East Crete

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The coast around Agia Pelagia is craggy and the inland rocky and mountainous. Agia Pelagia is situated amphitheatrically in a bay below the coastal road commanding picturesque view of the bay. Nowadays Agia Pelagia is growing as vibrant holiday village with a range of water sports. Heraklion is about 20 km away.
The proximity to the Capital Heraklion make Agia Pelagia a particularly attractive location and is an important resource for any city dweller and for the holiday makers preferring short airport-transfers.

The city of Agios Nikolaos has about 12,000 inhabitants and is located in Mirabello Bay, about 47 km east of the capital Heraklion and about 30 km west of the city of Sitia. The city of Agios Nikolaos named after its small dome church "Agios Nikolaos" from the 10th century. The church is located on a cape north of the Minos Palace hotel. The city of Agios Nikolaos was one of the first developed regions for tourism in Crete. Hospitality has a great tradition here. There are many well-known hotels among our top-favorites.
If you want to live close to the city, we have a ray of the finest hotels.
Many of the town's houses and hotels were built on a slope. The city of Agios Nikolaos appears fairly new due to the buildings, but the city has a great history.
In the 3rd century BC Chr. Agios Nikolaos was the port city of the wealthy ancient settlement Lato in the inland. Today you can visit the remains of Lato, about 5 km inland from Agios Nikolaos. In 1904 Agios Nikolaos was declared the capital of the Lassithi prefecture. Since the 1970s, the city has become a tourist metropolis with business streets, tastefully decorated restaurants and cafes.
Today there are colourful fishing boats at the port, but also ferries that go to Athens, the Dodecanese Islands and the Cyclades. Cruise ships also anchor here. The freshwater lake "Voulismeni", is connected with the sea by a canal giving the city a very special ambience. The lake is surrounded by rocks on which the city of Agios Nikolaos is built amphitheatrically. Panoramic restaurants and cafes were built above these rocks commanding stunning views to the sea. There is a small theater stage at the lake for events, as well as an open-air cinema and countless bars and some clubs.

Amoudara is one of the most accessible villages from the airport heraklion and is perfect for a holiday get away, weekend or a break on Crete.
Amoudara is located 6 km westwards of the capital Heraklion. Due to its proximity to the capital and the archaeological sites, Amoudara is a good location for those interested in culture. Amoudara is a convenient travel destination, especially for holidaymakers who want a short transfer time from the airport. Another attraction of the coastal village Amoudara is the long sandy beach with a range of taverns, restaurants and bars. Amoudara serves up the highest density of keenly priced all inclusive-hotels. The most interesting sites like Knossos, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and the Palace of Malia are just a stone's throw away. We have selected the finest hotels in Amoudara for you.

The mountain village Archanes is one of the oldest and most charming mountain village of Crete. To the west looms sacred mountain Juktas, surrounded by hills and numerous water springs.
The mountain village Archanes is a lively community with taverns and cafés serving traditional cuisine. Discover the small shops still operating in the old market lanes. A range of lenty of handcrafted items and local products are offered from local family run shops. The lush Cretan landscape from today embracing the hamlet, with vineyards, olive groves and cypresses, must be quite similar to that in Minoan times.
In the times of the Cretan State, the city flourished: wine, raisins and olive oil were exported and brought wealth to the city. Houses were built in the neoclassical style. Archanes is a village of architectural interest.
Christian churches decorated with murals coexist with fountains and wonderful buildings.On the north side of the valley is the quaint gorge named Paradeisi.
Within the same gorge, at Pelekita location, there is a water spring; in 1628, Fransesco Morosini channelled its waters to supply Heraklion. The spring is dry today because of water drilling projects in the area. Today extensive vineyards producing excellent table grapes that are mainly consumed in European markets.

