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The wonderful Lassithi Plateau is located about 25km south of Malia and 70km west of Heraklion city. Located in a peaceful and fertile region, it is surrounded by the wild peaks of Dikti and several smaller plateaus. The altitude ranges from 800 to 850m, making Lassithi one of the few residential insular areas in the Mediterranean at such high altitude. Indeed, every year the plateau is covered by snow and then thousands of Cretans arrive to admire the white landscape. In most years, snow remains in the mountain peaks till mid-spring.
Lassithi plateau is famous for its windmills with white cloths, a trademark of the area. These were water- and flour mills, made most by the Peloponnese settlers that arrived here in late 19th century, to irrigate the plateau. Unfortunately, today young people have abandoned their homeland because the Greek state does not provide incentives, and the villages look deserted, with elderly population. Thus, the landscapes of 12000 white windmills, which once pumped water from wells to irrigate crops, can be now seen on old card postals. But still, you can see several windmills, since many of them have been restored in the last years. Moreover, at the entrance of the plateau, at position Ambelos, we still see the largest stone windmill park in Greece.
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Lasithi Plateau
The wonderful Lassithi Plateau is located about 25km south of Malia and 70km west of Heraklion city. Located in a peaceful and fertile region, it is surrounded by the wild peaks of Dikti and several smaller plateaus. The altitude ranges from 800 to 850m, making Lassithi one of the few residential insular areas in the Mediterranean at such high altitude. Indeed, every year the plateau is covered by snow and then thousands of Cretans arrive to admire the white landscape. In most years, snow remains in the mountain peaks till mid-spring.
Lassithi plateau is famous for its windmills with white cloths, a trademark of the area. These were water- and flour mills, made most by the Peloponnese settlers that arrived here in late 19th century, to irrigate the plateau. Unfortunately, today young people have abandoned their homeland because the Greek state does not provide incentives, and the villages look deserted, with elderly population. Thus, the landscapes of 12000 white windmills, which once pumped water from wells to irrigate crops, can be now seen on old card postals. But still, you can see several windmills, since many of them have been restored in the last years. Moreover, at the entrance of the plateau, at position Ambelos, we still see the largest stone windmill park in Greece.
If you have a car, you should drive 15' north of Malia, to the traditional village Krasi. The route crosses a wild gorge with many carob and oak trees. Krasi is famous for the huge plane tree in the central square, where 10 people in line cannot hug its trunk. You can drink your coffee in the square, eat in the taverns of the village and walk in the narrow streets. Lastly, near the square is a spring with clean cold water.
Krasi Old Village
If you have a car, you should drive 15' north of Malia, to the traditional village Krasi. The route crosses a wild gorge with many carob and oak trees. Krasi is famous for the huge plane tree in the central square, where 10 people in line cannot hug its trunk. You can drink your coffee in the square, eat in the taverns of the village and walk in the narrow streets. Lastly, near the square is a spring with clean cold water.
Spinalonga is a small island located at the entrance of Elounda lagoon and north of the Gulf of Mirabello. It has an area of 85 acres and its maximum height is 53 meters.
The history of the island still inspires awe. It has been a Venetian fortress, a castle colony, a rebel refuge, a place of exile for lepers, a communication link with Cairo during the Second World War. The island has been well fortified by the Venetians during their presence in Crete. From structural and architectural point of view and from an aesthetic view of the whole landscape, the island still retains an unsurpassed beauty. Its original name was Calydon, but the Venetians named it Spinalonga from the Venetian word Spina-Longa, which means long thorn. According to a second weaker interpretation, Spinalonga derives its name by paraphrasing "Stin Elounda”, meaning “In Elounda”. Another, version tells that the island got its name from a beautiful woman named Longa that was living in the fort.
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Espinalonga
Spinalonga is a small island located at the entrance of Elounda lagoon and north of the Gulf of Mirabello. It has an area of 85 acres and its maximum height is 53 meters.
The history of the island still inspires awe. It has been a Venetian fortress, a castle colony, a rebel refuge, a place of exile for lepers, a communication link with Cairo during the Second World War. The island has been well fortified by the Venetians during their presence in Crete. From structural and architectural point of view and from an aesthetic view of the whole landscape, the island still retains an unsurpassed beauty. Its original name was Calydon, but the Venetians named it Spinalonga from the Venetian word Spina-Longa, which means long thorn. According to a second weaker interpretation, Spinalonga derives its name by paraphrasing "Stin Elounda”, meaning “In Elounda”. Another, version tells that the island got its name from a beautiful woman named Longa that was living in the fort.
The creation of a large and modern sea Aquarium in Crete was a challenge as well as a vision not only for the local research society but Cretan society as a whole. The impressive response from the hundreds of thousand annual visitors to CretAquarium justifies the painful attempts that were made by the former Institute of Marine Biology of Crete as well as the current single body for marine research in the country -the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research.
CretΑquarium is an expert in presenting species and ecosystems of the Mediterranean, a sea of unique biodiversity that gave birth to ancient civilizations and welcomes millions of visitors every year from all over the world. Offering 60 tanks of different sizes, containing a total amount of 1,700,000 litres of sea water, it is home to 2000 sea animals, 200 different species found in the Mediterranean basin, and together with the appropriate scenery, it successfully represents the Cretan and Mediterranean sea beds. Additionally CretAquarium designs and implements educational programmes and other innovative services, treats injured animals and is constantly enriched with new marine species.
