Voyager Info Crete

05/04/2025

Omalos plateau in the province Viannos is located at the southern foot of the second-highest peak of Mount Dikti, Afendis Christos (2141m), 60km southeast of the city of Heraklion. It can be accessed through the forest road starting from Kato Simi, but there are also alternative routes that are worth driving. Another road starts from Ano Viannos and merges another one from Kefalovrisi and then heads to Omalos through the peak Pandoura (1513m). The third road starts from the village of Miliaradon near Embaros and comes south and parallel to the wild gorge of Erganos.
This small plateau is almost unknown to all Cretans, who confuse it with the famous White Mountains in the White Mountains in Chania prefecture (West Crete). The plateau of Viannos is smaller than Omalos in Chania, thus it is also frequently called Small Omalos. Omalos is a wonderful place worth visiting, combined with trips to the nearby mountains, gorges, and picturesque villages. Here you will experience the wild beauty of authentic Crete, away from any human urban activity. Omalos is the starting point for various hiking trails, the most famous being the path from Kato Symi, the path from Kefalovrisi, and the path that ascends to Afendis Christos Peak.
In Omalos there is nothing, except the small chapel dedicated to the Holly Spirit (Agio Pnevma ). The plateau is only used by local shepherds during the summer months. Every winter the plateau is dressed in white, making the landscape very beautiful. When the snow melts in the center of the plateau a small lake is formed, which is still there till early summer.
Omalos was the spot where the famous hero of the writer Ioannis Kondylakis, Patouchas, was grazing his animals in his novel Patouchas.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Small Omalos Plateau cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/plateaus-and-planes/small-omalos-plateau-viannos

04/04/2025

This part of the E4 European trail ascends on the east slopes of Agia Irini Gorge with amazing views to the surrounding pine and cypress groves and concludes in the plateau Omalos, the starting point of many popular trails in the White Mountains (such as Samaria Gorge, Gigilos Peak and Kallergis shelter).
Starting from Sougia, apart from the gorge of Agia Irini, we can choose the alternative route that comes through the beautiful settlement Koustogerako. We initially follow the asphalt road that passes through the gorge and then follow the road that reaches the village Livadas and Koustogerako. From there we can reach Koustogerako at an altitude of 500 meters. The route from Sougia to Koustogerako main square is entirely in paved road. However, there are some subpaths you can follow, such as the nice stone paved trail of Livadas - Koustogerako.
From Koustogerako main square we follow the dirt road to the southeast that ascends to the church of Transfiguration of the Christ (Metamorfosi). We meet the church and keep walking in the main dirt road for about 2km (from the village square). At the end of the road we meet a pen and keep walking in the path heading north. The trail from hereon is signed with red marks, heads northwards and approaches the bare peak in front of us. After several kilometers we meet the road to Greleska observatory (on the left) and turn right till we meet the road connecting Agia Irini to Omalos and turn right. We soon pass the position Seliniotikos Giros, namely the southwest passage to the plateau Omalos, where we stop.
As the entire route needs 7-8 hours to explore, we suggest that you drive the first part to Koustogerako and then walk the rest 4:30 hours to Omalos plateau or break the course into two days (Sougia - Koustogerako and Koustogerako-Omalos)
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Sougia - Koustogerako - Omalos cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/what-to-do-in-crete/outdoor-activities-and-adventure/trekking-and-hiking-in-crete/the-e4-european-trail/e4-sougia-koustogerako-omalos

