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In Peza, a very fine olive oil is produced with protected designation of origin and eponymous P.O.P. wine. The standardization of the products is made in industrial facilities, in “Peza Union”. The private wine factories are many in the area and produce also fine vine. For that reason, this area is an important station in wine roads and a part of the wine-tourism.Peza always was a link, as it is a middle station between Heraclion and the villages of mesara.
Near the exit from the village, tourists go to the tasting hall of Milliarakis winery.
PLACE NAME: According to the tradition, the village was took its name in the Turkish Occupation. It is said that then there was a Turkish petty tyrant who made every horse rider that passed by to get off his horse to whip him. So people were made to pass the village on foot ( “Pezoi”) and that’s why the village was named Peza.
Peza is built between many vineyards and olive trees, is 17 kilometers in the south of Heraclion and 310 meters above the sea.
441 people live in the settlement and they are mainly occupied by olive crop, vine-growing, and in building industries or commerce.
FOR FOOD: Taverna Onisimos in Peza of Heraklio in Crete is the perfect place for traditional cretan cuisine.
Also, choriogyros restaurant in Peza is the perfect place to taste a local gyro !!
Myrtia village (just 3 minutes from Peza) is also the birth place of Nikos Kazantzakis and has a Museum dedicated to the famous Cretan writer.
Also, Archanes local village are just 5 minutes with a car.
9 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Peza
In Peza, a very fine olive oil is produced with protected designation of origin and eponymous P.O.P. wine. The standardization of the products is made in industrial facilities, in “Peza Union”. The private wine factories are many in the area and produce also fine vine. For that reason, this area is an important station in wine roads and a part of the wine-tourism.Peza always was a link, as it is a middle station between Heraclion and the villages of mesara.
Near the exit from the village, tourists go to the tasting hall of Milliarakis winery.
PLACE NAME: According to the tradition, the village was took its name in the Turkish Occupation. It is said that then there was a Turkish petty tyrant who made every horse rider that passed by to get off his horse to whip him. So people were made to pass the village on foot ( “Pezoi”) and that’s why the village was named Peza.
Peza is built between many vineyards and olive trees, is 17 kilometers in the south of Heraclion and 310 meters above the sea.
441 people live in the settlement and they are mainly occupied by olive crop, vine-growing, and in building industries or commerce.
FOR FOOD: Taverna Onisimos in Peza of Heraklio in Crete is the perfect place for traditional cretan cuisine.
Also, choriogyros restaurant in Peza is the perfect place to taste a local gyro !!
Myrtia village (just 3 minutes from Peza) is also the birth place of Nikos Kazantzakis and has a Museum dedicated to the famous Cretan writer.
Also, Archanes local village are just 5 minutes with a car.
ΑΞΙΟΘΕΑΤΑ
Plaka at Elounda (next to Agios Nikolaos)
plaka is a road trip around 1 hour from us with a bus or car
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Elounda-Plaka+Boat+Cooperative,+Elounda/Heraklion+Old+Port+Apartments+Gianni+Chronaki+3+Iraklio+712+02/@35.2522319,25.3539056,11.5z/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x1490838d3ceacc23:0xc1521d124883fd67!2m2!1d25.7226544!2d35.2631822!1m5!1m1!1s0x149a5a2fa6005835:0xf627d54beec1e1ca!2m2!1d25.1318376!2d35.3420664
Plaka is located 16km north of Agios Nikolaos, opposite the entrance of the lagoon of Korfos (or lagoon of Elounda), in one of the most beautiful places of Crete. A feature of Plaka is the wonderful views of the island Kalydon, on where the famous fortress of SPINALONGA stands.
SPINALOGKA operated as a leper hospital during the first half of the 20th century. The island can be reached primarily by boat from Elounda and Plaka. Indeed, Plaka existence is highly linked to Spinalonga, as the settlement was built for serving the leper colony. Today, in Plaka you will find several traditional taverns and lovely old houses, which give you the impression that time has stopped here 2-3 centuries ago. Indeed, this picturesque place was the ideal place for filming one of the most amazing TV series of Greek Television, called “The Island” (2010).
