Crete
City/town information
Chania is the second bigger town of Crete famous for its stunning beaches (Falassarna, Balos, Elafonissi, Sfakia etc), the Old Town, the Venetian Port, the longest gorge in Europe (Samaria Gorge) etc. Last but not least, Crete is well-known for its hospitality, Cretan Gastronomy, high quality of extra virgin olive oil and quality wines.
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Chania
Chania is the second bigger town of Crete famous for its stunning beaches (Falassarna, Balos, Elafonissi, Sfakia etc), the Old Town, the Venetian Port, the longest gorge in Europe (Samaria Gorge) etc. Last but not least, Crete is well-known for its hospitality, Cretan Gastronomy, high quality of extra virgin olive oil and quality wines.
It is a place one falls in love with at first sight and visitors are able to feel the positive vibes of the city from the very first moment, making them feel at home.
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Rethimno
It is a place one falls in love with at first sight and visitors are able to feel the positive vibes of the city from the very first moment, making them feel at home.
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and one of the Mediterranean region''s most fascinating and vibrant cities. It is full of places to discover. With the current efforts to open up the wonderful mediaeval city centre, it speaks to us of a past full of history and great events that reflect its location at the crossroads of three continents.
The city is also the commercial and technological centre of the island. It has a strategic geopolitical position in the south-eastern Mediterranean Sea connecting three continents and many different cultures.
The Port
It offers a wealth of museums, a summer-long arts festival, historical sightseeing, amazing nightlife and events throughout the year. Whatever the purpose of your visit, your stay in Heraklion will be one to remember.
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Heraklion
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and one of the Mediterranean region''s most fascinating and vibrant cities. It is full of places to discover. With the current efforts to open up the wonderful mediaeval city centre, it speaks to us of a past full of history and great events that reflect its location at the crossroads of three continents.
The city is also the commercial and technological centre of the island. It has a strategic geopolitical position in the south-eastern Mediterranean Sea connecting three continents and many different cultures.
The Port
It offers a wealth of museums, a summer-long arts festival, historical sightseeing, amazing nightlife and events throughout the year. Whatever the purpose of your visit, your stay in Heraklion will be one to remember.
Agios Nikolaos, Hagios Nikolaos or Aghios Nikolaos is a coastal town on the Greek island of Crete, lying east of the island's capital Heraklion, north of the town of Ierapetra and west of the town of Sitia.
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Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos, Hagios Nikolaos or Aghios Nikolaos is a coastal town on the Greek island of Crete, lying east of the island's capital Heraklion, north of the town of Ierapetra and west of the town of Sitia.
Nightlife
Puerto Coffee Food & Cocktails
13 Akti TompaziAmazing cocktail bar cafe by the Old Port of Chania
Barbarossa
18 Akti TompaziCafe bar by the Old Port
Kānva is a hidden yard downtown to socialize, whilst tasting unique cocktails and flavours along with pleasant sounds.
Kānva Bar - Chania
Kānva is a hidden yard downtown to socialize, whilst tasting unique cocktails and flavours along with pleasant sounds.
An open air bar in the heart of the old city of Chania, for more than 25 years. Keen on cool drinks and cocktails we love different styles of music and people socializing around the many corners of a building full of history while looking at the stars.
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Sinagogi Bar
Parodos KondilakiAn open air bar in the heart of the old city of Chania, for more than 25 years. Keen on cool drinks and cocktails we love different styles of music and people socializing around the many corners of a building full of history while looking at the stars.
Prassein Aloga
22 KallergonBar - restaurant
Beach
The beach of Agii Apostoloi next to the villa that is well organized, ideal for both adults and small kids.
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Agii Apostoli Beach
The beach of Agii Apostoloi next to the villa that is well organized, ideal for both adults and small kids.
You might have seen Elafonisi beach before, in a photo or in a postcard, or maybe in every top-10 beach staple of every travel agency in the world. Voted as one of the best five secret beaches by the BBC, 14th best beach in the world by CNN, Elafonisi combines turquoise waters with pink sand, one-meter deep waters, and a lagoon.
