Sissi, an idyllic coastal village located 45 kilometres east of Heraklion in Eastern Crete, unfolds as a delightful surprise to visitors.
Upon your arrival at Sissi, you will immediately grasp the unique charm of this serene village. A stark contrast to neighbouring Malia or nearby Hersonissos, Sissi trades bustling tourist crowds and numerous bars for a calm and unhurried pace of life.
Sissi’s main road, while not an exceptional sight in itself, is dotted with quaint hotels, rental rooms, tourist shops and snack bars. The irregular parking and occasional traffic might seem off-putting but don’t be discouraged. This road eventually leads to a picturesque little port in the rich, blue sea — the true essence of Sissi.
Unveiling itself at the end of the main road, the port of Sissi is a sight to behold. Framed by azure waters, it emanates an idyllic and tranquil ambience. While parking might be scarce near the port, ample parking space is available just a short distance away, near the beach tavernas.
This naturally crafted harbour, a product of sea currents forming a deep and narrow bay, is guarded by a small stone wave-breaker. Its depth can easily lead one to believe it to be a river’s estuary, although it’s not.
Not merely a pretty picture, the port of Sissi has a unique historical background too. During the Cretan revolution, it played a strategic role in aiding the brave Lassithi rebels by serving as a spot for unloading guns and munitions. Now, local fishing boats dock at the pier, presenting a quaint sight of fisherwomen cleaning the day’s catch by the shore.
This fresh catch often ends up in Sissi’s tavernas, attracting locals from Heraklion and beyond. A useful tip for newcomers is the golden rule of dining: if the locals eat there, it’s likely the food is excellent!
Opposite the port, a small sandy beach invites visitors for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, often calm due to the wave-breaker. Following the beach, a beautiful hotel garden graces the landscape with swaying palms and vibrant flowers — one of Crete’s most picturesque sights, further enhancing the allure of Sissi’s port.
The architect of these hotel gardens, though unknown, indeed deserves praise for supplementing nature’s splendour and contributing to the tranquillity of Sissi, a sanctuary from the bustling neighbouring villages.
In Sissi, you can revel in the peace, admire the scenic beauty, and enjoy delightful cuisine at the seafront tavernas. Adventure seekers can explore the nearby beaches, walking along the shore until they find a place that feels just right.
For the more adventurous or curious, the nearby Malia archaeological site and Milatos, with its tragic cave history and popular seaside tavernas, offer interesting day trips. Other fascinating spots include the monastery of Saint George of Selinaris, the traditional village of Vrahassi, the scenic Lassithi Plateau, the historic Spinalonga island, and Agios Nikolaos with its lake and the luxurious hotels of Elounda.
There’s no shortage of sights to discover, limited only by your willingness to explore. So, whether you seek tranquillity or adventure, Sissi offers a unique and memorable experience.
Sissi is a picturesque village that boasts not only stunning natural beauty but also a fascinating history. During the Cretan Revolution, which took place from 1866-1869, Sissi played a pivotal role in the fight against the Ottoman Empire. The village served as a crucial location for the rebels to upload guns and munitions, making it a strategic stronghold. Despite its turbulent past, Sissi has managed to maintain its traditional charm and remains a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic Cretan experience. Visitors can wander through the village’s narrow streets, marvel at the traditional architecture, and indulge in fresh seafood at one of the many seaside tavernas. Sissi offers a unique blend of history, nature, and culture that is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveller.
Situated in Sísion, less than 1 km from Boufos Beach and a 14-minute walk from Avlaki Beach, Mohlin/Johansson’s place in Sisi features air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. The property has sea and mountain views, and is 2 km from Kalimera Kriti Beach.
There is a seating area, a dining area and a kitchen complete with a toaster, a fridge and kitchenware.
Lake Voulismeni is 26 km from the apartment, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 29 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 37 km from Mohlin/Johansson’s place in Sisi.
