{"id":1408,"date":"2026-06-04T15:34:56","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T13:34:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/?p=1408"},"modified":"2026-06-04T16:58:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T14:58:20","slug":"test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/de\/test\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Personal Recommendations Around Ellinika"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0755-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"mountain &amp; sea \" class=\"wp-image-1424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0755-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0755-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0755-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0755-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0755-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_0755-16x12.jpg 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Food &amp; Taverns<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Paradisos, Elounda<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/cWQKzeogPJex2KWZA\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/cWQKzeogPJex2KWZA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gefsis, Lenika<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/w2s3iej618PgtXKH7\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/w2s3iej618PgtXKH7<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our recommendation when you don&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blue Door, Plaka<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/LErPeiYssBGyHbi7A\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/LErPeiYssBGyHbi7A<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A lovely restaurant right by the water. It can be a little tricky to find the first time, but that&#8217;s part of its charm. Once you get there, you&#8217;ll be rewarded with beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Agadakio Taverna, Kritsa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/r9dzf3SRzm58MiYTA\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/r9dzf3SRzm58MiYTA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our favourite reward after hiking through Kritsa Gorge. If you eat here, we recommend trying the &#8220;Agadakio&#8221;, the house speciality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiking<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kritsa Gorge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Yg6qpfavT4qtMU4G8\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Yg6qpfavT4qtMU4G8<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oxia Mountain Trail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/iTV8DoSL1NYbsv7SA\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/iTV8DoSL1NYbsv7SA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&#8217;t you do for an alcohol-free beer in Elounda?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adrianos Gorge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/tm5aYMwUhkmwtSv59\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/tm5aYMwUhkmwtSv59<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Richtis Gorge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/wX3Gc8rTSW3USyCaA\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/wX3Gc8rTSW3USyCaA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">History &amp; Culture<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ancient Lato<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Wff4b7KwXBeFDtW36\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Wff4b7KwXBeFDtW36<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Panagia Kera and a Hidden Secret<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/ccoVfDGRctuvxsyS7\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/ccoVfDGRctuvxsyS7<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The church itself is famous for its beautiful Byzantine frescoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"A forgotten ruin near Kritsa.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xk8azeVNxI0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across the road there is something else. We are not going to tell you exactly what it is. Most people in Kritsa don&#8217;t know it exists. We spent quite a while searching for it ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The clues are hidden in this video. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we finally found it, it was almost at our feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good luck.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Olous, the Sunken City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-mountain-amp-sea wp-block-embed-mountain-amp-sea\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"bMlnxhZWOE\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/de\/olous-the-sunken-city-of-elounda\/\">Olous \u2013 The Sunken City of Elounda<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cOlous \u2013 The Sunken City of Elounda\u201d \u2014 Mountain &amp; Sea\" src=\"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/olous-the-sunken-city-of-elounda\/embed\/#?secret=BuXOu4Cx56#?secret=bMlnxhZWOE\" data-secret=\"bMlnxhZWOE\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kremaston Monastery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/ksmzW4U24CEzfdBa6\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/ksmzW4U24CEzfdBa6<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are monasteries everywhere on Crete. For some reason we keep returning to this one. Maybe you will understand why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beaches &amp; Snorkelling<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Voulisma Beach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/zB7gGzbZk9vFCEym9\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/zB7gGzbZk9vFCEym9<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Probably the most beautiful beach in the region. Unfortunately everyone else knows that too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kolokitha Beach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Jzu1MLMF5Xokaosq8\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Jzu1MLMF5Xokaosq8<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Havania Beach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/r4KkZ93EZyh7fkpb6\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/r4KkZ93EZyh7fkpb6<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our favourite snorkelling spot. Swim towards the rocks on the right-hand side. That&#8217;s where we saw the most fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plaka Beach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/c6awkbw16Q725ySCA\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/c6awkbw16Q725ySCA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People keep telling us this is an excellent snorkelling spot. We haven&#8217;t tried it ourselves yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Within Walking Distance<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sunset Viewpoint<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/8nC4SWiW5xWhDgRAA\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/8nC4SWiW5xWhDgRAA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you only do one short walk from the house, make it this one. Please close the gate when you leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Abandoned Village<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/T9EeyapLDBqvGBhG6\">https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/T9EeyapLDBqvGBhG6<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aphrodite&#8217;s Sanctuary at Lenika<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cretanbeaches.com\/en\/history-of-crete\/archaeological-sites-in-crete\/classical-and-greco-roman-era\/aphrodite%E2%80%99s-sanctuary-lenika\">https:\/\/www.cretanbeaches.com\/en\/history-of-crete\/archaeological-sites-in-crete\/classical-and-greco-roman-era\/aphrodite%E2%80%99s-sanctuary-lenika<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not particularly impressive to look at. Historically fascinating. Sometimes the most important places are also the easiest to overlook. Just a short 15\u2019 walk from the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you discover a place that should be on this list, please let us know. We are still exploring ourselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enjoy your stay<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Iris &amp; Heiner<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 &amp; 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, [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1408","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1408","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1408"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1408\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1425,"href":"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1408\/revisions\/1425"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1408"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1408"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mountainandsea.house\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1408"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}