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Elafonissi Strand
You might have seen Elafonisi beach before, in a photo or in a postcard, or maybe in every top-10 beach staple of every travel agency in the world. Voted as one of the best five secret beaches by the BBC, 14th best beach in the world by CNN, Elafonisi combines turquoise waters with pink sand, one-meter deep waters, and a lagoon.
A magnificent beach that welcomes thousands of visitors every summer! Kilometers of white and powdery sand, crystal clear waters ideal for diving, and a breathtaking sunset! Falassarna is also part of the Natura 2000 network for its exceptional natural beauty and variety of flora and fauna.
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Falassarna Beach
A magnificent beach that welcomes thousands of visitors every summer! Kilometers of white and powdery sand, crystal clear waters ideal for diving, and a breathtaking sunset! Falassarna is also part of the Natura 2000 network for its exceptional natural beauty and variety of flora and fauna.
Balos Beach is a prime reason why thousands of people visit Chania every year. Magic place, famous for its pink sand and broken seashells, is compared to the Caribbean beaches. The shallow waters make Balos is an ideal beach for families
with children, while the crystalline waters and idyllic landscape meet all expectations to the fullest!
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Balos Strand
Balos Beach is a prime reason why thousands of people visit Chania every year. Magic place, famous for its pink sand and broken seashells, is compared to the Caribbean beaches. The shallow waters make Balos is an ideal beach for families
with children, while the crystalline waters and idyllic landscape meet all expectations to the fullest!
Paleochora is a small town located south of Chania. Paleochora’s beaches are some of the best in south-western Crete. A pristine coastline travels 18 kilometers along
the shore of Paleochora. Like a bride flaunting an aqua wedding gown train, Paleochora proudly displays a continuous
line of beaches that lace around the luminous Libyan Sea. No need to leave town to bask in the best!
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Palaiochora
Paleochora is a small town located south of Chania. Paleochora’s beaches are some of the best in south-western Crete. A pristine coastline travels 18 kilometers along
the shore of Paleochora. Like a bride flaunting an aqua wedding gown train, Paleochora proudly displays a continuous
line of beaches that lace around the luminous Libyan Sea. No need to leave town to bask in the best!
Stefanou beach is located at the position of Seitan Limania 22km northeast of Chania. The wider area is named
Seitan Limania, after the wild landscape, the steep cliffs, and the strong sea streams. A tiny fantastic beach is shaped, with
deep azure waters, namely the beach of Stefanou. The beach has fine pebbles and sand, transferred there from the nearby quarry through the canyon Diplohahalo. On the right and the
left sides of the cove, huge marble rocks are standing high to protect the beach from the bad weather.
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Seitan Limania Beach
Stefanou beach is located at the position of Seitan Limania 22km northeast of Chania. The wider area is named
Seitan Limania, after the wild landscape, the steep cliffs, and the strong sea streams. A tiny fantastic beach is shaped, with
deep azure waters, namely the beach of Stefanou. The beach has fine pebbles and sand, transferred there from the nearby quarry through the canyon Diplohahalo. On the right and the
left sides of the cove, huge marble rocks are standing high to protect the beach from the bad weather.
Marathi is on the southeastern coast of Akrotiri in Chania. It hosts two beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow calm water, ideal for children. They are very well protected from the winds, as they face to the south and have a nice view of Drapanos Cape and the White Mountains. The beaches are separated by a small pier, which also serves as a harbor for fishing boats and small ferries. It is well organized with all the necessary amenities nearby.
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Marathi Strand
Marathi is on the southeastern coast of Akrotiri in Chania. It hosts two beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow calm water, ideal for children. They are very well protected from the winds, as they face to the south and have a nice view of Drapanos Cape and the White Mountains. The beaches are separated by a small pier, which also serves as a harbor for fishing boats and small ferries. It is well organized with all the necessary amenities nearby.
Preveli is one of the most beautiful destinations on the southern coast of Crete. The name represents a unique beach and a wild canyon, where hundreds of palm trees line the shore of a turbulent mountain stream.
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Preveli Strand
Preveli is one of the most beautiful destinations on the southern coast of Crete. The name represents a unique beach and a wild canyon, where hundreds of palm trees line the shore of a turbulent mountain stream.