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€63
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Situated in the fishing village of Sissi, the 4-star Porto Sisi Hotel Apartments offers accommodation with cooking facilities next to the sea. It has a sea-water swimming pool and offers free Wi-Fi access in all areas.
Porto Sisi Hotel Apartments are tastefully decorated. They are equipped with flat-screen TV, refrigerator, hairdryer and iron. In the kitchenette, guests can prepare their meal and enjoy it in the privacy of their balcony or veranda. All units feature garden or sea views.
The swimming pool is ideal for a refreshing swim. In the sun terrace guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful sea views while relaxing in the sun loungers.
Just 50 metres from Porto Sisi Hotel Apartments, guests can find many seaside taverns serving traditional Cretan specialties. Knossos Palace is a 50-minute drive from Porto Sisi Hotel Apartments, while Heraklion airport is 40 km away. Free public parking is available near the hotel.
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€92
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Set in Sissi and only 800 metres from Boufos Beach, “Sea•Si” Luxury Home offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The apartment is fitted with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with sea views.
The apartment offers a barbecue.
Avlaki Beach is 1 km from “Sea•Si” Luxury Home, while Kalimera Kriti Beach is 1.8 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 38 km from the accommodation.
Featuring sea views, Aphrodite Apartment provides accommodation with a terrace and a kettle, around 700 metres from Boufos Beach. With mountain views, this accommodation offers a balcony.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
The apartment features a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Avlaki Beach is less than 1 km from Aphrodite Apartment, while Kalimera Kriti Beach is 1.7 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 38 km from the accommodation.
Just 200 metres from a sandy beach, Pela Apartments is located in the small fishing village of Sissi. The self-catered accommodation features a TV, safety deposit box and mountain views from its balcony.
A well-equipped kitchenette offering an electric kettle, fridge, electric oven and cooking hobs is featured in all the apartments at Pela. It includes a small dining table and bathroom with shower. Air conditioning is available upon request with surcharge.
A minimarket is conveniently located right across from Pela Apartments. It is 45 km from Heraklion City. A water park can be found 10 km away. Free parking is provided on site.
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€74
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Set in Sissi and only 1.5 km from Boufos Beach, Villa Calma offers accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation provides a terrace and a swimming pool.
Boasting a PS4, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 3 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers a range of wellness facilities including a hot tub and a wellness packages. If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling and hiking are possible in the surroundings and Villa Calma can arrange a car rental service.
Avlaki Beach is 1.8 km from the accommodation, while Kalimera Kriti Beach is 2.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 37 km from Villa Calma, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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€524
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Embark on an adrenaline-pumping tour aboard an innovative jet boat combining boat and plane technology. Glide across the water at top speeds and gaze at Crete’s vibrant shore from the water. Take a break from your adventure to go swimming and snorkeling.
Climb aboard the jet boat at Hersonissos Port to begin your exhilarating journey. Feel the thrill of making fantastic 360° maneuvers at high speeds, and experience how the boat dashes across the ocean and stops quickly. Stay safe at all times as you ride a stable vessel steered by a professional.
During your fun ride we explore places like Malia,Stalis and Analsipsi and after we enjoy a stop at Saint George’s Bay, a paradisiac location, to unwind from the speed. Seize the chance to go swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters before making your way back to the port.
This tour includes our olive mill tour and an olive oil tasting session with an expert. You will taste 4 different olive oils and learn what qualities olive oil connoisseurs look for in an award-winning oil.
This buggy safari covers about 70 kilometres of countryside inland from the Hersonissos and Malia coast, in a two-seater buggy you drive yourself behind a guide. The route takes in Milatos cave, an olive oil factory and museum at Kourounes, lunch in the fishing village of Sissi and a swim stop at a sandy beach. Maliatravel runs it over 5 hours from €83.70 with hotel pick-up, and it holds a 4.69 rating across 28 reviews.
The route loops inland through villages and gorges before returning to the coast. Six stops fill the 5 hours.
