Activities
Chania is one of the most charming cities on the island and is known for its mix of Venetian, Ottoman and Greek culture. The old town has narrow streets, colorful buildings and the picturesque Venetian harbor, where the historic lighthouse and cozy cafes invite you to linger. Chania can be reached in about 30 minutes by car. Parking is not easy. You should check in advance on Maps where you want to park. This works well behind the city walls, for example.
Rethymnon is a town on the north coast of the Greek island of Crete and can be reached in about 45 minutes from Melidoni. It is known for its picturesque old town with narrow streets, well-preserved buildings, many small shops and a lively atmosphere.
Every Thursday the market takes place in the central square in the city center, and every Saturday the market takes place in the parking lot of the old hospital. Here local traders offer fresh fruit and vegetables, olives, cheese, spices and honey.
By the sea near the hospital you can park in a free parking lot and then walk to the city center in about 15 minutes.
Vamos is a traditional village on Crete, located in the Apokoronas region, about 25 km east of Chania. It is known for its well-preserved Venetian architecture, charming alleys and authentic Cretan atmosphere. Vamos offers a mixture of history, culture and nature, with cozy taverns, old churches and beautiful hiking trails in the area.
In the cafe on the main street you can watch the village life while enjoying a delicious frappé.
Cities & Villages
Cities & Villages
Chania is one of the most charming cities on the island and is known for its mix of Venetian, Ottoman and Greek culture. The old town has narrow streets, colorful buildings and the picturesque Venetian harbor, where the historic lighthouse and cozy cafes invite you to linger. Chania can be reached in about 30 minutes by car. Parking is not easy. You should check in advance on Maps where you want to park. This works well behind the city walls, for example.
Rethymnon is a town on the north coast of the Greek island of Crete and can be reached in about 45 minutes from Melidoni. It is known for its picturesque old town with narrow streets, well-preserved buildings, many small shops and a lively atmosphere.
Every Thursday the market takes place in the central square in the city center, and every Saturday the market takes place in the parking lot of the old hospital. Here local traders offer fresh fruit and vegetables, olives, cheese, spices and honey.
By the sea near the hospital you can park in a free parking lot and then walk to the city center in about 15 minutes.
Vamos is a traditional village on Crete, located in the Apokoronas region, about 25 km east of Chania. It is known for its well-preserved Venetian architecture, charming alleys and authentic Cretan atmosphere. Vamos offers a mixture of history, culture and nature, with cozy taverns, old churches and beautiful hiking trails in the area.
In the cafe on the main street you can watch the village life while enjoying a delicious frappé.
The Imbros Gorge is an impressive natural wonder and a popular hiking route. It is located near the village of Komitades and stretches for about 8 kilometers. The hike takes around 2-3 hours and leads through a spectacular landscape with narrow passages, steep rock faces and lush vegetation.
Length: approx. 8 km
Difficulty: easy, also suitable for hiking with small children
How to get there: Parking at the entrance to the Imbros Gorge behind Imbros:
Caution: there are many signs in Imbos that indicate the supposed entrance. The entrance is, however, behind Imbros. You can park here on the right-hand side and descend to the gorge entrance via a path with steps.
At the exit of the gorge is the village of Komitades with a few tavernas. You can simply ask in a tavern for a taxi back to Imbros (approx. €30 for four people).
The hike to the Katholiko Monastery begins near the Gouverneto Monastery, on the Akrotiri Peninsula, about 20 km northeast of Chania. The well-marked hiking trail leads through an impressive gorge, the so-called "Avlaki Gorge", which is characterized by a wild, romantic landscape with rocks, caves and Mediterranean vegetation.
Along the way you will come across the cave of Saint John the Hermit and the ruins of the historic Katholiko Monastery, which is considered the oldest monastery in Crete and dates back to the 11th century. The architecture and the mystical atmosphere of the abandoned complex are particularly impressive.
The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (there and back) and requires sturdy shoes and moderate fitness, as there are some steeper passages. The trail ends at a small fjord with crystal clear water.
The tour offers a perfect combination of adventure, culture and nature and is also known only to a few! It is best to start in the afternoon when the sun is not shining quite as brightly.
Meskla is a small village in the middle of Apokoronas. The journey there takes you through many small villages off the beaten tourist track.
The small gorge of Meskla can be easily hiked through in about 30-45 minutes, even in summer. The hike starts at the village church, leads a little way up the road and then through shady forest. The narrowest part of the gorge is reached quite quickly. Behind it you can climb up the steps to the hiking trail that leads back to Meskla.
Afterwards we always treat ourselves to a fresh orange juice in the Taverna Halaris, which you pass on the way back to the car. Here you can also get delicious, typical Cretan food.
