Things to do and travel ideas for rental car tours on West Crete

The Bay of Afrata and its mountain Village Afrata is located in western Crete at the Rodhopou-Peninsula. Approximately 7 km from the larger coastal town kolimbari. Below the village is a path that leads to the pebble beach. This small peble beach is popular with the locals for fishing and snorkeling. Diving Clubs come from Chania town to dive here, it is also a good area for diving. Afrata is still completely untapped from tourism. This makes the charm for many individuals. At this bay there is a small tavern, which also gives a few deck chairs. 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!

Nature Adventure Agia Irini Gorge European Path E4 Things to know before you go; most of our tours provide round-trip transport from your accommodation.
If you want to pass through the Agia Irini Gorge you must wear the right clothes and shoes for walking and hiking. The Agia Irini Gorge is 12 km, 7 km of them in the gorge and 5 km outside. The starting point is the village of Agia Irini. An official walking map for Crete does not exist, but you will always find a map of the whole route at the entrance to each gorge. These maps are detailed enough to give you information about the gorges. Like most gorges on Crete, the Agia Irini Gorge is also a riverbed. You can admire the local flora and fauna, such as the endangered Cretan wild goat and various plants like cypress, pine, and dittany. The path first goes uphill and then downhill. In the gorge there are several picnic areas where you can have a short rest beneath the shade of the old pine trees. It is a medium level hiking trail. The walk takes a total of 5 hours and can be done throughout the year, provided that it hasn't just rained. An average walker knows that hiking in a gorge after a rainy day is dangerous because stones from the mountain can be dislodged. This riverbed is dry in summertime, but up until June you will see some water, brooks and springs where you can fill your bottle with fresh water. It is paved with huge stones and pebles. 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!

The Monastery Arkadi
Arkadi Monastery is perhaps the best-known monastery on Crete due to the Holocaust of 1866. In November 1866, Ottoman armies laid siege to the monastery, where 700 women and children and 260 Cretan warriors had barricaded themselves after the Abbot’s refusal to surrender. This event is considered to be one of the most important in Cretan history and was the reason that Arkadi was designated by UNESCO as a European Freedom Monument. It is a large fortified complex built during the end of the period of Venetian rule. Apart from the monks’ cells, the central building also includes warehouses, premises for processing agricultural products, as well as stables. Its location and impressive architecture make it more special.

Nature Reserve The Balos Lagoon organised Boat-Trip to the Lagoon
We recommend the one-day cruise to the island Gramvousa to "Balos" the blue lagoon. This eventful day cruise to Gramvousa is especially for families a great event. In the summer-season the boot "Gramvoussa-Express" goes every morning from the harbour of Kissamos to the Gramvoussa. You can purchase the Boat-Tickets from us Kreta.com. The harbour of Kissamos is located between the city Kastelli Kissamos and Kaliviani. This route goes closed to the coastline. First you will have the possibility to visit the famous venetian castle at the top of a rock at an altitude of 137 m. There you will enjoy a fantastic panoramic sea view to the blue lagoon "Balos". This place was also hide-out for pirates.You have nearly 1 1/2 hour time for visiting the castle, then after this visit the route goes directly to the perfect dream blue lagoon "Balos". For this perfect dream beach, you will have enough time to ejoy the azure sea.

For all of you who would like to travel with a real historic ship, I can only recommend the M / S Irini. It is anchored in Chania and makes trips several times a day. You can scuba dive and scholl here (for example to an airplane wreck from WW II). If you're lucky, you'll see a pair of Caretta Caretta turtles that often roam the coast off Chania. Or enjoy the flair on an old, former pilot boat of the US Navy from 1928.
An exciting excursion for the whole family.

The Botanical Park of Crete grew from the ashes of that devastating fire in the year 2003. The park is located 19 km southwards of Chania City near the village Meskla at the ridge of the White Mountains.
In the year 2003 the Village Skordalou and the surrounding region had burnt almost to the ground caused from an electricity pole wire. A sudden hot wind storm from Africa caused an electricity pole wire to break. The damage was disastrous: sixty thousand olive trees over 400 hundred years old had been burnt. The village had been ruined financially and ecologically. A family, owners of a Land of 150-200 square kilometres thought that all that burnt land could become a botanical park for trekking, education and recreation. All family members of the family Marinakis welcomed this idea.

