Riza is a charming village situated at an altitude of 540 m in the southern parts of the Dikti mountain range, at the borders of the province of Ierapetra-Viannos in the Lasithi Region of Crete. The village is home to retired citizens, animal and bee farmers, and Athens immigrants of the Riza community. Despite its small size, Riza is a lively place with a bustling square and a lively tavern-coffee house built by the local association. The village is known for its vibrant community, where citizens from the entire region gather every day to indulge in coffee, raki, and proclaim their love for their village. The renowned musician of traditional Cretan music, Manolis Alexakis, hails from Riza, and the inhabitants are proud to tout this fact.
The village offers breathtaking views of the olive-covered hills of the southern horizon and the Libyan Sea. Visitors can witness the remarkable beauty of Riza and its surrounding areas from high observatories erected by local associations or explore places such as the little plateau featuring a quaint old church or along cliffs with serene gulfs and gorges. The area is also home to stunning pine trees, hollies, cypresses, and more, adding to the magical atmosphere that permeates the body with an incomparable sense of serenity. A trip to Riza is an experience like no other, and visitors are sure to be captivated by the natural beauty and vibrant community of this charming village.
Things to do in Riza are the walks, villages and archaeological sites spread through the hills below the Dikti range, with Myrtos and its coast about 4 km away. The village square is the starting point, and nothing on the list is more than 9 km out. The items below run outwards from Riza.
Eating and drinking starts at the square. Lefkothea Taverna Snack Bar is 200 m from the centre of Riza. Down in Myrtos, between 4.2 km and 4.5 km away, sit To Filotimo, La Sera Restaurant, “O Platanos” Restaurant Snack-Bar, Café Livyko and “Lambros” Taverna.
Beaches in and around Riza all lie on the Libyan Sea coast below the village, because Riza itself stands 540 m up in the Dikti range. 5 of them sit within 7 km, strung along the shore between Myrtos and Psari Forada. Vatos is the closest, 3.8 km away.
OMythos features garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Míthoi, 40 km from Lake Voulismeni.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, mountain views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with shower and slippers. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
An à la carte breakfast is available daily at OMythos.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy cycling and hiking nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 39 km from OMythos, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 40 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 76 km from the villa.
Only 250 metres from the nearest beach, Villa Aliki is located in Mirtos of Crete Island. From the spacious terraces, you will enjoy sea views, while free WiFi connection is available.
Villa Aliki offers apartments with 1 or 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and living room with a flat-screen, satellite TV. Bed linen and towels, as well as ceiling fans are included.
Car hire is available at the property and the area is popular for snorkelling. A range of activities are offered in the area, such as diving and cycling. Malia is 50 km from Villa Aliki, while Elounda is 36 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 80 km from Villa Aliki.
from
€75
/night
Situated in Myrtos, 300 metres from Myrtos Beach and 2.5 km from Vatos Beach, Villa Mertiza features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a garden and a terrace.
Each unit features a balcony offering mountain views, a flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchenette and a private bathroom with shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also available, as well as a kettle.
A continental breakfast is available each morning at the aparthotel.
A car rental service is available at Villa Mertiza.
Lake Voulismeni is 46 km from the accommodation, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Villa Mertiza.
from
€55
/night
Featuring river views, Sophie’s Village House offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 300 metres from Myrtos Beach. It features mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings.
Vatos Beach is 2.5 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 46 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Sophie’s Village House.
Boasting a terrace, Irene Luxury Apartments is situated in Myrtos, within 200 metres of Myrtos Beach and 2.4 km of Vatos Beach. Free WiFi is availablethroughout the property.
Lake Voulismeni is 46 km from the apartment, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Irene Luxury Apartments.
from
€75
/night
Offering free WiFi and free private parking, Stonehouse Elia Up is set in Myrtos, just 100 metres from Myrtos Beach. The air-conditioned accommodation is 2.3 km from Vatos Beach.
The apartment has a balcony, 1 bedroom, a living room and a well-equipped kitchenette.
Kalikovrechtis Beach is 2.9 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 46 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Stonehouse Elia Up.
from
€65
/night
Through this route we explore the south-eastern Crete. We head to Agios Nikolaos and stop in the traditional village of Kritsa, one of the most famous villages of Crete with its narrow picturesque alleys and its traditional shops.
