Things to do and to see. Travel ideas for our rental car tours in South Crete

Agia Galini is a small, but all the more so lively location on Crete`s southern coast. Agia Galini is one of the biggest Crete's seaside towns, built right up the hillside, tavernas and studios jostle each other (the meaning of the place name is holy sea tranquillity!). Some streets are pedestrian only and a small harbour completes the picture. The small family run hotels and restaurants clinging densely to a steep hillside and hemmed in by cliffs, small beaches and a fishing harbour. Those who have a room with a sea view have a beautiful vista in and over the Bay. Pure holiday mood! The main bay of Agia Galini, which in summer can get very hot in the south coast, is only a few minutes’ walk away. The main Bay of Agia Galini is not spectacular but the remote surrounded beaches west of Agia Galini are attractive. To the international Airport of the Capital Heraklion 75 km, distance to the airport of Chania 116 km.

Agio Farago beach is a river mouth open to the sea, only accessible on foot. It is located 28 km westwards of the south-coast-village Lentas and 70 km south of the capital Heraklion. The Agiofarago parking place is about 1.8 km from the beach. This area is also a nature reserve for wild goats and birds. After the parking lot, a small gorge begins, which is very popular with mountain freeclimbers and for beginners of free climbing. The vertical walls of the gorge and their caves offer the best conditions for beginners in free climbing. It's a very barren, dry area, I can imagine that this location is perfect to make good western film. On the way to the beach you will pass the small church of Saint Anthony and the Goumenospilios cave. This small church is used by the free climbers, who put their utensils there and also change there. We have combined this tour with our Phaistos sightseeing tour. from Phaistos it goes to the mountain village Kamilari then to the mountain village Sivas southwards to the monastery Monastiri Odigitrias. Shortly after the monastery, the path becomes a bit uncomfortable.

The bay Agios Pavlos is located on the south coast of Crete 58 km away from Rethymnon, 9 km from the Triopetra bay at the tip of the Melissa Cape. There are a few tavernas renting for parasols and sun loungers. The beach of Agios Pavlos is affected by the south winds. The wind in your hair and sand in your toes. Steep sides of the dunes rising around the sandhills, this is a fantastic beach for chilly swim - and probably you'll have all the bay to yourself. It is a Sandhill and you have to clamber down to the beach, but with the steep sides rising around you, the blue sea stretching before you, this is a fantastic beach for chilling day at the beach.

The small mountain village Anatoli is 30-minutes’ drive, 17 km, from the coastal town of Ierapetra in the south coast of Crete. To the Port of Agios Nikolaos 30 Km , about 45 minutes’ drive. It is an ancient, historical, traditional village with 666 habitants, situated at an altitude of 600 m with 2 Tavernas and 2 coffee shops. Due to the government assistance programs several old farmhouses are restored. I hope the beautiful old Fountain Square will also been restored soon. Anatoli is located 9.8 km south of the wildlife refuge “Gianna Koryfi” it is a protected area for flora and fauna since 2001. This area is bordered from the Lassithi Plateau. From Anatoli to the "Selekano Forest" only 10 minutes’ drive, 13.8 Km. On the way you will pass the picturesque mountain villages Males and Christos.

Nature Adventure Aradena Gorge European Path E4
Located 10 km north of the South-Coast- Village Loutro the Aradena Gorge is 7 Km long and takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to hike. It is a high-level hiking trail. The Gorge begins on the softer southern hills of the White Mountains in the Village Aradena and ends in the South Coast. Starting point is the abandoned Village Aradena. The settlement’s old remains of the Village Aradena reveal the skill of local craftsmen. The houses are believed to have been abandoned in mid-20th century. The descent itself is difficult but manageable, hikers should be forewarned about falling stones. Steep surrounding cliffs and scenic views of the Libyan Sea. Springtime, when the climate is milder and the wildflowers are in bloom, is the best season to be in the gorge. The walk through the Aradena Gorge can be started from its lower entrance, at Marmara beach.

Askifou and the Askifou-Plateau is the biggest and quaint area of Western Crete. The most polular Gorge in this region is the Imbros Gorge, the Kalikrates Gorge and the Aradena Gorge. The Mountain-Village Askifou has a Mini Market, a Tavern a Cheese Dairy. The Askifou Plateau is located 58 km southwards from the Airport of Chania ( one hour drive), 29 km ( 41 minutes’ drive) from the Coastal Area of Frangokastello with the quiet magnificent sandy beaches and 21 km from the Village Hora Sfakion ( 30 minutes’ drive).