To go to Plaka beach take the local bus called KTEL to Agios Nikolaos.
Check the route for the bus from the official KTEL website: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/
or you can go to central bus station (ktel) and buy the ticket from there (they have info point, front desk)
further info for Route from KTEL
the apartments are about 1km away from the Central Bus station Heraklion - Lassithi (ktel in greek).
You have the following options:
1. If you don't have a lot of luggage you can walk for 15 minutes
(please keep a bottle of water and hat --> remember drinking water before you feel thirsty helps keep the water level in your body)
2. you can take a taxi (it takes 5 min. to come here and costs around 7 euro) . There are plenty taxis available at the bus station it is advisable take a taxi to reach here during 12.00-16.00 pm due to hot temperature
You can see the route below if you decide to come in foot from ktel to us :
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Central+Bus+Station+Heraklion+-+Lassithi+Bus,+Λεωφόρος+Ικάρου,+Heraklion/Heraklion+Old+Port+Apartments+Gianni+Chronaki+3+Iraklio+712+02/@35.3403455,25.1344016,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x149a5bf404697e67:0x3134756538148a11!2m2!1d25.1414787!2d35.3389232!1m5!1m1!1s0x149a5a2fa6005835:0xf627d54beec1e1ca!2m2!1d25.1318376!2d35.3420664!3e2
99 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Nisida Spinalonga
Plaka at Elounda (next to Agios Nikolaos)
plaka is a road trip around 1 hour from us with a bus or car
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Elounda-Plaka+Boat+Cooperative,+Elounda/Heraklion+Old+Port+Apartments+Gianni+Chronaki+3+Iraklio+712+02/@35.2522319,25.3539056,11.5z/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x1490838d3ceacc23:0xc1521d124883fd67!2m2!1d25.7226544!2d35.2631822!1m5!1m1!1s0x149a5a2fa6005835:0xf627d54beec1e1ca!2m2!1d25.1318376!2d35.3420664
Plaka is located 16km north of Agios Nikolaos, opposite the entrance of the lagoon of Korfos (or lagoon of Elounda), in one of the most beautiful places of Crete. A feature of Plaka is the wonderful views of the island Kalydon, on where the famous fortress of SPINALONGA stands.
SPINALOGKA operated as a leper hospital during the first half of the 20th century. The island can be reached primarily by boat from Elounda and Plaka. Indeed, Plaka existence is highly linked to Spinalonga, as the settlement was built for serving the leper colony. Today, in Plaka you will find several traditional taverns and lovely old houses, which give you the impression that time has stopped here 2-3 centuries ago. Indeed, this picturesque place was the ideal place for filming one of the most amazing TV series of Greek Television, called “The Island” (2010).
To go to Plaka beach take the local bus called KTEL to Agios Nikolaos.
Check the route for the bus from the official KTEL website: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/
or you can go to central bus station (ktel) and buy the ticket from there (they have info point, front desk)
further info for Route from KTEL
the apartments are about 1km away from the Central Bus station Heraklion - Lassithi (ktel in greek).
You have the following options:
1. If you don't have a lot of luggage you can walk for 15 minutes
(please keep a bottle of water and hat --> remember drinking water before you feel thirsty helps keep the water level in your body)
2. you can take a taxi (it takes 5 min. to come here and costs around 7 euro) . There are plenty taxis available at the bus station it is advisable take a taxi to reach here during 12.00-16.00 pm due to hot temperature
You can see the route below if you decide to come in foot from ktel to us :
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Central+Bus+Station+Heraklion+-+Lassithi+Bus,+Λεωφόρος+Ικάρου,+Heraklion/Heraklion+Old+Port+Apartments+Gianni+Chronaki+3+Iraklio+712+02/@35.3403455,25.1344016,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x149a5bf404697e67:0x3134756538148a11!2m2!1d25.1414787!2d35.3389232!1m5!1m1!1s0x149a5a2fa6005835:0xf627d54beec1e1ca!2m2!1d25.1318376!2d35.3420664!3e2
CHECK OUT : https://www.cretaquarium.gr/en/visit/opening-times
Crete Aquarium is located in Gouves, just a few kilometers from Heraklion Town and the beach of Hani Kokkini.
