Place to
Visit

Chania Old Town is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric areas in Crete, combining Venetian, Ottoman and Greek influences.

The historic center is built around the picturesque Venetian harbor, featuring narrow alleys, traditional buildings, small shops, restaurants and cafés. The iconic lighthouse and the harbor promenade offer one of the most recognizable views on the island.

What to Do

• Walk through the narrow streets and discover hidden corners.
• Visit the Venetian harbor and lighthouse.
• Enjoy local cuisine at seaside restaurants.
• Explore shops, galleries and cultural landmarks.

Important Information

• The Old Town is a pedestrian area – vehicle access is restricted.
• Streets are narrow and often crowded, especially in summer.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Parking Information

• Parking inside the Old Town is not allowed.

• The most convenient option is to park at the municipal parking areas around the city center and use the free electric shuttle bus, which provides easy access to and from the Old Town.

• During high season, parking can be limited, especially in the evening.

Tip: For a more relaxed experience, visit early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are lower and the atmosphere is at its best.

Samaria Gorge is located in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in the region of Chania and is one of the longest gorges in Europe, stretching approximately 16 km.

It is one of the most popular natural attractions in Crete, offering a unique hiking experience through impressive landscapes, steep cliffs and diverse vegetation.

The Experience

The hike begins at the Omalos plateau and descends through a dramatic natural environment, passing forests, rocky paths and narrow passages.

One of the most famous points is the “Iron Gates”, where the gorge narrows to just a few meters wide, with cliffs rising steeply on both sides.

The route ends at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where visitors can relax, swim and take a boat to nearby locations.

Important Information

• Total hiking distance: approximately 16 km.
• Duration: 5–7 hours depending on pace.
• Requires good physical condition.
• Not suitable for very young children or people with mobility difficulties.
• Proper footwear, water and sun protection are essential.

How to Get There

• By car or organized tour
Access to the entrance is via Omalos plateau.

• Return route
From Agia Roumeli, visitors take a boat to Chora Sfakion or Sougia, followed by transport back.

Tip: Starting early in the morning is highly recommended, especially during summer, to avoid heat and large crowds.

Spinalonga Island is located in the Gulf of Elounda, in eastern Crete, and is one of the most important historical landmarks on the island.

Originally fortified by the Venetians in the 16th century, the island later became one of the last leper colonies in Europe, operating until 1957. Today, it stands as a well-preserved historical site, offering visitors a unique insight into both Venetian military architecture and modern Greek history.

What to See

Visitors can explore:
• The Venetian fortress walls and defensive structures
• The remains of the former leper settlement
• Traditional houses, streets and public buildings
• Panoramic views over the Gulf of Elounda

How to Get There

• By boat
Regular boat trips depart from Elounda, Plaka and Agios Nikolaos

The crossing is short, usually between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the departure point.

Important Information

• No accommodation is available on the island
• Limited shade – sun protection is recommended
• Bring water, especially during summer
• Comfortable footwear is advised for walking

Tip: For the best experience, consider combining your visit with a stop in Elounda or Plaka for swimming or dining by the sea.

Knossos Palace is located just outside the city of Heraklion and is the most important archaeological site of the Minoan civilization, dating back over 3,500 years.

It is considered the oldest city in Europe and is closely associated with Greek mythology, including the legend of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth. The site features impressive remains of a complex palace, with restored sections, colorful frescoes, and ceremonial rooms that offer insight into one of the earliest advanced civilizations in the Mediterranean.

What to See

Visitors can explore key areas of the palace, including:
• The Throne Room
• The Central Court
• The Royal Apartments
• Storage rooms and ceremonial spaces
• Restored frescoes and architectural elements

How to Get There

• By car
Knossos is located approximately 10–15 minutes from Heraklion city center and is easily accessible by car

• By bus
Frequent bus routes connect Heraklion with the archaeological site throughout the day

Important Information

• The site can be very busy, especially during summer months
• Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon is recommended
• Limited shade is available – sun protection is advised
• Comfortable footwear is recommended

Tip: For a deeper understanding of the site, consider combining your visit with the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where many original artifacts from Knossos are displayed.

Matala Beach is located on the southern coast of Crete, approximately 70 km southwest of Heraklion. It is one of the most well-known beaches on the island, famous for its impressive caves carved into the cliffs and its unique cultural history.

The beach features a mix of sand and pebbles, with clear blue waters and an open view to the Libyan Sea. The caves, originally used as Roman tombs, later became popular in the 1960s and 1970s when Matala gained international recognition as a hippie destination.

Beach Characteristics

Matala offers a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, combining natural beauty with cultural interest. The area is well organized, with easy access to restaurants, cafés and local shops.

How to Get There

• By car
Matala is easily accessible by car via a well-maintained road network from Heraklion (approximately 1.5 hours)

• By bus
Regular bus routes connect Heraklion with Matala, especially during the summer season

Important Information

• The beach includes both sandy and pebbled areas
• Organized facilities are available (sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants)
• The caves are accessible to visitors (small entrance fee may apply)
• The area can be busy during peak season

Tip: Stay until sunset — Matala is known for its spectacular sunsets over the Libyan Sea.