A perfect day by the sea! Without roads, without traffic, just enjoy nature without crowds. The south coast between Chora Sfakion and Sougia cannot be reached by car. Only for hiking (the European hiking trail E4 runs here) and to explore from the sea. Spectacular nature and landscape await you here. Rent a boat (also possible without a license) or have a water taxi take you to the remote and lonely beaches. A highlight is Domata Beach between Agia Roumeli and Sougia.

"Europe is the heart of the world, Greece the heart of Europe, Crete the heart of Greece," they say in Sfakia, which is what the locals call their town. The Sfakiots are very proud people who over the centuries were never really taken over by the occupying forces of Crete. Proud Cretans with their long boots are still in evidence here. The ferries from Sfakia go to Loutro (a non-street-connected coastal Village), to Sougia, and brings the Samaria Hikers from Agia Roumeli (also a non-street-connected village ) to sfakia. There is also a connection to the Island Gavdos.

Chrysoskalitissa Monastery
The Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa throns on a rock at the south-west end of Crete aproximately 5 km north of the Lagoon Elafonissi. Easy to reach from the National Road Northwest - Coast in direction Kolimbari- Kissamos-Voulgaro then follow the signs to the Lagoon Elafonissi. The church of the monastery is dedicated to Mother Mary and the Holy Trinity and its feast is held on August 15. The Monastery was built during Venetian rule on the site of St. Nicholas monastery and, according to tradition, it took its name from a golden step, the final of the original ninety-eight that led to it when it was first built. It is a nice stop-over to your trip to the Lagoon Elafonissi.

Chrissy Island is 7 km long with a maximum width of 2 km, is located 8 nautical miles south of the most southern town Ierapetra Crete. Chrissy Island with its natural beauty is a nature reserve and part of Natura 2000 Networking Programme. You will be inspired from the exotic natural landscape of the cedar forest and the bays with golden sand and turquois water. Some of the trees are over 300 years old.
While swimming in the crystal-clear water you will smell the Cedar wood. The distinguishing features of the island are many shells. The Island is uninhabited, there is only a small bar for the visitors and a small tavern. Chrissy Island becomes more and more popular. Book your ticket for Chrissy Island before your got to Crete! You can purchase your Boat-Ticket from us info@kreta.com.

The Lagoon Elafonissi (Nature reserve)
You can reach the Lagoon Elafonissi by car or with or as offered by us Kreta.com as organised daytrip to the south. We have many pick up points from the North-West-Coast to the Nature Reserve Elafonissi. Contact: info@kreta.com.
Elafonissi is a lagoon in the South West of Crete and one of the most popular nature reserves of the Island. Sand dunes with fine sand enclose a large area. Small sandy islets are reachable on foot. The sea is so shallow here that one can walk from isle to isle. Coral reefs serve as wave breakers. Fine traces of red coral leave a deposit on the waterfront and offer a fantastic light show in the water.
It is located 49 km southwards from the coastal village Kolimbari, about 1-hour drive and 1 hour 2o minutes’ drive from Chania Town. The way is the goal. On the offshore Island “Elafonissi” you will find a nature trail through the dunes. More information for booking the best Hotels, Apartments and Villas in West Crete: info@kreta.com, The Crete-Experts have the best ideas for Crete!

South Coast at its best! Frangokastello is located on the southwest coast of Crete, about 65 km from the city of Chania. To get by car to Frangokastello from North Crete you will need to take the National Road connecting Chania and Heraklion. Getting to Frangokastello is easy. The motorway is well maintained, and sign posted in latin letters. The motorway leads from the Askifou Plateau through some short tunnels to the south coast.Take the exit to Vrysses and drive in the road to Chora Sfakion/Sfakia Frangokastello belongs to the prefecture of Chania. One of my favorite track, the way is the goal: the itinerary from Chania in the main direction "Vrisses" to the Askifou plain and then parallel to the "Imbros" gorge down to Frangokastello. A discovery for all senses. You will be accompanied by the scents of wild herbs, cedar and cypress trees to the coast region to Frangokastello. While the surrounding canyons, valleys and plateaus of Frangokastello are very green, the coastal region is quite dry.

