Browse the most important villages of Chania Municipality Voukolies Part 4

The Municipality Voukolies 

Maps Link 

The Municipality Voukolies includes the former communities Anoskeli, Voukolies, Kakopetro, Neriana, Nio Chorio Old Roumata, warlords, Tavronitis and Golden Dawn.Geographic occupies the eastern edge of Kissamos and extends along the river valley Tavronitis. In thirty four settlements of the twelve villages of the municipality of 3,500 people who live mainly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry.Flagship product is the precious oil, known for its beneficial properties.

Even a big production of chestnuts, dairy products, meat, wine, honey, vegetables, figs, nuts, fruits and vegetables. It is thus a unique puzzle of natural beauty area 76 000 acres.

The terrain-flat, hilly and mountainous, is seductive and it remains unforgettable to every visitor.

The traditional component dominates the beautiful neighborhoods of settlements and in harmony with some modern touches those found in lowland villages.

The residents are people friendly, pleasant and offer visitors with joy their hospitality.

City History Geometric period East Valley of the cave lies the fertile basin of the river Tavronitis and pass torrent Nterianou. Current indications lead to the assumption that the sea would cover a portion of the valley.

The broad scope is actually made up of four bowls, one in three northern and the southern part.

The first, the lower reaches of Tavronitis and Nterianou is the only lowland. The southern boundary runs from Anoskeli (341 m) to the west, the media and Voukolies Kafouros (370 m), reaching heights of 407 and 369 meters north of the Sella (375 m) east .

With its fertile soil is likely to meet the needs of the population of an autonomous village, offering self-sufficiency, and has also exit to the sea. Others are small, hilly, surrounded by tall mountains that impede movement, essentially dependent on the north. Leaking from the upper reaches of Tavronitis (Old rum), the torrent Semproniotiko Lagos (Sempronas) and Nteriano (Derry, New rum).

The existence of all these running waters would ensure that community water and irrigation of fields, enriching the soil with silt, while the relief would contribute to more effective control of the region, suggesting a further reason installation here.

Arom the total area of ​​this residential unit, archaeological remains have been found only in places “Pygmy Cormorant” and “Sfaka” (about 350 m, the distance between them), southeast of the village Gavalomouri.These seven chamber tombs carved in reddish local stone, of which five were virtually destroyed and only two (v.4 and 5) in relatively good condition.Architecture is similar to others found in the province of Kissamos, and had a length of 1-2 m road and oval or irregular chamber dug in the rock (usually full of stones). The original dating from the early Tzedakis mainly 8th century. Has been reviewed by Andreadaki – Vlazaki, as we will discuss in detail later.

The findings vary: pottery, black glaze, single-handled, hemispherical cups, two bowls and a Beetle, introduced probably by the cycle (Athens), an amphora, with a strong influence of the Dodecanese in the art decoration and engraved letter W in the rim, which is the oldest example of writing the first millennium of the county, suggestive perhaps of the artist, and an iron spearhead and sword, bronze rings, buckle and pin, beads of faience, terracotta figurines Mounted woman with raised hands (interpreted as a goddess of children) and steer the wheels (probably game), spindle whorls and beads from the same material and approximately 26 vessels, dating to the 8th century. and earlier (when Tzedakis), or the transition from eighth to seventh century.(When Andreadaki – Vlazaki), etc.

Unfortunately, the poor condition of the graves does not allow us to collect the amount of information one would expect. However, certain conclusions are possible based on archaeological evidence. Initially, it is worth noting the striking similarity in form, construction techniques, customs and grave goods among the tombs of Gavalomouri and those of other regions of the province, were recorded as above.

They are also carved in rock, with oval or irregular chamber and the street and contained few cremations or burials, with the usual offerings (weapons, jewelry, loom weights and pottery). Uniformity is an irrefutable testimony to the cultural unity in the broad area of ​​Kissamos in the Geometric period, while the dating of the finds of Gavalomouri especially in the second half of the eighth century. the beginning of the seventh, reveals a continuation of the Geometric period in Orientalizing.

Indeed, according to comments Andreadaki-Vlazaki, some elements remain the Minoan memory, like the figurine Horseback form with upraised hands, suggesting a close link with the distant past.

In regard to economic and social situation of the dead, the image we give the offerings are quite enlightening. Numerous iron and bronze artifacts and pottery are often rich, reveal a self-sufficient community, whose members enjoyed a high standard of living, even though the findings are not objects – symbols, demonstrating the outstanding position holders in the social hierarchy.

However, the bead of faience (if not a metal offerings), shows that even those citizens who did not belong to aristocratic families held a surplus product, or participating in possession and even retained the right to offer to acquire items luxury. Some even purchase them from areas outside the island (Athens, Cyclades

County or elsewhere), maintaining business ties with foreign countries, as evidenced by the entered group of small open vessels and amphora of a tomb. Possibly, the position of territory near the end of the island, the station made the sea route linking the eastern Mediterranean coast, with mainland Greece and Italy, promoting the densification of the exchanges.Such activity was not unusual during the late eighth and early seventh century. and it seems, that even in this provincial area of ​​western Crete, would affect the lives of average people’s socioeconomic status.The development of the Phoenician element W, maybe pagmatika witness the awakening of individual consciousness of the craftsman, as observed and Andreadaki – Vlazaki, which stems from a process of class differentiation and social recognition, syntelesmenis the narrow context of the above site. Obviously, the development of secondary and tertiary sectors of production, had its impact on socio-political developments.

Finally, it is worth noting some data, we pointed out in previous tombs of the province, as the typical location of the cemetery on a hill, bordering the residential area, the existence of the custom of burning and burial, which certainly contrasts and classifies the dead , but to suggest radical differences in religious beliefs and ideology, and an insistence on tradition, as perceived through the examination of customs and ceramics.

Source: Doctoral work of Napoleon Xifara on “Housing the Protogeometric and Geometric Crete. 

The transition from the “Minoan” to “Greek” society “, presented to the Department of History – Archaeology, University of Crete, as a thesis for acquiring the title of Doctor.The settlements during the Byzantine period Voukolies: The name is archaic Greek Voukolia = herd of steers, voustathmos. In Crete, still used today, the archaic formula with the same sense, with little change: the Voukolia or Voukoliades in Eastern Crete, Voukolia or Voukolies West, meaning the residence of the steers during the summer months.

First mentioned in a notary document of 1256 and also found a record in the manor of tourmai Kissamos. Preserved painted two churches, St. Constantine, which dates to 1452-62, St. Andrew the 13th century. and St. Athanasius the 14th-15th c. .. Etymologically, however, the name is archaic Greek and means a herd of steers.

In Crete, also known was developed farming. It is therefore logical to argue that this position is from the Byzantine era. In one version, the village is built on the site of the Minoan city or Lydia Lydeia.

Polemarchi: The settlement was mentioned during the Venetian occupation in the census of 1577, 1583, 1630. But there is speculation that it might be an installation of officers of the Byzantine army of Nicephorus Phocas and them is the name of the settlement.

Gavalomouri: Settlement to City Voukolies. Although first mentioned in the inventory of Barozzi in 1577, the Kastrofilakas in 1583 and Basilicata in 1630, perhaps the component’s name leads to the Byzantine era. May be associated with the family of Gavalades from the 12 noblemen and perhaps refers to the 12th-13th century. But this is the case with no certainty of Byzantine occupation.Tavronitis: Village which was first mentioned in 1322 in the ledgers of the manor tourmai Kissamos. If that is reference in 1322, it is very likely that continued existence of the settlement from the Byzantine period. Rum (Old): Refers to three Venetian censuses, while the village was there and Venetian villa, Villa Renier. The existence of the village is very old but since it refers to a record of the manor tourmai Kissamos in the early 14th century. Here lies the single-nave church of the Virgin, painted and preserved and an inscription with the date 6868 (= 1359). Rather it is a constant presence from the second Byzantine period.

Source: Diplomatic work Fantaki John entitled “The settlements of Crete during the Second Byzantine period,” Masters “Byzantine Studies” University of Crete, Rethymnon 2001. 

Ottoman domination 

Since the Turkish occupation until today continues every Saturday public market (bazaar).

The village is Voukolies on a new village, which could probably be created shortly before leaving the Turks from Crete. In the Turks inhabited mainly by Turks. In 1881 even stated that he had 194 Turks and 17 Christians. Proof of establishment of the Turks in the region are the remains of Turkish lodges, located around the village in the district namely Nempros.One of these houses was provided by the community in Asia Minor refugees, currently living there. Previously, the first phase of local government in Crete (privilege Turks) and the era of the Cretan State (1898-1911) was the seat of the homonymous municipality that the municipality was renamed Dromonero, to commemorate the victory of the rebels against Abdul Pasha in June 1896.Even included a six villages now belong to the municipality Kolymbari. During the Second season of the local government has established the rural municipality with territorial Voukolies region neighboring small villages.

The data come from the work of pupils of the Lyceum Voukolies, as the professors epivlexi Alysavaki Kiki and Kouroupou Anastasia, presented in February 2005. 

The Tower of Voukolies now 

History of the Tower of Voukolies

The first serious attempt to liberate Crete from the Turks were trying Daskalogiannis in 1770 with painful results from the failure.

Here the revolution of 1821, the movements of 1833, the 1841 and 1858 and the great revolutions of 1866-69, 1878 and 1895.Despite the failures of the desire for freedom Cretans remains dissatisfied and a new revolutionary movement comes to confirm this.

The reason for the revolution of 1897 was given by the Turks themselves, who do not put in place the new agency in Crete (Convention Halepa) while causing the Cretans, with murders and violence. The Cretans react besieging fortresses and towers.

Decided by the Greek government under pressure from the Greek people to send Greek troops to the island. Strength 1,500 men with war material under the command of Colonel Timoleon Vassos arrives at dawn on February 2, 1897 Kolimbari, where he landed under the cheers of the assembled crowd. Arrive approximately 4,500 Cretan revolutionaries under the command of General Chief Skalidis and heads Anastasakis, Kambouri, Giannoudovardi, Batak, Markoulaki, Koumi, Loukaki, Ellinaki, Kapetanakis, Nikiforaki, Minioti and Agorastakis from Kissamos, Tsepeti, Pontikogianni, pumpkin, Blackbeard and many others from Cydonia. The regular Greek army participated Turkish-led by chieftain Smith codfish.

Following the introduction of a neutral international zone around six km from Chania, under pressure from the Great Powers decided to destroy all the forts

and towers used by the Turkish army. In the southwest of Voukolies and 600 meters. ruins of a tower built by the Turks in 1866, to allow fortified to repel the occasional revolutions broke out in the region.First choice of the destruction of the tower of Voukolies, who was among the highest in the region. Fort Army and excluded women, totaling over 1800 of the surrounding villages Ottoman Up and Down Kefalas, Mesa Voukolies, Bairaktarianon, Nemprous, Haider Voukolies and other settlements from Cydonia.On February 5, 1897 ordered mixed extract up to Platanias in the Major Konstantinidis an artillery platoon and an engineer platoon to go to Voukolies to capture the tower. With the departures of many Cretans and the company of students under the command of Captain Em. Zimvrakakidon.

The extract was opened the same day and arrived at Gavalomouri at 7:00 p.m. and after recognitions took positions around the stronghold of Voukolies. Northeast and northwest of this settled parts of the extract, while a company was launched as an ambush west. On February 6 Konstantinidis ordered siege by Cretans two companies occupied positions and the current squad of artillery took place at a distance of 1,500 meters.

After the refusal of the Turks to surrender, the artillery placed in the tower. The Cretans were many casualties because competing who will move closer to the tower. But placing the Turks to surrender seemed so sought help from the second platoon of artillery.

It sent a second platoon of artillery under the command of C. Pallis and went with them and the chief of staff I. Lympritis with the head and body Evzone Peter. The surrounding hills (Barga Mali, arbutus and the hills of Nemprous, New Village and Media Voukolies) were occupied by hundreds of Cretans, who put in the tower, while blue and white flags waved everywhere.

Since the cartridges were poorly manufactured casual rounds in Vouves, Cave and Drakona. Are also purchased, which were at high prices. Each rifleman had them on Cretan food bag for 4-5 days. Committees were set up in big villages for gathering food (bread, cheese, olives, wine). Monks of the Monastery of Gonia brought food along with their weapons. Together their Nikiforakis, Hatzidakis, Kavroulakis, Kokolinakis, Katsikoulis, Mesarchakis, Koumis and others. Also carcasses from flocks Turks transported to the Greek camp. The clashes and skirmishes were a daily occurrence, as the Turks, who had several rounds, attempting to break the siege.

The morning of February 7, the Turks, having benefited from the darkness and bad weather, were divided into brigades and others fled across the mountains to the Celery, who survived, others to Chania with the commander Fouad, where they were surrounded inKastellos by Cretan objects and rejecting proposals to surrender, continued to defend throughout the course of February 7. The Fouad was killed and the Turks surrendered.The morning of February 7 the Greek forces realized that the fort was abandoned and occupied since they found in it over 100 dead Turks. The loss of the Greeks was 15 dead and 37 wounded by Cretans, one officer dead, the lieutenant Raul Tringetas and two injured from the regular army. The first injured the regular army was the infantry officer in Napoleon Papoulias (grandfather of President of the Republic, Mr. Karolos Papoulias).The data come from the work of pupils of the Lyceum Voukolies, as the professors epivlexi Alysavaki Kiki and Kouroupou Anastasia, presented in February 2005. 

The Battle of Crete 

The period of the OccupationIn the provinces of Kissamos and Selino clashes between Greek and German paratroopers were in the areas:

a) Tavronitis-Kolymbari – Moni Gonia

b) Castelli – Kourfalona – Drills

c) Voukolies – Kakopetro – Floria – Canyon Kantanos

In these areas local Cretans fought only “free riders”.

