Victoria & Andre
Greek Excursions
Chania
Chania is one of Crete’s most beautiful cities. Located approximately one hour to the west of Rethymno, this unique city used to be Crete’s former capital. It is one of the most picturesque cities in Greece and a paradise for food lovers! Chania includes the old and the new city. Have a stroll around the old town and enjoy the magnificent Venetian port and the Turkish style buildings. The beautiful architecture of the city will make you feel like you’re in another era, since it has managed to preserve its original historical character.
Gramvousa Balos Cruises
After a 1 ½ hour drive from Rethymno to Kissamos port, you take a 1 hr cruise in the restaurant-equipped ship, through the Gulf of Kissamos. The first stop is Gramvoussa Island, where you have 2 hrs to relax on the beach or make the 20 min climb to the top of its ancient fortress. Leaving Gramvoussa Island, you have a 15 min sail to the beach of Balos. You may even jump off the ship or use its waterslide! Alternatively, you may visit the Balos lagoon independently, taking the dirt road leading to Balos. The dirt road ends up in a vacant area where you can park and from there you climb down the cliff to the beach. The dirt road is a bit tricky and you will need suitable footwear for your walk to the beach, but you will be rewarded with a breath-taking panoramic view of the lagoon you will never forget! ADVICE FROM LOCALS: If you wish to only visit Balos, it is advisable to arrive at the lagoon early, before the boat cruises arrive, or after 17:00 or 18:00, when they have will have left.
Falassarna beach - Perigiali beach service
Falassarna beach is located 1hour and 40 minutes west of Rethymno. Thought to be one of the best beaches in Crete, it enchants visitors with its crystal clear turquoise waters and its soft golden sand. Along the beach you can find a few umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as a few tavernas in the surrounding area. You can also walk around the ruins of the ancient city of Falassarna, where you can see the port with the workshops, the docks and the fortresses that are still preserved, the citadel with the two temples, the tanks and the public buildings, as well as the cemeteries of the ancient city.
Marathi Beach
Located 1 hour away from Rethymno, the Marathi area hosts two beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow calm water, ideal for children. The beaches are separated by a small pier, which also serves as a harbor for fishing boats and small ferries. You can find all the necessary amenities of an organized beach nearby. The most courageous can try a swim to the small Marathi isle, located 500m away, with its majestic pine forest. Not far from the beach you can also find the remains of the ancient city of Minoa and a small picturesque chapel.
Manousakis Winery
If you’re looking for an interesting, out-of-the-ordinary escape, Manousakis Winery close to Chania is the ideal place for you. Located 1hour and 15 minutes from Rethymno, this traditional winery is a real gem for wine lovers. The beautiful vineyards and the picturesque architecture of the building are the perfect setting for a unique wine-tasting and a winery tour.
Elafonissi Beach
The exotic beach of Elafonissi is distinguished by its turquoise crystal- clear waters, its fine pink & white sand and its handsome cedar trees. The water is so shallow in some parts, that you can walk all the way out to the nearby shore of Elafonissi Island. After a 2 1/2 hour drive from Rethymno, you will be rewarded with a beach so unique, that it is protected by the European initiative NATURA 2000. Around 5 km from Elafonissi Island you can visit the traditional Chrysoskalitissa monastery, which is the subject of many local legends.
Loutro
Loutro is a small, picturesque seaside village on the south of Crete. Massive tourism hasn’t spoiled this beautiful part of Crete, which is only accessible by boat (or you can hike there from Chora Sfakion). There are daily ferries to this quiet fishing village from different points of south Crete. Arriving at Loutro you will be enchanted by the scenic, unspoiled mountain countryside with its gorgeous valleys and gorges. The gorgeous sandy beach with the beautiful clear blue water will take your breath away. Here at Loutro, you won’t find big hotels, overcrowded restaurants or beaches or noisy cars. All you will find is a beautiful quiet paradise, away from the ordinary!
