Information useful tips to fully enjoy your vacation in Chania, Crete

VAMOS

Vamos is located 25 kms southeast from Chania. It is a small Mediterranean village of 665 residents and a large history. It is favored by its guests due to its traditional architecture. The guests also get to taste local treats to one of the taverns of the village.

ANCIENT APTERA

At the village of Megala Chorafia, 12kms from the city of Chania, the ruins of ancient Aptera are situated, with the imposing view to Souda Bay and Apokoronas. The walls of the ancient city are preserved until today, at a length of 4 kms. Besides the walls, the domed tanks from the Roman empire, as well as a small almost destroyed theatre are still preserved.

MALEME

Maleme is located 16kms west from the city. Something worth your attention is the German cemetery created to house more than 4500 German soldiers who died during World War 2, at the battle of Crete.

GAVDOS

Gavdos is the southern part of the Mediterranean and a unique place of virgin beauty. The island is located on the south of Crete and has less than 100 permanent residents. You can reach it only by boat from Sfakia, at a distance of 22 nautical miles

AKROTIRI

Akrotiri is a round-shaped peninsula, at the east of the city of Chania. Location with a lot of interesting history, lots of monuments and natural sites. It is surrounded by various and beautiful beaches, that stay secured and intact by the strong winds of summertime.

SFAKIA

Chora Sfakion is located 72 kilometers southeast from the city and it is a rather small village of 278 residents. It is famous for the strength and courage of the locals in every battle they have fought, against every potential conqueror of the island. Sfakia is the starting point for anybody that wants to visit the beautiful beaches of Marmara and Iligas, as well as the enchanting Loutro.

KOLIMPARI

Kolympari is found 24 kilometers west from Chania and it is a small picturesque village, built by the sea. The guests can enjoy fresh fish here, at the numerous taverns with great sea view

SAMARIA GORGE

Samaria Gorge is one of the most famous national forests of Greece due to its natural beauty. With 16 kilometers length, it is considered to be one of the largest in Europe and it attracts thousands of tourists every year. Starting the trip from Omalos mountain, the visitor has the opportunity to admire this unique natural reserve, as well the rare and protected species called “kri kri” (Cretan Goat). At the end of the walk, the visitor gets to enjoy a refreshing swim at the beach of Agia Roumeli, with its clear blue water. The gorge is open for visitors from May to October.

THERISSOS GORGE & VILLAGE

Therissos’ gorge is situated 16 kilometers south from the city and has 6 kilometers length. You may drive through it, but the vertical and imposing rocks make it an ideal place for climbing. The village of Therissos built at the feet of the White Mountains, is famous for the endless battles against the Turks. This is the place Eleftherios Venizelos started the revolution of 1905, with goal to unite Crete with the rest of Greece.

SAINT IRENE'S GORGE

The gorge of Saint Irene’s is located on the west side of the White Mountains, at the district of Selino. Its length is 7,50 kilometers and it takes about 3 hours to cross it. It is part of the E4 trail and it is characterized as a protected Natura area. Furthermore, it is the second gorge in visitation, after Samaria gorge. In the north exit of the gorge, Sougia is located, a beautiful village by the sea, with clear blue waters.

ARADAINA'S GORGE

Aradaina’s gorge is also located in the district of Sfakia, at the feet of the White Mountains, at 520m. A metallic bridge is connecting the 2 sides of the gorge, overlooking a cliff. At its exit, you can have a swim at the fantastic beach of Marmara and relax. From the exit until the village of Loutro, where the ships return to Sfakia, you can hike for an hour and still get to meet the remarkable little beaches of Lykos and Foinikas.

The bridge of Aradaina is the tallest bridge for bungee jumping in Greece and the second tallest in Europe. They take place every weekend of the summer.

VILLAGES AND CANYONS