Galini Luxury Homes features sea views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Saktoúria, 48 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno.
The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath, shower and a hair dryer, while the kitchen has a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The villa offers a sun terrace.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Galini Luxury Homes, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 32 km from the accommodation, while Phaistos is 34 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 88 km from Galini Luxury Homes, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Situated in Saktoúria, 48 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and 32 km from Museum of Cretan Ethnology, Villa Saktouris features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. It is set 34 km from Phaistos and offers a concierge service.
The 2-bedroom villa has a living room with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and oven, and 2 bathrooms with a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue. Guests at Villa Saktouris can enjoy cycling nearby, or make the most of the outdoor pool.
Arkadi Monastery is 47 km from the accommodation, while Municipal Garden is 48 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 88 km from Villa Saktouris.
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€144
/night
Boasting a year-round outdoor pool, Muar Suites in Agios Pavlos features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive.
All units come with a terrace with sea views, a kitchenette with a toaster and a fridge, and a private bathroom with shower. A stovetop and kitchenware are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A continental breakfast is available each morning at the apartment.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Muar Suites.
Prasonisi Beach is 1.8 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 31 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 86 km from Muar Suites, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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€212
/night
Featuring mountain views, Seafront luxury villa with infinity pool & devine views! provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.3 km from Prasonisi Beach. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area. A kids pool is also available for guests at Seafront luxury villa with infinity pool & devine views!.
Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 30 km from the accommodation, while Phaistos is 32 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 86 km from Seafront luxury villa with infinity pool & devine views!, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€48
/night
Boasting mountain views, Seafront elegant villa, with infinity pool & devine views! features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.3 km from Prasonisi Beach. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a picnic area. A kids pool is also available for guests at Seafront elegant villa, with infinity pool & devine views!.
Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 30 km from the accommodation, while Phaistos is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 86 km from Seafront elegant villa, with infinity pool & devine views!, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€48
/night
Set in Triopetra and only 42 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Villa Elia Triopetra offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
The apartment offers a picnic area. Guests can swim in the pool with a view, go walking tours or relax in the garden.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 48 km from Villa Elia Triopetra, while Psiloritis National Park is 49 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 95 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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€333
/night
This day trip crosses Crete from Georgioupolis to the south coast, then reaches Preveli by water taxi rather than by the cliff staircase. The day gives you two hours at the palm beach, free time in the village of Plakias and a photo stop at the Kourtaliotiko gorge on the return. BALLOS TRAVEL AGENCY run it from €28, with a 4.25 rating across 121 reviews.
The route runs south by coach, switches to a boat, and comes back through the gorge. Four stages make up the day.
First is the coach, roughly an hour from Georgioupolis across the island to a small bay on the Libyan Sea. Second is the water taxi, a 20 to 30 minute crossing to Preveli. Third is Preveli itself, about two hours at the beach where the Megalos Potamos river runs out through a wild palm forest into the sea. Fourth is the return: free time in Plakias, then a stop above the Kourtaliotiko gorge, where small churches are built into the cliff face.
Arriving by boat is the point. The overland route to Preveli ends in a long staircase down the cliff and the same climb back in full sun; the water taxi puts you on the sand.
The route crosses from the north coast to the Libyan Sea and back through the mountains.
The €28 covers the coach and the guide. The boat is paid separately on the day.
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Budget €14 per adult in cash on top of the ticket.
We recommend this one because it solves the hard part of Preveli for €28. The beach is the reason people come to the south coast, and the cliff path is the reason many regret it. Putting the boat in the middle of the day turns a strenuous trip into an easy one, and at this price it is the cheapest way we know to reach the palm forest from the Georgioupolis side.
The reviews are unusually consistent about the running of it. Guides are named again and again, Elena, Alexandra, Alicia, Paul, Jannes, which is what a well-staffed operation looks like rather than a one-good-guide fluke. A German guest praised the timing specifically, saying the stops were not too short and not too long at each location. Transportation scores 4.7 out of 5, the strongest of the three dimensions, and several reviewers single out the driver on the mountain roads.
