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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Fira to Chania Town?
The direct drive from Fira to Chania Town is 173 mi (278 km), and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 32 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Fira to Chania Town, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Rethymnon, Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Apokoronas, as well as top places to visit like Relax Beach bar in Stalis and Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, or the ever-popular Malia Palace Archaeological Site.
The top cities between Fira and Chania Town are Rethymnon, Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Apokoronas. Rethymnon is the most popular city on the route. It's 4 hours from Fira and 1 hour from Chania Town.
Iraklio, also known as Heraklion, is the capital of the island of Crete in Greece and serves as a significant port city. A famous archaeological site located just outside the city is the Palace of Knossos, which dates back thousands of years and includes frescoes and baths from the Minoan civilization. The Koules fortress, built in the 16th century, guards Heraklion's Venetian port.
97% as popular as Rethymnon
1 minute off the main route, 51% of way to Chania Town
Hersonissos, also known as Chersonissos and Hersónisos, is a popular town located in the northern part of Crete, bordering the Mediterranean / Aegean Sea. Situated approximately 25 kilometers east of Heraklion and west of Agios Nikolaos, Hersonissos is often associated with its peninsula and harbor. Despite being different from traditional Crete, it is considered one of the best areas for families to stay on the island.
53% as popular as Rethymnon
18 minutes off the main route, 52% of way to Chania Town
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Old Town House - Rethymno, Crete
Hotel
The house is really huge and the roof garden is lovely. It is located in the centre of the Old Town, very close to the beach. We recommend this place!
Maude Arsenault — Google review
All in all it was a pleasure to be there. Warmly welcome, located in the middle of the town. 5m to the next beer tap 😜. In case you are looking for fresh air, silence and a scenic landscape - stay away! I liked it a lot, it was a nice accommodation.
Detlef Buse — Google review
My favorite vacation spot! I will go back time and time again.
Christine Greig — Google review
(Translated by Google) Really delicious food service at the top cozy with narrow streets the phone does not always go through as a means of payment so to be safe card or cash
(Original)
Virkelig lækker mad service i top hyggeligt med smalle gader ikke altid telefonen går i gennem som betalingsmiddel så for at være sikker kort eller kontanter
christian rasmussen — Google review
Most popular city on this route
3 minutes off the main route, 78% of way to Chania Town
4
Apokoronos
Apokoronas is a municipality and a former province in the Chania regional unit, north-west Crete, Greece. It is situated on the north coast of Crete, to the east of Chania itself. The seat of the municipality is the village Vryses. The municipality has an area of 315.478 km². Wikipedia.
19% as popular as Rethymnon
6 minutes off the main route, 88% of way to Chania Town
Best stops along Fira to Chania Town drive
The top stops along the way from Fira to Chania Town (with short detours) are Knossos Palace, Mat Old Town Apartments, and Old Venetian Port of Chania. Other popular stops include Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre, and Matala beach.
Malia Palace Archaeological Site is an impressive historical landmark located 3km east of Malia, boasting the remains of a sprawling Minoan palace built around 1650 BCE. The site comprises two palaces - the First Palace dating back to circa 1900 BC and the Second Palace that houses many exquisite Minoan artefacts, including the famous gold bee pendant. The palaces were destroyed by earthquakes in 1700 BC and another tremble around 1450 BC respectively.
April visit for this archaeological place.. no need to buy in advance at this time of the year your ticket. Maybe later when much more many tourists will come.. maybe you can do it if there is an option. Very interesting ancient ruins
Antonis Magklaras — Google review
I liked this place a lot since the remaining walls are higher than usually and we'll preserved. You can see some parts of the palace from a higher perspective which makes it easier to see how the houses looked like back then.
Sad that the site lacked information. There is apparently a building I the entrance explaining a bit more about the palace and its surroundings but I probably missed it (not sure if it wasn't closed due to covid)
Estelle Stl — Google review
Malia is one of the top Minoan sites in Crete and the place where the Bee Broach was discovered. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. You must also remember that these sites are the oldest in Europe. Almost 4,000 years!
jeremy kalous — Google review
Right from the entrance this site looks very well kept, with a nice little garden and with all amenities in place. The remains of the palace and the buildings excavated around it offer an evocative walk into a prehistoric past. Though a lot of information is on hand, reading a bit about this site before visiting, will make for a better understanding of the importance of Malia.
Nikos Parastatidis — Google review
Great archaeological site with lots to explore and really friendly and helpful staff. It was pretty much empty when we visited so we had an amazing experience all to ourselves.
Rose Pickles — Google review
Nebst der eindrücklich Grösse der Ausgrabungen, haben wir bei einem exzellenten Guide sehr viele interessante Fakten zur minoischen Welt gelernt. Dies auf eine kurzweilige, lustige Art. Wer eine Kultur kennenlernen will, die gleichberechtigt lebte, Gewalt nicht verherrlichte und keine Kriege führte, sollte den Ort besuchen und diese Führung machen.
(Translated by Google)
In addition to the impressive size of the excavations, we learned many interesting facts about the Minoan world from an excellent guide. This in an entertaining, funny way. If you want to get to know a culture that lived equally, did not glorify violence and did not wage wars, you should visit the place and take this tour.
Christoph Hermges — Google review
There's not a lot of information so most of the time you're just looking at a bunch of old stones. It's still a very good sight to see, and entry is free under 25. If you like history or archeology I'd definitely recommend visiting.
Stefan van der Linden — Google review
Really nice place where you can escape from the monotony of beach life and just a small walk from Malia center. I would have liked more inscriptions with descriptions (some small stories that could bring to life the city) or the possibility of a tour where someone could tell you the significance of what you are looking at
Paul Cristina — Google review
The palace of Malia, dating from the Middle Bronze Age, was destroyed by an earthquake during the Late Bronze Age;[4] Knossos and other sites were also destroyed at that time. The palace was later rebuilt toward the end of the Late Bronze Age. Most of the ruins visible today date from this second period of construction. The palace features a giant central courtyard, 48m x 23m in size. On the south side are two sets of steps leading upwards and a maze of tiny rooms. Also here is a strange carved stone called a kernos stone, which looks like a millstone with a cup attached to the side of it. On the north side of the courtyard were storage rooms with giant earthenware pithos jars, up to two metres tall. These were used for holding grain, olive oil and other liquids; the floor of these rooms has a complex drainage system for carrying away spilled liquids.
(wikipedia)
Martien Janssen — Google review
It might be a little bare bones and I do recommend many improvements. More signs. More accessibility for wheelchairs and so on. Nevertheless, an impressive archeological site that offers a more authentic view into the Minoan Era than Knossos does.
rudolph schneider — Google review
Sehr empfehlenswerte Ausgrabungsstätte. Aber auf jeden Fall die Führung auf Deutsch mitbuchen (täglich um 11:00 außer dienstags)
Man erfährt viel über den aktuellen Forschungsstand zur minoischen Kultur und unser Guide Portos war einfach nur großartig 👏🏼
(Translated by Google)
Highly recommended excavation site. But definitely book the tour in German (daily at 11:00 except Tuesdays)
You learn a lot about the current state of research on the Minoan culture and our guide Portos was just great 👏🏼
André Stoßberg — Google review
Having known little of the complex I was pleasantly surprised at the size of the site and the remains in situ. If a student of History or just interested this is a real gem giving a good understanding of the Minoan Culture and their architecture. The photos are just a taste, why spoil the surprise!
rjrjambo70 — Google review
An absolute little gem hidden away on the eastern side of Malia. Much more authentic than Knossos, and you can wander among the ruins without being hassled by crowds and guides touting for business.
We spent a very enjoyable hour here, getting a real feel for Minoan history. There are parts open to the weather and others cover over with big arched structures to preserve the remains... and a tiny museum with models depicting how the buildings may have looked.
Well run and clearly loved... and a bargain at 8€ each.
Sue Thomas — Google review
Like it a lot. The entrance is 6 euro but it worth it. You can look over the archeological site but also walking around old walls that left from ancient times.
Margaryta Koieva — Google review
Genauso interessant wie der Palast von Knossos....nur nicht so überlaufen. ( Eintritt 4 € ) Unbedingt die sehr kompetente deutsche Führung mit einem Archäologen nutzen. ( täglich um 11 Uhr für 7,00 € extra )...es lohnt sich aber wirklich! Es geht archäologisch sehr in die Tiefe...deswegen für Kinder bis 12 Jahre nur bedingt geeignet. Die Ausgrabung ist mit regulären Bus zu erreichen...für kleines Geld. Lohnenswert!
(Translated by Google)
Just as interesting as the Palace of Knossos...just not as crowded. (Entrance fee €4) Be sure to take advantage of the very competent German tour with an archaeologist. (daily at 11 a.m. for €7.00 extra)...but it's really worth it! It goes into a lot of archaeological depth...so it's only partially suitable for children up to 12 years old. The excavation can be reached by regular bus...for little money. Worth it!
Ulf-Peter Meier — Google review
No crowds. It's worth visiting for that alone! Very impressive ruins, some under shelters. The sea breeze made the heat bearable.
I liked that there was a map with a marked route, ensuring you didn't miss anything
The small exhibition hall near the ticket office was undergoing renovation and unfortunately we didn't get to see it.
Kristina V. — Google review
Megacoole Ausgrabungen von antiken Gegenständen aller Art. Die Stadt besteht zum großen Teil aus Ruinen. Für Liebhaber antiker Geschichte ein Muss. Bequeme Schuhe sind von Vorteil. Auch die eine oder andere Flasche Wasser wäre von Vorteil
(Translated by Google)
Mega cool excavations of all kinds of ancient objects. The city consists largely of ruins. A must for lovers of ancient history. Comfortable shoes are an advantage. One or two bottles of water would also be beneficial
Eloisa Förster — Google review
It's an interesting visit. Kinda pricey for what you get. If you're an archeological buff you'll enjoy it
James Peto — Google review
We went off season so the site was very calm and not busy at all. The staff was very Friendly and the palace was so much fun to explore!
They also raise funds for the local stray cats.
Zoe ultee — Google review
This is THE best place to see Minoan ruins on Crete. I've been to Knossos twice before which is crowded, long queues, overrun with selfie sticks etc, and while impressive in scale is somewhat over restored in parts. This place is very sympathetically restored and natural, still fairly impressively sized, and virtually empty. You almost have the place to yourself even in August. A hidden gem! Some more information would be good but there's enough here to get a feel for what the place was and what you're looking at.
Andrew M — Google review
Sowohl mit Eintritt als auch ohne in der Umgebung gibt es was für's (archäologische) Auge. Teilweise in gutem Zustand sollte man sich trotzdem ein wenig vorbereiten. Leider ist nicht alles zugänglich auch im Bereich wo Eintritt gezahlt wird. Man kann sich für den Bereich aber von der Straße aus einen Einblick verschaffen. Wenn euch meine Rezension geholfen hat lasst gerne einen Daumen da.
(Translated by Google)
There is something for the (archaeological) eye in the area, both with and without admission. Some of them are in good condition, but you should still prepare a little. Unfortunately, not everything is accessible, even in the area where entrance fees are charged. However, you can get an insight into the area from the street. If my review helped you, please leave a thumbs up.
Relax Beach bar in Stalis is a versatile spot that caters to both day and night crowds. The owner, George, and the staff are known for their friendliness and creating a fabulous atmosphere. The comfortable sunbeds come in different sizes to accommodate various needs, making it an ideal place for relaxation. Guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks, including bubble tea to beat the Crete heatwave.
An excellent location for both day and night. George, your host , is brilliant, very entertaining. Daytime the sunbeds are very comfortable and a great height for those of us with some medical issues. Well worth visiting.
Peter Howarth — Google review
Highly recommended place to visit.
polite and friendly service.
Tasty food and drinks.
Karol Grzeda — Google review
Lovely relaxing bar in the centre of town. Delicious Nutella and strawberry crepes. Great cocktails and friendly staff. A place to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sea.
Christopher Smith — Google review
Lovely beach bar the owner George & his staff are very friendly offering a fabulous atmosphere. The sunbeds are very comfortable and different sizes suit all ages & requirements . Highly recommended
Jan Howarth — Google review
Great, relaxed dinner with bubble tea to help chill in the Crete heatwave. Friendly staff, great service - they even have us a box to take the food away we couldn't eat. Value for money with a smile!
Mike Eden — Google review
Very friendly and if you want to get the beach bar feeling is this a place which you must visit
Lars Vogel — Google review
Food was alright, service was slow and none of the tables were really fit for eating at. More a place to get drinks.
Wout Ongena — Google review
Lovely bar for cocktails 🍸
The guy at the front, getting customers through the door, is lovely!
Lorraine Hogg — Google review
Lovely place with relaxing atmosphere. The cocktails are marvelous. Good experience when you are in Stalida. Jorgos ( Sjon) is a fantastic host.
Martijn Glazenburg — Google review
Had to visit the place a bunch of times on our trip to Greece. Best part for sure!! The staff was just lovely and took such good care of us every time! Highly recommend ❤️❤️
Nina Talvilahti — Google review
Food - not bad, the sandwich was cold. It felt that they didn't put much effort.
Drink-nice, natural juice.
Service-was good.
Alina T. — Google review
It's just as it says. RELAX. Great place, Great staff. Cocktails bubble waffles everything excellent. Totally recommend it!
Giolanta Giapitzaki — Google review
Such a lovely place. Amazing food, drinks and location. I definitely recommend 👌
Mihaela Munteanu — Google review
Absolutely great place and amazing owners - will make you feel right at home. 👌🏻 perfect!!!
The Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, located on the eastern edge of Hersonissos with a beautiful seaside view, is a family-owned museum that showcases the natural history and culture of Crete. The museum recreates a traditional Cretan village with remarkable authenticity, featuring various buildings such as a windmill and farmers' houses. Visitors can witness weaving workshops, ceramics and plant-dying demonstrations, orchards and herb gardens along with music and dance performances in an open-air theatre.
Unique place. Best spent 7 Euro! The place is magical. Entire place to see takes about 1 to 2 hours. It has a lot of amazing things to see. Pictures looks great. All stuff is friendly and ready to help. I would love to come back.
Agnieszka Rach — Google review
I visited this lovely open air museum Lychnostatis on Sunday the 31st of July. It has so much to see and lots of little details, prepare for at least 1,5-2 hours to spend your time there. The entrance fee was 7 euros and you got a map and translations of text written in Greek in many languages, including Finnish. There's also a possibility for audio guide should you want one.
The bus stop is really close, just tell the staff in the bus that you're trying to get there, they'll know the right bus stop.
To be honest, it would be better to visit this mostly garden-like place earlier, maybe in May or June, or then at the harvest time later in autumn. Then you would see more of those beautiful plants they have there. But, it's worth a visit anytime, in my opinion.
It's not open on Saturdays and it's not open until late, so check the opening hours from the internet before you go.
There are toilets and a cafeteria. You can get drinks and food there as well as buy some local products, if you wish.
In the cafeteria they gave me freebies: the pears grown there. They weren't as sweet as the pears I've been eating but that was it for me because I'm not one for sweets. They were just perfect. 👍
M M — Google review
What a wonderful museum we visited on a Wednesday and took part in their Grape Feast. I even got to tread grapes and do a bit of Greek dancing. The museum is very eco-friendly, being built completely from recycled building materials. Can't rate Lychnostatis high enough. We thought it was wonderful and Can't wait to visit again
Marcus Teagle — Google review
beautiful museum with such a romantic and warm feel. The lady who works here is so friendly and kind, and there is so much to see: Tree garden, historical farmhouse, school, middle class home, shepherd’s hut, fisherman’s hut, chapel, herb garden, sculptures, incredible lockdown-inspired art made from pills! We spent 3-4 hours here taking our time to appreciate everything and listen to all of the audio guided tour, however I’m sure it is possible to do it faster. There is a car park and a side exit to go straight to the beach afterwards! There is also a café with very reasonable prices.
Gabrielle — Google review
Great experience and learning about the story of the family that built the museum. Great opportunity to see the different buildings up close. Staff were welcoming and friendly. Well worth a visit!
Sarah Davies Collins — Google review
I love this tiny beautiful interwctive museum in open air! I felt so good walking and taking beautiful picture!
Sandra Ladar — Google review
Charming place with big garden and artifacts of traditional Greek way of living.
ARTO PIIPPO — Google review
Money well spent. Very unique and informative museum- you can see the love and effort the curators put into it. Learning about the Cretan way of life. Great that it’s outdoors!
Julia Hattingh — Google review
What a beautiful place!!!! I can't say how much this needs to be visited! So beautifully done. So much information. Shows the beauty of Crete!
Jane Rodrigues — Google review
This is a stunning, unassuming place to visit. Well presented depiction of life and working practice of locals in the past. From shoe making and textiles to bee keeping and herbs, gardening, soap making, cheese making and so much more. Also regular workshops and a cafe and beach access. A gem of a museum in easy reach on foot from the coastal resort of Hersonissos
Katy Hocking — Google review
I can't rave about this enough. We had the most amazing time here. 8 Euro to enter and it is worth it for the upkeep for the museum. The staff are friendly and helpful. The toilets are clean. My favourite thing was the herb drying room, the smell was immense.
Hayley Stride — Google review
Such a lovely and unique place to spend a few hours. We began with a short video about the founding of the museum which was very touching and so much time, care and attention has gone into creating the spaces you walk through. Just stunning!
Emz Illustration — Google review
Beautiful place, and it had so much more to offer than expected.
As someone said in the reviews earlier this is perfect for a cloudy day.
There is also a cafeteria with drinks/snacks/food inside.
Meemelin — Google review
Absolutely lovely museum. It was bigger then expected and the receptionist was very friendly. It is right by the sea and has lovely views when you go up the house. Only €8 euro entry and I would recommend getting the audio book for when you walk around.
S Harvey — Google review
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Μουσείο "ΛΥΧΝΟΣΤΑΤΗΣ" - θέση Πλάκα, Chersonisos 700 14, Greece
Star Beach Village & Water Park is a casual resort situated by the waterfront, offering various dining options and amenities such as an outdoor pool, spa, and water park. Families with children can enjoy numerous pools, toboggans, pirate ship and food catering to all tastes. The resort boasts well-maintained and secure surroundings with stunning views of the sea in shades of blue. Friendly staff provides comfortable rooms for a pleasant stay while guests indulge in delicious meals from any of the three restaurants available on site.
Lovely hotel. The staff are so friendly and really make you feel very welcome. The rooms are spacious, well appointed and spotlessly clean. The cleaning of the rooms is 10 out of 10. You are in 5 minutes walk of the town and right on the beach. Its a big complex but nicely set out with lots of different spaces. Great pools and parks for kids and more quiet pools for bigger kids. Plus nice little beach coves dotted along the shore. All with loungers and brollies. The food here is very good. There are so many choices it's almost overwhelming. It's very fresh, very tasty, very nice. I would highly recommend the Asian restaurant too. The food here is sublime and part of the all inclusive. All in all, its fabulous.
Christine Quinn — Google review
I would have given 5 stars if it wasn't for the fact that the all inclusive list of cocktails is not great and that the facilities don't have lift, which can make it complicated if you have a kid (with pushchair and everything). Also the adults side of the waterpark was not in the best conditions (even if good overall)
Everything else is amazing!
The spaces for kids are incredibly good, our son loved it.
The staff is very friendly and everything is very clean.
Food is also great and there are plenty of options.
We would surely come back!
Gabriel — Google review
Star Beach started on a very bad note – we were made to wait around half an hour just to get into our room with them insisting on using a bellhop that never arrived. The room turned out to be only 5 minutes walking distance, so this was particularly frustrating. Once past that, however, the resort’s service improved. We had a great day at the water park, with prompt and helpful staff throughout. The room was fairly standard, but good enough considering you will spend most of your time out at the water park and beach. The all-inclusive food and drink was nothing amazing but great value.
Ben Barnes — Google review
This is not a family place. Very disappointing. Right next to the slides there is an over 18 VIP area that is very loud. People are drunk and smoking and acting inappropriate. All of this in front of young children. We moved to the pool area and couldn't even get in because it was packed. The food was terrible. All this for over 500 euros. I could have stayed 2 nights at a beautiful place anywhere in Crete. The "all inclusive" part is also misleading. I paid 4 euros for a plastic cup of coca cola and a bottle of water. If you know Crete...this is NOTHING like Crete. I gave 5 stars for the room and staff as it was clean and they were friendly and helpful.
Heather Stathopoulos — Google review
Truly comfortable room (family of 4 placed in a quiet room with 6 beds, 2 bathrooms), nice swimming pools and slides, extra attractions at the sea and in the evenings at the main bar. Good food if you stay for up to a week. VIP space was the only drawback (music at max volume from 14 till 19) but we spent that time farther from it and then it was bearable. Waterpark busy on weekends with guests also from outside. Many car hires around to choose the right price for a day.
Wojciech Be?ka — Google review
Amazing staff! Amazing food! Amazing location!
Really the staff and the food made it such a wonderful vacation. We felt personally close to those working there and they were so kind and helpful. And the food was amazing! So much selection and so much to eat.
The location was perfect for our young family to play everyday on the beach too. Kids ages ranged from newborn to 5.
Rooms are so so, but we didn’t spend much time there except for sleeping.
We would love to come again! You have a beautiful island and beautiful people!
Michel and Elycia Kämpfer — Google review
First time in an all inclusive resort, it was the right choice! The place is well kept, clean and safe. Perfect fo children and families, lots of pools, tobogans, the pirate ship, and food for all tastes. It was a brilliant week, the blue of the ski and sea are amazing; the people of Crete are fantastic too. We will return for more
Jose C — Google review
Overall it was an amazing experience, as it had everything you wanted it to have to be a 5 star holiday. For example a snack bar, clean and pristine pools, great service, nice hospitality and lovely food. Altogether one of the best hotel experiences one could ever have.