Afterwards we ascend through a beautiful route with magnificent views and end up at the Katharo Plateau at an altitude of 1250 meters where we stop for coffee in a traditional cafe. We cross the forest of SELAKANO and end up in the SARAKINA Gorge which will surprise you with its beauty. Continuing and after our amazing meal, we reach the southernmost end of eastern Crete, the village of Myrtos with its amazing beach where you can have a swim in the crystal clear waters of the LIBIAN SEA.
Returning through a very beautiful route we arrive at your hotel.
This route will leave you with the very best memories.
Discover traditional life in rural Crete by witnessing the daily activities of the locals and visiting the sites where Greek myths were born. Enjoy a tour of Potamies, Aposelemis dam, Empasa, the cave of Zeus, and the beautiful scenery of the plateau.
Start with pickup from your accommodation. Visit one of the most characteristic Cretan villages, Potamies, for a tour of a traditional local farm. See the process of milking and cheese-making, meet the animals, and sample their fresh cheese.
Next, head to the Aposelemis dam, the largest water supply project in Crete. See the village of Sfendili submerged in the waters of the dam with its impressive old houses fading on the surface of the water. Explore the natural wetlands and spot a unique variety of birds.
Continue uphill on the dirt roads to the gorge of Empasa. Enjoy the views of the mountainous landscape and thriving wildlife. Try your hand at foraging for native herbs or relax and take in the panoramic views.
Take a trip to Lassithi Plateau to enter Psychro Cave, the fabled birthplace of the Greek God Zeus. Follow the trails of the gods and after that take a tour around the plateau to get a sense of local life.
Finally, enjoy authentic food baked in the wood oven in one of the most celebrated taverns in the picturesque village of Krasi. Admire the town square filled with fountains and see imposing plane trees that are up to 2000 years old. Return to your hotel full of unforgettable memories of Crete.
This day tour climbs to the Lasithi Plateau, the high mountain basin in eastern Crete, and works round it: the 14th-century frescoes at Panagia Kera monastery, the white-sailed windmills that once irrigated the fields, a family pottery workshop at Psychro, the Dictean cave where myth places the birth of Zeus, and an olive oil factory at Avdou. SEALAND TRAVEL runs it over 7 hours from €35, with a 4.39 rating across 91 reviews.
The route climbs from the coast to the plateau and back down. Five stops fill the 7 hours.
First is Panagia Kera, the monastery before the village of Kera, holding 14th-century frescoes and the story of the icon of Kyra Kardiotissa, stolen three times by the Ottomans and returning each time. Second is the plateau itself, with the white-sailed windmills that drew water for the fields. Third is Psychro, where a family ceramic workshop lets you try the wheel and buy what they make. Fourth is the Dictean cave, a Minoan sacred site full of stalactites, where myth says the goat Amalthea nursed the infant Zeus while his mother Rhea hid him from Kronos. Fifth is Seli for the view across the plateau and a local meal, then an olive oil factory at Avdou with a tasting.
The guide works in three languages, reviewers report English, French and German on the same coach.
The route runs from the coast up onto the Lasithi plateau in eastern Crete.
The €35 covers the coach and the guide, with two optional entry fees on top.
Included:
Not included:
Both entries are genuinely optional, so the day can be done for €35 or for €52.
We recommend this tour for the range. Seven hours covering Byzantine frescoes, a working pottery, a mythological cave and an olive mill is a lot of different Crete in one day, and reviewers say exactly that, a great variety of activities, full without being rushed, a good mix of organisation and free time.
The plateau itself is the argument. Lasithi is a flat, fertile basin ringed by mountains at around 850 metres, farmed for millennia and once covered in thousands of sail-driven windmills. Coming up from the coast to it is a genuine change of scenery, and a Swiss reviewer described it as a welcome change from the beaches.
The pottery workshop is the stop reviewers did not expect to enjoy. Several mention making their first ceramic pot, and one Hungarian guest who booked mainly for the Zeus cave ended up rating the whole day on the variety instead.
Guiding earns consistent praise, with reviewers noting presentations delivered in three languages on the same coach and a driver handling the mountain roads safely.
Three things to weigh.