Adding Plakias and the gorge to the return makes it a day rather than a beach transfer. A German visitor called the Plakias stop a highlight in its own right.
Three things to weigh, because this rates 4.25 rather than higher.
There is nothing at Preveli. A British reviewer put it plainly: there is not a great deal to do there, and there are no loungers or umbrellas. They still rated it five stars and enjoyed lying on the sand, but if a sunbed is essential to your beach day, this is the wrong trip.
Guiding is the weakest score at 4.1 out of 5. The guide commentary is the part reviewers are least uniform about, even while praising individuals by name.
The boat is not guaranteed. The operator states that in strong wind you may be asked to walk to the beach instead, which means the cliff path, the very thing the boat exists to avoid. Check the forecast.
Carry the boat fare in cash, bring your own shade, and check the wind.
Pick-up and drop-off are included from Georgioupolis hotels. The coach leg runs about an hour each way and the boat crossing about 20 to 30 minutes.
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and water shoes. Temperatures on the south coast run high, so sun protection matters more here than on the north side. Pets are not permitted, though assistance dogs are allowed.
You travel by coach to a small bay, then by water taxi to the beach, which avoids the cliff staircase the overland route uses.
The water taxi costs €14 per adult, paid separately on the day and not included in the ticket price.
Reviewers report about two hours at the beach, plus free time later in Plakias.
No loungers or umbrellas are available, so bring your own shade if you need it.
Free time in Plakias village and a photo stop above the Kourtaliotiko gorge, where churches are built into the cliff.
The operator may ask you to walk down to the beach instead of taking the boat, so check the forecast before you travel.
Check dates and prices for the Preveli palm beach day trip from Georgioupolis.
This day trip reaches Preveli the good way, by boat. The coach runs from Chania across the island with a stop at the Kourtaliotiko gorge, then you board at Damnoni for a short cruise along the Libyan Sea to Preveli, where the Megalos Potamos river meets the sea under a forest of palms. Allcretetours run it over 10 hours from €43, with a 4.38 rating across 16 reviews.
The route crosses to the south coast, sees the gorge, then takes to the water. Four stages fill the 10 hours.
First is the pick-up and the drive through the Cretan countryside towards the south coast. Second is the Kourtaliotiko gorge, where towering cliffs and the wind that funnels through them make the photo stop, about an hour is allowed. Third is Damnoni, where the boat waits for a short cruise across the Libyan Sea, and Preveli appears from the water as a river mouth wrapped in palms and mountains. Fourth is Preveli itself: swimming in the emerald water, walking the riverbank under the palms, or following the river inland to the springs and small waterfalls in the gorge.
Arriving by boat is the difference. The overland route ends in roughly 300 steps down a cliff and the same back up; the boat puts you on the sand.
The route runs from the north-west coast to the Libyan Sea.
The €43 covers the coach and the guide; the two site fees are paid on the day.
Included:
Not included:
Budget €18 per person in cash on top of the ticket.
We recommend this version of Preveli specifically because of the boat. Every other way in involves the cliff staircase, roughly 300 steps down and a 20 to 30 minute climb back in full sun, which is the single most common complaint about Preveli trips. Coming in from Damnoni across the Libyan Sea removes all of it and gives you the approach shot as the palm forest opens up ahead of the boat.
The reviews describe a well-run day. A Dutch guest noted the guide made clear at the start where food and toilets were and built in a bakery stop, small things that decide how a ten-hour day feels. A Swiss reviewer called it perfectly organised from start to finish, and a German guest rated it the highlight of their holiday, singling out the pick-up and the guide.
Preveli itself needs little argument: Theophrastus palms grow wild in only a handful of places in Europe, and here they line a freshwater river running into the sea.
Three things to weigh, since this scores 4.38 and the criticisms are consistent.
