Nature

Astrakiano and Kounaviano canyons are two lush green gorges by Heraklion that merge near the village Skalani and carry on their united course till Karteros. The total length of the two canyons is about 21 km.

Deliana – Mesavlia Gorge is located 37km west of Chania. Starting from the village Mesavlia it descends to the village Deliana after 5km. Walking in the gorge is very easy (takes about one hour) and is suggested even for children, as it runs along a dirt road.

The beach of Kamari is located about 7km west of Rethymnon, near the village Gerani, at the exit of Vederi Gorge. The highway connecting Chania and Rethymnon runs along the shore and above the bridge of Gerani, next to the beach.

Tzanis Cave or Katavothra or Chonos, is located in Omalos Plateau in Chania. It reaches a length of 2500m and a depth of 280m. The cave has raised the interest of foreign tourists since 1865. Since 1961 caver groups of different nationalities explore the cave. Tzanis is accessible, but is not organized for tourists.

The beach Lavrakas is located about 2km west of Agiannis, near the northern edge of Gavdos. Lavrakas can be accessed by walking 20'-30' Agiannis, where you can go by bus. Lavrakas is a fantastic beach with golden sand and turquoise water. It is no organized and is one of the most secluded beaches, since it is accessed only on foot.

The plain of Messara is located on the south side of Heraklion Prefecture, in an elongated area of 50km in length and with its width not exceeding 7km. In the south, the valley is protected by the wild Asterousia Mountains, while its western side is bounded by a vast beachfront with sandy beaches.

The cave of Agia Fotini is on located on Mount Louloudaki, 7km south of Avdou village, at an altitude of 760m. 35km east of Heraklion is the Avdou village, where a sign "Agia Fotini Cave - 7 km”, shows the direction. From there you enter a dirt road, which leads to a small square below the mouth of the cave. Following the steep path on foot, the visitor arrives at the entrance of the cave.

Kallikratis is a relatively small gorge in the southeast region of Lefka Ori (White Mountains) in Chania Prefecture. The gorge connects the mountainous pasture lands with the lowland villages. It is a very pleasant walk, offering great views and rare flowers, but is not very popular with tourists. The Kallikratis Gorge together with the Asfendou Gorge can be a full day’s excursion.