Excursions
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Samaria
Gorge The Gorge, which can justifiably be called one of the “seven wonders” of Europe is situated in the mountains of western Crete south of the town Chania and begins abruptly at Xiloskalo on the south side of the plain Omalos. |
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Knossos The archaeological site of Knossos is situated 5 km south-east of the city of Iraklion. On the ruins of the Neolithic settlement, on which the first Minoan palace was built (1900 B.C.). |
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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 harbour. 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. |
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Elafonissi Elafonissi is a small isle on the south-west of Crete. It is connected to the beach by a shallow reef (max. depth 1 meter) that allows crossing when the sea is calm. |
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Santorini Santorini was first settled around 3000 BC. By 2000 BC an important civilisation had already sprung up on the island; it was brought to a violent halt in 1500 BC by a terrible eruption of the volcano, which left the island uninhabited for centuries |
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Akrotiri Peninsula – Chania
Old Town Tour
Visit the monastery of Agia Triada This
monastery is called Agia Triada Tzagarolon (Sacred
Family of Tzagarolon). It is the biggest monastery of
Crete (17th century) it is situated at the peninsula of
Akrotiri, north of Chania. The Turks destroyed most of
the treasures in 1821. Afterwards a small city tour in
the old town of Chania colorful neighborhoods, a
traditional lifestyle and the friendly inhabitants
warmly invite you on a step by step journey to become
acquainted with the city, promising you unforgettable
moments. |
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Apokoronas Villages
Visit the ancient city of
Aptera. Above the entrance to the great harbour of Souda,
where Paleokastro stands today near the village of
Megala Chorafia, the extensive ruins of the ancient city
of Aptera (also referred to as Apteria, Apterea, or
Aptaria) can be found. The name Aptera, according to one
tradition, derives from Apteron, king of Crete, son of
Kydon and father of Lappios, who is said to have lived
in the time of Moses around 1800 BC. The legend of
Apteron lends itself to the suggestion that the city was
once a colonial settlement governed by the Dorian
Apteros or Aptaros who took part in the occupation of
Crete towards the end of the Minoan era.
Georgioupolis is a small village located by a very long
sandy beach. There are now many hotels built along that
beach. Although the village is now entirely geared
towards catering for the tourists it remains quite
attractive with its small fishing harbor, its river and
large eucalyptus trees. We will visit also the olive
factory. Gavalohori was once a sizeable town and at one
time there were many such kafeneons. Now there is only
one – a place where traditionally the men sit & drink
raki or coffee & discuss the issues of the world. There
are two taverns & two café/snack bars, as well as
several small shops and a bakery.We will visit also the
traditional museum. Kokkino Horio a traditional Cretan
village. There is a factory of nature glass. Almyrida is
a small fishing village 25 klm east of the town of
Chania. Picturesque villages nearby, good beaches and a
good climate make it a favorite summer holiday resort.
Small stop for launch and swimming. |
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Samaria Gorge
Entrance - Meskla
Xiloskalo the start point of Samaria
Gorge, where there are great views of the Omalos
plateau, the Samaria Gorge and the White Mountains.
Meskla the village is located at the foot of the
white mountains in a ravine which is the source of
the Keritis river. Maple trees shadow sheer, stone
houses and brooks gurgling create a tranquil
environment for the heat-struck visitor. The two
Byzantine churches of the village reward the visitor
with 14th century frescoes by renowned artists of
the period. (Stay for launch) |
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Kournas Lake -
Argyroupolis
Visit Kourna’s lake 48 km. east of
Chania. A picturesque lake the only one on the Crete
island. The mountains surrounding it are reflected
in its calm waters. There are taverns in the area
for a bite to eat. Afterwards visit Argyroupolis is
a remarkable traditional village with
characteristically samples of Venetian architecture
and Cretan houses, like they where formed during the
last years of the Turkish occupation. It is well
known for its small waterfalls. Stay for launch. |
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Falassarna –
Polirinia
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 at the western end of
Crete. Stunning views and beautiful sunsets.
Polirinia is the site of remains from the sixth
century B.C., Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and
Venetian eras. It was a powerful city, built on the
natural fortifications of the rock at the top of the
mountain. One of its harbors was at Falaserna the
other was Kastelli (Kissamos). The remains that are
visible now are mostly from the second Byzantine and
the Venetian periods. |
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Therisso – Zourva – Meskla
Therisso was one of the cradles of
Cretan resistance. A beautiful drive through the
ravine, crossing and re-crossing the streambed.
Continue past Therisso along the narrow and rocky
road and right at the top lies Zourva, a cluster of
white washed houses with stupendous views over the
surrounding valleys. Spiral slowly down to Meskla,
another lovely village set on a swift flowing brook,
surrounded by lush agricultural land and orange
groves. You’ll find a tiny chapel at the bottom of
the village with 14C fresco remains. Meskla was the
center of the great Kandanoleon revolt against the
Venetians in 16C. Continue onto Fournes, known for
its plentiful oranges. This is a bigger village with
shops and producers co-operative. |
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