Knossos is the most important centre of the Minoan civilization, the first civilization on European territory, and it is located 5 km south of the historic center of Heraklion. The Palace of Knossos is the most important archaeological site in Crete, as was a source of inspiration for many myths like that of the Minotaur. While browsing at the site of the Palace, the visitor can admire a truly labyrinthine arrangement of corridors and rooms and study the excellent architectural innovations (e.g., water and sewage networks, skylights for lighting and ventilation of lower levels, apartments with bathrooms and toilets) competing in creativity even the most modern constructions.
Trip to Knossos
Trip to Phaistos
Phaistos, was the second biggest Minoan city of Crete after Knossos and is located in South-Central Crete, in the plain of messara, 55 km South of Heraklion. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete and it is famous mainly for the Minoan Palace, from which they originate and most current findings of global interest such as the Phaistos Disc which is one of the greatest puzzles in the history of archeology as not yet it is deciphered.
Trip to Aptera
Just 15 km from Chania, visitors encounter the signs of the ancient city of Aptera. This is one of the most powerful city-States of ancient Minoan Crete, which was founded in the 8th century BC and it was the main commercial hub of Crete in ancient times. Its name, according to tradition, comes from the Sirens, since, during a mythological music competition in the temple between the Muses and the Sirens, the Sirens lost, and were so distressed that they lost their wings and left wingless, (or “aptera” in ancient Greek.) In this archaeological site, you will be able to admire a small ancient theatre, Roman carved tombs as well as foundations of large vaulted cisterns of ancient times.
Trip to Elafonissi
Trip to Falassarna
Trip to Balos
Balos is located in the southwest of Chania Prefecture, only 58 km away from these. Balos Beach is a small bay between the cape of Gramvousa and the smaller cape Tigan. For this reason many people characterize Balos as a lagoon. Famous for its turquoise and clear waters, white sand, which in many places is becoming pink (as in Elafonisi) and the wild beauty of natural landascape, is included among the most beautiful Mediterranean beaches. Here, visitors have the opportunity to admire the protected Mediterranean seal as Balos beach is one of its shelter.
Trip to Agia Triada
The Agia Triada is a very important archaeological site, 3 km south of Phaestos and 64 km west of Heraklion. The area took its name from the small church of Agia Triada, in the southwest of the archaeological site, while the ancient name of the region remains unknown. Here the visitor can admire the Royal Manor House or the small Palace of Agia Triada which was built around 1600 BC and probably was the summer residence of any King of Phaistos city, according to the legends. One of the most important discoveries of the region is the sarcophagus stone, discovered in the dead-city, on a pit- tomb, and is the only sample of a sarcophagus stone with painted decoration.
Trip to Maleme to German War Cemetary
The German military cemetery in Maleme founded in 1974 by former German commander Gericke and is one of the most important monuments of the 2nd World War in Crete. The historic cemetery is located on the north coast of Crete, 3 km south of the village Maleme and 20 km west of Chania. The cemetery is located on a hill that was vital for the control of the airport of Chania that was in the place where today there is the small airport of Maleme. In this area they are buried 4,465 German soldiers from all over the island, most of whom were paratroopers who were killed during the invasion of Crete
Trip to Therissos
The German military cemetery in Maleme founded in 1974 by former German commander Gericke and is one of the most important monuments of the 2nd World War in Crete. The historic cemetery is located on the north coast of Crete, 3 km south of the village Maleme and 20 km west of Chania. The cemetery is located on a hill that was vital for the control of the airport of Chania that was in the place where today there is the small airport of Maleme. In this area they are buried 4,465 German soldiers from all over the island, most of whom were paratroopers who were killed during the invasion of Crete
Trip to Sfakia
In the southern part of the Prefecture of Chania, where “White Mountains” ended, one encounters a wild and strangely beautiful land, Sfakia. It is highly inaccessible and rugged areas on ending of impressive gorges formed by the slopes of the “White Mountains” while on South borders the Libyan Sea. The town of Sfakia is a picturesque village, which consists of a small traditional fishing port and small family restaurants with local homemade delicacies. The beautiful picture fills a small sandy beach, famous for magnificent crystal waters which are ideal for those who wish to enjoy their holidays away from the crowds. One of the main attractions of the area is the ruins of a Venetian castle which transport visitor’s mind to another era.
Trip to Preveli
Preveli is an area of Prefecture of Rethymno on the south coast of Crete close to the Libyan Sea, famous for its homonymous Monastery “Preveli” and the beautiful “Preveli beach” that it is also called “phoenix”. It is a sandy beach, exotic beauty as it is surrounded by a small palm grove which generously offers its rich shadow of every visitor. The uniqueness of Preveli beach is that it is located at the mouth of a majestic river, the Great River, where it forms a small lake before it flows into the sea. The climb on the river is a unique experience even for the most experienced lovers of nature.
