Voyager Info Crete

03/02/2025

The canyons Astrakiano and Kounaviano are two lush green gorges that merge near the village Skalani and empty on the beach of Karteros. The total length of both canyons combined is about 21 km. The gorges are located east of Heraklion city and belong to the wider area of Mount Jiouktas. They all are very easy for walking, ideal for children and families. The longest canyon, Astrakiano, starts at the position Paliarda at Kolomodi and reaches the area below the deserted village of Kato Astraki after crossing the scenic bridge of Astrakiani Kamara. From Kato Astraki starts a short trail that leads to the site of Neraidospilios with the beautiful pond and the caves through which water gushes.
From here actually starts the path in the river of Karteros along a lush green path, well structured with wooden bridges and railings. After passing the bridge of Aitania at Kaki Rachi we arrive at the area Kali Rachi, where Astrakiano merges with the Kounaviano Gorge that starts from Peza. From Kali Rachi the river continues its way to Karteros through well organized path. This part, known as Karteros Gorge, runs next to old water mills and the very old church of Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos). Neat the exit of the gorge Karteros, at position Mesa Karteros, there is an old inn and second old chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas. This place is an ideal resting place for picnics and can be accessed with car from Karteros.
The canyon Astrakiano (Astraki - Kali Rachi) is approximately 7km long and hiking takes 3-4 hours. The part of Kounaviano Gorge (Peza- Kali Rachi) is approximately 4km long and trekking takes about 2 hours. The common part of the gorge Karteros (till the second chapel of Saint Nicholas (Kali Rachi – Mesa Karteros) is approximately 6km. The route in the canyons is rich in natural, morphological, aesthetic, historical and cultural features. It is a landscape of outstanding natural beauty, with springs, ponds, rivers, small waterfalls and lush vegetation. Before the Second World War in the canyon operated 10 watermills, while the locals were fishing eels and crabs, some still exist.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Astrakiano Gorge cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/gorges-and-canyons-in-crete/central-crete-gorges-heraklion/astrakiano-gorge

02/02/2025

The monastery of Kallergis or Kaleris is located southeast of Smari village, about 35km east of Heraklion and 4km north of Kastelli. It is built in a wooded area with many hills and mountainous morphology.
The monastery, built during the Venetian Era, is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and is a dependency of Vidiani Monastery in Lassithi Plateau. The monastery in its present form is relatively new and is believed to have been built on the ruins of an older monastery, the ruined cells of which are preserved in the nearby church of Prophet Elijah.
Today, the monastery is restored by the "Friends of the Monastery Kalergis" Association. The main building and the refectory have been restored. Outside the monastery complex, there is a newer two-aisled church dedicated to St. George and St. Spyridon. Also, there's a chapel dedicated to the Cretan Martyrs.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Kallergis Monastery near Kasteli cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/religious-monuments-on-crete/monasteries-in-crete/kallergis-monastery-near-kasteli

01/02/2025

30/01/2025

Amari valley is formed between the ranges Kedros and Psiloritis, with altitude fluctuating from 400 to 500m and is 25km long. It is the natural passage from the north prefecture of Rethymno to the south and Messara Plain. For its strategic location, it was the theater of several historical events, especially during the Ottoman rule. The valley is adorned with picturesque villages, with the largest being Fourfouras.
Amari is one of the areas of Crete with the most rainfalls; indeed its name is taken after amara that it an ancient greek word for a water channel. Platys River starts from Amari and exits in Agia Galini, while there is one of the largest dams in Crete, the dam of Potami. Byzantine churches, Minoan settlements and wild mountains are dispersed throughout the entire county. The gorge of Patsos with the cave of Saint Anthony, the ancient town of Sivrytos, the monastery of Asomati, the Minoan settlements in Monastiraki and Apodoulou are the most famous sights of Amari.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Amari Valley cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/plateaus-and-planes/amari-valley

26/01/2025

The monastery of Saint George Gorgolainis is located at an altitude of 480m, next to the village Asites, 24km south of Heraklion. It is built in a lush green area with huge platan, cypress, and oak trees. Indeed, one platan and one cypress tree inside the complex have been declared as protected natural monuments by law.
The monastery, one of the oldest in Crete, has survived from several attacks during the Turkish occupation, as it housed the rebels of the area. Some of them were the chieftains Michael Korakas and Fragias Mastrahas, two very famous heroes throughout Crete. Inside the monastery, you will see the statue and the tomb of Mastrahas, who was killed in 1868 while fighting against the Turks in Asites.
The monastery reserves the authenticity of the past, as the monks do not use electrical equipment during the liturgy. The temple is dedicated to Saint George and is equipped with an artful iconostasis. Despite the fact that the temple is very old, the surrounding monks’ cells are quite new. You will get impressed with the old Venetian fountain, which till 1990 was equipped with an imposing marble lion, which was then stolen.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Saint George Gorgolainis Monastery cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/religious-monuments-on-crete/monasteries-in-crete/saint-george-gorgolainis-monastery-asites