The Cave of Zeus costs €15 on top, which is a lot next to a €35 tour. It is optional, but it is also the reason most people book, so budget €50 rather than €35.
Pick-up and return take too long. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers find hotel pick-ups and returns lengthy and want more efficient routing, and one German reviewer described being collected by a minibus and having to change vehicles later into a fully occupied coach.
Access is limited. The tour involves walking and a cave, which the operator says may not suit anyone with mobility issues or claustrophobia, the Dictean cave is a real descent, not a walkway.
Check before booking whether the cave is open. The operator notes it has been closed for construction in past seasons, with Krasi village substituted.
Budget for the cave, wear grippy shoes, and ask the guide about the windmills.
Pick-up and drop-off are included, and the day runs 7 hours. Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and both cash and a card.
The tour involves walking and a cave visit, which the operator states may not suit people with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
The tour runs 7 hours, covering five stops between the coast and the plateau.
No, cave entry costs €15 and is optional, with free time outside the site for anyone who prefers not to go in.
Greek myth places the birth of Zeus in the Dictean cave, where the goat Amalthea nursed him while his mother Rhea hid him from Kronos.
The operator advises against it. The day involves walking and a cave descent that may not suit anyone with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
They are the white-sailed windmills that once drew irrigation water across the plateau, and some have been restored at the Seli viewpoint.
Reviewers report the guide presenting in English, French and German on the same coach.
Check dates and prices for the Lasithi Plateau and Cave of Zeus tour.
This quad safari rides the mountain tracks of south-eastern Crete from a meeting point at Galini, between Ierapetra and Makrigialos. The route crosses olive groves and pine forest to a plateau with a 360-degree view taking in both the Cretan Sea and the Libyan Sea at once, and finishes with a Cretan lunch in a mountain taverna. SOUTHEAST CRETE IKE runs it over 5 hours 30 minutes from €195, with a 4.94 rating across 70 reviews.
The day starts with a briefing and ends with lunch, with five stops in between. The route is a loop from Galini back to Galini.
First is the 09:00 meeting and briefing, covering the vehicle controls and safety rules, followed by a test drive so you are comfortable before leaving. Second, the group heads into the southern mountains through olive groves, stopping at stalactite formations for photographs. Third comes a mountain village and a forest of Mediterranean plant species, then a stop above the Libyan Sea. Fourth, the track climbs past a sheepfold and an isolated Orthodox chapel to a plateau at around 1,500 metres, from there you see Mirabello bay, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda to the north, and Chrissi and Koufonisi islands to the south. Fifth is the descent to a mountain village for lunch, then the winding roads back to Galini.
You need a driving licence to ride.
The route stays in the mountains behind the south-east coast.
The €195 covers the quad, the fuel, the guiding and the meal.
Included:
Not included:
Bring your driving licence, it is required.
We recommend this one for the viewpoint, which is the single best argument any tour on this page has. Standing on a plateau at 1,500 metres where you can see the Cretan Sea and the Libyan Sea at the same time, Mirabello bay one way, Chrissi island the other, is something Crete offers in very few places, and almost none of them have a road.
At 4.94 across 70 reviews with a flat 5.0 for guiding, the delivery is as good as the route. The guide, Jürgen, is named in review after review by guests from Germany, France, the Netherlands, the UK and Austria, praised for speaking English, French, German and even Dutch, for explaining how the landscape and the island came to be, and for looking after small groups properly. One German couple were the only two on their tour.
The safety briefing gets repeated praise, which matters on a quad. A French reviewer described the instructions as very clear and said it let them ride with confidence. Another noted the staff explain the day’s schedule and the safety briefing before anything starts, and the test drive means nobody’s first time on a quad is on a mountain track.
The lunch is not an afterthought. Reviewers from France, Germany and the Netherlands all single it out, a family tavern, a typical Cretan meal, properly taken care of.
Two honest points rather than complaints, because this review record contains no criticism at all.
It is €195, which is at the upper end for a half-day activity in Crete. Value for money still scores 4.9, so people who paid it thought it worth it, but go in knowing the number.
Transport is extra. The meeting point at Galini is signposted from the main road, but if you are staying in Heraklion or Chania this is a long drive, and the transfer is a paid option rather than an inclusion.