Renjan Thomas — Google review
Fantastic holiday at this resort for myself, husband and 2 children. Room great and spacious, 2 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms. Fresh towels and bottled water every day, beds made also. Food fabulous in main restaurant. Friendly staff, especially Angelos at the pool bar. Pool towels exchanged every day. Lovely garden areas for photos. Amazing facilities nearby. Highly recommend it!😍
Julie Moran — Google review
We had such a wonderful time there. Excellent food, drinks, swimming pools, beaches, water slides for kids and adults. There are also beach parties everyday for the youngsters (which can be very noisy for some of the rooms). Overall a very positive experience.
Oded Baron — Google review
Been home after a week at star beach. The food, staff and holiday was absolutely brilliant. The only comment is we were in the star beach city annex apartments , we did have our own pool but to get to the main hotel we either had to cross a dangerous road or go under a makeshift tunnel, it’s ok if your under 5foot 2 but not lit and quite wet and slippy under foot , maybe provide a regular shuttle bus or make something safer. Especially if people can’t walk very far. It did not spoil the holiday just a suggestion and we would definitely come back . Really did not want to leave.
Sharon Moses — Google review
This place is really nice to visit. Food was great, always plenty of option to choose from. Service was mainly great and quality of room was above average. There are multiple swimming pools for kids separated for different age. Everyone can find what they like. Access to the sea is a bit more steep, beaches are not the cleanest. But there are showers with water everywhere, so you can shower the sea water easily from yourself.
Room service is good, but there is room for improvement.
Dining in the main are has every night different type of food you can choose from. There is always fresh food being prepared and plenty of vegeterian and vegan options.
Sweet corner was amazing!
There is also go-cart racing you can visit, which is open till late hours. Some rooms are faced to this area, so its not best if you want to go to sleep early :)
Highly recommending this place for family vacation!
Radek Appl — Google review
We stayed at this hotel last year in June. The size of the hotel is very nice with nice swiming pools area for kids but not for adults unless you want to go to VIP area where kids are not allowed and you have to pay for loungers and drinks in the bar as none of this is included in all inclusive.
Entertainment is not the best, food is average and same food served everyday.
The personel is average except cleaners who at lest try to smile at you 😀 I've been at many hotels but this one is last on my list so far I will probably never visit again.
Katarzyna Kopacz — Google review
Highly recommended. Stayed April 2022. Everything perfect 😊. Rooms very comfortable, staff very friendly, food in all 3 restaurants delicious😋 with great choice. Will definitely look to stay here again.
Mr T — Google review
Amazing amazing amazing ! I cannot recommend enough. We have really enjoyed our stay. Kids loved it ! We will be back so impressed from day one when we arrived after 2am in the morning we were welcomed by food and taken to our room. Lovely staff. The bar staff by the pool were amazing and to be able to choose your own food and give it to the chef was great. They cleaned room every single day and done a great job ! The amount of food you could choose from plus 2 restaurants to book where food was so nice. If you got kids who are fussy eaters this is the place for you if you are going all inclusive. Great entertaiment everyday. We can't complain plenty to do. Great location. We hired our car from the hotel plus there are plenty of car parks around the hotel or at the front great and easy access. Good location to travel to other palces to visit. Can't wait to be back.
Michaela Piskor — Google review
It is a vacation and I can’t complain much about that!
There are always pros and cons to every place.
Pros
The food is unbelievable! The Asian place is delicious and the variety is there.
Price during opening of season was a steal of a deal
The mini disco was fun for the children and the two workers are hard working to make it a fun time
The beach is beautiful and lots of seating!
Lots of pools to be found.
There is lots of amenities near by within walking distance
The evening shows were entertaining
Staff generally kind
Cons
The rooms seem outdated and could use a facelift
The gym hours are exactly when I don’t want to workout (9-18h)
The kids club doesn’t seem super safe. There is no check in or check out system (had to constantly monitor my kids were there)
The resort drinks are not as good as some resorts I’ve been to (limited options)
This is not common in Greece but could make for a nicer vacation in the early season…. No pools heated or a hot tub would be cool!
Towel exchange hours are annoying
Wifi never worked for me… despite trying everything the resort asked me to do. I took off a star for this also since I’m strictly off data and require wifi to communicate as an international traveller. It was a slap in the face to see signs around the resort stating that there is free wifi.
Cell reception can be in and out around the resort
As I was checking out I went to get our shuttle which was stated that we had a free airport transfer. The hotel seemed to say we needed to stay a minimum of 8 nights to receive this service. We stayed 7 and nowhere in our booking did it say we required a stay of 8 nights to receive this service. As a matter of fact it said we had a free transfer and to send our information for times and when we would like to use the shuttle. This caused us a headache and the staff were not very responsive. I have taken off a star just for this interaction.
I would recommend the resort to people as long as they know that there are significant pros and cons. Hopefully my review will help you when making a decision. Please keep in mind our visit was early in the season and not all of the resort is up and running.
Carleen Pocklington — Google review
We had such an amazing time at this resort! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. My kids absolutely enjoyed their time at the water park and the beautiful beach at the resort.
The service from the reception desk was brilliant and the house keeping staff were always taking good care of our room and were there to help if we needed anything!
I would like to give a big shout out to the chef in the main restaurant who went above and beyond for my son who has an egg allergy. My son was given freshly prepped and cooked food straight from the kitchen and then placed onto the table infront of him by the chef himself. We will definitely be coming back in the future!
Thank you Star Beach Village & Water Park for a fantastic holiday!!
Family Treats — Google review
We didn't stay here, but we did spend a day at the water park, so this is the experience my review is based on. It was great fun for my 4 year old daughter, she loved the kids' slides and spent several hours playing around the area. We decided to give this place a go as the high winds made most nearby beaches have a red flag. There is no entrance fee, but you do pay for sunbeds(€8 for one) and umbrellas(€4). You can choose whether you want to stay near the beach, which is quite small, but in a small gulf, so protected from big waves, on the grass, under the palm trees, or closer to the pool. We chose to stay near the kids' zone and, at some point in the afternoon( around 2 or 3pm, I think), extremely loud music started blasting from the nearby 18+ pool area. When we went to get something to eat, the noise was filling the terrace area as well, as it was right next to it. I would not recommend eating there - so far, it was the worst food we've had since we got to Crete, the service was not friendly at all, the water came with plastic cups even though we were sat at a table and, as a first, we were required to pay upfront when we ordered, not when we'd finished eating. There was a fast food feel to the whole eating experience, though the prices did not reflect this. As a one off, if you have kids, you could pay this place a visit, but overall I see no reason why we would return. I cannot imagine what it must be like to actually book a room there, given the level of noise!
raluca barbu — Google review
We are home from last week and already missing the hotel. Had a lovely week. Food was great, waterpark was so close. Room big enough for 5 person. Always found something to eat for young daughter with diabetes. Maybe we come back next year
Kelly Maatje — Google review
It was a lovely experience for my family. There was something for everyone to do. The pool side had various activities such as aqua gym, table tennis, football, pilates, yoga, dart game, shows and music for night time, There was never a dull moment during my visit. The icing on the cake was that we were never hungry before the next meal as there was more than enough food, drinks, slushy, and ice cream at different locations. Lovely holiday, would recommend to families.
Seyi Dominic — Google review
This is set in a beautiful part of Crete however the hotel has some areas that look tired and I felt sorry for the staff and most of them looked like they were just doing a job and not enjoying it. The sea is beautiful here and is great for snorkelling as there are so many fish. The hotel is generally clean, but you can tell it needs some money spending on things to tidy it up. There is a big choice of food in the all-inclusive and the cocktails are OK. Lots of pools to use and facilities. It is rated as a 4 star hotel but I would suggest more like a 3 star. It wasn't too busy here, but I can imagine in high season, the food halls could be very over crowded.
Jen — Google review
Great resort for vacation with children. The food was on 3/5, a lot to choose from but mostly stale, it takes time to pick the good from the mediocre. The Breakfast Bacon was superb. The Omelette chef is a kind of artist but the restaurant should have given him more workspace and help.
Most of the service staff are without joy or willingness to help. The guys at the Blue Star Beach Bar were exceptional, they are energetic, and give service from the heart. The Wok master there creates the most tasty noodles. This bar gets 5 stars from me.
Other people complained about the service, I tried to be polite and always greet the service givers with a smile and mostly got one back. It pays a great deal to be nice to people.
Danny Nishri — Google review
Delicious food. Diversity in places and choose its great for All food lovers.for Sure perfekt for familiies with Kids. The village is awasome, u can literally find your favorite place to chill on sun- on the beach, rocks or at the swimming Pool with somw music. Lokation also great , you can find everything what u need direct here. And also its like 5 min walk to the Center street with a lot of Shops and like 15 min to heart of the night life whats also diverse and just nice. All the Service people great. I do recommend this place and may come back !
Nate Throwbeenski — Google review
4 star hotel with waterpark. Food was amazing very wide choice at all meal times 2 additional options to book an evening meal at an Asian restaurant and a Cretian one. Whole complex / village is very clean couple of small beaches to choose from. Loads of pools to choose from and an abundance of loungers in the waterpark. Theres scuba diving and watersports available for additional cost and a go kart track right next door. Also a pizzeria and bar that arent included in the all inclusive package however the snacks available at the pool and waterpark are also very good. Cheese and ham toastie/ chips pizza / ice cream and noodle bar in the waterpark and drinks in the all inclusive package. Towels are free you just exchange a card daily for fresh. Room cleaned daily. All staff were fantastic and couldn't do enough to help. Hotel shop was a bit pricey but theres a Spar shop over the road which was cheaper for inflatables souvenirs etc etc. Short walk into main strip loads of places to hire cars bikes quads so you can access more of the local area. Good evening entertainment we had a lovely week away.
rob garrington — Google review
I would give this place 5 stars for a family getaway. The cleanliness was great. The food choices (3 restaurants) were fantastic. The beaches and water entertainment for the kids, teenagers and adults was just what you’d hope for in a trip to the island. The open bars and snacks were just what you’d hope for at an all inclusive. We didn’t participate too much in the evening activities or kids entertainment but what we saw, we were impressed with. They had mini disco for the kids each night and usually some level of family entertainment just after. The open bar was open to midnight. The staff was friendly and the beds were actually very comfortable. Thank you Star Beach Village for an excellent vacation.
Justin Allen — Google review
It is amazing hotel the reception hotel very good and really helpful. Only the one thing I don't like us the last bar after after the pool have 2 man staff one off them not good and make a bad service
RANA Arzouni — Google review
Just back from a fantastic week at Star Beach Village. First time in Greece and first all inclusive for us.
The room was basic but that's all we needed and all we paid for. The main thing was it was clean and well maintained by the staff.
The water park was fantastic and the kids could have stayed there all day every day.
The hotel is located right next to the sea with access to 3 different beaches, all nice and clean with great snorkelling around the rocks. Going at helf term meant it wasn't too busy or too hot.
Around the hotel was quite quiet due to the time of year and other resorts having closed but everything we wanted was still open, just less busy... which was great! There's plenty to do nearby too.
Everyone enjoyed the restaurants and we were very impressed with the range on offer and the lengths the very friendly and courteous staff went to to ensure we had what we wanted and that the place was clean and tidy. The chef even made our youngest a special pudding just for him to cater to his food intolerances.
All in all, a brilliant place to have a holiday and made all the better by the staff at all levels.
Tim Parsons — Google review
The variety of food for a 4 star hotel is really great. But I would like to see more choices in the drink department. Also I feel like the plastic cups are being overused, especially in the lobby bar. I understand them being used at the beach bars, bot not here.
Rooms are great. Nothing more to say.
Staff - serves are okay, receptionist phenomenal.
Would like to praise the younger servers as they are very polite.
The location of the resort is ideal for me. 15minutes of walking to the town.
I like the resort layout and their number of activities that you can do nearby. The number of sunbeds is enough as we were always able to lay where we wanted even during noon.
Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre is a small yet informative facility that offers interactive experiences with various reptiles and sea life. Visitors can touch and learn about tortoises, snakes, and other animals while showing proper respect. The friendly owners and staff are knowledgeable about the different species and happy to share their expertise. As a rescue center, supporting their mission is encouraged. Overall, it is a great place for those interested in marine life and reptiles.
It’s a small but wonderful place! What it lacks I. Size it makes up in information and accessibility to the animals. You can touch tortoise, snakes and other reptiles. Do take care to show the proper respect to the animals of course.
Very friendly owners/staff who can and will give you more information about the different animals.
As it’s also rescue center, try to visit to support their activities. As it’s a beautiful mission they are following!
Kris Vanbrabant — Google review
Amazing place to visit, not just seaside which can be found around the coastal waters of Crete. The also have reptiles that have been handed over to them or left for them to care for. They are very educational as well with school trips and visits to schools in the local area. To also survive were others have not during the pandemic. Every time we come to Crete we always visit to see new and existing marine life and reptiles. A big thank you to John and his wife and the team for a marvellous job they do in running the place.
Alan Cocksedge — Google review
A fantastic small rescue centre for various fish, reptiles and other wonderful creatures. We had the opportunity to hold one of the snakes and to watch one being fed. There's lots of variety to see here, the staff are all very helpful and they do great work. We spent around an hour here, there is lots of information to read if you'd like to. €16 for 2 adults was agreeable considering it goes towards the care of these wonderful animals I won't ever get to see except in such situations!
Thomas Beech — Google review
We really enjoyed our visit, very interactive, hands on experience, the vivarium and aquarium inhabitants were well looked after and staff enthusiastic/passionate. Kids loved it and so did we.
Amy Longworth — Google review
A nice rescue place. It's possible to hold some animals and take photos with them. The staff is really knowledgeable and are happy to share their knowledge with the visitors.
melanie kroeger — Google review
Very enjoyable. Getting up close and personal with the reptiles was a highlight. Great value for money. They clearly care for the animals. Would recommend being there for 10.30 to see the turtle (Stephania) and the octopus being fed and the stories behind them. If you have 1-2 hours spare it's definitely worth it. The work they're doing is so admirable that we just had to leave a donation.
John — Google review
Nice collection of local fishes, reptiles. Not just an exhibition but can pet snakes, lizards and turtles in a small garden. There is no dedicated parking space but the road usually not crowded. Bank card payments are accessible
Andras A. — Google review
A great place where you can go, if you need a break from the sunshine. But you don't need that excuse at all. Brilliant experience for adults and children. Possibility to see fish, crabs, starfish etc. You will be welcomed by 25 year old tortoise who is walking freely around the place. You might enjoy holding white and yellow python or a gecko.
All the animals are like pets
It's good to support this place especially that the owner rescued lots of them and believe that he will find a room for more.
Magda King — Google review
Great little aquarium and reptile sanctuary run by an incredibly kind and driven team. Multilingual information regarding the fish and reptile species on display makes a visit worthwhile regardless of your language. Many of the animals on display were rescued and all are taken care of with a great deal of dedication. If you're in Hersonissos or around the area it's definitely worth a visit.
Bowen de Vries — Google review
Although small, this was a fantastic place to visit. The staff were extremely knowledgeable and genuinely cared for the animals! You could interact with the animals, watch them getting fed and hold some of the reptiles!! We spent about an hour here but it was absolutely worth visiting!! The entrance fee is used to look after the animals and rescue others!! If you're near it, visit!!
Karen James — Google review
Soooo this place is nice and cute but tbh I don’t think peta would be happy with this. So it’s €10 to get in which is cheap. It’s a rescue centre which is great but a lot of the animals were in small cages and everything. There was a sea turtle who was blind just in this tiny pool not a lot of room. I just felt it wasn’t best for the animals there also was a boa snake just in a plastic container not a lot of room to move around.
None of the animals had lots of space in their cages like not a lot of room.
So next when you go to the back the have snakes and lizards you can hold which is okay but I guess the animals will get fed up when they are being held all day. There was a massive tortoise just in the corner not moving which was kind of depressing we were there for maybe an hour and it didn’t move once. Sea turtles everywhere even hiding behind everything which was a bit sad but a small area for all the animals.
But that’s my opinion
Louisaaa 1998 — Google review
Wonderful place! The owner is so nice to all visitors, he has great stories to share about how he rescue reptiles and his water turtle, who is blind. He feeds the animals in the morning and tells you the story about how the animals are being rescued and how he needs to take care of them. I was thrilled by his enthusiasm and passion for animals! Really great experience to see this live. You can even touch snakes and repriles and hold them in your hands.
Radek Appl — Google review
Great little place with so much packed in. It’s a nice few hours to spend there- so many species of fish and wildlife etc that we wouldn’t get chance to see in the Uk. The owner is very knowledgeable and his staff are great! The kids loved the experience of holding the reptiles and learning about them.
Amie Hall — Google review
A really lovely centre. Lots of amazing animals, some of which we could hold and touch, with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Despite being very small, we were there for a few hours. So much value for such a small entry fee.
Thank you for rescuing and looking after the animals and teaching people about them!
Charl Troman — Google review
What a great little place to visit. We could hold snakes and reptiles which was an unforgettable experience. Also, the fish there were very interesting. The tanks were clear and we could get some amazing pictures. The staff and the owners were very nice people. Highly recommend 5/5⭐
Roger — Google review
Cool place to see. Nice fish and reptiles. I was scared, but if you like snakes then you can take a photo and the crew will help you. Fishes are amazing and pretty. Also, turtles and tortoises or crabs. It is nice to see ocean life near you. Also, it doesn't take long to see everything, so you can easily go sunbathing or swimming before and after go see this place.
Ola Kamzelska — Google review
Amazing place, small and cozy. Very nice staff, you can see how they take care of the animals, how much love they give them. There are animals who were rescued and brought there. Our family had a very good time watching and petting the animals and listening to the explanations of the workers. Thank you very much for being so kind, you are doing a great job.
Built by the Venetians in the 16th century, Rocca al Mare Fortress is a dramatic and well-restored example of coastal fortification. The fortress features cannons and artifacts recovered from shipwrecks around Dia island by Jacques Cousteau in 1976, which makes for an informative and atmospheric presentation.
One of the first sights that draw your attention when you arrive in Heraklion, it's q very nice to walk by and also to visit inside. With a very rich history, it has been renovated to both bring it to it's former glory but also to host a piece of physical and visual gallery that will transport you a few hundred years into the past. The stories on the walls are a nice addition, while the objects dug up from the near by see make the experience an extraordinary one. And do not forget to visit the terrace: it will give you a 360 view of the surroundings.
Radu Tasca — Google review
Beautiful historic location and definitely worth a visit if you're in Heraklion. The price for a ticket is 4 euros. They provide some information in English about the location and different times, which was an interesting read. Though the exhibition further inside I was most interested in was unfortunately almost completely in Greek. With the addition of a proper English translation you could definitely spend some more time inside. Nevertheless I recommend checking out this place as it's beautiful and so is the view from the top of the fortress.
Bowen de Vries — Google review
It was a lovely weekend and saw many residents walking and jogging along the ‘tail’ of the fortress. This is one of the most historical and magnificent site that visitors must visit. You can either look from the harbour or enter with a ticket of eur 2/per person. It was built during the period of Venetians in 16th century and been rebuilt and renovated couple time in different periods. It worth a lot being hear to understand the history and artifacts.
Dennis — Google review
Beautiful old castle guardian of the old port at Venetian times.the castle is very well preserved although its next to the sea.the maintaining job was and still is very good.Inside the castle is very nice with alot ancient items to see and feel the spirit of that time. During the centuries the castle had alot usages and big history.
Manos Kornarakis — Google review
This is a great location to spend a few hours and learn about the history of Crete. The fort is very easy to find and well maintained. The location is full of artifacts and has lots of information regarding the site and its uses. Well worth a visit if you go to Crete.
G F — Google review
An iconic historical place in the island. An interesting place to visit, but there’s an entry fee. Still you can get up to the ground floor and have a look around. You get a good view of the whole city and Bay Area from the top of the fortress.
Hans Shanaka — Google review
This is a must-see in Heraklion. The Venetian fortress is very well preserved, and there are a lot of interesting artifacts. The views are also incredible and provide a cool ocean breeze.
Samantha Turnbull — Google review
I have very much enjoyed the visit (entry 4e). Wonderful views of the harbor & sea, history exhibition, refreshing wind blowing through the windows... The fortress is beautiful 🏯
Viera Bodnarova — Google review
Quite interesting, costs 2 euros to get in (Nov), takes about 15 min to do the whole inside of the fort. You can walk to the lighthouse and the mermaid sculpture too.
Christina Chung — Google review
This is a must see visit for only 4 euros a person. It is full with history from Ancient Greek times. It felt a privilege to be able to experience it first hand. The information boards have English and Greek.
Staff are also very friendly.
Luke — Google review
Other than Tuesday, when visiting always read the signs, as sometimes the second floor is closed and without it the visit to the fortress is pointless. The staff are kinda tired of tourist attention and a lot of screaming and whistling was on ... the fortress itself wasn't anything special, but the view is fine. Don't trust the "sunset" reviews - they closed at 19. Best hours for visitors are 17-18 in my view.
Did not even take pictures of the ground floor - it's very dark and hard to even read the info signs.
Marin “SayanMk” Kolev — Google review
Probably the most famous landmark in Heraklion. It has a very interesting exhibition about the history of the fortress. If you go to the top you get a fantastic view over the harbor and the city.
Dirk — Google review
I highly recommend to visit at least once. Entry cost couple of euros per person inside the museum and it's very interesting place to explore with lots of underground, small windows and magnificent views of marina upstairs.
Also you can see the sea port of Heraklion with ferries and cruise ships.
Swanky Christy — Google review
I visited the place and the entrance is very cheap at 2 euros, it is a good experience base on the person's enthusiasm on history. You will see ship wreckage goods like wine potteries and old cannons. Not a big place to roam but you have a good view once you go on top of the foretress. Not bad for a 2 euro trip.
Rio Abbu — Google review
Lovely historic place to visit. Lovely views. Staff were polite but don't mess with the woman with the whistle.....if you look too far over the side walls (leaning), she'll blow her whistle at you and I'm sure you'll feel like a 7 year old being scalded in the school playground 🤣🤣 it was funny to watch. There are toilets there. Think it was roughly £6 or £8 each. There are no refreshments there but there's a man selling water and fruit as you walk down to the Fort. Nice little hour or two. It's also walkable from the bus station and its near the main town.