First comes the safety briefing and driving instructions, no previous buggy experience is needed. Second, the convoy heads off-road through country roads, mountain trails and hidden gorges, passing an archaeological site connected to the Minoan civilisation and the villages of Sissi, Epano Sissi and Milatos. Third is Milatos cave, a natural cavern with multiple entrances and a place in Cretan history, visited with a guided explanation. Fourth is the Vasilakis olive oil factory and museum at Kourounes, with a guided tour and a tasting. Fifth is lunch at a family-run taverna in Sissi. Sixth is a swim at an organised sandy beach before the drive back.
Professional photographs of your day are included.
The route runs inland from the resort coast into the Lasithi hills.
The €83.70 covers the vehicle, the guiding, lunch and the photographs.
Included:
Not included:
A driving licence is required.
We recommend this one for the balance. Plenty of buggy tours in Crete are just a dusty loop and a photograph; this puts a genuine cave, a working olive factory, a village lunch and a swim inside the same five hours, which makes it a day rather than an activity. Milatos cave in particular is worth the stop on its own, it is a real chamber system with a chapel inside and a place in the island’s history, not a photo opportunity.
Guiding is the strongest dimension at 4.9 out of 5, and reviewers name their guide, Jesse appears twice, once specifically for speaking French. A German reviewer described seeing a lot of the hinterland on unpaved routes with a friendly guide; a Swiss guest called the route nice and the organisation good.
The buggy itself is a two-seater, which one Slovenian reviewer liked precisely because they did not have to drive.
Three things to weigh, because 28 reviews is a modest base and the criticisms are specific.
Reviewers want more off-road time. A British family said they really liked the buggies but would have appreciated more time actually driving off-road, with six stops in five hours, the driving is punctuated rather than continuous.
The olive factory does not suit young children. The same reviewer noted it was not very exciting for them, which is fair for a factory tour in the middle of an adventure day.
Transport scores 4.4 out of 5, the weakest dimension, which on a tour where the vehicle is the point is worth noting.
If you want more driving and fewer stops, the Hersonissos buggy adventure runs 50 kilometres in 3 hours with no lunch stop.
Bring your licence, wear closed shoes, and expect to get dusty.
Departures run daily in the morning, with hotel pick-up from Hersonissos, Gouves, Analipsi, Malia, Stalis and nearby resorts. The route covers about 70 kilometres over 5 hours.
Bring your driving licence, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes and a face covering. High heels, alcohol and glass objects are not permitted.
The safari runs 5 hours, covering about 70 kilometres with six stops along the way.
No previous experience is required. A full safety briefing and driving instructions come before the route starts.
A traditional Cretan lunch is included, at a family-run taverna in the fishing village of Sissi.
Milatos cave is a natural cavern with multiple entrances and a small chapel inside, visited with a guided explanation of its history.
Pick-up and drop-off are included from Hersonissos, Gouves, Analipsi, Malia, Stalis and nearby areas.
The buggies are two-seaters, so only the driver needs a licence and the passenger can simply enjoy the ride.
Check dates and prices for the Hersonissos buggy safari with cave and lunch.
Every Wednesday from July to October, the Lychnostatis open-air museum near Hersonissos runs a grape feast at 11:00. You tread grapes barefoot in the museum’s stone vat, taste what the garden produced, watch and join Cretan dancers, then take a guided tour of the museum itself. The event runs 2 hours from €15 and holds a 4.91 rating across 47 reviews.
The morning follows the sequence of an actual harvest day, compressed into two hours. Four parts make it up.
First is the grape treading, done barefoot in the museum’s traditional wine vat, the reason most people book. Second is the tasting, laid out while the treading is still going: cheese pies, oven-baked potatoes, grapes, figs and watermelon from the museum’s own garden, plus Cretan wine, tsikoudia and moustalevria, the grape-must dessert made without added sugar or preservatives. Third is the music, with local dancers performing and visitors welcome to join. Fourth is a guided tour of the museum with a short film, available in several languages.
Afterwards you can stay on, walk the museum grounds on your own, and use its beach and beach bar.