03/04/2025

Cave Sarhos, Honos or Nychteridospilios is located west of the village Sarhos, at an altitude of 276m. It is one of the largest and most important caves of Crete, which is particularly loved by cavers because of its complexity and large length. The total paths in the cave exceed the length of 1500m, while the depth of the cavern reaches 230m. The entrance is 4.5m wide and 3m high. One characteristic of the cave is the alternating rooms and spacious corridors/galleries. The cave, in all its routes, has a downhill slope. Honos is a part of the ancient underground torrent that brought the water from Mount Ida to the north coast. The decoration of the cave is limited, old and disintegrated. Prevalent decor items are stalagmites, stalactites and some corallines. The cave is home to three major species of bats in Crete. Thus, this is why locals call the cave Nychteridospilios, which means “cave of the bats”.
The cave is divided into two sections. The first section starts from the entrance and extends 780m in length and 130m in depth. It is the active part of the cave, which receives inputs of water in extremely rare cases. The second section starts from the end of the previous part and extends along the cave until the depth of 228m. This is the seasonally active network, where there is a strong flow of water in rainy seasons, making it extremely dangerous. It is no coincidence that in November 2003, the cave became known nationwide for a very difficult mission to rescue 3 cavers, who were trapped in the cave after rainfall. The rescue operation lasted 4 days and was very tough.
The cave is also called Honos (i.e. cave that swallows), and actually it is a sink that drains water flowing through the gaps found in "Krousonas Livadi " and "Vromonero” plateaus. During heavy rains, large amounts of water enter the cave through the lower levels. Honos was studied in 1975, flowing 23 cubic meters of water from its entrance. It is one of the major suppliers of Almyros spring, which is located 13.5 km northern.
The cave has always been used by the residents of the region, either shepherds or for seeking protection. It has great historical importance, since during the revolts against the Turks, people used it as a refuge (1746-1896). Especially in the revolution of 1866-69, women from the village took refuge in Chonos to protect themselves from Turks. The failure of the Turks to burn the cave with the women, forced them to sign a protocol with the head of the guards of the cave, Philippakis. This had a favorable impact on the Cretan struggle against Turkish occupation.
In 2015 a very rare phenomeno took place in Sarhos. The very strong rain- and snowfalls of this year made the cave flood from its entrance. This phenomenon was last seen in 70s.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Sarhos Cave cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/caves/sarhos-cave

02/04/2025

Ancient Lappa was built near the current town of Argyroupolis, located 27km south of Rethymno. The area is now famous for its springs with waterfalls, its old mills and the lush green landscape that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Lappa, later Lappi or Lambi, is one of the towns said to have been founded by Agamemnon in Crete. In Lapa fled the citizens of Lyttos after the massacre of Lyttos by Knossos. In 193 BC Lappa became ally with Teos and in 183BC with Pergamon.
The city flourished till 68AD, when the Roman general Quintus Caecilius Metellus destroyed it. It recovered as a Roman town with special privileges at the end of Roman Era. It s glory is mirrored in the magnificent monuments that have been found and the coins minted. In the area, Roman baths and basilicas with mosaics have been identified, inscriptions and statues of Zeus, Aphrodite and Dionysus. It also seems that the Cave of Agia Dynami played an important role, with the very important spring that gushes through the rock.
Moreover, next to the village there is the temple of the Five Virgins (Thekla, Marianna, Ethane, Martha and Mary), who are believed to have died there. Next to it lies the Roman necropolis with carved tombs, in a green area with a water spring and a plane tree that has been designated a natural monument.
After the arrival of the Arabs in Crete, the town and the Diocese founded by Apostle Titus were destroyed. During the Venetian period, the city passed from the hands of Hortatsis family to Alexios Kallergis. Then it again thrived, which is strongly reflected to the splendid Venetian buildings of the village. The Turks called the town Gaidouropoli (i.e. Donkey Town) till 1822, when the rebels renamed it Argyroupolis. In Argyroupolis took place the General Assembly of Crete in 1867 and 1878, the year that Cretans declared the Union of Crete with Greece and the attempt failed.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Ancient Lappa cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/history-of-crete/archaeological-sites-in-crete/classical-and-greco-roman-era/ancient-lappa-argyroupoli-pente-parthenes

01/04/2025

30/03/2025

Arkadi Monastery is located near the village Amnatos, 23km east of Rethymno. It is built at an altitude of 500m, on a fertile plateau with olive groves, vineyards, pine, cypress and oak trees. Around the monastery there are several picturesque chapels and from there starts the beautiful Arkadi gorge.
The exact date of the foundation of the monastery is unknown, but it is believed that it was actually founded by Byzantine Emperor Arkadios in the 12th century. According to another version, the name is taken after a monk called Arkadios, who first founded the monastery. Moreover, the monastery was called Tsanli Manastir by the Turks (i.e. beneficiary bell), as the Arkadi monastery was the only Cretan monastery that had the right to ring its bells.
The initial church of the monastery was dedicated to Saint Constantine and Helen and some ruins of it are preserved in the northwestern part of the monastery enclosure. Arkadi is surrounded by massif walls that made it impregnable from the enemies and its rich fortification attracted the rebellious Cretans. Many Turkish and Greek documents are referring to the life and the adventures of the monastery, that provided educational, national, ethical and monetary support for the locals.
Arkadi is certainly the most historic monastery of Crete and has become the most sacred symbol of the struggle of the Cretans for liberation. It is the theater of the tragic Battle of 1866, which opened the way for the liberation of the island in 1898. Indeed, UNESCO has designated Arkadi as a European Freedom Monument.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Arkadi Monastery cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/religious-monuments-on-crete/monasteries-in-crete/arkadi-monastery

