Profitis Ilias, also known as Roka, is a town located 20km south of Heraklion in Crete. The town is situated on two hills that provide a natural fortification and offer a stunning view of the surrounding areas. Its strategic location has led to suggestions that the ancient city of Lycastos was built here. The town is also known as Kandli Kasteli due to the castle located at the summit of a rock southeast of the town. The Byzantine castle of Temenos was built by Nikiforos Fokas in 961 to free the island from the Saracens. The castle was later occupied by the Genoese Pescatore in the thirteenth century and by the Venetians. The name Kanli Kastelli in Turkish means blood-painted castle, and it was named after a massacre of Turks by the Venetians and Greeks that took place here in 1647.
Apart from its historical significance, Profitis Ilias is also known for its natural beauty. The town’s location on the hills provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding areas, making it a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy the town’s rich history and natural beauty while taking in the stunning view from the hills. The unique blend of history and natural beauty makes Profitis Ilias a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Crete.
Featuring garden views, Quiet little country house with breathtaking view offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 13 km from Venetian Walls. The air-conditioned accommodation is 12 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 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 15 km from the holiday home, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 27 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 15 km from Quiet little country house with breathtaking view.
from
€95
/night
The elegance of Villa Allure and the warmth of its specially crafted decor can only be matched by the warmth of our Cretan hospitality as we invite you to turn your most special times with loved ones into truly holy days to revitalize the spirit.
-650 m2 of fully-equipped private villa
-Private heated swimming pool
-Main villa as well as 1 open plan traditional stonehouse / guesthouse with chef’s kitchen, shower and toilet
-Wine cellar
-Up to 12 persons
-6 bedrooms decorated each in its own trademark style
-6 ensuite bathrooms
-Honeymoon suite with Jacuzzi
-Al fresco and indoor dining areas to host family or intimate meals
-Private vineyard and olive grove
from
€500
/night
Boasting garden views, Ornament: Infinite Nature Villa features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 18 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The air-conditioned accommodation is 17 km from Venetian Walls, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
The villa has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa offers a picnic area. Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
The Palace of Knossos is 21 km from Ornament: Infinite Nature Villa, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 33 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 21 km from the accommodation.
Situated only 14 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Áyios Síllas, Luxurious Villa in Malades Crete with Swimming Pool features accommodation fitted with a terrace, garden and outdoor pool. The accommodation is 12 km from the Venetian Walls and has free WiFithroughout the property.
The air-conditioned villa consists of 5 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
The Palace of Knossos is 16 km from the villa, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 28 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 16 km from Luxurious Villa in Malades Crete with Swimming Pool.
from
€287
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a terrace, Castello Villa Daphnes – Private Pool & Whirlpool is set in Dhafnés. Featuring pool and garden views, this villa also has free WiFi.
Featuring 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 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The villa offers an outdoor fireplace. A car rental service is available at Castello Villa Daphnes – Private Pool & Whirlpool.
Venetian Walls is 18 km from the accommodation, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 21 km from Castello Villa Daphnes – Private Pool & Whirlpool.
from
€45
/night
Situated in Dhafnés, 18 km from Venetian Walls and 19 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Cozy studio in Dafnes near to Heraklion features air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. The property features garden and quiet street views, and is 22 km from The Palace of Knossos.
The apartment with a terrace and mountain views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
The apartment offers a picnic area. A bicycle rental service is available at Cozy studio in Dafnes near to Heraklion.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 34 km from the accommodation, while Pankritio Stadium is 16 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 21 km from Cozy studio in Dafnes near to Heraklion.
from
€59
/night
If you were to travel all over Crete, crossing it from coast to coast, you would be astounded by the abundance of exceptional dishes and the unique traditional products that you’ll discover.
Cretan recipes are based on Traditional local products such as honey, herbs, vegetables, meat and olive oil, and many more that complete the palette of Cretan gastronomy.
Some of the best and most distinctive recipes have been collected and presented in our place by our Cooks through Traditional Cooking Classes.
• You’ll get hands-on training from a professional local Cook.
• You’ll learn new cooking techniques that can easily be repeated at home.
• You’ll discover our traditions and learn historical tips about our unique cuisine.
• Vegetarians are welcome. Let me know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.
If you were to travel all over Crete, crossing it from coast to coast, you would be astounded by the abundance of exceptional dishes and the unique traditional products that you’ll discover.