25/01/2025

This part of the E4 trail connects the core of Rouvas Wood to the east outskirts of Psiloritis mount and gives its position to the next trail crossing the fertile valleys of Heraklion prefecture. It is quite tiring, as it ascends from altitude 950m to 1779m and then descends to 490m. The route offers a great experience of the oak wooded forest of Rouvas, the bare peaks of east Priloritis and, if you are lucky, a nice stay in the shelter of Prinos.
We start our course from the heart of the forest of Rouvas (altitude 950m) and the church of St John, which is anyway one of the nicest places in Crete for a daily break. Benches, spring water and a beautiful scenery with high trees compose the setting here. We follow the dirt road that heads up to meet the road coming from Nida to Gergeri. After 4.5 km course, we meet the junction next to some round stone huts (mitata) and here we have to turn left (towards Nida).
After about 2200m along the main dirt road we turn right to a small dirt road that ends soon. We continue the ascent on the west slope of the peak Gyristi, among oaks and shrubs. The path is not very clear, so we have to look for the E4 signs and red marks. After about one hour of ascent we arrive at an altitude of 1620 m., north of summit Gyristi (1774 m.). From this point we have spectacular views to Heraklion and the valley of Rouvas Wood.
From here we start descending to Prinos shelter, next to the spring of the area. Prinos is being managed by the Mountaineering club of Heraklion and is a nice place to stay overnight. From Prinos we follow the downhill path and we soon meet a dirt road, which runs to village Asites (altitude 490m). At the end of the dirt road we meet the main paved road to Asites, that comes by the monastery of Saint George Gorgolainis, one of the oldest in Crete.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Trail Rouvas Wood - Giristi - Prinos - Asites 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-rouvas-wood-giristi-prinos-asites

24/01/2025

Near the beach of Agia Fotia, province Sitia and in the location Vlychada, the largest cemetery of the Bronze Age (4500–3500 BC) in Greece has been located with 302 tombs, of which 50 had already been destroyed or looted. From the tombs came to light 1800 vessels of various types, stone and bronze objects (axes, hand mills, hooks, spearheads, etc.). The tombs were primitive, chamber-like or simple pits dug in soft rock.
A few meters to the west, on the hill of Kefala, traces of the settlement that was associalted with the cemetery of Vlychada have been found. A rectangular building of the Middle Minoan period has been discovered, where there are indications of a metallurgical installation, as molds were found for the construction of copper axes. The foundations of two large round buildings were later built on the ruins of the same building, which are probably vaulted tombs (which are very rare in Eastern Minoan Crete).
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Agia Fotia Necropolis cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/history-of-crete/archaeological-sites-in-crete/minoan-times-palaces-and-sites/agia-fotia-necropolis

23/01/2025

Omalos is located 38km south of Chania at an altitude ranging from 1,040 to 1,250 meters, surrounded by the high peaks of the White Mountains. The plateau is particularly beautiful in the winter, when it is frequently covered by snow. At older times, the plateau of Omalos was the shelter of the locals and the base of rebels during the two and a half centuries of the Turkish occupation, but also during all other wars against invaders. Moreover, locals grew grain and potatoes and there were many shepherd huts and "mitata" (cheese-dairies) where the marvelous cheese of the area was produced. During the German occupation in the Second World War, a small airport was also operating in Omalos for a short time.
Today, Omalos, and specifically Xiloskalo (1250m), is the starting point for the thousands of visitors of the famous 18km long Samaria Gorge. In Xyloskalo you’ll see the forest guard kiosk and the information center (museum like) about the White Mountains and the National Park of Samaria.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Omalos Plateau cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/plateaus-and-planes/omalos-plateau-chania

22/01/2025

Just a few meters away from the last houses of the village Samonas, road works revealed a small but really imposing cave in 1994, with rich décor and a small pond. In order to access the main room a ladder is used.
The cave entrance is locked in order to protect it from damage. If you want to visit it, ask the keys from Mr Kostas Gavrilakis (telephone 28250 41530) or the mountaineering Club of Chania (EOS)
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Samonas Cave cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/caves/samonas-cave

