Cities

The Early Christian Basilica on the hill Kastri, above the port of Hersonissos, was one of the largest in Crete (dates back in 5th century). It was three-aisled and its floors were covered with wonderful mosaics.

The village Charakas took its name after a large rock (charakas in Cretan dialect) on which we still see the ruins of the small Venetian fort and the church of the Transfiguration, which was restored recently. The fort consists of three rooms in which the floor is carved into the rock and covered with plaster.

Next to the lush green Springs of Ano Zakros one can visit the Museum of Water and Hydraulic housed in three restored watermills since 2007.

The part of the E4 trail that starts from Margarites and finishes at Houmeri is mostly along the main road connecting the villages of the area (Pigouniana, Orthes, Kalandare, Kalamas, Pasalites). The highlights of the route include the ceramic centre of Margarites village, the well preserved samples of the tradional house architecture and some important churches.

A very demanding trail due to very high slope is the old mule track that once linked the picturesque harbor of Loutro with the town of Anopolis. It can, however, be much easier if you start from Anopolis and go down to Loutro. In any case the panoramic view to the sea and to Loutro is breathtaking.

This part of the E4 European Long Distance trail connects Nida plateau to the the church of Agios Ioannis in the core of Rouvas Wood. It offers amazing views to the largest oak wood in Crete and is usually combined with the descending the amazing gorge of Gafaris, also a E4 part, which is the most important canyon in Heraklion prefecture.

This trail starts from Agouseliana, comes north of the villages Katsogrida and Atsipades, passes through Koxare, meets the upper entrance of Kourtaliotiko Gorge, crosses Mixorouma and Dariviana, and stops at Spili. It is very easy, as it is mostly on paved and unpaved roads.

Perastikos has a large quantity of water although it is formed very close to the shore. Along its short, 50m-long course, it forms a very important wetland that hosts several bird species. Near its source, there is a bridge connecting both sides of the beach.