Chrissey Jones — Google review
If you visit the city of Heraklion, you have to see this important tourist attraction.
It's easy to get there - the fortress is located right in the city's old port, at the end of the pedestrian street, in an area full of bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
The entrance fee is cheap, and the view is splendid, especially at sunset.
Catalin Hulea — Google review
A word of caution. Don't plan your visits on a Tuesday because this is the day that the fortress is closed. Otherwise, come in and take a long walk on the wave breaker after you finish your visit. There are great views on the city. The fortress is historically important, so take your time exploring it. Another practical suggestion is to come in as early as possible - the fortress opens at 8:30 AM - to avoid crowds and to escape the noon heat.
The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is a museum in Heraklion, Crete, which houses artefacts from the Neolithic to the Roman periods. The building was designed by renowned Greek architect Panagiotis Kalkos and is considered one of the best ancient art museums in Europe.
Very well set up, all the information available in English. It has a good organization through the time. They included quite interesting details, the ligth is well set up so most of the time you could take nice pictures. The rooms are plenty of space, so you can enjoy the visit even in crowded moments.
Claudio Garcia — Google review
Great museum and very beautiful items and displays. The only part I didn't like was that I paid full price for a ticket and the Greek/roman statue section was closed and I wasn't told when purchasing which I feel warrants a cheaper price. Takes a while to get around also and if you want to visit the place the artifacts are from (mostly Knossos palace) you can buy the dual ticket and get the number 2 bus. Well worth a trip to both.
Paul King — Google review
This is a must visit museum! It is one of the best museums I’ve ever visited and it is the most important museum to learn about the ancient Minoan culture, history, artwork and artifacts. The selection of items were very extensive, and they were carefully curated both in Greek and English. It is also unique because these are not items you can find in other museums in the world. What’s so impressive to me was how carefully preserved these items were. Or perhaps some of these were carefully restored but one would never think that some were from 4-5000 years ago. I do notice that some people touch some of the artifacts which frustrated me. Perhaps it would be wise to section off some of those items so that they cannot be damaged. There is an app that goes with tours for the museum. However, I find the app a little bit confusing, but nonetheless, you can read up more on certain items carefully after your visit. This museum requires 3 to 4 hours at least to carefully see, and absorb all the information. I highly recommend visiting this museum.
Wendy Law — Google review
The place is quite big. There are 2 floors. Plenty of exhibits. The customer service is excellent. The museum is in the heart of the city, so parking is somewhat difficult to find. In short, the place is good, but I have seen some better museums in my life.
Mateusz Szadziul — Google review
An interesting, affordable (6 euros)museum that we completed in less than an hour. Watch for Ginger the resident cat who lures you in with her meowing affections and nips you when you fall for her wiles lol.
It was nice respite from the pouring march rains. Staff were friendly and offered to store our bags of purchases. A no frills indoor cafeteria Should you need a drink or snack. They allow you to bring bottled water as you walk in the museum
Hopi W — Google review
A must have for your visit at Héraklion. Recommended to visit it before going to Kronoss. If you want to see everything clearly, prepare a bottle of water in the bag and the whole afternoon.
Mo — Google review
Absolutely loved going here ❤️. Why I haven't been here all these years, I'll never know (oh yes, covid came and we had lock downs). On a happier note, I took loads of pictures, it was all so fascinating. I think if anyone plans to go to Knossos Palace, it is a good idea to come here first. I wish I had, as my visit to Knossos Palace would have made way more sense, and I could have placed the objects I saw at the museum, that Knossos.
Paula O'Neill — Google review
If you've been to the palace first, then it makes sense to see the museum. But otherwise it's just full of hundreds of clay bulls!
But if you know the background then it adds the context as to why they're important.
The staff are like boring lifeguards, we got told off so many times for pointing, getting to close to items on display, loitering, laughing to loudly & taking photos posing next to statue's where photos are allowed (see pictures attached)! So it took the fun out of being there.
Ginge Haynes — Google review
This new archaeological museum has so much to see it's almost impossible to absorb everything in one visit. It's simply mind-blowing for all you history geeks out there.
I don't remember the entrance fee but it wasn't much, less than 10 euros, I think.
Go! Immerse yourself into it! Take enough time to really enjoy everything this beautiful museum has to offer.
M M — Google review
Lovely museum with treasures and artifacts from Minoan civilization, from the Palace at Knossos and all over Crete. Well organised with ample air-conditioning. It takes about 2 hours for the whole museum. The statues at the last portion of the museum are stunning.
Ben Kee — Google review
Breathtakingly beautiful exhibition. You'd question what happened to the human race for the past 5000 years, as ancient Greeks arguably make more modern, exquisite and imaginative art works!
It's worth highlighting that the official mobile app of the museum is incredibly helpful - out of all the museums I've visited these years, including the British Museum and Athens Archeology Museum, I'd say this museum's app is the most clear, informative and easy to use one. Makes the visit a lot more guided.
Joyce Zhou — Google review
Ein guter Ort um sich die Geschichte anzusehen. Man kann hier entspannt das Museum besuchen und es ist auch nicht so überladen. Wir haben eine Führung gebucht und das war sehr hilfreich. Kann ich nur empfehlen. Wir habeb uns dort mit Führung ca. 1,5 Stunden aufgehalten.
(Translated by Google)
A good place to see history. You can visit the museum here in a relaxed manner and it is not too cluttered. We booked a tour and that was very helpful. I can only recommend. We spent about 1.5 hours there with a guide.
Schebi — Google review
Amazing collection of VERY ancient pottery, sculpture, metals works, burial items and art. So much of each type and many/most in beautiful condition!
The galleries are laid out very well so that it's easy to follow the chronology, with helpful brief info cards for everything.
I've been to a few, and this is a great mid-sized local museum. Astounding exhibits!
Steve Ryan — Google review
Great atmosphere, love that you can see how they decorated their Palace.
Ray Leggett — Google review
Absolutely stunning. I spent 3 hours and was amazed by the amount of artful pottery, jewelry and weapons produced by the Minoan. If you really want to understand what live was like 4000 years ago at the time if the Knossos palace you have to come here and dive into the fascinating history.
Christian Lochner — Google review
The Lux Local Organic Museum
Do the Palace of Knossos before coming here, if you want to have a greater appreciation for the history and adventure that lead to many of these artifacts being featured in this museum.
It is incredible that there is so much in this museum despite being up to 5,000 years old.
My mind was blown that the ancient Greeks saw the Minoans as we see the ancient Greeks. This multi tiered layers of history and mythology have shaped the western world from sports to religion.
A true local and healthy feast for the eyes, mind and spirit.
Kevin L — Google review
There is a combined ticket for visiting the museum and Knossos. We only found out about it after visiting Knossos. The museum was great! We really enjoyed the exposition and the layout. We felt that this is a must if you really want to get an idea of the artefacts found in Knossos and other archaeological sites. We rushed so we only had an hour, I wish we had at least 2.
Elitsa Levendova — Google review
This was a great place to visit. I bought a combined ticket to here and Knossos. There are so many artifacts here and it really takes you through the history of Crete. There's a lot of great information about the place. I could've spent a lot longer here but I went on my last day in Crete and was pretty tired. Would definitely recommend visiting.
Oliver Paterson — Google review
Excellent museum with clear signs and really great exhibitions. The best thing to do in Heraklion. If you can, combine your ticket with going to Knossos. I’d recommend going there first to have context for your visit.
Jessica Coyle — Google review
Pretty modern, clean and interesting museum. Highly recommend seeing the Knossos ruins beforehand (preferably with a guide) to get a better understanding of a lot of the items on display here and make the most of the experience.
WARNING: Although taking pictures inside is allowed, it is not allowed to take them with any gestures, grimaces, etc. (peace signs / thumbs up)
They don't seem to tell you this at the entrance, so a few people, including myself, got in trouble for it. (The staff ask you to delete the photos)
Armin Čaušević — Google review
Very old-fashioned museum, 90s style, absolutely not interactive like other modern museums. Museum keepers are very mean to the tourists. They do not allow to pose for the pictures with the exhibits, and if you do, prepare, that the lady approaches you and demands to delete all the pics off your phone.
As for the exhibits themselves: too much clay, all put together, no proper chronology. To understand what you see, you have to read the long descriptions in a rather small font.
I do not recommend this place. There are better ways to spend 12 €.
Nat Myk — Google review
We stopped in on our last day in Crete and were glad we did. The artifacts are incredible and the way the museum flows is thoughtful and logical. The BIGGEST downside, is that we happened to go the same day as a cruise ship so it was packed. The museum isn't very big so it was loud and at times difficult to get up to see the artifacts.
The staff is great! Very friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend getting a guide that knows where all the good stuff is and has some inside knowledge so you can better understand what you're looking at.
Samantha Turnbull — Google review
We bought our tickets on their website, choosing from 4-5pm.
When we went there around 15:30 to be early, they told us it was closed, we showed them our tickets and still refused.
The next day we went early in the morning and showed the lady who denied us the entry the day before if we could use the tickets and she said no, but we had the proof that the museum makes you select the time you’d like to visit (as every single museum in the world), she said it was for “statistics”, to this day, I will never find out what that meant.
We had to beg security to let us in and we could finally appreciate this place.
They urgently need to fix their website, we were not the only ones affected.
Angela Bertrand — Google review
It's a very interesting museum with an overwhelming amount of ceramics, stamps, jewellery, and other treasures from the minoan period and Knossos.
This is really what I missed when visiting the site of the Palace. There it could have been a great help to have the model on exposure together with just a few things from the museum, to make that visit more interesting and as a carot to visit the museum in town.
I spent three amazing hours and knew a lot more about how skilled people were in those days. The pottery really blew my mind! So many different forms and minute decorations. Not speaking of the head of the bull!
I really recommend visiting this museum!
Lya Saaek — Google review
If you like museums this one had a surprising amount of interesting items found in caves and ruins. Amazing to see.
Annette McGuire — Google review
I spent 2 hours walking round in detail the museum is circular so you won't get lost or miss anything with the great culture of Herklion and Crete with disabled access for upstairs. The museum was fantastic and detailed amount of ancient Greece and the hellenistic period that heavily influenced the daily modern day life it is a seek peak Into our past that is a do not miss
Jeanette Williams — Google review
A super complete and instructive museum.
The amount of historical items is amazing.
Ancient Greek art, jewellery and history mix between the items of the museum.
Luciana Côrtes — Google review
We had prepaid combo tickets which were only €5 more than the price for Knossos with 3 days to use them. So glad we did. Lovely artefacts from Minoan sites giving a real insight into their lives which you don’t get from the site alone. Nice cool galleries with seating. A bit crowded.
alison wright — Google review
6stars! Renewed display, and in a modern display.. I really loved it. I visited for the third time in the last 30 years.
Carine Vloemans- IASIS — Google review
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Ξανθουδίδη και, Chatzidaki 1, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
The Minoan Palace of Knossos is an archaeological site on the island of Crete and is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The palace was built around 1600 BCE and at its peak, it is estimated that over 100,000 people resided there. The palace has remained largely intact since its construction and provides a unique look into Minoan culture and art.
Amazing place full of history. Easy to walk around, if you are in hurry you could see everything in 15 minutes. I recommend visiting in the morning, because in the afternoon the sun will be above the pillars with the bull painting and it will be harder to take a good photo. A lot of free parking spaces nearby. Adult ticket costs 15€ (april 2022). There are many gift shops across the street.
Tom?? ?uriga — Google review
Knossos Palace is a must see if you're interested in the history of the Minoan civilization and Bronze Age here in Crete.
Beware that there are tour guides that will try to offer you their service and they charge quite a bit. We were told that the normal cost earlier in the day is €100 for a family of four. We were there later in the day, so our guide offered us a price of €70 and we negotiated down to €60. The tour lasted about an hour and ten minutes.
Although tour guides give you the key details, you might want to supplement your tour with a guide book and walk through a second time. It just seemed like we missed some interesting details. There are very few plaques or signs that provide info about what you're seeing.
Note: you can buy Combination tickets that are good for both the Archaeological Museum and the Palace, for up to three days. They cost €20 per person. Our children entered for free based on age and residence.
Overall, I feel that this is a place to see once, so make the most of it!
Jason St. Clair — Google review
For the history, this place is incredible! We walked right up and didn’t have to wait to buy tickets! If you are taking a stroller, it will be a challenge, so keep this in mind. It’s incredible and the history makes it worth the visit! It’s very well preserved and you can discover it at your own pace. Make sure to you take a look at the throne room. Guided tours are available right when you arrive, if of interest!
Mibbie P — Google review
A beautiful place with a piece of history. I recommend buying tickets in advance at the Archaeological Museum, which thematically perfectly combines with the Minoan Palace (the price for a combined ticket for an adult is 20 euros). In the afternoon the place wasn't that crowded, with only occasional groups of people in the most interesting places.
Adam Knetka — Google review
We went on a Sunday, entrance is free on a Sunday.
You need a guide or a detailed account of the site to get any real feel for it. The site has been quite brutally reconstructed and it rips the authenticity out of it.
I appreciate it's a tourist location and it needs to create interest, just don't go there thinking you're going to see Ephesus or the Parthenon.
Phil Eckersley — Google review
One of the most historic sites on the planet. Firstly you enter the park tickets are 8€ during off season btw Nov - March 21st. When you finish paying the entrance fee you are greeted by a guide, if you'd like a private tour for an additional cost you can partake but I choose the virtual tour. To use the virtual tour download the app at the gate, there should be a qr code present for you to do so.
Aaron Corbett — Google review
The palace wasn’t either surprising nor extraordinary, at all, the tickets were quite expensive, I wouldn’t say it’s much worth it. We were definitely expecting something better than just a few renewed ruins, but after all it’s been built nearly 3 thousand years ago, which is really cool. If you have the time and money, I believe it’s worth taking a visit
Mako — Google review
Not a lot of reality left here. The museum has all of the statues, and the English Archaeologist recreated sections of the temple as he saw fit. Many sections were closed off today so you could not get to the whole site. The ruins in Athens are better preserved and more original in nature. Visit the museum!
Shawn O'Neill — Google review
An excellent experience for ancient history on Crete. Ticket booths and washrooms were organized and easy to navigate. Washrooms were very clean. Thankfully there are shady areas on site if you are visiting during the peak heat of the day.
Very limited free parking adjacent to the entrance. Plan to spend around 1 - 2 hours max at the site.
Gayle Labuz — Google review
A must-see if you're visiting Crete.
There's lots to explore and take photos of. Depending on how much you like to explore, you could easily spend hours here.
Highly recommend getting a tour guide if you're in a group. The guides usually hang around the entrance and usually charge around €100 for the tour.
Armin ?au?evi? — Google review
Amazing piece of history! If you are a bit of a history buff, I would definitely recommend this place. Beautiful stunning views, whilst standing on ancient ruins, what could be better! Definitely buy tickets in advance, though, as there was a very long queue.
Becca Cochran — Google review
Beautiful place to visit, but we encountered at least 3 rude staff when we visited and was made to made to purchase a ticket for our 4 year old because we hadn't got out passports on us! (Make sure you have these on you as he should have been free entry).
Beautiful surrounding scenery and you can arrange a guided tour.
Emily Tricarico-Humber — Google review
This site is not the best ruins site I have ever visited. I personnally prefer much more Roma/Italy for ruins. However, I enjoyed discovering the site with kids.
- Large touristic groups.
- Entrance ticket 15.- Eur.
- We have done the complete tour within 1.5hours with 2 small kids and taking our time.
Dazzle — Google review
The entrance is €15 for an adult, which is entirely warranted. If you're not going at a busy time, don't bother with buying tickets online, they are only more expensive.
The palace is huge, expect to spend towards two hours. Definitely worth your time!
I have added a few sample photos 📸, they are probably not representative.
Per Jessen — Google review
Wonderful site good way to spend a morning or afternoon. Not as big as I was expecting and busy small passages that should be one way but people seem to be walking everywhere which makes it difficult to stop and enjoy the view .a lot was closed off like the royal rooms but very informative from our tour guide .definitely pre book a tour and we had tablets to get a 3d view .
A J — Google review
To appreciate the monument, scale, technical achievement, history etc, we think you need to spend longer than the 1 hour most guided tours offer when combined with a day/1/2 day tour. We spent 2-3 hours walking around, sitting quietly and also eating our picnic lunch. Lots of online background info to help appreciate the site and history. Public bus from the central bus station every 15 mins. Buying tickets from the kiosk at the bus stop cheaper than on the bus. In some ways the most impressive structure, for me is the one most visitors will take for granted, the quadrangle/concourse.
The Minoan Palace of Knossos is an archaeological site on the island of Crete and is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The palace was built around 1600 BCE and at its peak, it is estimated that over 100,000 people resided there. The palace has remained largely intact since its construction and provides a unique look into Minoan culture and art.
Amazing place full of history. Easy to walk around, if you are in hurry you could see everything in 15 minutes. I recommend visiting in the morning, because in the afternoon the sun will be above the pillars with the bull painting and it will be harder to take a good photo. A lot of free parking spaces nearby. Adult ticket costs 15€ (april 2022). There are many gift shops across the street.
Tom?? ?uriga — Google review
Knossos Palace is a must see if you're interested in the history of the Minoan civilization and Bronze Age here in Crete.
Beware that there are tour guides that will try to offer you their service and they charge quite a bit. We were told that the normal cost earlier in the day is €100 for a family of four. We were there later in the day, so our guide offered us a price of €70 and we negotiated down to €60. The tour lasted about an hour and ten minutes.
Although tour guides give you the key details, you might want to supplement your tour with a guide book and walk through a second time. It just seemed like we missed some interesting details. There are very few plaques or signs that provide info about what you're seeing.
Note: you can buy Combination tickets that are good for both the Archaeological Museum and the Palace, for up to three days. They cost €20 per person. Our children entered for free based on age and residence.
Overall, I feel that this is a place to see once, so make the most of it!
Jason St. Clair — Google review
For the history, this place is incredible! We walked right up and didn’t have to wait to buy tickets! If you are taking a stroller, it will be a challenge, so keep this in mind. It’s incredible and the history makes it worth the visit! It’s very well preserved and you can discover it at your own pace. Make sure to you take a look at the throne room. Guided tours are available right when you arrive, if of interest!
Mibbie P — Google review
A beautiful place with a piece of history. I recommend buying tickets in advance at the Archaeological Museum, which thematically perfectly combines with the Minoan Palace (the price for a combined ticket for an adult is 20 euros). In the afternoon the place wasn't that crowded, with only occasional groups of people in the most interesting places.
Adam Knetka — Google review
We went on a Sunday, entrance is free on a Sunday.
You need a guide or a detailed account of the site to get any real feel for it. The site has been quite brutally reconstructed and it rips the authenticity out of it.
I appreciate it's a tourist location and it needs to create interest, just don't go there thinking you're going to see Ephesus or the Parthenon.
Phil Eckersley — Google review
One of the most historic sites on the planet. Firstly you enter the park tickets are 8€ during off season btw Nov - March 21st. When you finish paying the entrance fee you are greeted by a guide, if you'd like a private tour for an additional cost you can partake but I choose the virtual tour. To use the virtual tour download the app at the gate, there should be a qr code present for you to do so.
Aaron Corbett — Google review
The palace wasn’t either surprising nor extraordinary, at all, the tickets were quite expensive, I wouldn’t say it’s much worth it. We were definitely expecting something better than just a few renewed ruins, but after all it’s been built nearly 3 thousand years ago, which is really cool. If you have the time and money, I believe it’s worth taking a visit
Mako — Google review
Not a lot of reality left here. The museum has all of the statues, and the English Archaeologist recreated sections of the temple as he saw fit. Many sections were closed off today so you could not get to the whole site. The ruins in Athens are better preserved and more original in nature. Visit the museum!
Shawn O'Neill — Google review
An excellent experience for ancient history on Crete. Ticket booths and washrooms were organized and easy to navigate. Washrooms were very clean. Thankfully there are shady areas on site if you are visiting during the peak heat of the day.
Very limited free parking adjacent to the entrance. Plan to spend around 1 - 2 hours max at the site.
Gayle Labuz — Google review
A must-see if you're visiting Crete.
There's lots to explore and take photos of. Depending on how much you like to explore, you could easily spend hours here.
Highly recommend getting a tour guide if you're in a group. The guides usually hang around the entrance and usually charge around €100 for the tour.
Armin ?au?evi? — Google review
Amazing piece of history! If you are a bit of a history buff, I would definitely recommend this place. Beautiful stunning views, whilst standing on ancient ruins, what could be better! Definitely buy tickets in advance, though, as there was a very long queue.
Becca Cochran — Google review
Beautiful place to visit, but we encountered at least 3 rude staff when we visited and was made to made to purchase a ticket for our 4 year old because we hadn't got out passports on us! (Make sure you have these on you as he should have been free entry).
Beautiful surrounding scenery and you can arrange a guided tour.
Emily Tricarico-Humber — Google review
This site is not the best ruins site I have ever visited. I personnally prefer much more Roma/Italy for ruins. However, I enjoyed discovering the site with kids.
- Large touristic groups.
- Entrance ticket 15.- Eur.
- We have done the complete tour within 1.5hours with 2 small kids and taking our time.
Dazzle — Google review
The entrance is €15 for an adult, which is entirely warranted. If you're not going at a busy time, don't bother with buying tickets online, they are only more expensive.
The palace is huge, expect to spend towards two hours. Definitely worth your time!
I have added a few sample photos 📸, they are probably not representative.
Per Jessen — Google review
Wonderful site good way to spend a morning or afternoon. Not as big as I was expecting and busy small passages that should be one way but people seem to be walking everywhere which makes it difficult to stop and enjoy the view .a lot was closed off like the royal rooms but very informative from our tour guide .definitely pre book a tour and we had tablets to get a 3d view .