Cretan recipes are based on Traditional local products such as honey, herbs, vegetables, meat and olive oil, and many more that complete the palette of Cretan gastronomy.
Some of the best and most distinctive recipes have been collected and presented in our place by our Cooks through Traditional Cooking Classes.
• You’ll get hands-on training from a professional local Cook.
• You’ll learn new cooking techniques that can easily be repeated at home.
• You’ll discover our traditions and learn historical tips about our unique cuisine.
• Vegetarians are welcome. Let me know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Our day is the perfect way to explore the central part of Crete from mountains to gorges to a beautiful beach.
Our journey starts as we make our way to Mount Juktas with breathtaking views of the blue infinity of the Aegean Sea. God Zeus knew what he was doing by choosing Mount Juktas as his final resting place.
From here we take the road through extensive vineyards where the Minoans built a wine press which is the oldest one in the world, to our next stop Charakas, a little mountain village where we join the locals for a coffee break in the traditional cafeneion. We continue on through dirt tracks, bumpy roads over the olive tree dotted hills to our next stop the top of Tripitis Gorge where you have a magnificent view over the Gorge with its different layers of rocks, Cretan wild herbs and the Libyan Sea. Driving down towards one of the most beautiful and pictures Gorges of Crete we stop to give you the possibility to walk thru the Gorge to the narrows place where you find the little church of Panagia which is built into the rocks.
Building up an appetite, we drive down to Tripitis beach where we have a BBQ Lunch next to the beach with unlimited wine and water. Now you can enjoy some free time for a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea where you have crystal clear blue water and the temperature of the water is always higher than in the Aegean Sea. Than we head back towards the South Coast passing through some small traditional villages full of character and interest until we stop for some refreshment and to try our local drink, Raki.
This is a day full of many surprises and the excitement is second to none, you certainly won’t forget your fun day out with Safari Club Crete.
Enjoy an exciting visit to Knossos Palace, Crete’s most famous historical attraction, with a pre-booked e-ticket, including a compelling audio tour downloadable on your phone and a detailed map of the site. Lose yourself in the audio tour’s storytelling and immerse yourself in history as you walk around this iconic site.
Visit the grand capital of Minoan Crete, located just south of Heraklion, and see the evocative setting, complete with impressive ruins and brightly-colored frescoes, come alive through an engaging narrative that sheds light on various elements of Minoan culture.
The cupbearers and procession frescoes at the South Propylaeum, which depicts scenes from everyday life and the ceremonial activities in Minoan Crete, provide a great insight into the aesthetic ideals of the time. Follow the evolution of Minoan fashion, learn about the popular hairstyles of the people, and discover the beauty products locals used to touch up their looks.
At the West Magazines, where the storage facilities of the palace are located, gain an understanding of the well-organized bureaucracy that supported the palace organization, the earliest forms of linear writing, as well as the Minoan economy and trade networks. Discover the copy of the “Prince of the Lilies” at the South Entrance Corridor and gaze out on Mount Juktas, perfectly framed by the eroded walls of the palace.
Visit the Queen’s Megaron, embellished with famous blue dolphins fresco and equipped with a bathroom and a toilet room, where you can find out everything about the bath habits in the Minoan era.
We offer cooking lessons in Krousonas village. Super family friendly! The programme last at least 4 hours. Firstly we will welcome you with some cretan delights and refreshments . We will discuss the menu and you can choose from the season options(vegan or not) what would you like to cook. Secondly we will visit the farm , we will feed the goats and sheeps and if its summer probably you can also milk the goats! In continue when you choose menu (vegeterian or not) we go to gather our organic vegetables from our orchard, you wiil have time to explore nature, breath fresh air, learn important information about the plant and of course live the experience cutting the fresh vegetables and fruit. When we collect our vegetables , we learn how we use every ingredient in our kitchen, how does it help our health, about the appropriate quantities we use and we start to how prepare our meal and how we cook. You will learn all the secrets of cretan cuisine with us . (It depends from the season you can also taste and watch the production of cheese.) When the meal is ready you can enjoy it in our veranda relaxing with the amazing view. A travel to history, nature and cretan cuisine.Dont forget to wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Cooking lessons become under the shadow of the grapevine. Also the cooking lessons are the perfect family activity! Live as a local for a day!!
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.
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.
The Venerato canyon, a hidden gem, is nestled 17km south of Heraklion, adjacent to the Venerato village and Paliani Monastery. Despite its modest length of 500m, the deepest part of the gorge leaves a lasting impression on its visitors, despite the visible impact of human activities.
