Elafonisi is a small island in the south-west coast of Chania, 75km away from the town. This small island with the white sand, is separated from land by a lagoon only 1 meter deep.
The sand in Elafonisi has a white-rose color, due to the millions of broken shells it contains. The water is like crystal, with blue-green hue, creating the impression of a small paradise.
Fragkokastello is one of the most well-known beaches of Crete. It lays 80km south of Chania, and 13km far from Sfakia. It is known for the Venetian fort overseeing the area, in close proximity to the beach.
The sand of the beach in Fragkokastello is thick and golden, which in combination with the crystal clear, shallow water make it an ideal destination for both individuals and families with little children.
The Venetian Harbor of Rethymnon, next to the modern harbor of the city, with the Egyptian lighthouse is one of the most picturesque areas of the old town. It begun operating in the Byzantine period (after 961), but flourished during the Venetian period.
It is one of the most striking sceneries you can see in the town of Rethymnon and you can combine it with eating at one of the several seaside taverns. The town of Rethymnon is only 50km east of Chania.
The centre of Minoan civilisation and capital of Minoan Crete lay 5km south of Heraklion. Knossos flourished for approximately two thousand years. It had large palace buildings, extensive workshop installations and luxurious rock-cut cave and tholos tombs. As a major centre of trade and the economy, Knossos maintained ties with the majority of cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Minoan palace is the main site of interest at Knossos, an important city in antiquity, which was inhabited continuously from the Neolithic period until the 5th c. AD. The palace was built on the Kephala hill and had easy access to the sea and the Cretan interior.
According to tradition, it was the seat of the wise king Minos. The Palace of Knossos is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Knossos is located approximately 150km from Chania, near the town of Heraklion.
Elounda is a collection of three villages, Ano (upper) and Kato (lower) Elounda sitting above the port, Skisma, nestled at the head of the bay of Elounda with a view of the beautiful Venetian castle on the island of Kalydon, the famous “Spinalonga”. Since ancient times, this island was site to a fortress that protected the port of Olous from marauding pirates, while in the 20th century it was used for the exile of patients suffering from Hansen’s disease (leprosy).
Nowadays, it is a remarkable site where little boats will take you to throughout the season. Opposite the island is Plaka, a fishing village with traditional seaside homes and openings that play stage every summer to the “Plakiana” traditional music festival, and whose tavernas serve the freshest fish throughout the year.