Samaria Gorge
Adventure seekers will definitely appreciate a hike to Samaria, Europe’s longest gorge. Start your day in the morning, entering Omalos village, located 2 hours away from Rethymno. You will descend into the gorge, walking its 16 km for approximately 6-7 hours. You will need suitable footwear and some physical fitness to make it, but you will be rewarded with its magnificent view, the ruins of little old villages and temples, small chapels in the middle of nowhere, cool streams of crystal clear water, and, if you’re lucky, you might even see the wild endemic Cretan goat; the rare kri-kri. At the end of the gorge, at the village of Agia Roumeli, you can have a relaxing swim in the cool waters of the Libyan sea, and enjoy your meal in one of the local tavernas. Boat services are available from Agia Roumeli, which take you on a 20 minute sail to the nearby shores of Chora Sfakion. From there you can drive straight to Rethymno in 1 ½ hours. TIP: An organized bus trip is recommended.
Imbros Gorge
Imbros Gorge, located in the south of Crete, around 2 hours away from Rethymno, is one of Crete’s most famous hiking paths. The majestic scenery it offers and the relatively low difficulty of the descent make it ideal for those not-so-athletic types who wish to enjoy nature at its best. The gorge’s length is 11 km and the walk will take you 2-3 hours. The narrow paths and the towering mountain walls are in many parts truly impressive. You can also see unique cave formations, stone arches and wild vegetation emerging through the rocks. At the gorge’s exit there are some traditional tavernas where you can enjoy local specialties. You can also combine your trip to Imbros with a visit to the exotic beach of Frangokastello, famous for its haunted Venetian fortress.
Matala beach
The renowned Matala beach, around 2 hours drive from Rethymno city, became famous during the sixties. Back then, hippies came here from all over the world to live in the celebrated caves of Matala, next to the beach. Today the old hippie glamour is all gone, but it still is a lovely beach to visit. For history lovers, the nearby locations of the ancient cities of Phaistos and Gortys are a must-see.
Schinaria
Around 40 minutes to the south of Rethymno lies the beach of Schinaria, close to the renowned beach of Preveli. This is an amazing small beach with soft grey-beige sand, fine pebbles, and crystal blue deep waters. Small fresh water ponds nearby are surrounded by lush vegetation, reminiscent of a tropical landscape. Many small creatures, like morays, blackfish, and octopus are in abundance in this area. The amazing underwater visibility makes this beach ideal for scuba diving. The beach is partly organized, with a taverna offering a few umbrellas and refreshments.
Preveli beach
The magnificent Palm Beach of Preveli lies on the south coast of Crete, 50 minutes away from Rethymno. Located at the exit to the imposing Kourtaliotiko Gorge, the beach is washed by the crystal clear waters of the 500m long Great River. You can walk along the river bank under the shade of the magnificent palm trees, swim in its cold ponds and ascend the beautiful canyon, before relaxing on the exotic sandy & pebble beach. A heart shaped rock stands on the eastern part of the beach, where there are also small boats offering cruises to the Agia Galini and Plakias beaches. Also, don’t miss the chance to visit the renowned Preveli Monastery located nearby.
Nayagos on Triopetra
On the south coast of Rethymno, 1hour from Rethymno city, the beach of Triopetra will enchant you with its majestic blue waters. Triopetra consists of two beaches, which are separated by a small peninsula. At the edge of the peninsula three majestic rocks rise from the sea. Triopetra is named after these rocks, since it means “Three Rocks”. The east beach, known as Small Triopetra, is located in a secluded sandy & rocky bay. In this part of Triopetra you can see the small Akoumianos River flowing, and there are also a few tavernas and beach umbrellas. The west part of the beach is not organized but is nevertheless popular because of its fantastic sunset view and the stunning cave located on the shore.
Spili
Spili is a picturesque village located 40 minutes to the south of Rethymno. It is distinguishable for its lush vegetation caused by the river flowing south of the village. The river is full of trout and can be accessed through a path of great natural beauty. One of the main attractions of the village is the numerous water mills built near the river, one of which is still in operation. The village is very famous for its attractive square with two huge plane trees and the Kefalovrisi fountains which is a series of 25 fountains in the form of lions’ heads, from the mouths of which flows cool, crystal clear water from the river. Around Kefalovrisi you will see several local art shops and cafes as well as tavernas where you can taste authentic Cretan cuisine.