The gorge stop divides people. An Australian reviewer loved Preveli but not the gorge, where the wind was strong enough that they abandoned the walk to the water, and they objected to paying €5 per person to enter. A Polish reviewer rating it three stars said there was too little specific information about the gorge for the hour allowed.
The extra costs are not in the headline price. €13 for the boat and €5 for the gorge add 40% to a €43 ticket, and both are cash on the day.
The gorge is genuinely windy. Kourtaliotiko is named for the clattering sound the wind makes through it, so treat the walk down as optional rather than assumed.
Carry €18 in cash, read up on the gorge first, and follow the river inland at Preveli.
Your voucher with the pick-up time and point arrives by email one day before, and can also be viewed at 123voucher.eu/voucher with your booking reference.
Bring sunglasses, beachwear, comfortable shoes and cash. Pets, alcohol and large bags are not permitted on the coach.
The day runs 10 hours from pick-up to drop-off, including the drive, the gorge stop and the boat to Preveli.
Yes, a short cruise from Damnoni across the Libyan Sea, which avoids the roughly 300-step cliff path used by the overland route.
The €13 boat ticket and the €5 Kourtaliotiko gorge entry are both paid separately, in cash on the day.
Preveli has a wild palm forest lining the Megalos Potamos river where it meets the sea, one of very few such groves in Europe.
Opinions divide. Reviewers praise the cliffs but report strong wind and thin commentary, and the €5 entry is charged separately.
Pick-up covers the Chania area, making this the western departure point for Preveli.
Check dates and prices for the Preveli palm beach tour with Kourtaliotiko gorge.
This day trip crosses Crete to Preveli, the south-coast beach where the Megalos Potamos river runs out of the Kourtaliotiko gorge under a stand of Theophrastus palms before reaching the sea. The river forms a 500-metre freshwater lake behind the sand, which is why Preveli is known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix. ETHERION runs the trip over 7 hours from €40 with free pick-up along the Heraklion coast.
The coach crosses the island and the rest of the day is spent at one beach. Three parts make it up.
First is the drive south to the parking area above Preveli, which sits below steep rock faces that are worth the photograph on their own. Second is the descent: roughly 300 steps and a 15-minute walk down the path to the beach. Third is around four hours at Preveli itself, swimming in the sea, walking up the freshwater river between the palms, or following the gorge inland as far as you want to go.
The beach is sand and rock where the river mouth meets the sea, with a rock formation on the eastern side shaped like a heart.
The day is spent at one beach on the south coast of the Rethymno regional unit.
The €40 covers the coach, the guide and the pick-up.
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We recommend Preveli as one of the two genuinely unusual beaches in Crete, Vai is the other, and this trip is the way to reach it without driving the mountain road yourself. Theophrastus palms grow wild in only a handful of places in Europe, and at Preveli they line a freshwater river running down a gorge into the sea. Walking up that river with palms overhead and the Libyan Sea behind you is not an experience the rest of the island offers.
The practical case is the same as every south-coast trip: it is a long way from the north coast resorts, the road is mountainous, and letting somebody else drive it turns a tense morning into a sit-down.
What review evidence exists is positive on the operator. A German guest praised the communication, quick answers to questions and a smooth pick-up, and made the point we would emphasise most, you can hike a long way up the river into the gorge, and it is worth doing.
Three things to weigh, and the first is the one to think hardest about.
The review base is two reviews. That is not enough to judge an operator on, and we say so rather than dressing up a 4.57 across two bookings as a track record.
The ratio of coach to beach is poor. A Belgian reviewer rating it four stars put it precisely: almost 8 hours of coach for 3 to 4 hours on site. Preveli is far from the north coast and there is no way around that, but go in knowing the split.
The walk back up is the part people underestimate. The operator states it plainly: 120 metres of climb taking 20 to 30 minutes in direct sunlight. There are around 300 steps. If anyone in your group would struggle with that in August heat, this is not the beach for them.
Walk up the river, keep water for the climb back, and leave the beach before the hottest part of the return.