29/03/2025

The small but impressive gorge of Anydri is located east of Paleochora and collects the water from the area of Asfendiles and Ancient Hyrtakina, through the stream Dichalomata. It starts from the village Anidri and after a snaky course, about 3km long, between high cliffs it concludes at the beautiful beach Gialiskari.
Hiking in the canyon is easy and is done along the stream, which in summer has no water. There are no many trees and rocky sides are quite short, so make sure that you have a hat and sunscreen with you.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Anydri Gorge cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/gorges-and-canyons-in-crete/west-crete-gorges-chania/anydri-gorge

28/03/2025

Plateau Gious Kambos is located on the western edge of mount Kedros, between the Amari valley and Spili, about 31km south of Rethymno. The name Gious Kambos means the plane of Eos, who in Greek mythology was the goddess of the Dawn. The plateau can be accessed through the villages Gerakari, Kissos, Spili or Patsos. If you come here, it is worth combining your visit with a tour in the villages of Amari, observe the nature, meet the traditional residents, visit the dam of Potami, hike at Kedros Mount with the numerous waterfalls, and discover the south shores of Rethymno.
What makes this small plateau very important is its ecological value. In the spring is filled with beautiful colors, as thousands of endemic red Cretan tulips (Tulipa doerfleri) form a reddish carpet. The species has been declared as protected by presidential decree in 1981, as it is found only in the plane of Gious, attracting many biologists from all over Europe every spring. Moreover, here grow many rare orchids; over five orchid species can coexist in one square meter in this important habitat of central Crete.
The spring of Agios Ioannis with the giant plane trees and gurgling water can refresh the visitors. In the fertile plateau vegetables are grown, known for their taste and prized for their nutritional value. The water from the small plateau feed the stream of Spili, the gorge of Kissos and the gorge of Agia Fotia.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Gious Kambos Plateau cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/plateaus-and-planes/gious-kambos-plateau

27/03/2025

One of the most mystical and most demanding paths of Crete is the part of the European trail E4 crossing of Mountain Desert of the White Mountains. Crossing the White Mountains usually takes three days and the route will fill our memory with amazing pictures from an unprecedented scenery. The mountains in winter are covered by snow, so summer and autumn are considered as the best seasons to try this.
The proposed route starts at the plateau of Omalos and the first night is spent at shelter Kallergis. On the second day, the first part of the Mountain Desert till the shelter Katsiveli is done. On the third day, the course ends at Niatos and from there to the plateau Askyfou.
In the afternoon of the first day we hike from Omalos plateau to Kallergis shelter, either from the trail starting from Xyloskalo or via the dirt road that heads to Kallergis. Hiking from Omalos to the shelter Kallergis takes about 1.5 hour. In the following morning we follow the dirt road to the east and catch the path to Melidaou Peak. We look for the typical yellow - black signs of the E4 and ascend at the south side of the peak Melidaou at around 2100m.
From Melidaou we start descending to Plakoseli plateau (altitude 1860m) and then to Papasifi Mitato (altitude 1800m) and keep looking for the e4 signs. We then come by the starting point of Eligia Gorge and finally reach the shelter of Chouliopoulos above Katsiveli plateau, in the core of Mountain Desert. We stay overnigh and continue the next part of the route on the next day.
Omalos - Kallergis 5 km (1:30) and Kallergis - Katsiveli 15km (6:30)
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Omalos - Kallergis - Katsiveli cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/what-to-do-in-crete/outdoor-activities-and-adventure/trekking-and-hiking-in-crete/the-e4-european-trail/e4-omalos-kallergis-katsiveli

26/03/2025

Parakalouri, now known as Saint Constantine, is a small village of the province of Mirabello. Apart from the frescoed church of St. Constantine, visitors in winter and early spring can see the 7 acre seasonal pond of Livadi which is surrounded by dense vegetation and hosts bird fauna.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Parakalouri Lake cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/lakes-and-wetlands-in-crete/livadi-lake-parakalouri

25/03/2025

24/03/2025

Ellinospilios cave is a beautiful cave of Afrata area where significant archaeological findings have been revealed, such as tombs. In some places there are ponds with water, where bubbles float from calcareous material, considered a rare cavernous material. With the slightest water turbulence bubbles break and produce a noise like tearing of fabric.
The path to the cave is quite rough due to the rocky terrain of the region and is mainly suggested to experienced walkers. In order to enter the cave it is necessary to have appropriate expertise and equipment. The path to the cave is located north of Afrata and continues northeast.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Ellinospilios Cave cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/caves/ellinospilios-cave-kolimbari