Argyroupoli
The traditional village of Argyroupoli, 30 minutes from Rethymno city, is famous for its impressive springs and waterfalls. Water gushes from a cave where a small chapel was erected which is said to create miracles. The village is built on the remains of the Roman city of Lappa and some of its impressive architectural structures are still visable. Try local specialties at one of the village’s tavernas, under the shade of ancient plane trees, and enjoy the authentic Cretan hospitality!
Dourakis Winery
30 minutes west of Rethymno, Dourakis winery lies among the gorgeous White Mountains, in the district of Alikampos. Built in the traditional Cretan stone-wall manner and amongst beautiful vineyards, this superb winery is the ideal escape for a unique wine tasting. Its award-winning wines are sure to impress you! Don’t miss the chance to have a tour around the old winery- castle, explore its hidden underground cellars, see its folklore museum room, and enjoy a home-made meal in one of the winery’s gorgeous gardens. You can even try a cooking lesson or have a picnic in the winery’s stunning vineyard.
Lake Kournas
Kournas Lake is located less than 30 minutes away to the west of the city of Rethymno. The lake’s landscape is amazing, lying in a picturesque valley among the hills. Its unique ecosystem, protected under Natura 2000, is home to ducks, eels, water snakes, sea turtles and other rare species of animals and plants. This charming lake is the ideal location for an afternoon picnic, a snack at one of the traditional tavernas or a swim or pedalo ride on the lake.
Arkadi
Around 30 minutes away from Rethymno town lies the historical Arkadi monastery. Built amongst beautiful olive groves, vineyards, pine, cypress and oak trees, this historic monastery is a symbol of the Cretan Struggle for Freedom. During the Turkish occupation of Crete, the monastery became the scene of many battles by the Cretan people for independence. One of its most tragic moments was the explosion of the gunpowder storage room in 1866 by Cretan rebels, to avoid capture by the Turks. Today the monastery exhibits a museum area where you can learn about its rich history. If you decide to visit on a Sunday morning, you will also be able to attend the holy service performed by the priests and monks living there.
Margarites
Located in the beautiful green hills on the outskirts of Rethymno, around 40 minutes from Rethymno’s centre, the village of Margarites is famous for its beautiful traditional pottery. Enjoy a stroll around the village’s picturesque narrow streets and visit one of its many pottery studios. You might even be lucky enough to witness a local craftsman demonstrating the art of pottery making in his workshop. The extraordinary architecture, the Venetian doorways, the Byzantine churches and the lovely narrow streets make this charming village the ideal spot for a relaxing coffee at one of its many cafés.
Eleutherna Archaeological Museum
History lovers will definitely appreciate a visit to the newly-built Eleftherna museum in the Mylopotamos area, around 40 minutes away from Rethymno. Created to accommodate the findings of the excavations carried out over thirty years at the ancient city of Eleftherna, this archaeological museum houses exhibits of global historical importance. The permanent exhibits are periodically updated with new findings still being excavated in the area. The exhibition also includes modern audiovisual exhibits. TIP FROM LOCALS: In Elefterna village you can also walk onto a hidden path that will take you to an ancient water system, dating back 4000 years, making you feel like you have stepped back in time…
Melidoni Cave
The impressive Melidoni cave is located around 40 minutes’ drive to the west of Rethymno. It’s one of the largest caves in Crete, with enormous stalactites and stalagmites. The cave has a great archaeological and historical importance, since it was inhabited from the Neolithic era. Many of the findings that have been revealed during the excavations are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. The cave is also connected to the tragic sacrifice of 300 locals during the Turkish occupation of Crete and visitors can see a sarcophagus dedicated to them inside the cave’s first chamber. Although only one of the cave’s chambers is accessible to the public because of the archaeological excavations, it is impressive enough to make it well worth a visit.