Triopetra beach is sandy, pretty much unspoilt, featuring crystal-clear water and breathtaking sunsets. Its name means “Three Rocks” and refers to the impressive rocks that characterise its landscape.
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Triopetra
Triopetra beach is sandy, pretty much unspoilt, featuring crystal-clear water and breathtaking sunsets. Its name means “Three Rocks” and refers to the impressive rocks that characterise its landscape.
Next to Triopetra, you’ll find the charming Agios Pavlos beach. The vast dunes that enclose the beach are its chief attraction and they can attain up to 30 feet in height. The beach itself is sandy, with very clear water and a sea-bed that begs to be explored. In the middle of the beach, there are some sea-worn caves.
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Agios Pavlos Beach
Next to Triopetra, you’ll find the charming Agios Pavlos beach. The vast dunes that enclose the beach are its chief attraction and they can attain up to 30 feet in height. The beach itself is sandy, with very clear water and a sea-bed that begs to be explored. In the middle of the beach, there are some sea-worn caves.
Matala is located at the exit of a small valley, which forms an enclosed bay with a nice view of the islands of Paximadia. There is a beautiful sandy beach, 300m long, with fine gravel
and crystal clear deep water. Moreover, the seabed is quite rocky in some places (especially in the central part of the bach) and waves are common, due to frequent west winds. It is famous for the carved caves in the rocks and the hippies of the ‘70s.
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Matala Caves
Matala is located at the exit of a small valley, which forms an enclosed bay with a nice view of the islands of Paximadia. There is a beautiful sandy beach, 300m long, with fine gravel
and crystal clear deep water. Moreover, the seabed is quite rocky in some places (especially in the central part of the bach) and waves are common, due to frequent west winds. It is famous for the carved caves in the rocks and the hippies of the ‘70s.
The beach is at the exit of the gorge Agiofaraggo is stunning, with fine pebbles and clear blue water, which is usually calm. West of the beach a beautiful rocky arch is formed, beneath which you can swim. Vertical cliffs surround the beach. Naturiism should be avoided here, as the wider area is one of the most religious places in Crete.
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Agiofarago beach
The beach is at the exit of the gorge Agiofaraggo is stunning, with fine pebbles and clear blue water, which is usually calm. West of the beach a beautiful rocky arch is formed, beneath which you can swim. Vertical cliffs surround the beach. Naturiism should be avoided here, as the wider area is one of the most religious places in Crete.
Agia Fotia beach is located 45km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 12km east of Ierapetra. It is a small bay formed at the mouth of a stream that descends from the mountain of Thripti. The settlement takes its name after the local Church of Agia Fotini (or Agia Fotia). The stream is hidden in huge plane trees, while the bay is surrounded by conglomerate cliffs that create a magic scenery. The beach has coarse grayish sand and crystal clear calm water.
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Aghia Fotia Beach
Agia Fotia beach is located 45km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 12km east of Ierapetra. It is a small bay formed at the mouth of a stream that descends from the mountain of Thripti. The settlement takes its name after the local Church of Agia Fotini (or Agia Fotia). The stream is hidden in huge plane trees, while the bay is surrounded by conglomerate cliffs that create a magic scenery. The beach has coarse grayish sand and crystal clear calm water.
Vai is located east of Sitia It is the most famous beach in east Crete, as its main feature is the large palm grove with the Cretan Date Palm (Phoenix theophrasti). Its name derives from the word vai, meaning palm in Greek. The palm grove is the
largest in Europe with approximately 5000 trees, while there are smaller colonies in other parts of Crete and in
Southwest Turkey. An exotic sandy beach with whitish sand is formed near the shore, backed by the Edenic palm forest,
reminding of African and Caribbean seascapes.
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Vai Beach
Eparchiaki Odos Monis Toplous - VaiVai is located east of Sitia It is the most famous beach in east Crete, as its main feature is the large palm grove with the Cretan Date Palm (Phoenix theophrasti). Its name derives from the word vai, meaning palm in Greek. The palm grove is the
largest in Europe with approximately 5000 trees, while there are smaller colonies in other parts of Crete and in
Southwest Turkey. An exotic sandy beach with whitish sand is formed near the shore, backed by the Edenic palm forest,
reminding of African and Caribbean seascapes.