Free pick-up covers Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos, Limenas Chersonisou, Koutouloufari, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kato Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos, Karteros, Heraklion and Ammoudara. The operator emails your exact pick-up location within 24 hours of booking.
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes and beachwear. The return climb to the bus is 120 metres of ascent, taking at least 20 to 30 minutes in direct sun.
The trip runs 7 hours door to door, with about four hours at the beach.
The path has around 300 steps and takes about 15 minutes down; the climb back is 120 metres of ascent over 20 to 30 minutes in direct sunlight.
A stand of Theophrastus palms lines the Megalos Potamos river where it runs out of the Kourtaliotiko gorge to the sea, one of very few wild palm groves in Europe.
The river forms a 500-metre freshwater lake behind the beach, and walking or swimming up it between the palms is what most visitors come for.
Free pick-up runs from anywhere between Malia and Agia Pelagia, covering the whole Heraklion north coast.
No food or drink is included, and personal expenses are your own.
Check dates and prices for the Preveli beach day trip.
Discover three famous beaches along the southern coast of Crete. Traverse the wild beauty of Kourtaliotis Gorge, stopping to admire its stunning waterfalls and the springs of the Preveli River that flow into Preveli Beach.
Begin your journey at Damnoni beach, where a boat awaits to take you to Palm Beach Preveli. Enjoy a swim in the clear waters of the Libyan Sea and take a short walk through the forest.
Head to a scenic viewpoint for breathtaking views and then board a boat to Preveli. Experience the mix of sandy beaches and lush greenery surrounded by palm trees and rocky cliffs.
Return to Damnoni beach for more relaxation before heading to the small resort town of Plakias for lunch, swimming, or shopping. Finally, make your way back to Rethymno via the impressive Kotsifou Gorge.
This river trek takes you into Kourtaliotiko gorge from Rethymno, wading and swimming down the riverbed to the waterfall that pours into the canyon’s cave. Kourtaliotiko is the biggest gorge in the Rethymno regional unit, and the route runs below the roadside viewpoint where most visitors stop. Cretan Explorer supplies wetsuits, helmets and poles over 5 hours from €67.50, and this Rethymno departure carries the largest review base of the two, 4.89 across 324 reviews, with guiding at a perfect 5.0.
The van meets you at a parking area above the gorge, and the route follows the water down to an olive grove at the exit. Four stages fill the 5 hours.
First is the equipment and briefing, a neoprene short-sleeve suit, a helmet, walking poles and a safety talk covering the whole route. Second is the great waterfall, which never stops flowing and is reached by a swim into the cave beneath it. Third is about two hours descending the river, dropping through natural pools under plane trees on a path away from the marked trail. Fourth is the Banana Garden, a small farm near the exit where a light lunch is served.
The operator rates it as a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels.
The trek runs south from Rethymno into the mountains behind the coast.
The price covers the kit, the guiding, the internal transfers and lunch, and it excludes the gorge ticket.
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We recommend this departure specifically for people staying on the north coast, and the number that matters is 324. This Rethymno version has run three times as many bookings as the Plakias one, which means the pick-up logistics from the busier side of the island are well worn rather than improvised. If you are in Rethymno town or along that coast, this is the version built for you.
What the reviews describe is a well-drilled operation. One Swiss guest described the safety briefing explaining the entire river trekking process clearly before anyone got wet, and the guide flagging slippery and uneven ground throughout the walk. Another praised the pace: never rushed, time to look at things, time to ask questions. The guide, Yiannis, is named by German, Dutch, French and Irish reviewers alike.
Two details from the reviews worth repeating. One reviewer who had previously visited Kourtaliotiko with a large operator, a brief stop, a look at the waterfall, back on the coach, described this as a completely different experience. And several mention the Banana Garden by name, one noting it is still beautiful despite fire damage, with the plants explained in detail by the people who grow them.
Three things to weigh.
The water is genuinely cold. One reviewer described being up to the neck in it, another said the wetsuit made it manageable rather than warm. This is shaded mountain water, and the swim to the waterfall is not optional.