Saint John the Hermit Cave, Marathokefala
A Historical Cave located just 3 km south of the Coastal Village Kolimbari in a slopy area with a pectacular view to the mediteranean sea. It is richly decorated with numerous stalactites and stalagmites. Inside the cave there is temple of the 15th century and the foundations of old cells that date back in the 17th-18th century. It is believed that the cave was also used as a sanctuary in the pre-Christian Era. On 6-7 October takes place the feast of St. John the Hermit and on December 24, on Christmas Eve, the Nativity of Christ is represented with real animals, and is very famous throughout Greece. This is where St. John the Hermit, the founder of the Catholicon Monastery lived for three years. He led an ascetic life in the nude for a long time in this part of the island.

Sightseeing the old town of Chania and its modern life.
Chania is a hub of creative diversity. An eclectic medley of cultural treasures, with its mix history and modern life. For many the most beautiful town in Crete. Chania is the second largest City of Crete. Large parts of the old town are closed to traffic; the bulk of the Venetian mansions restored or converted into hotels. One of the most important constructions of the Venetian Period is the Entrance of Renier Mansion. In former times Chania was divided in 3 parts the East part for the Muslims the Southwest part for the Jewish and the West part for the Christians. In the East oft he old town there are traces of the Turks: a small minaret or masonry. On the Northeast of the Venetian walls there is the only preserved gate “The rampart Sabbionara” still preserves its Turkish name "koum - kapi (Kum Kapisi = the Gate of the Sand it is constructed in the sea. On the front of the rampart, the circular Venetian emblem of the lion of Agios Marcos is still preserved. The Byzantine Wall was built in 12th century and its outline is irregular with longitudinal axle from the East to the West, where its two central gates were located.

The Church of Archangel Michael
The Church of Archagel Michael is an early Christian church dating from the second half of the 6th century, situated outside Kato Episkopi, 7 km southwards of the Coastal village Kolimbari. This Church is one of the most important and oldest monuments of Crete from the early Christian period. The church of Archangel Michael is of great value, from both an architectural and an icon painting perspective. Architecturally, it is a periaptic rectangular building topped with a large cupola. The narthex lies at the west end of the church and then there is an atrium. The exterior of the cupola is formed by homocentric crowns evolving like steps. The mosaic floors, dating back to the 6th century, are decorated with motifs as fisch, ivy leaves and semi-circles. The wall decoration is well preserved. The Church Archangel Michael is an example of great icon painting craftsmanship and it is associated with the 2nd Byzantine period.

Easy Hike through the Deliana - Mesavlia Gorge (suggested even for children)
Get your camera ready. The hiking tour through the Deliana Gorge is an excellent spot for bird watching. You'll be utterly charmed by this tour. Refresh the mind, body and spirit in this unknown gorge, that's an injustice to the beauty of this area.
A natural paradise especially for ornithologists. The gorge is characterized by the dense vegetation around its creek. The habitat for the bearded Vulture. It is an easy walk with a height difference of 120 meters. Starting Point is the Village Mesavlia and descends in the village Deliana. Several communities are fighting over the naming of the gorge, which is why this gorge in Crete has different names. We just call Deliana, like the next village at the entrance. In front of the gorge is a large parking lot. The Deliana Gorge is located 7 km southward of the coastal Village Kolimbari. Walking in the gorge is very easy and is suggested even for children. It is only a 2 hours walk from Deliana to Mesavlia and return. It is a water-rich gorge with old plane trees and oaks. At the beginning, the first 2 km, it gets rocky. The canyon is a nature reserve for the bearded vulture and is a part of Natura 2000" program. The hike is 7 km long. 2 hours walk from Deliana to Mesavlia and return.

