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Boasting garden views, Emmanuela House with garden & sea view – Triopetra features accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 1.5 km from Mikri Triopetra Beach. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment features 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 mountain views.
The apartment offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, diving, fishing and hiking are possible in the surroundings and Emmanuela House with garden & sea view – Triopetra can arrange a car rental service.
Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes Beach is 1.7 km from the accommodation, while Triopetra Beach is 1.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 95 km from Emmanuela House with garden & sea view – Triopetra, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, mountain view and a patio, Blue Horizon Anatoli is situated in Triopetra. It features a garden, pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a shower.
Triopetra Beach is 2.9 km from the villa, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 41 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 99 km from Blue Horizon Anatoli.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a pool with a view, sea view and a terrace, TRIOPETRA VIEW 3 is located in Triopetra. With free private parking, the property is 400 metres from Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes Beach and less than 1 km from Mikri Triopetra Beach.
With free WiFi, this 1-bedroom holiday home provides a satellite TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and toaster. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
Triopetra Beach is 1.4 km from the holiday home, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 47 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 95 km from TRIOPETRA VIEW 3.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a pool with a view, sea view and a terrace, Triopetra View 1 is set in Triopetra. With free private parking, the property is 400 metres from Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes Beach and less than 1 km from Mikri Triopetra Beach.
With free WiFi, this 1-bedroom holiday home offers a satellite TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and toaster. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
Triopetra Beach is 1.4 km from the holiday home, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 95 km from Triopetra View 1.
Situated in Triopetra and only 2.4 km from Triopetra Beach, Villa Mariva, south Crete, Triopetra features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property was built in 2021 and has air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The reception at the holiday home can provide tips on the area.
Villa Mariva, south Crete, Triopetra offers a picnic area. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation, while cycling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Mikri Triopetra Beach is 2.6 km from Villa Mariva, south Crete, Triopetra, while Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes Beach is 2.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 98 km from the holiday home, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€197
/night
Situated in Triopetra and only 2.3 km from Triopetra Beach, Villa Zoe, south Crete, Triopetra features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property was built in 2021 and features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
The holiday home can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.
Villa Zoe, south Crete, Triopetra offers a picnic area. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation, while cycling and pub crawls can be enjoyed nearby.
Mikri Triopetra Beach is 2.6 km from Villa Zoe, south Crete, Triopetra, while Agios Pavlos Sand Dunes Beach is 2.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 98 km from the holiday home, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€182
/night
Discover Preveli on this Land Rover safari from Rethymno. Admire the beautiful scenery, taste locally-produced raki, take a swim, and explore the palm forest at Preveli before returning to Rethymno.
Benefit from pickup at your hotel. Start by taking in a breathtaking view of the Prasses Gorge. Look for resident wildlife, including the impressive vultures that live in the gorge. Continue to the Potamon Dam and admire the small church built by the lake as a reminder of the importance of religion on the island.
Pass through typical villages, such as Karines and Spili and learn about the local customs and habits. Savor an authentic raki produced in the village along with other specialties at a traditional tavern overlooking the Libyan Sea. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Preveli and explore the palm forest.
Feel the wind in your hair as you get back to nature in the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. End with a panoramic view of Rethymno before drop off at your hotel.
This is the trip to the treasure of the South Coast. In the morning, our bus will pick you up and drive you to a small bay from where a boat will carry us to the beautiful beach of Preveli in the Libyan Sea. At the beach, you will see a natural palm forest,
falls and a riverside. Everything around you makes you feel that you are on a tropical island. on the way back, we will pass the Kourtaliotiko Gorge with the pretty little churches built into the cliff.
Get off the road and out into the wilderness of southwest Crete on this 8-hour Land Rover safari of stunning mountains and remote beaches. A professional driver will navigate the difficult terrain, taking you to places inaccessible to other vehicles, while teaching you about Cretan culture.
The day starts with a drive through the wilderness, up to high altitudes, where you will get aerial views of the magnificent gorges. Look out for vultures and eagles high above. Pass through small traditional villages full of character, and make a brief stop for coffee at one of the remote mountain villages.
Back in the vehicle, drive through the mountains to the village of Spili, famous for its spring water. Located under the shadow of Mount Vorizi, the village has a Venetian fountain with a row of more than 25 lion heads supplying cold mountain water all year round. Stroll around the small shops selling handmade souvenirs and traditional handicrafts.