The museum sits on the coast just east of Hersonissos.
The €15 covers the event and the museum; anything you buy afterwards is separate.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this as the best-value cultural morning on the Heraklion coast, and the arithmetic makes the case on its own: €15 for two hours, a full tasting, live music and a museum entry. A 4.91 rating across 47 reviews puts it among the highest-scoring things we list, and one British reviewer called it fantastic value for money without prompting.
What comes through the reviews is that this is run by a family rather than staged by a company. A Belgian visitor described the friendly family who run the open-air museum; a German guest wrote about being welcomed like family. The guides are singled out for enjoying their own work, and the English and German are described as excellent. An Estonian reviewer came away with a genuine understanding of wine-making and Cretan dance rather than a photo opportunity.
The grape treading is the part everyone remembers, and the dancers get consistent praise for being talented and visibly motivated rather than going through the motions. The museum tour afterwards runs around an hour in German, according to one reviewer, so the €15 stretches further than the two-hour billing suggests.
Two practical warnings rather than criticisms, because there is nothing negative in this review record.
It runs one morning a week, seasonally. Wednesdays only, July to October, starting at 11:00. Miss the Wednesday and you miss it entirely.
The arrival cut-off is strict. The latest possible arrival is 11:10, ten minutes after the start. Turn up at 11:15 and the treading has begun without you.
Come early, come with bare feet in mind, and stay on for the beach.
The event runs every Wednesday from July to October, starting at 11:00 with a latest arrival of 11:10. Show your voucher at the ticket counter at the museum entrance before it begins.
Bring comfortable shoes and a towel. Pets are not permitted apart from assistance dogs, and transport to the museum is your own arrangement.
The feast runs every Wednesday from July to October, starting at 11:00 with a latest arrival time of 11:10.
Yes, you tread grapes barefoot in the museum’s traditional stone wine vat, which is the centrepiece of the event.
The tasting covers cheese pies, oven-baked potatoes, grapes, figs and watermelon from the museum garden, plus Cretan wine, tsikoudia and moustalevria.
A guided tour in English or German plus a short film are included, and one reviewer reported the German tour running around an hour.
Transport is not included. The museum sits on the coast near Hersonissos and you make your own way there.
The beach and grounds stay open to you after the event, though beach services and the cafe are charged separately.
Check dates and prices for the Lychnostatis grape feast.
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.
Take in the beauty of the Cretan Sea on a scenic boat tour with iconic snorkeling opportunities. Depart from Malia on a 3 hours Motor Yacht and discover Stalis, Hersonissos, and Saint George Bay. Swim in crystal-clear waters, gaze at vibrant marine life, and enjoy tasty snacks.
Start your adventure with a hotel pickup before heading to Malia. Set sail and admire stunning views of the coastline of the Aegean Sea. Stop at various beaches and coves along the way for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing. Enjoy a sandwich, dessert, and fruit salad if you’re feeling hungry.
Explore the villages by boat of Stalis and Hersonissos, both known for their lively atmosphere and nightlife, and soak up the sun at Saint George Bay, surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery. Finally, make your way back to Malia to be transferred to your accommodation.
Sissi, also known as Sisi, is a tranquil traditional seaside village nestled 26km west of Agios Nikolaos and 41km east of Heraklion, not far from Malia. The village is renowned for its natural harbour, characterized by tranquil deep green waters, and its charming taverns nestled within narrow streets. The Sissi coastline is predominantly rocky, with only a few sandy stretches. The sea around here is typically choppy, making the only calm swimming spot the small beach within the harbor (Limani). This petite beach offers a few umbrellas and showers for visitors.
If you desire to explore other beaches, you can travel east to Harkoma bay, home to the well-kept Boufos beach. This sandy beach is exposed to the wind. Adjacent to it, you’ll find the smaller Avlaki beach, situated at the exit of a narrow bay.