Bring your licence, ride the test loop properly, and take a layer for the altitude.
The meeting point is at Galini, between Ierapetra and Makrigialos, marked by a large sign on the main road. The day starts at 09:00 and runs 5 hours 30 minutes.
Bring your driving licence. Transfer from your accommodation is a paid option rather than an inclusion.
The tour runs 5 hours 30 minutes, starting at 09:00 from the meeting point at Galini.
A driving licence is required to ride the quad.
Lunch and drinks at a mountain taverna are included, and reviewers consistently rate the meal as a highlight rather than a filler.
From the plateau you see the Cretan Sea with Mirabello bay, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda to the north, and the Libyan Sea with Chrissi and Koufonisi islands to the south.
A safety briefing and a test drive come before the route starts, and reviewers who had never ridden a quad describe feeling confident afterwards.
Transfer is a paid option, not an inclusion. The meeting point is signposted on the main road at Galini.
Check dates and prices for the Ierapetra quad safari day tour.
This cruise reaches Chrissi Island the comfortable way, on a catamaran from Ierapetra Marina, with sunbeds, a shaded lounge and an open bar. The afternoon departure spends its middle hours anchored in Chrissi’s shallow water for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding, serves a Greek tasting menu on board, and turns for home into the sunset. DanEri Yachts run it over 5 hours from €123.20, with a 4.85 rating across 30 reviews and a maximum of 25 guests.
The afternoon splits into three parts: the crossing, the anchorage and the sunset return.
First is Ierapetra Marina, where the crew greet you with espresso and detox water and run a short safety briefing before casting off. Second is the crossing of the Libyan Sea towards Chrissi, spent on the sunbeds with Crete’s south coast falling away behind. Third is the anchorage off Chrissi, where the water is shallow and clear, the paddleboards, snorkelling gear and fishing tackle come out on request, and the tasting menu is served in small courses. The return crosses back into the sunset.
The catamaran anchors off Chrissi rather than docking. Reviewers describe swimming and snorkelling straight off the boat, with a tender run for anyone who wants to walk on the sand.
The route runs from the south coast of eastern Crete out to the island.
The €123.20 covers the boat, the crew, the food, the drinks and every piece of water equipment on board.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this cruise for a specific kind of day: one where the boat is the point as much as the island. Chrissi has no shade, no facilities and nowhere to sit down, so the difference between a fine day there and a hard one is what you arrive on. A catamaran with sunbeds, a shaded lounge, a shower and a working galley solves that entirely.
The crew is what reviewers write about first, every time. A Belgian guest described the captain and host as attentive throughout; a Polish visitor called the crew helpful; a French group of 14 praised the skipper and the meal together. Transportation scores a full 5.0 out of 5 across the review dimensions, and guiding 4.9.
The food matters here more than it usually does on a boat trip. Rather than one plate, the menu arrives as small courses, Cretan cheeses and rusks, salads, a meat main and a vegetable main, then dessert, which is why reviewers from Italy and Belgium both single it out.
Two honest points.
Value for money is the weakest score at 4.8 out of 5, which is no surprise at €123.20. This is the most expensive Chrissi trip we list, and it is priced as a small-group catamaran day rather than a ferry ticket.
Weather decides how much of the water activity happens. An Italian guest rated the day five stars while noting that conditions on their afternoon allowed swimming but nothing more, and the operator states plainly that the itinerary may change. Check the forecast before you commit.
One more thing worth knowing: a Swiss family said the highlight was not the island itself but swimming in the water in front of it. If you are picturing hours of walking on Chrissi, the ferry from Ierapetra suits you better; if you are picturing hours in the water, this is the right boat.
Send your passport details at booking, watch the forecast, and swim off the boat.
Departure is from Ierapetra Marina and hotel transfers are not included, though the operator can arrange them. Arrive on time, port regulations do not allow a late departure.
Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and your passport or ID card. Glass objects, weapons, red wine and outdoor shoes are not allowed on board, smoking is not permitted indoors, and minors must be accompanied. Group size is capped at 25.
The cruise runs 5 hours from Ierapetra Marina, including the crossing, the anchorage off Chrissi and the sunset return.
A full tasting menu is included, served as small courses and designed by a nutritionist, with vegetarian options available on request.
