Place of Interest

Samaria Gorge

Samaria George: The longest gorge in Europe the Samaria Gorge is a spectacular sight, it starts in on the Omalos Plateau in the Lefka Ori Mountain and winds its way down 18 km, to the Libyan Sea . Created a national park in 1962, it is a one of the last reserves for the Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri). Organised tours are available and are the best way to see the Gorge; good walking shoes are required for this tour, not recommended for small children or those who are not in reasonable shape; because once you start on the tour down the Gorge, there is no short cut out of it.

The trip takes five to seven hours, starting at the top you descend into the gorge by a winding path with wooden handrails, the so-called wooden stairs; the views are fantastic as the mountains tower above as you descend to the floor of the gorge. After 4km, you will reach the tiny chapel of Agios Nikolaos; here if you are lucky you might see young wild goats grazing. Further, along the trail you will reach the deserted village of Samaria , the inhabitants had to leave the area when the gorge became a national park.The tour continues towards the Iron Gates, at only 3m wide between the towering rocks it is the narrowest part of the gorge. A few more kilometres you will reach the village of Agia Roumeli on the coast of the Libyan Sea , where you can rest your feet and quench your thirst.

Imbros Gorge: as beautiful as the Samaria Gorge but not as busy, starting at the village of Imbros the gorge descends 300m through trees and shrubs, it is only 8km long and 2m at its narrowest point it ends at the village of Komitades, where you can walk 5km to Hora Sfakion.

Elafonissi

This small islet has a tragic past; in 1824 about 800 women and children sought refuge on the islet, the Turks who at the time were trying to subdue any signs of rebellion against their rule, found the way to the islet and duly slaughtered all the refugees. Today it is a more peaceful place, a couple of tavernas on the beach.

 

Falassarna

Falassarna was a powerful city in Hellenic times, well fortified and a good harbour, today the sea levels have receded so the remains are 300m above the shoreline. A quiet resort with good beaches nearby especially the “Pahia Ammos” which translates to thick sand. With small hotels and tavernas it is a ideal spot to relax.

Moni Hrysoskalitissas: on a remote area near to the southwest of the island lies this white washed cloister, once the home of about 200 nuns, now there is only one monk remaining. Built in the 13th century with the church built in the 19 th century, the foundations are on the site of a Minoan temple. The name Moni Hrysoskalitissas means the “monastery with the golden stairway” as there is a stairway with 90 steps going down to the sea, and according to legend, one of the steps is made of gold. The only way you can see this golden step is if you are pure of heart and free from sin.

Lake Kournas : Crete ’s only lake is 4km inland from the village Georgioupolis; here you hire canoes and pedal boats. The lake is a good place to swim and to relax, a number of eating-places around the lake. Take walk up to the village of Kournas where there is a taverna, and a shop that sells nice ceramics.

Aptera: the ruins of this ancient city lie on a plateau over looking Souda Bay . Built in the 7 th century BC the city became an influential power in western Crete , destroyed by an earthquake in the 7 th century AD. The Byzantines rebuilt the city in the 10 th century, the restored monastery in the centre dates from the 12 th century AD. Ongoing archaeological are still revealing more of this city, many of the buildings are undergoing restoration to give the visitor an insight into the life of the ancient city.