there are more than 100 different areas for 2,500 the Mediterranean and tropic sea creatures and species.
open daily, 9.30 in the morning till 19:00 in the afternoon
10 euro the ticket for 1 adult
Children 0-4 years old Free Entrance
Children 5-17 years old 6€
Students 6€
445 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Cretaquarium - Thalassocosmos
CHECK OUT : https://www.cretaquarium.gr/en/visit/opening-times
Crete Aquarium is located in Gouves, just a few kilometers from Heraklion Town and the beach of Hani Kokkini.
there are more than 100 different areas for 2,500 the Mediterranean and tropic sea creatures and species.
open daily, 9.30 in the morning till 19:00 in the afternoon
10 euro the ticket for 1 adult
Children 0-4 years old Free Entrance
Children 5-17 years old 6€
Students 6€
City walls (13 min walking from us)
Heraklion is surrounded by a formidable medieval wall, which was used to protect it from enemies. Owing to this, the city enjoyed the reputation as a well-fortified state in the Mediterranean basin. It stood up to a siege from the Turks for 21 years, but was finally seized in 1669 after its betrayal by a Greek-Venetian engineer who informed the invaders of the walls'' weaknesses at east and west bastions.
• It is possible now to walk along the top of these walls and enjoy a view over the city.
• You may reach the Grave of the Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957), where it is written:
"I hope for nothing, I fear nothing; I am free"
58 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Venetian City Wall
25 Nik. PlastiraCity walls (13 min walking from us)
Heraklion is surrounded by a formidable medieval wall, which was used to protect it from enemies. Owing to this, the city enjoyed the reputation as a well-fortified state in the Mediterranean basin. It stood up to a siege from the Turks for 21 years, but was finally seized in 1669 after its betrayal by a Greek-Venetian engineer who informed the invaders of the walls'' weaknesses at east and west bastions.
• It is possible now to walk along the top of these walls and enjoy a view over the city.
• You may reach the Grave of the Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957), where it is written:
"I hope for nothing, I fear nothing; I am free"
Sarandari or Limanakia at Chersonissos (31 minutes driving from us, 27km east)
White pebbles and small beach, Crystal clear waters at Creta Maris Resort. Always calm sea even on windy days! It is advisable to come very early in the morning, around 10-11 and you will get the best spot. Sarandari Coves: Their main characteristic is the wonderful pristine sea, in some spots shallow enough for small kids to explore. Besides, the whole series of coves is protected by Cape Sarandaris, which makes the beaches calm and waveless, as the cape prevents the northern winds from affecting the area.
Plus you can visit Chersonissos popular village for shopping, water sports, drink and more.
18 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sarantaris beach
Sarandari or Limanakia at Chersonissos (31 minutes driving from us, 27km east)
White pebbles and small beach, Crystal clear waters at Creta Maris Resort. Always calm sea even on windy days! It is advisable to come very early in the morning, around 10-11 and you will get the best spot. Sarandari Coves: Their main characteristic is the wonderful pristine sea, in some spots shallow enough for small kids to explore. Besides, the whole series of coves is protected by Cape Sarandaris, which makes the beaches calm and waveless, as the cape prevents the northern winds from affecting the area.
Plus you can visit Chersonissos popular village for shopping, water sports, drink and more.
Agiofarago (43 minutes from Phaistos with a car & 80 km south of Heraklion city, around 1 hour & 30 minutes driving from us)
Beautiful gorge to hike down to a beach in nature without the beach chairs and umbrellas, very popular to locals. Generally it is a very quiet beach despite the fact that it is usually crowded and definitely worth a day trip! The Agiofarago parking place is about 1.8 km from the beach (20 min walking). On the way you will see the chapel of St. Antony built on 14th century. If you choose to cross the gorge go early in the morning. This area is also a nature reserve for Cretan goats and birds. The beach at the exit of the gorge is very beautiful with small pebbles and clear blue water to swim.