An open bar is included with water, soft drinks, local beer and Greek white wine; cocktails and other spirits are not.
The catamaran anchors off the island and guests swim, snorkel and paddleboard from the boat, with a tender run to the beach for those who want it.
Chrissi is a Natura 2000 reserve with a rare cedar forest and white sand, and it has no permanent residents or facilities.
The group is capped at 25 travellers, and reviewers report sailings with as few as 14.
Check dates and prices for the Chrissi Island catamaran cruise from Ierapetra.
The first stop is at the historical monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, a monastery inhabited and run by nuns, which is located in an idyllic landscape. Here you can admire the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, plenty of frescoes, and a variety of other icons, dating back to the 14th century.
Then, you head to Lasithi Plateau, one of the few areas in the Mediterranean with permanent inhabitants at an altitude of over 800 meters. It is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and 18 quaint villages, which still retain the atmosphere of another era. You can admire the remaining famous windmills and the Venetian ditches, the drainage system of the Plateau.
The next stop will be the village of Psychro. You can visit the Dicteon Cave with the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, where according to the myth God Zeus was born. Psychro is also well known for its handmade ceramics and the workshop there will leave you with the best impressions after your visit.
The last stop, Tzermiado, the capital of the villages on the plateau, will amaze you with its natural beauty, its traditional architecture, and its breathtaking views. Here you can take pictures of the wonderful landscape, rest for a while, and enjoy your lunch in one of the local taverns.
When seeking out unique and delicious local food on Crete Island, consider visiting a family-owned restaurant. These charming establishments offer authentic Cretan dishes made with love and tradition. The Lassithi Plateau is very famous for its local vegetable products and the taste of their fresh daily picked products will last forever in your mind.
Vatos, a small settlement situated 18km west of Ierapetra and 3km east of Myrtos, falls within the jurisdiction of the village Gdohia. The village is accessible via the asphalt road that links Mirtos and Tertsa. Most of the locals earn their living by growing bananas and vegetables in the area’s greenhouses. Positioned at the entrance of a lush valley that starts in the north at Gdohia, the village boasts the expansive Vatos beach which extends east to Mirtos, featuring numerous secluded beaches along its coastline. The beach is distinguished by its unique grayish pebbles typical of southern Crete, and it’s known for its deep waters. As Vatos is not a developed area, the beach is usually tranquil, frequented mostly by locals. Some parts of the coast are adorned with tamarisk trees. To the west of Vatos, you’ll find the settlement of Kalikovrehtis, home to another pebbly beach.
If you happen to visit Vatos on July 27th, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in the feast day of the church of Saint Panteleimon. It’s also worth visiting the nearby village of Gdohia, with its narrow lanes and rejuvenating springs. A sad incident occurred in Gdohia in the autumn of 1943 when 43 residents were executed by the Nazis in revenge for the killing of two German soldiers in the village of Kato Simi. The village is also home to the ancient chapel of Annunciation, which houses rare Byzantine icons. Lastly, archaeologists have discovered traces of a pre-Minoan settlement between the beach and the village.
The Kallikovrechtis beach, situated 19km west of Ierapetra and 4km east of the scenic town of Myrtos, can be accessed via an asphalt road from Myrtos or Tertsa. This beach is part of the Ghodia village outskirts and is created at the Kalikovrechtis stream’s exit, nestled between the peaks of Kolechtos and Kako Oros, right on the boundary that separates the counties of Heraklion and Lassithi.
Kallikovrechtis is home to only a handful of cottages, and the beach itself is entirely untouched. It boasts beautiful, fine, greyish pebbles, and the water is typically tranquil. A few tamarisk trees provide shade, and due to the high and steep slopes, the beach gets shaded early in the afternoon. The road linking Teresa and Myrtos runs directly above the beach, making access quite easy.
Myrtos, a quaint seaside village, lies 13km west of Ierapetra where the River Kryos meanders through the stunning Sarakina Gorge and into a valley abundant with greenhouses and citrus groves. Despite recent mild development, Myrtos has retained its traditional charm. Its appealing beaches, characterized by coarse grey sand that doesn’t stick to the skin, have amassed a global following. The village offers small hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, a gas station, and a clinic, in addition to a nearby pharmacy and accessible bus route to Ierapetra.