The expertise possessed by the Aquarium on the presentation of the Mediterranean species and ecosystems is backed up by the long experience of the Centre in Mediterranean marine research. The Mediterranean Sea preserves an impressive biodiversity, gave birth to ancient civilizations and welcomes millions of visitors each year.
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Cretaquarium - Thalassocosmos
The creation of a large and modern sea Aquarium in Crete was a challenge as well as a vision not only for the local research society but Cretan society as a whole. The impressive response from the hundreds of thousand annual visitors to CretAquarium justifies the painful attempts that were made by the former Institute of Marine Biology of Crete as well as the current single body for marine research in the country -the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research.
CretΑquarium is an expert in presenting species and ecosystems of the Mediterranean, a sea of unique biodiversity that gave birth to ancient civilizations and welcomes millions of visitors every year from all over the world. Offering 60 tanks of different sizes, containing a total amount of 1,700,000 litres of sea water, it is home to 2000 sea animals, 200 different species found in the Mediterranean basin, and together with the appropriate scenery, it successfully represents the Cretan and Mediterranean sea beds. Additionally CretAquarium designs and implements educational programmes and other innovative services, treats injured animals and is constantly enriched with new marine species.
The expertise possessed by the Aquarium on the presentation of the Mediterranean species and ecosystems is backed up by the long experience of the Centre in Mediterranean marine research. The Mediterranean Sea preserves an impressive biodiversity, gave birth to ancient civilizations and welcomes millions of visitors each year.
Prefecture, on the north side of Crete, between the cities Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. The trail starts just outside the village Exo Mouliana and ends on the Richtis beach, east of the village Kalavros. The total length of the route is approximately 3 kilometers and the elevation difference between the starting point and the beach is about 350 meters. The gorge, even in summer, has enough water, which is used for local crops. The gorge collects the water from the peak Drymias (918m) of Orno range through the streams of Lachanas and Mesa Mouliana which merge near the starting point.
Hiking to the beach takes approximately three to four hours, depending on the hiking pace. The route starts from the stone-arched bridge of Lachanas (19th century) where, during the exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey, it is said that the Christians killed the Turks of the region, who were trying to reach Sitia and get the ship to Turkey.
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Richti Gorge
Prefecture, on the north side of Crete, between the cities Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. The trail starts just outside the village Exo Mouliana and ends on the Richtis beach, east of the village Kalavros. The total length of the route is approximately 3 kilometers and the elevation difference between the starting point and the beach is about 350 meters. The gorge, even in summer, has enough water, which is used for local crops. The gorge collects the water from the peak Drymias (918m) of Orno range through the streams of Lachanas and Mesa Mouliana which merge near the starting point.
Hiking to the beach takes approximately three to four hours, depending on the hiking pace. The route starts from the stone-arched bridge of Lachanas (19th century) where, during the exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey, it is said that the Christians killed the Turks of the region, who were trying to reach Sitia and get the ship to Turkey.
Παραλίες
Vai is located 94km east of Agios Nikolaos and 24km 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. According to the legend, the trees have grown from discarded date stones thrown into the sea by Saracen pirates. However, the palm grove is more than 2000 years old and the pirates are more recent. Thus this hypothesis has changed and the Saracens have been replaced with Phoenicians, that governed the Mediterranean Sea 20 centuries ago.
The heavenly palm grove is planted in a wide valley watered by the local river for centuries. An exotic sandy beach with whitish sand is formed near the shore, backed by the edenic palm forest, reminding of African and Caribbean seascapes. The entire region is owned by the powerful Toplou Monastery, which is the largest landowner in eastern Crete. The 15th-century monastery is built like a fortress, and hosts a great collection of Byzantine icons.
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Vai Beach
Eparchiaki Odos Monis Toplous - VaiVai is located 94km east of Agios Nikolaos and 24km 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. According to the legend, the trees have grown from discarded date stones thrown into the sea by Saracen pirates. However, the palm grove is more than 2000 years old and the pirates are more recent. Thus this hypothesis has changed and the Saracens have been replaced with Phoenicians, that governed the Mediterranean Sea 20 centuries ago.
The heavenly palm grove is planted in a wide valley watered by the local river for centuries. An exotic sandy beach with whitish sand is formed near the shore, backed by the edenic palm forest, reminding of African and Caribbean seascapes. The entire region is owned by the powerful Toplou Monastery, which is the largest landowner in eastern Crete. The 15th-century monastery is built like a fortress, and hosts a great collection of Byzantine icons.
Chrissi island or Gaidouronisi is located 8 miles south of Ierapetra city, in the open Libyan Sea. It is a flat islet very famous for its tropical blue water that cover all possible palette hues of blue and green, the protected forest with large juniper trees and the thousands of broken shells that make the sand pinkish. The residents of Ierapetra love this island and call it simply "the Island". It is said that years ago by Gianni Agnelli, the chairman of Ferrari, wanted to buy the island to make it a tourist attraction.