PLUS--> Kaloi Limenes (i.e. Good Ports) (9 minutes with a car from Agiofarago)
Kali Limenes are considered to be a fairly protected bay from the winds, especially the western winds. If you exclude the repelling landscape of tanks, you will certainly be enchanted by the beautiful beaches of Kali Limenes, which are suitable for swimming all year round. As its name name suggests, sea in Kali Limenes (i.e. Fair Harbors) is almost always calm, except in winter. This was one of the reasons for the construction of the tanks here.
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Agiofarago beach
Agiofarago (43 minutes from Phaistos with a car & 80 km south of Heraklion city, around 1 hour & 30 minutes driving from us)
Beautiful gorge to hike down to a beach in nature without the beach chairs and umbrellas, very popular to locals. Generally it is a very quiet beach despite the fact that it is usually crowded and definitely worth a day trip! The Agiofarago parking place is about 1.8 km from the beach (20 min walking). On the way you will see the chapel of St. Antony built on 14th century. If you choose to cross the gorge go early in the morning. This area is also a nature reserve for Cretan goats and birds. The beach at the exit of the gorge is very beautiful with small pebbles and clear blue water to swim.
PLUS--> Kaloi Limenes (i.e. Good Ports) (9 minutes with a car from Agiofarago)
Kali Limenes are considered to be a fairly protected bay from the winds, especially the western winds. If you exclude the repelling landscape of tanks, you will certainly be enchanted by the beautiful beaches of Kali Limenes, which are suitable for swimming all year round. As its name name suggests, sea in Kali Limenes (i.e. Fair Harbors) is almost always calm, except in winter. This was one of the reasons for the construction of the tanks here.
Lions square OR Μorosini Venetian fountain: is dating from 1628, this fountain, surrounded by mature trees and cafés, is the center of action in the old city.
You must try the bougatsa at Phyllosophies cafe !! (costs around 2 - 3 euro)
Heraklion had always had a water shortage problem and that’s why, in 1627, the Venetian Francesco Morosini decided on a public project that would resolve the issue once and for all. Morosini fountain at lions square was a colossal project, which was completed in 14 months and was 15 kilometers long, for transfering water from the springs of mount Youchtas. Good to know:Nobody was allowed to plant trees at a distance of 10 feet, so as not to damage the channel. Morosini minted special coins depicting Zeus pouring water from Youktas Mountain.
DO NOT FORGET TO VISIT: the Karydaki Aqueduct and water bridge:
Where is it? near to Fortetsa location, 5km south of us, really close to Knossos Palace.
In the area there is a remainder of the 15km long Venetian aqueduct that brought water to Iraklion. You can see the imposing Venetian aqueduct of Morosini at position Karydaki, which crosses the river that runs through Sylamos Gorge and ends at Knossos.
Plus: If you cross the bridge you can visit the ruined church of Panagia Karydakiani monastery, on the opposite site.
On the bridge there is an inscription with the date 1627.
The aqueducts of Candia watered Heraklion till 1927!
119 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Fuente de los Leones de Morosini
Platia Eleftheriou VenizelouLions square OR Μorosini Venetian fountain: is dating from 1628, this fountain, surrounded by mature trees and cafés, is the center of action in the old city.
You must try the bougatsa at Phyllosophies cafe !! (costs around 2 - 3 euro)
Heraklion had always had a water shortage problem and that’s why, in 1627, the Venetian Francesco Morosini decided on a public project that would resolve the issue once and for all. Morosini fountain at lions square was a colossal project, which was completed in 14 months and was 15 kilometers long, for transfering water from the springs of mount Youchtas. Good to know:Nobody was allowed to plant trees at a distance of 10 feet, so as not to damage the channel. Morosini minted special coins depicting Zeus pouring water from Youktas Mountain.
