Faestos, Gortys and Zaros

Crete is abound with history. Faestos was one of the Minoan palaces and is surrounded with history and other sites, such as Komos, and Agia Triada. Visit the roman reservoir at Zaros for a nice meal out by the lake followed by a walk up the Rouvas gorge past the St Nicholas monastery.

Faestos

One of the major Minoan palaces, the original site was built in about 2000bc, but was destroyed and rebuilt in 1600 bc, only to be destroyed again around 1450 bc, probably as a result of the eruption of Thira. Holding a commanding place on the hill overlooking the Messara valley, this was a centre of royalty, worship and administration. It is 3km east of Agia Triada, also worth visiting the same day, and as this is not a site frequented by tourists, less crowded than Faestos. Nearby also is Komos, as yet not open to the public, but it is possible to arrange a private viewing. Komos, Faestos and Agia Triada are about 30 minutes from Villa Eleni towards Mires. All 3 can be done in the same day, ending at the beach at Komos for a swim and ‘bunga-bunga’ !

Zaros

Zaros is the site of the Roman reservoirs that fed the city of Gortys. Only one remains now and is a great place to visit, have lunch and then do some walking in the Rouvas gorge beyond. You can also feed the trout! The site, and nearby, is also the home to fish farms and fresh Trout is available to buy. The Rouvas water factory is nearby. Also visit the church of St Nicholas, and take the opportunity to climb up the side of Psilotitis to admire the views to the south. From here is is also possible to drive (using a 4x4) to the Cretan Observatory. Zaros is about 1 hours drive to the east of Eleni. It can be visited from Alexander, but best done as a clockwise circumnavigate of Psiloritis taking the whole day, returning via the Amari valley, and its spectacular views, vineyards and walks.

Gortys

The Roman capital on Crete, Gortys is a very large area comprising of the excavated area open to the public, with the ‘Odeon’ and Doric laws, and the un-excavated ruins in the surrounding fields. The temple of Apollo is particularly interesting to visit as are the baths. In the main area is the 5th Centuary basilica dedicated to St Timothy (Titus), one of the oldest churches in Europe. Allow a couple of hours to fully appreciate the area. Also visit the church of Agia Decca nearby. A new museum opened in 2019 to display the finds from Gortys. Gortys is about 40 minutes from Villa Eleni towards Heraklion, just past Mires, and 1.5 hrs from Alexander.

Chania

and the west

Chania and the west are a days outing from both villas.

Samaria Gorge

The gorge of Samaria is situated in the National park of Samaria, in the White Mountains in West Crete, about 1 hour south of Chania. This impressive gorge is considered one of the great attractions of Crete and many tourists visit it. But you must realise that it is a long (5 to 7 hours) walk on rough terrain so you will need to have a certain degree of fitness and walking experience in order to enjoy it, and wear strong shoes. It is best visited by an organised trip by coach as the gorge is one way (down)!

Note that return from the gorge is by boat…do not miss this!

Samaria is about 3 hours from Eleni and about 2.5 hrs from Alexander. Trips can be organised via local travel agents.

Chania

Chania is said to be one of the oldest, still inhabited cities in the world. It may or may not be right but a fact is that Chania has been in existence for over 5000 years. It is now a large, noisy town but as soon as you get into the old town and walk its narrow streets and alleys the atmosphere changes and becomes charged with history. Most prominent are the Venetian buildings and fortifications as well as the covered market.

Chania also houses an Archaeological Museum and a Maritime Museum which are both worth a visit. The Venetian harbour is a delight, with many restaurants.

Chania offers good opportunities for shopping, nice cafés and lots of good restaurants. About 2 hours from both villas.

Falasarna

Falasarna (sometimes written as Phalasarna) is located on the West coast of Crete and, similarly to Elafonisi is popular with day trippers because of its stunning beaches and clear turquoise blue sea.

It consists of several sandy beaches of various length, all facing the West (which makes it a wonderful place to watch the sunset from). The sea is generally very clean and with lovely colours because of the sandy bottom. 

If you are interested in archaeology you can also visit the remains of the fortified Minoan harbour, dating back 3500 yrs. Because of an earthquake in 365 AD which caused an uplift of the West of Crete by about 10m, the harbour is now located 200m inland, and up a small hill. About 3 hours drive from both villas.

Ancient Minoan, Doric and Roman sites to visit

• Phaestos

• Agia Triada

• Eleftherna

• Gortys

• Komos

• Knossos

• Malia

• Zakros

• Sitia

• Zaros

• Loutro

• Falasarna

Information is available in the Villas on these sites.

In addition, take time to visit the

• Fortezza in Rethymno, and the Old Town

• Chania Harbour

• Amari valley

Dark skies

Dark skies

Crete is known for its magnificent dark skies. From both villas you get unrivalled views of the sky, which allowing for generous full moons, rival anywhere in the world.

Photo ISO 6400, 30 seconds 18mm lens.