Many people were killed in mass executions that followed immediately after the battle of May 1941 and throughout the duration of the occupation. Others were deported and perished in Nazi concentration camps in Germany. Others died of hunger and hardships. Whole fields were bombed and burned, while animals, farms and income requisitioned by the occupying forces.

During the occupation the Germans attempted to destroy Voukolies in retaliation for the murder of German soldiers.

But eventually the village was saved, as they say the villagers, thanks to the resistance put forward by the Greek army, and was leaving. Even mention the name of a sergeant Lazopoulos from Temenia celery, was killed in the Kouloukouthianon. Specifically, the Germans, thinking that they are dealing with a regular army and not residents of the community, left the project. Nowadays, the locals celebrate his memory on 11 May at the statue that is located in the Kouloukouthianon.

This area the Germans had installed a full military camp in an area of ​​100 acres, where he remained a two companies. In the camp there were stores and petrol stations in general. The entrance and exit from the village controlled by German team guard. There was also syrmatoplegmenos space for prisoners.Two advantages were Voukolianes the occupation forces to control the inhabitants of the area. Those who wanted to come from restricted areas such as Floria and Old Roumata on fairs and to visit the doctor, it was difficult to descend in Voukolies because risked immediate arrest.

On August 11, 1943 while the village was fair, one of the biggest festivals of Chania, the Germans did roadblock and arrested over 200 people who had transferred to the camp. Some of them managed to escape, while one was killed.

Anthony Pontikakis from Vouves Kissamos found within the closed Voukolies and attempting to escape were killed by German fire.During the German advance in West Celery killed George William, raised an armed resistance.

On July 24, 1944 the bunker torched in Voukolies and culprits arrested 15 residents of Old Rum.

On August 14, 1944 the Germans captured about 1,000 men and kept them prisoners in the camp. There executed Andreas Papoutsakis the Gavalomouri and were tied to a pole priest – Lionakis for three days and then was executed. Those men had identity, those who were too old or too young were released, while men aged 20 to 50 years in prison over some Hagia to execute.On Voukolies there were mass executions. In 1944 he lost in hostage Eleftherios Roussakis and in 1945 executed Antonio Hadjisavvas.For many criminal acts are responsible to Capt. Voukolies Sesna – Georg, the ypofrourarchos Kuno Graf and Sgt veterinarian Joseph Marscal, although their names are genuine and if the residents maintained properly or paraftharmena.

The data come from the work of pupils of the Lyceum Voukolies, as the professors epivlexi Alysavaki Kiki and Kouroupou Anastasia, presented in February 2005. 

The Monument to Lazopoulos Kouloukouthiana 

Postwar Era – The private school VoukoliesIn 1947 founded by Mr. Archontaki Anthony, retired headmaster, a private high school. Installed in the building Papoutsakis opposite the church of Christ and originally started with two classes, A and B grade.The following year was created and C class and every year worked, and even a class until it became exataxio school.
When the school was exataxio had about 150 students, boys and girls, and children gathered from the region and even from Kandanos.

The headmaster has been at pains to attract more children to create a oikoktrofeio which offered shelter and food for a small amount in children distant regions, who wanted to attend school.The internship was only male.Very early the locals realized that the school could play an important role in upgrading the site with a variety of ways. Many notable teachers and taught occasionally at the school, which offered a lot not just on knowledge but also in wider culture the children attended.

The operation of the village was connected with many social activities and events such as theatrical performances, concerts, sporting activities, which gave life to the place, but also elevates the intellectual level of the small community.
The school operated until the late 1950, when at the request of the community founded Voukolies state high school, which began as tritaxio and then became a high school Voukolies.

The data come from the work of pupils of the Lyceum Voukolies, as the professors epivlexi Alysavaki Kiki and Kouroupou Anastasia, presented in February 2005.

Folklore

Roumathiani claspThis dance, which has nothing to do with the usual clasp, an evolution of ancient pyrrhic, performed only by men with erect stature go into small sturdy, rivet footwork repeated with virtuosic graceful figures low, sharp passing, without susceptibility . The dancers, with their hands tied, their bodies almost adjoining properties and go in a compact device forward or backward, and when a circle. In the evolution of dancing legs and bodies are increasingly talking and saying what they always reflect the faces.Persons in authority are more serious, decisive and a bit strained and uncomfortable.

 As the brave warrior who is almost certain to win but well aware of the existence of bravery and the enemy.Slowly expressions will ease the nervousness will be gone, faded smiles will widen the lips, eyes will soothe, dancing will continue at the same rate constant, no flare, so make sure to conquer the world over, until it occurred The full contact with Mother Nature! Then his eyes would light up the calm faces, their bodies will fantaxoun more airy and legs will stop. The dance ended. The bodies were defeated, their souls were redeemed. So simple! Without the cries of hatred at the beginning of the battle, without the arrogance of victory.

Vavouledianos syrtos

The Municipality Voukolies consists of the following communities¨:

Tavronitis 

Eighteen kilometers west of Chania is the entrance to the City’s historic old metal bridge that leads to Tavronitis elegant village.The river flows Tavronitis a blue sea surrounded by a beautiful tree-lined beach. In the delta of the river has formed a natural wetland, which is a natural habitat for many species of fauna and an important station for migratory birds, flocks of which can be seen across the autumn sky in various formations. The village Tavronitis also is the only village in the municipality that is surrounded by sea, with beautiful beach of soft growth, clean and nice taverns.From here began the German invasion of Crete during the morning of May 20, 1941. After a fierce bombardment, numerous flocks of transport aircraft began to make parachute drops in Chania-Maleme. At the same time began with the landing glider airborne divisions. Ensuing fierce struggle, in which he participated in a body, the Cretan people regardless of leaf age and with meager weapons possession. During the course of the undertaking, the Germans failed to establish a small bridgehead east of the river Tavronitis and put under the control of the airport of Maleme and height 107, of which controlled the area of ​​the airport.The beach is located 20km east Tavronitis Chania, 1km north of the village and west of the historic airport of Maleme. Named after the homonymous river.

The beach stretches in front of the village is a beautiful beach with pebbles, which is part of the vast beach starting from Kolymvari and reaches Chania. It is ideal for swimming, especially when it blows. Near the beach there are many hotels, taverns and restaurants and the beach offered almost all tourist facilities.As previously mentioned, the beach is near the airport of Maleme, where written a golden page in the Greek resistance against the Germans. Here was the famous Battle of Crete with the landing of German troops in Crete and was the first time German troops received an onslaught of local population and were incalculable losses. During the German landing, the Germans failed to establish a small bridgehead east of the river Tavronitis and put under the control of the airport of Maleme and height 107, of which controlled the area of ​​the airport.

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Polemarchi

Bypassing the road west to Voukolies within liofytous hills meet thePolemarchi, with beautiful woods in the “lake”, where with greatactors of the village organized every year on the eve of the feast of Aghia Paraskevi  traditional feast.

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Kallithea-Chrisafgi

Moving to the mainland we find the settlement Kallithea, whose name best describes the unique way the unique views it offers,which is due to the amphitheater location. Here is the Golden Dawnto the beautiful grove of large old olive trees and the oldSchool-called the Holy Trinity-that every time a fictional namesakefestival in celebration.

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Gavalomouri

Descending pass through the village of Gavalomouri the ancient to the ancient ruins of the Geometric period.

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Neriana

Moving the main road east from the junction of Cyril, are theNeriana. With its famous bell tower of St. John dominates, beautifulorchards and gardens

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Nio Chorio

Shortly after, the Nio Chorio showing greatness Tafronitianou River,  with  gardens  and beautiful villages. Particularly in the localityAlmond,  spring  bloom  hundreds Sfakia (oleander) that adorn the surrounding mountains, presenting a unique beauty.

Also here we find the church of St. Nicholas with  Byzantine frescoes.

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Voukolies

Then go to Voukolies, the administrative center of the municipality, with great history and tradition that lies at the foot of the southerngrowing mountain.  Here we emphasize the famous all over the island of Great Friday bazaar, whose roots start at the time of Turkish rule, and continues until today and the smallest scalebazaar Saturday held every week where you can find fresh local products. Heart of the village is the village square with tavernas and numerous cafes.

Also worthy of attention is the Byzantine church of Agios Konstantinos, dating from the 13th century and the remainsof the historic Tower of Voukolies, where in 1897 the Greek army and Cretan rebels managed a decisive victory  against the Turks

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Inside Voukolies-head

Moving on Through Voukolies, pass the church of St. Athanasiusthe  bizarre paintings, and climbing the villages of Kato Kefalasfound the Byzantine  churches of St. Andrew and St. Photios.  Belowthe village of Pano Kefalas and taking the road to Semprona,arrive in a green area of ​​great natural beauty, with river flows in summer and winter, forming small waterfalls. From here the path of6 km was constructed with funding of LEADER. A path (FaucetMaster-Mitato Skoufidiano-Old Rum) worth to follow all nature lovers.

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Anoskeli

We continue our journey along the road to Paleochora.

First village  after  Voukolies is Anoskeli with beautiful olive groves,vineyards,  manicured and clean settlements. Here time passesfollowing the cycle of nature, away from the hectic pace of modernlife.

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Fotakado

The Fotakado is hilly village of Voukolies of Chania before the Kapodistrian municipalities belongs to the community Voukolies.He had 105 residents in the census of 2001 and approximately 60 residents.

Located at an altitude of 300 meters. It is rural area with significant oil production, citrus and chestnuts. Residents are also involved in viticulture, animal husbandry and apiculture, located 35 kilometers from the capital of the county and has amphitheatrical position above the valley Tavronitis.

The Fotakado neighbor:

• North of the village Voukolies which is the capital of Voukolies
• East with the head
• South to Old Roumata
• West to Zympragou
• and northwest to Anoskeli.

It has five churches with as many festivals:

• The church of Agios Dimitrios, who is the central church
• St. George.
• St. Anthony
• St. Gerasimos and
• Prophet Elissaios.

The latter temple is built on the Turkish position turret where he had become a major battle with the prevalence of Crete during the last Cretan revolt against the Turkish yoke.

The village is rough and steep at points where it crosses the river Tavronitis. It is large in size and consists of small neighborhoods to the Lagoudiana considered the central neighborhood, the Outside Village (Alimpegiana) Sapsiana, Partsaliana (desolate neighborhood), Chatziana, Swim (Maragkiana) Boultadiana (desolate neighborhood) Stafrouliana, and Branching.

Characteristic points of the village are the following: a) The trail within the central street of the village has stone sections of great interest and high value since the German occupation. b) Feature point is the area “Digenis the pâté (= push)” where according to tradition, he set a foot Digenis Akritas. The other leg stood – upon delivery-across the top of the Prophet and Elissaios eipie water from the River. Fiction of course, but it is noteworthy that a bushy mountain has a piece in the form of the foot that never sprout. c) The prophet Elisaios is a chapel which was built with stones from katedafisi Turkish fortress. During the Cretan revolution and after the famous battle and victory Dromonero the Cretans the decision was the demolition of the Turkish fortress and the construction of the church. d) the views of the valley Tavronitis is beautiful. e) the route between Voukolies – Veterans Romania through the river, passing through the area Fotakadou and stunning beauty

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Kakopetros-courtyard

Continuing the trek from the road we reach the mountain ofKakopetria. A village that belongs to the Network Martyr Villages in Greece, due to the suffering of the people that passed during the second world war. The monument in the square is there to remind the old and teach the younger.
Moving east we reach the courtyard from where one starts from the most beautiful gorges in Crete.

The gorge of the courtyard, 3 kmlong, reaches the village of the municipality Deliana Kolymbari. In the gorge find permanent shelter about ten eagles coexist harmoniously with local residents and are under their protection.

The canyon Deliana – courtyard 

The canyon Deliana – courtyard located 37km west of Chania.Starting from the village courtyard and leads to Deliana after 5km.The road to the canyon is easy, takes about an hour and suggested even in children as they pass through the dirt road.Characteristic of the canyon is lush vegetation with trees and chestnut trees around the creek. The best time is spring when the vegetation is at the height of the water and the river flows in abundance.

Near the courtyard you’ll see the small church of Agia Paraskevi in ​​rock, where a big festival every year. Also worth a mention near the Deliana and Mesaflanon whether the canyon called Deliana or Mesafliano.

The fastest access from Chania in the gorge is the Deliana, while from Paleochora is the courtyard. From Deliana you can walk (uphill) to the yard and go back unless someone can pick you up from the courtyard (1 +1 hours).

In Deliana there are small restaurants, as in the neighboring village Panethimos. Also, the nearby village of Kera Line One can also visit the ruined monastery of the Virgin.

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Old Roumata

From the square Kakopetria climbing east we enter the Old Roumata, a village surrounded by mountains, is a center for creating and maintaining rich culture and a starting point and culmination of more naturalistic paths of the municipality.

The small canyon, 6 km, in the neighborhood of Leidianon starting at a secret school-church of St. George in Hamalevri and after halfway join another path, about 4 km long, starting from the Holy Kingdom Vavouledo to continue a common path leading to the golf village.The two paths, which is dominated by strong physical component and the biodiversity of the flora of the area, built with funding of LEADER. In browsing Old Roumata worth visiting the settlement cameras in the mansion of Renieri, a historic family, whose roots start at the

Venice and unique in the region has crest and dates back to the Venetian. Near the square is the old olive tree of the Old Rumi, a unique sculpture of nature. The Byzantine churches are still some of the sights: St. Basil’s and Holy Cross in Vavouledo. Of the Assumption in Perachori, St. John the Apopigadi, located in three border provinces, Kissamos, Selino and quince. After browsing the beautiful parts of the village square in the traditional taverns await every visitor to the offer genuine local cuisine, made exclusively from local ingredients. Nature gave generously to many area attractions.

