The island of Imeri Gramvousa is located opposite the imposing Cape of Gramvousa and 2 miles northwest of the famous lagoon of Balos. Gramvousa is famous for its historical Venetian fortress, built in 1579-84, at a height of 137 meters above the natural harbor of the island
Gramvousa in ancient times was called Korykos.The name “Gramvousa’ was given after the Venetian word Garabuse.
Here you can visit the castle and the ship wreck.
The famous lagoon of Balos worldwide known for its awarded blue lagoon.
Is the most photographed beach of Crete because of its white and pink sand, given by the billions of broken shells. The icon of the turquoise colored water is really exotic.
The islet is situated just opposite the famous beach of Platania.
At the moment is a refuge for the protected and unique in the world Cretan wild goat Capra Aegagrus Cretica, “agrimi” or “kri-kri”.
In the southern part of the island, there is a large arched cave, which makes the island from fa,r look like a monster with open mouth..
The myth says that the islet was a big bear with her baby that was petrified to the islet, after the prayers of the habitants to St George.
Menies or Diktynna is located on the northeast shores of Peninsula Rodopos . It is a lovely secluded beach with deep crystal blue waters.
Menies is located on the site of ancient Diktynna. It was the most important temple of the goddess Vritomartis (the Cretan version of goddess Artemis).
Between Menies and Afrata we meet several small bays accessible by boat. One of the nicest is Heronissia.
Starting from the town of Paleochora and heading east, we will see the wild coast of southern Crete, the habitat of the unique wild goat Agrimi (kri-kri) and after seven miles we will meet the ancient Syia and closeby the village of Sougia.
Following the coast we will find the village of Ag. Roumeli which is the situated at the exit of the famous Samaria Gorge.
As we proceed the stunning view of the White Mountains will conmpensate our quite long trip to the final destination which is the picturesque village of Loutro.
At the end of the day we go back to Paleochora.
This excursion starts from Marathi which hosts two beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow calm waters.
Following the coast our next stop is the Seitan Limania. Here are situated three parallel narrow coves, well protected from the waves. In the northern and bigger cove a tiny fantastic beach is shaped, with deep azure waters. On the right and the left sides of the cove, huge marble rocks are standing high to protect the beach from the bad weather.
We continue heading north, we will find a tiny cove called Agiou Avlaki,named after Saint John’s monastery which is situated at the start of the gorge.
After that we will see in front of us a rocky formation that forms a big rocky arch called camarilla.
Visit Stavros gulf where the famous film Zorbas the Greek was filmed.
Return to Marathi.