A J — Google review
To appreciate the monument, scale, technical achievement, history etc, we think you need to spend longer than the 1 hour most guided tours offer when combined with a day/1/2 day tour. We spent 2-3 hours walking around, sitting quietly and also eating our picnic lunch. Lots of online background info to help appreciate the site and history. Public bus from the central bus station every 15 mins. Buying tickets from the kiosk at the bus stop cheaper than on the bus. In some ways the most impressive structure, for me is the one most visitors will take for granted, the quadrangle/concourse.
The Morosini Fountain is a 1628 Venetian monument located in the heart of Heraklion, which is visited by tourists for its beautiful fountain and lively square. The square is filled with cafes, shops, and statues that make it one of the most popular destinations in the city.
In the very center of the city you will find this beautiful old fountain. The place is so vibrant and beautiful, it has good energy to it. The fountain is surrounded with nice cafes you can enjoy the view from.
Ana-Marija Z. — Google review
It is a very busy street. All nationalities are around. The fountain itself is nothing special, but the beauty comes from the long street. There is a nice and cheap coffeeshop nearbye with clean toilets upstairs. It is recommended to go there only for a couple of hours.
Fares Al Husseni — Google review
Visited at weekend and it is PACKED! Lots of shops and stores for a variety of selections, it was surprised to me there are so many youngsters in the city and it feels full of energy. It is nice having these places at the heart of the city and hope all the visitor can enjoy of stay.
Dennis — Google review
A nice place. So centrally located that you can get anywhere from here. Also great as a meeting place.
Anna De Rubeis — Google review
Beautiful fountain still doing what it was built to do! Great that it is well looked after!
Lions Square is the heart of Heraklion city and the favorite gathering place for locals and visitors.
F?bio — Google review
The fountain is in the middle of the shopping and cafes district of Heraklion. Very nice area to walk around to shop, eat and drink and buy especially gifts.
David EB — Google review
Pleasant stopping place to a coffee or drink while shopping. Fountain from around 1600's. It is much better now that trees have filled in and it is a pedestrian zone. Great for people watching.
Ralph Durham — Google review
The fountain is in the centre of the old town, close to the harbour and lots of other beautiful buildings and food/trinket stalls. Its free so why not stop by and take a pretty photo? :)
Hazel Brooks — Google review
One of the best spot of the city, a must to visit. It is located on a nice square with nice pubs and restaurant around and beautiful trees.
Luca Paiusco — Google review
This is a fountain in one of the market squares in Heraklion, Crete. The fountain is very old and dates back to when the Venetians occupied Crete. While we were there, we ate a Bougatsa, which is a Greek dessert dish, and I highly recommend indulging in one. They are absolutely delicious. It's probably one of my most favorite things we ate while on our trip to the Mediterranean. The square is full of shops of all sorts, and there are also street vendors there selling their wears. Crete is a beautiful island of Greece. If you ever get the chance, please go. You will not regret it. It is a beautiful and clean place.
mpj1965 — Google review
A busy square flanked by restaurants & cafes. Particularly beautiful at night w lights and musicians
Hopi W — Google review
It is very busy and a lot going on around. Very nice atmosphere and a lot of restaurants. Avoid from going to the Chocolate Heraklion ice cream shop unless you can afford 2 scoops of ice cream for over €12.
Gigi Yu — Google review
The Lions in Heraklion is the square of the Fontana Morosini, the ornate Venetian fountain with four lions with water gushing from their mouths. The Fontana Morosini is in Eleftheriou Venizelou Square in the centre of Heraklion, but the inhabitants of the city never use the official name, usually referring to it as the Lions Square or the Lions for short.
The fountain with the lions is one of the most important monuments the Venetians bestowed on Heraklion. When it was built, it offered a solution to the problem of supplying Heraklion with water, providing 1,000 barrels of water a day.
Φίλιππος Πετούσης — Google review
A very beautiful venetian fountain, know for its sculpted lions. The plaza and the shops, cafes and restaurants around it are picturesque, perfect for a nice walk during the day or the night. Might get too crowded in high season.
Cookie Chan — Google review
If you're looking for an active heart of the city spot, Morosini Fountain is the perfect place in Heraklion. In a bustling square surrounded by shops, churches, and outdoor seating restaurants in all direction, the fountain is a historic landmark. Check it out and all this area has to offer. An easy walk to the local market and harbor awaits.
Mark Jantzer — Google review
Went to Herakleion for the day the fountain is up from the port, just follow the yellow line saying to the city centre. Another must see is the Venetian fortress at the port
Karavostasi Beach is a tranquil pebbly beach located near the town of Aghios Nikolaos in Crete. Surrounded by olive groves, it offers a quiet escape and is mainly frequented by locals. The area boasts clean and cold waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Despite its small size, the beach can get crowded during summer, so arriving early is recommended to secure a sunbed.
Situated within the area of Evita bay.
A beautiful beach right out of a dream. I came here the first time during winter, when it is completely empty and simply a dream.
In summer it fills up very quick due to it being rather small.
The water here is very clean and cold. Often while there are rough waves on the northern coast, this place will still offer a calm sea for a relaxed swimm. There are lots of fish and many possibilities to explore the area while swimming. Left and right, when swimming out of the bay you will find caves and beaches only accessable by water.
To reach the beach you will have to park the car a bit above and then walk down. On the beach you can hire chairs, umbrellas, boat rides and scuba diving courses.
Adjacent to the beach are two taverns and a hotel.
J J J — Google review
Great beach, worth a visit. If you are planning to come to Bali you should definitely check this beach out, it is a small and tranquil beach and is way better than Bali Beach. It costs around 11€ for 3 sunbeds and an umbrella. There is a small taverna behind the beach that has amazing fresh fish.
Kerox — Google review
A really nice and beautiful beach. There are two very good taverns, showers and the set of two sunbeds and umbrellas are 6 or 7 euro. It depends on where you seat. Recommend!
Violeta Minkova — Google review
Was there in August. Water was warm and clean but not the clearest I saw in Crete. Pebbles and a bit of sand. Great location for snorkelling. Usual little naughty fishes that like to bite your ankles are in. 2 x sunbeds 7€/whole day. You can rent pedalo for 15€/hour. Come early if you want a sunbed, everything was full from 11am. There's a small free parking just upstairs, easy access to the beach. There are also 3 x tavernas just over the beach, you'll find Freddo Espresso, local snacks and all the good stuff for a reasonable price. Free cabins and showers. Overall really nice little beach, beautiful and well equiped. Suitable for kids.
Mike Bayard — Google review
Very nice small beach. We were there in the beginning of May and it was very empty, but I can imagine it gets packed during high season.
Two sunbeds and umbrella cost 8 eur for the whole day which is very reasonable.
Kristina ?ipli? Pavli? — Google review
Beautiful place but it would not be comfortable for you if you didn’t want to rent sun lounger- it’s almost on the all territory. Not big area for children to play with sand. In water a lot of renting stuff- boats and catamarans. Parking is a little up from the beach.
Kate B — Google review
Beautiful, intimate small beach that even the locals in Crete are not that familiar with.
You park the car and then walk down to the beach.
2 beach beds + umbrella cost 7 euros.
The water are excellent for swimming.
There are two Tavernas restaurants in this place and one small hotel.
Eyal Pery — Google review
Very nice and family-suitable and -friendly beach. Small children can play in the shallow and rather not wavy water. Make sure to be there early to get a place. Not do much free space, so if you don’t fancy a sunbed probably not the best. Good (few) shadow places for babies on the right hand side.
If you are there already make sure to eat something at the Karavostasi Tavern!:)
Till Tobler — Google review
This is arguably the best beach in Bali. The water is crystal clear, teeming with colorful fish, and the breathtaking landscape is truly awe-inspiring. I would definitely come back here without a doubt.
Bianca — Google review
Nice beach. The walk is a bit hot going up but the sea is very clear and there are tavernas for tasty lunches. The entrance to the sea is on fine pebbles, price 2 sunbeds and an umbrella 8 euros, just perfect 😍
Юлия Кочаровская — Google review
The beach is very beautiful (in my opinion the most beautiful), but unfortunately it is very small. We also visited it on Sunday, so it was very very crowded. It's a pebble beach. The sunbeds + umbrella are 8 €. The water is very clear, it is perfect for snorkeling. The taverns on the beach serve great food for good prices and the staff is very nice.
Raluca Jeler — Google review
Absolutely beautiful, my taste. Its a pebble beach, crystal clear water, calm and sun bed set for 8 euros. Get there before 10:30 if you want to avoid car parking mess. Its a small place with lots of people wanting to come by.
Has pretty good spots for cliff diving as well.
Vijaya Prakash Kandel — Google review
Very clean and clear water. Set 2 sunbeds and umbrella costs 8€ in August 2023. There are showers and dressing rooms on the beach. It is better to come here in the early morning, after 11 am becomes very crowded. Free parking nearby. Good spot for snorkeling and for me it is the best beach on Bali village.
Olga Mikh — Google review
We stoped by in the morning, good place to dip into the sea, showers available on site. There are also some rental units and tavern nearby. Great views both from parking and the sea itself.
Konstanty Keda — Google review
One of the hidden gems of Crete.
This beach is placed in a small golf with calm water, low waves, no wind.
Perfect for snorkling and scuba diving due to its underwater relief and the variety of fish and other marine animals.
It is completely equipped with sunbeds, showers, dressing cabins, parking, and 3 taverns from which I recommend Karavostasi Tavern.
Reptisland is a must-visit for reptile enthusiasts and families in the area. The wide range of rescued reptiles provides an educational and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. The friendly staff offers hands-on encounters with various animals, including the opportunity to hold snakes. The presence of a charming tortoise adds to the appeal of this unique destination, making it a great place for kids to explore and learn about these fascinating creatures.
Quite fun! I've never held a chameleon in my entire life, but the little buddy was chill about it. There was a really fast wayward turtle that thought the place was a racing track, that was quite funny to observe. I wasn't brave enough to hold the snakes, but you can. Every terrarium had a Wikipedia QR code, which was very educational. The price (4 EUR), was fair, considering that they seem to feed them fresh food (the turtle got fresh salad and strawberries). Your kids will probably love it 👍
Susanna Bloderer — Google review
It is worth a visit. There is a guide, that explains to you where the reptiles you see are coming from and some more details. You are allowed to hold and pet some chosen animals, like snakes and small dragons. It's pretty cheap (around 4€) and there is a funny turtle that roams free in the room :D
Marcel G — Google review
Small but very interesting place where you can hold snakes, lizards and gekkos. The owner gives informative details on the species and Orpheus the tortoise super cute ☺️
Di Theuma — Google review
Brilliant small zoo. Walked in and was handed a snake within minutes. Lots of animals in clean environments. Very tame and no one was bitten
Luke Barnaby — Google review
100% recommend if you are here on Crete. Very informative and lovely business. The animals were all healthy and good taken care of and the team was super friendly and made sure you feel comfortable. I really enjoyed the time and look forward to coming back here! :)
Tanja Zettl — Google review
Such amazing place owned by a lovely man who you can tell loves his job. Walked in had a brief chat and once he found out I was comfortable with all animals I was getting snakes on my shoulders and chameleons on my Arms. Really was an experience and almost was late for out transfer home because we where having such a great time :) enjoy the pictures 🌺
Lily Dawber — Google review
Awesome experience!
For everyone who had never touched a reptile before a absolute must and for everyone who loves animals! I had so much fun, thank you for that amazing experience and your work you put into!
The service is great and the price super affordable - your money will be well spended.
kevin ziemer — Google review
Definitely a hands-on experience. The owner hands you all kinds of animals from the moment you walk in. The tortoise which is always walking around the place is very friendly too. Great place for kids to visit
Peter Whitehouse — Google review
For only 5 euros each, my family spent a good hour here. Sadly I cannot remember the owners name but he has created this safe haven for reptiles and they are all rescued animals. He spent ages with us letting us all handle multiple lizard and shakes and telling us the stories of how they came to be with him. The money all goes towards the upkeep of this wonderful place. Please pay them a visit ☺️
Richard Connor — Google review
We had the best time here. The man who owns it is so informative and kind. His mum was so lovely, too. The animals and insects and bugs were so cool to hold, and we loved it as much as the kids. Something different for you to do alongside a beach holiday. It's so well priced that we tipped our entry fee again as it seemed the right thing to do to help give the critters a happy home. We'd love to come back again one day.
Rainbowsprinkles — Google review
I loved this place. We stopped off here as part of the stop off on the little train. As you reach the entrance you are greeted by the most gorgeous tortoise. I have and love tortoises.
They have a wide range of reptiles. The guy who looks after the animals told my daughter most of the animals are rescued reptiles.Without places like this, these poor animals would have no hope. Thanks to everyone Reptisland they have a new home and are looked after.
If your ever in the area pop in its a great place for all age ranges to see all the reptiles and even hold them. My daughter did with the snakes.
Siobhan Speke — Google review
What a lovely guy. The €5 entrance fee goes towards the 500 rescued reptiles and other animals he looks after. No wonder he only has names for 5 of them! If you hold a chameleon look out for flies for them to eat. The free roaming tortoise hates black shoes and they will get nipped! We spent a good hour here holding a variety of reptiles with a lot of trust from the owner. You can see how much he cares for them all.
Louisa Connor — Google review
A great experience for reptile lovers. You'll get to hold snakes, lizards, and chameleons, all of which are very docile and used to being handled. There is a tortoise that wanders around like he owns the place and a number of other reptiles that are just for viewing. Highly recommend.
Micah Wood — Google review
A fantastic experience with a lot of hands-on time with some beautiful reptiles. The owner clearly cares deeply for the animals and his enthusiasm and love for them is infectious. The animals are very well-cared for. I'd suggest combining it with a visit to Melidoni village (great spot for lunch) and Melidoni cave.
Aled Evans — Google review
Lovely space & atmosphere, the owner Stelios was so kind & friendly, you can really tell he cares about all the animals he looks after! The €5 entry fee goes towards his reptile rescue service! I was scared of snakes before going here, I was immediately put at ease by Stelios! An amazing experience, would definitely recommend :)
Melidoni Cave, also known as "Gerontospilios," is a captivating network of subterranean chambers located about 1,800 meters northwest of the village of Melidoni in Crete. This mysterious cave holds great archaeological significance and houses various artifacts that have been unearthed over time. It was once a significant worship site during the Minoan period, associated with the mythological giant Talos of Crete.
Great little cave with a lot of stalagmites and stalactites. It also contains a tribute to the fallen women and children who died from the turks. The ticket is 4 euros per adult and the view outside is breathtaking.
jim pap — Google review
Amazed with the place and the history behind it. Definitely a must if you are in the area. It’s a quick walk, however lots of stairs to go inside the cave so not handicap accessible. My mom walked half easy down and then had to go back up but we went down and enjoyed seeing the cave. It took us about 40 minutes total
In and out.
Lori Adamson-Salas — Google review
Very spacious cave that has an easy to follow path. Very good place to survive from the heat:) The place also have a bar with stunning panoramic views about the valley. It has an internal and external free parking area. Worth to visit during afternoon to avoid traffic
Andras A. — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. Lovely drive up to the caves with plenty of space for parking. Really reasonable price to get in, easy walk to the caves and inside is stunning. Not a place you would spend hours at, we only had a short stop there but it’s really worth a visit. Beautiful view from the parking area too.
Also when we visited a member of staff had recently got married and left some favours out for visitors to take. Such a sweet idea and really made me smile. I have kept the bag and ribbon special.
Lauren Cross — Google review
Without a doubt of all the caves I’ve been in this one is spectacular. It’s amazing to see and walk around knowing this cave has taken 1000s of years to form.
The cave is easy to find. But google maps might take you down some tight roads
Entrance fee is 4€ per person and YOU need a current COVID vaccination pass to enter.
This is checked
Free parking. But please be aware there are plenty of steps and some are slippery
Cheers
DR
Drone Ranger — Google review
Nice experience with impressive background story.
Although the cave is not small it won't take up to much time (25 min.) The restaurant that is also part of it serves great coffee and fresh drinks. Clean toilets. Nice views.
Michael Reitsma — Google review
Majestic. The cave itself is very impressive. It is located on top of a hill which offers great view from the top. Easy to get to by a car. The cave costs 4 euros per person to go inside. I think they've said there's 100 stairs. Its was easy even with our 14 month old baby. It was 18 degrees inside so no need for extra clothing. Definitely worth visiting.
Pawe? Go??biowski — Google review
We went on 31st December. So it was off season and almost public holiday. There was no rush rather weirdly empty. There are 3 parts of the cave out of which 2 were closed for maintenance. So we could cover that in 15 minutes. While the cave history is fascinating the cave itself is quite small. But it is worth a visit once definitely. Just one note, in the peak season parking can be a challenging task, there are parking place for 6-7 cars and rest goes into the road. So plan your visit accordingly
Shankar Bhattacharjee — Google review
Impressive cave and worth a visit. Just be aware that this is a rather short visit as there is only 1 room to explore. I would not recommend it if you have to drive far, but it definitely is an impressive (and historical) place. If you can add it to your plan, do it.
Timo Franz — Google review
Wow!! My husband and I were blown away by this cave. We went to Zeus's cave the previous day, but liked this cave much more. The stairs and pathways are in great shape with excellent lighting. The cave just is awe inspiring - you feel so small knowing how much history has transpired in this place. Definitely worth visiting. The staff at the ticket office are some of the friendliest we have met on our 2 week visit to Greece ☺️
Joan Paul — Google review
370 women and children were murdered in the cave in the 1800's, killed by asphyxiation which is pretty gnarly. The limestone has created rock formations over 200 million years. When you step back and think about it it's an amazing place.
Richard Connor — Google review
Beautiful cave, there are about 100 steps but it's not that bad. Nice and cool in cave 18c all year round. Well worth a visit. Plus views are spectacular
Claire Sutton — Google review
The history is fascinating. The cave is beautifully presented. Great views over the valley from outside and a good cafe (we didn't use it but staff were lovely).
Mandy Hislop — Google review
I visited Melidoni Cave in the off-season so I had the cave all to myself. If you visit in the winter, they have very limited hours so plan accordingly.
I was staying in Rethymno for a few days so it was an easy 1 hour drive through the twisty mountain roads. If you start your day in the morning, you can pair up the visit to the cave with something like Arkadi Monastery, stopping by a local tavern in between or in the end. If you’re out of Rethimno, it’s an easy loop for a day trip.
Story of Melidoni Cave:
At the beginning of November 1824, during an Ottoman operation to eliminate the resistance in and around the surrounding villages, 300+ civilians and 20+ fighters took refuge in the cave waiting to be saved.
After refusing to leave the cave when they were eventually discovered, the leader of the Ottoman Army unit ordered his men to seal the entrance of the cave with rocks and stones and afterwards to set flammable materials on fire. The civilians and their defenders died by suffocation.
Tyrone — Google review
Stairs is not so long and temperature inside the cave is much lower than outside what helps you to climb up the stairs. Cave is beautiful and there are some descriptions which interesting to read. Parking is in front of entrance. WC is near ticket office and it’s free. I liked this place.
Kate B — Google review
Great to visit as a break from the hot weather. Combine with Reptisland down the hill for a great half day out of the sun.
Take your time in the entrance to the cave to allow your eyes to adjust and watch your step on the way down. Superb cave to visit, unlike anything we've ever seen before.
Matt Wheat — Google review
A wonderful cave that you can explore on your own. The round does not take much time. The cave has a quiet atmosphere and the mind is sad when you think of the 370 villagers who were killed in the cave in 1823. The remains of the victims are gathered in a grave that is in the cave.
Jarkko Korhonen — Google review
Absolutely amazing place to visit and worth a trip here. Only 4 euros each to go in which is good value in my opinion. Steps into the cave are not too bad and once you go in…wow it’s just amazing. So much history down there, very interesting and they are probably some of the best caves I have ever been to. Not a long walk round but it’s what you make it. I took my time to stop and take it all in. Stunning place. Cafe up the top and fab views all around
Cave Ideon Antron, a large limestone cavern system, is believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, the mythical king of the gods. Despite its seemingly unremarkable appearance, it holds great sacred significance in mythology as the place where Zeus was raised by his mother. Visitors can combine a trip to Sfendoni caves at Zoniana for a full day of exploration.
We were hesitant about going up Mt Ida for a cave. And really, unless you are really into Greek Mythology, there isn't much to get excited about. But the view is spectacular. Quiet, scenic and a perfect afternoon. It made it well worth the drive. Take the road slow and stay on your lane and there wont be any problems. It is a good paved road up to a parking area (beside the half constructed hotel) and then a 15 minute hike up. If you can't hike, you can walk the gravel road, but it will take longer.
David and Desiree Field — Google review
The drive up alone to this cave is worth it for the truly stunning scenery and interesting views, the plateau is incredible and looks like an African savannah, truly dripping in natural beauty. We arrived at the end of the tarmac road and carried on up the gravel road to a parking area just below the entrance, we walked up to the entrance to be greeted by a young lady and her son, she gave us a book on the area and informed us the entrance was free, she then proceeded to give us a guided tour, not a great deal to see but worth it none the less, over all a great visit and definitely worth the effort.
Brian Hunt — Google review
Unfortunately the cave is currently closed due to safety concerns. We still went though as it is a place of ancient history and myth. The drive up from Anogia was spectacular with amazing views and probably worth the trip for that. Entry was free and the gate was being locked when we left around 16.00.
Gareth Porter — Google review
Went there 5pm and nobody was around. Was able to drive all the way to the gate. Side gate at the entrance was open so we kind of slipped in. Alot of birds on the ceiling and a little bit spooky place all alone.
Jaakko Laihonen — Google review
We think this is a 5* day if combined with a visit to Sfendoni caves at Zoniana. Whilst Ideon cave itself is a little dank, we loved the visit because of the geology of the cave, the birdlife (incl. crag martins and vultures soaring above) and the historical significance. But most of all we loved the surroundings - the beautiful Nida basin which looks like a piece of savanna, and the stunning drive to it. Oh, and we saw a goat in a tree, which totally made our day!