Αξιοθέατα
The Holy Monastery of Arkadi in Rethymnon Crete: Arkadi is a place of special historical interest, known for the events that took place during the revolution of 1866. The monastery is built on the edge of the high plateau. This is one of the most important monuments of Crete and an interesting pole of attraction for visitors.
Located 23km southeast from Rethymno and 500m above the sea level, the initial fortressing part of the monastery was built in the 12th century, by an Arkadian monk as it is
believed. Another myth says that the monastery was named after the Byzantine emperor Arcadius. The most important part of the Monastery of Arkadi is a church dedicated to
Metamorphosis of Savior and Agios Konstantinos and Agia Eleni.
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Monastery of Arkadi
The Holy Monastery of Arkadi in Rethymnon Crete: Arkadi is a place of special historical interest, known for the events that took place during the revolution of 1866. The monastery is built on the edge of the high plateau. This is one of the most important monuments of Crete and an interesting pole of attraction for visitors.
Located 23km southeast from Rethymno and 500m above the sea level, the initial fortressing part of the monastery was built in the 12th century, by an Arkadian monk as it is
believed. Another myth says that the monastery was named after the Byzantine emperor Arcadius. The most important part of the Monastery of Arkadi is a church dedicated to
Metamorphosis of Savior and Agios Konstantinos and Agia Eleni.
Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on
Crete and has been called Europe’s oldest city. Settled as early as the Neolithic period, the name Knossos survives from ancient Greek references to the major city of Crete.
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Knossos
Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on
Crete and has been called Europe’s oldest city. Settled as early as the Neolithic period, the name Knossos survives from ancient Greek references to the major city of Crete.
One of the called names for this island is “the island of the living dead”. Spinaloga is a known island in the Lasithi Prefecture of Crete. During the 20th century, it was used as a leper colony for infected people to be isolated from the rest of civilization. Now visitors describe it as a magical place where you can travel into past
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Nisida Spinalonga
One of the called names for this island is “the island of the living dead”. Spinaloga is a known island in the Lasithi Prefecture of Crete. During the 20th century, it was used as a leper colony for infected people to be isolated from the rest of civilization. Now visitors describe it as a magical place where you can travel into past
Gorges
The Samaria Gorge is the most famous trekking gorge in Europe and a part of the European E4 hiking trail. For many visitors, it is the sole purpose of their visit to Crete. The length of the gorge reaches 14.5km and takes almost 5-7 hours to hike from Xyloskalo at Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli beach, depending on the trekking pace. Believed to be one of the most scenic national parks in Europe.
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Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is the most famous trekking gorge in Europe and a part of the European E4 hiking trail. For many visitors, it is the sole purpose of their visit to Crete. The length of the gorge reaches 14.5km and takes almost 5-7 hours to hike from Xyloskalo at Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli beach, depending on the trekking pace. Believed to be one of the most scenic national parks in Europe.
The gorge of Imbros is the second most popular gorge for walkers in Crete after the gorge of Samaria. The main reasons for this are that:
It is much easier to walk than Samaria: the walking distance is 8 km, the total descent is around 600m and the average walking time is about 2.5 hours. The path is generally easier underfoot.
This is the sort of walk that you could easily walk with children. It also would not need to take a whole long day.
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IMBROS GORGE ENTRANCE
Eparchiaki Odos Vruson-Choras SfakionThe gorge of Imbros is the second most popular gorge for walkers in Crete after the gorge of Samaria. The main reasons for this are that:
It is much easier to walk than Samaria: the walking distance is 8 km, the total descent is around 600m and the average walking time is about 2.5 hours. The path is generally easier underfoot.
This is the sort of walk that you could easily walk with children. It also would not need to take a whole long day.
Places you have to visit
Don’t miss to enjoy a glass of wine in one of the most reputable wineries in Crete, Greece! Visit Manousakis Winery to taste its organic Nostos Wines on the tasting terrace, see the beautiful
vineyards, eat lunch or dinner at the restaurant, take a cooking class, and more! Combine a tasting with lunch or dinner at the restaurant and sit among the beautiful olive trees and orange groves and take in the wild peacefulness of your surroundings.