The village of Axos is built on a slope of the mountain Psiloritis, 500 meters above sea level. Distance to Rethymon 46 km and to Heraklion 48 km. Below the village of Axos is a small fertile plain with fruit trees and nut trees. Characteristic for this area are the old oak trees. Axos has now 300 inhabitants. In the village there is a baker, a butcher, a small supermarket, taverns, restaurants and traditional coffee shops. A fountain with three lion heads adorn the village square lined with plane trees. In the village center of axos is the Church of St. Michael from the 15. AD. Near the main street of the village are the remains of Agia Paraskevi, a three-aisle basilica of the 12th century. The church of Agia Irini, a cruciform church with a dome of 14th to 15th century is also worth to see. The doors and windows have engravings. Excavations in the area, for example, a small Acropolis, the Temple of Venus, Hellenic vaulted grave chambers and Byzantine churches with ancient mosaics are evidence for that the area has been inhabited since ancient times. Herodotus (Greek Hisory Writer from 484 bc.) described Axos as an influential place, many inscriptions in relationships with Delphi, Delos, Miletus and Tegea. Today, Axos is a destination for rural tourism and for those who visit the ancient Oaxos.

Chersonissos has developed over the last few years into the liveliest holiday resort on Crete. This is the right place for those looking for nightlife and keenly priced all inclusive hotels. The waterfront starts at the former small fishing harbour and has rows of tavernas.
During the day Chersonissos often looks dreary but at night it comes alive. Chersonissos is 26 km east of the island's capital Heraklion and, together with the neighboring towns of Gouves, Stalis and Malia, this region merge to the largest tourist region of Crete. Chersonissos can look back on a long time experience in tourism.

Coastal Village Elounda is in North East Crete about 10 km away from the City Agios Nikolaos. The impressive panorama of the Mirabello Bay is a contributing factor to why most of the really luxury hotels like the hotels / accommodations in Elounda set in the well protected Bay. The offshore islets act as wave breakers.

Elounda is located in East Crete in the Mirabello Bay 69 km Crete 10 from the capital Heraklion and 10 km west of the small, picturesque port town of Agios Nikolaos. Elounda was a wealthy port city in ancient times, which was called "Driros". After a strong earthquake, this city is said to have sunk into the sea.
Today Elounda is connected to its peninsula by a dam, where there are also salt pans. Elounda is a small coastal town in the center of the village square with the village church. At the small harbor there are taverns, cafes and excursion boats that offer day tours to the offshore island "Spinalonga".

The Crete Golf Course is 49 km away. Handicap limit for all players is 36. Green fee for 18 holes is 80-90 €. We can offer a package including green fee. Contact: info@kreta.com
There are many luxury hotels in Elounda that can compete with the best hotels in the world.
Jewelry stores in town selling stylish and modern jewels in best quality. A narrow coastal promenade, better sidewalk, connects the port of Elounda with the small coastal village of Plaka. On the east side of Elounda, you can see three restored windmills that are part of the landmark of Elounda. Here you can also see the foundations of a three-aisled church with the remains of an early Christian basilica from the 5th century. Atthe edge of Elounda you can also see the ancient town "Olous", formerly the port of the town "Driros".

Fodele, reknown as the birthplace of the artist Domenicos Theotokopoulo, known as "El Greco", the village is located 30 km west of the capital Heraklion.
The famous artist El Greco mainly painted pictures with religious themes and portraits. His artistic work as an icon painter began in Crete. His painting was influenced by the Byzantine tradition. In his birthplace Fodele you´ll find several churches from the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. Maybe that inspired him? As a young man he first immigrated to Italy and came into contact with Titian's art, later to Rome and then to Spain, where he remained until the end of his life. He was the main master of Spanish mannerism and the end of the Renaissance.

Gouves is practically a quiet suburb of lively Chersonissos. Although it has some agriculture, the coastal region is developed for tourism. Everything is available: hotels, tavernas and supermarkets. The beach is a mixture of shingle and sand. The below photo shows the hinterland (2km behind the coast) of Gouves.
The coastal village Gouves is located in the northeast of Crete, 19 km east of the island's capital Heraklion.
Gouves has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Opposite the coastal town of Gouves is the small offshore island of Dia, which you can reach by boat in summer-season. The hinterland of Gouves is relatively flat.
The actual village of Ano Gouves is 2 km in the inland.
Kato Gouves has an endless sandy beach, it is a bathing paradise for package tourists.
Gouves is the right place for those who focus on sandy beaches and entertainment.
Gouves is the "bathing paradise" in front of the gates of the capital Heraklion, which is why this beach is also well attended by the "city people" at the weekend
There are many large 4 & 5 star hotels in the Gouves area The "Creta Aquarium" is also very close to Gouves / "Thalassocosmos", where the underwater world of the Mediterranean can be admired in 32 pools. The design of the pools corresponds to the natural living space of the animals. It is the largest aqua museum in the Mediterranean, with 1,600,000 liters of sea water 4000 sea creatures! The Aqua Museum is part of the "Thalassocosmos" research center for marine research. Just marvellous!