Balos Lagoon is one of the most iconic and photographed beaches in Crete, known for its unique natural beauty, white sand with pinkish hues and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

The lagoon is very shallow and warm, making it ideal for families with children. In several areas, the sand has a subtle pink color due to crushed shells, while further out the water becomes deeper and cooler, suitable for swimming and snorkeling.

How to Get There

There are two main ways to reach Balos:

• By car
You can drive from Kaliviani village following a dirt road that leads to the parking area. From there, a 10–15 minute walk is required to reach the beach.

• By boat
Daily boat trips depart from Kissamos port and usually include a stop at Gramvoussa Island, where visitors can explore the Venetian fortress and enjoy panoramic views.

Important Information

• The road to Balos is a dirt road and may be rough in certain sections.
• Driving requires caution, especially with low-clearance vehicles.
• Off-road driving is not permitted under standard rental terms.
• Alternatively, the boat option offers a more relaxed and comfortable experience.

 Tip: For a stress-free visit, many travelers prefer the boat excursion, especially during the high season.

Elafonissi Beach is located approximately 76 km southwest of Chania, near the Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, and is one of the most famous beaches in Crete.

It is known for its white sand with pink hues, created by thousands of crushed shells, and its crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach forms a shallow lagoon, where the water rarely exceeds one meter in depth, making it ideal for families with children.

Visitors can easily walk through the shallow water to reach the small islet opposite the main beach, creating a unique and memorable experience.

Beach Layout & Facilities

The main beach area is well organized and offers:
• Sunbeds and umbrellas.
• Showers and changing facilities.
• Lifeguard presence.
• Snack bars and nearby accommodation.

This area tends to be busier, especially during high season.

On the opposite side of the lagoon and around the islet, visitors can find quieter spots with fewer people and particularly clear, shallow waters.

How to Get There

• By car
Elafonissi is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Chania. The road is paved but narrow, with many turns, requiring careful driving.

• By bus
Daily bus services are available from Chania during the summer season.

Important Information

• The road is fully paved but includes several narrow and winding sections.
• Driving requires attention, especially in peak season.
• Suitable for all types of vehicles under normal driving conditions.
• Large parking area available near the beach.

Tip: Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon is recommended to avoid peak crowds and fully enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Falassarna Beach is located approximately 59 km west of Chania and 17 km from Kissamos, on the western coast of Crete, near Cape Gramvousa.

It is known for its long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, offering a more open and natural beach landscape compared to other destinations on the island.

Beach Characteristics

Falassarna is one of the few beaches in Crete exposed to the open sea, which means that weather conditions—especially wind—can significantly affect the experience.

On calm days, the sea is clear and inviting, ideal for swimming. However, when strong western winds occur, waves can become quite intense.

Why Visit Falassarna

• Wide sandy beach with plenty of space.
• Clear waters with vibrant blue tones.
• Ideal for swimming on calm days.
• One of the best sunset spots in Crete.

Tip: Falassarna is famous for its sunsets, making it an excellent choice for a late afternoon visit.

Seitan Limania Beach is located on the Akrotiri peninsula, approximately 20 km northeast of Chania. It is one of the most unique and dramatic beaches in Crete, known for its narrow, winding cove surrounded by steep cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Beach Characteristics

The beach is small and enclosed between rocky formations, creating a striking landscape unlike any other on the island. The water is usually deep and clear, making it ideal for swimming.

Due to its size, the beach can become crowded during peak hours, especially in summer.

How to Get There

• By car
You can drive to the parking area above the beach. The road is paved but narrow, with sharp turns.

• Access to the beach
From the parking area, a steep footpath (approximately 10–15 minutes) leads down to the beach. Proper footwear is recommended.

Important Information

• The path to the beach is steep and requires caution.
• Not recommended for very young children or people with mobility difficulties.
• No organized facilities (no sunbeds, umbrellas or shops).
• Visitors should bring water, food and essentials.
• Goats are often present in the area.

Tip: Visiting early in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds and high temperatures, especially during summer.

Preveli Beach is located on the southern coast of Crete, approximately 35 km south of Rethymno. It is one of the most unique natural landscapes on the island, where a river meets the sea, surrounded by a natural palm forest.

The area forms a small lagoon with cool, fresh water flowing into the sea, creating a rare and refreshing environment. Visitors can walk along the river under the shade of palm trees or swim in both the river and the sea.

How to Get There

• By car
Access is available via a paved road, followed by a walking path with steps leading down to the beach (approximately 10–15 minutes).

• By boat
Boat trips are available from nearby locations such as Plakias and Agia Galini.

Important Information

• The access path includes several steps and requires moderate physical effort.
• Limited organized facilities.
• Visitors should bring water, food and essentials.
• Suitable for those looking for a more natural and less crowded environment.

Tip: The river water is cooler than the sea, offering a refreshing experience, especially during hot summer days.