Pre-tour communication is the one recurring gap. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers would like clearer information on the meeting point and start time beforehand. Confirm both directly with the operator rather than assuming.
Footwear is specified for a reason. Soft-soled water shoes are stated as unsuitable, and sure footing matters more here than fitness does.
Confirm the meeting point in writing, send your measurements, and bring cash for the ticket.
You meet the van at a parking area above the gorge, or take the optional pick-up from around Rethymno. Send your height and weight after booking for the wetsuit, and your hotel name if you have chosen pick-up.
Bring swimwear, sports shoes, a towel, flip-flops, snacks, water and €5 cash. Soft-soled water shoes are not suitable for this activity.
The trek runs 5 hours, including the waterfall section, roughly two hours down the riverbed and lunch afterwards.
The water is cold year-round. The gorge is shaded and fed from the mountains, which is why a neoprene wetsuit is provided rather than optional.
The price covers the guide, wetsuit, helmet, poles, waterproof bags, lunch and all internal transfers, plus skip-the-line entrance handling.
No experience is needed, the operator rates the route moderate and suitable for most fitness levels, though sure footing on wet rock matters.
Optional pick-up covers hotels around Rethymno, which is the main reason to choose this departure over the Plakias one.
The entrance fee is €5 per person, paid in cash and not included in the tour price.
Check dates and prices for the Kourtaliotiko gorge river trek from Rethymno.
This river trek walks down the bed of Kourtaliotiko gorge from Plakias, wading and swimming through natural pools to the waterfall that falls into the canyon’s cave. Kourtaliotiko is the largest gorge in the Rethymno regional unit, and this route follows the water rather than the marked path, which keeps it away from the viewpoint crowds. Cretan Explorer supplies wetsuits, helmets and poles, runs it over 5 hours from €63.75, and holds a 4.92 rating across 105 reviews with a perfect 5.0 for guiding.
The route drops into the gorge from above and follows the river downstream to an olive grove at the exit. Four stages make up the 5 hours.
First comes the kit-up above the gorge, a short-sleeved neoprene suit, a helmet, walking poles and a briefing on the route. Second is the great waterfall, viewed from the water and reached by a short swim into the cave it falls into; a small controlled jump is part of getting there. Third is roughly two hours down the riverbed, splashing through natural pools under plane trees on a path that does not appear on the standard trail. Fourth is the exit at an old olive grove and a light lunch at the Banana Garden, a small agricultural farm where the family grow what they serve.
The operator rates this as a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels.
The trek runs inland from the south coast into the Rethymno mountains.
The price covers every piece of equipment plus lunch, and it excludes the €5 gorge ticket.
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We recommend this trek for a reason that is easy to miss from the listing: it is the only way to be in Kourtaliotiko rather than looking at it. Almost everyone who visits this gorge stops at the road viewpoint, photographs the waterfall from above and drives on. One reviewer described exactly that, having visited before with a large operator, stopped briefly, looked, and left, and said this tour is a different thing entirely.
Starting from Plakias is the practical advantage of this particular version. The south-coast villages sit minutes from the gorge, so more of your five hours goes on the water and less on the road than it does from the north coast.
Guiding scores a flat 5.0 out of 5 and the reviews explain why. The guide, Yannis, is named by walkers from Lithuania, the UK, Germany and France, praised for pointing out the herbs, trees and creatures in the rocks, for explaining slippery ground before people reached it, and for setting a pace that let families keep up. One family with children aged 11 and 15 called it the best morning of their holiday.
The Banana Garden lunch comes up almost as often as the gorge. Reviewers describe it as rustic, plentiful and locally grown, with the family showing what they have planted.
Two honest warnings, both of which GetYourGuide’s own review summary flags.
The water is cold and you will swim in it. Several reviewers said they had not understood that swimming to the waterfall was part of the route, and one described cold water and wind funnelling through the cave making the swim hard work. The wetsuit helps, but this is mountain water in a shaded canyon.