Falassarna one of the most scenic beaches of Europe in West Crete.
Falassarna is a protected nature reserve with dunes on the west coast of Crete. It extends over a length of about 2 km with 5 different bays. The exotic-Beach Falassarna is a Paradise and one of the TOP beaches of Europe. Located 60 km westwards from Chania-Town and only 15 minutes’ drive from the coastal village Kolimbari. There are two watersports-stations offering Stand Up Boards (SUP), Surfing and Kite Surfing. The area consists of several sandy beaches and a few small apartment houses. There are two beach clubs with good music, where fast food is offered and 5 very good restaurants. The beach clubs also offer sun loungers and parasols (price for booth 2 chairs and an umbrella = 5 €,) There are no shops. On the big beach there are 2 watersports stations.To the next big town Kissamsos with hospital 14.4 km about 25 minutes’ drive. You will find several ATMs, shops, hairdressers and several banks and pharmacies. Highlight in Falassarna are the excavations of the ancient port city Polirinia from the 6th century BC. The excavations are at the end of the bay, where it is rocky. At the northern end of Falassrana there are the ruins of the ancient Grecoroman city of Falassarna. My favorite place there is the carved stone throne. What for a function it had is still unclear. The throne is located south of the excavations and anyone can sit down in, what I naturally enjoyed!

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!

Sight-Seeing Monasteries & a small walking-Path to the "Bear Cave"
The Patriarchal Monastery of Agia Triada is one of the most important monasteries of the end of the Venetian Empire in Crete with a great contribution to the History and Education of the island. It is located at the Akrotiri Peninsula on the foot of Stavros mountain chain. It was built by the brothers Ieremias and Lavrentios Tsagarolon that came from a great Venetian-Cretan family and had a powerful influence in the Orthodox population and the Catholic Venetians. The Monastery has a smal shop where the monks sell their Organic Olive oil and Organic wine. After about 100 meters you will park in front of the monastery "Gouvernetto" where the hike begins.

Hiking through the Imbros Gorge
Imbros Gorge is the third polular Gorge after Samaria and Agia Irini Gorge. The Imbros Gorge belongs to the European Hiking Path E4 and is located 10 km north of the coastal village Sfakia. It is an easy to walk Gorge with a length of 11 km (2-3 hours walk), also suggedsted for children. A Real Adventure for families.
Thestarting point is the village of Imbros, 700 meters above sea level. It is a well signed path you just have to follow the signs. It is a descending path; the walls of the gorge have low sidewalls. The exit ist the village Komitades with two taverns where you can ask for a taxi to bring you back to the Starting point. It is a small village in the South - Coast near the coastal village Frangokastello.

The small sandy bay of Kalathas is located on the west side of the Akrotiri peninsula near Chania. The beach is very shallow to the sea. In the season a beach bar / tavern is opened. Here also beach chairs and umbrellas can be borrowed. From the beach you can see a small island that a good swimmer can reach. Due to the western orientation of the bay you have almost until the last minute sunshine.
From Kalathas it is also not far to the neighboring bay of Tersanas and also the bay of Stavros, famous for the filming of the classic Alexis Zorbas.

The Kournas Lake
The Kournas Lake is situated in the hinterland of Georgioupolis nearly 38 km eastwards of Chania town. It has a maximum depth of 22,5 m and is surrounded by green hills, just a few kilometres away from the sea. The lake was known as “Corissia” in antiquity. Nowadays a popular destination attracting thousands of visitors. The lake’s water increases during winter, from adjacent sources in the mountains and decreases in summer revealing a gold sandy strip. It is also a protected reserve by the Natura 2000 program.

The water park "Limnoupolis" near Varipetro near Chania: giant slides in the middle of a natural paradise. Here you will have a lot of fun and your parents will certainly!
The journey by rental car from the northwest coast takes about 30-45 minutes from the Kolimbari region to Chania. In addition to various slides, waterways and pools, there is also a varied gastronomic offer for young and old. From the slides there is an exciting view of the north coast to the sea.

Marathi Beach in Akrotiri Peninsula
The Bay of Marathi is the most popular beach for the locals especially for families because these two sandy bays are always calm with no wind. Marathi is divided in 2 bays with a small harbour and several good taverns with traditional food. The two bays overlook the shores of Souda Gulf and promises the fabulous views to the snow-covered white mountain "Lefka Ori". Especially at the weekends it gets crowded by the locals. The best days for Marathi are from Monday to Thursday.

