Chania is the second biggest city of Crete. It has a population of about 70,000. The town lies about 160 kilometers west of Heraklion on the northern coast of the island. Chania is without doubt the most beautiful city on the island. During the Neolithic and Minoan period, the place where Chania lies was inhabited. At that time, the city was called Kydonia. Kydonia was an important center in the Minoan civilization. Also during the Roman period Kydonia was important. In the year 828 Kydonia was destroyed by the Saracens. During the Byzantine period Kydonia became less important quickly. The Venetians preferred Kastelli above Kydonia. In 1645 Chania was occupied by the Turks after a two-month battle. In the year 1850 they made Chania the capital of the whole island. This remained until in 1971 the more centrally located Heraklion became the capital.
Chania is a beautiful and authentic city. Many buildings from different construction periods are preserved. There are beautiful buildings, parks and squares. Throughout the old center Venetian, Turkish and Jewish neighborhoods can be found, which all have their own atmosphere. One of the main buildings, is the building which currently houses the archaeological museum of the city. This is the Venetian church of Agios Frankiskos. You will find many old Turkish and Venetian buildings in the old port also. The Venetian lighthouse catches the eye. Fort Firkas, which was built in 1629, currently houses the maritime museum of the city. You can also find the residence of former president Eleftherios Venizelos in the city. In addition, there are dozens of other old buildings and monuments to admire.
It will take about 1.5 hours to get to the harbour area of Chania from the villa (if you dont get lost!).
Knossos ancient site
On the Kefali Hill, 8 km south of Heraklion, stand the excavations of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, one of the most important cultural centres of the pre-historic world. King Minos, the son of Zeus, ruled here according to mythology. It was also here that Theseus, son of the King of Athens, escaped from the labyrinth and the Minotaur with help of a thread given to him by Ariadne.
The Minoan palace was first built 2000 BC on the ruins of a Stone Age settlement and covered an area of 20,000 sq m. With over 1000 rooms and up to four storeys this was by far the largest of the Minoan palaces on Crete. An earthquake destroyed the palace around 1700 BC. On top of these ruins another palace was built, even more splendid and larger than the last. However in 1450 BC the palace and the rest of the Minoan culture on Crete was damaged in connection with the volcanic eruption on Santorini. After this Knossos was settled and ruled over by the Mycenaeans until it was finally destroyed by a fire in 1400 BC and never rebuilt.
The palaces were surrounded by magnificent villas and a wide spread community. They were not only the seat of kings but also seat of administration and justice. There were also huge sacred shrines, which were the centre of religious life of the Minoans as the many finds have shown.
In 1894 the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans bought the land and began excavating the site in March 1900. In 1906 the ruins of the impressive, splendid palace came to light. The necessary reconstruction and conservation work continued until 1936. The reconstruction is controversial but has helped countless people to better understand and recognise the splendour of the palace.
It will take about 1h30 mins to get to Knossos from the villa going through Mires, a distance of approximately 80km.
Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe and with a length of 18 km is the main attraction for hiking fans. The entrance of the gorge is at the end of the Omalos Plateau at Xiloskalo (wooden steps) at a height 1300 m and surrounded by the many enormous peaks of the Omalos Plateau (White Mountains). The width of the gorge varies between 3.5 and 300 m.
The plant world of the gorge portrays a wonder of nature. Flowers, bushes and trees grow in the most unbelievable places, as if they are suspended in the air. There is also animal life in the gorge. In particular the Cretan wild goat the "Kri-Kri", which is threatened by extinction, is at home here. Other small animals can be found, mostly rabbits but also partridges. From the birds it is mostly the eagle and falcon, which have made their homes in the Samaria Gorge.
In order to save this unique flora and fauna, the whole valley, from the entrance down to the village of Omalos Plateau, was declared a national park in 1962. About half way down the gorge is the former settlement of Samaria from where the last inhabitants then had to move to Agia Roumeli. Some of the old houses were renovated and serve as first aid and information centre, as well as accommodation for the workers in the national park.
Every year this gorge is visited and crossed by thousands of visitors. The way through the gorge is well marked and signposted and has several fresh water springs along the way. At the beginning there is a strenuous one-hour descent via hundreds of steps down into the gorge. Please be warned, this is very strenuous on the legs and knees and the wearing of very good shoes is highly recommended. After the "iron gate", the narrowest part of the gorge, the way opens out unexpectedly into the burning sunshine and leads down to Agia Roumeli. In Agia Roumeli there are several taverns and mini markets as well as some hotels.
The gorge is closed from the end of October till the beginning of May because of rainfall and melting snow, which create a fast flowing river in the bed of the gorge. Falling rocks are also a danger at this time.
Best book an organised trip with a coach company. Try Cretan Holidays for this. The trip to the gorge is about 2 hours, and 6-7 hours to walk the gorge. The trip back will take approximately 3 hours inc the boat trip from Roumeli. NOTE - you cannot walk up the gorge, only down.
Imbros gorge
The Imbros gorge is a 7 kilometer long valley between the mountains village Imbros and the village Komitades, which lies close to the Libyan Sea. Like the larger and more common Samaria Gorge (above) the Imbros gorge was created by a river cutting a path through the rocks. The gorge is located about 60 kilometers southwest of Chania and not too far from Ag Galini. Compared with the 16 kilometer long Samaria gorge the Imbros gorge is a lot shorter. In the tourist season, however, the Imbros gorge is a lot less busy.