The city of Heraklion Heraklion is the capital of Crete and has approx. 200,000 inhabitants, business and administrative center of the island, cultural and historical highlight, chaos and lively activity.
The city has a long history. Minoans, Saracens, Byzantines, Venetians, Turks, they all gave the city a special ambience .
In 1972 Heraklion became the capital of Crete. The coastal region around the capital Heraklions is the largest tourist region in Crete. But the hinterland is mainly used for agriculture. Olive groves and vineyards characterize the hinterland of Heraklion.
Most of the archaeological sites are located in this region around Heraklion.
The large "Freedom Square" (Platia Elefterias) forms the center of the city. This is where Dikeossinis Street, one of the most important commercial streets, goes off.
Odos Delalou, the pedestrian alley with cafes, restaurants and many souvenir shops, runs at the same height. If you follow this street you come to Platia Venizelo, the most beautiful square in the city. Here tourists mingle with locals. Narrow streets with beautiful little places where you can relax and drik your wine under a plane tree. Anyone who has the opportunity to get to the city by public transport is well served, otherwise the search for a parking space can take some time. The one-way streets alone are time-consuming.
In the past, as well as today, Heraklion is an art-loving city. In summer there is the "Heraklion Summer Festival". Events from the thematic area, music, dance & theater take place. Throughout the year Heraklion offers lively night life with many cultural highlights.

Istron is a small coastal village, about 12 km to the City Agios Nikolaos in eastern Crete. To the capital Heraklion and its airport 70 km. The rugged environment of Istron offers several hidden bays. The Lassithi - Plain with its natural beauty is also worth to see. Agios Nikolaos ( only 15 minutes´drive from Istron) is a city with striking architecture with spaces for contemporary art. Agios Nikolaos city center is one of the best shopping destinations in eastern Crete, and when it comes to nightlife, Agios Nikolaos knows what it is doing. With a diverse culinary scene, an abundance of pubs and bars, and some of the Crete's best music venues, Agios Nikolaos is the city for night owls.

Kato Zakros is located on the naturally sheltered bay, the most easterly south coast of Crete and in ancient times served as a port and starting point for the seafaring Minoans. It is a coastal settlement, part of Sitia municipality, Lasithi district, 9 km from Zakros village and 45 km from Sitia town. Besides Knossos, Festos, Malia, Kato Zakros is one of the largest Minoan archaeological sites. The excavations of the former trading town are now 300 meters behind the coast. You need a guide to be able to assign the individual rooms to their former functions. But here too, as with many sights, the journey alone is an experience in itself. Taverns and a small beach invite you to linger. The coastline around Kato Zakros is very impressive. Steep cliffs and slopping hills enclose the bay. It is still an authentic tourist destination, untouched by mass tourism, ideal for a quiet holiday.

Kokkini Hani is a well organized Cretan holiday resort only 12 km to the capital Heraklion. There are hotels of all categories, tavernas and cafes. The area has many protected shallow beaches with turquoise water. Most beaches are formed with a hotel zone. The beach-access is open to everyone and well organised with restaurants, umbrellas, lifeguards, shops and water sports- providers.
Things to see/to do in Kokkini Hani:
1.the small archaeological site of Niros Villa. A 4000 years old mansion dating to the late Minoan Times that was used as the residence of a senior Minoan priest. The excavation in the villa have revealed several large bronze axes which were the symbols of the Minoans.