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Manousakis Winery
Don’t miss to enjoy a glass of wine in one of the most reputable wineries in Crete, Greece! Visit Manousakis Winery to taste its organic Nostos Wines on the tasting terrace, see the beautiful
vineyards, eat lunch or dinner at the restaurant, take a cooking class, and more! Combine a tasting with lunch or dinner at the restaurant and sit among the beautiful olive trees and orange groves and take in the wild peacefulness of your surroundings.
Located near the village of Elafonissi, the Monastery of Chrissoskalitissa, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a 17th-century
Orthodox Christian monastery built on a rock. Legend states
that it received the name Chrissoskalitissa because one of
the many steps leading up to the monastery was gold. Built during Venetian times, the monastery now is a famous pilgrimage site and includes a folklore museum.
Chrisoskalitissas
ChrisoskalitissasLocated near the village of Elafonissi, the Monastery of Chrissoskalitissa, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a 17th-century
Orthodox Christian monastery built on a rock. Legend states
that it received the name Chrissoskalitissa because one of
the many steps leading up to the monastery was gold. Built during Venetian times, the monastery now is a famous pilgrimage site and includes a folklore museum.
One of Europe’s biggest aquariums, Cretaquarium opened in 2005. From a plethora of marine organisms such as fish, sharks, jellyfish, and even tiny sea horses, the aquarium displays the rich
diversity of Mediterranean marine life. A fun activity for visitors of all ages, Cretaquarium is a must-see when visiting Crete
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Cretaquarium – Thalassocosmos
One of Europe’s biggest aquariums, Cretaquarium opened in 2005. From a plethora of marine organisms such as fish, sharks, jellyfish, and even tiny sea horses, the aquarium displays the rich
diversity of Mediterranean marine life. A fun activity for visitors of all ages, Cretaquarium is a must-see when visiting Crete
Walking in the Botanical park & Gardens of Crete offers spiritual tranquility and visual pleasure in addition to knowledge on plants and their material. Nearly 20 hectares of land are waiting to welcome you, full of fruit trees from all over the world, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants in a park different from others, where the land’s formation and the region’s microclimate make it a paradise for hundreds of plants
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Botanischer Park und Gärten von Kreta
Eparchiaki Odos Chanion-OmalouWalking in the Botanical park & Gardens of Crete offers spiritual tranquility and visual pleasure in addition to knowledge on plants and their material. Nearly 20 hectares of land are waiting to welcome you, full of fruit trees from all over the world, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants in a park different from others, where the land’s formation and the region’s microclimate make it a paradise for hundreds of plants
Chania’s Venetian Harbour was carefully built in the 14th century for commercial purposes and for protection against pirate raids. Today it is a point of reference for the city of Chania, and a much-photographed place with a touch of magic! One of the best views of the old port and Chania’s old town can be found by taking a pleasant stroll along the Venetian seawall to the 19th-century lighthouse.
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Old Venetian Harbor
8 Agiou MarkouChania’s Venetian Harbour was carefully built in the 14th century for commercial purposes and for protection against pirate raids. Today it is a point of reference for the city of Chania, and a much-photographed place with a touch of magic! One of the best views of the old port and Chania’s old town can be found by taking a pleasant stroll along the Venetian seawall to the 19th-century lighthouse.
Φαγητό
Palazzo Almare Restaurant
38 SourmelisChrisostomos
και IkarouSalis
3 Akti EnoseosPeriplous Restaurant
25 VivilakiThe Five Restaurant
15 Akti PapanikoliΠατρελαντώνης
Carte Postale
2 Michail KalorizikouLeventis Taverna
Refresh beach bar & kitchen
Cabana Mare Beach Resort
Vegera Restaurant Platanias
134 Palea Ethniki Odos Kissamou ChanionAriadne
Gramboussa Restaurant
1 Emmanouil DiktakiCaptain Nicolas
Spḗlios
Siroccos Restaurant
Agion ApostolonRoots
113 Palea Ethniki Odos Kissamou Chanion