Footwear catches people out. The operator states that soft-soled water shoes are unsuitable, and reviewers repeat that ordinary sports shoes you do not mind soaking are what you want. Sure footing matters more than fitness on this route.
Send your measurements ahead, wear shoes you can ruin, and take the first slot of the day.
Provide your height and weight after booking so the right wetsuit comes with the van, and your hotel name if you have chosen pick-up. Bring €5 in cash for the gorge entrance.
Pack swimwear, sports shoes, a towel, flip-flops, snacks and water. Soft-soled water shoes are not suitable. The trek is moderate rather than hard, but sure footing on wet rock is the skill it asks for.
The trek runs 5 hours in total, with roughly two hours of walking down the riverbed after the waterfall section.
Yes, reaching the waterfall cave requires a short swim. GetYourGuide’s review summary notes travellers would like this made clearer in advance, and the water is cold.
A short-sleeved neoprene wetsuit is included, along with a helmet, hiking poles and waterproof bags for your phone and belongings.
Wear sports shoes with a firm sole that you can get wet. Soft-soled water shoes are explicitly unsuitable for this route.
A light lunch at the Banana Garden farm is included, though drinks are charged separately.
Families rate it highly. One group with children aged 11 and 15 called it the best morning of their trip, and the operator describes the route as moderate and suitable for most fitness levels.
Check dates and prices for the Kourtaliotiko gorge river trek from Plakias.
Louros, nestled between the settlements of Agios Georgios and Agios Pavlos, is characterized by its rocky terrain and a collection of small, pebbly beaches. A scenic coastal road provides stunning views of the two Paximadia islets. Heading west from Agios Georgios, travelers will encounter the quaint beaches of Armenopetra, named after a solitary boulder found in the sea. These beaches offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Two kilometers before reaching Agios Pavlos, another beach, either known as Agios Markos or Ligiolakos, is found across from the rock known locally as Prasonisi. The waters here are typically tranquil, making it a favorite spot for local families from Melambes. The seabed is also a great place for snorkeling and spearfishing. Further east of Prasonisi, more similar beaches can be found, usually accessed on foot.
The next beach, Aniforas or Vigdolidi, is difficult to reach due to private property blocking the path. The beach is situated near a striking rocky cape, and while the beach itself is unremarkable, the towering rock formation provides excellent photo opportunities.
The final beach, located 500m east of Agios Pavlos, is positioned at the mouth of a stream. Ancient Cretan date palm trees, known as Theophrastus, line the banks of the stream, giving the pebbly beach its name – Finikidia.
Situated 3km west of Agia Galini, 69km southwest of Heraklion, and 60km south of Rethymno, you’ll find the tranquil valley of Agios Georgios. This spot is home to two small bays, each boasting beautiful pebbly beaches separated by a rocky shore. The weather is often mild, making these beaches perfect for year-round swimming.
The area remains relatively undeveloped, but on the eastern beach, known as Lichnistis, you’ll find a handful of rooms, a tavern, and some umbrellas for shade. A visit to Agios Georgios offers the chance to explore the rugged Cretan countryside and take a stroll to the historic Monastery of St. George, located 500m to the north. The church’s sloping walls show signs of age and soil sedimentation, and inside, you’ll find ancient frescoes.
For those seeking solitude, the western beach, Kolimbistiri, or “swimming area”, is the ideal location. Here, you can swim in peace, and the seabed offers excellent snorkelling opportunities. To reach Agios Georgios’ beaches, take the asphalt-paved road from Agia Galini to Agios Pavlos, or hop on a boat from Agia Galini.
Agios Pavlos, a quaint seaside village, lies 58km south of Rethymnon city and to the west of Agia Galini, situated conveniently close to the extremity of Cape Melissa. The village, mainly owned by locals from nearby Sachtouria, can be accessed via a scenic drive from there. This hidden gem nestled in a shielded bay is perfect for serene family getaways.