Menies Beach (Or Diktynna)
The location of Menies beach is 26 km northwest of Kolimbari, on the north-eastern point of the Rodopou Peninsula and the exit of “Fountas” gorge. This lovely secluded beach with pebbles and deep clear blue waters is accessible over a gravel-road. It is one of the most beautiful secret beaches and an ideal destination for relaxation when you rent a boat. At several kilometres there are no amenities at all, so make sure to bring along you need for. Daily excursions cruises are offered from the coastal village Kolimbari. Please bear in mind that this off-road gravel way is not an official way and no insurance will cover a damage of your rented car. We recommend rending a boat or to book the excursion offered from the Village Kolimbari or from Chania.

The Monastery Agia Triada at the Akrotiri peninsula
The Monastery Agia Triada situated at Akrotiri peninsula near the village Stavros, a location planted with olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees. Architecturally it is one of the most important examples of the Cretan Renaissance. It was funded by brothers Jeremiah and Lorenzo of the old Venetian family. The Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Monastery is probably the most impressive monastic complex of the final period of Venetian rule on Crete, due to both its scale and architectural form.

Gonia Monastery one of the best-preserved Monasteries of Crete.
The Monastery Gonia is situated 700 m westawards to the Coastal village Kolymbari. The Monastery was built 1618, it looks like a fort and has a three apse Catholicon church and two chapels.
The monastery has been an attraction for numerous monks and hermits and flourished in the last decades of Venetian rule. It was conquered by the Ottomans in 1645 but had the good fortune of being under the administration of significant men of the church (like Isaias Diakopoulos), who not only preserved its fortune, but introduced the teaching of Letters and Arts at its premises. Before the Ottoman looting, the monks had arranged to send 40 valuable icons away from the monastery to other Greek territories. Today the museum of the monastery one can admires the wealth of its icons and manuscripts.

Omalos Plateau
The famous plateau Omalos is surrounded by Lefka Ori "White Mountains" which is covored with snow till June. The table land is situated at an altitude of 1040 to 1250 meters and is just 38 km from the city of Chania. The starting point for the polular hiking walk cross the Samaria Gorge is named Xyloskalo at 1250 m high. In Xyloskalo you can find a forest outpost and information kiosk about Lefka Ori and Samaria Park. Opposite from Xyloskalo is a Mountain-Restaurant where you can admire the majestic rises of the peak of Gigilos.
The peak of Gigilosis is at 2080 m and the Greek Mythology states that is was the location of the Crete-born god Zeus throne. West from Gigilos in the peaks of Agathopi (1768 m) and Psilafi (1984 m) also the Greek Mythology states that the god of gods (Zeus) was performing his chariot races. The highest mountain is Pachnes at an altitute of 2452 m.One of the most beautiful routes in the White Mountains is the climbing of Gigilos, with a duration of two and a half hours walking. This route is quite easy. Half-way to Gigilos, is the spring of Linoseli. At ancient times there was a famous Oracle there.

The Ancient Polyrrhenia (Polirinia) with stunning views to the sea.
Polyrrhenia- Situated 7 km in the hinterland of Kissamos. Kissamos is a Coastal City, 37 miles west from Chania, in the Northwest of Crete. The Ancient Polirinia was a polis, in the northwest of ancient Crete, with its territory wholly western Crete, extending from north to southof the Kissamos region. It was an important Archaic Period settlement co-temporal with Lato and Prinias. These Polis were built by Achaeans and Lacedaemonians (coming from the Peloponnese) in 200 BC. The Polyrrhenians assisted the Achaens at the Lyctians during the Civil War in Crete (219 BC). Cnossus and Gorty's (Eastern Crete) from dominating the entire island and bringing them a large part of the Macedonian coalition. In Polyrrhenia you can see the remains of the ancient walls, from 10 to 18 feet high. Since 1986 archaeological excavations have been conducted. This is one of the unique hotspots for photo-coulisses because of the fantastic view of the Gulf of Kissamos and the huge walls.

The old town of Rethymnon
The third largest town in Crete with approx. 30,000 inhabitants is, like Chania, much influenced by its Venetian occupation. In early Christian times the place was sparsely populated, but the Venetians shaped the town with the construction of the enormous fortress, Fortezza Castle. Today Rethymnon is a mixture of Cretan, Turkish and Venetian elements and competes with Chania, the former seat of government. Rethymnon has a very long beach (12km) primarily of sand. There is a lot of ship traffic in the harbour and during the season there are mini cruises to Santorin which take four hours one way.