Traveller tips @ May 2023:
- Google maps is still wrong: DO NOT take the road south from Zoniana - it does not lead to the cave, but will take you up to a 1700m church under the summit of the mountain - fascinating, but on a rubble strewn road that's not for the fainthearted! And it will take 1.5 hours out of your day. The road from Anogeia is the only route to the cave.
- There no longer seems to be a charge for parking.
- They shut the gate to the cave at around 3.30pm one the day we visited (Tuesday). Not sure if you can get to it after this.
- In theory you can drive up the track to a parking place close to the cave; we saw a little hire car manage it, but it's pretty rough. Better, if you can, to park at the disused mountain centre and walk up the stony path which takes around 20 mins and has points of interest and shady places to rest.
- It's nice to walk down the track, as it's easier to admire the view down into the valley.
- The whole plateau has been populated with information boards and walk routes, including a loop of Nida, which we didn't do but would be lovely.
Baz Chapman — Google review
This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen, amazing! (It’s nice and cool, that is nice on a sunny day, in the winter maybe wear a jacket)
Take the old rock path on the right to go above, and the straight path on the left to go down. The walk is 15 min. And the entrance is €6,- but worth it.
agathadirks — Google review
The road to get at this cave is fantastic when you come from the south. It’s really off-road but amazing views. The cave itself is not that phenomenal but interesting enough to come over. The site is an old archeological site but no activity anymore. You can see the top of the mountain Psiloritis. Take a sweater with you. It’s quite chilly.
Marc V. — Google review
The cave is supposed to be where Zeus grew up, but I don't think this destination is worth visiting unless you are close to this place. You have to drive more than an hour 40 km per hour up a steep mountain road, the entrance is free, but there is nothing much to see there, just a cave with steps down, some excavations and that's it. If I had knew this before I drove there , I would have chosen to visit the canyon. Do not recommend going there, for the most part just a waste of time.
Дмитрий Марков — Google review
The cave has a beautiful drive up to it through the mountains, which is well worth stopping and having a look at. The site is not well signposted so even at the carpark we were unsure if we were in the right place. Parking was €3 and is the only option. You start either on a path to the left or up some stairs. If you can I recommend the path started by stairs, it's quicker and more fun but very rocky and steep .The second path is smooth but longer, theyre are signs recommending the use of a donkey, PLEASE DO NOT USE THE DONKEYS. They struggled to stand, had bald areas and no water. If you cannot walk the paths you shouldn't go. Once you're at the top you pay entrance to the cave at €6, there is one signpost which tells you a brief outline of Zeus being there and thr discovery of the cave but it's very short and sadly the only information you get. The cave is impressive but more could be done with lighting and signs. Overall it's was enjoyable but maybe not worth driving to far to see.
T — Google review
Beatiful view and interesting cave. Could't enter because of ice in front of the enterance.
Tjek your GPS when you are drivning down the mountain though, we should drive to Zaros and went on a 9 km small and very scary roadtrip.
Lønne Dyre — Google review
The cave is good, fairly priced at €6. It's a tough walk up there in high heat. Then there is the tourist rip off points called refreshments, top tip take your own or pay extortionate prices.
Phaestos, a Bronze Age archaeological site in Crete, boasts of a Minoan palace and village. It was the second most significant city after Knossos, situated with breathtaking views of Messara Plain and Mt Psiloritis. The palace was reconstructed around 1650 BC due to an earthquake after it was initially built in 1900 BC.
This palace is a tad bit smaller than the palace of Knossos, but I personally felt that the structure was relatively more intact, so one could easily imagine the grand walls and room when there. It's a great place to learn more about the Minoan culture and civilisation.
Additionally, it's at a hilltop, so the view of the surroundings is magnificent. You could easily imagine why one would construct a palace there.
Also, we found some very social and friendly cats there, and that was like the cherry on top of the cake :)
Tiyash Basu — Google review
We are not specially fans of archaeological museums, but this one was really nice. It showed a lot of different parts of the old palast. However, we are giving just 4 stars, because for us there was a big map missing which would give an overview.
Simon Joschka Peyer — Google review
The place is linked to a free large parking. I strongly recommend to visit the site in the early morning or in the late evening since there is not enough shade all over the complex. The entry fee is 6 euros, reduced to 4 for people over 65 y.o. and for whom who are not E.U. citizens between 5 and 65. There is no fee for people under 25 y.o. from E.U.
Simone Cocchi — Google review
Loved it! Tastefully restored sections, lots to see and walk, Wi-Fi and clean restrooms. Has a restaurant. Lots of info tablets for history buffs
Jan K. — Google review
Much better than knossos, this time you will not walk around concrete. The entrance is 8€ that is totally over price, especially after the fact they close some section. Still cheaper and the view is beautiful. You can see the whole valley from the ancient palace. Look inside you can also find a guide to get more explanation of the site.
Thomas L — Google review
Very nice Archeological site on the top of the hill you can see how Ancient people built the structures and how advanced knowledge they had given the time. Very nice experience and must visit site at Crete. Its better to visit it during winter or spring because usually during summer time is very busy.
Manos Kornarakis — Google review
Stunning location, not been messed around with unlike another palace... want a quiet stroll around a Minoan site, then come here
Steve G — Google review
I could upload a thousand photos but none would be able to give you the feeling of walking the same alleys that our ancestors walked on approx 3700 years ago.
Just go late in the afternoon as the sun during the summer time is unforgiving.
Vasilis Papamichalis — Google review
"The Palace of Phaistos with its superb architectural composition and its almost perfect construction, is considered to be the finest and most typical of all Minoan palaces."
For once the official blurb lives up to its claims. In many ways a superior "touristic experience" to Knossos, and certainly an excellent complement to it.
Marcus Lodwick — Google review
More aesthetic than the Knossos,
but harder to comprehend.
Don't forget to visit Matala in order to understand where the ancient servicing harbor was.
Ask the officers to show you where the ancient Lake used to be.
Russian School Pafos — Google review
Wow - go here instead of Knossos! Less crowds and fake concrete reconstruction but seems about the same size as the Knossos site. Awesome views and plenty of parking (at least in the morning when we got there). Small cafe, restrooms and gift shop. It can get very hot with no shade so bring hat and sunblock. Takes at least 1 hour self guided, but probably budget more time. This is where the Phaistos Disc was discovered in 1908.
Rick — Google review
Nice ruins I visited before already so didn’t go in this time. But even do a nice little walk to see the valleys and olive trees and take a few pictures. Free parking also for wheelchairs. Was there when Timbaki Friday market was on so most of the parking was taken.
Miri — Google review
Very interesting place but not that engaging for children. We went in August and by 11am the heat in the sun was intense. One area was closed off where they were still excavating. The on-site gift shop and cafe were nice and there are fantastic views of the surrounding area and mountains.
Mirko Malisan — Google review
Amazing spot for understanding the breadth of Minoan building abilities. It seems less than Knossos at first, but it's only because architects from the 1900s did not put the effort into rebuilding this one like Knossos. So in that sense, it is much more authentic! Very cool place.
Ben Blaney — Google review
Excellent place to learn about history of Minoan civilization! Phaistos was important in the Old palace period and the site was slowly reconstructed in New palace period towards its end.
Supreeth Prashanth — Google review
Unique experience, as it is very remote, on top of a hill and with very few visitors. We enjoyed it to the max! The song of the cicadas makes it even more pleasant. An audioguide to walk you through would be a nice addition, though.
The Holy Monastery of Arkadi is a historically significant Eastern Orthodox monastery and church located on the northwestern slope of Mount Idi, 23km from Rethymnon. Its name may have originated from the Byzantine emperor Arcadius, and it has been around since the 5th century. The Monastery is renowned worldwide for its active role in liberation movements against Turkish occupation.
Absolutely a must see when you are in the area! Definitely read the history before or during your visit to understand the background. During the high season there can be lots of tourist so if you prefer more calmness I recommend coming in the morning. There are many little places to discover and you can walk around freely. Parking & toilets are also available as well a little souvenir shop inside the monastery where you can find unique Greek Orthodox icons,prayer ropes etc.. The small entrance fee is worth it since the place is in great condition and well cared for. I would like to mention that Greek Orthodox churches and monasteries might have a little different etiquette then your own country. Long skirts (knee length) are preferred for women and men should take of their hats inside, generally dressing moderate is always appreciated. It's not obligated but you might consider it out of respect. 😊
Jill L — Google review
We enjoyed the site very much. For us this vacation one of the nicest places we visited. The entry is only 3,-€ and there is quite something to see and learn about the islands history and wars. Definitely with the trip.
erdbeerkind - Philip — Google review
We arrived here by car. There are many goats near the monastery, and the toilet next to the parking lot is free and clean. In the café next to the monastery, card payment was not possible, so it's good to be prepared for that. The monastery itself is very beautiful; we spent about half an hour here in total. Unfortunately, not everything was labeled in English, which I regret. It would be great to have more signage in English. The entrance fee was 4 euros per person.
Gergely S?nta — Google review
An absolute MUST VISIT. This fortress type monastery holds a great historical and architectural interest. Visiting it will definitely reward you
Pardalis Georgios — Google review
We went a few days ago (in March) to visit the monastery. I honestly didn't expect a lot but I was surprised how calm and beautiful this place is. The outside looks old/rustic but they renovated many of the interiors so you can get a feeling how it was back in the days. You can visit the main church, another smaller church, the dining area, the kitchen area and a little cell which was used from the monks, the museum and the gallery. Would definitely recommend going there for a day trip!
Sofia Vasilaki — Google review
3 euro entry fee well worth it. The Arkadi is an important historical structure begun in the 5th century, with most of the current buildings dating to the 16th century and after 1866. Of more recent importance is Arkadi as representative of Cretan freedom from the Ottomans, resulting from the self-sacrifice of hundreds of women and children preferring to die before being taken by the Ottoman troops in 1866. It is an active monastery so appropriate dress is recommended (men: no hats, no tank tops, women: shoulders covered and at least knee length skirts/shorts).
Guyver II — Google review
So for a few euros you can see this wonderful place. You can go up the top for amazing views. You can take your time walking around and getting some amazing pictures. It is beautiful and calming. I loved this monestery.
Marie M — Google review
A very old and historical monastery. Make sure to visit the museum and read the leaflets, as you can learn a lot about the interesting and painful history of this place. Also pay some attention to the church's pictures, as some of them depict events from the bible that we usually don't see painted.
Cookie Chan — Google review
A must visit place even if you're not religious or much for history... Beautiful museum, with short history explanation. Garden well maintained too, I truly enjoyed it. We almost didn't go because the weather was not the best, I'm glad we did!!!
susanne gebert — Google review
Go there early. It opens from 9am. Later full busses of turists will flood the Monastery.
When we went the electricity was out so it was hard to see darker rooms.
They also sell vine they make 7€ bottle.
Marius Montvydas — Google review
Very nice and quiet place, very nice to spend time there because the views are mesmerizing. One of the most interesting places in Crete 🤗
Inga Razdaigora — Google review
Wonderful spot up on the mountains full of history, cute friendly cats meander around and after your visit a lovely cafe terrace to watch eagles soaring over the gorge below
Lynne Esteller — Google review
Beautiful history and information thanks to our guide. Luckily a slow day and essentially had space to ourselves. Only a few others, so we could take our time to see all it has to offer.
Chad Little — Google review
Arkadi Monastery is a Cretan jewel, earning its 5-star status effortlessly. The architecture, a harmonious blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles, is a visual delight against the lush landscape. Beyond aesthetics, its compelling history adds depth. The monastery played a pivotal role in the Cretan resistance during the Ottoman occupation, with the heroic Arkadi explosion etched into its legacy.
The journey itself is a feast for the eyes. Enroute, the Cretan countryside unfolds with scenic vistas, olive groves, and charming villages, setting the perfect stage for the spiritual encounter that awaits. As you approach the monastery, the panoramic views are breathtaking, providing a sense of tranquility that complements the solemnity of the site.
Arkadi Monastery is a testament to architectural finesse, historical significance, and natural beauty—a must-visit destination that seamlessly weaves together culture, history, and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Tip: Plan your visit in the morning to experience the monastery in soft sunlight, enhancing the beauty of its intricate details and surrounding scenery. It's a serene time to absorb the historical ambiance.
Fleur De Tilleul — Google review
Beautiful monastery albeit a little eerie given the history. Well worth the drive up, nice views and only had to pay for adult tickets. Clean and well maintained, lovely planting and nice exhibits.
Alistair Walter — Google review
Definitely worth checking out. Even if you are not interested in history, what you can see inside the monastery is definitely worth it.
It is a very special place in Crete and tells both a sad and heroic story.
Payam “Sanilas” — Google review
A church, in one form or another, has stood on this spot for 700 years. This location has a rich history in the fight for Cretan independence and their efforts to join Greece back in the 1800s. It would be a half century later that the dream became a reality, thanks in no small part to the events here. Very interesting location.
Scott Jessop — Google review
It is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Crete.
You can take 2 different routes up to the monastery. One is more challenging because of the winding road with loads of hairpins.
For the photographers, it can be challenging to take good photos due to the enormous number of visitors this monastery attracts.
Matala Caves, a series of ancient caves carved into the sea cliffs, have a rich history as a hippy hangout in the 1960s and are now protected. The caves offer separate rooms, windows, and stairways, indicating their use as living quarters. Visitors can stay at Matala Caves Seafront Apartment for stunning sea views and easy access to nearby restaurants and shops. The area also boasts clear waters for swimming and various craft shops to explore.
Interesting place to see. I'd recommend reading about its history prior to going. Wear good walking boots. Cool place for climbers/boulderers.
Sylwia Nikel-Shepherd — Google review
Welcome end to the day to swim in the Aegean, cool, refreshing and a bit of surf to frolic in. Wonderful craft shops, with plenty of tavernas for a drink or to sample the local fish. The caves were impressive too and waiting to be explored. We paid the 3 € and were lucky enough to park right at the back of the beach. Sunbeds and parasols if you wanted them but also just enough room to put down a towel and get in the sea.
Simon Giles — Google review
Such a magnificent place. The energy, the vibes are just one of a kind.. Recommendation: visit the beach late in the afternoon and watch one of the most amazing sunsets next to the beach.. The light and the aurora will definitely leave you speechless!🌺
Maria Atzampou — Google review
Did not know that these were Roman tombs until after the visit, I thought this was just hippie place in the 70s. Wish there was more information sign.
Wear good shoes if you want to see more caves. Need some climbing and jumping from rock to rock gere and there. I saw some caves with 2 beds, some with 3, worth going in and explore the place.
WWS Alby — Google review
Completely over price for what you get. The entrance is 4€/pax and you are on your own inside. No path, no security and it's actually sad that they let the tourist climbing and damaging the rocks. On the bright side, it's fun to see those caverns in front of the sea. The kids will love it for sure.
Thomas L — Google review
Awesome experience as must see if in the area!!! The town is wonderful also. If you do go see the caves there is climbing involved make sure you have proper footwear, no flip flops. We wore our water shoes which worked great because of the grip.
Melisa Blagdon — Google review
Very beautiful and atmospheric place! Definitely recommend to visit it if you are in Crete.
??? ??? — Google review
Great piece of history over looking a nice beach and amazing waters. Be prepared as its hot and hard work climbing in 30 plus heat also very dusty and if you sit with damp swimwear it clings like concrete.
Craig Douglas — Google review
The caves look impressive and the give a great accent to the beach. There is an entrance fee if you want to see it inside. From the outside it is very big and it is possible to reach it by swimming up to one of the rocks. The views are great!
Aleksa — Google review
Great place with little wind and mostly small waves, just perfect for swimming and snorkeling. And when you get tired and hungry there are great taverns nearby!
Bogdan Cristian — Google review
Great experience. Many caves that been used as a roman cemetery. Worth to see. You need to have trainers or stable shoes not flip-flops as you need to climb a bit. The best ones are closer to the sea. Entrance is €4. Free under 25 years of age. Large parking near the beach €3 for standard car for the whole day. Nice beach as well.
Into Leadership — Google review
Caves that were taken over by a hippy commune in the 70s. Worth a look if you are in the area, but wouldn't go out of my way to visit. 4 euros each is expensive, since the owner has spent nothing on preservation, walkways, etc. and the area is getting eroded with some caves in a bad way. Avoid going up to the top unless you are young and agile.
Robert Thornton — Google review
A very nice place to visit if you're going to Matala. The climb can be a little difficult at the some places for kids. Wear shoes when visiting because some places are slippery. The view on the beach and Matala is worth it and you can take some cute pictures.
Entrance is 4€ for adults and free for kids and students under 25yrs.
Adrien Stas — Google review
Really cool place to see and climb. Tickets are 2euros. Get some comfy shoes for climbing.
Andris L — Google review
Get there right at 10:00 when they open the entry and enjoy for yourself the piece of ancient and not so far history.
Worth wearing sport shoes because you will be climbing up the rocks if you want to explore the whole site.
After that get sunbed at the beach and enjoy the view.
Ondřej Kozúbek — Google review
interesting location, the landscape is dreamlike, the combination of mountain and sea is sensational. entrance to this tourist attraction is 4 euros.
Mihai Mihai — Google review
You can see these anywhere from Metala beach. For a small fee you can explore them. It's a moderately strenuous climb to get inside them. The caves are empty. Some have accessory rooms. We found one with two beds carved out of the stone complete with pillows:)
Jonas Sidrys — Google review
Old caves cut into the cliffs, originally used for Roman burials. They were used as a hippy commune in the 60s & 70s, including Joni Mitchell & Cat Stevens.
Good views of the beach/ bay. €4 entry change.
Tim Bates — Google review
Great tourist destination easy drive and a lot of parking (3€) there are these hippie made holes and they look amazing a lot of shops near by for water and food. Very clear and clean sea and it's quite a popular spot so if you want a sunbed and umbrella I suggest you get there early. Beautifull town with a lot of places to shop and eat. The hippie caves are NOT free its 5€/person.
Matala Beach is a lively and popular destination located in the southern part of Heraklion on the island of Crete. This former hippie hangout boasts impressive cliffs with rocky caves, making it an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts. The beach itself is long, sandy, and well-organized, attracting families seeking sun, sea, and relaxation.
This beach is great! Lots to do if you need a break from laying out/swimming.
We loved exploring the hippy caves, relaxing on the beach, eating, and shopping.
Marissa Barner — Google review
We did rent a car to be in this beach, and pay €3 for the parking, and you can park just in front of the beach.
Tour With Mystika — Google review
Even though touristic, it has kept its mysterious charm and feeling of «stuck in time ». The only place where you might still meet the first generation hippy. TODAY IS LIFE, TOMORROW NEVER COMES.
Natia Mechitishvili — Google review
Amazing beach with beautiful caves next to it. A must see if you visit Crete!!
Water is clean, safe but there are some big rocks in the water so careful swimming is a must. There weren’t enough parasols. There are many great cafes, restaurants and public toilets. You can come by car or bus. Parking is great. Lots of space and it’s only €3 p day.💙
Melanija Ryzak — Google review
Nice village at the south coast of Crete. Sheltered bay, perfect for water sport and swimming. Cool bars and restaurants at the bay..
Old caves at the cliffs, some hippies used them in the 70's.
Rainer Sch?tz — Google review
Awesome area on the south side of Crete. It’s famous for its hippie built caves from the 1970’s which are marvels in their own right. There is a small 4Euro fee person to visit the caves but it’s worth it. Just make sure you have good shoes to climb as there are no real stairs to climb the upper levels of the caves.
The beach itself is okish with quite a stony seabed and not so clear waters but the waters were warm and it was a very refreshing dip.
There are numerous shops, cafes and restaurants nearby selling literally everything so that is also a nice walk around.
One issue that we faced is that Matala is quite far from any nearby major cities. So you have to rent a car and drive around 80kms from Heraklion. The roads are well maintained though quite winding through the hills in the central region. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Crete.
Ritesh Sharan — Google review
Matala village with it's painted small streets is definitely a place to visit. The beach is near the village and after walking you can rest on the beach and visit the caves in nearby cliffs.
Gaitis Purenkovs — Google review
Matala has energy... Even if we went during spring... Again it was empty place...all Matala for us to enjoy.. beautiful scenery.. colourful corners of this small city.. and the vibe all around.. can't describe it more but this place has energy and vibe.. I don't know how it is during the season , during summer and when it is full of people.. what I saw during March I liked it..
Antonis M. — Google review
Nice place to see what's was going on in the sixtees.Of course it's a bit difficult to get back to that feeling.
Guy Romagnoli — Google review
The beach itself is very nice but not better than many others on the isle. The whole set incl. the hippie caves (entrance costs a few EUR) and the nice restaurants as well as some shops (a bit touristic) makes the set.
Daniel Sander — Google review
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5)
Absolutely in love with Matala beach! 🏖️💛
From the moment you approach, you're greeted by the breathtakingly blue waters 🌊 and the intriguing sandstone cliffs with their ancient caves 🏞️. The beach is just the perfect blend of history, nature, and sunshine! ☀️
The water is crystal clear and inviting 🏊♀️. It's also perfect for snorkeling 🐠. There's something magical about diving into that sparkling sea and exploring its rich marine life. For those who prefer to relax, the soft golden sands are ideal for lounging and soaking up the sun 🌞.
Away from the water, there's plenty to explore. The iconic caves, steeped in history, are fascinating. It feels like stepping back in time when walking through these awe-inspiring formations 🗿🕰️.
The local cuisine here is also a real treat! 🥗🍲 Fresh seafood, delicious Greek salads, and exquisite local wines 🍷. Dining in the nearby tavernas with the sunset as your backdrop is an unforgettable experience 🌅.
It's not just the natural beauty and historical intrigue that make Matala beach special. It's the friendly locals and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that make you feel at home away from home 👨👩👧👦🤗.