Chrissi takes its name (golden in Greek) after the white sand that covers the entire island and comes mainly from shell debris. The tropical beaches are crowded by many visitors who come by the excursion boats that leave Ierapetra in the morning and return in the afternoon. Chrissi has been declared as an area of natural beauty and it is strictly prohibited to camp and spend your night here. You must keep away from the fragile juniper trees and avoid not collecting sand or shells.
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Chrysi
Chrissi island or Gaidouronisi is located 8 miles south of Ierapetra city, in the open Libyan Sea. It is a flat islet very famous for its tropical blue water that cover all possible palette hues of blue and green, the protected forest with large juniper trees and the thousands of broken shells that make the sand pinkish. The residents of Ierapetra love this island and call it simply "the Island". It is said that years ago by Gianni Agnelli, the chairman of Ferrari, wanted to buy the island to make it a tourist attraction.
Chrissi takes its name (golden in Greek) after the white sand that covers the entire island and comes mainly from shell debris. The tropical beaches are crowded by many visitors who come by the excursion boats that leave Ierapetra in the morning and return in the afternoon. Chrissi has been declared as an area of natural beauty and it is strictly prohibited to camp and spend your night here. You must keep away from the fragile juniper trees and avoid not collecting sand or shells.
Lendas is a remote coastal village located 74km south of Heraklion, on the southern slopes of the imposing Asterousia Mountains. It is a tourist resort, mildly developed, offering very relaxing holidays. Lendas can be accessed from Agii Deka, close to Mires town, via the village of Miamou, through a narrow paved road. This road crosses the rugged mountains and descends from an altitude of about 1000m to Lendas (sea surface) in a route that offers breathtaking views over the sea of Lendas.
The surrounding area is full of beaches that attract many nudists. The beach in front of the village Lendas is protected on the east from Cape Psamidomouri and on the West from the famous Cape Lion, about which we discuss later. This beach was the old port of Lendas, which has now been moved to Loutra. It is the busiest beach of the area, slightly organized and offering basic services such as umbrellas, showers, sunbeds and water sports. Moreover, beside the beach there are several taverns and rooms to rent. The trademark of the beach is its ducks, which stroll upside down. Moreover, the threatened loggerhead seaturtle lays its eggs on the beach of Lendas between May and September. If you want to stay secluded, you can visit the remote beaches of Dyskos and Loutra.
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Lentas
Lendas is a remote coastal village located 74km south of Heraklion, on the southern slopes of the imposing Asterousia Mountains. It is a tourist resort, mildly developed, offering very relaxing holidays. Lendas can be accessed from Agii Deka, close to Mires town, via the village of Miamou, through a narrow paved road. This road crosses the rugged mountains and descends from an altitude of about 1000m to Lendas (sea surface) in a route that offers breathtaking views over the sea of Lendas.
The surrounding area is full of beaches that attract many nudists. The beach in front of the village Lendas is protected on the east from Cape Psamidomouri and on the West from the famous Cape Lion, about which we discuss later. This beach was the old port of Lendas, which has now been moved to Loutra. It is the busiest beach of the area, slightly organized and offering basic services such as umbrellas, showers, sunbeds and water sports. Moreover, beside the beach there are several taverns and rooms to rent. The trademark of the beach is its ducks, which stroll upside down. Moreover, the threatened loggerhead seaturtle lays its eggs on the beach of Lendas between May and September. If you want to stay secluded, you can visit the remote beaches of Dyskos and Loutra.
Plakias is located 36km south of Rethymno, in the fertile valley formed at the exit of Kotsifos river, which has water all year round. Plakias was a small village in the late 19th century, which in recent decades has transformed to a popular resort. Especially, during the 60s beaches of Yialia, as the beachfront of the wider area is called, were a favorite destination for hippies. Now it’s a popular resort and a base for visiting the natural beauties of the region.
Within short distance from Plakias, you can visit the mountainous villages of Myrthios, Selia and Asomatos, which retain their traditional features and have amazing view to the vast Libyan Sea. You can also visit the famous Lake of Preveli, the monasteries of the area and hike in the Gorge of Kotsifos, Kourtaliotis and Mesa Faragi. However, if you prefer to stay in Plakias, you have many choices as the small town is very well organized, hosting plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, water sports, scuba diving schools, organised beaches, rented bikes and many more. The area has all basic infrastructures such as marina, shops, banks, petrol stations, surgery and dental practices, pharmacy, post office, etc. Lastly, there are frequent bus services from Plakias to Rethymnon.
One of the favorite attractions for visitors of Plakias is the old windmill, which is located 1.5km away from the village. Moreover, in the area of Paligremnos, namely the eastern edge of the long beach, there are large caves that have been dug by the Germans during the Occupation. At this point, which is also called Gonates (i.e. knees), there is a huge vertical cliff, where locals say that the legendary hero Digenis Akritas knelt and drank water from one of the many springs in the region.
You can also visit the Church of Zoodohos Pigi, which is built on the ruins of an older one, in which the south wall had collapsed. Indeed, there is a legendary interpretation for the collapse of the wall. Once, a pirate ship sailed in Plakias and the pirates chased two young girls. They ran and hid in the church, seeking salvation from Virgin Mary. The pirates arrived in front of the chapel and waited for the girls to get out. However, their prays were heard and the south wall was torn in two parts. Then, the girls escaped the church and got lost in the nearby olive grove.