DO NOT FORGET TO VISIT: the Karydaki Aqueduct and water bridge:
Where is it? near to Fortetsa location, 5km south of us, really close to Knossos Palace.
In the area there is a remainder of the 15km long Venetian aqueduct that brought water to Iraklion. You can see the imposing Venetian aqueduct of Morosini at position Karydaki, which crosses the river that runs through Sylamos Gorge and ends at Knossos.
Plus: If you cross the bridge you can visit the ruined church of Panagia Karydakiani monastery, on the opposite site.
On the bridge there is an inscription with the date 1627.
The aqueducts of Candia watered Heraklion till 1927!
City/town information
KNOSSOS PALACE:
Crete’s biggest and best-preserved Minoan site lies just five kilometers southeast of Heraklion. It is one of the most important tourist attractions on Crete.
A vast monumental palace, with four wings built around a spacious central courtyard, Knossos is believed to have been the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos. Remarkably sophisticated, it included ceremonial spaces, living areas, storage rooms, elaborate decoration, and a complex drainage system.
Although excavations show that there was a palace here as early as 2000 BC, what you see today dates mainly from 1450 BC, with some slightly over-imaginative reconstruction from the early 20th century, plus replicas of many of the frescoes (the originals are in Heraklion Archaeological Museum).
Knossos opens daily from 8 am till 8 pm (last entrance at 7.30 pm)
Phone number: +30 2810 231940
Due to adverse weather conditions (high temperature), open air Archaeological sites may be closed for visits from 13:00 until 17:00
HOW TO GO TO KNOSSOS?
• 10-15 minutes with a car or taxi (costs around 10 euro)
If you have your own car, parking is FREE at Knossos.
OR
• Simply take bus number 2 (city bus line which runs approx. every 15 minutes) until it reaches its final stop: Knossos.
The public buses are cheap around €1.50 one-way (Bus station Astoria from us is just 5 minutes on foot. Bus station Astoria is next to Archaeological Museum and at the bus station is a vending machine where you can buy the ticket)
407 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Knossos
KNOSSOS PALACE:
Crete’s biggest and best-preserved Minoan site lies just five kilometers southeast of Heraklion. It is one of the most important tourist attractions on Crete.
A vast monumental palace, with four wings built around a spacious central courtyard, Knossos is believed to have been the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos. Remarkably sophisticated, it included ceremonial spaces, living areas, storage rooms, elaborate decoration, and a complex drainage system.
Although excavations show that there was a palace here as early as 2000 BC, what you see today dates mainly from 1450 BC, with some slightly over-imaginative reconstruction from the early 20th century, plus replicas of many of the frescoes (the originals are in Heraklion Archaeological Museum).
Knossos opens daily from 8 am till 8 pm (last entrance at 7.30 pm)
Phone number: +30 2810 231940
Due to adverse weather conditions (high temperature), open air Archaeological sites may be closed for visits from 13:00 until 17:00
HOW TO GO TO KNOSSOS?
• 10-15 minutes with a car or taxi (costs around 10 euro)
If you have your own car, parking is FREE at Knossos.
OR
• Simply take bus number 2 (city bus line which runs approx. every 15 minutes) until it reaches its final stop: Knossos.
The public buses are cheap around €1.50 one-way (Bus station Astoria from us is just 5 minutes on foot. Bus station Astoria is next to Archaeological Museum and at the bus station is a vending machine where you can buy the ticket)
Paliokastro Beach at Gazi (20 minutes driving from us, 5km west)
It is easily identified by the Venetian fortress remains on top of the hill. Palaiokastro is a coastal village with a sheltered beach overlooked by the ruins of Castle Paliokastro, an old Venetian fortress on a rocky cliff offering expansive sea views. Close to ekklisia Panagia Spiliotissa or Panagia at the Caves. Rogdia village has tavernas with local food with a Breathtaking sea view of Heraklion City.