The mountain village Koutouloufari at the foot of the mountain Pirgias is about 100 meters above sea level, 1 km in the inland of the seaside village of Hersonissos in eastern Crete. Old stone houses have been restored. Numerous taverns can be found in restored houses, some have a great view of Chersonissos to the sea. Koutouloufari is a suitable location for excursions in the Lassithi table land and for visiting the Minoan sites of Malia and Knossos in connection with the archaeological museum of Heraklion. The place is a quiet oasis above the lively seaside village of Chersonissos.

The long sandy beach of the seaside Village Malia in eastern Crete was the starting point for the tourism development of this former village. Today the coastline is surrounded by hotels and apartments of every category on offer, especially all inclusive hotels.
Malia has grown together with Stalis. Those looking for a beach holiday with lots of entertainment and contacts will be in their element here. The narrow streets in the old village of Malia have good eating places. The Cretan Golf Club is only 18 minutes´drive away.
Malia is a perfect destination for young families fearing long airport-transfers or for those preferring all amenities of a well developed tourist - sector.
The former village of Malia is approximately 32 km east of the capital Heraklion and its airport. Malia has together with the village of Stalis and the surrounding villages of Mochos and Krassi 6200 inhabitants. It is the oldest tourist region of Crete. A mature tourist sector with many affordable all-inclusive hotels. The sandy beach of Malia and Stalis offers holidaymakers on 4 km in length a variety of water sports facilities and a wide range of entertainment. Many pubs, cafes and discos line the streets of Stalis and Malia. An ideal holiday destination for guests who value an intense nightlife. Inland from Malia and Stalis there is not much of a hype of tourism.

At the foot of the Selena Mountains, in the hinterland of Malia, lies the beautiful old mountain village of Krassi. Hardly not anyone gets lost in the beautiful hinterland. Krassi is located on the western slope of the Selena Mountains. In the village square you can sit under an ancient plane tree (natural monument over 2000 years old!) And enjoy the good local cuisine. The trademark for this village is the handcrafted art of the old springs from 1890. The visit is worthwhile!

Milatos consists of two districts, the "Paralia Milatos" the part at the beach and the "Ano Milatos" in the inland, the small town has been inhabited 3000 years ago. Today Milatos is a sleepy fishing village with a small harbor. The small bays have a clean pebble beach and a small sandy bay. The upper district in the inland "Pano Milatos", is a protected settlement. Many old houses have been faithfully and lovingly restored. The highlight of this village is the tavern with live music and the village church, but also the Milatos cave. Unlike the neighboring towns of Malia and Elounda, Milatos is still very sleepy with some taverns at the beach. In the winding hinterland is the mountain village of Kounali with its village tavern, which offers cyclists refreshments (the region is very popular with cycling enthusiasts and paragliders). In short you will feel comfortable in Milatos when you are seeking a authentic village without mass tourism

The small fishing village to the east of Agios Nikolaos has been a residential area since the Neolithic period. Archaeologists found traces of Minoan and Roman culture. Their excavation and exploration is still ongoing. Some exhibits can be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos . Today, Mochlos has retained much of its tranquility. There is no large sandy beach, but small gravel bays and bathing plateaus. Freshly caught fish can be found in the quaint taverns, right on the water overlooking the small island of the same name, Mochlos. A good swimmer can even swim over. Particularly impressive is the view of the mountains of Mirabello Bay. Mochlos is not a place to stroll, but to relax, to hike, to read - just to switch off. Driving time from Heraklion airport about 1 3/4 hours. Dream beaches can be found at Vai and Palekastro.

Palekastro, the easternmost seaside village of Crete, is about 17 km east of Sitia and about 144 km east of the capital Heraklion and its airport. Palekastro is still far from the hustle and bustle. The majority of the 1100 inhabitants of the municipality are farmers. Wine and olive oil are produced. Palekastro is today the destination of individual tourists who are not afraid of the long ride from Heraklion (approx. 2 1/2 hours). The landscape is barren and still largely untouched. Gentle hills surround the region. From the first mountain in the east you have a good view of the town and the sandy bay.
Palekastro is considered to be the surfers paradise of Crete. The most famous beaches in the Palekastro region are the famous Vai beach (the palm-fringed sandy beach) and the sandy beaches popular with surfers Maridati, Kouremenos and Chiona.
All beaches have been awarded the blue flag for their good water quality. The surfers contributed a lot to the fact that the place became more and more popular. So some small apartments and holiday homes were built.