We start today's hike at the place Rodhopou. Directly at the village square, a street turns left (west) to the football pitch outside. The dirt road leads us along vineyards. We pass several goat stalls, better dwellings, which remind of landscapes on the Sinai. Archaic land. The dirt road leads parallel to the sea with a fantastic view of the bay of Kastelli, Kissamos.
After a good 40 minutes the way ends in the middle of the landscape. A goatherd has his home here. It is not easy to find the right entry to the hiking trail. Isolated are small stone turrets that mark the unpaved path. The path is pretty steep, sometimes you need all four limbs to support yourself. The eye constantly wanders between the avoidable paths and the sea.

Organised One-Day-Hiking Tour Samaria Gorge
We recommend purchase your tickets from us before you go for holidays. Information for purchasing tickes for this excursion: info@kreta.com . You will be picked up from your hotel ( if your Hotel is situated in the West Coast of Crete!!!) very early in the morning and will be brought back in the evening. This One-Day-Hiking-Tour is recommended only for visitors in the northwest of Crete.
The Samaria Gorge, with its 18 km length, is the longest Gorge in Europe. This gorge is part of the Crete White Mountain National Park in western Crete. Like the other Cretan gorges, the Samaria Gorge is also a riverbed and in the wintertime, it is full of water. This spectacular gorge is open from the beginning of May till the end of October and sometimes from the beginning of April, provided there has been no heavy rain in the previous months.

Seitan Limania in Western Crete
This Beach is located in the Akrotiri Peninsula 22km northeast of Chania and 2km east of the village Chordaki. The rocky underwater is perfect for snorkeling! If you’d rather take a swim, you’ll be stunned by deep blue.This hidden beach is not for non-swimmers it occured its name Seitan Limania, after the wild landscape, the steep cliffs and the strong sea streams which are dangerous. The beach was once only accessible by boat but there is now a rocky downhill path that leads into the untouched shores. There is a narrow steep path starting from the parking place and leading to the beach, so make sure you wear sneakers.Take care during the hike down as it is steep! During the high season the beach is crowded from locals.

Spili is located 30 km south of the port city of Rethymnon, 89 km from Chania, 108 km southwest of the capital Heraklion and 23 km north of the south coast town of Plakias. The village with 800 habitants is a hub and a stop-over station for visitors who want to go to the south of Crete. Everyone who wants to visit the Preveli Palm Gorge pass this charming mountain village. Spili also has a religious meaning for the locals as the bishop's seat of the southwest coast is at the western end of the village. The building with the church of Agios Pavlos and Agios Petros decorates the small town. Located on the edge of the Kedros Mountains, there is never a lack of water. The region is green and abundant in water.

Stavros Beach for swimming
The village of Stavros on the northernmost tip of the Akrotiri Peninsula was the location in the sixties for the world-famous film "Zorba The Greek" starring Anthony Quinn. The well-known last scene "Zorbas dance" was amongst those filmed here. The place itself is hardly worth a mention but the beach, the Bay of Stavros, is a bathing paradise for children learning to swim. The fine sand slopes gently to the sea and the bay is protected here from strong waves by a small promontory. There is not a lot of shade, but beach chairs and sunshades can be hired in the season. Lying on the beach there is always something different to focus on when viewing the mountains opposite. A visit to the region of Stavros is ideal not just for classic film lovers but also for those searching for peace and quiet and not in a rush to see the whole of western Crete in a fortnight. Stavros does not lend itself to those in a hurry as it is too remote - the trip to Chania, for example, takes nearly half an hour.

The natural heritage monument The Olive Tree of Vouves
Visit the natural heritage monument The Olive Tree of Vouves and the small Museum of Vouves. The tree ring analysis of this ancient tree demonstrated the tree to be at least 2000 years old, scientists from the University of Crete have estimated it to be 4,000 years old. Vouves is a mountain village in a beautiful green western Crete. With the small villages Darmarohohi and Vassilogiani it belongs to the municipality of Platanias. It is a picturesque area with vineyards and olive groves, as far as the eye can see. This region is located 140 meters above the sea level. Whatever your viewpoint is, the hillside position allows a panoramic view over the bay and the surrounding villages. It is a nice hilly region with villas. The oldest natural monument of Crete, the oldest olive tree is in the platia of the Village Vouves, there is also small museum and a cafe.