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Palaiokastro
Paliokastro Beach at Gazi (20 minutes driving from us, 5km west)
It is easily identified by the Venetian fortress remains on top of the hill. Palaiokastro is a coastal village with a sheltered beach overlooked by the ruins of Castle Paliokastro, an old Venetian fortress on a rocky cliff offering expansive sea views. Close to ekklisia Panagia Spiliotissa or Panagia at the Caves. Rogdia village has tavernas with local food with a Breathtaking sea view of Heraklion City.
Heaven Beach at Ammoudara location (12 minutes with a car or 20 min with a bus)
This is the closest beach with bus or car. Sunbeds and umbrellas are free when you order drinks.
Really nice place for a day of relax at the beach, close to us with sandy beach.
(address: Milou 26, Amoudara, Crete 71414 Greece) 12 minutes with a car Or 20 minutes with a bus : from Astoria at city center to Ammoudara. You can buy the ticket from Astoria bus station on the vending machine. (around 1,50 or 2 euro one way for 1 person)
(Good to know: This beach is 2 minutes walking from Petsousis Restaurant with Cretan yami local food)
16 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Ammoudara
Heaven Beach at Ammoudara location (12 minutes with a car or 20 min with a bus)
This is the closest beach with bus or car. Sunbeds and umbrellas are free when you order drinks.
Really nice place for a day of relax at the beach, close to us with sandy beach.
(address: Milou 26, Amoudara, Crete 71414 Greece) 12 minutes with a car Or 20 minutes with a bus : from Astoria at city center to Ammoudara. You can buy the ticket from Astoria bus station on the vending machine. (around 1,50 or 2 euro one way for 1 person)
(Good to know: This beach is 2 minutes walking from Petsousis Restaurant with Cretan yami local food)
1. Arena Beach at Kokkini (18 min with taxi or 25 min with a bus)
It’s perfect for families with babies. Large sandy beach with huge parking. Windy with waves. Great if you like it. On the left watersports. Many beach bars eg freddoccino beach bar (Palea EO Irakliou Agiou Nikolaou, Chersonisos 715 00): If you order something you can use the beach lies and umbrella complementary.
2. Arena Beach at Kokkini (18 min with taxi or 25 min with a bus)
It’s perfect for families with babies. Large sandy beach with huge parking. Windy with waves. Great if you like it. On the left watersports. Many beach bars eg freddoccino beach bar (Palea EO Irakliou Agiou Nikolaou, Chersonisos 715 00): If you order something you can use the beach lies and umbrella complementary.
32 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Kokkini Hani
1. Arena Beach at Kokkini (18 min with taxi or 25 min with a bus)
It’s perfect for families with babies. Large sandy beach with huge parking. Windy with waves. Great if you like it. On the left watersports. Many beach bars eg freddoccino beach bar (Palea EO Irakliou Agiou Nikolaou, Chersonisos 715 00): If you order something you can use the beach lies and umbrella complementary.
2. Arena Beach at Kokkini (18 min with taxi or 25 min with a bus)
It’s perfect for families with babies. Large sandy beach with huge parking. Windy with waves. Great if you like it. On the left watersports. Many beach bars eg freddoccino beach bar (Palea EO Irakliou Agiou Nikolaou, Chersonisos 715 00): If you order something you can use the beach lies and umbrella complementary.
Agia Pelagia :
***Psaromoura beach (16 min. with a car from us)
In order to access Psaromoura, you have to drive to Agia Pelagia.
The beach is pebbly and is very popular to locals, rather than tourists ! so you will love it !
This beach is beautiful however get here early as it can become busy!
*** Mononaftis Beach (close to psaromoura)
Mononaftis (its name literally translates as ‘lonely sailor’) is an organised beach
The beach is 80m long, with crystal clear waters which deepen suddenly. Its a sandy beach with small pebbles and randomly rocky seabed in some parts.
Water was so clear that you could see the fishes swimming around your feet !! amazing !