As already mentioned, Plakias is a relatively new village, built in the late 19th century by fishermen that left the village of Sellia and were established here. On the other, villages such as Selia and Mirthios are older, since there are signs dating back in the Byzantine period, when roads and bridges were built to connect them. Although Plakias is a new village, the area was inhabited at least since Roman times, since the archaeologists have found many Roman objects (and some are considered Minoan). It is believed that Plakias is built at the site of the ancient city Lamon, while some others believe that it’s built in the place of the ancient city Phoenix.
Next to Zoodochos Pigi a large necropolis (five acres) with many graves has been found. The graves didn’t have their covering stones. It seems that they were removed to be used for other purposes (construction materials, single curiosity, etc.). The entire hill area is full with orphan covering stones, which were revealed during various operations. Indeed, Plakias name is taken after the large number of stones, which are called “plakes” in Greek. Similar cemeteries have been found in other nearby areas.
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Plakias
Plakias is located 36km south of Rethymno, in the fertile valley formed at the exit of Kotsifos river, which has water all year round. Plakias was a small village in the late 19th century, which in recent decades has transformed to a popular resort. Especially, during the 60s beaches of Yialia, as the beachfront of the wider area is called, were a favorite destination for hippies. Now it’s a popular resort and a base for visiting the natural beauties of the region.
Within short distance from Plakias, you can visit the mountainous villages of Myrthios, Selia and Asomatos, which retain their traditional features and have amazing view to the vast Libyan Sea. You can also visit the famous Lake of Preveli, the monasteries of the area and hike in the Gorge of Kotsifos, Kourtaliotis and Mesa Faragi. However, if you prefer to stay in Plakias, you have many choices as the small town is very well organized, hosting plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, water sports, scuba diving schools, organised beaches, rented bikes and many more. The area has all basic infrastructures such as marina, shops, banks, petrol stations, surgery and dental practices, pharmacy, post office, etc. Lastly, there are frequent bus services from Plakias to Rethymnon.
One of the favorite attractions for visitors of Plakias is the old windmill, which is located 1.5km away from the village. Moreover, in the area of Paligremnos, namely the eastern edge of the long beach, there are large caves that have been dug by the Germans during the Occupation. At this point, which is also called Gonates (i.e. knees), there is a huge vertical cliff, where locals say that the legendary hero Digenis Akritas knelt and drank water from one of the many springs in the region.
You can also visit the Church of Zoodohos Pigi, which is built on the ruins of an older one, in which the south wall had collapsed. Indeed, there is a legendary interpretation for the collapse of the wall. Once, a pirate ship sailed in Plakias and the pirates chased two young girls. They ran and hid in the church, seeking salvation from Virgin Mary. The pirates arrived in front of the chapel and waited for the girls to get out. However, their prays were heard and the south wall was torn in two parts. Then, the girls escaped the church and got lost in the nearby olive grove.
As already mentioned, Plakias is a relatively new village, built in the late 19th century by fishermen that left the village of Sellia and were established here. On the other, villages such as Selia and Mirthios are older, since there are signs dating back in the Byzantine period, when roads and bridges were built to connect them. Although Plakias is a new village, the area was inhabited at least since Roman times, since the archaeologists have found many Roman objects (and some are considered Minoan). It is believed that Plakias is built at the site of the ancient city Lamon, while some others believe that it’s built in the place of the ancient city Phoenix.
Next to Zoodochos Pigi a large necropolis (five acres) with many graves has been found. The graves didn’t have their covering stones. It seems that they were removed to be used for other purposes (construction materials, single curiosity, etc.). The entire hill area is full with orphan covering stones, which were revealed during various operations. Indeed, Plakias name is taken after the large number of stones, which are called “plakes” in Greek. Similar cemeteries have been found in other nearby areas.
Matala is located 68km southwest of Heraklion where the plain Mesara meets Asteroussia Mountains. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Crete and certainly the most famous beach of south Heraklion prefecture. It is famous for the carved caves in the rocks and the hippies of the ‘70s. It is located close to Phaestus, the second largest palace of the Minoan civilization. Matala served as a port of Phaestus, and on the Roman Times, it became a port of Gortyn.
Matala is located at the exit of a small valley, which forms an enclosed bay with nice view to 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. Furthermore, there is a huge cave on the north part of the beach, from the top of which some people dive. The beach is very well organized with umbrellas, toilets, showers, lifeguard, first aids, beach volley courts, snack bars, water sports, excursion boats, a camping site, etc. Around Matala you will find many options for accommodation, entertainment and eating. Also, a large part of the beach is covered by tamarisk trees, where you can find shade. In the evenings, the bars on the beach are full with many people, both locals and foreigners. Especially in June, the internationally renowned Matala Festival takes place.
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Matala Caves
Matala is located 68km southwest of Heraklion where the plain Mesara meets Asteroussia Mountains. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Crete and certainly the most famous beach of south Heraklion prefecture. It is famous for the carved caves in the rocks and the hippies of the ‘70s. It is located close to Phaestus, the second largest palace of the Minoan civilization. Matala served as a port of Phaestus, and on the Roman Times, it became a port of Gortyn.