 The riot of colors and aromas remain unforgettable …

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Link Text and Photo :http://www.voykolies.gov.gr

Browse the most important villages of Chania Part 3

The City Mousouron consists of 12 districts and has 22 villages. It has an area of ​​191,744 hectares and a population of 4,755inhabitants and stretches from the lowlands up to mountain areasof the White Mountains.
Main occupation of the inhabitants is agriculture and animal husbandry and in the White Mountains National Park, tourism.

D. Mousouron has a population of 4,755 residents (census 2001).In lowland villages home to 49% of the population (2331inhabitants) and semi-mountainous and mountainous villages, 51% (2424 residents).

Prases

The settlement is Prases D. Mousouron at an altitude of approximately 480 meters by 114 residents (census 2001).Distance from the town of Chania 31 km and found the path of Chania – Sougia. The landscape partition Prases owned and settlements New Roumata with 61 inhabitants (2001) and Hosti with 23 inhabitants (2001). The village is mentioned by the Venetians as Prassea the 16th century. The settlement Hosti mentioned in the Egyptian census of 1834 as Khoste (Pashley, Travels in Crete, II, 310) while the New Roumata mentioned by Barozzi in the Roumatanea 1577 (Spanakis, Cities and villages of Crete, 2001). The village says its name (leek-lawn-nursery) is very fertile. The main agricultural products produced are chestnuts and olive oil. But the economy Prases and ram based substantially on farming, while the New rum on agriculture  production of citrus, kiwis, avocados, apples, stafylionk.a.  Remarkable is also the production of  honey.

Every yea r in October chestnut festival by the Cultural Association of the village with the participation of all residents. The festival is a traditional feast with traditional foods and plenty of chestnuts served with 7 different ways. In celebration of the chestnut is evident sense of Cretan tradition and hospitality that holds the villagers.

The houses Prases scattered over a large area. In the square there are 3 cafes serving dishes made primarily with local products. On the opposite side of the village flows the small river that runs through the village on ends of which rise large trees. Beside the river is an old stone watermill.

Moving the small roads leading to the neighborhoods of the village will find beautiful landscapes worth every lover to admire. Next to the river we find the church of St. John the Baptist (decapitation). The church, which is likely to be built in 1880-1890 on an earlier Christian church has a beautiful stone tower. The settlement Hosti is the church of St. Constantine and Helen, built in the Ottoman period. Opposite the village is the picturesque old town sea squirt hidden in pines, sycamores, oaks, chestnuts, olives, etc.

The village is mentioned by the Venetian Kastrofilakas in 1583 as Schidia with 129 inhabitants, while the last reference we have is in 1928 where he had 101 inhabitants. There is the small Byzantine church (15th-16th century) of St. Nicholas with Byzantine frescoes.

In the Valley of the New Romania, Crete, in “Pefkos,” is an important Early Minoan tomb, which has direct relevance to the contemporary Cycladic.

A second identical domed tomb construction, but smaller, has been excavated to another location in the same area, while traces of Early Minoan facilities identified at various heights around the valley of Young Romania.

The tomb is small, arched, built with river stones and contained one dead in a contracted position and two vases as offerings. A new element in Minoan funerary architecture, as hitherto known graves in Crete is larger, more representative of the large circular Messara showing that buried the members of an entire race. In a trial conducted in the area around the grave stones were scattered and few shells among them.

The monument was discovered accidentally in 1980. (B. Niniou – Kindelis, archaeologistA. Tsigou, archaeologist)

The Calabrian pine is the main species constituting the pinewoods of leeks. and is mixed with cypress trees at a ratio of approximately 10:1.

The understory gaps appear in astoivides, ladanies, heathers etc. Among the settlements Prases, Orthouni, Vatolakkos Skines and extends the area of ​​”Valley of the range.” The area included in the network areas “Natura 2000″ as a Site of Community Importance with code: GR: 4340006 and the name:

Limni Agias-Platanias-Rema kai ekvoli Keriti-Koilada Fasas. In the valley of the spectrum has been the only population in Greece, the fern Woodwardia radicans (multi pteridophyte with large leaves 30-250 cm ekfyomena the thick rhizome), which refers to the Red Book of Threatened Plants of Greece as endangered (E),

is protected by the Berne Convention (1992) and the European Directive 92/43/EEC and the global situation of the spread and maintenance of the population is unknown (IUCN 1993).

It grows in valleys with high rainfall, near waterfalls and shady slopes in very wet soil and high humidity at an altitude of 200-500 m. The fern can not withstand drought and any activity that would result in drying of the habitat will lead to the disappearance.

In the valley there is also the range and the endemic Lathyrus neurolobus sweet pea in Western Crete, which is protected by Presidential Decree 67/81. (MAICh, “Study of flora and fauna of selected wetlands of Crete” LIFE 00 ENV/GR/00685, 2003).

Alikianos

O settlement Alikianos is the seat of the municipality Mousouron located in the valley of the river Keritis. Remarkable is the stone bridge over the River Keritis (or Iardanou like Homer) built by local residents in 1908 and connects the lowland settlements between them. The central church of Alikianos, Bridge Keritis and Market of Chania designed by the same architect, A. Logothetis.

Within the village is preserved wall section of the tower of the Venetian family of Da Molin. The Da Molin, was a Venetian nobleman who commanded the village during the years of Venetian rule. The legend refers to a savage crime that took place during the wedding of the daughter of Da Molin and his son George Kantaleonta rebel. The Venetian nobleman did not agree with this marriage. So, having put hypnotic wine, hanged all family members Kantaleonta. Important monument of Byzantine times is the Byzantine church of Agios Georgios in Alikianos, built in 1243m.Ch. Within the limits of the settlement Koufos is the church of Zoodochos source or Ai Kyrgiannis the stranger bearing murals. The settlement of Alikianos was described previously preserved because diesoze elements of traditional architecture. Then constructed by modern buildings, but there is still the old traditional buildings that testify to the historicity of the area. ALIKIANOS or Alikianos From Stavros K. Maragkoudaki, Doctor Is a town in the province of Cydonia Chania, Crete. Surveying is located 12.5 kilometers southwest of the city of Chania, at an altitude of 65 meters and is comfortable with asphalt road to the city of Chania. The visitor will see the village in the middle of a basin overgrown with citrus, orange, lemon and other trees and flavor the atmosphere during the spring.

The plain of the basin flows through the Keritis, a river that springs from the Village Meskla and flows into the sea in Platanias Village.In ancient times was named Iardanos. Towards the end of his journey was named the Keritis Platanias (by plane trees abundant).Another small stream river, Alikianiotis, passing between the districts and Pasteliana Lantern and flows into the Keritis near the bridge. South of the basin antikrizome green hills behind them rises the mountain of the White Mountains, snow-white winter. The etymology of the name belongs to Alikianos Isiodio Alikinos word that means strong, and because this area is by its geographical position should always be possible (fortified).Another version of the origin of the name is Alia word meaning gathering, because he was a venue.

The curator of the region of the basin since ancient times due to abundant waters. The favorable conditions in the area helped to populate the area even before the Minoan period.

This is concluded from episimanthenta archaeological finds. On the route between the village and Alikianos Koufos and just 2.5 km from Alikianos will ever see on the right road and 50 meters from the road are the ruins of a Byzantine church founded remarkable early 11th century AD by the Cretan Al-SUN WORLD GIANNI or Hermit.

 This church with its architecture is of great importance. The temple was richly decorated with frescoes and mosaics depicting various motifs, deer, peacocks, vases etc. In the central region of Alikianos and near the main road we come across a small cruciform church style “Saint George”, built in 1243, has frescoes by the artist PAUL SHEEP and right jambs of the door was the legend “passed the BARMPAROSAS.”

 This church was bombed in 1941 by the Germans.

Metapolemikos apokatestathi completely as he had before, self-cost of Emmanuel Nikolakaki (fellow).

In the neighborhood called the LANTERN BEILITIKA and older, is a chapel of St. Catherine Catholic. The church is oriented north and above the main entrance there is OCCHIO characteristic of Catholic churches.

Each neighborhood Alikianos has its own chapel. In Pasteliana located at an altitude south of the village is Agios Nikolaos. In the Vouniana is the church of Agios Antonios. In recent years built a small church on the second limits the Alikianos Vatolako in the name of Christ. In the central area of ​​Alikianos and in orchards of orange (Katohori) will ever see the ruins of the tower of Moline.

Today they call the Alikianiotes Archontikon.

The Alikinaos was faioudo the Venetian family of DAMOLIN from the early 12th century until the late 16th century. To year 1229 he built the magnificent tower DAMOLIN family with three separate buildings.

He symbolized a grinder (MOLINO) was the emblem of DAMOLIN. At the entrance of the Tower was a motto written in Latin, “CIRCUMAGO NON ELECTRO” which means I go but not relent. At the entrance is also the central tower was the inscription “OMNIA MUNDI FUMUS ET UMBRA” ie all the mundane is smoke and shadow.

All buildings were comfortable. The large hall seated about 300 people. Doors and windows were gilded and embossed, the halls were adorned with oil paintings and decorations of DAMOLIN.

In this tower was uncovered in the early 16th century, 1527, the drama of the Cretan wedding describing Zampelios Sp.

 All these things out with excellent detail in the annals of TRIVAN “The revolution’s Kantanoleou in 1527.” During the later years of the Ottoman Alikianos played an important role for many years. In 1823 the entire plain was occupied by the rebels and Protopapadaki Vourdoumpa. In October 1866 Lakkiotes (Giannaris Mandakas, Volanis etc.) Revenging the destruction of their village by the Turks killed in Alikianos 29 Turks.

That same year, Mustapha Pasha camped in Alikianos and asked Lakkiotes delivered and burned in their refusal Laki. The year 1878 was installed in the Alikianos Hadzi Michalis Giannaris with his army and forced the Turks to retreat.

In 1877 he lived in Alikianos the bloodthirsty janissary Arif Zoulakis.For the murders that he was killed in his home by the Dimitrogiannis Vatolako and Nick. Louladakis by Alikianos.

The whole landed property of Arif and dependency that had acquired the Minos Isychakis about it and later was known as a dependency of Isychaki. From Alikianos came George Divolis who proclaimed martyr because martyred during the Ottoman period. He took part in the revolution of 1866, was captured in 1867 and expired vasanizomenos by the Turks.

This man is among the pantheon of martyrs and honor of the way to the scene, in cone-built chapel “St. George Divolis” at the expense of the Florentine wife of Stylianos Tzortzaki.

Historian Claus Psilakis, son Alikianioti father, born in Castelli in 1829, wrote the four-volume history of Crete in deep purist in archaic and studied Eleftherios Venizelos at his own expense.

In 1941 the basin Alikianos and the village became fierce fighting against German paratroopers. With heroism and sacrifice experienced by unarmed Cretans in their area fully armed German paratroopers. The Germans after the occupation of Crete did not fail to punish them for their patriotism Alikianiotes their executions. One execution diedecheto other.

The first execution by 6 Alikianiotes was within the village and during the fighting. The second run with 42 people on Alikianos held on 2 June 1941 in the courtyard of Holy Cross Church since the future to the drilling tyfekisthoun the trench. The carrying out of third with 118 Done on August 1.

 The 13 ex tyfekisthenton were Alikianiotes and others from the villages Fournes, Halls, Vatolakos, Koufos, leeks, Karanou, Lakki, Orthouni, New Rum and Khost. Metapolemikos in honor of the executed were erected monuments.

Through its executed during the first and second execution in the courtyard of Holy Cross Church on the same site of the execution of 42. Through its executed during the third execution of the monument Done before the bridge Keritis.

The Alikianos after long struggles for healing disaster met with personal, government agencies and other material assistance. The village with about 1000 inhabitants is a road junction with the seat of the municipality Mousouron who consist of 20 villages. The Town Hall was built recently. The architecture features an impeccable appearance. Located near Holy Cross Church, despite the main road that leads to the village Vatolako. At around the same area and within walking distance of the visitor will encounter in the street’s right heroon the bronze bust of the hero Emmanuel Papaderos. This is estimeno in the central part of the wide square. The Heroes Garden was represented and all the fellow who fell heroically in the Battle of Crete by the Germans. At the opposite site of the region will confront the visitor to several old three-story house with wooden interior circular staircase whose owner was janissary Arif Soulakis. After the assassination of janissary came unto Minos Isychaki and recently the building has acquired a new owner at the gift and this is the City Mousouron. The year 1897 and during the months of February, March and April the building was Minos Isychaki used by Timoleon Vassos at the encampment of the Army Corps of occupation of Crete in the name of King George of Greece. The project that revived their hopes of anypomonounton Cretans on the time of termination of the Turkish yoke. The Alikianos composed of six neighborhoods: Katohori, Pasteliana, Lantern, Vouniana and Strait. The Byzantine style modern church “Holy Cross” stands in the village center, celebrates on September 14.

Built in 1926 by a collective effort of residents, led by Father Alipio, vicar of the village, descended from a village of Kissamos.

Architect of the temple was the ex Kythera Anastasios Logothetis, groom’s family Alikianiotikis Katzourou.

The same architect designed and supervised the construction of the bridge Keritis the entrance of the village in 1910. The bridge with three arches built a sizable kyvoplinthous.

S Alikianos established many public and private services and shops. High School, Police Station, Primary School, Kindergarten, Tutoring & Greek language, two banks, two super markets, medical center, pharmacy, dentist, restaurants, bakeries etc. in order to be able to contact officials and bystanders.