Moving further east, you’ll find the sandy Kalimera beach, located in front of the Kalimera Kriti hotel. Managed by the hotel, the beach is well-organized and boasts of shallow waters, making it perfect for children. On the opposite side of the hotel is Spiliada, the last beach within the Sissi territory. Spiliada is a sandy beach shaded by numerous tamarisk trees, offering a more peaceful atmosphere compared to the other beaches.
The Agia Varvara beach, positioned 41km to the east of Heraklion and nestled between Malia and Sissi, earns its name from a church in the east dedicated to Santa Barbara. This sandy haven forms a petite bay in front of a hotel, with the islet of Agia Varvara just across the bay, an ideal spot for swimming, although one should be careful of the strong currents. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, and tamarisk trees are scattered around for added shade. However, be aware that this beach, like many others in northern Crete, is often subject to the frequent northwest winds.
Potamos Beach is a quiet, sandy beach about 3 km east of Malia on the north coast of the Heraklion region of Crete, named after the small river that runs beside it. It sits just east of Malia’s port, next to the Malia wetland and the Minoan Palace of Malia, and stays calmer than Malia’s busy main beach. From Heraklion it is roughly a 30 to 35 minute drive east.
Potamos is a long, well kept stretch of sand that draws far fewer people than the main beach in the middle of Malia. The eastern end stays largely undeveloped because of the archaeological site and the protected wetland behind it, while a few hotels sit to the west, each with its own patch of sand.
The Malia wetland is an ecologically important reed bed that shelters many bird species and preserves coastal plants that have disappeared from much of Crete. Water flowing down from Mount Selena keeps a stream running here, turning into a small river close to the shore in winter and feeding clear water into the sea. The water is fresh enough that goats often come down from the hills to swim and drink at the edge of the beach. In autumn, white sand lilies bloom across the low dunes that back the shore.
The beach is fine golden sand, and the sea is clear and shallow, deepening gently over a soft, sandy seabed. That makes it a good choice for families with young children, who can paddle safely close to shore.
Potamos is really more than one beach: a couple of sandy stretches with small rocky coves in between. The eastern bay is more sheltered and calmer, while the longer western stretch catches the north and northwest winds and turns wavier, so pick your spot to match the day. The rocky coves between the sandy sections are good for snorkeling.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent, and there are showers and a lifeguard on duty in season. Tamarisk trees along the back of the beach give natural shade, which helps when the midday sun is strong, so bring sun protection as well. For food and drink there is a snack bar on the sand, plus tavernas and a few hotels on the western side. Potamos flies a Blue Flag for its water quality and organisation.
By car it is a short drive from Malia, with parking beside both main sections of the beach. By bus, the Heraklion to Malia and Agios Nikolaos service stops close by, near the Malia Palace, from where it is a short walk down to the shore. You can also walk from Malia in about 30 to 45 minutes along Machis Kritis or Grammatiki. If you would rather have a car for the day and reach the quieter coves and nearby villages easily, you can rent a car in Crete.
Potamos Beach sits within easy reach of several sights. It is a short walk from the Minoan Palace of Malia, one of the largest Minoan palace complexes on the island, so a beach day pairs easily with some history. The wetland right behind the sand is a good spot for a short nature walk and birdwatching.
A coastal path runs east over the headland to the next cove. That walk ends at the small, church-side Agia Varvara beach.
Potamos Beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 3 km east of Malia and roughly a 30 to 35 minute drive east of Heraklion. It takes its name from the small river that runs beside it, next to the Malia wetland.
You can drive from Malia in a few minutes and park beside the beach. The Heraklion to Malia and Agios Nikolaos bus stops nearby, close to the Malia Palace, and it is also walkable from Malia in about 30 to 45 minutes along Machis Kritis or Grammatiki.
Yes. The water is clear and shallow and deepens gently over a soft sandy seabed, which suits children. The eastern bay is the most sheltered, so it is the calmest part for young swimmers.
There are sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, showers, and a lifeguard on duty in season. Tamarisk trees give natural shade, and there is a snack bar on the beach with tavernas nearby on the western side.