Matala is located at the exit of a small valley, which forms an enclosed bay with nice view to 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. Furthermore, there is a huge cave on the north part of the beach, from the top of which some people dive. The beach is very well organized with umbrellas, toilets, showers, lifeguard, first aids, beach volley courts, snack bars, water sports, excursion boats, a camping site, etc. Around Matala you will find many options for accommodation, entertainment and eating. Also, a large part of the beach is covered by tamarisk trees, where you can find shade. In the evenings, the bars on the beach are full with many people, both locals and foreigners. Especially in June, the internationally renowned Matala Festival takes place.
The lovely serene little town of Agios Nikolaos is the cosmopolitan capital of the prefecture of Lasithi with 20000 permanent residents. The town is built on the site Mandraki, on the west side of the Gulf of Mirabello, but the current name comes from the Byzantine church of Saint Nikolaos located west of the city.
Here was the site of the Minoan "Lato pros Kamara", the seaport of Lato town near Kritsa. Later, in the Byzantine era, it was known as the Diocese (Episkopi) of Kamara, but was never developed. Because Venetians never gave importance to the region, Agios Nikolaos was not fortified and remained a small fishing village until when the capital of Lassithi was moved here (early 20th century). Since then, the city transformed into a picturesque resort with the main pillars of development being its tranquility and the beautiful beaches.
Trademark of St. Nicholas is the picturesque Lake Voulismeni, a small lagoon in the center of the town, used as a small harbor where fishing boats stop. Dozens of legends are associated with it, mainly because of its very deep waters (e.g. that it has no bottom). At the bottom of the lake the Germans disposed all their war material before leaving Crete in 1944. A walk around the lake is a very nice experience indeed.
Other sights of Agios Nikolaos include the neoclassical buildings, the marina (the first marina in Crete), the island of All Saints (Agii Pantes) where many endangered Cretan wild goats are protected, Kitroplatia square with the taverns and the pedestrian road with the cafes. Moreover, you'll be impressed by the stairs that are almost everywhere, as the city is built in an area with very steep slopes and roads could not be constructed.
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Agios Nikolaos
The lovely serene little town of Agios Nikolaos is the cosmopolitan capital of the prefecture of Lasithi with 20000 permanent residents. The town is built on the site Mandraki, on the west side of the Gulf of Mirabello, but the current name comes from the Byzantine church of Saint Nikolaos located west of the city.
Here was the site of the Minoan "Lato pros Kamara", the seaport of Lato town near Kritsa. Later, in the Byzantine era, it was known as the Diocese (Episkopi) of Kamara, but was never developed. Because Venetians never gave importance to the region, Agios Nikolaos was not fortified and remained a small fishing village until when the capital of Lassithi was moved here (early 20th century). Since then, the city transformed into a picturesque resort with the main pillars of development being its tranquility and the beautiful beaches.
Trademark of St. Nicholas is the picturesque Lake Voulismeni, a small lagoon in the center of the town, used as a small harbor where fishing boats stop. Dozens of legends are associated with it, mainly because of its very deep waters (e.g. that it has no bottom). At the bottom of the lake the Germans disposed all their war material before leaving Crete in 1944. A walk around the lake is a very nice experience indeed.
Other sights of Agios Nikolaos include the neoclassical buildings, the marina (the first marina in Crete), the island of All Saints (Agii Pantes) where many endangered Cretan wild goats are protected, Kitroplatia square with the taverns and the pedestrian road with the cafes. Moreover, you'll be impressed by the stairs that are almost everywhere, as the city is built in an area with very steep slopes and roads could not be constructed.
Agia Pelagia (Santa Pelagia) is located 21km west of Heraklion, on the south side of the small Cape Souda, surrounded by several coves with beautiful beaches. Agia Pelagia, was initially a small and picturesque settlement used by the residents of Achlada village for growing their crops; today it has transformed into a bustling tourist resort with many hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, internet cafés, ATMs, taxi, etc. and is connected with regular bus services to Heraklion.
The main beach of the settlement is a long and narrow beach with sand and greenish water. The Turks named this beach of Agia Pelagia as Tsanak Limani, because the round shape of it reminded them of a plate (tsanak = plate). Indeed, the water is almost always calm here and the bay forms a natural quiet harbor. The beach offers many options for watersports, diving,umbrellas, food and accommodation. The beach in some places is very narrow and the sunbeds have occupied almost the entire width of the beach, leaving little room to put someone's towel.
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Agia Pelagia
Agia Pelagia (Santa Pelagia) is located 21km west of Heraklion, on the south side of the small Cape Souda, surrounded by several coves with beautiful beaches. Agia Pelagia, was initially a small and picturesque settlement used by the residents of Achlada village for growing their crops; today it has transformed into a bustling tourist resort with many hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, internet cafés, ATMs, taxi, etc. and is connected with regular bus services to Heraklion.
The main beach of the settlement is a long and narrow beach with sand and greenish water. The Turks named this beach of Agia Pelagia as Tsanak Limani, because the round shape of it reminded them of a plate (tsanak = plate). Indeed, the water is almost always calm here and the bay forms a natural quiet harbor. The beach offers many options for watersports, diving,umbrellas, food and accommodation. The beach in some places is very narrow and the sunbeds have occupied almost the entire width of the beach, leaving little room to put someone's towel.