Ierapetra is the most southerly town in Europe and surrounded by countless vegetable plantations. Many of our fruits are cultivated here. The temperatures are extremely hot in the summer and wonderfully mild in the winter. The town´s pride and joy are the waterfront promenade. A fort remains from Venetian times and a mosque in the old town (the original Turkish area) from the Turks.
There is a long beach in the middle of the town made up of grey sand and small pebbles. The town develops its own charm in the evening and the promenade and tavernas of all types invite one to tarry a while. Ierapetra is first and foremost a real town rather than a collection of hotels, one can feel it. We recommend our Boat – Tour, a daily Cruise to the Island Chrissy (nature reserve) from Ierapetra-Harbour.

The Kallikratis Gorge is a light and short gorge hike (2.5 hours, round and back about 6 hours). The walk starts at the local end of the village Kallikratis. The village is also worth a visit as it is in a small fertile valley. A small white church with a sundial adorns the place Kallikratis. Peek to our Hotel-collection in the South-Coast of Crete, small hideaways, Villas, Apartments, Cottages and Hotels. Initially you walk on asphalt and later on well-paved roads. This walking tour is also possible with sports shoes and it can be done with children. This route is part of the European path E4. In summer it is very hot in this gorge, as there is no shade, so please pay attention to headgear. Mark for this trail is the yellow and black sign the European trail "E4". Frangokastello to Kallikratis Canyon: Drive towards Imbros, then towards Asfendos and then Kallikratis direction of Frangokastello.

Nature Reserve Kedrodasos Beach in southern Crete is 2,7 km southwards of the Lagoon Elafonissos and 47 km southwards of the northern coastal town of Kissamos ( 1 hours´drive). Elafonissos and Kedrodasos Beach both are part of the European Path E4. A steep stone path leads to this hidden dream beach and nature reserve with cedars and Juniper-Trees. Parking is 15 minutes´walk away from the beach of Kedrodassos. It is not an official parking lot, rather parking space, left and right of a small street (now also paved). There is not much parking. The way to the beach leads over hill and dale along a dried up trickle. The crystal clear water with a gently shelving sandy beach bordered by protruding beach is a paradise for swimming and snorkeling.

Komos Beach is an archelogical site. In ancient times, minoan period, the Komos Beach was the port of Phaistos, you can see the remains. The long sandy beach comes with stunning sun sets and view to the rock "Volakas". Komos Beach is located 63 km southward from the capital Heraklion and 2,8 km from the village Pitsidia. This place is a archeological protected area it belongs to the establishment of zones where construction is not allowed. The remoted regions of Matala with their secluded beaches are prefered by nudists even they are not official nudistic-beaches. At the south of the beach, next to the archaeological site, there are a kiosk offering sun beds, parasols, toilet and showers. Kommos Beach is a nesting place for the sea turtles "Caretta Caretta". The bay of Kommos is embranced from sand dunes. In September and October after the first rain the white sand-lilies bloom.

Treat yourself to the white paradise Koufonissi! The island is uninhabited today, but still filled with remains of past human activity that starts from the Early Minoan times until the post-Byzantine era. You can expect unforgettable beach-experience. Sailing in the truquioise water with soft music playing in the background. An unforgettable trip don´t miss! The island is 6 kilometers long, 5.5 kilometers wide, and has an area of 4,26 square kilometers. In this deserted island you can expect emerald waters, tranquillity and idyllic scenery with 36 sandy dream-beaches. The natural beauty of the island is a gift to visitors who must respect and protect it. Due to its incredible natural beauty and important ecosystem, it has been included in the European initiative NATURA 2000. Koufonisi is situated at the southeastern part of Crete, 10 nautical miles southeast of the coastel village Makrys Gialos It is the biggest in a cluster of islets and has a distinct history and natural beauty.

The small village of Lentas (Lendas) is a place for individualists for relaxing holidays. The drive here alone is impressive “the way is the goal”. A handful of houses lie at the foot of a steep towering southern coast mountain. There is no one to disturb you here. Lendas is a remote coastal village located 74km south of Heraklion, on the southern of the sloping hills of Asterousia. The beach is slightly organized offering umbrellas, showers, sunbeds, and taverns. Lentas (Lendas) has been famous for its good drinking water since antiquity and it is said to possess healing qualities. Those who stay a couple of days should not miss the Saturday market in Mires.

South Crete make the most of the sunshine. From sloping hills to hidden coves, sandy beaches and dunes. At the foot of the imposing mount of Siderotas, 52 km from Rethymnon-City and 4.9 km from the Village Kerames. Between the coastal village Agia Fotini and the north part of Triopetra Beach at the Mellissa cape,at the mouth of the Agiofarago Gorge. The beach has a rock arch where you can dive. A bad asphalt road leads to Ligres beach. At the beginning of the beach westwards there is a small waterfall having water all year falling to the sea!