A breathtakingly beautiful beach with emerald deep waters and an impressive rocky seabed characterizes the bay. Several accommodations and taverns dot the area near the beach, offering various amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, and pedal boats. An intriguing point of interest here is the quaint church of Saint Paul perched above the beach. Legend has it that Saint Paul resided here during his voyage to Rome – a folklore shared by other regions in Crete such as Kali Limenes and Selouda.
The village’s beach is certainly picturesque, yet some visitors choose to lodge and dine in Agios Pavlos, preferring to swim in the nearby stunning beach known for its enormous sandhills. This beach, referred to as Akoumiani Gialia or Melissa, lies beyond the western rim of the Agios Pavlos bay. Although it’s often wavy, it’s considered one of Rethymno prefecture’s finest beaches, accessible via a pathway originating from Agios Pavlos.
The vibrantly coloured geological rock folds at the Apoplystra location, situated between Agios Pavlos village and Melissa’s Sandhills, are incredibly striking and have been recommended for inclusion in Greece’s Natural Monuments list.
Among the premier beaches in central Crete, the Melissa Cape Sandhills shine bright. Situated near Agios Pavlos, at the southern tip of the expansive Akoumiani Gialia coastline, this stunning location is approximately 55km south of Rethymno city. It’s framed by the beautiful Cape Melissa to the south, the Akoumianos river, and the Triopetra beach to the north. The deep sea here beckons swimmers, and the area’s secluded nature often leads to a variety of beachwear or a lack thereof. Locally, the beach is also known as Alatsogremi or “salt cliffs”.
The Melissa Cape Sandhills, arguably the most scenic beach in the Rethymnon prefecture, boast massive sand dunes nestled amidst a majestic, untouched landscape. A few scattered umbrellas offer shade, although natural refuge can be found in the rocky caves mid-beach. Despite its generous expanse, the beach rarely feels crowded, even allowing for nude bathing during peak season. A rich seabed makes it a snorkelling hotspot, although visitors should be aware of the frequent large waves due to western winds. The water temperature remains warm year-round, hardly dropping below 15 degrees Celsius, perfect for winter swims.
The area is famed for its breathtaking sunsets, providing a serene backdrop for a thriving yoga and Tai Chi club that boasts world-class trainers. The best view of the sunset can be found atop Thronos peak, overlooking the beach from towering cliffs. To reach it, follow the dirt track next to the junction of Agios Pavlos – Sactouria and Triopetra-Agios Pavlos roads, then hike to the cliff edge. This vantage point offers sweeping views of Paximadia islets, Gavdos Island, and the White Mountains.
Access to the Sandhills is straightforward. Head west from Triopetra harbour (Stomio) for about 500m until you reach the beach on your right, with the Akoumianos river below. Park your vehicle here and make your way down to the beach through the valley near the river. Alternatively, you can park in Agios Pavlos and take the short 5 to 10-minute trail behind the western edge of the Agios Pavlos beach, which descends down a steep sandy slope.
In the quiet, almost abandoned village of Chordaki, located in the Amari district, we discovered the hidden gem of Kynigospilios Canyon. Situated south of the village, this small but stunning canyon remains a secret, its location hidden from view, which contributes to its relative obscurity. The Kynigospilios Canyon boasts a significant water flow from the slopes of Mount Kedros, which lasts from winter through to late spring.
However, traversing the canyon requires the use of ropes and canyoning equipment due to the presence of eight stunning waterfalls along its path, with the last one being particularly breathtaking. Unfortunately, the canyon’s safety measures, installed by canyoners around 2011, are not ideally positioned, making them inaccessible during periods of high water flow. The canyon was christened ‘Koutsouna’ (meaning ‘small’) by the first group to cross it, as they couldn’t find an existing name for it.
At the canyon’s entrance, you’ll find two adjacent watermills, and the surrounding area is lush with greenery, including platans and oaks that provide ample shade. Beneath most of the waterfalls, you’ll find ponds perfect for swimming in the canyon’s crystal-clear river waters. The Kynigospilios Canyon eventually merges into the Platys River bed at its termination point.