Potamos is quieter than Malia’s main beach and keeps a relaxed feel. It is busiest in July and August, while June and September are calmer.
The long western stretch catches the north and northwest winds and can get wavy. The eastern bay is more sheltered, so head there on windier days.
Yes, Potamos Beach holds a Blue Flag, awarded for water quality and beach organisation.
The Minoan Palace of Malia is within walking distance, and the Malia wetland behind the beach is good for a nature walk and birdwatching. A short coastal walk east over the headland reaches Agia Varvara beach.
Situated 34km northwest of Agios Nikolaos and 16km east of Hersonissos, on the western fringes of the Mirabello province, lies Milatos. This coastal village has managed to preserve many of its traditional attributes. Just 1km north, one can find the coastal settlement known as Beach of Milatos or Paralia Milatou in Greek. The region is renowned for the Milatos cave, near the village, where a significant massacre of locals by the Ottomans took place in 1823. Today, Milatos is a popular tourist spot with a significant fishing port. The area is dotted with ancient olive groves and the shoreline is speckled with small, rocky inlets, some of which are suitable for swimming.
About 1km east of Milatos, in Pigada, you’ll discover small isolated bays with narrow sandy beaches nestled between towering cliffs. These secluded coves of Milatos are perfect for those seeking solitude, though the waves can be quite high. As you approach the village, just before reaching the harbour, you’ll encounter the main beach of Milatos. This sizable beach is comprised of pebbles and rocks in certain areas, and while it’s not fully facilitated, it’s conveniently close to the village’s amenities. Regrettably, this beach is also affected by the waves. The next beach is situated within the harbour (Limani), close to the village taverns. It’s a small sandy beach that’s quite well-maintained. This beach is the most frequented, as the water is always tranquil and safe for children.
The inventory of Milatos’ beaches would typically end here, but human intervention has altered this. Following the coastal road west from the village will lead you to the Minos Imperial hotel port. For the sake of tourism and revenue, the hotel has constructed two artificial beaches in the Volaki area, both bordered by a cement pier. Previously a natural rocky coast with a stunning seabed, it has now been transformed into a profitable sandy beach, organized by the hotel owners.
The village of Milatos was established near the remnants of the Minoan city Milatos, which was destroyed in the 3rd century BC by the rival city of Lyttos. Homer referenced it as one of the seven Cretan cities that sent troops to Troy. According to legend, Milatos was the name of a boy who was raised in a forest by a wolf. Upon reaching adulthood, he killed the city’s tyrant and fled to the coasts of Asia Minor. There, he founded the famous Miletus colony in 1500BC, which later became the birthplace of several distinguished philosophers such as Thales, Hippodamus, and Anaximander.
Located approximately 45km east of Heraklion and 21km west of Agios Nikolaos, the Gorge Sellinari is nestled on the eastern slopes of Selena Mount, draining the valley west of Vrachassi. This gorge is a well-known location for all Cretans as the National Road from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos runs along it. Historically, it served as the natural passage from the region of Lassithi to the fertile north coasts of Heraklion.
The dense vegetation of Selinari can be enjoyed either by car or by taking a leisurely walk until its exit near Milatos. A route worth exploring is the old National Road, which runs parallel to the New Road and winds through the gorge. The gorge walls and surrounding mountains provide a haven for many birds of prey. Selinari was once a refuge for the rare Cretan wild goat, but sadly, it is now extinct. Several springs are scattered around the area, but the most renowned attraction is the historic Saint George Monastery. For the Cretans, it is considered a bad omen to pass a gorge without stopping at the monastery. This belief stems from the past when the Selinari Monastery served as a rest stop for travelers and their animals.
The Maliaris Gorge, which originates near the Peronides village, travels west of the Souvlos village where a trail commences, and combines with the Anemaliaris gorge before concluding at the Tzavlidon Vlyhada beach. This gorge, characterized by scrublands, expansive areas, and cave-filled walls, is a classic representation of the Mirabello region. Notably, the gorge is home to a massive cave known as Volakospilios, situated in its center.