Piskopiano is located in the inland of the tourist resort Hersonissos. It is a quaint hamlet 25 km eastwards from the capital Heraklion. Located on a hill overlooking the bay of the buzzled coastline of Hersonissos. Piskopiano is one of 3 upper villages of the seaside town Hersonissos.
Piskopiano is connected with the upper village Koutouloufari via the village road. Both villages have almost grown together. You will find cozy taverns along the village street, which is partly traffic-calmed. Most of the taverns and accommodations in Piskopiano have a nice view over the bay of Hersonissos. The place is recommended for travelers seeking a quiet location, but still want to take advantage of the entertainment options of Chersonissos.
The distance to Heraklion airport is max.30 minutes´ drive.
Piskopiano has many visitors from Hersonissos who want to flee from the hustle and bustle.

Plaka is a picturesque small coastal village in East Crete, about 4km away from Elounda. There are some good tavernas here and the best 5-Star-Luxury-Hotels of Crete. The water is crystal clear and the beach is made up of smooth white pebbles. There are more nice sand and shingle beaches in the vicinity. Mountains encompass Plaka and the beach is protected from the wind so it is possible to swim in late autumn. A well-known sightseeing excursion is to the Islet of Spinalonga which is steeped in history.

The small coastal village Sissi is located 29 km westwards of the city of Agios Nikolaos. The small village is surrounded by countless olive groves around a fishing port. Compared with the nearby village Malia (6.8 km) Sissi is quieter. Excursion boats leave the small fishing port, which looks like a fjord. The proximity to the city Agios Nikolaos make Sission particularly interesting. The landscape in the inland is rugged and rocky.
The village Sissi itself has a rugged rocky coast, the best way to get to the sea is from the harbour. The beaches to enjoy bathing are eastwards: Boufos, Avlaki and Kalimera Beach. Sission has adapted more to tourism over the last few years.
The small village offers souvenir shops, jewelry stores, as well as mini markets, bakeries, pubs and snack bars. Sissi belongs to the Lassithi Prefecture. It is worth renting a rental car and visiting the Lassithi plateau. The traditional mountain village of Milatos, the polular City Agios Nikolaos or Koutouloufari is also worth a visit. Night owls get their money's worth in the towns of Stalis, Chersonissos and Malia.

Sitia is built amphitheatrically on a sloping hill in a wide open bay with a picturesque harbour. The town has one of the few large harbour promenades on Crete. There are good tavernas here and plenty of space for the children to play. There is also an archaeological museum set up in the Venetian fortress above the town. There are exhibits of Minoan civilisation found in the inland. Heraklion airport is approx. 2 hours away so the area around Sitia is not yet taken up by organised tourism. The coastal road from the City Agios Nikolaos is one of the most beautiful and striking roads on the Island. Every second bend has a spectacular view for a photo stop.

The two towns of Stalis and Malia have all but fused together and developed into a vibrant holiday resort with night life. Everything required by the modern tourist can be found here from car hire to water sports. Stalis has a long, fine sandy beach with a promenade. There is plenty of entertainment and lots of tavernas. The capital and the airport of Heraklion is approx. 30 km away. The village of Stalis is about 30 km east of Heraklion and 28 km from Heraklion Airport. Stalis has together with the village of Malia and the surrounding villages of Mochos and Krassi. 6200 inhabitants. It is the oldest tourist region in Crete. Stalis (Stalida) and Malia have over 30 years of experience in tourism.

The village of Zaros with its lake is located on the ridge of Psiloritis, approx. 40 km south of the capital Heraklion, at 450 meters above sea level. The water of the lake is fed from the mountains. The water is also bottled and sold all over the island. There is also a trout farm here. The area is a nature reserve for the bearded vulture and for 70 endemic plant species. The limestone area in its limestone crevices offers numerous habitats for rare plant species that grow up to a height of 2000 meters above sea level!