More info : https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g635861-d3224248-Reviews-Mononaftis_Beach-Agia_Pelagia_Crete.html
Parking is available but limited. It is advisable to arrive relatively early on morning (before 10:00) in order to secure a good spot at the beach of Mononaftis.
118 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Agia Pelagia
Agia Pelagia :
***Psaromoura beach (16 min. with a car from us)
In order to access Psaromoura, you have to drive to Agia Pelagia.
The beach is pebbly and is very popular to locals, rather than tourists ! so you will love it !
This beach is beautiful however get here early as it can become busy!
*** Mononaftis Beach (close to psaromoura)
Mononaftis (its name literally translates as ‘lonely sailor’) is an organised beach
The beach is 80m long, with crystal clear waters which deepen suddenly. Its a sandy beach with small pebbles and randomly rocky seabed in some parts.
Water was so clear that you could see the fishes swimming around your feet !! amazing !
More info : https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g635861-d3224248-Reviews-Mononaftis_Beach-Agia_Pelagia_Crete.html
Parking is available but limited. It is advisable to arrive relatively early on morning (before 10:00) in order to secure a good spot at the beach of Mononaftis.
Matala Village with the Caves & Beach
(60.9 km south of Heraklion, 1 hour & 5 minutes driving from us)
Admission fee is 4€ for the caves. It is a very important and unique ancient christian graveyard. That is what is also used in the 60s and 70s as hippys accommodation The village on Matala Bay served as the port town for the Minoan palace of Phaistos between the ages of 2000 BC and 200 BC. Then the Romans took over and built the town of Gortys, also in the centre of the fertile Messara valley, but not on the same site as Phaistos. Hence the caves and tombs here were used by Minoans, Romans and later by Christians. In the early part of the 20th century this was a quiet fishing village nestled into the corner of Matala Bay. As a safe natural harbour on the bay of Messara, the waters are clean and abundant with fish life.
Good to know: If it is a windy day normally we go to the south of Heraklion with a car for swimming as there is no wind. Beaches like Matala, Agiofarago, Kaloi limenes etc
185 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Matala Caves
Matala Village with the Caves & Beach
(60.9 km south of Heraklion, 1 hour & 5 minutes driving from us)
Admission fee is 4€ for the caves. It is a very important and unique ancient christian graveyard. That is what is also used in the 60s and 70s as hippys accommodation The village on Matala Bay served as the port town for the Minoan palace of Phaistos between the ages of 2000 BC and 200 BC. Then the Romans took over and built the town of Gortys, also in the centre of the fertile Messara valley, but not on the same site as Phaistos. Hence the caves and tombs here were used by Minoans, Romans and later by Christians. In the early part of the 20th century this was a quiet fishing village nestled into the corner of Matala Bay. As a safe natural harbour on the bay of Messara, the waters are clean and abundant with fish life.
Good to know: If it is a windy day normally we go to the south of Heraklion with a car for swimming as there is no wind. Beaches like Matala, Agiofarago, Kaloi limenes etc
Consejos sobre la ciudad
No te lo pierdas
To get the full experience, visit knosss and Arch. museum
We are a central location and all the attractions, museums are just a few minutes walking from us.
• Historical museum just 30 seconds
• Venetian Harbor of Heraklion just 2 minutes
• Theotokopoulos Park, central of the city just 2 min
• Archaeological Museum of Heraklion just 10 min.
• Lions square just 5 min. (the heart of the city)
• Knossos palace
1. 10-15 minutes with a car or taxi (costs around 10 euro) OR
2. take bus number 2 (city bus line which runs 3-5 times an hour) until it reaches its final stop: Knossos. (Ticket €1.50 one-way.) E.g Bus station Astoria from us 5' on foot .
Formas de ahorrar
free tickets from museum & knossos : young people up to 25
Please note--> free tickets from museum & knossos : young people up to the age of 25, from EU member-states, upon presentation of their ID card or passport for verification of their age and country of origin.