Plaka is located 16km north of Agios Nikolaos, opposite the entrance of the lagoon of Korfos (or lagoon of Elounda), in one of the most beautiful places of Crete. A feature of Plaka is the wonderful views of the island Kalydon, on where the famous fortress of Spinalonga stands. Spinalonga operated as a leper hospital during the first half of the 20th century. The island can be reached primarily by boat from Elounda and Plaka. Indeed, Plaka existence is highly linked to Spinalonga, as the settlement was built for serving the leper colony.
Today, in Plaka you will find several traditional taverns and lovely old houses, which give you the impression that time has stopped here 2-3 centuries ago. Indeed, this picturesque place was the ideal place for filming one of the most amazing TV series of Greek Television, called “The Island” (2010).
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Praia de Plaka
52 Επαρχιακή ΟδόςPlaka is located 16km north of Agios Nikolaos, opposite the entrance of the lagoon of Korfos (or lagoon of Elounda), in one of the most beautiful places of Crete. A feature of Plaka is the wonderful views of the island Kalydon, on where the famous fortress of Spinalonga stands. Spinalonga operated as a leper hospital during the first half of the 20th century. The island can be reached primarily by boat from Elounda and Plaka. Indeed, Plaka existence is highly linked to Spinalonga, as the settlement was built for serving the leper colony.
Today, in Plaka you will find several traditional taverns and lovely old houses, which give you the impression that time has stopped here 2-3 centuries ago. Indeed, this picturesque place was the ideal place for filming one of the most amazing TV series of Greek Television, called “The Island” (2010).
The main beach of Malia is located in front of the town and is crowded by thousands of people. Thus, those who cannot stand the crowds and congestion prefer to go to one of the sandy beaches located east of the port of Malia, very close to the site of the palace of Malia. The easternmost beach is known as Potamos (i.e. River), because a small stream flows in its east part, next to the wetland of Malia.
Potamos is a long sandy beach, very well organized, but usually less crowded than the main beach of Malia. The region, particularly its east part, is not developed due to the archaeological site. However, in the west of the beach, there are several hotels with small sandy coves in front of them.Malia Swamp is a wetland of foremost environmental significance that occupies a large area with reeds that hosts many species of birds. This region preserves several coastal vegetation species, extinct in other places of Crete. The whole area is covered by water emanating from the point where the water of Selena Mount exits. The water forms a stunning river in winter, just a few meters from the shore, with crystal clear water which is poured into Potamos beach. There are many springs of fresh water in the sea, such that locals can find drinkable water in the sea! It is not very rare to see goats descending from the slopes of the mountain, swimming in the sea and drinking water because of the strong sense of fresh water smell. Around Potamos there are small sand dunes, where you can see the amazing white sand lilies during the autumn.
17 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Potamos
The main beach of Malia is located in front of the town and is crowded by thousands of people. Thus, those who cannot stand the crowds and congestion prefer to go to one of the sandy beaches located east of the port of Malia, very close to the site of the palace of Malia. The easternmost beach is known as Potamos (i.e. River), because a small stream flows in its east part, next to the wetland of Malia.
Potamos is a long sandy beach, very well organized, but usually less crowded than the main beach of Malia. The region, particularly its east part, is not developed due to the archaeological site. However, in the west of the beach, there are several hotels with small sandy coves in front of them.Malia Swamp is a wetland of foremost environmental significance that occupies a large area with reeds that hosts many species of birds. This region preserves several coastal vegetation species, extinct in other places of Crete. The whole area is covered by water emanating from the point where the water of Selena Mount exits. The water forms a stunning river in winter, just a few meters from the shore, with crystal clear water which is poured into Potamos beach. There are many springs of fresh water in the sea, such that locals can find drinkable water in the sea! It is not very rare to see goats descending from the slopes of the mountain, swimming in the sea and drinking water because of the strong sense of fresh water smell. Around Potamos there are small sand dunes, where you can see the amazing white sand lilies during the autumn.
Αρχαιολογικός Χώρος
The archaeological site of Malia is located 3km east of Malia, next to the wetland of the area and very close to the beach. It was an important Minoan city and housed the third largest Minoan palace, after Knossos and Phaestus. According to mythology, Sarpedon reigned here, who was brother of Minos and son of Zeus and Europa. Sarpedon was expelled by his brother Minos and then took refuge in Lycia in Asia Minor.
94 moradores locais recomendam
Sítio arqueológico do Palácio de Malia
The archaeological site of Malia is located 3km east of Malia, next to the wetland of the area and very close to the beach. It was an important Minoan city and housed the third largest Minoan palace, after Knossos and Phaestus. According to mythology, Sarpedon reigned here, who was brother of Minos and son of Zeus and Europa. Sarpedon was expelled by his brother Minos and then took refuge in Lycia in Asia Minor.
Knossos was the most important city on Crete before the Roman Era and the center of the first brilliant European civilization, the Minoan. The palace of the city is the most visited archaeological site in Crete with more than 1.000.000 visitors per year. The palace is located just 5km south of Heraklion, atop hill Kefala next to the banks of Knosano Gorge. It can be accessed via Knossos Avenue, which connects Heraklion with Skalani village. Apart from the palace itself, the area is full with several more archaeological finds, which makes sense considering that Knossos was a town with more than 100,000 people.
