CHANIA
It is a reference point for all visitors to Chania, as it manages to satisfy the choices and preferences of even the most "difficult".
A timeless symbol of the Port, the Egyptian Lighthouse (built during the Venetian period), which you can gaze at for hours thanks to the view provided by all the shops along the Port, such as cafés, restaurants with delicious dishes, gourmet or traditional bars. etc.
All this in combination with the sea breeze and the romance of the old buildings in the surrounding streets invite you to enjoy the most authentic atmosphere of Chania!
Stavros is located in the area of Akrotiri, about 15 km east of the city of Chania. Stavros has two beaches. Both beaches have crystal clear blue-green waters with the east being ideal for children, as it has shallow waters and is well protected from bad weather.
The west beach is slightly quieter and is a great choice. Do not leave unless you take a walk on the small peninsula that separates the two beaches, as it houses the ruins of the Venetian quarry from which the limestone was mined for the construction of the walls of the city of Chania.
In 1964 Anthony Quinn and the Oscar-winning film Zorbas the Greek Quiet Fishing Village were used to shoot the film. If you try to follow the path that leads to the top of this rock, then you will discover the village cave and enjoy a unique panoramic view.
One of the closest destinations is the village of Theriso, which is located 12 km from the center of Chania.
During the route you will pass between tall plane trees and you will admire the green landscape in Therissianos gorge, with the imposing rocks and the river Kladisos flowing next to it.
The village is located at an altitude of 580 m., With the White Mountains rising arrogantly just above it. Therissos is famous for its rich history, as it was a base for the fighters of the Revolution of 1821.
Therissos is famous for its traditional taverns that serve juicy meat and traditional Cretan dishes, such as gamopilafo, sausage with staka, antikristo and apaki.
Lake Kournas in Apokoronas is the most "alternative" beach! It is located about 45 km from the city, and is the only natural freshwater lake in Crete.
As its waters recede slightly in summer, various small sandy beaches are formed on the banks, which. Facilitate diving.
There are umbrellas and sunbeds available, cafes, but also the possibility of renting a pedal boat, to take an enjoyable ride on the green lake and admire the unique landscape.
One of the largest beaches in the prefecture.
A verdant landscape, thick, blond sand and deep blue sea as far as the eye can see.
It is worth staying on the beach to the west, to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in Greece, where the sun "dives" in the water right in front of the horizon.
On the way back, we have food options in the traditional villages of Chania. Especially if we want to get to know the Cretan cuisine with its special delicacies!
The lagoon of Elafonisos is located 82 km southwest of Chania and is one of the famous beaches of Crete.
The name is normally Lafonisi and not Elafonisi. There were never deer in the area, but it got its name from the loot hidden by pirates. It is an elongated peninsula, which often gives the feeling of a separate island.
You can cross as the water reaches the knees. If you cross the island, there are no umbrellas, as the island is protected (Natura 2000). The fragile cedars and the sand lily thrive in the area. Also, in the area, the rare loggerhead turtles lay their eggs.
The Botanical Park & Garden is located 18 km from the city of Chania, just after the village of Fournes. It is an earthly paradise, created by the Marinakis brothers, in a location that had been hit by a sad fire in 2003. In the middle of the colorful landscape is a burnt centuries-old olive tree, in memory of the catastrophic fire.
The area of the park is about 200 crowns and is the only park-garden in Europe which has the largest biodiversity with 150 different species of fruit trees from around the world with hundreds of varieties of them, dozens of different herbs-spices, medicinal and ornamental plants. The Botanical Park & Garden of Crete is one of the ten best botanical gardens in the world, according to the Guardian newspaper.
The tour of the park takes about 2 hours, and the visitor following the path of incredible natural beauty with special signs, you will get to know the many trees and plants that thrive. At the bottom of the park, there is a lake which offers home and protection to ducks, geese and other waterfowl. At any time of the year, and if the visitor chooses to walk the park he will be enchanted by the colors, the aromas and the variety of species. You will enjoy all stages of the life cycle of flowers, plants and trees, as well as the various species of flora and fauna that attract each season.
The Botanical Park and Garden of Crete, has a restaurant which has been certified with the "quality mark of Cretan cuisine". The visitor can taste authentic local flavors with fresh products from the vegetable garden, herbs and fruits of the park, enjoying the hospitality and the magnificent view of the green landscape.
THODOROU ISLAND
Theodorou island is rocky, has an area of 697 acres, while its maximum length reaches 3800m. Apart from the big island, there is a big rock next to it, the island of Glaraki. On the south side of the island, there is a very large arched cave, which makes the island from the opposite shore resemble a monster that has its mouth open.
The island, despite its size, has a rich history and legends to tell. Over the centuries many names have changed. In order to protect the Cretan Goat (Kri-kri), the state declared Theodorou a protected area and several animals were transported there so that they could breed away from poachers and other dangers, while forbidding any human presence and activity on the island except feast of Agios Theodoros, when the islet is accessible, only for this day (June 8).
The first pair of chamois was transported there from the gorge of Samaria in 1935 and today it is estimated that about 80 chamois live on the island, and are guarded by a special guard. It should be noted that Theodorou is a place where many wild animals find shelter, including mammals and migratory birds.