The extensive beach, considered among the finest in southern Crete, is ideal for serene family vacations as it’s sheltered from strong winds. According to locals, Myrtos is where the wind never rages. The beach is well-equipped with lifeguards, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, cafes, restaurants, water sports, and beach volleyball. As you head west, the beach widens and offers even more tranquility.
Take a leisurely stroll around Myrtos’ local harbor or wander through its traditional narrow streets filled with lush gardens and homes that echo Aegean landscapes. The surrounding nature and gorges are also worth exploring. Notably, you can visit two Minoan settlements, Fournou Korifi (near Nea Myrtos) and Pirgos (on the east shores of the River Kryos), which were uncovered during excavations. The Archaeological and Folk Art Museum of Myrtos, situated next to the old church of St. Anthony, is a point of interest. Lastly, a monument in the village commemorates the 18 victims who were executed by the Nazis in 1943 as retribution for the deaths of two Germans in the neighboring village of Symi.
Tertsa, a quaint village, is nestled 91km south of Iraklion and 54km southwest of Agios Nikolaos, positioned between Myrtos and Psari Forada. The village, situated in a lush valley carved by the Tsounas river, houses a fresh water spring within a small gorge formed by the river. The majority of the land in Tertsa is owned by settlers from the northern village of Sykologos, just 7.5km away. Originally, the structures in the settlement served as storage depots for carobs and citrus fruits harvested in the region. Presently, the handful of villagers continue their agricultural pursuits, their land teeming with greenhouses of bananas and fields of tomato, pepper, cucumber and more. The Byzantine church of St. George is a significant landmark near the village.
The village overlooks a tranquil beach adorned with rough grey sand. Despite its lack of development, Tertsa retains its traditional Cretan charm, with just a few taverns and rooms available. The settlement is shaded by several tamarisk trees. The beach extends westward to Vourdolakos bay, beyond the rock of Psaroharako. The beach beyond the rock, also named Psaroharako, is more secluded and beautiful than the one in front of the settlement.
The Holy Apostles (Agii Apostoli) or Lapathos Gorge is situated on the southern part of Mount Dikti, 28km to the west of Ierapetra and 72km to the south of Heraklion, in the broader vicinity of the village of Kato Simi. This is a technical canyon, implying that crossing it necessitates technical gear and specific training. The Lapathos canyon is an ideal challenge for highly skilled canyoners. It spans approximately 4km and there is a height difference of about 900m between the start and finish points.
The canyon originates from the small plateau of Lapathos, where the Holy Apostles church stands, and concludes on the road that links the village of Pefkos with Ierapetra. Although it’s typically a dry canyon, in 2009, the team of seasoned canyoners Vassilis Vagias, Savvas Paragamian, and Giannis Skondinakis discovered it to contain surprisingly large amounts of water.
The gorge features 28 steep descents that demand excellent rappelling skills. The tallest rappel is 80m, making it one of the highest in all of Crete. The sheer walls of Lapathos serve as nesting grounds for a variety of birds including vultures, hawks, and crows. Towards the gorge’s exit, the vegetation is predominantly made up of pines and cypresses. Following the exit, the stream continues its journey to Tertsa beach.
This magnificent natural phenomenon – Sarakina Gorge – can be found near the traditional village of Mythi and the coastal settlement of Myrtos, where the Kryos river merges with the sea.
As the tale goes in Greek mythology, Zeus’s son, the giant Sarantapihos, once paused to quench his thirst from the Myrtos or Kryos river, near Ierapetra. His sweeping beard slashed the mountain, dividing it into two parts, thereby forming the Sarakina canyon.
Regarded by many visitors as Crete’s most captivating hiking gorge, Sarakina may only stretch 1.5km, but within this concise journey, one encounters an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature, a natural sculpture painstakingly crafted by water over countless years. The canyon boasts towering walls that rise up to 150m high and extremely narrow passages often found in technical gorges that require canyoneering equipment. The width of Sarakina fluctuates between 3 to 10 meters, rarely extending beyond these points.