408 moradores locais recomendam
Knossos
Knossos was the most important city on Crete before the Roman Era and the center of the first brilliant European civilization, the Minoan. The palace of the city is the most visited archaeological site in Crete with more than 1.000.000 visitors per year. The palace is located just 5km south of Heraklion, atop hill Kefala next to the banks of Knosano Gorge. It can be accessed via Knossos Avenue, which connects Heraklion with Skalani village. Apart from the palace itself, the area is full with several more archaeological finds, which makes sense considering that Knossos was a town with more than 100,000 people.
Φαγητό
Geitonia, where the cretan tradition meets the creativity of the modern cuisine.
Geitonia Malia - Cretan Creative Cuisine
1 28is Oktovriou Geitonia, where the cretan tradition meets the creativity of the modern cuisine.
Αυλή των Μαλίων - Avli in Malia
2 γωνίαPeskesi Restaurant is an effort to discover the secrets and enjoy the benefits of the Cretan Diet. Our cuisine is based on pure and natural products of the Cretan land and our aim is to highlight the traditional Cretan aromas and flavors that have been forgotten. The restaurant is located in Heraklion Crete and serves exclusively Authentic Cretan Cuisine.
264 moradores locais recomendam
Peskesi
6-8 Kapetan CharalampiPeskesi Restaurant is an effort to discover the secrets and enjoy the benefits of the Cretan Diet. Our cuisine is based on pure and natural products of the Cretan land and our aim is to highlight the traditional Cretan aromas and flavors that have been forgotten. The restaurant is located in Heraklion Crete and serves exclusively Authentic Cretan Cuisine.
Kouzeineri (cuisinière) is a steak house restaurant in love with high-quality meat, right in the center of Heraklion city, Crete, offer
61 moradores locais recomendam
Kouzineri
& EvropisKouzeineri (cuisinière) is a steak house restaurant in love with high-quality meat, right in the center of Heraklion city, Crete, offer
Τοποθεσία
Homo Sapiens is a totally original museum in which the course and the evolution of human being since the times living in the caves until today unfolds. The fact that literally from scratch, and by having his mind as the only resource, the human being managed to become the dominant being of nature, is something that reveals the greatness of human spirit. This greatness is depicted in the Homo Sapiens museum.
The visitor is transported tens of thousands year ago, back to the period of caves and then experiences the man’s agonizing effort to get out of the caves by making huts with every material he could find around him. Next, he experiences the Paleolithic Era (Stone Age) where the dominant material was stone, either used as a weapon or as a tool, and Neolithic Age where human processed the stone and made ceramics. Lastly, the visitor experiences the Metal Age.
In addition, there is also a wonderful presentation of wheat including all the phases from the process of sowing to the final stage of baked bread in the oven. All these are processed in a primitive way which had been going on for thousands of years. Afterwards, the visitor can see the evolution of the wheel which is one of the greatest inventions.
Moreover, Pantheon, the twelve-side temple of the gods of Olympus with an altar at its center and Zeus in a dominant position accompanied by the other Gods around him-reminding of a divine council- Is also hosted in the museum as a miniature.
All in all, the exhibits of the museum cover the period from 8,000 BC to 2,200 BC and in this way all the periods of human’s evolution are captured in an amazing effort to get to know the versatile and highly inventive thinking of human being and mainly the efforts he made in order to survive
Museu do Homo Sapiens
Homo Sapiens is a totally original museum in which the course and the evolution of human being since the times living in the caves until today unfolds. The fact that literally from scratch, and by having his mind as the only resource, the human being managed to become the dominant being of nature, is something that reveals the greatness of human spirit. This greatness is depicted in the Homo Sapiens museum.
The visitor is transported tens of thousands year ago, back to the period of caves and then experiences the man’s agonizing effort to get out of the caves by making huts with every material he could find around him. Next, he experiences the Paleolithic Era (Stone Age) where the dominant material was stone, either used as a weapon or as a tool, and Neolithic Age where human processed the stone and made ceramics. Lastly, the visitor experiences the Metal Age.
In addition, there is also a wonderful presentation of wheat including all the phases from the process of sowing to the final stage of baked bread in the oven. All these are processed in a primitive way which had been going on for thousands of years. Afterwards, the visitor can see the evolution of the wheel which is one of the greatest inventions.
Moreover, Pantheon, the twelve-side temple of the gods of Olympus with an altar at its center and Zeus in a dominant position accompanied by the other Gods around him-reminding of a divine council- Is also hosted in the museum as a miniature.
All in all, the exhibits of the museum cover the period from 8,000 BC to 2,200 BC and in this way all the periods of human’s evolution are captured in an amazing effort to get to know the versatile and highly inventive thinking of human being and mainly the efforts he made in order to survive
The Crete Golf club is a marvellous new addition to Europe's rich reservoir of courses and will soon be regarded as one of the finest tests in the whole of the southern Mediterranean.
It is described as a desert golf course hewn out of rolling landscape little more than half an hour from the international airport of Heraklion. It boasts a series of memorable holes that will test every aspect of a golfer's repertoire and offers stunning views over mountainous landscape that has hardly changed since the Minoan era back in 2600 to 1100 BC. The standard of service at Crete Golf Club is exemplary and adds a great deal to what is already a special experience.
