Lefka - Crete

Explore the real Cretan life – past and present.

Beautiful beaches

Falasarna on the west coast – long sandy beaches with tavernas and an interesting archeological site still being excavated.

Balos - a beautiful lagoon with white sandy beach at the end of the Gramvousa peninsula which can be reached by car or boat trips from Kastelli port.

Elafonissi on the south west tip of the island – beautiful sandy beach and you can walk along the sandbar to a small islet. Nearby is the Kerdrodasos beach where there is a protected cedar forest of about 110 acres.

Paleochora – a village on the south coast with more beautiful beaches. Busy during the summer season reached by car, bus or ferry boat connecting with other villages on south coast.

Historical monasteries and churches

Gonia – situated in Kolimbari, built between 1618 – 34. A small museum. It has many stories to tell. Some Greek Orthodox priests still live here.

Chrisoskalitsa Monastery– built on a steep rock on the way to Elafonisi - 99 steps to climb but can you find the golden step ?

Rotunda church – Byzantine with beautiful frescoes

Gorges

There are many running between the north and south coast.

Katsomatodo Gorge and Topolia – a very scenic drive or walk through the gorge below about 4 kilometres.

Samaria Gorge – well known. It is 18km through the gorge to the village of Agia Roumeli on south coast. Open May to October but dependent on the weather. A long hot rocky walk but spectacular scenery.

Caves

Agia Sofia – a large cave reached after a steep climb up from the Topolia road.

Saint John the Hermit cave - is found just past the small village of Spilia (cave)

Archeological sites

Falassarna – still being excavated little by little

Polyrinnia - with Roman aqueduct and a walk up to the ruins of the Acropolis.

Kastelli Kissamos and Chania - many digs in progress.

Knossos – the famous site and museum about 2 hours drive from Kolimbari.

Ask at the hotel for more information.