The locals are progressive, most are farmers, other artisans, businessmen or civil servants and private. The creative tension of the inhabitants of the region evidenced by the fact that from early 1930, perhaps before he had developed in sericulture processing facilities of silkworm cocoons in the district Katohori. But this was not dietirithi. In the same district there was a flour mill with waterfall (water mill). Many Alikianiotes followed and followed the scientific or technical field, even in very limited immigration in recent years. Many have his career in Greece and abroad and have excelled. Alikianiotes Athenians in 1982 founded the Cultural Association based in Athens under the name Association Alikianioton “The KANTANOLEOS.” The Association works closely with native, local authorities and cultural organizations. The management of owned offices of the Association Alikianioton “The KANTANOLEOS” are: Julian & GSeptemvriou 35, Athens, tel: 210 828 8818

Vatolakkos

  The flat is Vatolakkos local department of the Municipality Mousouron and consists of 2 settlements: Vatolakkos with 751 residents and gathering dust with 17 inhabitants (2001). It is just 2 km from Alikianos and 15 km from the city of Chania.

The earliest written reference we have for the village is by Barozzi (1577) as Vatolaco. Also, the settlement referred gathering dust in the province Cydonia by Barozzi, as Sconiso.

The residents of Vatolakkos engaged in agriculture and many with livestock. The main products are citrus production (oranges, mandarins and lemons), olives elaiopoiiseos, olive oil and moustos.

Se smaller quantities produced potatoes, tomatoes, watermelons, melons and fodder plants. Processing plants operating in Vatolakkos is packing two oranges and two mills. The residential environment Vatolakkos with old stone houses, is particularly interesting, as well as that of the semi-mountainous village gathering dust, with magnificent views of the plains of Keritis.

Vatolakkos’s Square is the central church of the apostles Peter and Paul, near the clock and primary school. The church acquired its present form after several additions and renovations. The Gerola says Christian church of the apostles Peter and Paul of about 1640 near the then village. Probably this was added the youngest around 1841 and another portion in 1864. Elaborate is the steeple of the church which was built in 1874. In the village there are scattered other 8 churches and some of them as old: The Transfiguration (likely 14th-15th century). Located in the eponymous region in which, according to oral tradition was the old settlement of the village who was burned by a disastrous fire started by Dere 1827. Then the villagers were moved, the area is the village of Vatolako today. Perhaps this small church have been the main church of the village then. The church of St. George was built before ton18o century but is not known exactly when. In earlier versions, the German occupation was used as shelter by residents and older as a “secret school”. In the picture of St. George’s church can discern missiles thrown by German troops.

St. Anthony, an old chapel hidden in a valley on the road to Vatolako gathering dust. Over the door the inscription which says inter alia that the church was renovated in 1566 by Pope Nicholas Circe. He had paintings but which previously were whitewashed.

The church was host resistance groups during the German occupation. In gathering dust is also the old church of the Birth of the Virgin, near the central church of the village where the little cemetery.

 According to testimonies of the residents built the Ottoman era, but it is not known exactly when. In Vatolakkos held every year the carnival, where the residents gather for the celebration of Carnival.

There is also a track moto-cross, where each year there are events involving stakeholders from all over Crete and Greece.

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Karanou 

The Karanou mountain village is lush and interesting residential environment. The activities of the residents is an important effort to keep the population in mountainous areas.

The natural environment is characterized by two parallel canyons that lead to Mafropilioti River. One is the canyon of Borianon that starts from the village and ends at Boriana Mafropilioti River after 1800 meters.

Along there is a ruined windmill, caves, the entrances of old quarries by the attempted extraction of iron (known locally as quarries Averoff), the representation of the kiln where it previously produced charcoal and galleries by lush vegetation.

Along the route of the gorge of quince found caves, three waterfalls, the church of Agios Dimitrios, and the church of Panagia Mousourenas. The length of the canyon is 2,000 feet and is crossed by a river periodic flow, which is water from December to June. About 100 meters before the mouth of the river Mafropilioti a connection path that leads to the settlement garlic sauce. In Karanou operates the Cooperative Karanou Women

“The peasant woman” engaged in the manufacture and  packaging of traditional products (food, fresh, aromatic plants), which are sold either at production or at exhibitions of traditional products. Every summer the festival cherry with the participation of the local population.

The influx of population from the wider area has supported the successful effort to preserve traditions.

Archaeological – Historical – Religious Places in Karanou.

 

Church of Our Lady ninth century

It is a small church that has three murals inside. Getting the right shows St George on horseback. On the opposite wall is a text in Byzantine style.

In the sanctuary of the church depicts the

Virgin Mary.

It is said that there were murals around the interior, but were whitewashed by the inhabitants, to prevent sexual abuse of

Turks on the images. St. Demetrios Church 12th century

It has many wall paintings but they need maintenance. Cave testimony for 28 women

In 1866 there were  two battles vagainst the Turks during the months of September and November

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Deaf 

The district’s Koufos together with the settlement Gavranou is 2 kilometers from the headquarters of the municipality.

It is mainly overgrown orchards and olive groves.

From the abandoned village of Mouri d.d.Koufou shows the valley of Keritis and part of the city of Chania.

The springs in Koufos permanent supply used for drinking water supply and the wider region.

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Pits

The municipal district of Lakki has three settlements Lakka, Askordalou and Omalou.

 The pits are of interest from housing and environmental terms. Built on a slope, most houses are traditional and the newly usually follow the residential environment. The cypress forest located on the hillside below the village is crossed by the path leading to the hilltop.

The churches in DD Pits are St. Anthony, St. George and St. John Askordalo.

Each year there are two festivals in the region.

• a) the pits of St. Anthony on January 17
• b) VI Askordalou of St. John on August 29

The settlement of Askordalou located at lower altitude and connects with trails in the villages of Lakka Karanou oven and through bush and wooded areas

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The settlement Omalos located on the plateau at an altitude of 1050 meters. From there began the historic “Army Mousouron” sung in rizitika songs, which previously linked the Omalos with the city of Chania.

From the edge of the plateau starts Cave Tzanis or sink or Chonos (length ~ 2.5 km), which has initiated the interest of many foreign tourists in 1865 and Speleological groups of different nationalities, who explore with organized missions since 1961 .

 Took its name from the legendary chieftain of the pits Marco Tzanis or Fear (Tzanomarkos).

 

Distinguished for his battles against the Venetians in the late 17th century and later against the Turks. After the conquest of Crete by the Turks fled to the island of Souda and then dashed by killing the most furious of Giannitsaros empneon and fear to others hence the address as the Fear. In the region there

 is a rich forest vegetation of cypress, maple, the endemic tree species Ampelitsia (Zelkova abelicea) etc. and imithamnoi and endemic herbs of Crete. After Omalos you Xyloskalo, which is the entrance of the White Mountains National Park (Samaria gorge). In the region and within the national park found the Cretan wild goat or ibex (Capra aegagrus cretica).

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Meskla

The archaeological excavations, and architectural and cultural heritage of other historical periods show that the area was inhabited continuously from prehistoric era. A short distance from the village Meskla remains of the fortifications of ancient Rizinias.Remarkable is the natural environment with caves, canyons and water supply sources in Chania.

The Zourva is a charming mountain village of na Meskla province Cydonia 5 km from Meskla. Built at an altitude of 570 m and the root rugged but verdant cypress cliffs of the White Mountains, has few inhabitants and now belongs to the Municipality Mousouron.

Tub, underground river in White Mountains

The tap is a rugged canyon at the gorges and caves, in Chania.The crossing takes place either through the shelter KALLERGI the Smooth or the villageZourva. Within this canyon is a cave with an underground river, the Fountain, from which it was named and the gorge. The first exploration epecheirithike during the years 1985 and 1986 with a mission of Italian students were making a field trip-mission and proceeded to stretch investigating the two tunnels, up to distance about 350 meters from each entrance.

On September 15, 2001 a group of young cavers (the Speleological Group Chania and the Speleological Club of Crete) spent the night in the cave’s entrance

and the next day, wearing diving suits to protect against water and cold, they reached the affordable end of the cave Underground river after a few hours, spending more time in the stream.

They arrived in the same places where the Italians. In describing the path after about 150 meters the cave splits and goes with two galleries that both crossed a small river. The left, after about 60 m, continues with a narrow and low fret where the cavers go into the water and sometimes crawling to a gallery height 0.50 m. The gallery goes right and that more than one hundred meters.

The total length of the route in the cave, like the Italians have said, is 700 feet.

There is great natural beauty of stalactites, especially in the first apartment, and continued small lakes, ponds, some with enough water, combined with the decor make the cave spectacular. There are very tight spaces and wider than 10 meters and except for very narrow places the ceiling height ranges from 4-6 meters. The latter explorers are planning another entrance to the springs to make the mapping, but also try channel from existing very narrow passages and may therefore be presented as a surprise to the length of the cave, after the underground river must have been the source of much higher and in some vast underground reservoir

TSIROPORGI OF THE HOLE

A steep path between the cypress trees brings us south to the beautiful placewhere there are Kissonero an old Mitato three monuments of nature, three ancient, enormous in size and height plane. Walking in there it takes about 1.15 hours but seven minutes before the cave is Kissonero “His Tsirogiorgi Hole.”

It has two entrances at an altitude of 1,000 meters.

 The first is narrow and difficult lies behind it, after 20 meters, is the other one on the floor is full of animal bones. The overall shape is roughly circular and slightly convoluted with wonderful decor of stalactites, stalagmites and columns that have started to corrode after being “dry.” In some of the stalagmites are plant roots penetrate the surface floating on the ceiling like a rope or ribbons.

At the midpoint of a descent is about 12 meters and having an auxiliary rope to get to the bottom, filled with mud, which apparently lead to winter rainwater. On the west side of the cave opens up a pretty little room. The cave was under Turkish rule had fled and was hiding a Sfakianos elder who had disagreed with the syneparchiotes.

Also a few years ago twenty villagers in the region attempted to explore with lighted twigs, but threatened to suffocate from the fumes of these branches In a chamber were found 2-3 skulls and bones of wild animals surplus 80 years, as calculated. Southwest of the village Zourva Cydonia is a cave called “Telonotrypa.” Legends and stories about fees later have to do with this cave. During the German occupation in the first and second mezzanine hiding allied soldiers and rebels, and when I visited years ago there was even the wire which stretch out their clothes to dry, or where they had the antenna of the radio.

 The descent within the required auxiliary rope. On the precipice Voulisma threw the rebels Mesklianoi New Year of 1944 some of the Soumperites had sent the Germans to the strike when they came from Madares to celebrate with their families. Soumperites were some, unfortunately, Cretan, Heraklion from a village that had been dressed in German uniforms and were assigned to the organized body of Sergeant Schubert.

The canyon starts from Sarakina Zourva and ends at Meskla where are the doors of the canyon with a height of about 15 m and a width of approximately 1.5 meters. The vegetation is rich and formations and caves of outstanding beauty. The stream dries up in 1-2 months time.

The gorge is quite rough because there dianoigmeno trail and the dense vegetation makes it difficult to access. During the summer and until the first autumn rains, easily traveled the distance of 200 meters to the door Orthouni

The Orthouni is mountainous village of Municipality Mousouron located at an altitude of approximately 400 meters, has 140 inhabitants (2001) and is 24 km from the city of Chania. The settlement Laggona falling in local damerisma Orthouni has 42 inhabitants (2001).

The Orthouni mentioned first by Barozzi in 1577 as Orthuni. Also referred to in subsequent censuses of the Venetians and the Egyptians (1583, 1630, 1834). In 1940 the Orthouni was located the small community with 325 residents. The locals are engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry.

The main agricultural products are olives elaiopoiiseos, citrus fruit and forage plants and secondarily produced cherries, apples, watermelons, melons, potatoes k.a. Livestock production is based on sheep and goat rearing.

The few residents remaining maintain traditional and cultural features of the site. Established cultural association of the residents called “the Lampathes”.

 The area has several churches of which three are old. The Prophet Elijah was built probably at the time of Venetian rule and was renovated recently.

The church of Our Lady has been restored several times and it is unknown the exact date on which it was built, but the testimonies of the residents certainly existed during the Ottoman period. Also St. Nicholas, was built in 1887 and has a beautiful stone tower.

Each year there are four great festivals:

• On August 15 the Virgin Mary
• On December 6 St. Nicholas
• On October 28 of St. Demetrios and the Pygmy Cormorant
• On July 20 the Prophet Elijah

The Orthouni has rich vegetation and natural beauty is partly mountainous terrain landscape.

 Under Moutsoudia where road leads from the village Hosti and neighborhood Gianoukiana the Orthouni, there is a spring and a very large plane with a crown that covers an area about 300 m and a remarkable monument.

 In the same area is a small cave called the “Hole of Voukolies.” The cave is located in the riverbed, in a mixed forest of cypress and holly. It consists of 3 main rooms and in some places have nice decor of stalactites and stalagmites. The entrance of the cave is very small and not easily seen because of dense vegetation that surrounds it.

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Sempronas

The Sempronas is mountainous village of Municipality Mousouron with 131 inhabitants (2001).

The earliest reference to the village is in the Venetian (1577) which states as Sebrona. It is found in the Venetian census in 1583 as Kastrofilakas Gavumera Sembrinó with 142 residents but also from the Basilicata in Sembrona in 1630 and the Ant. Trivan (Varie cose di Candia, etc) with the same name.

(Spinach St., cities and villages of Crete, 1991). Located at an altitude of 620m. and away from Chania 38 km. The houses are scattered in neighborhoods, in a small green basin dominated by chestnut and sycamore trees. The residents of Semprona mainly deal with agriculture and animal husbandry. The main products are producing chestnuts, olive oil, goat meat, milk and fodder plants.

 Also grown apples, potatoes, tomatoes etc. There are three cafes which offer dishes prepared with local products.

The area has many natural springs. The water collected in a small canyon and ends in Voukolies. The river is flowing permanently, even during the summer months, the waters of sailing even trout and eels and rich riparian vegetation.

In Semprona three old churches: The small chapel of St. John the Baptist (beheading) in the neighborhood Bompoliana. The church is the 14th-15th century frescoes. Another chapel of St. John the Baptist (Genesis) is Apopigadi mountain at an altitude of 1000 meters, in a beautiful landscape, built in 1873. This part communicates with a Semprona bodied road (6 km). In this church every year festival on June 23 with a large participation of local residents, but also the wider area.