21/01/2025

Tripiti is the second large gorge parallel to Samaria gorge after Klados gorge. The entrance can be accessed from Omalos plateau through the trail of Gigilos peak that crosses Linosseli spring. In order to approach its entrance there is a dangerous passage where you risk getting stuck in huge landslides, so that you can neither walk on nor turn around and go back. Therefore, you should never attempt to cross this place without the es**rt of an experienced hiker.
Tripiti is one of the longest gorges in Crete and requires two days, as there is no road approaching its entrance. In the first day you can start from Plateau Omalos (altitude 1200 meters) and ascend to the peak of the inhospitable Gigilos (2080m). The trail runs across the spring Linoseli (1,400m) and then you should ascend to meet the col (mountain ridge) at 1700m where the trail from Koustogerako meets the trail of Gigilos. From the ridge actually starts the downhill route to the riverbed of Tripiti gorge and this point can be accessed from Omalos in 3 hours. You can spend the night on the ridge or walk a bit more till the ruined sheepfold of Tzatzimos.
Heading to Tripiti gorgeMysterious cross at Tripiti gorge, by Stephanos Papadomichelakis The narrow passage by LinoseliTripiti gorge and PikilasosTripiti gorge from Linoseli
On the next day follow the trail down to the point where it meets the river bed at an altitude of 700m and then, along the bed, reach the South Cretan Sea on the beach of Tripiti. Hiking from Gigilos to the beach takes about six hours. The gorge is truly amazing with its high steep walls, many of which are cavernous (tripiti takes its name after the caves, called tripes (holes) in Greek). Apart from the rich flora, it is not rare for hikers to meet the endangered Cretan ibex wandering around the pine trees.
Near the beach of Tripiti, formed at the Cape Tripiti, you’ll see a water cistern, a small goat pen and the scenic chapel of Saint Nicholas. The peninsula of Tripiti was the site of the ancient town Pikilasos, which served as a port for the powerful town Elyros. If there is no boat to pick you, you will have to walk 3-4 more hours along the E4 trail, to the west, in order to reach the seaside village of Sougia. Along that trail you will meet the ruins of the Turkish tower of Voukelasi and the chapel of Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elijah). On the fest day of Prophet Elijah (19-20 July) many people from Sougia visit the chapel either by boat or on foot.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Tripiti Gorge cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/gorges-and-canyons-in-crete/west-crete-gorges-chania/tripiti-gorge

19/01/2025

The monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa is located 22km south of Heraklion, between the villages Houdetsi and Agios Vasilios. It is hidden in the sides of the lush green Spiliotissa canyon. It can be easily accessed by walking on a green path, 500m long, from Houdetsi. Along this path you will see the Byzantine churches of St. John and Anthony, and two old water mills.
The temple is built inside the rock and is dedicated to the Assumption (celebrates on August 15). According to one version, it was firstly founded in about 1000AD, but the dominant option is that the monastery was founded in the early 17th century. Alternatively, the church might was built in the 11th century, but it much later operated as a monastery. The foundation of the church is linked to the finding of the icon of Panagia (Virgin Mary) in the cave, where the temple is currently built.
Later the monastery became a dependency of Sinai St. Catherine monastery, where it belongs even today. The monastery was originally male, but it now operates as a small nunnery.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Panagia Spiliotissa Monastery in Houdetsi cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/religious-monuments-on-crete/monasteries-in-crete/panagia-spiliotissa-monastery-in-houdetsi

18/01/2025

This part of the E4 European Long Distance trail connects Nida plateau to the the church of Agios Ioannis in the core of Rouvas Wood. It offers amazing views to the largest oak wood in Crete and is usually combined with descending the amazing gorge of Gafaris, also a E4 part, which is the most important canyon in Heraklion prefecture.
We start our course from the merging point of several paths of Psiloritis mount, Plateau Nida (altitude 1380m). We head southwards and after about 1.5km we get the junction to the east (left hand) and keep walking. We follow the dirt track and cross the small plateaus of Varsamos, Vourlokambos and Ammoudara. From Ammoudara we enter the descending trail to Rouvas Wood, having in mind to keep an eye on the E4 marks.
We start having the first amazing views to the valley of Rouvas Wood. We keep hiking, we first meet a small cistern and then the double-aisled church of Saint Spiridon at position Dio Prini, overlooking the gorge of Rouvas. The trail continues and descends to the riverbed of Rouvas gorge and very soon we finish our course at the chapel of Saint John (altitude 950m), which is surrounded by a really beautiful park with spring water, wooden benches and huge plane trees. From there we can either keep walking in the E4 trail to Prinos shelter, above Asites village, or descend the gorge of Gafaris.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Trail Nida - Rouvas Wood 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-nida-rouvas-wood