Loutro is one-of-a-kind on Crete: there is not one street connecting the village to the outside world. The Coastal Village is situated 71 km south ouf Chania - City in South-West of Crete. A dirt track and the regular ship traffic supplies this small village on the steep south coast. The enclosed bay is windprotected and always calm.

Every room is let in the summer season as most of the houses have been converted to hotels and apartments. The unique atmosphere will always find customers and the views are simply wonderful. Those who like hiking and being cut off from the world will feel at home here for a few days. You can reach the non-Street-Conncted-Village by taxi-boat from the neighbour - village Sfakia ( or Chora Sfakion) or by walking the path E4 from Anopolis a Mountain-Village northward the coastal village. The organised pebbled beach offers taverns, umbrellas and sunbeds and for relaxing holidays only a few family run hotels. It is good choice for a day-Trip for swimming and snorkeling in the bay or for hiking.

Lyssos Gorge
You can reach the Lissos Gorge by boat from the Coastal Village Sougia or 2 hours walk by foot. It is an official trail European Path E4 and well signed. The entrance begins at the harbour of Sougia and a good deal of the pathway is uphill. There is beautiful vegetation throughout the gorge and towards the end of the path a gorgeous pine forest offering up a view of Lissos below. At the bottom of the hill lies ancient Lissos including the temple which can be explored on foot. The walk starts from the South Coast Village “Sougia. Behind the small harbor is a fence (where goats are kept), you can open this gate but please don´t forget to close it after passing. First you walk through the small gorge through a dry riverbed.

Matala with its 300 m long sandy beach is located 68km southwest of the Capital Heraklion. The Enclosed bay of Matala is located at the exit of a small valley. This is one of the most popular tourist tours and Matala the most visited beach as this beach became famous for the rock caves and the `70s Easy Life of the hippies. In the Neolitic times the caves of Matala were used as Houses, later in the roman time as burial chambers. This tour begins at the northern highway of Heraklion towards the south coast, mainstream to Siva and Agia Varvara. On this highway towards the south coast you will see the scenic attractions of the Messara Plateau and at the end on the southern coast of Crete you will see a fantastic sandy beach and the village of Matala. Following this highway from Heraklion towards the south coast you will first pass the biggest Cretan wine-growing district of Archanes. This beauty spot is located at the foot of the Messara Plateau. On the Messara Plateau you will see alpine scenery. Arriving in Matala you will find many taverns and cafes on the beach.

Visit Paleochora
A day trip to the South-West of Crete: The small village of Paleochora is about 75 km away from Chania in Southwest Crete. The drive from Tavronitis on the north coast takes about 70 minutes. The surrounding area is fertile so there are still many locals working the land. Paleochora is embellished with small, family run hotels. The dream beaches on the western side and the quaint tavernas on the eastern side form a frame around the small village. A Venetian fort from where I took the photographs closes the peninsular. Paleochora is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Kalamydi.

Phaistos is a Minoan historical site and is located about 6 kilometres from the south coast village of Matala. It is the second largest Cretan palace after Knossos. Phaistos was the seat of King Radamanthis, brother of King Minos. The first palace in Phaistos was built around 2000 BC. The excavation is located at the foot of the Messara Plain and it offers unobstructed views of the Messara Plain and the surrounding mountains. When you see this panorama, you will see why Phaistos was the birthplace of the soothsayer Epimenidis, who was one of the seven wise men of ancient Crete. The Phaistos highlights you should see are: The storerooms on the western side and the granaries. The most impressive is the monumental entrance to the palace. The Disc is the emblem of Phaistos, which is now on display at the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. This Disc consists of 241 signs. After the sightseeing in Phaistos you may continue your tour to the village of Matala.

The Preveli Monastery is located above the mouth of the Preveli Gorge with a view of the Libyan Sea in southern Crete near the coastal village Plakias. It consists of two building complexes, the Piso "rear monastery" and the "lower" monastery, which are 2 kilometers apart. There are numerous legends related to the founding of the monastery. Like most of the Cretan monasteries, the Preveli Monastery is from the Venetian era. At that time, two large monasteries and numerous smaller ones were allied to a comunity, which united the large Prevelis monastery. The lower monastery "Kato Monastiri" is the first one seen upon arrival coming from Rethymnon. It is consecrated St. John the Baptist. Today it is deserted and distroid. The rear Preveli monastery "Piso Monastiri" is dedicated to Saint John the Divine (Theologos).