Trip to Samaria Gorge
The island of Crete is known for its countless canyons available. The most famous of these is the Samaria or the Samaria Gorge which is also one of the most important sightss in Crete.It is ocated in western Crete, on the”White Mountains” Sierra and is the longest gorge in Europe with a length of 18 km . The passage through the gorge is a unique and breathtaking experience since the hiker is faced with the majesty and beauty of wild nature during the entire route. The most famous part of the gorge is the part of “Iron Gates”, where the canyon sides are approaching the width of four meters and climp up to the height of 500 m. The gorge was declared as national park in 1962, mainly because it is a refuge for the rare Kri-Kri and because nearby there are several rare endemic species, and many species of rare flowers and birds.
Trip to Arkadi Monastery
Trip to Gouverneto Monastery
The Gouvrneto Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete, since it was built in 1537 at an altitude of 260 m. from monks of the Catholic monastery who left due to piracy. The temple was completed many years later with special permit granted by the Turks. It is located 19 km away from Chania and it is one of the few male monasteries in Greece. Also it is called “Lady of the angels Monastery” because it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Externally, it reminds Venetian fortress with towers at the four corners of which only two have been preserved. The yard of the fortress has rectangular shape and around it 50 vaulted cells are built. The monastery has no valuable relics or remains as during the Greek revolution of 1821, the Turks slaughtered the monks and plundered the monastery.
Trip to Venizelos Graves
On “Akrotiri” peninsula only 5 km east from the city of Chania, one encounters the graves of Venizelos. These are the graves of the famous Greek politician Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sophocles Venizelos, who was also Prime minister of Greece during the period 1943 to 1952. These graves are located on the hill of Prophet Elias offering panoramic views of Chania and the deep blue of the Cretan sea. The space around them is formed by a beautiful garden, stone paths and seats for visitors to enjoy the magnificent sunsets with a backdrop of the sea. Graves adorned with the presence of the stone statue of Liberty, which symbolizes the liberation struggles of the Cretans.
Trip to Old Town of Chania
In one of the most beautiful cities of Crete, Chania, the old with the new joined in a unique way. The old town, which stretches around the picturesque Venetian harbor, causes the visitor to explore it walking in picturesque streets between beautiful buildings reminiscent of some other seasons. Everywhere dominates the heady atmosphere of intense cultural past. The architecture of the buildings of the old town of Chania strongly bears the scars of years when Crete was a colony of Venetians, later conquest of Crete by the Ottomans since the years of Egyptian occupation thus highlighting strongly different culture and religion of the island’s conquerors. A short walk through the narrow cobbled streets between the old Venetian mansions of the Venetian castle is able to convey each walker back to the paths of history.
Trip to Municipal Market
Trip to Maritime Museum of Chania
Trip to Folklore Museum of Gavalochori
Trip to Heraklion Museum
The Heraklion archaeological museum is located in the city center and is one of the most important museums in Europe as the exhibits reveal the Minoan civilization to visitors . Its construction began in the early 20th century and was completed in 1940. The exhibits cover approximately 7000 thousand years of history, from the Neolithic age to the Roman period, reflecting the cultural history of Crete. The Museum includes the richest and most complete collection of Minoan art in the world and a remarkable collection of rare artifacts of the era, such as the famous figure of ancient goddess with snakes in both hands, and pieces of frescoes from the Palace of Knossos. For all these reasons, the Heraklion museum is considered to be a Museum of Minoan civilization.
Trip to Imbros Gorge
Imbros Gorge is near Sfakia, south of Chania and is one of the most narrow gorges of Crete. The Gorge has a length of 7 km, starts from the small village of Imbros and ends at the village “Komitades” near “Frangokastello beach”. Hiking the canyon is easy and takes about three hours. The traveler as it crosses the gorge has the opportunity to admire the lush vegetation that initially consists of oaks trees and oleanders bushes that grow in the cracks of rocks and then their position get big pines, Oaks and plane trees. The most striking point of the canyon is halfway where it narrows abruptly and the width now reaches only two meters, while vertical cliffs rise to a height of 300 m. forming two fantastic “stone Gates”.
Trip to Diktamos Gorge
Diktamos Gorge is located 21km east of Chania at an altitude of 300 m. and has a length of 8 km. Its Crossing lasts about 3-4 hours and is quite difficult since in some places the hiker must climb on the rocks. His Fatigue however is compensated by the impressive landscape formed by huge trees on the steep and rugged slopes of the rocks on which grow the endemic herb of Crete. Diktamos Gorge differs from other gorges of Crete as its direction is not from north to south as usual, but from east to west, that goes parallel with the coastline of Crete.
Trip to Fragokastello
The Famous Frangokastello (Castle of the Franks) is a small coastal village on the south side of the island, it is 80 km away from Chania and it borders to Libyan Sea. It is a favorite destination for those who love the solitude, the wild nature and sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. There, locals will tell you about the phenomenon of Drosoulites. So they called the shadows of lost fighters who, according to legend, are shown at the morning dew (especially in May) going from east to west. The magnificent pictures of Frangokastello complements the impressive Venetian castle that adorns the beach of the village which was built by the Venetian feudal lords of Chania in 1371-1374, to tackle pirates and rebellions of the locals.
