Exploring the Colors of Western Crete

What to Expect

Places you want to return to again and again!
Traveling through the western part of Crete, you will realize how different it is from the east. You will see a lot of greenery, trees, and natural water bodies - Lake Kournas, the waterfalls of Argiroupoli, and the Megalopotamos River with palm-fringed banks. You will encounter wild rural landscapes, completely empty highways, traditional Cretan villages, picturesque slopes, mountain peaks, and numerous gorges. You will appreciate panoramic views of breathtaking beauty - the panorama reaches the southernmost point of Europe, the very same island where Odysseus was held captive by the nymph Calypso for 7 years.

Beautiful gorges and water bodies
In the winding gorge of Ha Gorge, you will be amazed by impressive landscapes of cliffs, while the sound of the wind will explain the name of the place. You will walk along rocky paths, descend to the bottom of the gorge, visit the Saint Nicholas of Kourtaliotis spring-waterfall, and cross an ancient bridge over the 'Great River' with icy crystal-clear water. Also included is the Blackbird Gorge - a miniature version of the Samaria Gorge. Here you will see the chapel of Saint Nicholas the Miracle Worker in the rock, Lake Kournas - the island's only freshwater lake with azure water and plenty of fish. Perhaps during a catamaran walk, you will be lucky enough to see its main attraction - turtles.

Monastery with a View of the Libyan Sea
Near the monastery, we will talk about its main treasure - the life-giving Cross, and discuss some astounding details. You will get acquainted with the life of the monastery monks, and in the local museum, you will listen to church singing, as if descending from natural fragments of ancient frescoes and icons. Optionally, on the monastery grounds, you can purchase monastery honey, olive oil, handmade candles, and incense made from floral pollen.

Lunch at a Colorful Tavern
In Argiroupoli - a village immersed in greenery and cool waterfalls, you will be treated to lunch at a tavern with an authentic interior. Here you must try the famous Cretan 'antikristo' meat - thanks to the traditional cooking method, it is very tasty and tender. After lunch, you will have free time for walks around the town amid the soothing sound of waterfalls lined up continuously along the road. And at the end of the walk, on the way back, we will arrange a pleasant 'orange' break for you near a refreshing fountain surrounded by 27 lions!

Who Is This Tour For

• Families with children from 3.5-4 years old, small groups, and couples.
• Nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those who simply want to get to know the authentic life of Crete.
• I design walking routes on Crete myself and carefully select only the most interesting places, those that I love myself.
• In my tours, I place a greater emphasis on modern life in Crete, but the historical and cultural component is always present in my narrative.

How the Tour Goes

• You will be accompanied by a driver and a guide on the tour. The tour is conducted in a comfortable 2019 minivan with air conditioning (child seats are provided free of charge if needed)
• The tour usually starts early in the morning and ends in the evening
• We will pick you up at the hotel if you are staying in the following areas: Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Malia, Stalida, Heraklion, Karteros, Amoudara, Lassithi region, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Elounda, Sitia, Agia Pelagia, Bali, Rethymno
• Chania region - by agreement
• Upon request, the route can be changed to visit a winery and/or an olive oil factory

What Is Included and What Is Not

• Transportation costs and driver services are included in the tour price
• Additional expenses: lunch at the tavern - 10-20 euros/person; tickets to the monastery, museums, archaeological and historical sites. It is also possible to arrange a luxury transport tour (by agreement)