Frankokastello beach and fort
Frangokastello has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The water is crystal clear and there are excellent areas for snorkeling along the coast. Most of the beaches are fairly secluded, you will only find more "crowded" beaches in the surrounding area of the castle. It is quite a long journey along some very (VERY) hairy roads (!) and will take about 1.5 hours to get there, but well worth it!
Lasithi plateau and cave of Zeus
Lasithi Plateau is well known for the thousands of white sailed windmills, 10 000 in all.
Lasithi windmill Lasithi Plateau Lasithi Plateau in the past This is how the plain used to be irrigated, a scenic way of supplying water designed by Venetian engineers in 1464. Although very few windmills are in use today, it still makes a splendid sight against the mountains. Winter months can be very cold, and there is often snow in the plain and the mountains until well into the month of April.
Minoan remains have been found here, indicating that the area has been inhabited since ancient times. The village was built in the 15th century and its history is intimately linked with that of the plateau.
In the surrounding countryside there are several caves of archaeological interest, one of which is the Trapeza cave, east of the village at a height of 90 meters above the plain. Dictaion Andron is the birthplace of Zeus according to Greek Mythology. The cave only rediscovered in 1880, contained relics from middle Minoan up to archaic times.
Malia ancient site
The Palace of Malia is situated on the North coast of Crete, East of Heraklion. To the south lie the Lasithi mountains. At 7,500 square metres, it is the third largest of the Minoan palaces. The Minoan name for the Palace is not known and it takes its name from a local town. The first habitation in the area probably dates from EM II and there is evidence to be found all over the palace site and in the town to the north. The town itself probably was not founded until much later.
The first palace to be constructed on the site was built around 1900 BCE. Little is known of this palace though some finds from the Old Palace period attest to the wealth of the Old Palace at Malia. This palace was later destroyed, probably by an earthquake.
The second palace, the ruins of which we see today, was built about 1650 BCE and is similar to the old one. The second palace was destroyed around 1450 BCE, along with the other Minoan sites in Crete.
Malia is the night-life capital of Crete. It is about 2 hours away from the villa.
Boat day-trips
From Agia Galini you can take boat trips to other parts of the island or even to see the dolphins and islands of Paximadia! Book the day trips at the harbour in Ag Galini. Most start about 09.00 and are full days.
Chania is the second biggest city of Crete. It has a population of about 70,000. The town lies about 160 kilometers west of Heraklion on the northern coast of the island. Chania is without doubt the most beautiful city on the island. During the Neolithic and Minoan period, the place where Chania lies was inhabited. At that time, the city was called Kydonia. Kydonia was an important center in the Minoan civilization. Also during the Roman period Kydonia was important. In the year 828 Kydonia was destroyed by the Saracens. During the Byzantine period Kydonia became less important quickly. The Venetians preferred Kastelli above Kydonia. In 1645 Chania was occupied by the Turks after a two-month battle. In the year 1850 they made Chania the capital of the whole island. This remained until in 1971 the more centrally located Heraklion became the capital. 
The Minoan palace was first built 2000 BC on the ruins of a Stone Age settlement and covered an area of 20,000 sq m. With over 1000 rooms and up to four storeys this was by far the largest of the Minoan palaces on Crete. An earthquake destroyed the palace around 1700 BC. On top of these ruins another palace was built, even more splendid and larger than the last. However in 1450 BC the palace and the rest of the Minoan culture on Crete was damaged in connection with the volcanic eruption on Santorini. After this Knossos was settled and ruled over by the Mycenaeans until it was finally destroyed by a fire in 1400 BC and never rebuilt.
In 1894 the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans bought the land and began excavating the site in March 1900. In 1906 the ruins of the impressive, splendid palace came to light. The necessary reconstruction and conservation work continued until 1936. The reconstruction is controversial but has helped countless people to better understand and recognise the splendour of the palace.
In order to save this unique flora and fauna, the whole valley, from the entrance down to the village of Omalos Plateau, was declared a national park in 1962. About half way down the gorge is the former settlement of Samaria from where the last inhabitants then had to move to Agia Roumeli. Some of the old houses were renovated and serve as first aid and information centre, as well as accommodation for the workers in the national park.
Frangokastello has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The water is crystal clear and there are excellent areas for snorkeling along the coast. Most of the beaches are fairly secluded, you will only find more "crowded" beaches in the surrounding area of the castle. It is quite a long journey along some very (VERY) hairy roads (!) and will take about 1.5 hours to get there, but well worth it!
Lasithi Plateau is well known for the thousands of white sailed windmills, 10 000 in all. 
The Palace of Malia is situated on the North coast of Crete, East of Heraklion. To the south lie the Lasithi mountains. At 7,500 square metres, it is the third largest of the Minoan palaces. The Minoan name for the Palace is not known and it takes its name from a local town. The first habitation in the area probably dates from EM II and there is evidence to be found all over the palace site and in the town to the north. The town itself probably was not founded until much later. 