The Central Church of St. George in the village center built in 1910.

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Skines

Local apartment in the City Skines Mousouron are two settlements, Skines to 611 residents and a small village with 32 inhabitants Lukewarm. The Barozzi, the Basilicata and Kastrofilakas the state Schinea by 164 residents in the 16th century. The name is probably from the plant fytonymiko lentisk (Skinos) (Spanakis, “Crete”, Vtom.)

The Skines located in a fertile region and the residents are mainly engaged in agriculture and less on farming. Produced mainly citrus and olive oil and other products such as potatoes, tomatoes, pears, apples, etc.

There are also several vineyards for grape production.

The processing units operating in Skines is a mill, a producer of feed and 2 traditional stills (boilers) that produce the traditional raki.

In the center of the village and across the street run numerous cafes and a restaurant. The cultural life of Skines and the broader area contributing the “Greek Skines Touring Club”, which operates within and outside the county, since 1957 and has over 200 members.

Also the institution is operating “Cultural Centre” Julian minions’ “which is housed in a modern building near the center of town where cultural events such as workshops and rural social issues, speeches, honorary events etc.

The oldest church is St. Skines Anthony (12th century). Which is located on a plain surrounded by greenery. Also old church is the St. Catherine (possibly the 15th century.) Which is located in Glebe Mesokefalas where there is an old settlement in the same period.

In Skines course there are other more modern churches such as St. Marina at Tepid, the prophet Elijah, St. Spyridon, St. Demetrios, etc.

The main church is the church Transfiguration, where every year on Aug. 6 carried the big feast. Smaller festivals are committed also to the smaller churches the day of the feast. During the German occupation Skines paid dearly for his fighting spirit.

The Germans burned the entire village on August 1, 1941 due to previous engagement, which wounded a German. The Germans destroyed the village in retaliation and characterized their estate, their territory

On the same day had been and executions in Keritis, in Alikianos, 118 residents from nearby villages and in them many Skinianon.

 For Skines victims of Nazi occupation, has erected a monument beside the church. (Source: “Crete in May 1941″ Special Edition – Special Haniotika News, 2000, Editors: J. Anastasakis, Vegliris L., I. Galanakis, M. Grigorakis)

The natural landscape of great beauty Skines is due to the poikoilotita. In the lowlands is characterized by crops and especially the orange and olive groves.

At higher altitudes (up to 300 meters) dominates the landscape of rich low shrub vegetation, consisting mainly of heath and arbutus, with scattered dendrylia pine.

There are also several sources is important in the region “Koutsounari – St. Anthony”, near the church. Also in “Livadaki” was the “Kavoussi” area where residents had formed appropriate to collect water in earlier days.

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Fournes

The oven is semi-mountainous village of D. Mousouron with 663 inhabitants (2001). Located at an altitude of 100 meters in the foothills of the White Mountains and just 16 km from the city of Chania.Mentioned by the Venetian Kastrofilakas in the year 1583, from Basilicata (Monuments Crete. History V, s.138) in 1630 and by Anton Trivan (Varie Cose di Candia, etc. p. III handwriting Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris) as Furnea.According to St. Spanaki (Towns and villages of Crete, 1991): “Situated at the head of the valley katarrytis Keritis the right bank, drowned in the green box, from the orange. ”It’s the miracle of the heart and the heart of a miracle,” said one visitor. The spring bloom orange through the green foliage of, even golden oranges, fringed with white flowers, which spread its exquisite aroma to the environment.

It is a rare picture, fragrant, satisfying all the senses.

“The oven is one of the “portokalochoria” the area with large production of citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, lemons). Significant oil production and other agricultural products like potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, watermelons, melons, nuts, avocados, honey, etc.

Operate six (6) packers of citrus, one (1) mill, one (1) traditional alembic (pot) to produce raki.
There are cafes, grocery stores, bakeries and other commercial enterprises that reveal the vitality of the settlement and the ability to retain its residents.
Every Day is organized by the residents and the local club “the feast of floral waters” with the participation of local people and residents of the wider area.

During the celebration is distilled rosewater floral citrus and offered local delicacies.In the village are 4 churches from which St. Panteleimon and St. George are from the era of Turkish rule.On the hill are the remains of a small tower of the Ottoman era (Kule Vigla).

In the northern edge of the hills separating the furnace from the Cydonia Therisou canyon and over the village Myloniana, is the location of Fort Spilios and historic cave Chyrospilios or Ochyrospilios.The name was derived from the location of the cave which is a natural fortress and watchtower which controls the north, west and east, overlooking the plains of the oven, Alikianos, Koufos, Vatolakkos Holy and general river Keritis.
The approach to the cave are two sides of the oven or the Myloniana. This is a small cave, its importance is more on the historicity and less on physical characteristicsMany races were the forts was located in difficult times and particularly the revolutions against the Turks during the years 1866-67 and 1878. The cave gave shelter to the rebels, but became a place of martyrdom for the fighters who were trapped. (Plymakis A. The caves of Crete, 2002).

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Psathogianno

The Psathogianno is hilly district of the local municipality Mousouron located at an altitude of 150 meters and has 175 inhabitants (2001). There are two settlements in Psathogianno (Upper and Lower Psathogianno) with 111 residents and Bapiolo with 94 residents. Distance from the town of Chania 20

 km from the road to Kissamos-Gerani-Loutraki-Psathogianno.The Psathogianno refers to the Venetian censuses made in the 16th century as Psatoiano or Psatogiano then had 76 people while Bapiolos first reported in the Egyptian census of 1834 as Papiólos with 6 families.The residents of Psathogianno mainly deal with agriculture and less on farming. The main products from our region are olives elaiopoiiseos, olive and citrus (oranges and lemons). In smaller quantities produced potatoes, tomatoes, watermelons and melons.In Bapiolo until recently operated a mill, which is sufficient for processing of regional products. However, closed in 2007 and is no longer any processor manufactured products.In Bapiolo are two traditional stills (boilers) that produce the traditional raki. This activity has no financial return, because the remuneration of holders of the cauldron, determined by a percentage of production. Also, the process is the traditional form of concentration and all-day feast. The “employees” are essentially the hosts of the outdoor concentration and the production is mainly used for own consumption.It is remarkable that there is no coffee shop, grocery store or any commercial enterprise in the settlements of Psathogianno.However, the hospitality can offer to treat passersby and local dishes, replenishing the lack of shops.The neighborhoods in the settlements of Psathogianno show the graphic image of the mountain Greek village, since houses are built very close together, leaving narrow alleys crossing. At higher neighborhoods the houses are built on hills overlooking the olive groves of the region.The churches in that area are:

• Agios Georgios Psathogianno, which is the central church was built during the Ottoman occupation.

• The two-aisled church of St. Fanourios and Agia Triada

• The two-aisled church of St. Irene and St. Stylianos the Bapiolo

• In the natural landscape Psathogianno determined by the hilly terrain and vegetation dominated by olive groves occupy a larger area of ​​the

Browse the most important villages of Chania Part 2

After our tour at the invitation of Agia Marina, we continue our journey towards the town of Platanias ….  Maps Travel Xania     Maps Travel Xania 

Municipal Unit Platanias

The first village of Platanias on the road to Kissamos and the right bank of the river Platanias or Keritis (Homer Iardanou) river begins from the beach and runs uphill to the Acropolis, with superb panoramic view of the bay of Chania.
The village (formerly community) is now apartment Platanias Kydonia. Indicate the province Cydonia in 1577 by Fr. Barozzi and 1583 by Kastrofilakas called Pirgo Platanea and 154 inhabitants.
But the story seems to be much older, and in this region have seen remains of Hellenistic and Roman period.
As in almost all coastal villages discern here two residential zones, Pano Platanias (Platanias old) and Kato Platanias. More On Platanias (or Citadel) was fortress (observatory) in Turkish, of which remnants still remain. The observatory was laxemmeno into the rock. Used by the Germans during the occupation, as in the rock hid the cannon with which polyvolousan allied planes.
The overhead and an amphitheater is part of the village retains the resonance and the color of other stratified seasons. Rocks and streets Acropolis recount the passing of peoples and nations of this land of the Cretan land. The soul of the place prevailed. Never assimilated, but instead, fight the foreigners. Example of years of modern history, the journey of the German paratrooper in the Battle of Crete, who returned in Platanias, years later, to find that he had spoken to his heart into the darkness of war. They married and lived beloved and inseparable here in the Acropolis until the death away.
Kato Platanias developed in recent decades and has evolved rapidly in a tourist area. Crops and greenhouses have given way to countless tourist businesses. Visitors from all countries are numerous, and the combination of sea and area of ​​natural beauty close to the center of Chania is a powerful incentive and attraction.Tourism in the region generally has a family character.
Platanias is community and private clinic, pharmacy, public kindergarten, elementary school and high school, and private kindergarten. Operate during the summer period of about six hundred businesses (hotels, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, grocery stores, tourist shops, jewelleries, etc.).
Despite the intense tourist development the residents seek to preserve and revive key elements of tradition, customs and traditions that make up the character of the area. The temples of the village opened a joyous embrace the days that honor the memory of the saints who are dedicated. Agios Dimitrios, a monastery before, in Pano Platanias is the central church for the winter months. The divine and historic church is built in a central location with great views.
The cemetery of the village, then in the garden of the church to the south, dressed with flowers the Megalovdomada. On Good Friday procession of the Epitaph starts from here the night of the Resurrection, the Holy Saturday with exquisite dormer and perfumes of spring, is an unforgettable event every year.
Notre Faneromeni in Kato Platanias, next to the school where the Monument to the Fallen, is the central church for the summer season. Celebrate with a feast every year on August 15.
St. George “Methistis” very old church with murals, located in the district Drakiana, a beautiful green landscape in the western part of the village, 5 km. above the tavern “Grinder.” Celebrates every year on November 3, then opened the barrel and tried the wines.
The path to Drakiana is the church of Agia Paraskevi. It is the first church was encountered while and then half of this route is the church of St. George, who celebrates every year after Easter (floating holiday). Higher than the Holy Friday is built the Church of Transfiguration of the Saviour Christ celebrated on August 6.Finally, St. Anthony, west of the village, located about 200 meters from the main road, celebrated on 1 7 January.
Platanias there is active cultural associations. There is also a printed word (the bimonthly newspaper “The Voice of Platanias”) and reported in yesterday and today the place, with concerns and suggestions for the future. There are also impressions of yesterday’s tracking of young people with passion visible firms (such as the restaurant “MILL”, which has a history of several decades and is now a topographic reference point and the newly formed namesake house on the main road, the western edge of the village). This attempt to prosper buildings, businesses and homes is the nostalgia of the people of the place for quiet reverie of the past. The far more populous and faster pace of life is back position for anchorage in the sand of the beach at dusk. And on the narrow streets in St. Dimitri in Vigli in yards with lime and flowers. In an open horizon to the island of St. Theodore opposite, the beast of the sea which, according to legend, he chose to petrified here.

Geographical and population data:

Distance from center of Chania: 10.6 Kilometers
Height above sea level: 10 meters
Residents: 790 (1991)

Tour of the City

In Platanias, visitors have the opportunity to tour areas of outstanding natural beauty, admire great sights and experience thetraditional hospitality. Ideal for trips or holidays combining a series of naturalistic and archaeological routes, taken together, constitutean important “map” of experience. Link : The brochure of the City in English

Platanias is situated 11 km west of Chania, right next to the National Road to Kastelli and has 740 residents. The village is built along the coast and climbs amphitheater on the slopes of a hill, from where the view is breathtaking.

The village is one of the most developed tourist villages of Chania, due to extensive beaches and its proximity to Chania. This offers accommodation for every budget. However, if you want to spend the night in August, you should check first the availability of rooms.

There are many taverns and restaurants and cafes and you will not miss all the night life and entertainment.

It has good transport links with regular buses running from early morning until late evening. You can also use a taxi from Chania, rented or private car and motorbikes.

What sykgekrimena along the northern road from Chania to Kissamos and continuous contact with a beautiful coastline overlooking the Cretan Sea, we find the most organized and most popular tourist area of ​​Chania.

At its heart, just ten kilometers from the capital of the prefecture is Platanias.

Like nearly all villages of the region the first signs are found in antiquity and clearly mentioned in the historiography of the Venetian era.

Starting from a hill, stretching towards the beach watching the beautiful river Keritis or Platania, known from Homer Iardano.

The Pano Platanias (or Citadel) is the oldest part of the village that retains vivid details of the story (such as residues Turkish observatory) and the architectural heritage of the place. The courtyards with flowers and basil, whitewashed “bentenia” and easy hello people survive is a lifestyle joyful and hospitable.Amphitheater built on the hill offers a rare panoramic views and a backdrop of peace and becoming acquainted with the place.

Kato Platanias is a modern extension of the village towards the sea and collect all the comforts and services of a modern tourist destination. From dining and shopping to water toys and banks, the visitor will find here that needs to spend beautiful days …

Spread around beautiful beaches consistently get the “blue flags” that gives the European Union for the organization and cleanliness of the coastline. It overlooks the island of “Theodore” which according to ancient legend was just the sea monster who chose this location to stay for Follow up petrified …

Platanias offers perhaps the most complete and best quality network of tourist services in the prefecture of Chania. Beyond the known infrastructure of hotels, restaurants, clubs, shops entertainment of all kinds, jewelry, supermarkets etc. also has community and private clinics, police station, pharmacy, Kindergarten, Elementary school, high school, and taktikotati bus to Chania .

This regular connectivity and location near the city of Chania offers the visitor of Platanias the opportunity to quickly find the most beautiful sights of Chania. To know the island of farmers, the rare natural landscape of unsurpassed taste and tradition in the villages of the hinterland or monuments with which he endowed place indelibly stamped his long and admirable career in history and culture of man.