Trip to Limnoupolis
If you find yourself in the marine park Limnoupolis are sure that every corner will fascinate you and will give you moments of laughter, excitement and madness. Each of the total of 11 slides are completely different, but surely all together will make you feel again children. The Cultivar of activities really meet the needs of all ages and will not prevent anyone bored minute! Younger children will love the children’s pool with island and have fun with the funny and original games – casks capsize and splashing, rope suspension bridges, waterfalls and climbing. Older children will discover their primitive instincts in colorful wooden deck Tarzan. Leave hung from ropes and enjoy an aerial ride over the water. Feel free to follow and you feel the freedom they felt Tarzan!
Trip to Georgioupoli
Georgioupolis is a small seaside town in Chania prefecture, about 38km southeast of Chania in western Crete. Georgioupolis is built on a green area with a large beach that stretches for about 1.5 km to the east. Almyros River flows in Georgioupolis, and shortly before forming a small lake that is home to many birds and animals. Entering the village you will see many eucalyptus trees, both on the road and in the square, and a row of cypress trees that create a beautiful picture. Anyone will feel comfortable in Georgioupolis because it has great tourist facilities and shops, satisfying the requirements and needs of each guest. Georgioupolis is ideally situated for exploring and trips to neighboring areas of great tourist interest.
Trip to Almyrida
Almyrida is a seaside resort located 22 kilometers east of Chania Crete. In the village you will find two beautiful sandy beaches with crystal clear waters! Around the beaches there is pine forest that gives a special touch to the landscape! Opposite the beach is the island “Karga” and shows the northern coast of the peninsula of Akrotiri of Chania, while in the south, behind the hills rising volumes oreon of western Crete, White Mountains. The green hills are ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
Trip to Kalyves
Kalyves is a picturesque fishing village of one thousand five hundred inhabitants which is located near the National Road Chania-Rethymnon 19 km away from Chania and 42 km from Rethymno. During the summer months, the heart of Kalives hits the beach that starts one block down from the village square, suspended from the mouth of the small river Xydas and then extends east to the port. In the central square stands the magnificent church of Agia Paraskevi and opposite will see a vaulted stone building with decorative longer millstones from the outside that might pique your interest. This water mill dating from the late Venetian period in Crete (16th-17th century).
Trip to Kastelli
Kissamos or Kastelli is a small town in western Crete, in the north-western tip of the island. Kissamos, many to even mention the oldest name Kastelli, is located in the middle of the gulf of Kissamos, 43 km from Chania. Kissamos is a welcoming city well-organized and autonomous. The archaeological museum of Kissamos, is situated in the central General Tzanakaki Square. Lake, the small picturesque fishing port of Kissamos (1.5 km from the center) with taverns located there is a basic element of the traditional side of Kissamos. Also the chapel of St. John Damialis built within you rock from the 10th century (rebuilt in 1947) and next to the small tunnel leading to the beautiful beach of Damialis with pebbles and deep clear water will charm you. The Kissamos port is linking Crete with Kithira and Peloponnesus.
Trip to Kolymvari
Kolimbari is located 24 kilometers west of Chania, right on the National Road to Kastelli, in the homonym gulf. It is a small picturesque seaside village with 950 residents. Those interested in monuments should see the ancient olive trees near the village Ano Vouves. Approximately 3.5 km to the North there is a very nice bay Fluffy with wild landscape and the crystal waters. Perhaps the most remarkable and interesting monument in Kolymbari area is the Monastery of Panagia Odigitria, known as “Moni Gonias”. The monastery has a long history that goes back to the 9th century, when it was founded. Near the monastery created the Orthodox Academy of Crete, a very important Orthodox religious institution.
Trip to Heraklion
Heraklion is the largest urban center in Crete, the capital of the region and the economic center of the island. It occupies a strategic geopolitical position in the southeast of the Mediterranean basin, connecting three continents and many different cultures. Heraklion is the 4th largest city in Greece, and has the largest port in Crete, as the largest airport. Heraklion Airport is also known as Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, having named the most famous writer of Crete internationally.
Trip to Rethymno
Rethymno is one of the four prefectures of Crete, is 58 km from Chania and 78 from Heraklion. The territory of the county is mostly mountainous with small but interesting changes in morphology, such as imposing gorges, numerous caves, lush valleys and small rivers. Because the development of the flora depends on temperature and terrain, the ranking is based on the altitude affects these factors. Rethymno, a region full of contrasts where the wild mountainous landscape alternates with fertile plains and the impressive rocky coast with long sandy beaches, at every point reveals a distinct beauty. Besides the canyons and caves that are presented separately.
Trip to Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is located 65 kilometers east of Heraklion. Agios Nikolaos, or just Agios as characteristics the locals call it, dominates the beautiful bay of Mirabello, on the north east coast of the prefecture of Lasithi in Eastern Crete. Saint Nicholas was one of the first cities in Crete where he started the tourist development of the island and the famous lake of Agios Nikolaos, around which are built in the city center, still impresses visitors. Also, you can visit the largest archaeological museum in the eastern part of Crete, which includes exhibits from the Minoan, Geometric and Archaic period, as well as ancient Greek and Roman times.