DESTINATIONS
Places to visit if you stay in Heraklion town
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Agia Pelagia is a small, quiet resort situated high on a peninsular
with spectacular views accross the bay. It is know for its sandy
beaches and calm sea and the stunning views. It is an excellent
choice for those seeking a relaxing and lay back holiday. Popular
resorts in the area are also Lygaria and Mathe.
Arhanes
This beautiful market town has won an award for being one of the
best-kept towns in the European Union. Several sites of
archaeological interest lie in the area.
Seaside village on the Libyan Sea, harbor of Viannos. In recent
times, this was the first place on Crete where bananas were
commercially cultivated; other agricultural produce is now also
grown in the area.
7 km from Viannos is Keratokambos, a seaside settlement with clean
beaches and scenic little taverns.
6 km further west is Tsoutsouras, another beautiful seaside
settlement with picturesque bays.
Chani Kokkini
A beautiful seaside settlement with many hotels, restaurants and
entertainment centers. Its main attractions are two sandy beaches,
each gently shelving and equipped with sun loungers and a range of
water sports.
When on the beach, you can see the ruins of an ancient settlement
in the sea, which is believed by archaeologists to be the place
where ships were built during Minoan times
Heraklion Crete Fodele Fodele is a mountainous area. Both the old
core of the settlement at the western slope of the small valley and
the newer at the banks of the small river compose a very interesting
structured environment, which in combination with the rich
vegetation and the orange groves create a unique landscape for
central Crete.
The village comprises an oasis of freshness, especially for the hot
days of summer. The village's square offers itself for relaxation
and gives the chance to visitors to enjoy their coffee or lunch next
to the river underneath the perennial plane trees. A bit further
down the square, at Archontico settlement there is Dominico
Theotocopoulos Museum of Replicas, which is housed at the alleged
birthplace of the great painter. At the same settlement there is the
small Byzantine church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) (The presentation of
the Virgin Mary), which is said to be the motive of Greco to get
involved with hagiography. This church is built on the ruins of an
older three-sectioned Byzantine church with wonderful frescos and
sculptures.
Gazi
Just 7 Km away from Heraklion on the right side of the bank of
Gazanos river, as the ancient Triton river is known. The area of
Gazi has been inhabited since Minoan times and nowadays hosts the
Municipality's headquarters at a newly built Town Hall situated at
Platia Eleftherias. It is a resort with 12 settlements presenting
residential booming maintaining the same time its individual
cultural interest.
Ammoudara is one of the most
organized beaches Heraklion county. The 5 Km long sandy beach is
suitable for sports. In the summertime, it is most vibrant since it
embraces thousands of tourists. There are taverns with traditional
dishes, coffee shops, bars and clubs.
Three (3) Km after Gazi is Kavrochori settlement, which is popular
for its vivid traditional character and picturesqueness. Narrow
allies, old factories and stone built houses with 'ontas' and wooden
staircase. It is worth mentioning the old olive press (Fabrika) of
the village that is at least 200 years old.
Gouves
A village cut in two, due to the road, to Upper and Lower Gouves.
The Lower part is next to the sea with amazing beaches, a developed
tourist center, whereas the Upper are inland, among olive trees and
vineyards.
The most modern and well-organized tourist area in the county.
During the summer, its beautiful beaches are full of tourists and
there is a thriving nightlife in the bars and hotels. Days can been
spent relaxing on the sandy and shingle beaches. There are plenty of
tavemas for local and international specialities, a feast of fast
food bars for snacks on the move restaurants, patisseries, cafe
bars.
The independent city of Hersonissos once existed, harbor of the
ancient city Lyttos. You can also visit the very interesting
Lychnostatis Museum of Cretan Traditional Life and Folk Culture.
Kalessa
It is a small, picturesque village with a traditional settlement of
stone built houses, on a hill. It bring back past times of 1900 with
the old quarter and the narrow allies that give a sense of
tranquility and simplicity. The traditional coffee shops serve
tsikoudia (local strong alcoholic drink) and Cretan rusks with
olives from the local production and wine made from the famous
grapes of Kalessa.
At the square of the village there is Evagelismos church
(Annunciation church), typical sample of the Venetian domination in
Crete of 13th century. Another significant church is Ai Yiorgi
church (St. George church), stone built which dates back to
1300.
Lendas (74 Km from Heraklion)
Seaside resort village which draws hundreds of tourists in the
summer. Nearby lie the ruins of the ancient city of Lebena, which
was sacred and a place of worship for the god Asclepius and Hygeia
Sotira.
Malia
Malia has one of the best beaches on the north coast of Crete, a 2
Km stretch of excellent golden sand. It is on the whole a fun loving
and lively resort for a hectic nightlife.
For those who appreciate the cultural history of Crete, visit the
Minoan Palace in Old Malia in the upper part of the village with its
narrow streets and traditional tavernas is ideal for romantics.
The monastery of Panagia Palatiani with beautiful frescoes, as well
as the scenic village of Krasi, which was a favorite summer retreat
for the young Kazantzakis and his friends and family are worth a
visit.
Matala
One of Crete's most ancient cities, until the 1970’s this was a
little-known fishing village. It then suddenly shot to fame on
account of its large international hippy colony. The reputation
gained in its heyday has taken years to live down.
Stalida (Stalis)
Stalida, sandwiched between Hersonissos and Malia, is a luxuriantly
green, densely populated tourist resort with beautiful beaches and
many hotel complexes. It seems to have something for all ages and
tastes, though it's particularly good for beach lovers. Here you
will find many taverns, bars and all sorts of entertainment. You may
visit Mochos village with small traditional cafes. What is very
popular in this area is the fair, which takes place on the 15 of
August.
Zaros
One of the most beautiful provincial centres in the county,
dominating the eastern slope of Mount Ida, Psiloritis with its
plentiful water and the Votomos and Mati springs. Visitors can sit
at picturesque tavernas, where they can fish trout from tanks and
enjoy them within a few minutes.