Overall, Matala Beach is a gem that offers a unique blend of relaxation, exploration, and fun! It's a place that stays in your heart long after you leave 💖. Can't wait to return! 🌴👣👜
Valdido Muller — Google review
Nice beach 🏝️! This area is also famous for Hippie🏝️ and has various shops for shopping, as well as many nice restaurants and bars. Although we didn't have a chance to dine here, I believe it must be a great place for an evening out! Next time for sure! 💞
Po Ling Chan — Google review
Nice place to relax.
Fair prices for sunbeds and an umbrella (set 8€- 2x sunbeds +1 umbrella)
Clean,Water is nice, easy access.
Little waves. Small Stone beach.
Probably During high season overcrowded.
Andreas K — Google review
Matala beach has a dream scenery, it is splendid but it has the beach and water with many stones which are very annoying. We caught a windy day and the waves were quite big. anyway, it's worth visiting for the beauty of the place.
Mihai Mihai — Google review
The beach is really nice! The sand is fine but in the water there are some slippy big rocks. The water is clear and it was pretty calm despite the fact that that week was windy on the whole island. You can also climb inside the wall.
Valentina Nica (Valle) — Google review
One of the coolest beaches that we’ve visited in Crete so far highly suggest visiting. Lots of shops and restaurants on the beach, only 8 euros for two chairs and an umbrella! Very popular beach.
tyler hall — Google review
Amazing beach with beautiful caves (visit caves for a small fee) next to it. A must see if you visit Crete. Water is clean, safe but there are some big rocks in the water so careful swimming is a must. Waves are moderate and it’s fun for swimming. There weren’t enough parasols but we got the sun-bed and hid under a tree. There are many great cafes, restaurants and public toilets. You can come by car or bus. Parking is great. Lots of space and it’s only €3 per day. Come early to find the best spot on the beach and you’re gonna need a whole day for this adventure 🏖️
Milica — Google review
It's a very beautiful beach, although it gets really busy and the sunbeds are almost glued to each other, there are very few natural shades
not a really good place for snorkeling but the view is amazing and it's perfect for sunset
Flavia Adissy — Google review
Nice for a swim, and scenery, tavernas and coffee/bars. Beach gets really crowded and as it is a public beach you pay for the sun loungers and parasols unlike in some other places. But overall Matala is a great place to visit and stay!
A hiking trail leads to this shoreline with reddish-brown sand, towering rocks & a cocktail bar.
Don't forget to see mud-sculptures created by a talented couple. ;)
The sculptures ain't probably gonna last until the next year due to weather, enjoy it's beauty now. :)
Otherwise.. It's an amazing hippie /nude beach, warm water, sand, a vibe.
Love the energy here. And yes it's hot. Even now in September. Better bring your shade and water. Otherwise sunbeds cost 8e.
P. E. — Google review
Very nice beach! It takes abou half an hour to get there from Matala center. Not very hard, we did it with 4 years old son. Sand is very soft, water level is about 1m like 20m far and maybe 30-40m is up to my shoulders (150cm maybe). We had nice waves like 0,5m to 1m. Beach was nudist before, so there are still some. Two bar buildings and one remote snack stand is there, little people and a lot of wild. Excellent to visit!
Stanislav K?nig — Google review
Lovely alternative to the touristic Matala beach. You reach it after a short (20-30 min) hike which is well marked with blue arrows. At some point you will see a donation box and a sign. Feel free to leave whatever you are willing to give for preservation of this gem :) It is a fine sandy beach, sunbeds are available on the right side, there are 2 little bars with chill music. Be aware that it is marked as Nudist beach ;) but of course everyone is welcome!
Sonja Rebecca Henriette Lübeck — Google review
One of the best beaches I have ever visited, it's hard to get to the beach, you need to walk through the mountain about 20-30 minutes, but believe me it's worth it, you'll find unbelievable view. There is clean and clear water, the left side with stones, the right side without stones, you had better have an umbrella. It's a nude beach, but you can stay in your beachwear, however, why don't you try to swim without beachwear? Just visit and enjoy
Lumpen — Google review
Amazing beach, just its long hike 35 minutes, but it's worth it,
Haik Archig?s — Google review
A lovely golden sanded beach. Located right next to the village of Matala. One can go there after a 30 minute hike following a path that starts from the village
Ioannis Kasiolas — Google review
Amazing beach. It’s quite a hike but totally worth it. Definitely swimmable but it’s better if you are a strong swimmer.
William Wright — Google review
You need to hike there in the pure sun, takes about 25min to get there from matala over the little mountain. Protect yourself from the sun (sont go during midday!), put good shoes on, walk safe and you will find a very beautiful "red" sand beach with 2 little bars with music and only a few dozens of people on the beach. You can use the benches and "umbrellas" for something like 5-8€.
Jonas Reis — Google review
To get to the Red Beach you have to hike from Matala and over the mountain. Path is well marked, steep as they come but the view of the beach from the top of the mountain is breathtaking. Definitely worth a visit. Best mojito bar in the world as well!
Filia Fayard — Google review
May, 2023: There are some changes and changes to the best. The waterline receded a few meters, revealing stretches of beach that earlier were under the water. The stones that covered most of the left (southern) part of the beach in 2022 have been cleaned up, so once again, coming to the beach along the path next to the Giannis tavern and turning left, you can find a lot of space to lie down on the sand at the FKK part. On the other hand, from the tavern going to the right there is still a zone with the FKK sign.
The water is still crystalline (sometimes there are waves and wind), with fine sand, and the entrance to the sea is gentle.
Sergiusz Anoszko — Google review
Definately worth it - a much better, clearer, and exotic beach comparing to the Matala one. Please take good shoes and start your journey around 7:00 a.m. - it gets freaking hot. Even hiking and view around worth it for sure ;)
Krakatau — Google review
My absolute favorite out of all visited beaches on Crete. Nice 1km trail (easier with hiking shoes), marvelous red, fine sand. Deep, clear water with relaxing waves. Small bar is available (not always open). It is nudist beach, but level of nudity varied so you can visit it also if you are not nudist. Most relaxed place <3
Zuzana Vokulic — Google review
Fun, soft and empty beach (early May) with a funky bar right next to it. Great 45 min hike to get there.
Facing the ocean on the right side of the beach there are some really cool rock sculptures that are worth exploring
Faros Beach Hotel is a cozy hotel located right on the Venetian Harbor in Rethymnon. It offers simple rooms and suites with the option to enjoy bay, harbor, and marina views from its rooftop terrace. The hotel's convenient location allows guests to easily explore the harbor, old town, and Fortezza Castle. Guests can also take advantage of the shared kitchen to save on trip costs.
We only stayed here 1 night but were super happy with how clean the room was, the location to the harbour, restaurant and old town shops!
Bonus for our room was the little stoop area which was a nice place to relax with a drink and have a view of the harbour.
The staff were also very friendly and helpful. They gave us some good food recommendations and let us check in much earlier than planned. Due to the location there is no on site parking, but id you walk a block last the restaurant there is a big parking bay we used to park the car overnight - this cost us 10euro which helped ease the stress of finding parking which is virtually impossible in this area.
Location, location, location! Highly recommended.
Hazel Brooks — Google review
Awful hotel, the service is bad, not clean, terrible personnel and owner.
Kateryna Stolypina — Google review
Perfect location. Good, room, hot water, frig, kettle and very clean. Staff is very helpful and nice. Efharishto!
Tf Mtb — Google review
What a great surprise for us!
Room with balcony facing the Venetian Port and lighthouse right in the centre of town.
Super friendly and helpful and very clean surrounded by restaurants bars shops and a few Mtrs from the beach and so reasonably priced!
Ellie Picone — Google review
The hotel has changed ownership and has been renovated.
The location is perfect, right in the heart of the old town with a view over the old harbour. Staff is welcoming and helpful, the double room with sea view is comfortable and has everything you need.
Thanks for making our stay even more special 🥂☀️🏝
Desislava Mitovska — Google review
Decent hotel with great views of the Venetian harbour. Double rooms are spacious and have two bathrooms/showers. Located about 10 mins away from the old town and about 20 mins away from the beach.
Traveler — Google review
We had a small, compact room, with a lovely balcony overlooking the sea, where we could watch the comings and goings of Rethymno, whilst drinking ouzo and the sun streamed into our room each morning. The en suite was tiny but adequate (I've known much smaller!). The housekeeping was excellent and the owners were friendly and helpful. Faros Beach Hotel is in a very convenient spot for the harbour, the old town and Fortezza Castle. It's not too far to walk to the beach (stopping on the way at one of the many bars for a cocktail) and the boat trips are on your doorstep. Some people have mentioned the noise, but we found if we closed the balcony doors and used the air conditioning we were not kept awake. If your kind of holiday is staying in an ultra modern hotel, sitting around a pool all day, missing the local sights, then this hotel is not for you, but if you want to stay in a lovely, clean hotel with character I would not hesitate to recommend.
Zena Duggins — Google review
Good: perfect location. Access to the beach and the best bars and restaurants. Less good: the hotel really needs a renovation. The bed was terrible, very inconfortable and the blankets were dirty. Moreover, the attitude of the management was not appropriate: "you received what you payed for". The AC and the fridge were very noisy.
Traian Muresan — Google review
The room was absolutely terrible. A room 3x3 with a window facing the hall of the hotel. You can't keep it open. The a/c was facing straight to the bed(of course it was) and you can't keep all night at your head.
Very expensive for that room.
Except the location. It was downtown.
I believe the other rooms with the windows facing the port ...will be better!
Our room was terrible. Dont take the economy room.
Mat Old Town Apartments in Rethymno is ideally located within walking distance of the Rethymnon Venetian Port and Rethymnon Cathedral. The property offers 10 individually decorated guestrooms with well-equipped kitchenettes. Guests can enjoy amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge services, and a grocery/convenience store on-site. The apartments also feature express check-in and check-out services, as well as dry cleaning/laundry facilities.
Great host, parking in harbour, lovely square. It has everything to stay for longer
Kaeres — Google review
Very centrally located apartment in the old town. No parking available. The room was small
karthik sundar — Google review
????????? ?????? — Google review
(Translated by Google) Perfect location in the heart of the old town. Accommodation sufficiently equipped for a short stay. Cleanliness more than adequate. Quiet apartment despite the location which is a real plus!
Pleasant and discreet owner.
We recommend!
(Original)
Emplacement parfait au cœur de la veille ville. Logement suffisamment équipé pour un court séjour. Propreté plus que correcte. Appartement silencieux malgré l’emplacement ce qui est un véritable plus !
Propriétaire agréable et discret.
On recommande !
Mel Frnr — Google review
(Translated by Google) Great location, very close to everything. The apartments are stylish, the Internet works well, the hosts are not intrusive and polite, there is almost everything you need, the only thing missing is salt and butter, if you are staying for a short time, it is not very convenient to buy your own. The only downside is that there is a bed on the second floor and it gets a little hot there at night, the air conditioning doesn’t reach there, the air hardly moves.
(Original)
Шикарное расположение, очень близко ко всему. Апартаменты стильные, интернет работает хорошо, хозяева не навязчивые и вежливые, есть почти все необходимое, не хватает только соли и масла, если ненадолго заселился, то покупать свои не очень удобно. Единственный минус на втором этаже кровать и там жарковато ночью, кондиционер туда не достаёт, воздух почти не двигается.
Oleksandra Demyanik — Google review
(Translated by Google) It is an apartment in the Old town of Rethynon in Crete, near Venetian Port, Rethyno Cathedral, close to everything.
In a quiet, clean place, it is modern, beautiful and has air conditioning, refrigerator, kitchen, TV. It is a very comfortable and cozy apartment.
(Original)
Es un apartamento en el Old town de Rethynon en Creta, cerca de Puerto Veneciano, de la Catedral de Rethyno, cerca de todo.
En un lugar tranquilo, limpio, es moderno , bonito y tiene aire acondicionado,nevera, cocina, tv. es un apartament muy comodo y acogedor.
IRENE PASTOR — Google review
(Translated by Google) A very good place, we booked via booking for 4 nights and it fully met our expectations.
(Original)
Bardzo dobre miejsce, rezerwowaliśmy przez booking na 4 nocy i w pełni spełniło nasze oczekiwania.
The Rimondi Venetian Fountain is an elaborate public water feature with Corinthian columns, constructed in 1626 by the Venetian governor Rimondi. Located in a bustling area of Rethymno filled with cafes and shops, the fountain provides a tranquil respite for visitors. Adorned with intricate spouts shaped like Venetian lions, it is a stunning example of Venetian architecture and one of Rethymno's most well-known landmarks.
Very good price. Fabulous views. Just take your time and enjoy..
Wendy Chadwick — Google review
Venetian monument hidden in the middle of the restaurant. Passers-by do not pay attention to the fountain, only the knick-knacks in the shops. There should be some information about this place.
Lexi Mals — Google review
Very nice fountain and around the old city of rethymno
Mr B — Google review
Very pretty village, chilled atmosphere, nice shops, drink and freshen up at the fountain and people watch. Do visit the folk museum to the left of the fountain. It's free, tiny but packed with lovely antiquities, and hosted by a genuinely enthusiastic and welcoming host.
Alison Irwin — Google review
Very busy place even during week as so many tourists around. There are some nice restaurants at this place. You can get any dishes from ice cream to local kebabs called Gyros.
sergiy moskalenko — Google review
Interesting historical tourist attraction in the centre of Rethymno. Popular place for a family photo. Surrounded by street cafes and restaurants, so plenty of hustle and bustle. Worth a visit if you're out walking in the centre of Rethymno.
Roger Strachan — Google review
Great piece of history, which you must not miss when visiting the old town of Rethymno.
George Verciuc — Google review
Lovely Venetian fountain with lots of cafés & restaurants nearby.
Anna Parker — Google review
Really beautiful fountain of the Venetian era. Intricate pillars and spouts in the form of Venetian lions. An ideal place to have a break, freshen up on a warm day and take the usual picture. It is one of three best known landmarks of Rethymno.
Agisilaos Papadogiannis — Google review
A spring well from the year 1626 during the Venetian rule. The well once brought water to the townspeople from a nearby hill. Four columns and part of the dome remain from the building. Cool water comes from the pipe. Sometimes quite a crowded corner and people even turn back. Most of the time, everyone gets to take a picture while waiting for their turn.
Jarkko Korhonen — Google review
If you live in an underdeveloped area, and you don't have running water at home, you might be impressed to see water flowing from a wall, no matter how scratchy the wall may appear.
Unfortunately (or, rather, fortunately), I've seen a plethora of faucets, pipes, valves, siphons, showers, fixed and flexible connections, etc., so I find myself utterly incapable of being impressed by a faucet that flows water, regardless of how lavishly it's presented in tourist brochures.
I usually attach photos to the reviews I publish, but this time it seemed to me that the "monument" was not even worth the effort of taking the phone out of my pocket.
Catalin Hulea — Google review
Nice fountain with a lot of history. Surrounded by more touristy shops and restaurants but that is to be expected. It was a nice stop on our walking tour of Rethymno.
Edward Milde (Ed) — Google review
Lovely part of Rethymno, it's a strange part but in a nice way , for me it's in a busy area lots of cafes, shops etc but It always feels so calm here . It's very peaceful and at times you'll find the odd person playing a musical instrument. As you can see from my pictures we had rain in July, that seemingly doesn't happen very often but plenty to see and do anyway.
Bruce S — Google review
An amazing venetian fountain in the middle of the old town, with drinkable water to refill your bottles and cool yourself off during a hot summer day. Might get overcrowded with tourists during high season.
Cookie Chan — Google review
Old Venetian fountain in old town of rythmenon, one of many great things to see and do , great old streets full of cafes , restaurants and shops a Must visit 👍☀️
Triopetra beach is a vast and picturesque Mediterranean shore located in the Rethymnon region of southern Crete. The coastline consists of soft, white pebbles, and is divided into two beaches by three majestic rocks, hence the name Triopetra. The beach remains relatively untouched, making it feel somewhat wild and untamed.
What a great Beach. We were staying north side and weather was rubbish so decided to drive to the south. Fantastic scenic route through the mountains with some spectacular views. Beautiful long beach with beautiful crystal clear water. Sea was gorgeous that had a sudden drop and you were straight into deep water. Beach clean and plenty of sunbeds to hire. Car parking right on the beach. There are 3 Tavernas each with their own sun beds €8 for two loungers and a parasol. I would recommend taverna to the left as you enter car park as you can use their decent toilets. Wouldn’t recommend this beach for small children as sea very deep. Definitely worth the drive from rethimno.
Clare Marsh — Google review
We drove from Preveli and it was quite adventurous and honestly scary as we gad to drive over sand and rough roads.
It's very quiet there, super hot and there are nice tavernas around.
I would not necessarily drive there again but mainly because of the drive.
S. HiSi — Google review
Very windy so it was not possible to stay at that beach, but on the left, behind the big rocks there is a small Tripetra beach that is just as fascinating and less windy
Vanja Jovanovic — Google review
Excellent! Probably he best beach in the whole south! Large and long sandy beach, sun beds available from 8-10€ / set (2sun beds and 1 umbrella), Wi-Fi available nearby taverns. There are 4 taverns in the area, 3 right on the beach, where you can take a quick snack, drinks and ice cream. Prices are reasonable. A lot of parking places right next to the the beach.
There are very small round rocks at entrance in the sea, beach is sandy and very hot in the middle of the day.
We had the luck of catching a day with big waves, and it was astonishing!
One of the best places for sunset in Crete, probably the best in south.
Cata — Google review
Beautiful beach that can (rarely) be very quiet, usually in the morning. It is very big and never seems crowded. Very peaceful.
Calypso Herrera — Google review
Tranquil doesn't even begin to convey how peaceful and beautiful this beach is. The beach is not really sandy (except away from the water's edge), but rather gravel/pebbles that are unlike anything I've ever seen. Have you ever heard of beautiful gravel? Me neither, but it is here. And the water! The cleanest, clearest, most refreshing salt water I have ever swam in. The water gets deep two steps in, but not *scary* deep. Just deep enough to swim but still see the bottom, which is beautiful gravel. It's like swimming in a clean, well-maintained aquarium. In late April, on the day we were there, the ca. 1km long beach had three small groups of people - in other words: solitude!
Jim Ragle — Google review
Beautiful, enormous beach with incredible clear water in the middle of nowhere. Beach is huge, there are subeds but not a lot of people.
Goran Ocokoljic — Google review
Very nice , wide and long coast sands beach, crystal clean water! Easy to find parking, just next to the beach! The beach is so big that you can enjoy a peaceful and quiet time even in mid of August! There are two small restaurants so you can enjoy a typical Greek cuisine. Just have been here today with my husband, just we found it quite windy and the sands have been blown up sometimes, but still highly recommended to go 😉!
Po Ling Chan — Google review
Warm water, not crowded, there are 3 places nearby where you can eat lunch. Sunbeds at your disppsal. A nice rock formation 10 minute walk away. The beach is woth small rocks, so there's no sand that gets everywhere.
Piotr — Google review
The beach is quite rural and natural. We were there off season and it was empty, which was fun. No beach amenities and the taverna was closed, but we had a good time - the nature is simply beautiful and the water was clean. Very little seaweed at this time.
Shahaf Mei-Dan — Google review
Huge sandy beach, magnificent early summer but still quite OK in the peak of the tourist season
Aristodemos Pnevmatikakis — Google review
A must location to travel. Especially if you are looking to camp with one of the darkest skies in Greece. Amazing waters and beautiful sunset and sunrise.
tsourts — Google review
Just a beautiful beach! We have been there in peak season and it was not crowded at all ✨
Seitan Limania is a remote sandy beach located in Cape Akrotiri, about 20km east of Chania town on the island of Crete. It is surrounded by rock formations and nestled in a wild area, making it unique and beautiful. Despite not being as wide as Elafonisi or exotic like Balos, Seitan Limania's striking blue shades of the sea attract many visitors.
Small but amazing hidden beach. Loved it. Had an amazing time there. In peak Summer, it might get crazy busy with a lot of tourists. Remember three things going there.
1 - the drive there is by a sneaky road, so be prepared to drive carefully. Its not crazy, you can do it.
2 - you need to hike down from the parking to the beach, so NO sandals please for the hike. Hike is not too extreme, so dont worry. Just be prepared
3 - Go in the first half of the day, as during second half the sun starts hiding off of the cliffs
Soum — Google review
Such an Amazing beach between the mountains...incredible views great place. It's a bit hard to get down and up there ( kind of climbing) so be prepared...
It's even suitable for sporting people, u can climb and jump in the water.
Ayham Akesh — Google review
One of the most beautiful beaches in this area! Much more worth it than Elafonisi! There's parking, but you need to descend on a pretty narrow path down the mountain to get to the beach. We did it in flip flops with a 7y old in about 10-15 minutes. Ascend is easier! The beach is narrow, but not too crowded. Bring your own umbrella because there is some shade up until 11 am. Water is crystal clear and cold enough so you can chill on a hot day like ours - 26.07.23 - 42 deg C.
Highly recommend arriving early, until 10 am so you can enjoy the almost empty beach.
Well worth the trip, descent and ascent!
Marica Dan — Google review
Breathtaking views.
Prepare for a dangerous hike, definitely not for beginners. Don’t go alone. However, it was just 15-20 min.
The turquoise water and experience was worth it…
Julia P — Google review
Beautiful beach! 💙 Worth the trek down there but it’s quite scary as it’s not really steps.. more like climbing down rocks on a cliff edge to get to the bottom, take good shoes.
Stacy Straub — Google review
Extremely crowded on a very small beach. I recommend visiting early in the morning or at sunset. View is absolutely amazing. Road is not so bad as others said, but still with small children or elder is not recommended. Is a short 15 min descending in the cliffs and definitely not with Beach slippers. Don’t carry on with you scuba diving equipment because water is not so clear
Cata — Google review
One of my favorite beaches on Crete. It's possible to jump from cliff. Water is deep but rocks are sharp. I recommend swimming shoes for more pleasant climbing. Take potato chips for goats - they love it. Snorkeling is also pleasant there due to colorful fishes.