One of our favorite hikes is the path from Chora Sfakion to the small village of Loutro along the wild and rugged coastline. The hike takes about 2-3 hours. From Chora Sfakion you first walk a bit along the road and then join the footpath in the 360° curve. The path from there is well marked and offers very nice views of the sea and also has some very easy climbing. The hike ends in the idyllic village of Loutro, which can only be reached by boat or on foot, with its whitewashed houses, which is perfect for a break in one of the restaurants or a refreshing swim. The ferry runs regularly from Loutro to Chora Sfakion (https://anendyk.gr/routen/).
The tour is easy to moderate. In summer, however, there is little shade on the way, so be sure to bring sun protection and plenty of water.
To park, you can drive down to Chora Sfakion. There is a paid parking lot there. However, parking at the port is free. To do so, drive past the paid parking lot on the left and keep to the left.
The Koutalas Cave is a hidden place off the beaten tourist track, although it is very close to the village of Kokkino Chorio. It is an impressive limestone cave with numerous stalactites and stalagmites. Archaeological findings indicate that the cave was used as a place of worship in ancient times. The cave itself is difficult to access, but the short hike there is via a simple staircase. In front of the cave there is a fantastic view of the sea, which is particularly beautiful at sunset.
By car you can drive quite close to the path to the cave and park there.
The Samaria Gorge is one of the most spectacular gorges in Europe and an absolute highlight for nature and hiking enthusiasts on Crete. It is located in the Samaria National Park in the White Mountains in the west of the island and stretches over 16 kilometers from the Omalós plateau to the coast of the Libyan Sea.
After the hike (5-6 hours) you reach the small coastal village of Agia Roumeli, from where a ferry goes to Sougia or Chora Sfakion - the only way back, as there is no road connection.
The easiest way is to drive to Omalos to the entrance of the gorge and park there. In Agia Roumeli you then take the ferry to Sougia. From there the public bus goes to Omalos (Xyloskalo station).
If you don't feel like driving to Omalos, you can alternatively drive to Chania and from there take the bus to Omalos and in the evening take the bus from Agia Roumeli back to Chania.
Bus tickets can easily be purchased online or at the bus station in Chania (https://www.e-ktel.com/de/services/online-ticket-reservation).
Hiking
Hiking
The Imbros Gorge is an impressive natural wonder and a popular hiking route. It is located near the village of Komitades and stretches for about 8 kilometers. The hike takes around 2-3 hours and leads through a spectacular landscape with narrow passages, steep rock faces and lush vegetation.
Length: approx. 8 km
Difficulty: easy, also suitable for hiking with small children
How to get there: Parking at the entrance to the Imbros Gorge behind Imbros:
Caution: there are many signs in Imbos that indicate the supposed entrance. The entrance is, however, behind Imbros. You can park here on the right-hand side and descend to the gorge entrance via a path with steps.
At the exit of the gorge is the village of Komitades with a few tavernas. You can simply ask in a tavern for a taxi back to Imbros (approx. €30 for four people).
The hike to the Katholiko Monastery begins near the Gouverneto Monastery, on the Akrotiri Peninsula, about 20 km northeast of Chania. The well-marked hiking trail leads through an impressive gorge, the so-called "Avlaki Gorge", which is characterized by a wild, romantic landscape with rocks, caves and Mediterranean vegetation.
Along the way you will come across the cave of Saint John the Hermit and the ruins of the historic Katholiko Monastery, which is considered the oldest monastery in Crete and dates back to the 11th century. The architecture and the mystical atmosphere of the abandoned complex are particularly impressive.
The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (there and back) and requires sturdy shoes and moderate fitness, as there are some steeper passages. The trail ends at a small fjord with crystal clear water.
The tour offers a perfect combination of adventure, culture and nature and is also known only to a few! It is best to start in the afternoon when the sun is not shining quite as brightly.
Meskla is a small village in the middle of Apokoronas. The journey there takes you through many small villages off the beaten tourist track.
The small gorge of Meskla can be easily hiked through in about 30-45 minutes, even in summer. The hike starts at the village church, leads a little way up the road and then through shady forest. The narrowest part of the gorge is reached quite quickly. Behind it you can climb up the steps to the hiking trail that leads back to Meskla.
Afterwards we always treat ourselves to a fresh orange juice in the Taverna Halaris, which you pass on the way back to the car. Here you can also get delicious, typical Cretan food.
One of our favorite hikes is the path from Chora Sfakion to the small village of Loutro along the wild and rugged coastline. The hike takes about 2-3 hours. From Chora Sfakion you first walk a bit along the road and then join the footpath in the 360° curve. The path from there is well marked and offers very nice views of the sea and also has some very easy climbing. The hike ends in the idyllic village of Loutro, which can only be reached by boat or on foot, with its whitewashed houses, which is perfect for a break in one of the restaurants or a refreshing swim. The ferry runs regularly from Loutro to Chora Sfakion (https://anendyk.gr/routen/).