Continue along dirt tracks and bumpy roads through more villages, where time has virtually stood still. Passing Kerame, guests will see panoramic views of the southern Cretan coast and the Libyan Sea.
Stop for a swim at Preveli Beach to wash off the dirt and dust. Fringed with tall palm trees and boasting crystal clear water, Preveli is one of the most beautiful beaches on Crete, and was chosen by Bacardi as an ideal location for its TV adverts. It is also the only beach in Crete where you can swim in cold mountain water or ocean water in the same place!
Working up an appetite, walk back from the beach and stop for a traditional Cretan meal with unlimited wine. After lunch, drive back into the mountains for more dramatic scenery, and more photos as you climb through the stunning Gorge of Kroustaliotico.
As you head back towards the end of the tour, look at a magnificent panorama of the entire city of Rethymno from the top of a mountain that can only be reached by Land Rover.
Embark on a captivating day trip along Crete’s southwest coast, featuring a meticulously planned itinerary that showcases Damnoni Beach, Preveli Palm Beach, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and the enchanting town of Rethymnon.
Here’s what to expect:
Departure: The journey begins with a 2-3 hour bus ride from your pickup location to Damnoni Beach, where your adventure to Preveli Palm Forest by boat starts.
Boat to Preveli Palm Forest: A 30-minute boat ride from Damnoni Beach unveils stunning coastal scenery, leading you to the mesmerizing Preveli Palm Beach.
Preveli Palm Beach Experience: Spend 1 hour and 30 minutes at this iconic location, enjoying the pristine waters, sandy shores, and the unique backdrop of palm trees and rugged terrain. It’s an idyllic spot for relaxation and exploration.
Return Boat Ride: Enjoy another scenic 30-minute boat trip back to Damnoni Beach.
Lunch at Damnoni Beach: Upon return, relish 1 hour of free time for lunch at a local taverna, experiencing the flavors of Cretan cuisine amidst the beach’s serene ambiance.
Visit Kourtaliotiko Gorge: A short 20-minute bus ride takes you to the breathtaking Kourtaliotiko Gorge for a quick 10-minute stop. Capture the essence of Crete’s wild beauty before proceeding.
Discover Rethymnon Town: The journey continues with a 30-minute ride to Rethymnon, where you’ll have about 1 hour and 20 minutes to wander through its picturesque streets, old port, and vibrant beach road.
Return Journey: Conclude your day with a 2-hour bus ride back, filled with memories of Crete’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural tapestry.
Following pick-up at your hotel, journey begins from Kotsifou Canyon where you follow an amazing path.
After the hiking you will arrive to plakias, from here you will take the boat over to Palm beach. Take some free time to soak in all the beauty of the clear blue waters combined with the lagoon and palm forest.
You will leave preveli passing by damnoni and kourtaliotiko gorge which you can admire from above and some beautiful pictures to capture the scenery.
Next stop is the olive groves where you can have a picknick and enjoy the local flora
Before the return to Rethymno, the traditional village of Spili is waiting for you to admire the Venetian fountain of Kefalovrissi with its 19 lion heads. Sit back and enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Kourtaliótiko Gorge.
Enjoy time to purchase lunch and refreshments in Spili and admire its beautiful clean beach. Journey back to Rethymno and get dropped off at your hotel on arrival.
Enjoy a full-day excursion from Heraklion to Preveli Beach on a bus trip with a local guide. Discover South Crete’s Grand River, Kourtaliotikos Gorge, and a colony of Theophrastus palm trees.
Sunbathe on the sandy beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, watch for wildlife, or hike regional trails.
Begin your tour with a bus ride from the north coast to Preveli Beach, where you can swim in the turquoise Mediterranean water or stroll the sandy beaches.
Look for a rock shaped like a heart, known as The Stone of Lovers, and marvel at the steep cliffs and misty hilltops of nearby Kourtaliotikos Gorge.
Continue your tour by hiking along the banks of the Grand River to discover the Forest full of Theophrastus palm trees. Hike further up the river trail to a canyon and beach where you can further swim, hike, or sunbathe, before heading back down the path to the bus and returning to Heraklion.
Triopetra beach, nestled at the base of Mount Siderotas and 52km south of Rethymno, can be reached via paved roads leading from either Akoumia or Sachtouria. Part of the extensive Akoumiani Gialia beachfront, Triopetra got its name as a historical winter refuge for the inhabitants of Akoumia, who built small huts near their olive groves. Presently, most land and hotels in the area are owned by descendants of these Akoumia residents.