The Embasa Gorge, also known as Apotyposi, begins its journey from the village of Kato Kera in the Pediada province and concludes near the village of Gonies, spanning a length of approximately 2km. The upper section of the gorge is notably steep, giving rise to several waterfalls during the winter season, with the tallest one measuring around 20m in height. The largest waterfall is particularly intriguing due to its division into several smaller cascades. It is possible to reach all the waterfalls without any special equipment as they can be circumvented from the sides.
Ascending the canyon from Gonies provides easier access to the waterfalls. However, the dense vegetation and steep inclines may pose a challenge for beginners. The gorge is predominantly populated by oak trees, planes, and brambles. The Life-Giving Spring church (Zoodohos Pigi) is located on the edges of the gorge, above the largest waterfall. According to local lore, a natural rock formation resembling the Virgin Mary can be found above this church. Hence, the gorge is also referred to as Apotiposi (Depiction). The church serves as the nearest parking spot to the large waterfall and can be conveniently reached from here, provided one can first overcome the initial hurdle of the fence erected by local shepherds.
Roza Gorge, a branch of the larger Ambelos Gorge, originates near the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery in the Ano Kera region. It connects with the rural road that traverses the Ambelos Gorge close to the village of Gonies. Walking along the riverbed is not feasible due to the precipitous drops, but a well-marked hiking trail is available on the gorge’s sides. The gorge’s sides are visually striking, showcasing unique geological formations that captivate visitors. After heavy rainfall, surface water is visible in the gorge, evidenced by the growth of oleander plants in the riverbed.
The name ‘Roza’ is derived from the pinkish hue (‘roz’ translates to pink) of the gorge’s walls. Another theory suggests that the gorge was used as a disposal site for sterile animals like donkeys in the past. As a result, locals named it ‘Stira Za’ (meaning sterile animals), which eventually evolved into ‘Sti Roza’ (or in Roza).
Canyoning in the Roza Gorge
Roza Gorge is technical in nature, implying that hiking in its bed is not an option due to the numerous steep descents (rappels) that necessitate specific technical gear and training. For canyoning enthusiasts, it’s important to note that the largest rappel is approximately 18m high. The points are secured with relays from the speleological clubs of Crete, and the descent for a small group typically takes around 3 hours. The gorge’s proximity to Heraklion and easy accessibility make it a popular choice for canyoning schools.
Sissi is an idyllic coastal village situated 45 kilometres east of Heraklion, 8 km east of Malia and 21 km east of Hersonissos.
A primary allure of Sissi is its quaint, picturesque harbor. This harbor boasts vibrant fishing boats and is flanked by eateries and cafes offering fresh seafood and authentic Cretan dishes.
Unlike the bustling tourist crowds and numerous bars in Malia or Hersonissos, Sissi offers a calm and unhurried pace of life.
The port of Sissi, situated at the end of the main road, is a naturally crafted harbour with a tranquil ambience, set in azure waters.
Sissi was a strategic spot during the Cretan revolution, serving as a place for unloading guns and munitions to aid the Lassithi rebels.
Sissi’s tavernas are known for fresh seafood, especially the catch of the day, which is highly appreciated by locals.
Apart from the port, Sissi boasts a small sandy beach, a beautiful hotel garden filled with vibrant flowers and swaying palms, and seafront tavernas.
Visitors can enjoy tranquil beach walks, dine at seafront tavernas, or explore nearby beaches for more adventurous outings.
Yes, the nearby Malia archaeological site, the tragic cave of Milatos, the monastery of Saint George of Selinaris, and the historic Spinalonga island offer interesting day trips.
Yes, the traditional village of Vrahassi, the scenic Lassithi Plateau, and the town of Agios Nikolaos with its lake and luxurious hotels in Elounda offer a great experience.
The fastest way to get to Sissi from Helaklion will be with a pre-booked taxi or minibus waiting to whisk you off on arrival.
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