The poor asphalt road that leads to Keramiani Gialia stops near the local harbor of Agia Fotini, also known as Agia Fotia. Agia Fotia has some stunning tiny pebble beaches, ideal for snorkeling and swimming. These are surrounded by marvellous huge rocks.
The archaeological site of Gortys (or Gortyna) is located 45km south of Heraklion, near the village of Agii Deka and next to the road connecting Agii Deka with Mires. The town covered a large area along the river Mitropolianos (or Litheos) with vast olive groves.
It is named after the Saracen pirates who once used the island as a base of attacks. Sarakiniko, like all beaches in Gavdos is one of the best beaches in Greece that any description can not fit the beauty. It is located on a large cove bay looking north.
Fodele beach is located 26km northwest of Heraklion and just 3km north of the village Fodele, which is believed to be the birthplace of the painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos, mainly known as El Greco. The National Road connecting Heraklion and Chania passes beside the beach.
This amazing hike is about 16km long and takes about 5-6 hours. The trail is clear and well-marked with the typical E4 back-yellow signs. It crosses the archaeological site of Lissos, where you can find water from the local spring. It isn't too difficult but plenty of water, sun protection, and steady shoes are recommended.
The Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa is located 50km southeast of Heraklion, in a wooded area of North Dikti Range, next to the road leading to the Plateau of Lassithi. This is a historic monastery, after which the nearby settlements of Kera and Ano Kera Kera have been named.
Η Μονή της Αγίας Τριάδας των Τζαγκαρόλων ή Μουρτάρων είναι ένα από τα πλουσιότερα και ομορφότερα μοναστήρια της Κρήτης. Είναι κτισμένη κοντά στο αεροδρόμιο Χανίων, στη θέση Τζομπόμυλος του ακρωτηρίου Μελέχα και στους πρόποδες της Οροσειράς του Σταυρού. Η απόσταση από τα Χανιά είναι μόλις 15km.
Στην έξοδο του φαραγγιού Μεσοσφήνης σχηματίζεται μια μοναδική παραλία με χοντρή άμμο και καταγάλανα νερά. Μέσα στη θάλασσα υπάρχουν δύο μεγάλοι όμορφοι βράχοι, ενώ στα ανατολικά υπάρχει ένα τεράστιο σπήλαιο, το οποίο προκαλεί δέος. Αυτό το θαλάσσιο σπήλαιο είναι το Μάτι του Βοδιού (ή βοϊδομάτι)!