23/03/2025

The monastery of Holy Cross (Timios Stavros) in Vosako is built in a small plateau between the peaks Koutroulis and Mesokofinas of the Talean Mountains, 50km east of Rethymno. The monastery can be accessed by car via the village Doxaro and the rough landscape is amazing. There is a second road starting from Sisses village.
Vossako name comes from the abbreviation of the Greek words vous (buff) and sakos (fold) and means cattle pen, as the plateau probably was used for feeding cattle.
The monastery is built like a fortress and the main temple (Katholiko) is dedicated to the Holy Cross. When the monastery celebrates, pilgrims walk to the monastery along a rough path starting from Kalo Horafi, near Panagia Charakiani in Bali (2-3 hours).
Till the late 20th century, the monastery was completely deserted and ruined, but today it has been restored and is operates normally. The buildings are located on two levels with two courtyards. The main temple is built in the south courtyard. Outside the temple stands a beautiful Venetian fountain, while the main entrance is imposing.
The monastery played an important revolutionary role against the Turks, so it was twice destroyed by them.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Vossako Monastery cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/religious-monuments-on-crete/monasteries-in-crete/vossako-monastery-doxaro

22/03/2025

Sirikari is located 55km west of Chania and 17km south of Kissamos, in a lush green area with canyons and streams. The road to Sirikari is paved and runs through the dense vegetation, indicating the beauty of the area at the very first moment. From here, the two parallel gorges of Sirikari actually start; Tsichliano to the west and Kioliano or Sirikariano to the east, both ending at the settlement of Polirinia, where the ancient town of Polirinia was built. The ancient walls of the city are preserved in quite good condition in its citadel, on a high hill overlooking the bay of Kissamos.
Near Sirikari is formed an amazing forest with tall chestnut trees, small waterfalls and gurgling streams. It is not the only chestnut wood in Chania prefecture, as there are several ones around to the slopes of the White Mountains. However, it is one of the most beautiful and covers quite a large area.
Next to Sirikari, in Sineniana, there are two old watermills in very good condition. Also, it is worth visiting the Church of the Assumption, especially on the 15th of August, when a traditional fest takes place. The church is built in the chestnut grove, and you will see also other trees such as holm oak trees, cypresses and plane trees. A little further on, you can visit the abandoned village with the wonderful oak wood. Moreover, in Sirikari village it is worth visiting the 15th-century Byzantine church of the Holy Apostles (Agii Apostoli).
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Sirikari Gorge cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/gorges-and-canyons-in-crete/west-crete-gorges-chania/sirikari-gorge

21/03/2025

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.
The palace was the seat of the legendary King Minos and has been associated with famous Greek myths, like that of Daedalus and Icarus, the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. Minos was not a person, but a series of kings with the same name (as we say Pharaoh in Egypt). He was deified and he was thought to be the son of Europa and Zeus, as described in the story of the R**e of Europe.
The palace of Minos was the heart of the city of Knossos, with constant presence in the historical events of Crete from the Neolithic era till the early Byzantine era. The first excavations at Knossos were made by the Cretan archaeologist Minos Kalokerinos in 1878, who found many old storage pots and other objects.
However his work stopped shortly due to the Cretan – Turkish wars and was later continued by the Englishman Arthur Evans. The work of Evans started in 1900 and was completed in 1930, with the end of his restorations. Evans has received harsh criticism because of the large-scale restoration works in the palace using cement. However, one can discern that the perception of the palace today would not be so good, if all buildings were kept torn down, as found by Evans.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Minos Palace in Knossos cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/history-of-crete/archaeological-sites-in-crete/minoan-times-palaces-and-sites/minos-palace-in-knossos