Also, there is a Special ticket package:
Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Knossos: €20 -->
it is advisable to buy your ticket online from: https://etickets.tap.gr/
No te lo pierdas
CRETAN FOOD RECOMMENDATION
1. PESKESI RESTAURANT just 3 minutes walking from us
Very interesting recipes inspired by local and ancient Greek cuisine. Prices are very moderate, you pay 10-15€ for a main dish. (the snails are a must)
2. IPPOKAMPOS just 3 minutes walking from us
Cretan Fish tavern with fantastic sea view, amazing bread box of locally made Cretan breads etc
3. Kafeneio o tempelis (For local meze , ouzo and more)
4. Xalavro open bar: Closes 4 am and it is just 6 minutes on foot from us
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BEACH (plenty of beaches around us)
1. Heaven Beach at Ammoudara location
(address: Milou 26, Amoudara, Crete 71414 Greece) 15 minutes with a car Or 20 minutes with a bus : from Astoria at city center to Ammoudara. (this beach is 2 minutes walking from Petsousis Restaurant with Cretan yami local food)
2. Arena Beach: freddoccino beach bar (Palea EO Irakliou Agiou Nikolaou, Chersonisos 715 00): If you order something you can use the beach lies and umbrella complementary. (18 min with taxi or 25 min with a bus)
3. Kokkini Xani : Nirrou Terra Beach bar ( 18 min with a taxi or 25 min with a bus)
4. Agia Pelagia or Psaromoura
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Today, the district has become an amazing place to hang out
fyi Get Lost in the Alleys of the Old Quarter of Lakkos
We reccomend you to visit for the relaxed vibe and good meze --> KAFENEIO O LAKKOS address: Taxiarchou Markopoulou 41
**only 12 minutes on foot from us.The mysterious neighborhood of Lakkos is a wonderful place to walk around to discover stories from the recent past of Heraklion. It was back then when hashish, prostitution and crime were part of everyday life in this quarter, which was home to rebetiko music and bohemi artists as well. Lakkos received many refugees from Asia Minor 1920.
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SCUBA DIVING : https://www.heraklion-diving.com/el/
• SCUBA DIVING: water sports (Mon - Sun 10am - 5pm)
****We recommend you the following: Heraklion Diving Center
(address: Agiou Georgiou 10, Hersonisso, Crete
discovery diving courses for the absolute beginner and they even offer courses for children so the whole family can get involved. Minimum age 8 y.o.
Costs around 75 euro per person , duration 3 hours
Pick up from us is included, from Heraklion to their place. In particular : They take you for free from the historical museum (20 seconds from us on foot) at 9 am and return you back there at 5.30 pm. Just call them to (+30) 697 2930349
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Idomeneas Fountain (behind the Historical Museum )
The tourkish fountain was not originally there, but adorned the exterior of the house of the doctor Idomeneas Markatatis. Good to know: Avli defkaliwna is located in front of this fountaina greek family tavern with amazing local food , try laxanodolmades (the restaurant is situated in a quiet street, not far from the center but not crowded and full of tourists.)
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Karydaki Aqueduct and water bridge
Where is it? near to Fortetsa location, 5km south of us, really close to Knossos Palace.
In the area there is a remainder of the 15km long Venetian aqueduct that brought water to Iraklion. You can see the imposing Venetian aqueduct of Morosini at position Karydaki, which crosses the river that runs through Sylamos Gorge and ends at Knossos.
Plus: If you cross the bridge you can visit the ruined church of Panagia Karydakiani monastery, on the opposite site.
On the bridge there is an inscription with the date 1627.
The aqueducts of Candia watered Heraklion till 1927!
Formas de ahorrar
FREE OF CHARGE DAYS TO VISIT MUSEUMS
Admission to archaeological sites, historical sites, monuments and museums owned by the State and managed by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports is free of charge for all visitors (without fee payment), on the following dates:
• 6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
• 18 April (International Monuments Day)
• 18 May (International Museums Day)
• The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
• 28 October (National Holiday), and
• every first Sunday of each month from November 1st until March 31st