Area Hotels

Rania Category C Tel: +30 28210 68840
Sofia Beach Category C  Tel: +30 28210 60823
Sun Set  Category C   Tel: +30 28210 60022
Sunrise Village Category C Tel: +30 28210 83640
Varouxakis Category C      Tel: +30 28210 68760
Villa Platanias   Category C     Tel: +30 28210 83733
Agapi  Category D                  Tel: +30 28210 68106
Giannis Apartments       Phone: +30 28210 68313
Ilias Apartments                    Tel: +30 28210 60004
Irini Apartments                    Tel: +30 28210 60040
Irini Apartments                    Tel: +30 28210 68204
John Apartments                   Tel: +30 28210 60442
Kalitsakis Beach                      Tel: 28210 68218
Kidonia Apartments              Tel: +30 28210 60738
Kydonia Apartments             Tel: +30 28210 60739
Lola’s Apartments                   Tel: +30 28210 68345
Maria Apartments                   Tel: +30 28210 60455
Maria Suites                                Tel: +30 28210 68860
Medousa                                      Tel: +30 28210 68176
Perry’s Apartments                 Tel: +30 28210 60202
Popi Apartments                      Tel: +30 28210 68300
Proimos Apartments              Tel: +30 28210 68105
Reveka Apartments                Tel: +30 28210 68714
Rosmaris Apartments            Tel: +30 28210 68025
Sonio Apartments                    Tel: +30 28210 68260
Stella Apartments                    Tel: +30 28210 68063
Sunday’s Villa Apartments  Tel: +30 61 662 2821
Vasiliki Apartments:               Tel: +30 28210 68317
Vaso Apartments:                    Tel: +30 28210 68297
Villa Anna:                                  Tel: +30 28210 60727
Villa Giorgios:                            Tel: +30 28210 68613
Villa Orsalia:                               Tel: +30 28210 88244
Zoi Apartments                        Tel: +30 28210 60080

How to get to Platanias

From the airport of Chania Platanias. Platanias is situated 11km from Chania, and you can get there by following the highway from Chania to Kissamos.

As a major tourist destination signs are detailed so you need not worry that you might miss the exit from the National to the resort of Platanias.

Leaving the highway to go to a big crossroads and opposite you will see a sign to Platanias and Agia Marina, and one in Maleme Kolymbari.

Follow the right direction and after one kilometer you will see the sign that welcomes you to Platanias – even if you do not notice the sign, however, is much the development of the region there is no way not to understand when you get to Platanias.

If you turn on the highway to the village of Ano Stalos will reach the coastal road to Agia Marina and continue straight towards Platanias. The road from Ano Stalos is very nice and pleasant, so if you want to enjoy the journey by the seaside choose this path.

From the port of Souda Platanias. To go from the port of Souda Platanias apply exactly the same as the route from the airport.From Souda exit the highway Rethymnon – Chania. Do not get in Chania, because you will lose time in traffic.

Platanias bus from Chania Airport. There is a bus connecting the Airport Chania Platanias. You should first take a bus from the airport to Chania and from there another bus to Platanias.

Platanias bus from Chania. If you have your own vehicle, Platanias connected with local buses to the city of Chania with frequent services every day. Especially during the summer months there are many routes throughout the day until 10 pm.

Platanias drive from Chania. From the center of Chania Kissamos follow the avenue that will lead you along the coastal road to Platanias.

It’s easy route and not risk becoming lost.

Practical information for your holidays in Platanias

Hardly need anything during your holidays in Platanias, you will not find here.

Platanias is the most tourist places in Crete, so here you will find every kind of business addressed to the many tourists enjoy their holidays in Platanias.

On the main road that runs through the village you will find:

• banks and cash dispensers (ATMs)
• post office, pharmacy, health center and police station
• tourist shops to buy souvenirs that will remind you of your holidays in Platanias
•  ovens, besides bread, sell wine and raki, and
• sandwiches, pies and other snacks for breakfast. mini market stay open until late at night
• car rental and bike / motorbike
• many bars, restaurants, clubs and cafes that succeed one another along the road to Agia Marina.

If you come by bus from Chania to stop at is the main road, about 500m after entering the area. Therein lies the main square of Platanias and the taxi rank.

What will complicate the garage is enough, especially in the evening, and requires some caution when driving, because one must go slowly, the other to watch out for pedestrians who do not necessarily walk on the sidewalk, especially after midnight few drinks.

Hotels and Apartments in Platanias 

The hotels in Platanias renowned for their quality.

Here you will find luxury hotels that occupy large chunks of the beach and offer all inclusive vacations.

You’ll also find many apartments and rooms in Platanias, aimed at younger tourists are more affordable.

Most hotels and apartments in Platanias, located along the road near the beach, but you will find several of them in the rear (south) side of the road to the mountain, however, a short distance from downtown and the beach.

If you come on holidays in Platanias in July, August and September you will need to close hotel very early because these months are filled with everything normal.

Hotels in Platanias 

Restaurants and taverns in Platanias

Smashing Beer from Chania, do not miss the try, as well as refreshments from Gerani

Platanias will find many restaurants an

d taverns, which is an advantage forthose who want to have many options for eating on vacation.

Although most shops in the area aimed at Scandinavian and German tourists who crowd the area every year, there are restaurants that insist on a more traditional style and offer Cretan and Greek cuisine in a more homely style and tastes.

Platanias will find grills, fast food outlets and many restaurants with familiar signs with pictures of Greek food. Of course by not missing Platanias restaurants with international cuisine, including Chinese, Indian, Mexican and English – style pub.
However, most restaurants in the area will impress you with their variety of food offered after they have huge lists. If you choose any of the Greek tavernas, after lunch you will get a treat for dessert with fruit and ice Cretan raki (raki).

If you get tired of you every moment of your vacation near the sea, ascend the traditional village of Ano Platanias, where things are quieter, more traditional and excellent views! Run restaurants and taverns, 5-6 from noon to night, offering mainly Greek and Cretan cuisine and will reimburse you for a few minutes journey to the spectacular views offered in Platanias, Agia Marina and the Bay ofChania.

The view is equally impressive late at night and if you choose to dine there, you’re lucky to get some Greek nights are often organized in the taverns of Upper Platanias.

If you stay for dinner and try marathopita alatsolies!
Bars and clubs in Platanias – Nightlife

The bars and clubs of Platanias attract crowds in the region, especially the many young visitors, both from abroad and from Chania.

There are different types of bars in Platanias:
Pubs

• rock cafe
• bar karaoke
• cafes that turn into bars when they stop the big screens showing sports and games
• Scandinavian bar known flags outside
• more atmospheric lounge music shops
• you will find ellinadika but kritikadika – as some jokingly call shops that play live Cretan music.

Even though the holidays in Platanias last a whole month, you can visit every night and different bars or clubs, without having to go the second time in itself.

The nightlife in Platanias is concentrated along the main street that runs Platanias and Agia Marina, but the truth is that Platanias has much more traffic in the evening from Agia Marina.

There are also many beach bar and club on the beach of Platanias, with tables, sofas and loungers on the beach, and you can enjoy your drink there in company with the loud music and the sound of waves.

Usually the shops are half full at 10pm but around midnight chock filled until the early morning hours.

The next morning we all sleep, so if you are the exception to be awake before 11am, you will find empty streets and shops.

What to do in your holidays in Platanias 

Enjoy the sea and the Cretan sun all day.

The sandy beaches and street selling fruit and massages on the beach give a ton of fun to stay there.

Moreover both Platanias and Agia Marina, and have many facilities and amenities for water sports of all kinds of banana up scuba diving, canoeing, beach volleyball and surfing the waves

Can party until dawn in one of the bars and clubs in Platanias and find you in the morning to run the hotel for breakfast before bed, or outside a bakery to try to decide what works to choose from.

Play mini golf or video games in one of the many shops available in the area.

Platanias has many playgrounds, with swings and various children’s activities that can keep your kids busy for hours.

You get the Magic Train running Platanias and Agia Marina and offers useful information about the area, but also a way to make young children to see the area without getting bored.

Try to learn Cretan dances in one of the evenings organized by local associations in cooperation with the taverns in the area of ​​Platanias.

Visit the Upper Platanias. In contrast to modern cosmopolitan seaside piece, Ano Platanias is a picturesque village with old houses and winding narrow streets, built above the hill that overlooks the beach from above

The Ano Platanias offers great views but a sense of peace that will seem almost incredible that there is just 3-4km from the bustle of the seaside town.

In Ano Platanias will see many cats sunning themselves in the quiet streets and elderly residents to sit on terraces of houses.

You can leave your car at a specialty parking is outside the church and Ano Platanias wander the streets, taking pictures or just enjoying the silence and the sounds of nature.

All you seem more human once. 

You can visit nearby villages like Manoliopoulo the Ksamoudochori, and Vlacheronitissa famous for olive oil and go shopping or sample traditional Cretan cuisine with homemade flavors.

Visit the nearby Maleme and go to the German cemetery was erected there to commemorate the heroic battle of 1941. Even if you host a tribute to the conquerors and the importance of giving, keep only the antiwar message generated by the visit to this site.

Visit Syrili, located 2 km from Platanias and is famous for the church of Saint Spyridon and the xerotigana

Take some time to learn about the company Archelon present in the area and aims to protect marine turtles in Chania, Crete.

In some parts of the beach of Platanias will see fenced paths for young turtles.

Visit Chania and walk to the beautiful and picturesque harbor, or wander the alleys of the most beautiful and romantic city of Crete.

Visit the lake of Agia, one of the ponds in Crete, located approximately 10km to the SE edge of Platanias. From here springs the river Platanias.

If you come on holidays in Platanias, do not let your first impression to make you an idea immediately.

Platanias is a place that can offer you exciting holidays and hours of relaxation at sea and the beach.

If you get tired of the hustle and bustle can head to the Upper Platanias or any of the neighboring villages to fill your mind with beautiful images and moments of calm and go back for another wild night in Platanias

Link Text : http://www.explorecrete.com

Vrisses, Patelari

From Platanias, taking the fork of the road Chania-Kissamos to the mainland, lies the village taps owes its name to the many sources that he had previously.Archaeological investigations have shown here uninterrupted human presence since the Neolithic Age (6000-3000 BC).

In a typical Dikorfo hill that dominates the taps in the area as a natural citadel has discovered the most important archaeological discovery of the region.An ancient settlement situated in the Late Period (16th century BC) and wonderful findings are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum.

The Patelari is next, very close to the taps, settlement. The monument at the entrance of the village reminds us that here was paid a heavy price in the struggle against German occupation: In 1941, shortly after the Battle of Crete, several villagers were executed in reprisal for resistance.

Visitors will find the two green settlements typical examples of the lives of ordinary people of Crete dealing mainly with agricultural crops.

 Fountains, Chania

30 km southeast of Chania, just 2 km from National Road to Rethymno are the fountains, a beautiful village with 850 residents, situated in a valley full of trees, lush vegetation and springs.A visit to the area around where you will find many traditional villages, such as Fre, Dyes, Emprosmeno, Alikambos and Mass, besides the traditional architecture have also retained the old Cretan way of life. As these villages are outside the popular tourist destinations, visitors can find here the most authentic picture of the Cretan village and its people.Right at the intersection with the highway, there is the “Greek Arch”, a Roman bridge and features from more recent periods, such as Venetian and Ottoman.Also note worthy are some churches and fountains and the surrounding villages.

Two festivals are celebrated with festivals. On July 7, Agia Kyriaki, the Fountains, and the Assumption, the fifteenth of August in Alikambos.There are a few rooms for the taps, but the food can be a real treat.Small restaurants and cafes in the shadow of trees offering traditional dishes. The most interesting is that the village is known for good quality milk, do not forget we can taste fine cheeses and yogurt.The village has regular bus the bus all the time. Also you can use taxis or private cars and motorcycles. To visit the beautiful villages need your own instrument or rented.

Gerani, Modi

The Geranium is the largest district and the capital of Platanias.

Spread over a vast landscape of outstanding beauty with forests, citrus orchards and olive groves and offers a wide range of tourist and recreational services. Dominance in geography, holds the famous and huge beach to which that consistently awarded the blue flag of the Union for the organization and cleanliness.

Large and modern hotels and several smaller offer all the comforts for a holiday will surely be unforgettable. Here you will find traditional tavernas, car rental mini markets etc.

From the Geranium, leaving the road Chania-Kissamos and moving inland, we come very close to the green village of Modi.Grave goods found in the excavations on display in the Archaeological Museum of Chania narrate a root that is the Geometric period ie between 100 and 600 BC In Modi will encounter a typical quiet rural life as the inhabitants are basically the cultivation of the famous orange area and olives.

Some historical data on: Pano Gerani apart from the coastal village located a mile south. Mentioned by Fr. Barozzi in Gerona in 1577. From Kastrofilakas with 149 inhabitants in Gerani in 1583.From Basilicata with 35 outstanding chores in 1630. In the Egyptian census of 1834, referred to Gherani 10 8 Christian and Turkish families. The 1881 is in the municipality of Pyrgos Psilonerou with 326 inhabitants in 1900 Christians in the same municipality with 390 inhabitants in 1920 is home to the eponymous rural municipality with 498 inhabitants in 1928 is 578 in the 1940 by 726, in 1951 at 558, in 1961 at 502 in 1971 at 390 and now 903 legal residents and seasonal around 2500
The E. Lambrinakis believes that there were ancient Cydonia and that there was a temple of Vritomartidos. In 1867, he became Gerani battle with the Turks who defeated the rebels. By request of residents, the rebels fled after the Turks returned to the village and proceeded to massacre and pillage. Gerani born in 1793 the well-known in history as “Geraniotis”, aka John Papadogiorgakis. Also in the neighborhood Petoulia, Gerani, Modi began his career as a teacher for the great Cretan writer John Kondilakis.