Triopetra boasts two distinct beaches, separated by a petite peninsula. The peninsula’s defining feature is the three spectacular rocks jutting out from the sea, giving Triopetra its name, which translates to “Three Rocks”.
The first beach, Small Triopetra or Koumado, resides in an enclosed bay lined with sand and rock to the south of the three rocks. Here, the Akoumianos river meanders into the sea, forming a natural boundary between Triopetra and the enchanting Agios Pavlos Sandhills at Cape Melissa. Small Triopetra hosts a handful of taverns and rooms, with umbrellas available for sun-seekers. Additionally, the southeast edge of the beach is home to a small harbour, known as Stomio or “mouth”, named after the river’s mouth meeting the sea. Just 1km northeast of the beach, the awe-inspiring chapel of Prophet Elias stands on a high hill, commanding an impressive view over Akoumiani Gialia.
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.
Situated 51km to the south of Rethymno and 7km below the village of Kerames, Ligres is nestled at the base of the grand Siderotas mountain. It forms the northern segment of the Akoumiani Gialia beachfront, which runs from the cape of Mellissa to the south.
Ligres is an expansive beach graced with rough sand and a spectacular deep sea. Its somewhat challenging access has thankfully deterred the encroachment of tourism, preserving it as one of the most serene, secluded and pristine beaches on the island. Although the beach is not developed, there are a few taverns and rooms available on its western side accessible via a poorly maintained asphalt road. At the beach’s western tip, there is a stunning waterfall that boasts a year-round water supply, cascading right next to the sea.
Beyond the northern end of the beach, also known as Katsouni, lies a secluded beach favored primarily by nudists. Despite its seclusion, there are numerous spots along this vast, uninhabited beach where nude swimming is possible. It’s worth venturing along the beachfront to Triopetra, up to the Xiromilia area, to marvel at the astonishing rock formations. In the heart of Ligres, a remarkable reddish boulder stands out near the sea.
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.
The Swallow Gorge, situated 33km south of Rethymnon city, is in close proximity to the renowned Preveli beach, known for its magnificent palm grove and breathtaking river. The gorge begins from Kenda peak (881m altitude), passes through Drymiskos village, runs nearly parallel to the Kourtaliotiko canyon, and concludes at Drymiskiano Ammoudi beach. It gets its name from the swallows that flock here every summer.
Unlike Kourtaliotiko, this lesser-known canyon is dry during the summer but is still worth a visit. The vertical, awe-striking rocks and the verdant riverbed (which flows in winter) are a sight to behold. The winding Swallow Canyon is relatively easy to hike and doesn’t require any specific skills, despite not being marked.
A significant portion of the canyon runs parallel to the road leading to Amoudi beach, which is where the easy trail to Preveli begins. To find this road, take a left at the picturesque arched bridge of Megalos Potamos that you’ll come across en route to the Preveli monastery. Therefore, even if you’re not much of a walker, you can still enjoy the beauty of the gorge during your visit to Preveli.
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.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge, with its stunning 3km length, stands as one of Rethymno’s most breathtaking natural wonders and is situated 22km south of Rethymno, The gorge originates from the village of Koxare, weaving its way between the towering Kouroupa and Koules mountains of the Xiro Oros range. The dramatic cliffs of the gorge, reaching heights of up to 600 meters, house numerous caves and openings, offering a home to a variety of unique fauna.
This majestic landscape is adorned by the Kourtaliotiko River, which continues its course until it merges with the Frati Gorge and ultimately leads to Lake Preveli, taking on the name Megalos River in its final stages.
The beauty of this gorge can be experienced by following a paved road that cuts through the canyon. Steps from the Koxare-Asomatos street will guide you to the gorge’s base, where you’ll find the chapel of the local Saint Nicholas Kourtaliotis. One of the standout attractions here are the springs of Kourtaliotiko, nestled near the chapel. Further exploration reveals Kourtaliotiko’ stunning waterfall, accessible by swimming from a lower river level, leading to a darker, narrower part of the gorge.
A trek along the river takes you to the Megalos River bridge and onwards to Preveli’s palm beach. Kourtaliotiko gorge is a treasure trove of aesthetics, biodiversity, and ecological significance. Beyond its dense Cretan Date Palm trees, the second-largest palm forest on Crete, the gorge’s slopes are home to lush vegetation. The river’s estuary features sand dunes and formations of protected marine plants like Posidonia. It also provides a habitat for local species like the tortoise and freshwater snake.
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