Adjust your vacations
Visit rich natural landscapes, as well as and entertainment destinations
Red beach
The Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos) is located at location Moudia, 68km southwest of Heraklion and just 800m south of Matala famous resort. To get here you have to walk a trail that begins north of the settlement of Matala and crosses the hill Kastri north of Matala. There are some signs showing the way, so don’t worry about getting lost. In the beginning of the route you have to climb some rocks and in the final meters you have to descend a steep cliff, but it’s not particularly difficult. After walking 15-25 minutes from Matala and after passing a shepherd’s door you will see the magnificent Red Beach from above. The view from the hill is great and is an ideal place for watching the sunset. Alternatively, if you do not want to hike, you can catch a boat from the Matala harbor.
Vathi beach
Vathi is a spectacular beach located 79km and 17km southwest of Heraklion and the village Sivas, respectively. Situated very close to the southernmost point of Crete, Cape Lithino, and far away from urban centers, Vathi is an ideal destination for anyone seeking for the ultimate relaxation. The beach is shaped at the exit of a small gorge, surrounded by long cliffs. The circular bight of the bay conceals it from the open sea, making Vathy a natural hideout, the legend says that pirates used it as their anchorage. The well-protected beach has almost always calm waters, although the surrounding beaches can be very wavy. The only wind that causes a storm in the area is form southwest directions.
Kali Limenes
Kali Limenes (i.e. Good Ports) is located 75km southwest of Heraklion and is the largest seaside village in Asterousia Mountains. It is one of the very few coastal areas of Asterousia, where you can get through asphalt road. To get here, you have to drive from village Pompia, in Messara Plane and follow the road to village Pigaidakia. The road is quite narrow and has several sharp turns, but is surely worth the effort. There’s also a dirt road that heads to Kali Limenes from the Monastery of Odigitria that can be combined with a visit to the beach Agiofarago.
Lassea beach
Chrysostomos is a small seaside settlement, located located 75km south of Heraklion and 3km east of Kali Limenes. The village is slighly developed with a few taverns, mini market and rooms to let. It is named after the ruined church of Saint John Chrysostomos located on the east of the dorp. Chrysostomos is built on the site of the ancient city Lassea, that was visited by Saint Paul, during his stay on Crete. Lassea was a harbor of the Roman city Gortys, the capital of Crete and Libya in Roman Era. Lasea was rich in copper deposits.
Maha
About 1km east of Chrysostomos settlement we meet the amazing beaches of Maha. The first beach is rocky and is mainly used as harbor. It is not organized but there are some rooms and a tavern nearby, from where a road leads to the beach. From the beach, if you follow the dirt road running along the beach (to the east), you will reach after 100m another amazing beach. This beach has fine pebbles and crystal deep blue water. There are no trees around, but you can find shade under the cave that is on the east side of the beach. Camping is not allowed here, as there are relevant signs around.
Krigi
West of Platia Peramata village, there is another smaller settlement called Krigioi. In front of Krigi, there is a small cove with fine pebble and crystal clear water. Krigi beach is ideal for seclusion, snorkeling and fishing. West of Krigi, you’ll reach another pebbly remote beach. Some more meters on the west you’ll find the three consecutive beaches of Kokkines Plakes (i.e. Red Rocks), named after the reddish rocks around and is accessed mainly through sea.
Psili Ammos
East of the village Platia Peramata you will firstly meet the longest beach of the area called Psili Ammos, which is totally isolated and very beautiful. The beach is not very suitable for camping, as there is no shade from trees. However, at the east end there are large white rocks, called Asproharaki, which offer shade to their lucky “occupiers”. This beach came into foreground in the winter of 2010, when a storm beached a large Russian oil tanker. Fortunately nobody was in danger and no pollution was caused.
Lendas
Lendas is a remote coastal village located 74km south of Heraklion, on the southern slopes of the imposing Asterousia Mountains. It is a tourist resort, mildly developed, offering very relaxing holidays. Lendas can be accessed from Agii Deka, close to Mires town, via the village of Miamou, through a narrow paved road. This road crosses the rugged mountains and descends from an altitude of about 1000m to Lendas (sea surface) in a route that offers breathtaking views over the sea of Lendas.
Agiofarago
The beach of Agiofarago is located about 80km south of Heraklion city, at the exit of the Gorge Agiofarago. To get there you must either cross the gorge, by easy hiking of about 25-50’, or catch a boat from Matala, Agia Galini, Kokkinos Pirgos or Kali Limenes. We definitely recommend the first option, as the route within the vertical walls of the gorge is breathtaking. On the way you will see the large caves were some hermits from Odigitria monastery still live and the chapel of St. Anthony with a small well with brackish water. The beach at the exit of the gorge is stunning, with fine pebbles and clear blue water, which is usually calm. West of the beach a beautiful rocky arch is formed, beneath which you can swim. Vertical cliffs surround the beach. Naturiism should be avoided here, as the wider area is one of the most religious places of Crete.
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Our villa has elements of all these different interests that will ensure you a comfortable and creative stay.