Beach Gerani, Chania

The beach Gerani is located 13 km west of Chania, right onNational Road to Kastelli is a sandy beach, very popular. Situatedon the north coast is affected by the wind.

Very well organized, it offers accommodation, food and drink inrestaurants and beachside bars and opportunities for swimming and sunbathing (chairs, umbrellas, sea sports etc)It has very good connection to Chania on regular bus routes. One can also use taxis and private hire cars or motorbikes.

Loutraki Xirokampi, Valley, Manoliopoulo, Warehouses

After Gerani Modi and moving to the mainland will find the abovesettlements developed around the larger, Manoliopoulo at veryshort distances between them, reaching the semi Stores.

In these villages, the visitor will encounter other than the beautifulscenery and pure, authentic pictures of everyday people who liveaway from the tourist centers and tourist businesses.

A trip here is a meeting with the serenity and authenticity.

Manoliopoulo

Village and community Kydonia Chania, at an altitude of 120 metersaway from Chania, 20 km from the coastal road Chania - Kissamos, left to fork Geranium, Loutraki Manoliopoulo. First found in the Egyptian census of 1834 as Manoilotos, with 14 Christian and 3Turkish families. The 1881 refers to the municipality as ManilopouloAlikianos by 122 Christian inhabitants. From 1920 onwards it has its own community.

Loutraki

Sign in Loutraki
At an altitude of 70 m is 2 km from cranes and 17 from Chania, branching  from the coastal road Chania-Kissamos, in Gerani-Loutraki. It has about 150 in.  Earliest reference to the municipality ofCydonia by Fr. Barozzi, as Monodhavli et Lutrachi the 1577. ApoKastrofilakas as Monodafli Loutraki and the 1583.

Apo Vasilikatasas lutracha in 1630. The 1920 has its own community, and from 1928 onwards refers to the community Gerani.

Pirgos Psilonerou, Kontomari

The next village that we come across after Gerani following the seaside national road is Pirgos Psilonerou, with its beautiful beach, modern hotels and quality tourist services.

Immediately after this, taking a left turn, we encounter the village of Kontomari.

Here, in June 2^nd 1941, one of the biggest war crimes of the Second World War in Greece took place.

In retaliation for acts of resistance from the local population, all the men of the village were executed.

The monument that stands in the village reminds locals and visitors of one of the gravest moments in the resent history of this land.

In the same region we will meet, amongst the beautiful hills, the villages of Kilada and Xirokambi.

Turning towards the sea again, we meet a traditional village with most of its buildings restored to their original state. This is the village of Metohi

Xamoudohori, Kyparissos

Continuing our tour, we will find on our route among the low hills the village of Xamoudohori .At its traditional cafeteria in the center of the village awaits us, aside from local manufactured soft drinks, the traditional homemade famoustsikoudia.

The hills of Xamoudohori offer a panoramic view of the vineyards and olive groves, as well as of the bay of Hania and the cape of Spatha.
A little after Xamoudohori, we meet the village of Kyparissos with its characteristic “cantounia”(neighborhoods) and its centenarian cypress tree that gave the name to the village (Kyparissi-cypress tree).Most of the population of the above villages is engaged in viniculture, winemaking, olive gathering and the making of tsikoudia.

Maleme

The historic village, apartment today of Platanias is found at 16.5 km of road to Kissamos. The history goes back centuries, as demonstrated on archaeological finds. Specifically Kafkalas position north of the village has been discovered Late Minoan vaulted tomb from which pulled (despite the fact that he had looted several shells and two seals, one of copper and the other from agate depicting a deer. The French archeologist Paul Faure etymologies the name from the word Gold (gold) on the grounds that maybe there was a gold mine in the area.

The area now called Maleme mentioned first in the province of Cydonia in 1577 by Fr. Barozzi called Maleme and Kastrofilakas called Maleme et Venerocori with 101 inhabitants in 1853 and 28 due chores.

Maleme, with the same name ever, crossed the Turkish occupation and the years after liberation from Turkish rule until today. When the Turks began to flee from Crete came here several families from the pits:

“The village eginike by residents who came from the pits, in the years 1832 -1842. As shepherds of the pits using the capes and Spada Grambousa on pasture during the winter months, rose and fell every year and went from Maleme. Once on the imminent departure of the Turks, they suggested some of those who were from the family of Paraskakis to buy property in Maleme. Buy one and then followed others who came in Maleme and Ksamoudochori. When they came in Maleme there was no church.He went to nearby villages for Christmas and Easter. They assign someone to awaken at night to go into operation. One year, however, the crier forgot to wake, so to go to church too late and not communion. Then decided and said: We are here to build a church. To find a location and get apiece from a stone to throw there.

Because many residents of Maleme was from pits, where stood the Temple of San Antonio, dedicated the temple of Maleme, the same saint.

Villagers from the Galanis family gave the land and thus echtistike the old St. Anthony, a small church with a vaulted roof (around 1840).

Over time, the need for larger church began to be felt. Decisive was the support of those who donated the land, among them Michael Smith Giannaris, who gave the main area and Galanis, who had already granted the land where they built the first St. Anthony. “

In 1918 he founded the great church. When I had to dig the foundations, there were two opinions. One said to build a new church a little over the first and the other view, which prevailed, argued that the new church should be grand and imposing: “Since there was the phrase” Pull ribbon “which told the residents to the contractor that measured the dimensions for the digging of the foundations of the temple. The phrase is now used metaphorically to denote a fact or situation which is expected to be a long time. “

The inauguration of the temple were in 1938. Then came the war:”The British wanted to build the airport at Maleme. The villagers donated the necessary land. Besides the children already fighting in Albania.

The Battle of Crete the Germans had intended to occupy the airfield at Maleme, and only then would free descent of the aircraft.This succeeded in the evening of the second day of the Battle. By then the planes stack fell, hit by machine guns, cannons and even onshore, but mainly from the position in the Battle of hill 107 Vlacheronitissas. That night I had managed to send the English back-up on the hill. The telephone conversation was interrupted.When information is decided by the commander of British troops was sent to Platanias and messenger to go to the hill and turn to say what happens. The messenger never came back.

With the Germans who came to the hill 107, Crete fell. “The village during the German occupation was deserted. The residents sought refuge in other villages”After the occupation of the village became part of Maleme prison camp. There 5-6000 prisoners, Greek and English, within the barbed wire. Inside the camp was Saint Anthony. When the Germans emptied the camp used the church as a warehouse for spare planes. This was the reason the church repeatedly bombed by the British.

Maleme had three other churches in the area of ​​the airport. In the center of the airport, about 200 meters above the sea, there was St. George. Chalastike to become the airport. Nearby was the village cemetery and the church of Agia Marina, which echalasan the Germans because they give a view on bombing the airport.Finally, St. John, who was one hundred meters before the bridge Tavronitis chalastike for the same reason. “

The village was abandoned by its inhabitants during the German Occupation:

“We lived f other villages where everyone knew. We specifically went to Dere in the early days. Then we went to the lake after the Kontomari and Kissamos. Our village testified in every respect. “

After liberation, when he finally met the village began to heal the wounds in the buildings. The school was damaged by bombing.Beneath the floor was dug by the Germans retreat. The building was most inappropriate. Until recently the school was housed in the hall for cultural events, which is next to San Antonio. Today is the perfect school complex Maleme. The exataxio elementary school (and kindergarten) brings children from all surrounding villages. The cemetery was moved to a hillside south of the village. There he built and the new church of Agia Marina, who solemnly celebrated every year on 1 7 July.

Since the tragic grandeur of the Battle of Crete and the gloomy days of German occupation now have left are memories. German cemetery in Maleme, 1 km outside the village, rest the remains of German soldiers who took part in the Battle of Crete.Maleme, summer tourism region, acquires, like all the coastal villages faster and more life in the summer. The village has a wealth of hotel facilities. Along the coastline there are many restaurants and cafes. The village’s permanent clinic. There is also a pharmacy, grocery store, souvenir shop, kiosk and two cafes.Maleme operates Cultural Association and a Hall of cultural events.

Vlaheronitissa

It is the village that we meet after Maleme moving inland. It is a small but active village that engages mainly in agriculture work, olives, grapes, tsikoudia etc. On the hill that overlooks the airfield of Maleme the famous hill 107 is located, where the fiercest battles for the capture of the airfield took place in 1941. Today at this landmark stands a simple cross to remind the younger generations the sacrifice of those who fell for their country and freedom.At the village of Vlaheronitissa we will have the chance to witness ways of the agricultural life that tend to be lost, like the vine harvest in September and the “rakokazana” for the manufacture of the traditional spirituous drink of tsikoudia at the end of October.Here you will certainly understand what Cretan hospitality and Cretan feast really mean. You just have to visit one of the 11 festivals that take place through the year at the chapels of the village!

The Vlacheronitissa not put off by the indifference of the government as happened in many villages of the county who have been or are about to be left without a permanent population. In this contributed to the fact that they are close to Chania and most residents work in tourism businesses of the north road as, Maleme, Platanias, but, above all, because people are among the beloved not have differences and together they offer for their village.

Up to the mandatory consolidation of municipalities and communities, a community of Vlacheronitissa Kydonia and now included in the boundaries of the municipality of Platanias. Since yesterday we recorded a transition useful historical and cultural figures, who kindly gave us writing two young men, pillars of the village, the chairman of the Local Council Manolis Bamiakis and Chairman of the Cultural Association Ms. Emerald Gompaki, speaking in his native abundant love, even noting that: “The Vlacheronitissa acquired and tourist infrastructure because apart from the traditional cafe and a very nice restaurant, this year work for the first time modern accommodation. The village has started now and several years to establish the feast of the snail (21 June) as treats and live Cretan music and is also unfailingly every year the feast of raki. Our elementary school is closed for years, regardless of how the village had been children. It is better to go to elementary school Maleme. Ours was the 1993 Sports Center, while housed the Cultural Association and do many events. There is a clinic where they housed the community and work every week with a physician from Maleme.

The Vlacheronitissa is one of the villages of the valley directly experienced the horrors and the greatness of the Battle of Crete.The height 107 is the location where the Germans threw a strong force of paratroopers to take over the airport of Maleme, which succeeded after a furious fight and fought a brave and heroic resistance of incomparably less figures and little-armed local residents. On this hill, near which is built the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen is now plain wooden cross. Nearby are the ruins of the (underground) German tilefoneiou.Apechoume from Chania, 19 km at an altitude of 65 meters above sea level. Our population is around 150 people many of whom are young people.Our land is very fertile and produces everything, but mainly we have income from the oil and citrus. We live in the village because they deserve to keep it and we want to set an example to follow to do the same in many other villages. “

HISTORICAL KAI cultural elements: 

“The province referred Blacheronitissa Cydonia by Fr. Barozzi called Vlagheronitissa and Kastrofilakas as Vlachieronitissa in 1853, with 82 residents and 12 due chores. The village’s name is directly linked to the Notre Blachernae.

According to tradition, after the conquest of Constantinople (29 May 1453) one of those who survived smuggled the divine image and brought it here, where she hid in a field. There, in a bush, was found later. In the place that built the first church of the Virgin Mary, a small chapel which was demolished when they built the church in the same downstream position. According to the Orthodox Christian tradition the church was normally celebrated on July 2, the day on which solemnly celebrated the memory of the Virgin Mary and the Church of Blachernae Istanbul. But the fact that all residents have Vlacheronitissas vineyards and the harvest is in September, led, for practical reasons, to postpone the celebration on September 8, the day which celebrates the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. In recent years started again be celebrating on July 2 and remains of the feast on September 8. Agios Eleftherios, old small church has its own history, which started in earnest and unfavorable prognosis disease is the son of a priest from the celery. The priest wanted to bury his child to the cemetery Vlacheronitissas. Because the origin was from another province does not give its consent, the then vicar of the village. So the priest from Celery built this temple and buried in the courtyard of his child. There etafike himself after his death. The church celebrates on December 15, the day which honors the memory of the saint. There are also the church of St. George (festive celebration Tuesday after Easter), the church of Saints Constantine and Helen (festive celebration May 21) next to hill 107, the church of St. Anthony, also an old (festive celebration on 17 January) The church of Agia Anna (old chapel built in Brook, celebrated on December 9), the church of Saint Stylianos (Day November 26) and the old church of St. Nicholas (feast on December 6), who has also built by monk and the bell was later capped englezikis bomb. It is worth noting that all churches (except St. Eleftherios and St. Nicholas) have been built by families who own property near the church because the neighborhoods have developed Vlacheronitissas scattered, a considerable distance between them. All the temples also celebrated solemnly with artoplasia, treats and foods that provide the villagers who live around each temple. “

Here are several snapshots from the beautiful, clean village with its central church dedicated to Mary, the Elementary School as a Sports and Cultural Center Association, the town at the eastern entrance, small children, the Chairman of the Local Council Manolis Bamiaki (top), the President of Cultural Association Emerald Gompaki and (bottom) the owner of the new tourist accommodation Kostas Roumeliotis.

Link  Text and Photo  VLACHERONITISSA KYDONIAS CHANIA :

 http://www.haniotika-nea.gr

Syrili, Zounaki, Lake 

Small settlements encountered after Vlacheronitissa always moving to the mainland.

Villages with a strong authentic local color, away from tourist centers, with magnificent landscapes, and traditional architectural interest. Perfect for listening to the Cretan mainland.

The residents are here mainly to growing olives, citrus, vine

Deres

At the edge of the City continuing its journey to the mainland is after the Lake, the village of Derry.

