86 listings found

Martsalos

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Secluded beach in the Asterousia Mountains of Crete, accessible via a scenic gorge hike. The beach features pebbles, calm waters, and historical significance.

Afrathias

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Aftathias Beach, Crete: A unique blend of pebbles, coarse sand, and tranquil waters, nestled near a river and a military airport. A haven for families and nature lovers.

Kaloi Limenes beach

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Kaloi Limenes, in Heraklion, Crete, is a coastal settlement with a natural harbor. The area is known for its rugged beauty and proximity to Lentas and the ancient city of Lasaia. A small islet named "Apostolos Pavlos" is located in the harbor and a nearby church is dedicated to Apostle Paul. The name Kaloi Limenes appears in the Acts of the Apostles and is associated with Apostle Paul's journey. During the Venetian era, it was known for smuggling activities.

Festos (Phaistos)

Category: Archaeological site, Areas of Interest
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Phaistos, a significant Minoan city in Crete, second in importance to Knossos, located in the Messara Plain. It dates back to 4000 BCE with a palace built in 1900-1700 BCE. The city was destroyed by an earthquake around 1700 BCE and rebuilt with a larger palace. Phaistos had connections with Knossos, Hagia Triada, and Gortyn. Important findings include the Phaistos Disk, Kamares Ware, and architectural remains. After a decline, Phaistos was reoccupied in the Hellenistic period (c. 323-67 BCE) until conquered by Gortyn.

Mana Elia, ancient olive tree

Category: Areas of Interest, Environmental POIs
Region: Festos, Heraklion
The Monumental Olive Tree, or “Mana Elia,” is a 2,800-year-old olive tree located in Kamilari, Crete. It has been designated a natural monument due to its size and historical significance. The tree has a base perimeter of 9.5 meters and its trunk is marked by age. The Kamilari Cultural Association has placed twelve large stones around the tree for protection. Eight of the stones are carved with the double axe symbol associated with the Minoan civilization. Mana Elia is near the Kamilari Tholos Tomb and the Minoan Palace of Phaistos. It is a “Thrombolia” variety olive, locally called “Hontrolia,” grafted onto a wild olive rootstock. This grafting technique ensures the tree’s continued health. Mana Elia is a popular tourist attraction and represents Crete’s history of olive cultivation. It is valued for its historical and cultural significance.

Tholos Tomb of Kamilari

Category: Archaeological site, Areas of Interest
Region: Festos, Heraklion
The Tholos Tomb of Kamilari, located on a coastal hill near Phaistos in Crete, is the largest and most well-preserved Minoan tholos tomb. Constructed around 1900 BC, it offers valuable insights into Minoan funerary practices. The tomb's proximity to Agia Triada and Phaistos suggests a connection to the elites of these settlements. The Kamilari cemetery includes three tholos tombs, with Tholos A being the most preserved, featuring a circular chamber, external rooms, and an open-air courtyard. Tholos B and C are partially preserved, with Tholos C repurposed as a shrine dedicated to Demeter and Kore. A research project is underway to study the cemetery, including its stratigraphy, artifacts, and human remains. The project aims to understand the changing mortuary behavior and social choices of the communities who used the cemetery over centuries.

Agiofarago Gorge and Beach

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Agiofarago Gorge in Crete offers a stunning hike with steep cliffs and caves. The beach boasts fine pebbles and clear blue water.

Studio Keramos

Category: Accommodation, Apartments
Region: Festos, Heraklion
KERAMOS Studios is a beautiful traditional guesthouse located at the heart of Zaros, a picturesque traditional village, 45 km from Heraklion at the plain of Mount Psiloritis, blessed with natural […]

Nana Apartments

Category: Accommodation, Apartments
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Nana Apartments consists of five apartments. They can accommodate up to five guests. We want to offer our guests a comfortable stay in Nana, and we made sure that our […]

Safikala

Category: Local products, Shopping
Region: Festos, Heraklion
SAFI kala: “Everything’s Well!” ln the old Cretan dialect, “Safi kala” (Σαφή καλά) was the answer given to the question “how are you?” when everything was well. When the economic […]

Agia Triada

Category: Archaeological site, Areas of Interest
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Agia Triada, in Crete's Messara Plain, presents a Minoan settlement with a notable Royal Villa, smaller than Knossos or Phaistos, but showcasing Minoan architecture. The site's history spans from Early Minoan to Postpalatial, with Mycenaean influence after 1450 BC. Discoveries include Linear A tablets, the Hagia Triada sarcophagus, Chieftain's Cup, and Boxer Rhyton, highlighting administrative and funerary practices. Burial sites range from tholos to chamber tombs, reflecting cultural evolution. A tripartite shrine indicates religious significance. The site's layers reveal Minoan daily life, economic functions, and interactions with the broader Mediterranean world, with artifacts exhibited in the Messara Museum.

Kalamaki Irini apartments

Category: Accommodation, Apartments
Region: Festos, Heraklion
The studios-apartments “Irini” in Kalamaki, Heraklion, Crete are ideal for rest and relaxation. They are equiped with kitchen, kitchen utensils, hobs, electric oven, refrigerator, air-condition, WI-FI, bathroom, towels, sheets, hairdryer […]

Plaka Kamilari apartments

Category: Accommodation, Apartments
Region: Festos, Heraklion
The apartments PLAKA are quietly situated, at the edge of the village of Kamilari, in southern Crete. Each of the 4 apartments provides a beautiful view on the Libyan Sea, the Idi-mountains and […]

Matala

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
A seaside haven on Crete's south coast, blends ancient history, hippie legacy, and beach paradise. The caves, once home to prehistoric and Roman dwellers, later embraced a bohemian spirit.

Kalamaki

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Kalamaki Beach, located on Crete's south coast near Kamilari, is a long stretch of golden sand facing Messara Gulf and Paximadia islets. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, the beach offers both organized areas with sunbeds and umbrellas, and secluded natural spots. However, the seabed composition can create strong winds, waves, and currents, requiring caution for young children and weak swimmers. While Kalamaki caters to various preferences, the southeast end transitions into the naturist-friendly Kommos Beach.

Kommos beach

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Kommos Beach, Crete: Sheltered golden sands, calm waters, and ancient Minoan ruins. A haven for families and those seeking tranquility.

Chrisostomos beach

Category: Areas of Interest, Beach
Region: Festos, Heraklion
Chrysostomos Beach, Crete, is a tranquil escape with coarse sand, clear waters, and historical remnants of the ancient city of Lasaia.

Milonas home

Category: Accommodation, Apartments
Region: Festos, Heraklion
This new apartment lies in the center of the village Kamilari. The apartment consists of a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and a large balcony with a jacuzzi. The living […]