17/01/2025

The dam of Ini – Mahera is located 38km south of Heraklion , between Mahera and Ini villages. It was constructed in 2004, has a capacity of 1750000 cubic meters and is watered by the river Iniotis or Kolokythas,
Since its construction, the lake attracted a large number of birds and developed into an important wetland of Crete. Sometimes, the local of cultural associations organize events, such as rowing races.
300m southeast of Ini there is another is a small dam. The old dam of Kera, as it is called, is located next to the picturesque church of Panagia Kera and the cavernous spring of Zoodochos Pigi. The lake is formed among cypresses, while some meters away from the church there's an old watermill.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Ini Dam Lake cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/lakes-and-wetlands-in-crete/ini-mahera-dam-lake

16/01/2025

The archaeological site of Fourni is located on the homonym wooded hill, 17km south of Heraklion and southwest of Kato Archanes. To get there (the site is not open, but you could contact the guard), you could walk along the Minoan path starting from Kato Arhanes and crosses the beautiful artificial grove of Fourni or ascend the stairs from the Apano Archanes ring road.
In Fourni the archaeologists identified a preminoan cemetery (2800BC-2200BC), which indeed is the largest prehistoric cemetery in the Aegean Sea. However, more graves have been located, with belonging to the period 2200BC-1200BC. Moreover, you can see the quarry from which the materials for the construction of the cemetery were extracted.
In 1964 the archaeologist Ioannis Sakellarakis started excavations, which have so far revealed 26 buildings, mostly graves. The objects found in the graves indicate that ancient Archanes had strong relations with the Aegean, Egypt and the East.
Fourni, due to the major findings, is considered the most important Minoan cemetery on Crete. The most important finding was the intact - unlooted sarcophagus of the "Queen", with jewelry (over 140 pieces) of immense value and other items that she was thought to take to the next world. Remains of the sacrifice of an ox and a horse were also found. Many of the findings are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and the Archaeological Museum of Archanes.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Fourni Minoan Cemetery cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/history-of-crete/archaeological-sites-in-crete/minoan-times-palaces-and-sites/fourni-minoan-cemetery-arhanes

15/01/2025

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.
The capital of the plateau is Tzermiado, while two more impostant villages are Agios Georgios and Psychro. The 18 villages of the plateau are built at the foot of the surrounding mountains, leaving the plains free to cultivate, and they are connected by a 23km long circular road. Actually, this beautiful circular route is ideal for cycling as there are no large hills and, along this, you’ll have the chance to visit all the attractions of the plateau. The same circular route hosts the running games Diktaia since 1980.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Lassithi Plateau cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/plateaus-and-planes/lassithi-plateau

13/01/2025

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 cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/gorges-and-canyons-in-crete/west-crete-gorges-chania/sirikari-gorge

12/01/2025

The monastery of Savatiana or Savvathiana is located in a beautiful wooded and well-protected position near Rogdia, at an altitude of 440m and at a distance of 20km west of the city of Heraklion. The monastery is one of the several monasteries that operated in the area during the Venetian period, which was later mercilessly destroyed by the Turks.
Savvathiana monastery is built on a naturally fortified position, possibly in order to protect the monks from the constant pirate raids before the Venetian period. During the Venetian Occupation of Crete it should have been the strongest monastery in the wider area, even stronger than the famous monastery of Agia Pelagia that operated on the north side of the beach of Agia Pelagia, which later became a dependency of Savatiana.
From the entrance of the monastery starts a beautiful path, smothered in vegetation, leading to the monastery. Very near the monastery, just 200m, you can visit the cavernous church of St. Anthony, which probably once operated as a separate monastery. The church has a second newer aisle, dedicated to Saint Savvas. It is accessed through a scenic trail with a very old stone bridge. The main temple of Savatiano is relatively new and is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and the Forty Martyrs. The monastery has been renovated in the recent years, but without losing its style. Inside the complex, you can also see the cemetery of the monastery, the ossuary, a former mill, the dining room of the visitors, the old guest room, the nuns' cells and the old water tower of the monastery.
The monastery operates as a nunnery. It hosts the very old icon of “Great are You, Lord" painted by Ioannis Kornaros, and a copy of which still exists in Toplou Monastery. The icon was considered lost till 1991, when the Archaeological Authorities cleared a pitch-black icon and revealed the old painting.
Among the abbots of the monastery, was Maximos Marnounios, a very well known scholar of the Venetian Era. Also in Savatiana, there are the tombs of two major rebels against the Turks, Evmenios Vourexakis and Iraklis Kokkinidis.
Πηγή: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ - Savvathiana Monastery near Rogdia cretanbeaches.com
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/religious-monuments-on-crete/monasteries-in-crete/savvathiana-monastery-near-rogdia