forest lies in the holly trees’ unusual size and characteristics compared to their typical Greek counterparts. This is likely due to the absence of external factors that allowed these shrubby oaks to evolve into their current form. Around the forest, one can spot scattered “mitata” (shepherd houses), most of which are now abandoned.
Recommended hiking routes include Zaros Lake to Saint John (a 2.5-hour return trip) and Psakofarago to Agios Ioannis to Lake Zaros (a 5-hour trip). The first route starts from Zaros Lake, leading to the St Nicholas monastery before entering the Rouvas gorge. The trail then ascends through the old burned forest, offering stunning views of the Zaros and Messara planes, before entering a narrow gorge filled with dense vegetation. The path follows the river bed, abundant with water in spring, leading to the heart of the forest, the Agios Ioannis area.
The second route begins north of Agios Ioannis at the Psakofarago gorge, the upper extension of the Rouvas gorge. The trail starts from the Holy Cross church and ends at Lake Zaros, passing through Agios Ioannis and the Rouvas gorge. This route requires a transfer to the Holy Cross church and a pick-up from Lake Zaros. Both routes offer the chance to experience the unique beauty of the Rouvas forest and its surroundings.
Saint Charalambos Gorge, a picturesque but petite canyon, is situated to the south of Ano Asites village. The gorge is named after the Saint Charalambos church that was constructed near its entrance beneath a rock. Up until mid-spring, the gorge is filled with water, compelling trekkers to walk along its walls to bypass the riverbed. The stream of the gorge carries water from the valley situated east of Prinias village to Agios Antonios gorge, eventually forming the Xeropotamos river that concludes at the Pancretan Stadium beach in Heraklion.
Our journey begins from the Agios Charalambos chapel nestled in a large rock shelter. We then make our descent along the river, where lovely ponds are formed. As we look upward, the grand walls with their vast caves become visible. The exit of the gorge has incredibly narrow passages which require us to traverse along a trail during winter. However, in the summer, it’s possible to walk on the riverbed, but caution is advised to prevent any ankle injuries.
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