Bartek N — Google review
Picturesque beach location, only available by boat or hike! Not strenuous, maybe half a mile, but very very rocky & with a lot of food traffic can get busy going up & down. Not Ada accessible. It was worth it for this view & beach experience! Billy Goats will approach you, not harmful. Once down there it’s just breathtaking.
Kara Galvan — Google review
Quite nice little pebbles beach with entertaining goats 🐐Worth a visit despite the climb (wear proper shoes!) and the clever but stubborn goats, which will harass you and search your bags for food. It’s probably best to bring no food at all and enjoy the show put up by the goats and the other tourists. 😂
Diego Canciani — Google review
Amazing beach ,clear blue water and some goats. The goats will steal your food 😁, please be kind to them and keep your bags closed and give them some bread when you leave the beach. Don't forget to leave your trash with you. The access to the beach is made by rocky pat. Advice: use sneakers to do this pat.
Diana Silva — Google review
Secluded, interesting beach. It is perfect for cliff jumping. Not interesting for snorkeling, even though the waters are crystal, there is nothing to see underwater. The pathway to it is very steep and the way back is hard in the heat. The parking is free. Be careful with the goats, they are indeed eating everything and will go through your stuff, bags and all.
Petko Dimitrov — Google review
It feels like driving to the end of the world, a sharp serpentine and a parking lot and the end. A very steep and adventurous climb down to the beach. Please: No flip-flops! Very fantastic blue or better turquoise water! But little bit crowded.
Dirk Voelker — Google review
I think pictures can't portrait the beauty of this beach! Totally worth the small hike to get to the beach! However, I suggest use a good pair of sneakers because you will walk through many rocks. Plus, goats are super friendly and hungry! 😋
Maritere — Google review
Extremely beautiful cave with a 10 minute hike down from the parking spot. Be aware of the goats they WILL eat anything you bring down. Overall cool vibe an beautiful water also perfect for cliff diving 👌🏼
Jakob — Google review
Lovely small hidden beach, no goats this time. Such a beauty spot! But I am not joking when I say it's a fight to get to. The roads are narrow and scary. You need good footwear and knees of steel. But once you get to the bottom you see the most beautiful rocky beach with clear blue waters. A true gem.
Holly Preece — Google review
I was literally out for a morning ride to find something to do. I just got to the island and didn't want to waste one minute. I stumbled on this 💎 GEM. It may be well known by locals, but I absolutely loved it. Don't wear flip-flops. The hike is very technical however, very doable. The age range while I was there about 10 to mid 60's just take your time and watch your step it's about a 10 to 15 minute walk straight down a gully.
Clothes were optional... one last but very important fact the goats are very aggressive to eat anything you have, including books. Bring something that you can secure all of your stuff and don't leave it unattended when you go in the water.
LAUS DEO — Google review
Must visit beach! To get there is pretty easy as the road is well maintained. I recommend be there around 8:30-9:00 as parking lot is small. We went around this hour and there were plenty of free places. The hike down is not that scary and difficult as well. Do not wear flip flops, watch your steps and you’ll be fine. Take snacks and water with you. Goats on the beach are very friendly and will eat your food unless you close your bags/backpacks. So if you plan to socialise with them bring some extra food. You can cliff jump which we did. Take water shoes with you as the rocks are pretty painful to stand on. Since the beach is tiny expect it to get very crowded in the afternoon.
Диана Перехрест — Google review
Surreal experience. Beautiful private swimming cove that’s pretty hard to access. The drive in has extreme winding roads and after you park you have to hike down an extremely steep and rocky path. Better not wear flip flops there are no safety railings.
If you complete the challenge you will be rewarded with a beautiful swimming beach with cliffs for cliff jumping and for the goats.
The goats are good aggressive so keep your food away from them.
Andrew Lian — Google review
Beautiful spot, the climb/descend can be challenging for elders or less mobile people but it is well worth the challenge. Beautiful views and swimming spot, we could even swim on the 29th of December.
JF Paquin — Google review
One of a kind beach to visit in Crete.
Absolutely spectacular view from the top to the torquoise water deep down in the gorge. It was a spontaneous visit so we came with our regular slippers and were afraid we wouldn't be able to climb down the path, but it was fine to go with any kind of shoes, however, if you plan to go there, rather wear hiking or snorkeling shoes for stability. The beach has goats that feel absolutely free to chill there and interact with the visitors, if you wish to feed them, please do not use human snacks and fast food which we saw the majority did, buy some carrots, apples or cucumbers instead. Absolute must visit place!
Stavros Beach is a picturesque sandy beach nestled at the northern end of the Akrotiri Peninsula, near Chania. It gained fame as a location for the classic film "Zorba the Greek" and continues to attract visitors with its golden sands and stunning mountain backdrop. Despite being popular, it offers a tranquil escape, especially due to its natural harbor that provides protection from winds.
First of all the beach is great, sandy, great view, in the left part there are great rocks and the sea waves hitting them are spectacular. Not great is the price of the sun beds, 20 euro for two sun beds and an umbrella, way to expensive. But, despite that, the beach is worth the trouble as it is not crowded and the sand, water and views are great.
Elena Preda — Google review
Stavros beach is charged with the memory of the famous movie scene from Zorba the Greek. Otherwise, it is a special, unique place, like many others..., but definitely not to be missed.
Francesca Manea — Google review
Small, clean and quiet but the fish in the water bites if you stand still.
There are only a few sunbeds and pretty expensive. There is also an area for towels and own ubrelas.
Catalin Mihai Ionescu (CTX) — Google review
Lovely beach even in winter, we visited in February. Large beach and sandy. Lovely backdrop of mountains in view too.
Sue Vogt-Skard — Google review
Water is lovely, calm, warm, clear. Watch the fish swim around you. Beach bar is a little off though. The service ladies are wonderful but that’s it, the drinks and food were sub par. Backdrop was beautiful though and it’s easily accessible by car and level walk to water. Nice Restaurants around there too. Well worth a visit
Anthony Romano — Google review
A magical beach with an awe inspiring mount and a turquoise lagoon. Worth a visit, even in the winter!
Loco Mosquito — Google review
Lovely family beach!
We visited Stavros Beach on a fairly windy day, the natural harbour and protection from the mountain make this beach perfect to hide from the wind. The beach has chairs organized by the restaurant across the street from the beach. €25 gets you an umbrella and two loungers. Initially we thought a bit pricey as other beaches you can pay under €10. But, what Stavros beach does well is drinks/food service to the beach. Which with having a small child was great.
One of the cleanest beaches/ sand / water we had on our trip to Crete.
Great for families as there aren’t many waves. Couple of rocks on entry into the water, but not enough that you would need to wear shoes.
We loved it, and kept comparing Stavros beach wherever we went.
Carey Pearson — Google review
We were a bit hesitant about going after reading all the reviews. We arrived at around 6pm and it was perfect. Beach was not crowded, temperature was incredible, warm water. It truly looked like a swimming pool. The landscape it's magnificent. Definitely in my top 3.
The but? Few rocks to avoid while getting in the water.
Jess Glez — Google review
It is really nice and exciting to see the famous beach from the movie Zorba the Greek. The beach and the surroundings are quite beautiful.
Highly recommend going up to the cave in the mountain above the beach. The view is amazing! The trail is steep and you’ll need proper shoes, definitely not flip flops.
The beach itself is small and It’s overcrowded in summer. The price of umbrellas and sunbeds is higher than that of other beaches.
Polina — Google review
Famous place because of the movie Zorba the Greek! It is a beautiful place but there are many other places across Crete that are much more beautiful!
There's a flavor of tourist trap...
Pierrick Mouazan — Google review
The beach is amazing, clean and organized. The reason i gave 3 stars is the price for umbrella and sunbeds is 30 euros which i find a bit too much.
However you can always bring your own gear if you have and sit away from the sunbeds area and you will be fine.
You can see a cave right on top of the hill that you can hike and have an amazing view of the beach. And then dive into the cold water.
Elie Saliba — Google review
Stavros Beach is a lovely beach, but actually there are many other beaches in Crete that are more impressive and more interesting to visit. Although Stavros has beautiful turquoise waters and soft white sand, the place is relatively small and can be quite crowded during the summer season.
jeremi j — Google review
Beach is great , we had our own umbrella . There is also a bar that rents umbrellas and sun beds for 30 euros !!! A complete rip off . The owner asked us to remove our umbrella because it was 3 metres in front of his own umbrella, disregard him completely and do not be intimidated by him . He is illegal and has no right to block other people from sitting there with their own umbrellas.
Vacancy Interest — Google review
Very nice beach with restaurants around
The beach is equipped with cabins to change clothes
The water is transparent turquoise
Be careful, small fish can bite you
Do not rent the set of sun because it will cost you 30€ per day
However, at Agia Marina Beach Canteenery), it costs only 5€.
I recommend this beach
Carlos De la Pampa — Google review
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Akrotiri, Greece
I'll never travel to Chania Town without this trip planner again
The Chania Venetian Lighthouse, initially constructed in the 16th century as a defensive measure by the Venetians, has been modified multiple times throughout history. The Egyptians reconstructed it in 1839 after falling into decay during the Ottoman reign. Positioned at the Chania harbor's end, this lighthouse is an unmistakable landmark offering stunning views of both the rustic townhouses and marvelous sunset.
Beautiful lighthouse to view from anywhere in the harbor. This picture was taken at sunrise this morning. It’s just as beautiful at all times of the day.
Vamos Jordan — Google review
It’s definitely worth it to take the walk to the Chania lighthouse, not as much for the destination itself but for the wonderful views along the way, both of the sea and the city.
The walk is only 15 minutes long, but it will of course take longer because you’ll stop for pictures many times. It’s also kid friendly.
I’d recommend walking on the wall itself if you’re visiting during the hot hours of the day, as the sea breeze will make it easier to endure the heat 😀
Ioan Orzetic — Google review
Take a walk up until the end of the lighthouse or see it from a distance, all while appreciating the charming surroundings of the town with brilliant colorful lights, the beautiful rising mountains behind it and the crystal clear water around it. Such a pretty building that reflects the history of the city so much as it gives it its architectural identity.
Lucas Barbosa — Google review
Awesome place to visit! A bit walking from the city but it is definitely worth a visit! I will suggest walking on the higher-ups even though the road can be narrow, but the views there of the sea were breathtaking! And I'll suggest watching the sunset there. Romantic.
Gina Chen — Google review
This is definitely one of the most beautiful Lighthouses in Greece. I would say it’s in the top three for sure but is most likely the most beautiful one. It’s definitely well worth a visit.
Peter Orfankos — Google review
This is a nice short walk out on the breakwater to the lighthouse with views of the sea and of the Venetian harbour all along. There’s a small fort structure which is inaccessible on the inside, but which you can walk along/climb the stairs for a nice lookout and some shade mid-route.
Amanda Cooke — Google review
Walking along the dock looking at the lighthouse is a beautiful view during the day and at night. The walk up along the wall is pretty however it can be a little windy when higher up there on the wall. it does have a path going along the water for people who do not want to be as high up.
Lucy-Ella Jones — Google review
Probably the main tourist attraction of the city of Chania, a city which, despite glowing articles on the internet, falls somewhat short on attractions.
The view is beautiful, but, unfortunately, the interior cannot be visited.
Here are some pointers for those planning a visit:
The road on top of the sea wall can be quite narrow in places; tourists with a fear of heights might prefer to admire the lighthouse from the safety of the shore.
Avoid walking on the sea wall if the wind blows strongly from the sea, especially if the top of the wall is wet.
It's advisable for visitors to wear sturdy footwear, ideally suitable for trekking.
Some tourists might be tempted to climb the rocks at the tower's base to capture a photo of the port entrance; I did it too, but I have a lot of experience in mountain hiking and even so I slipped several times, and the pictures weren't that spectacular, so it wasn't a very good idea in the end.
Catalin Hulea — Google review
August 2021 - the lighthouse is closed, so you can enjoy from a distance. It's beautiful view anytime, especially evening time. Of course there are a lotta tourists, but you can find a place with good view, or just seat in a restaurant, also can recommend to watch the sunset, enjoy)
Lumpen — Google review
The lighthouse wasn't open when we went (25th August 2022). The walk to it and the views, however, are outstanding. The surrounding sea is crystal clear and the port has numerous restaurants, bars and shops around it. A great place to visit.
jonny pryce — Google review
Chania Lighthouse was built in the 18th century by Venetians to help protect the city. Along the way quite challenging and narrow passage to the lighthouse, there is a very nice place to sit and catch the breath. Beautiful, clear, blue water and views ..;)
? — Google review
Nice walk up to the lighthouse, path does get narrow by about a half midway there. A lot of people at the end of the path where the lighthouse is. Bring water since there are no stores on the path. Lighthouse is only open to the public at certain times
greenplums — Google review
What a beautiful place to go! It's absolutely free to visit and the sunset is glorious. I highly recommend visiting! Bring a drone if you have one!
Ben Blaney — Google review
Don´t forget to bring water with you. It can be really hot just to go there ,because there are just few places to hide in shadow. But the lighthouse looks nice but it´s shame you can´t go inside.
D jiricka — Google review
This is the most iconic landmark in Chania. The view of Venetian Harbour from this lighthouse is amazing and picturesque. An easy and a nice walk to the lighthouse anytime of the day, especially during the sunset. So peaceful to be sitting around the lighthouse enjoying the breeze.
Eric J — Google review
The lighthouse is very impressive to view from the harbour's edge, but, alas, when I visited, the path along the sea wall was blocked. I'm not sure if this is a permanent thing, but you might imagine that they are concerned with vandalism and just normal wear and tear.
Brian Shaw — Google review
I already stayed in Chania but have to say that returning and seeing the Venetian lighthouse has been amazing. The lighthouse and area are well preserved which makes it easier to appreciate the beauty of the architecture. I strongly recommend everyone to visit and if you are a lighthouse’s lover as I am , you will really enjoy it!
Riccardo Casali — Google review
The lighthouse is beautiful. It was not open when we were there so we weren't able to go inside or to the top.
Vishesh Saxena — Google review
It wasn’t open to go inside, but we walked out to it. Pretty hot at midday in August so we were glad to have water and a cocktail-to-go from a nearby bar. Be careful of your footing! Decent shoes/sandals are a good idea. The views are worth the walk though.
Rick — Google review
A nice place to be for enjoying drinks or the sundown in mediterranean atmosphere... The glimmering lights of Chania's old venetian port tickles your fantasy dreaming of ancient times
Rico Jarschke — Google review
Loved the lighthouse. Our AirBnB gave us a direct view of the harbor and the lighthouse. Our stroll to the lighthouse at night was magical!
Chania's Old Venetian Port district is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Greece, with its restored lighthouse and beautiful Venetian-style homes in the Topanas neighborhood. The district is also home to a number of shops and eateries, as well as the Firkas Fortress, built in 1250 to ward off Turkish invasion.
Beautiful place in chania, a must visit!
Great for walking, cafes are nice there.
You can easily spend your day around… and also you can enjoy the fresh air and the great food
Ala' Bal'awi — Google review
If you're visiting Crete and you've never been before then I suggest you definitely visit Chania, especially the old town where the port is located. You can park 5 minutes away on the outskirts and walk into town if you don't want to pay for parking and that's not to say you can see everything in 5 minutes. You will need at least a full day to get the grasp of most of this beautiful town. The port is absolutely awe inspiring and surrounded by various cafes and restaurants with a few of them offering special seafood dishes which are reasonably priced but not cheap.
If you decide to walk to the lighthouse and have a pram or have trouble walking you will find it tricky because it gets very narrow.
At one point you have the choice of climbing down some building sand or up onto the wall but it is worth the effort. We had a pram and there was a man selling oil paintings, we bought a painting and when he saw us struggling he offered to look after the pram. I think he would have offered without us buying anything as the Greek people are so wonderfully kind.
There's a car park right next to the port and some children will insist on helping you park your car if you use it, they will want a tip for this but it does not pay for parking. My wife thought it did and paid them €10 and she regrets it to this day. Parking is €3.50 for 3 hours but if I remember you can pay for 6 hours. We moved the car after 3 hours and parked just outside the car park for free but it does get busy around mid day.
Harley Quinn — Google review
Amazing day in Chania! The port deserves a 5 star. We had taken amazing photos and enjoyed a cold beer in the taverns nearby. If you get the chance to visit, remember to use sun screen as the sun is very strong.
Andreea Mike — Google review
The old port it was the main entrance to the town in the old ages. Now it is the main attraction of the city, full of bars, restaurants and shops. The view it is really pretty. You can walk around and enjoy the vibrancy of the town. The sunset has the best spot. It is the place
To
Go.
ANA CAROLINA PIUSSI MACHADO — Google review
Normally I would have given three stars, because the view from the ancient sea wall is stunning, especially at night, but there are some downsides that shouldn't be overlooked.
The Venetian port gets overcrowded; there are moments, quite a few actually, when you feel suffocated by the crowds rushing around.
The whole area seems like a tourist trap; many items sold in the shops aren't related to the local culture.
There are plenty of restaurants around, but it's wise to check reviews from other tourists, especially those with three stars or less, to avoid unpleasant surprises. Most shoreline restaurants charge exorbitant prices (I once paid 45 euros for a palm-sized fish), serve frozen and reheated food (particularly seafood), and cleanliness can be an issue (we were shocked to find out we had to walk through a restaurant's kitchen to reach the restroom).
If you're keen on a sea excursion, it's better to head to one of the neighboring cities; most boats docked in the port charge very high prices (over 400 euros for a group trip of 4–5 people).
The port's highlight (the ancient sea wall) is poorly maintained and, in some spots, littered with garbage.
The last, but not the least, of the negative aspects: c'mon, people, please stop subjecting the poor horses to such a torment. There is nothing romantic or noble about strolling around the port in a carriage pulled by horses suffering from hunger, thirst and heat... not to mention the hustle and bustle of crowds, which alone is a significant source of stress for the poor animals.
Positive aspects:
Strolling on the old breakwater towards the lighthouse is really enjoyable. If you're lucky, you might even spot turtles swimming in the clear water.
PS: Be careful not to fall into the water, as some areas, covered with algae, can be very slippery, and the water is deep.
Catalin Hulea — Google review
The port is a very picturesque location and worth a walk from city center bus stops to soak in the scenery and get a bite to eat or shop. Also in the vicinity is the Chania lighthouse which you can get to by walking along a sea wall. The significance of mentioning this is while walking along the wall is a very beautiful photo opportunity of the Port and mountains in the background
Kristopher Murray — Google review
Great place to stroll at night (or during the day for that matter) but be aware that this is a very touristic and busy area. It's worth the visit for the nice buildings the very beautiful port and restaurants (a lot of restaurants) but a above all the nice sunsets you can enjoy from the port side. If you would like a nice view of the port itself I would like to recommend to go up to the lighthouse. Also make sure to visit the back alleys for nice little shops with craft works, leather and more...restaurants.
Thomas Delemarre — Google review
Great shopping and dining options! The Venetian influence is plain to see in the architecture, so different than other Greek isles. We would definitely recommend spending some time just wandering the small streets and enjoying the atmosphere.
Julia S — Google review
Beautiful town.
Many places to see and places to eat. The port is gorgeous all day long.
We really liked going here for a stroll, dinner, ice cream and a snoop in the shops.
Easy to get to - just jump on the bus if your staying in Agia Marina.
Julie Sheldon — Google review
The Old Venetian Port has significant importance to the development and history of Chania. We visited it twice. It is a wonderful place to see and you can envision the ships coming in to the harbour on their way from the east and heading out to Venice and Europe. The Port is filled with restaurants and small shops offering any type of keepsake or souvenir toursist could want. We also went on a lovely carriage ride around the old walls of the city which was also informative. We are so pleased that we did. There are also several boats and a ferry available for trips around Crete area.
MJ Doggett — Google review
This is a must visit place in the Crete island. There’s a touch of history with beautiful architecture. This area is filled with shops and restaurants whee you can take walks amidst them. There’s a paid horse ride service too. A busy and lively place
Hans Shanaka — Google review
Great place to spend your holiday. It has a wide selection of restaurants and shops.
Amazing spot for sunsets and boat activities, too.
RG. Steven — Google review
One of the most charming ports that I’ve visited.
When you visit, you can start walking towards the lighthouse, it’s a 20 min walk
After that you can have a walk in the old streets of Chania and enjoy the lovely restaurants
Nady Sokhn — Google review
This old port is a gorgeous hub for incredible views, food, and shopping. Lots of touristy shops and tons of people, but even if that’s not your thing it’s still worth coming for the beautiful view of the Venetian lighthouse, old buildings and the authentic food. Sitting on a bench by the water is really magical as well.
Harry Flaskos — Google review
Beautiful location near the city center. It's full of good places to have something to drink or eat, with specialties from all over the world (although i reccomend to avoid food from your country, especially for Italians and in particular pasta)
The sightseeing is good with a nice view of sea.
There is maybe not too much to do nearby, but it's nonetheless a place to go at least once.
Alessio Demeli — Google review
What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! The many streets are filled with restaurant, cafe's, shops. As in most towns in Europe most streets are covered with trees and vines to provide shade and make the experience that much better. Beautiful town, I highly recommend a visit here.
Glenn Donald — Google review
Strolling along the ancient Chania port by the lighthouse, I stumbled upon a mesmerizing underwater world! Crystal-clear waters revealed vibrant habitats, resembling coral reefs, teeming with life. Nature's palette painted the scene in hues so vivid, it felt like diving into a living kaleidoscope. 🐠✨ #ChaniaAdventures #UnderwaterWonder #Nature'sMasterpiece
John Stewart, Jr. — Google review
Beautiful. The walk is a must here. Its free. You can up to the lighthouse but not on top of it. On a sunny day, a walk here is heaven.
Vishesh Saxena — Google review
This old port is spectacular. The place is full of restaurants and bars and other shops. The views are amazing with small and some big yachts. This bustling stretch of the port is full with all age groups. There are so many alleys around which are worth exploring.