187 moradores locais recomendam
Clube de Golfe de Creta
The Crete Golf club is a marvellous new addition to Europe's rich reservoir of courses and will soon be regarded as one of the finest tests in the whole of the southern Mediterranean.
It is described as a desert golf course hewn out of rolling landscape little more than half an hour from the international airport of Heraklion. It boasts a series of memorable holes that will test every aspect of a golfer's repertoire and offers stunning views over mountainous landscape that has hardly changed since the Minoan era back in 2600 to 1100 BC. The standard of service at Crete Golf Club is exemplary and adds a great deal to what is already a special experience.
Μουσείο
The Natural History Museum of Crete in Heraklion is housed since 2007 in the renovated former premises of the Heraklion Public Power Corporation, near the gate Dermatas and was founded in 1980. With an area of 3,500 m2, it is the largest exhibition of its kind in the Mediterranean, showcasing the natural environment of Crete and the wider Mediterranean area in an innovative, original way. Visitors have the opportunity to explore Cretan ecosystems alongside their equivalents in mainland Greece and elsewhere in the Mediterranean via dioramas, i.e. full-scale models of natural landscapes. Other areas are dedicated to exhibits such as the Giant Deinotherium, the largest prehistoric animal ever to live on Crete, the Living Museum, a display of typical animals of Crete and the Mediterranean, the Enceladus- an earthquake simulator where one can experience several earthquakes known to have occurred in different areas in the past, as well as the Erevnotopos Discovery Centre, an area specially designed for our younger visitors, where they can dig for fossils and explore Cretan nature hands-on.
Since 2016 there also three temporary exhibitions; "Dinosaurs extreme", with real-size reconstructions of dinosaurs with extreme characteristics, e.g. the largest, the smallest, the oldest, the fastest and of course the famous T-rex. The second exhibition, "Light Mysteries", is an exhibition which includes aspects of holography and optics, through experiments and illusions. There is also the display “Crete, a continent in an island“, featuring numerous exhibits and micro-dioramas on the biodiversity and geodiversity of Crete.
227 moradores locais recomendam
Natural History Museum of Crete
Leoforos Sofokli VenizelouThe Natural History Museum of Crete in Heraklion is housed since 2007 in the renovated former premises of the Heraklion Public Power Corporation, near the gate Dermatas and was founded in 1980. With an area of 3,500 m2, it is the largest exhibition of its kind in the Mediterranean, showcasing the natural environment of Crete and the wider Mediterranean area in an innovative, original way. Visitors have the opportunity to explore Cretan ecosystems alongside their equivalents in mainland Greece and elsewhere in the Mediterranean via dioramas, i.e. full-scale models of natural landscapes. Other areas are dedicated to exhibits such as the Giant Deinotherium, the largest prehistoric animal ever to live on Crete, the Living Museum, a display of typical animals of Crete and the Mediterranean, the Enceladus- an earthquake simulator where one can experience several earthquakes known to have occurred in different areas in the past, as well as the Erevnotopos Discovery Centre, an area specially designed for our younger visitors, where they can dig for fossils and explore Cretan nature hands-on.
Since 2016 there also three temporary exhibitions; "Dinosaurs extreme", with real-size reconstructions of dinosaurs with extreme characteristics, e.g. the largest, the smallest, the oldest, the fastest and of course the famous T-rex. The second exhibition, "Light Mysteries", is an exhibition which includes aspects of holography and optics, through experiments and illusions. There is also the display “Crete, a continent in an island“, featuring numerous exhibits and micro-dioramas on the biodiversity and geodiversity of Crete.
Μουσείο
The collection of the Minoan antiquities in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion in Heraklion is the largest in the world and the museum is considered the main Museum of Minoan civilization. It is classified as one of the largest and most remarkable museums in Greece and one of the most important in Europe. It is built in a spacious building with 27 rooms on the site of Saint Francis temple, which is now ruined.
Its exhibits include representative samples from all periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering about 5500 years, from the Neolithic period to Roman times. Dominant in his collections are the unique masterpieces of Minoan art, such as the goddess of Snakes, the bullhead, the Kamares vessels, the famous frescoes of the Prince of Lilies and the Tavrokathapsia, the Disk of Phaestus, the Ring of Minos, the double axes of Arkalochori, etc.
474 moradores locais recomendam
Museu Arqueológico de Heraklion
1 ChatzidakiThe collection of the Minoan antiquities in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion in Heraklion is the largest in the world and the museum is considered the main Museum of Minoan civilization. It is classified as one of the largest and most remarkable museums in Greece and one of the most important in Europe. It is built in a spacious building with 27 rooms on the site of Saint Francis temple, which is now ruined.
Its exhibits include representative samples from all periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering about 5500 years, from the Neolithic period to Roman times. Dominant in his collections are the unique masterpieces of Minoan art, such as the goddess of Snakes, the bullhead, the Kamares vessels, the famous frescoes of the Prince of Lilies and the Tavrokathapsia, the Disk of Phaestus, the Ring of Minos, the double axes of Arkalochori, etc.