The tour is easy to moderate. In summer, however, there is little shade on the way, so be sure to bring sun protection and plenty of water.
To park, you can drive down to Chora Sfakion. There is a paid parking lot there. However, parking at the port is free. To do so, drive past the paid parking lot on the left and keep to the left.
The Koutalas Cave is a hidden place off the beaten tourist track, although it is very close to the village of Kokkino Chorio. It is an impressive limestone cave with numerous stalactites and stalagmites. Archaeological findings indicate that the cave was used as a place of worship in ancient times. The cave itself is difficult to access, but the short hike there is via a simple staircase. In front of the cave there is a fantastic view of the sea, which is particularly beautiful at sunset.
By car you can drive quite close to the path to the cave and park there.
The Samaria Gorge is one of the most spectacular gorges in Europe and an absolute highlight for nature and hiking enthusiasts on Crete. It is located in the Samaria National Park in the White Mountains in the west of the island and stretches over 16 kilometers from the Omalós plateau to the coast of the Libyan Sea.
After the hike (5-6 hours) you reach the small coastal village of Agia Roumeli, from where a ferry goes to Sougia or Chora Sfakion - the only way back, as there is no road connection.
The easiest way is to drive to Omalos to the entrance of the gorge and park there. In Agia Roumeli you then take the ferry to Sougia. From there the public bus goes to Omalos (Xyloskalo station).
If you don't feel like driving to Omalos, you can alternatively drive to Chania and from there take the bus to Omalos and in the evening take the bus from Agia Roumeli back to Chania.
Bus tickets can easily be purchased online or at the bus station in Chania (https://www.e-ktel.com/de/services/online-ticket-reservation).
The Drapanokephála Bunker is a historic World War II military site located on a hill called Drapanokephála. This bunker was built by the German forces during the German occupation of Crete (1941-1945) and served as a strategic lookout point and defense facility.
The bunker is an exciting site for history buffs, especially those interested in the history of World War II and the German occupation of Greece. However, it is less well known than the island's larger battlefields and monuments. Like many bunkers in Crete, the Drapanokephála Bunker is in good condition and accessible.
The ruins of Aptera are an impressive archaeological site in Crete, located on a hill with spectacular views of the White Mountains and Souda Bay. Highlights include well-preserved Roman cisterns, a small theater, Byzantine structures and remains of the city walls. Once a major commercial and cultural center, Aptera today offers a fascinating insight into Cretan history, set in beautiful countryside.
The Monastery of Agios Georgios (Saint George), also known as Georgios Monastery, is a historic monastery in Apokoronas, known for its spiritual significance and picturesque location. The monastery, whose origins date back to the Venetian period, impresses with its traditional architecture, a beautiful courtyard and a restored chapel dedicated to Saint George.
The vaulted tomb of Stylos is an important relic from the Late Minoan period (ca. 14th-13th century BC) and is located near the village of Stylos. This impressive tholos (round tomb) was dug into the hill and is an example of the masterful architecture of the Minoan culture.
The tomb consists of a long, paved entrance (dromos) leading to a circular chamber with a vaulted roof. It was probably used for a wealthy or high-ranking family and excavations have uncovered valuable finds such as pottery, jewelry and grave goods that indicate the high status of the buried.
The tomb is freely accessible, rarely visited and worth a short detour.
Culture & History
Culture & History
The Drapanokephála Bunker is a historic World War II military site located on a hill called Drapanokephála. This bunker was built by the German forces during the German occupation of Crete (1941-1945) and served as a strategic lookout point and defense facility.
The bunker is an exciting site for history buffs, especially those interested in the history of World War II and the German occupation of Greece. However, it is less well known than the island's larger battlefields and monuments. Like many bunkers in Crete, the Drapanokephála Bunker is in good condition and accessible.
The ruins of Aptera are an impressive archaeological site in Crete, located on a hill with spectacular views of the White Mountains and Souda Bay. Highlights include well-preserved Roman cisterns, a small theater, Byzantine structures and remains of the city walls. Once a major commercial and cultural center, Aptera today offers a fascinating insight into Cretan history, set in beautiful countryside.
The Monastery of Agios Georgios (Saint George), also known as Georgios Monastery, is a historic monastery in Apokoronas, known for its spiritual significance and picturesque location. The monastery, whose origins date back to the Venetian period, impresses with its traditional architecture, a beautiful courtyard and a restored chapel dedicated to Saint George.
The vaulted tomb of Stylos is an important relic from the Late Minoan period (ca. 14th-13th century BC) and is located near the village of Stylos. This impressive tholos (round tomb) was dug into the hill and is an example of the masterful architecture of the Minoan culture.