19/03/2025

Plateau Askifou is located 50km south of Chania, in one of the nicest and most authentic areas of the White Mountains. The wild mountains around and the serenity of the valley, form a magnificent landscape all year round. In winter the plateau is dressed in white many times, since the altitude is around 1200 meters, while in summer it's a haven of green and cool temperatures.
The plateau brings a lake in mind from above and its name means “cup” in ancient Greek, because of its shape. Askifou has four small villages with few inhabitants, most of them being shepherds. Some also work in tourism, since the main road connecting Sfakia with Chania runs through the plateau. So, here you will find some traditional taverns and lodgings, while in recent years some luxurious agrotourism units have appeared.
In the middle of the plateau, above the village Goni, there's a hill at the top of which there are ruins of two Turkish castles. The Koules of Askifou, as they are called, were built by the Turks in the late 19th century to control the passage to Sfakia. During the period of the great revolutions in Crete against the Ottomans, a battle took place in the secluded plateau, where the rebels from Sfakia defeated the Turkish Army (1821). However, in 1823, the Turks returned and destroyed the villages and the plateau was abandoned.
The southern edge of the Askifou plateau is the starting point of the imposing gorge of Imbros, which is visited by many tourists every day (in summer). Parallel to the canyon, runs the main road to Sfakia, in an amazing piney route along the cliffs of the gorge. Another nice route that you could follow is through the abandoned village Asfendou, then along the Gorge of Kallikratis, to take the serpentine road to Frangokastelo or keep driving to Asi Gonia and then Argiroupolis.
A few miles west of Askifou two smaller plateaus are shaped, with the utmost beauty below the imposing peak Kastri (2215m altitude). The first plateau that you meet by driving from Askifou is called Tavri, while the second is called Niato. Tavri hosts the nice E4 trail that comes from Katsiveli in the heart of the mountain desert and ends at Askyfouthat serves those mainly trekking in the E4 trail that comes from Katsiveli in the heart of the mountain desert and ends at Askyfou.
The village Kares houses the private small War Museum of George Hatzidakis. The museum exhibits a variety of weapons dating back to 1770, with their main quantity coming from the Second World War. Rifles, pistols, swords, bombs, missiles, aircraft parts, and other military equipment belong to the museum's collection.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Askyfou Plateau cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/plateaus-and-planes/askyfou-plateau-sfakia

18/03/2025

The last part of the E4 trail in Heraklion province is actually the ancient passage from the province Pediada to Lassithi plateau, which was the major road and was used from the Minoan Times till the first decades of the 20th century, before the massive construction of roads in Crete. The path offers amazing views and the stone paved trail constitutes an attraction itself.
From Kastamonitsa, the E4 European trail heads eastwards and comes south of the remnants of the ancient aqueduct of Lyktos at position Tihos. After some meters we meet a small spring with fresh water and then we meet the former monastery of Saint George at position Mesada, where the ravine of Vatonero exits. Mesada is actually the starting point of the Minoan trail, which soon offers spectacular views to the plane of Pediada.
After about 2 hours of tiring ascend we meet a commemorative stone label at location Tomb of Tsoulis (Tsouli Mnima) and a pile of stones. According to tradition, from this path used to come the Janissary (Turk) Tsoulis from village Aski and made the Christians of the region suffer. Once, in 1817, a team of Christians decided to kill him. They waited for him at the location Seli of Hortatsa and murdered him. Then they cut off his head and hung it on the saddle of his horse, leaving it free. The animal returned to Aski, transferring the news of extermination of the janissary. The headless co**se was buried here and covered with stones. On this primitive grave, the Christians who came by, threw a stone with an accompanying curse "All Turks should go like this". Over time a large pile of stones formed and the placename of Seli of Hortatsa was renamed (officially) to Tsoulis Mnima (Tomb).
From Tsouli Mnima we descend along a dirt road to the main road connecting all village of plateau Lassithi, near Kato Metohi village. Here we can stop our course or continue to Agios Georgios village, that is the starting point of two E4 subparts. The route from Kastamonitsa to Kato Metohi takes about 3 hours and the part from Kato Metohi to Agios Georgios takes about 1:30 hours.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Kastamonitsa - Tsouli Mnina - Agios Georgios (Lassithi Plateau) cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/what-to-do-in-crete/outdoor-activities-and-adventure/trekking-and-hiking-in-crete/the-e4-european-trail/e4-kastamonitsa-tsouli-mnina-agios-georgios-lassithi-plateau

17/03/2025

Damania village is a small and quiet village at the most fertile part of Monofatsi district, Heraklion Prefecture. All locals came from Minor Asia, just after the disaster in Smyrna (1922). The village has recently been added to the villages that have a dam nearby, as a small dam was built to retain water from the tributary of Anapodaris River.
The serene lake is a nice idea for a daily excursion and picnic near Heraklion city. There is a trail and dirt track around the lake, from where you can watch the birds that have already found this place!
At the west part of the lake there is a small hill called Zaviana, over which traces of an ancient settlement have been identified. We can still discern the bases of the buildings and pottery sherds around. North of the lake, atop hill Kefala, there are the traces of the old Damania village with a destroyed tower, which was populated by Turks, that has fantasic views to the lake. South of the lake, there is the impressive and very old chapel dedicated to Zoodohos Pigi (Life Giving Spring).
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Damania Dam Lake cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/lakes-and-wetlands-in-crete/damania-dam-lake