Samaria
Gorge
No holiday in Crete is complete without a trip through the longest gorge in
Europe, the Gorge of Samaria.
A stunning mountain ride southwards will lead you to the
village of Opals, only a couple of kilometers from Xyloskalo, the starting point of this
adventure.
Descending the wooden steps you will be intrigued by the beauty and serenity of
this massive gorge which is shadowed by the White Mountains.
The wild and unspoiled
scenery and flora that you will see along the way is unrivalled anywhere in Crete. We
eventually emerge to the village of Agia Roumeli on the shores of the Libyan Sea from
where a refreshing boat ride will take us to the village of Chora Sfakion.
Completely
satisfied, we return to Chania pondering the magnificence of nature and the accomplishment
of tackling Europe's longest gorge.
For the less adventurous who would still like to view the beautiful scenery
that this gorge has to offer, without too much walking involved, we suggest a "lazier
way!".
Driving directly to Chora Sfakion we board the boat for an hour's sailing to
the coastal village of Agia Roumeli at the foot of the gorge, A walk up the gorge as far
as the "Sideroportes" or "Iron Gates" and back again will give you
some idea of the gorge's beauty and magnificence.
After a relaxing lunch and swim in the
crystal waters of the Libyan Sea we sail back to Chora Sfakion late in the afternoon where
we begin the homeward journey.
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Cretan Villages
For those who wish to see the unspoiled beauty of the island, this tour is a
must. The excursion takes us eastwards to the village of Vamos where the German
headquarters were situated during the Second World War. Our journey continues to
Geogioupolis on the north coast, named after prince George who once served as High
Commisioner of Crete. At the village of Roustika you will visit the Monastery of Profitis
Ilias and then have the opportunity to visit a cheese factory where various Cretan cheeses
are made.
A relaxing lunch can be had among the beautiful waterfalls and
greenery of Argyroupolis, before continuing to Lake Kournas. This is the only
freshwater lake on Crete and the atmosphere is tame and refreshing when compared
to the island's usual ragged attractions.
Numerous legends have grown about
the lake as it a mystery why such a body of water is found here and nowhere else
on Crete.
Cretan Night
Come with us from Chania where we first visit the Venizelos Tombs, the resting place of
one of the most significant figures in Greek politics.
We continue to the Monastery of Korakies where the beautiful hand embroidered tablecloths can be admired. From there it is
a short ride to a typical Greek taverna where you will be greeted with friendliness,
hospitality and a glass of "raki".
A "glendi" follows, a unique
experience of enjoyment that the Cretans and Greeks can show.
There is plenty of food and wine
to enjoy while being entertained by Cretan dancers in traditional costumes, and
of course the opportunity to join in the traditional Greek dancing too!
Knossos & Heraklion
The
palace of Knossos is not simply foundations and ruins, but rather it is a complex of
rooms, halls, passages, myths and legends, all dating back to 2500 B.C. a time when most
people of the world were still living in caves!
The journey takes you along Crete's
northern coast to Iraklio, the island's capital and from there to the village of Knossos
where you will be led through the labyrinth, galleries and rooms of the Palace where the
power and vitality of a long era is so strikingly present.
Visit the Royal Palace of King Minos, and see the abundance of evidence of how people lived and worked during the great
Minoan civilization.
A tour through Heraklio archeological museum follows, on of the most
important museums in the world, housing all the original pieces from Knossos and other
sites including frescoes, intricate gold jewelry and engraved linguistic tablets of the
period.
After all this culture you have the chance to relax at leisure in
Heraklion, be it
the tavernas, restaurants and coffee shops of Lion's square or through the colorful
markets of 1866 street before beginning the return journey.
Chrysoskalitissa Monastery
Down on the
south-west extremity of Crete is a bay with enormous black rocks.
On the highest one of them is
perched the most beloved but also the most remote monastery.
Elafonissi
Elafonissi is a small isle on the southwest of Crete brimming with
tranquility color and light.
It has a lace-like coastline and
dazzling sand dunes with small cedar trees and lilies.
Gramvoussa
Gramvoussa is joined to mainland Crete by a series of reefs and high rocks
that, at the same time act as a breakwater and form a sheltered harbor.
Due to its
strategic location, Gramvoussa was fortified by the Venetians, who built a well-fortified
castle on the top of a steep rock at an altitude of 137 m.
Gramvoussa is joined to
mainland Crete by a series of reefs and high rocks that, at the same time act as a
breakwater and form a sheltered harbor.
Due to its strategic location, Gramvoussa was
fortified by the Venetians, who built a well-fortified castle on the top of a steep rock
at an altitude of 137 m.
Falasarna
The
road from Chania to Kastelli continues west to the villages of Platanos and
Falasarna. There is a right turn (sign to Falasarna) before the village of
Platanos, 16km from Kastelli, Kissamos.
At the top of the hill you will have a
magnificent view of the sea and the wild landscape of western Crete. The area of Falasarna has an ancient city and harbor, incredible sandy beaches and a small
fishing harbor.
Photo Safari
This is a n unforgettable tour for those who wish to see the beautiful
landscape of Crete. We drive south to the village of Vrisses where you can enjoy the
locally made yogurt and honey.
From there we continue to the plateau of Askifou which is
one of the largest fertile plateau of Crete and the next stop is at the gorge of Imbros
where scenic photographs of the barren landscape and the rugged coast of the Libyan Sea
can be taken.
On
the south coast you can admire the mysterious Venetian fortress of Fragokastello where
legend says that at the beginning of May each year, the "ghosts" of soldiers who
died during the battle with the Turks can be seen.
We then make a leisurely stop at the
coastal village of Plakias for lunch and a refreshing swim before continuing to the
monastery of Preveli.
Driving northwards, our last stop is the Kourtaliotiko gorge before
beginning the homeward journey along the north coast.
Santorini
Black sands and white houses, indigo sea, gray earth, green fields and
petrified lava. No other island quite compares with the wild natural beauty of
Santorini.
The history of this island is the history of a volcano. Contrasting layers of volcanic
pumice stone and soil bear witness to the eruption of the volcano which occurred some
3.500 years ago, causing three quarters of the island to sink into the sea.
This catastrophe, together with the ruins of a highly advanced civilization found at
Akrotiri, have lead many to believe that Santorini is the legendary Atlantis.
The
atmosphere of this unique island will intoxicate you just as the taste of the heady local
wine, and the view from Fyra, the town built on the top of the sheer cliffs, will stay in
your memory long after your cruise is over.
Boat trip
A
new world is appearing to you diving in crystal clear waters discovering the
life in the sea. 
