Crete is full of archaeological sites, monasteries, beaches and hiking trails. You could spend years here and still discover something new. These are simply our top of mind places.
Food & Taverns
Paradisos, Elounda
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cWQKzeogPJex2KWZA
If we had to choose just one taverna in the area, this would be high on the list. Good food, a beautiful garden and a relaxed atmosphere. We have never left disappointed.
Gefsis, Lenika
https://maps.app.goo.gl/w2s3iej618PgtXKH7
Our recommendation when you don’t want to drive far. Nikos, Viola and their sons run the place. Many locals eat here, which is usually a good sign. Simple, authentic and only a few minutes from the house.
Blue Door, Plaka
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LErPeiYssBGyHbi7A
A lovely restaurant right by the water. It can be a little tricky to find the first time, but that’s part of its charm. Once you get there, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Agadakio Taverna, Kritsa
https://maps.app.goo.gl/r9dzf3SRzm58MiYTA
Our favourite reward after hiking through Kritsa Gorge. If you eat here, we recommend trying the “Agadakio”, the house speciality.
Hiking
Kritsa Gorge
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yg6qpfavT4qtMU4G8
One of the most beautiful gorges in the area. The first section requires a little climbing and scrambling. Nothing extreme, but good shoes help. During the summer months you will rarely have the gorge to yourself.
Oxia Mountain Trail
https://maps.app.goo.gl/iTV8DoSL1NYbsv7SA
You can start this hike directly from Ellinika. The view from the mountain is fantastic. The descent on the other side is less spectacular, but what wouldn’t you do for an alcohol-free beer in Elounda?
Adrianos Gorge
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tm5aYMwUhkmwtSv59
To be honest, we found the walk to the gorge more impressive than the gorge itself. Still a beautiful hike through a quiet part of Crete.
Richtis Gorge
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wX3Gc8rTSW3USyCaA
A bit further away, but definitely worth the trip. Green, shady and very different from the dry landscapes around Agios Nikolaos. Unfortunately it is not a circular walk.
History & Culture
Ancient Lato
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wff4b7KwXBeFDtW36
Crete has many archaeological sites. This is probably our favourite. If you visit in April or early May, the flowers and colours make it even more special.
Panagia Kera and a Hidden Secret
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ccoVfDGRctuvxsyS7
The church itself is famous for its beautiful Byzantine frescoes.
Across the road there is something else. We are not going to tell you exactly what it is. Most people in Kritsa don’t know it exists. We spent quite a while searching for it ourselves.
The clues are hidden in this video.
When we finally found it, it was almost at our feet.
Good luck.
Olous, the Sunken City
Many visitors walk right past it without noticing what they are standing on. Once you know the story of ancient Olous, the whole area becomes much more interesting.
Kremaston Monastery
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ksmzW4U24CEzfdBa6
There are monasteries everywhere on Crete. For some reason we keep returning to this one. Maybe you will understand why.
Beaches & Snorkelling
Voulisma Beach
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zB7gGzbZk9vFCEym9
Probably the most beautiful beach in the region. Unfortunately everyone else knows that too.
Kolokitha Beach
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jzu1MLMF5Xokaosq8
A little more hidden and one of our favourite places for swimming. The water is exactly what most people imagine when they think of Crete.
Havania Beach
https://maps.app.goo.gl/r4KkZ93EZyh7fkpb6
Our favourite snorkelling spot. Swim towards the rocks on the right-hand side. That’s where we saw the most fish.
Plaka Beach
https://maps.app.goo.gl/c6awkbw16Q725ySCA
People keep telling us this is an excellent snorkelling spot. We haven’t tried it ourselves yet.
Within Walking Distance
Sunset Viewpoint
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8nC4SWiW5xWhDgRAA
If you only do one short walk from the house, make it this one. Please close the gate when you leave.
The Abandoned Village
https://maps.app.goo.gl/T9EeyapLDBqvGBhG6
The path is a little thorny, but easy enough. We still have not discovered the full story behind this abandoned village. If you learn something, please tell us.
Aphrodite’s Sanctuary at Lenika
Not particularly impressive to look at. Historically fascinating. Sometimes the most important places are also the easiest to overlook. Just a short 15’ walk from the house.
If you discover a place that should be on this list, please let us know. We are still exploring ourselves.
Enjoy your stay
Iris & Heiner