The journey begins in Avgeniki village and concludes at the Agios Fanourios church in Venerato, nestled beneath a towering cliff. A brief stroll through the canyon from Agios Fanourios can be paired with a quick exploration of Venerato village. This charming village, once home to Venetian nobles, was often referred to as “Little Venice” due to its picturesque landscape.
The Apollonas river, which maintains its flow throughout the year, meanders through the gorge, carrying water from Agia Varvara to the Giofyros river. The river’s name, Apollonas, is derived from the ancient town of Apollonia, which once stood here. Some remnants of this town still exist near the gorge. As one ventures further into the gorge, the vegetation and platan trees flourish, harmoniously blending with an ancient watermill. The gorge narrows down to a width of 60cm, with the walls towering up to 25 meters.
Moving ahead, the Gra Spiliara (Old Cave), a haven for wild pigeons, emerges. The cave and the canyon served as a sanctuary during the Turkish Era and the German Occupation of Crete. Some parts of the gorge require wading through water or climbing over rocks. It is advisable for those descending the gorge to wear a helmet to protect against potential falling stones caused by the goats that inhabit the canyon’s edges.
After walking another 80m, you’ll reach the Kouroupi area. Here, the canyon walls almost converge, creating several small waterfalls. There’s a narrow, 20-meter long crevice in the rock that ends in a 7-meter high cliff and a deep pond. This marks the end of the walkable part of the gorge.
Until the 1950s, locals sourced their drinking water from this river, used it for irrigation, and it was home to a variety of wildlife including turtles, eels, and crabs. Sadly, pollution and domestic sewage have significantly degraded the ecosystem. This beautiful location deserves a better fate, and we can only hope it attains it.
The Spiliotissa gorge, situated approximately 24km to the south of Heraklion, is a verdant chasm that originates from the Houdetsi village, passes through Agios Vasilios, and terminates in the Peza valley, where its waters feed into the Kounaviano gorge. The most picturesque section of the gorge is the 1.5km stretch between Houdetsi and Agios Vasilios. Starting from Houdetsi, where parking is available in the village, a well-kept trail leads down to Agios Vasilios, meandering through dense foliage and groves of orange and olive trees, irrigated by the stream.
At the beginning of the path, two Byzantine churches, Saint John the Baptist and Saint Nicholas, are encountered, along with two former grain mills. After approximately 500m, the historic Sinai Monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa can be found, which lends its name to the gorge. A quick exploration of the small monastery with its cave-like church is followed by a continued journey into the verdant heart of the canyon, towards Agios Vasilios. A beautiful fountain and the Byzantine church of Saint John are located just outside the monastery.
To the west of Ano Asites village, the river that initially forms the Saint Haralabos gorge, and later flows through the village, ultimately transforms into a breathtakingly deep and dramatic gorge, known as the St. Anthony gorge. The descent trail leading to the canyon bed can be found near the scenic Byzantine church of St. Anthony, which also hosts a drinking water spring.
The canyon is teeming with lush vegetation, including towering plane trees and various other plant species. The trail within the canyon forms part of the European E4 hiking route. This trail concludes at the exit of the gorge in the village of Kerasia, close to the Faneromeni church. Regrettably, the riverbed is littered with trash from Asites.
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 town of Profitis Ilias is located 20km south of Heraklion.
The town is known as Roka to the locals.
The town is built on the top of two hills, offering an unforgettable view to the surrounding areas. It is also a natural fortification due to its position.
The castle is known as Kandli Kasteli and was built by Nikiforos Fokas in 961 when he freed the island from the Saracens. It was later occupied by the Genoese Pescatore and the Venetians.
Kanli Kastelli means blood-painted castle in Turkish and took its name from a massacre of Turks by the Venetians and Greeks that took place here in 1647.
The average temperature in Prophitis Ilias Town ranges from 15°C to 30°C, depending on the season.
Prophitis Ilias Town is located in the central part of Crete, in the Heraklion region.
The nearest airport to Prophitis Ilias Town is Heraklion International Airport, which is approximately 30 km away.
Prophitis Ilias Town is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Psiloritis mountain range and the Amari Valley. Other popular attractions include the Monastery of Arkadi, the Melidoni Cave, and the ancient city of Eleftherna.
Yes, there are several beaches within driving distance of Prophitis Ilias Town, including Bali Beach, Panormos Beach, and Agia Pelagia Beach.
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