Bali
Bali is located a short 30 minute drive to the east of Rethymno. It consists of four exotic sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. The water is almost always calm and cool as many nearby springs carry their water to the shore. Some parts of the beaches are organized, with many restaurants and shops located within a close distance. Bali is ideal for both romantic and family holidays.
Sfendoni Cave in Zoniana
Sfedoni cave is located 1½ hours from Rethymno, next to the village of Zoniana. You can follow the cave inside for about 270m, admiring a variety of impressive rock formations. Large columns create labyrinth-like compartments inside the cave and stalactites & stalagmites of different colors and shapes decorate the cave’s chambers. Various local legends mention the presence of fairies in the cave. In the nearby village of Zoniana, you can also visit a wax model museum and learn about Crete’s history and tradition through its realistic wax creations. You can also pay a visit to the village of Anogia, just 13 minutes from the Sfedoni cave. Here you can enjoy the village’s hospitable environment and also see traditional ‘mitata’ (stone huts that used to be shepherds’ dwellings). Enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset from the Psiloritis Mountains while enjoying tasty local dishes. Also, you cannot miss a visit to Anogia’s traditional wood carved museum: Museum Grillios.
Knossos
The archaeological site of Knossos is located 90 minutes away from Rethymno city. It is considered to be the most magnificent Minoan monument and was the residence of the mythical king Minos. Dating back to the Neolithic era, Knossos is one of the most ancient palaces in Europe. The myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaurus still haunts the palace that will take you on an amazing journey back in time, to many thousands of years ago… Your trip to Knossos can be combined with a visit to the impressive archaeological museum located in the center of Heraklion. A guided tour is the ideal way to make the most of your visit.
Lyrarakis Winery & Tasting Room
Lyrarakis winery is a gorgeous place to enjoy local wine, close to the city of Heraklion. Located 1½ hours to the east of Rethymno, this impressive winery is surrounded by vast private vineyards where you can also enjoy a guided tour. This family-run winery has specialized through the years in rare local wine varieties, such as “Dafni” and “Plyto”. You can also take a guided tour of the wine cellars and enjoy a wine tasting experience of 5 of the finest wines with local cheeses or sample local specialties for lunch or dinner on request.
Cave of Diktaion Andron
Few places on Crete are so deeply connected to ancient Greek mythology as the cave of Zeus. Located 2 ½ hours to the east of Rethymno, this magnificent cave is the largest in Crete. After walking up the stairs leading to the entrance of the cave, you will find yourself in a magnificent chamber of stalactites and stalagmites. The most impressive part of the cave is a small pond filled with coins from previous visitors. Archaeological excavations prove the sacredness this cave had for locals throughout the centuries. According to legend, Diktaion Andro is the birthplace of Zeus, the father of the Gods and Minos, the mythical Cretan king. After your trip to this fascinating cave, take a short 10-minute walk to the picturesque village of Psychro, located on the impressive Lassithi Plateau.
Nisida Spinalonga
The small, now uninhabited, island of Spinalonga on the east side of Crete was Europe’s last leper colony. Initially used as a Venetian fortress, lepers from Crete and the rest of Greece were quarantined there until 1957. The remarkable history it is connected with gives a haunting atmosphere to this unique island. You can sail to Spinalonga by boat from Elounda, which is located around 2 hours and a half hours from Rethymno. You can also sail to Spinalonga from the nearby shore of Plaka, if you wish to make your boat trip a little shorter. On Elounda and Plaka’s beaches you may also enjoy a relaxing swim or have a meal at one of the nearby tavernas.
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is located in the east of Crete, 2 hours’ drive from Rethymno. This small picturesque city is famous for the impressive lake of Agios Nikolaos, around which the town centre is built. Agios Nikolaos is set on the largest natural bay in Crete; Mirabello Bay which is named after the beautiful sea view it offers from the town. Agios Nikolaos is ideal for a calming swim at the beach or you could also try other fine beaches located not far away, such as Kolokytha or Voulismabeach. From Agios Nikolaos you can also take a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, enjoying short stops in the bay’s crystal clear waters.