The majority of the canyon is accessible to explorers of all abilities, featuring water, pools, and a handful of climbing points that necessitate careful navigation. A standout feature is the abundant water almost all year round, creating picturesque waterfalls and ponds perfect for a refreshing dip, even in the summer. In winter, traversing the gorge without getting soaked is a challenge. As one embarks on the route, they’ll encounter the need to climb, navigate immense boulders, and cross rocky bridges. Carved stone stairs and tree trunks are present in tricky spots to facilitate easier climbing.
Also known as Kalami I, the Panagia (Virgin Mary) Canyon runs in parallel to the Xerofarago Gorge, or Kalami II. It’s named after the Panagia Keralimeniotissa Monastery, which used to be located at the canyon’s exit. This canyon is technical, meaning it features steep descents and requires special canyoning gear to traverse. Spanning roughly 600 meters, the canyon includes six rappels, the highest of which is about 15 meters. It’s rich in vegetation and has a distinct beauty. The riverbed holds water until spring. Crete’s speleological clubs have bolted the canyon, and a small canyoning group can navigate it in about 1:30 hours.
If you’re planning to use two cars and park them at the canyon’s entrance and exit, the distance between the two parking spots is around 2.5 km or a 10-minute drive. Alternatively, you can reach the entrance by walking along the canyon walls for approximately 20-25 minutes.
Crete is home to numerous stunning locations, but a select few can truly be classified as natural marvels. One such marvel is the Arvi gorge, which dramatically splits Arvion Mount in two. This is the location where the shrine of Zeus Arveios once stood. The Arvi and Cha gorges are considered the most awe-inspiring canyons in Crete. The Arvi gorge can be found to the north of the coastal village of Arvi, in the southern region of the Heraklion prefecture, and it has been carved out of the limestone of Mount Dikti.
This gorge is technical in nature, meaning it necessitates canyoning equipment and flashlights to navigate due to the presence of numerous waterfalls in succession. It is a truly perilous area, and any attempts to cross it by those unaccustomed to canyoning could result in tragedy. From winter until the onset of summer, the canyon is filled with water, which adds to its awe-inspiring beauty. The majority of this water originates from the perennial springs of Kefalovrysi. The Arvi gorge presents a high level of difficulty.
The entrance to the gorge is located in the Konisma (Icon) forest, named after a rock that resembles an icon of Christ. The gorge stretches across the Fournos area and features numerous descents, the most remarkable of which is an astounding 85-meter waterfall named Kapnistis (Smoker). This waterfall is named for its smoke-like water spray, which is a result of its incredible height. Kapnistis is one of Crete’s tallest and most impressive waterfalls. However, what truly sets this canyon apart from others in Greece is the section after the high rappel of Kapnistis, where the river flows into the earth for 150 meters, forming an underground river within a cave. In this underground section, the river continues to form waterfalls. Lighting equipment is necessary to navigate this completely dark area. After this dark section, the gorge remains incredibly narrow with extraordinary formations and large rocks, known as splines, beneath which we pass.
Following approximately 20 waterfalls, the gorge concludes and leads to the fertile plains of Arvi, renowned for their banana crops, and situated next to the monastery of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios). The area at the gorge’s exit is humorously named Donkey’s Ass! In ancient times, a bountiful water spring existed here, but it has since dried up due to the construction of wells. This natural wonder has been a popular attraction for travelers since ancient times. The gorge’s river ends in the South Cretan Sea, but the water never reaches the sea due to its use for irrigation.
Riza village is located in the southern parts of the mountain Dikti at the borders of the province of Ierapetra-Viannos in the Lasithi Region of Crete.
Riza village is built at an altitude of 540 m.
Riza village is currently populated by retired citizens, some animal and bee farmers, as well as Athens immigrants of the Riza community.
The atmosphere in Riza village is described as magical and serene, established by nature’s own hand.
Riza village has a bustling square and lively tavern-coffee house built by the local association. Visitors can also witness the remarkable beauty of Riza and its surrounding areas, including high observatories, pine trees, hollies, cypresses, and more. There are also places to explore, such as a little plateau featuring a quaint old church or along cliffs with serene gulfs and gorges.
Manolis Alexakis, a renowned musician of traditional Cretan music, hails from Riza village.
The view from Riza village is stunning, with olive-covered hills of the southern horizon and even out to the Libyan Sea.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