Located approximately 100km southwest of Heraklion city, north of Ano Meros village, you’ll find the Kalamafka or Gorge Smiliano. The Lygiotis river, originating from the Gerakari valleys and the Samitos Mount slopes, flows through this gorge. The 2.5km long canyon begins near Vrysses village, close to the deserted settlement of Smile, and concludes north of Ano Meros, accessible via an asphalt road.
During winter, the gorge is filled with water, making entrance risky even for experienced canyoners. However, an alternative route via a dirt road descending from Drygies village leads just above the gorge. Here, the canyon’s steep walls form a slope with a trail, allowing relatively easy descent to the gorge’s heart, precisely at the point where the stunning waterfalls are formed continuously. The gorge comprises about 10 remarkable rappels, with the tallest waterfall being 13 meters. The ponds formed beneath each waterfall are equally breathtaking, and it’s worth noting that Gorge Smiliano boasts the largest and deepest ponds compared to any other gorge in Crete.
A journey through the canyon (as described in June of a particularly rainy year)
Starting near Smile, we first cross a small arched bridge. After just 50m, we enter the gorge’s main section, greeted by a large pond. The canyon then narrows to about 2m and forms a deep pond, 2-3m deep, requiring swimming. The first small rappel we encounter ends in a large, deep pond (perfect for jumping), where the depth exceeds 3m.
Following this, a rock lodged between the canyon walls forms a natural arch. After swimming for several meters (over 25) without touching the ground, we continue our journey unimpeded. We soon encounter the first high waterfall, and the gorge narrows further (1-1.5m). To continue through this narrow section of the canyon, ropes are required. Alternatively, we can walk alongside the canyon until we reach the 15m high rappel that ends in a very deep pond, perfect for a big jump.
The gorge extends eastward, and the deep ponds gradually become small, shallow ponds. Towards the end of the gorge, the water almost disappears, making it impossible to anticipate the aquatic paradise that lies just a few meters ahead.
Located just 1km north of Kissos village in Agios Vasilios province and 34km southeast of Rethymnon, Kissano Gorge serves as a link between Kambos Kissou settlement and the small Gious Kambos plateau. The gorge’s river is a primary tributary of the Gorge Frati. The canyon, though not lush with vegetation, boasts small waterfalls, the tallest of which measure between 5-7m. These waterfalls make it an ideal location for canyoning, but it’s also possible to bypass them carefully from the sides without any specialized equipment.
The journey begins at the Gious Kambos plateau, a small haven of diverse flora. A 0 to 30-minute walk along or beside the riverbed leads you to a point where the river intersects the road connecting Kissos with Gerakari. Here, you’ll find a striking reddish rock peppered with numerous caverns known as Kokkinos Detis, leading locals to also refer to this area as the Kokkinos Detis Gorge.
While this marks the end of the main part of the canyon, the river continues its descent, creating more small waterfalls. It then passes through the 60-hectare artificial pine forest of Vatolakki, before continuing towards Spili and eventually to Frati.
Approximately 1 km to the east of Spili, in the Agios Vassilios province, you’ll find the church of Agia Fotini, also known as Saint Photini. Like many places in Crete, it’s often referred to as Agia Fotia. Situated on the main road leading to Agia Galini, the church is adjacent to a spring that flows with water throughout the year. Nearby, you’ll see a large, old watermill. This area marks the end of the picturesque Agia Fotia gorge, which is small but incredibly lush.
The gorge begins at the Gious Kambos plateau, which is 750m above sea level, and concludes at the spring, which sits at an altitude of 500m, after a 1.5km journey.
Close to the gorge’s starting point, you’ll discover waterfalls of unparalleled beauty. In the springtime, these falls are abundant with water, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape filled with plane trees. The easiest way to reach the waterfalls is by walking from the spring along the gorge. Alternatively, you can access them from Gious Kambos, though this route is more challenging. It requires bypassing the waterfalls from the sides and descending the steep slope to the riverbed.
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