There is a nearby parking lot too.
Vivek Bhagi — Google review
Chania was fantastic with lovely architecture and very relaxed atmosphere. There are a few museums to visit in around the main port. The main attraction for us was just taking a stroll around the port enjoying the picturesque buildings and landscape. We would love to go back and stay there for few days as there was plenty more to do in Chania and surrounding area that you can't do in just one day.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes around the port and a bit further off the busy tourist areas. We tried a few and all were very good. Even though it was peak tourist time in August we didn't struggle to find a place for our large party of 12 people. Service was very friendly and fast wherever we went.
We drove to Chania and arrived just before 10:30 and were able to use the public car park by the port. By 11 in the morning it got very busy so would recommend an early start if you're visiting. There is the usual traffic for a city so it takes a little bit of patience getting in and out.
Overall great day out and would highly recommend visiting Chania.
Apo — Google review
Beautiful Venetian port, it looks exactly like Venice. Some houses are not in the exact best condition and they lack repairs but overall it looks great. Perfect photo and video spot + quite a few restaurants around. Overall I really recommend paying a visit to the port and it is one of the highlights of Chania.
Kerox — Google review
Lovely town. The restaurants are solid and it's a perfect place to stroll amid the small streets and alleys
Jason Koeppel — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. I understand why this part of downtown is so popular - it’s stunning, especially at sunset - breathtaking!
Numerous restaurants line the edge of the water. Plenty of room for foot traffic, although I visited near the end of September. I’m sure it’s much more busier during the summer months / tourist season. Any spot along the harbor is a good spot to view the lighthouse and watch the sunset.
Inland of the harbor has many shops and restaurants hidden in every alley and main space.
Jasmine — Google review
T he Old Venetian Port in Chania, Crete, is a timeless masterpiece! The charming blend of Venetian, Turkish, and Greek influences creates a picturesque waterfront. Cobblestone streets, vibrant shops, and historic landmarks make every stroll enchanting. Unwind at seaside cafes and soak in the rich history of the lighthouse. A must-visit destination, earning its 5-star rating for its unparalleled beauty and cultural significance.
Tip: Explore the port in the early evening for a magical sunset backdrop, casting warm hues over the Venetian architecture and creating a truly romantic atmosphere.
Fact: The Egyptian Lighthouse at the entrance of the port, built by the Egyptians in the 19th century, stands as a testament to the diverse historical influences that have shaped Chania. It's a captivating piece of maritime history against the backdrop of the Cretan seascape.
One of the best experiences in Crete.. it’s easy to book, the service is on point & our skiffer Costas was amazing!! The best part was he took us to some amazing secluded beaches & helped the non swimmers to cross & reach the beach! Highly highly recommend the Sfakia day trip in private boat!
Adrita G — Google review
Fantastic day of boating. Brilliant and knowledgeable captain who took us to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. A must.
Steve Vranakis — Google review
We have no problem with the hire of the boat which was very good although we could not go swimming from the boat as we had problems getting back in the boat. I struggled due to the bottom step swinging the wrong way when trying to get back into the boat causing excessive brushing to my shins. My wife could not get back into the boat at all therefore rendered the experience for her as a waste of time. The safety briefing was excellent and all the staff were great. The check in process be a bit quicker but there was only one girl doing this so 10 to 15 minutes with each customer if there is a queue is quite tedious. The cost of the fuel was not overly excessive 20 ltrs cost around €34 which took us to the most westerly point allowed.
Chris Kennedy — Google review
We have rented a boat tour including captain with this agency.
We visited Sweat Water Beach, Marmara Beach and Loutro.
The reason why we rented a private tour is, we wanted to decide our own time frame and spoil ourselves a little.
They were friendly and kind. The service is I think a little expensive. This is the only reason why I gave 4 stars instead of 5. But there are also regular ticketed tours you can book.
Captain was also professional and friendly.
I would recommend to book a tour with captain since you do not worry about parking the boat. They are dropping you at the beach you want and picking you up whenever you want.
Ahmet Baran Zeren — Google review
Had such an amazing day exploring the beautiful coastline and beaches. The no licence required boats are great, and the safety briefing we received before setting off gave us all necessary information. Would recommend this experience to anyone!
Ben — Google review
Rented a boat 30hp at Sfakia. Very friendly service. Nice boat. Got all the instructions on how to control the boat. No issues. You pay for the boat, then you pay for the used gas.
They have 3 locations. We’ve chosen southern part of the island to explore more, as we l’ve stayed in the northern part. Very beautiful beaches there and magnificent water colour. Recommending a boat for the whole day.
K S — Google review
Fantastic experience renting a boat for the day. It enables you to see some amazing places that are free of the usual tourist! I had rented from here a few years ago, but this time was different as you now get a 30 min in-depth induction on how to be a good captain 😂🫡. Very fun experience.
Eugeen — Google review
The best day... staff were knowledgeable and friendly. The briefing on how the boats worked, where everything was, was not only comprehensive but adapted for the non mariner and those with power boating experience. I have to say this is a golden little find and made our holiday. The coves and areas Sofia told us about were spectacular. I didn't want the day to end. Thank you to you all for the best day.
Susanna Morgan — Google review
Excellent service, excellent boats and amazing routes. The staff is extremely helpful and all safety measures are kept at highest standards
Anastasia D. — Google review
We had 30hp boat without license. The boat was in good condition and the introduction was very detailed and good. I would recommend the company for rent, but the area does not offer to much to see. Most of the coast is only rocks. There are few spots to see, but other areas are better for boating in my opinion, like Elonda bay which we did last year.
Glyka Nera beach, also known as Sweet Water beach due to its freshwater sources, is a pebble beach surrounded by cliffs and accessible only by foot or boat. The cold and clear waters of the beach originate from mountain springs and can be reached via the European E4 trail with a hour-long walk from Loutro. The location is unique, featuring a tavern on an islet that allows nudism. Trees are present on the sweet water beach which provides gorgeous views during the journey.
We were here Sept 21 and now love this beach , the snorkelling is excellent ,the taverna is great and the boat trip or walk are enjoyable (tickets for boat are only from the service that is situated on the Hora Skafion harbour, the smaller business). Top tip , take some bread to feed the fish they love it!! this eventually enticed the Dolphin fish pictured below to come and explore which was a bonus to catch on my gopro.
Living Stones — Google review
Sweet Water Beach, also known as Glyka Nera Beach, is an impressive hidden gem situated between Loutro and Hora Sfakion.
What sets this beach apart from others is the drinkable natural mountain spring water that is hiding at this beach.
The pure and crisp taste of the spring water is truly fascinating, but you’ll need to do some work to find it. If you visit this unique beach, don’t miss the chance to discover the spring water. It’s an experience that will blow you away!
Ashortyexplores — Google review
Beautiful beach, cristal water but littlebit cold. We ware come with a boat, cost 8e, on the beach is restaurante and umbrellas, set is 6e. View from the top on the beach are amazing.
Blue_blue 8 — Google review
Beutiful beach.
Can drink water from a hole in the beach.
East half of beach nudist.
More nudist on beach then clothed but everyone getting on doing there thing.
Can take private taxi boat to reach beach or big boat.
Benefit if taxi boat you meassage them and they come.
krugerstravels — Google review
The beach is good and it’s not super popular. It can be accessed either by a hike (25-30 mins) or by a boat. There were not so many people coming by boat in the beginning of September so overall by 12:00 there were probably ~30-40 people overall on the beach (and the beach is pretty long). Part of the beach closer to Sfakia is taken by nudists. What is pretty unfortunate is that a large part of the beach is closed by a fence with tables that forbid camping there (likely due to risk of falling rocks). The set of two sunbeds and an umbrella costs 10 euro and you must pay to the owner of trattoria who pretty much took over the beach. It is possible to just lay on your towels but there is not so much space and most of the space in the shadow of the mountains/trees is closed with the fence (first tile I have seen it). Either this is a beach with a very high risk of stones falling down, or the owner of the sunbeds wants to maximise the profit. The water was pretty clear although there was a lot of garbage like tyres on the bottom of the sea. The beach itself is not very picturesque. There is a free shower. Overall it might be worth a 1-1.5h ride because the hike to the beach is beautiful but definitely this should not be your top priority to visit if you are based far away
Alexey Subach — Google review
Excellent beach with crystal clear water. Be warned, the water is cold due to the springs of sweet water that run into the sea - you can see the bubbles rising from the sea bottom!
Akis Kioupakis — Google review
It is rated as one of top 20 beaches to visit in Europe, the sole reason being that there are sweet water springs inside the sea and on the beach. Keep in mind that you will need to bring your own sun umbrella because the amount of sunbeds and trees is limited. There are showers on the beach that are pumping water from the spings under. Most of the beauty is inside the sea where salt water and sweet water are mixing and it makes that beautiful green color.
CRETA TOURS — Google review
So, it will be the realist feedback about this beach. So you need park the car in the middle of nowhere in the road, after that you need to go 40 - 60 minutes though the hills and rocks, and I hope you wearing snickers, not the flip flops, like us. But the beach is very beautiful with the really silk water )
???????? ????????? — Google review
Incredible location, worth the hike in and out. Or ferry if you can’t be bothered to hike but I do recommend doing so as the hike isn’t that hard and quite special. The natural fresh water spring under the sand is wonderful too. A very special place
Chiffeni Rofe — Google review
Wow, wow, wow! One of my all time favourite beaches.
The hike from the trail head is 25 minutes and it is stunning and not so difficult but be sure to wear shoes and not thongs or sandals and carry everything in your back so you have 2 hands free.
When you arrive at the beach you will think it’s just ok and nothing special. The sand is greyish and there are pebbles.
The reward is when you enter the water and get past the rocky entrance. The waters are some of the cleanest, most crystalline I have ever seen. As you swim further out the water changes from aqua to turquoise to azure, all the while being crystal clear as if you’re in a swimming pool. The visibility is incredible, even more than 100 metres off shore.
This beach feels quite wild, it is very long and is not accessible by car, so it never feels crowded (last week of August, first week of September 2023). There are fresh water springs under the sand so you can take a fresh water shower on the beach. Umbrella and 2 chairs €10, and even arriving at 1pm there were still free beds.
At the end of the beach are toilets and a very good taverna, the food is delicious and the staff are lovely. You get on and off the very on the same jetty as the taverna, in fact the taverna is the jetty.
The taverna end seemed more for families. The other end of umbrellas that you come to first if you’re hiking from Sfakia is more clothing optional.
I love this beach. Go if you want dramatic scenery, peace and quiet, crystalline water and a memorable experience!
D Mo — Google review
A beach that you should not miss if you arrive in Crete. There are two ways to reach it, one on foot, but probably quite dangerous if you are not properly equipped (boots), to be safe.
From the beginning we gave up after we reached where everyone parks and we chose to take the ferry that connects Sfakia - Swet water and Loutro for the price of €8 return per person. The beach is equipped with cots and umbrellas at the price of €10/2 people.
The water is different from the rest of the beaches, slightly cooler, due to the springs that flow into the sea. You can hear a sizzle if you dive.
About the tavern on the pontoon, only words of praise. We served a Greek salad, an octopus, 1/2 wine, a water for the price of €32. It is very enough for 2 people.
We warmly recommend!
Francesca Manea — Google review
A little piece of heaven hidden in a cove. Crystal clear turquoise waters. Complete serenity and calm. Only a couple dozen umbrella settings or so. You can only get here by boat or tracking a relatively easy but still very rocky trail for about 20 mins.
Boats run several times a day and will offer a taxi service to drive you up to where you parked your car.
Part of the beach is clothing optional.
Adam Heiss — Google review
Very nice beach. The waters are crystal clear. There is a small restaurant for snacks and refreshments. The beach here is a very famous spot for naturists. So don't be shocked to see a lot of naked people.
Aris P — Google review
I really believe this is the best place in Crete. You can reach this one by boat from the Sfacia town or doing a longer hike. Be sure to have proper footwear for the hike. There is a small bar/restaurant on the spot so no worries about that
Luci Pop — Google review
Very nice beach, easy to spend the whole day here with a good book, we parked at the top and made our way down on foot rather than take the boat. It is best you take a pair of trainers of walking boots with you for the hike down and plenty of water. On the beach you'll find a boat, here you can purchase refreshments and food if you don't take your own. We spent the entire day here, water is lovely, nudist beach on the left hand side of the beach.
Nestled in the foothills of the stunning White Mountains, the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete is a vibrant oasis that emerged from the ashes of a 2003 fire. This expansive 20-hectare space showcases an array of tropical trees, medicinal herbs, and plants from around the globe. Visitors can meander through paths lined with fruit trees, aromatic plants, and therapeutic herbs while taking in the colorful blooms and fragrant scents.
Amazing place, probably my favourite thing to see on Crete. There is an incredible amount of plants and a lot of animals; tons of peacocks. geese, ducks, goats, donkeys, there are turtles, but we didn't see them. Slowly walking it takes about 2 hours, there is lots of shade on the path. At the end there is a water mister for cooling. The restaurant has really good wooden grilled meat and the ice tea with herbs from the garden, even though a bit pricey is one of the best things I drank, ever.
Bine Sr?en — Google review
Very different setting for a botanical garden! The entrance is perched at the top of a rocky outcrop and they've successfully managed to design a steep descending garden and it's not so steep incline on the other side of the ravine. Paths are rough and steep in places with not much to hold on to if you aren't fit or able! The abundance of interesting flora and citrus fruits are worth going to see. The reward at the end is a superb restaurant with excellent food. A bit too early in the year to see it at its best.
Gwen Johnson — Google review
To be honest I read the reviews before going and expected more. There are a lot of interesting plants but you can’t tell which is which because the labels are confusing or missing altogether. Also there are some ‘highly poisonous’ species (as the sign said) right on the path so I’m not sure that’s a good idea. The path itself gets a bit steep at times so people with troubles walking should note that. There are stopping points and benches which were a bit wrecked and I recall only one bench with a nice thick shade. The animals are by far the best part of the gardens , they are adorable. You should prepare for a long walk .
Nikol Stamenova — Google review
Very nice walk along a well maintained path. Educational. Beautiful. We were there in spring, so some nice flowers. But other seasons will have their own benefits. We also saw some salamanders and butterflies. The restaurant is nice as well, good food and nice views. Overal highly recommended.
Erik van der Velden — Google review
Such a wonderful place and all, we had a walk around the park with our 9 year old and thou he got a bit frustrated at his parents stopping to read up on the different plants in the garden he still by the end of the day liked it.
The restaurant has plenty of shaded tables and a wonderful personal. We had a salad and the lamb pie and shared them among us three and it was plenty of food for us. As a dessert we got some fruit on the house, the oranges are super tasty and sweet.
I would recommend this place to anyone but especially to any gardening nerds out there.
Kristoffer Soderlund — Google review
The botanical park was a special treat while visiting Crete! The staff of the park were very welcoming, and the host did a great job explaining the Crete culture, food, and use of olive oil.
We got to walk half of the garden, which took about an hour. If you visit, definitely wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water to stay hydrated as the garden has a lot of up and down slopes.
The garden featured so many different plants and fruits, and there were even beautiful peacocks roaming around the grounds.
The best feature of the park is the view of the beautiful hills and mountains of Crete from the restaurant!
Natalie — Google review
Beautiful and relaxing 2,5km walk through exotic and domestic trees, shrubs and herbs.
It is a lot cooler amongst all the vegetation but I recommend bringing a bottle of water nevertheless.
We didn't expect to descend and again ascend so much and my mother, who is almost 80 and has a bad knee was struggling a bit but we took it easy and she made it at her own pace.
Treated ourselves to coffee and delicious cheesecake back at the restaurant.
heike drakakis — Google review
Really amazing to see the variety. Even the kids loved it and seeing the animals. Worth a visit. Great view from the bathroom. There is a lovely cool down shower near the end of your walk. Very refreshing
Rakel ?g?stsd?ttir — Google review
Really lovely place to visit. You follow a trail downhill and then back up, for about 2.5 km. I am 55, very overweight and unfit, but managed the walk without any issues as there are no major steep places on the way back up. 7 Euro in. Busy restaurant also. Good toilet facilities. Little lake at the bottom with deer, ducks, peacocks, etc. So glad I went.
Michael McGrath — Google review
A gorgeous garden with plants from temperate and tropical places worldwide, all informatively labelled in Greek and English. The trail is around 2.5km on dirt paths with a lot of steep ups and downs ( not for wheelchairs) but the plant variety is astounding. And the restaurant is excellent.
Peter Ross — Google review
The park and gardens are enjoyable and their collection of plants and animals makes for a nice walk. The best part has to be the restaurant though, the service, setting and food is amazing. Locally sourced organic ingredients, cooked in a traditional wood fired oven, all served while you take in the amazing view of the surrounding hillsides. They also have a great l selection of local wines and beers!
Joe Hamer — Google review
A favourite visit during our trip to Crete. Accessible via reasonable roads with parking on site (for a low entrance fee) to the gardens. Stunning scenes and a manageable 2.5hr set route to walk (managed by adults and children aged 7-10). Sticks were available to borrow for the walk and basic (well marked) tracks that followed through a set of beautiful plants and flowers en route. At the bottom of the route (around half way) there is a wonderful lake with some very content animals (or so they seemed), which we were thrilled to find. At the end of the walk, a wonderful, hillside restaurant, which offered traditional dishes (at a reasonable price) which were beautifully made using (what I understand was) for a lot of the produce available on site. Staff were very polite and accommodating with options for children. The shop also sold some delicious, local products at a range of prices.
Catherine Tolmie — Google review
A jewel in Crete's crown, this wonderful meandering walk through this garden is packed with specimens from around the world. How they managed to keep hostas, as well as some other more temperate plants/trees alive, is beyond me!
It's a good two hour walk and includes a walk around a large pond with reindeer, geese, ducks, peacocks and donkeys. Further up near the stream, that trickles down through the garden, is even a badger set.
Lovely signs placed around the site remind us of how precious the natural environment is.
There is also a restaurant on site which rightly boasts excellent cuisine. I was blown away by the haute cuisine at very reasonable prices. There is also a shop where you can buy local produce.
I hope to visit again in the future - highly recommended.
REBECCA VALENTINE-HAGART — Google review
This one needs to be on top of to do list when going to Crete!
We had an awesome experience learning about flora and fauna. The place is beautiful and you clearly see it's being taken care of in a very professional way.
Having the chance to see a peacock so closely and see how happy the animals in general were there made the experience even better.
PS: Never have I ever seen such well treated donkeys in my life. Shiny hair, very clean. Just great
Geovanny — Google review
Amazing views, beautiful plants. Not crowded, quiet place, a really nice program. Most of the place has a shadow but if you visit during the summer months I recommend a hat, water, and definitely comfortable shoes. There’s a restaurant upstairs, with beautiful view. The entry fee is 6 EUR for adults, it really worth it!
We parked by the road, but even if you see cars on the road parked, try to go to the parking lot, there might be places still.
Kid friendly place, but it might be boring for kids under 6-7 years.
Dóra Kollár — Google review
This park was a welcoming surprise. Their claims are well supported. The trek can be a bit rough at times, you must have proper shoes. They have resting areas and benches toward the end. It is certainly fun and educational. They have excellent views. The restaurant, which is located at the beginning and the end of the tour is excellent with amazing local food. Although it's something different in what you'd expect in Crete, I do recommend it.
Peter Papagiannakis — Google review
2.5 km walk through the botanical park. At the beginning you have different plants every 5 meters until you reach the lake. I am not an expert but many of the planta did not look well maintained. Next to the lake there are some donkeys which you can pet.
M. (Plumber) — Google review
This is the best botanical gardens I have been to ever!
The place is beautiful, steeped with variety and beauty.
Contrary to some reviews, this isn't wheelchair or buggy friendly. You need at least 2.5 hours for the walk which is well worth it.
We had our 2 year old toddler (who's very active and well behaved) he was very engaged and only needed support on the steep stairs and a little bit at the end.
For children, the best part is the lake and animals, particularly the peacocks.
We came in the afternoon and had lunch first. The restaurant was amazing, the view, the food and the ambience.
I had the best meal out of my 11 day holiday in Crete here and I would revisit this place in a heartbeat if I could.
Both the trek and the restaurant.
They have plants, trees, herbs and fruits from all over the world and you could easily spend all day here.
Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Naz Haque — Google review
I recently visited the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete, and it was truly a delightful experience. The park offers a scenic haven for trekking enthusiasts, with its well-maintained trails and stunning natural surroundings.
The abundance of flowers, plants, and trees was a botanical marvel. Each species is meticulously labeled, providing an educational aspect to the journey. Exploring the diverse flora was not only visually pleasing but also intellectually enriching.
The park also hosts a variety of birds, adding a touch of wildlife to the serene landscape. The overall cleanliness and meticulous upkeep of the park were evident, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
A highlight of the visit was the on-site restaurant, where I indulged in some local culinary delights. The honey and other products available for purchase were a testament to the rich local offerings. I HIGHLY (!) recommend buying some; you won't be disappointed.
The culinary experience extended to the restaurant, where the food surpassed expectations. The Feta, in particular, stood out for its deliciousness. All in all, the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of beauty, tranquility, and gastronomic delights.
Stav Ba — Google review
Spectacular garden, beautiful flowers 🌺, ducks 🦆 peacocks 🦚 goose 🪿 turtles 🐢
Bus goes from Xania at 9:30 and comes back at 14:30, bus ticket 🎟️ costs 2,70
Entrance is 7€, student cards with discount
Alina Gumirova — Google review
Very nice trip with great restaurant with vegan options and local food from their garden. Can't upload photo of the restaurant because Google censores wooden Greek statues 🤣.
Lorian Hoza — Google review
Great Park. But you have to be able to walk down and uphill. Very nice collection of different plants, trees and flowers from all around the globe.
Very nice restaurant with lots of traditional food.
Nice zoo with donkeys and deer. Not far from Chania .
Plenty of parking spots there for free . Park is 7€ per adult. Would go there again.