The tomb consists of a long, paved entrance (dromos) leading to a circular chamber with a vaulted roof. It was probably used for a wealthy or high-ranking family and excavations have uncovered valuable finds such as pottery, jewelry and grave goods that indicate the high status of the buried.
The tomb is freely accessible, rarely visited and worth a short detour.
Falassarna is a very large and beautiful beach, although it is located a little further west on the island. It can be reached via the main road in about an hour. The gently sloping beach with fine sand is very long and wide and offers various options for renting loungers (15€ per lounger per day). In return, you can have drinks and snacks brought to your lounger from the local taverns at reasonable prices. There are also showers and changing rooms.
If sunbathing and swimming are too boring for you, you can rent a jet ski, for example (at https://falassarnaactivities.gr).
There is a sufficiently large car park available for parking, which is free.
Balos beach is very well known and accordingly crowded. The route by car takes you several kilometers along a gravel road and ends at a paid parking lot. From there you can take a footpath down to the very beautiful lagoon.
If you get there early enough, you can rent loungers or lie on the beach or swim. The water inside the lagoon is very shallow and warm, but you can also swim outside the lagoon.
If you don't feel like driving along the gravel road and then hiking, you can also book a jet ski tour from Falassarna to Balos. It's not exactly cheap, but it's a lot of fun and since it takes place in the evening, Balos isn't as crowded.
You can also reach Balos by boat from Kissamos. There are many providers for this, such as https://blue-daily-cruises.com/de/fahrplan-preise-balos-gramvousa/ or https://falassarnacruise.gr
On the south coast there are some beautiful, secluded bays and beaches that can only be reached by boat. To visit these, you can rent a motorboat in Chora Sfakion for a day and explore the south coast on your own (http://notosmare.com/). You don't need a license for this. Before you set off, you will receive a map and a short introduction to how to operate the boat.
Marmara Beach is known for the caves that you can swim into from the boat.
You drive to Chora Sfakion in the morning and can park for free right at the harbor.
Preveli is a very famous beach because the Kissano Faraggi river flows into the sea right on the beach. You can reach the beach via a short walk from the car park and then you can either stay on the beach and swim here, but it is nicer to go into the palm forest along the river and swim in the river. The current is not particularly strong, so even small children can swim well here. In some places there are also small waterfalls and pools. However, these are always quickly "occupied". The palm forest fell victim to a large fire years ago. It has already recovered in large parts. Nevertheless, you can still see traces of fire and the fire brigade is always on standby in the car park.
Beaches
Beaches
Falassarna is a very large and beautiful beach, although it is located a little further west on the island. It can be reached via the main road in about an hour. The gently sloping beach with fine sand is very long and wide and offers various options for renting loungers (15€ per lounger per day). In return, you can have drinks and snacks brought to your lounger from the local taverns at reasonable prices. There are also showers and changing rooms.
If sunbathing and swimming are too boring for you, you can rent a jet ski, for example (at https://falassarnaactivities.gr).
There is a sufficiently large car park available for parking, which is free.
Balos beach is very well known and accordingly crowded. The route by car takes you several kilometers along a gravel road and ends at a paid parking lot. From there you can take a footpath down to the very beautiful lagoon.
If you get there early enough, you can rent loungers or lie on the beach or swim. The water inside the lagoon is very shallow and warm, but you can also swim outside the lagoon.
If you don't feel like driving along the gravel road and then hiking, you can also book a jet ski tour from Falassarna to Balos. It's not exactly cheap, but it's a lot of fun and since it takes place in the evening, Balos isn't as crowded.
You can also reach Balos by boat from Kissamos. There are many providers for this, such as https://blue-daily-cruises.com/de/fahrplan-preise-balos-gramvousa/ or https://falassarnacruise.gr
On the south coast there are some beautiful, secluded bays and beaches that can only be reached by boat. To visit these, you can rent a motorboat in Chora Sfakion for a day and explore the south coast on your own (http://notosmare.com/). You don't need a license for this. Before you set off, you will receive a map and a short introduction to how to operate the boat.
Marmara Beach is known for the caves that you can swim into from the boat.
You drive to Chora Sfakion in the morning and can park for free right at the harbor.
Preveli is a very famous beach because the Kissano Faraggi river flows into the sea right on the beach. You can reach the beach via a short walk from the car park and then you can either stay on the beach and swim here, but it is nicer to go into the palm forest along the river and swim in the river. The current is not particularly strong, so even small children can swim well here. In some places there are also small waterfalls and pools. However, these are always quickly "occupied". The palm forest fell victim to a large fire years ago. It has already recovered in large parts. Nevertheless, you can still see traces of fire and the fire brigade is always on standby in the car park.