Rethymnon - Plakias - Preveli Gorge. Highlight: Boat trip to Preveli Gorge. Preveli is located about 35 km south of Rethymno. From Rethymnon follow the direction of Plakias to the South coast and the Lybian Sea. The road is well-built and impressive with interesting rock formations to see and you pass the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Kourtaliotiko means "castanets". The Cretans say that when the wind blows through the Gorge it sounds as if someone is playing the castanets so that is why this Gorge was named Kourtaliotiko.

Matala Southeast Crete, on the trail of the hippies: Unorganized, reddish shimmering sandy beach, nature reserve for the Sea Turtles Caretta Caretta. It is also part of the Natura 2000 program. Red Beach was named after its shimmering red beach color, which is unique in Crete. Accessible via a very stony but well-marked short hiking trail of around 4 km. The deserted red beach promises beautiful sunsets and a turquoise blue sea. Steep limestone rocks surround the long bay. There are no shady spots, just a small kiosk with a few parasols. If you don't like hiking, we recommend the boat trip from Matala to the Red Beach.

The southern coastal town of Sougia is in southwestern Crete and belongs to the prefecture of Chania, about 60 km south of Chania. Experience a new side of Crete next time you pull on your walking boots with an amble through some of the most beautiful landscapes of Southern Crete. Mountain peaks, as well as coastal paths and even a hidden gorge LYSSOS. Only the way is the goal! This small coastal village on the south coast of Crete lies at the foot of the "Agia Irini“Gorge and is becoming increasingly popular with hikers. The hinterland of Sougia is very varied and offers many out - door - activities. The European Walking Path E4 leads the visitors to the most scenic places of South Crete. Sougia has a "Taxi Information Desk" and even a water - taxi offering transfers for hikers. The pebble Beach of Sougia is well organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and a few taverns. There is a ferry-boat-connection to the non-street-accessible picturesque villages like LOUTRO and AGIA ROUMELI. We call Sougia also as the TRANSIT PLACE for hikers as this is the place where the Samaria-Hikers are coming back from their tour. There is also a ferry-connection to the Coastal Village SFAKIA. Hiking tours that you can do in Sougia and the surrounding area: An excellent medium level-challenge that spans 12 km is the AGIA IRINI GORGE the path descends in the coastal village Sougia, also suggested for hiking with children. Like all Gorges in Crete the path is a riverbed with gravel.

Gortys ( Gortina) The "Queen of Inscriptions"
In the 2nd century AD Gortys reached the peak of its power. The final period of glory was in the Christian period in the 7th century A.D. Gortys had a large population after the Roman conquest of Crete in 67 BC but in 796 AD the city was hit by an earthquake which almost destroyed it. Then the capital was transferred to Heraklion. The greatest highlight of Gortys is The Law Code of Gortys which is also known as the "Queen Of INSCRIPTIOS". The code dates from the mid-5th century which covers a phenomenal variety of laws. Adoption rules, marriage, divorce, inheritance rights, the social status and treatment of slaves, as well as the sale and acquirement of property are all involved in the code. The "Law Code of Gortys" is deemed to be one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of our time.

The trail from the mountain village of Spili towards to the south coast to the bays of Agia Fotini, Triopetra and Agios Pavlos offers a overview of the south coast of Crete and its secret and romantic beaches . These bays are not officially nudist beaches, but many use the solitude to do nudism. Triopetra is located on the southwest coast of Crete about 52 km south of Rethymnon-city and 13 km of Mount Siderotas. The place belonged and still belongs to the mountain people of Akoumia. The mountain dwellers used to build small huts there on the coast to have a place to stay during the olive harvest. Today most of the land is still owned by Akoumia residents, so most of the hotel owners come from the same village. Triopetra can be reached by car via a paved road.

This sandy feature is typical of the South-coast. Xerokambos is situated 48 km southeast of the City Sitia. Xerokambos gives stunning views out over the dry heights and the Aegean blue, this landscape is realy arid with high mountains. The trademark of xerokampos are the two sandy beaches with turquoise waters. The vegetation is limited to macchia with herbs and some peaks with a few olive groves. In the last years Xerokambos developed as a slight tourist-area with some family run apartment-houses. There are some taverns, a supermarket and a petrol-station. Xerokamos is one of the most remote places of Crete. Absolutely picture-postcard perfect, the natural sandy beach with turquoise waters.