A semi-mountainous village consisting of several “neighborhoods” with lots of water, lush green landscapes and great for browsing and relaxing. Interestingly dependency, a complex of buildings of the Venetian era and survived several churches in the “neighborhoods”. Surely you will never forget the “images” from the traditional Cretan hospitality to feasts of Dere. Find time to go …honor with your presence at any of the four festivals that take place from early July to early September, with local treats, local honey, cheese, wine Romeikos, xerotigana, raki.

Here the residents except the olive growers also chestnut, honey, produce and some even engaged in the production of coal in the traditional way. The cafes you can buy local products from the village.

Also in the running, equestrian club for learning riding and trekking on horseback, and restaurant with traditional dishes.

Browse the most important villages of Chania Part 1

After our tour of the southern Mediterranean island of Gavdos andperigisi  our  Historical  Sfakia of Crete travel west to Chania toKissamos gnorizontas  kritiki the  culture of the Cretan people. Click to view the path trace

 

Map of Chania

The first part will feature is the village of Imbros.

The road continues from Askifou along the valley to the village of Imbros, 57 miles down the road Chania - Sfakia, where starts theImbros Gorge.

Imbros village is built at the foot of the White Mountains at an altitude of 780 meters.

The road continues from Askifou along thevalley to the village of Imbros, 57 miles down the road Chania -Sfakia, where starts the Imbros Gorge.
and the town of Sfakia 18 … There you will find traditional tavernsand cafes, super market and the entrance to the gorge of Imbros.

Imbros Gorge Small, passable in traversing, with impressive rockyvolumes to rise to 300. at several points where the width is only2m!

The entrance is just past the village of Imbros (780m. altitude55km. From Chania) with a length of 8 km. After 2 hours walkingyou reach the exit of the village Komitades.

The next stop we made in Agia Marina is located 9 km west of Chania .

Agia Marina is 9 km west of Chania and a fully developed seaside resort, and the nearby settlements and Kato Stalos Stalos. It has 1450 residents.

Worth to see the small church of Agia Marina, from which it is named the village at a distance of 1.5 km to the South Nerospilia, a very interesting cave with stalactites and stalagmites, which during the Minoan times was used as a place of worship .

If you want to see the Cretan wild goat, the famous Kri-Kri, you can visit the island of Saint Theodore, by excursion boats from Chania or by private boat from Agia Marina. The visit to the island requires a permit from the Forest, as the site of the island is protected and access restricted.

In the village are two festivals. Of the Annunciation on March 25 in one and the other on July 17 in celebration of the patron saint of the village of Agia Marina.

Tourist resort with great development, Agia Marina offers hotels, apartments, studios each category and every price range and apartments for rent. It also has several taverns and restaurants with good food for all tastes, bars and cafes offering beverages, snacks and delicacies. Agia Marina is attracting many tourists, because it has many entertainment venues and entertainment, discos, bars and clubs with Greek and foreign music. So the nights are filled with strong and varied entertainment and the place promises visitors that will not hurt.

Access to the village to ensure regular and frequent bus services, mainly in summer and by taxi from the nearby city of Chania. One can also use private or rented car and motorbikes.

This suburb to the west of the city of Chania is a large holiday resort with plenty of luxurious hotels, beach bars, clubs, restaurants, tavernas and a long sandy beach offering all kinds of facilities and summer activities (umbrellas, armchairs, showers, lifeguards , water sports such as jet-ski, water-ski, canoes, etc).
From the beach of Agia Marina, one has a view of the Thodorou island, which is not inhabited and has been turned into a natural park for the protected wild goats.
At summer nights Agia Marina is one of the favourite entertainment sites for locals and tourists and for all kinds of ages.
West from Agia Marina there is the town of Platanias, a well-known holiday resort as well. Both resorts are connected to the city of Chania via the coastline road. Access to the highway exists at Platanias, leading to the other big cities of Crete eastwards, or to Kissamos westwards.

The western suburb of Chania is famous for the many smallbeautiful hotels,  and tavernas and sandy beaches.

Travelers in the historic area of ​​southern Crete Sfakia Part 3

Web Camera Sfakia

 Live Sfakia, Crete beach webcam from The Three Brothers taverna on Vrisi Beach in Chora Sfakion, Sfakia, southwest Crete.

Live web cam Chora Sfakion – Sfakia – Crete   harbour webcam of Chora Sfakion

Travelers in the historic area of ​​southern Crete Sfakia Part 2

Ήθη και Έθιμα

1. ΔΙΑΤΡΟΦΙΚΕΣ ΣΥΝΗΘΕΙΕΣ

Παρακάτω θα δείτε και θα διαβάσετε μερικές Σφακιανές συνταγές από φαγητά ή γλυκίσματα, όπως τα παρουσίασε η Κα Ελένη Βουγιούκαλου από το Καλλικράτη.

Η Ελένη με την συνεχή ενασχόληση της με τα κοινά και  την αγωνιώδη προσπάθεια της

να προβάλει το χωριό της το Καλλικράτη, τιμά όσο λίγοι την επαρχία μας.

ΣΦΑΚΙΑΝΟ ΤΣΙΓΑΡΙΑΣΤΟ

ΥΛΙΚΑ: Αρνί  – Αλάτι – Πιπέρι

Εκτέλεση. Επιλέγουμε ένα κομμάτι κρέας αρνιού ή κατσικιού αρκεί να έχει λίπος.

Το πλένουμε καλά και αφού στραγγίσει το βάζουμε σε ανάλογη κατσαρόλα,

προσθέτουμε αλατοπίπερο και τσιγαρίζουμε για λίγα λεπτά μέχρι να ροδίσει.

Στη συνέχεια χαμηλώνουμε την θερμοκρασία στο ελάχιστο και αφήνουμε

να ψηθεί χωρίς την προσθήκη νερού, περίπου 1 με 1 - 1:30 ώρα.

Αφού ψηθεί και εφόσον δεν έχει τραβήξει τα υγρά του, δυναμώνουμε την θερμοκρασία και

αφήνουμε να βράσει με ανοικτό καπάκι της κατσαρόλας, μέχρι να μείνει μόνο με το λάδι του,

και το φαγητό είναι έτοιμο.

Σερβίρεται ως κύριο πιάτο.

ΚΟΥΝΟΥΠΙΔΙ

.

2. ΓΕΝΝΗΣΗ

Όταν μια γυναίκα ήταν έγκυος της πήγαιναν οι γειτόνισσες όταν είχαν καλό φαί ένα  πιάτο <για την ξένη ψυ>,

για το χατίρι δηλαδή του παιδιού που βρισκόταν στην κοιλιά της.

Η μαμή που την έλεγαν και μαστόρισσα ήταν  αυτοδίδαχτη  κι έπιανε τα παιδιά όταν γεννιόνταν.

Το φαρμακείο της ήταν γλυκάνισος, απήγανος και χαμόμηλο. Για να βγάλει η <λουχούνα>

(η γυναίκα που μόλις γέννησε) πολύ γάλα, της έδιναν θολόσταση(αλεύρι διαλυμένο σε πολύ νερό),

που για να πίνεται έβαζαν μέσα ζάχαρη,κύμινο,σισάμι κ.λ.π.

Τη γέννηση του αγοριού την υποδέχονταν πάντα με χαρμόσυνους πυροβολισμούς,

κάτι που δε γινόταν όταν γεννιόταν κοριτσάκι. Τις πρώτες μέρες της γέννησης ερχόταν στο σπίτι ο παπάς

και ευχολογούσε και τη μάνα και το παιδί. Ύστερα από λίγες μέρες πήγαινε η μάνα το παιδί στην εκκλησία

και το εκκλησίαζε με το όνομα που σκέφτονταν να του δώσουν . Μέχρι να περάσουν σαράντα μέρες από τη γέννα

η μάνα δεν έπρεπε να διασκελίσει κατώφλι ξένου σπιτιού. Τις πρώτες μέρες μετά τη γέννηση πήγαιναν

οι δικοί να το δουν και να το, <ξεχωρίσουνε>, δηλαδή να του βάλουν στη φασκιά δώρα, χρήματα ή κάτι χρυσό.

Το παιδί το τύλιγαν στο θώρακα με μια ταινία από διπλό καμποτένιο πανί, που είχε πλάτος  δώδεκα πόντους

και μήκος ένα και είκοσι μέτρο περίπου, το φασκιόνι. Μετά του έβαζαν διάφορα πανιά, που τα έλεγαν κωλόπανα,

και μετά το τύλιγαν  ολόκληρο εκτός από το κεφαλάκι  με τη φασκιά  για να γίνει ντρέτο σαν το κυπαρίσσι.

Όταν το παιδί το πήγαινε η μητέρα του για πρώτη φορά σε ένα σπίτι του έβαζαν λίγη ζάχαρη στο κεφάλι.

Ένα τραγουδάκι για την πορεία της ζωής

Το παιδί όντε γεννάται, σαν τ’οπωρικό λογάται.

Δεύτερο μήνα είν’καλά ν’αρχινίζει  να γελά.

Σ’τσοι πέντε μήνες κάθεται και στα’έξε μετακάθεται.

Εις τσ’ εφτά να μην ντραπεί, στσι πεζούλες να σταθεί.

Στσ’εννιά μήνες ζάλο κάνει και στσοι δέκα λέξη βγάνει.

Δεκαοχτώ χρονών αντράκι ψιλοδρώνει το μουστάκι.

Στσ’εικοσπέντ’ αθεί και δένει,

Στσοι τριάντα κατασταίνει. Σκέφτετ’ αν έχει λογικό

Για το δικό του σπιτικό.

Στσοι πενήντα για βουλή,αν έχει κεφαλή καλή.

Στσ’ εξήντα είναι φανερό πως έφυγε ο καλος καιρός

Στσ’ εβδομήντα δε φελά μόνο το ψωμί χαλά

Στσ’ογδόντα  σέρνεται κακά δε φέγγει μουδέ δε γροικά.

Οι γι-ενενήντα είν’πολλοί ν-του. Τον βαριούνται κι οι δικοί του.

3. ΒΑΠΤΙΣΗ

Η βάπτιση του παιδιού ήταν μεγάλη γιορτή για την οικογένεια.

Η επιλογή του σύντεκνου (αναδόχου) γινόταν με κάποια κριτήρια, στις περισσότερες περιπτώσεις ο σύντεκνος επιλεγόταν από το πατέρα του παιδιού για να επισφραγίσει μια φιλία ή εκτίμηση, σε άλλες περιπτώσεις η επιλογή του σύντεκνου γινόταν για να σβήσει μια βεντέτα ή ακόμα και για να γίνει φίλος της οικογένειας ένας δυνατός παράγοντας της τοπικής κοινωνίας.

Ο νονός ή πρωτοσύντεκνος επέλεγε μερικές δεκάδες αξιόλογα άτομα(σέρτες), ικανά στο χορό και το τραγούδι και πήγαιναν στην  εκκλησία για την τέλεση του μυστηρίου της βάπτισης του παιδιού.

Τα παλαιά χρόνια δεν πήγαιναν οι γονείς στο ναό, αργότερα άλλαξε το έθιμο και

δεν πήγαινε η μητέρα του παιδιού, σήμερα πάνε όλοι.

Μετά το μυστήριο κρατώντας το παιδί πήγαιναν στο σπίτι του παιδιού όπου ακολουθούσε διασκέδαση με ριζίτικα όπως το παρακάτω:

<<Σαν εβαφτίστην το παιδί να πούμε να τραγούδι.

Να το χαρού οι γονέοι ντου και να το μεγαλώσου

Και να το μπέψου στο σκολειό γράμματα να του μάθου.

Να το χαρεί και ο νονός και να το στεφανώσει

Να του βαφτίσει και παιδί – Να του βαφτίσει και παιδί>>. 

μα και μαντινάδες, χορό,  άφθονο κρασί και γεύμα πλουσιοπάροχο. Το γλέντι συνεχιζόταν για περισσότερες της μία ημέρας, με τους συγγενείς των γονέων να παίρνουν στα σπίτια τους συντέκνους και να τους τραπεζώνουν.

Στον  αποχαιρετισμό έδιναν στον πρωτοσύντεκνο μια υφαντή πετσέτα και ένα σακούλι γεμάτο με κρέας.

Οι σύντεκνοι είχαν αμοιβαίο σεβασμό, εδώ θα σας παραθέσω μια ιστορία που άκουσα από παλαιότερους υπήρξε παλαιότερα ένας κτηνοτρόφος με το όνομα Δημήτρης Μανταδάκης, θέλησε να επισκεφθεί ένα σύντεκνο του

(αν θυμάμαι καλά στο Μελιδόνι), όμως μετά από πεζοπορία δύο ημερών διαπίστωσε ότι ο σύντεκνος του έλλειπε από το σπίτι, η συντέκνισσα του είπε ευγενικά να τον κεράσει όμως αυτός δεν πέρασε το κατώφλι του σπιτιού, αποχαιρέτησε και έφυγε.

4. ΓΑΜΟΣ

Μέχρι και τις αρχές του 20ου αιώνα οι γονείς ή οι στενότεροι συγγενείς έπρεπε να

βρουν νύφη στο νέο της οικογένειας τους. Ο έρωτας ήταν κατακριτέος ειδικά σε μια νεαρά,

μπορούσε να της στοιχίσει και την ζωή της. Τα περισσότερο σεβαστά πρόσωπα

της οικογένειας αποστέλλονταν να μιλήσουν στον πατέρα της μέλλουσας νύφης το προξενιό. Αν ο πατέρας της νύφης δεν δεχόταν, έλεγε ευγενικά μια δικαιολογία και δεν υπήρχε πρόβλημα, αν  όμως έδινε το λόγο του δεν υπήρχε γυρισμός ή μη μόνον δια του αίματος. Σε αρκετές των περιπτώσεων η νύφη δεν γνώριζε το γαμπρό.

Η συνηθέστερη ηλικία για γάμο ήταν μέχρι και τον 19ο αιώνα η νύφη γύρω στα 16 και ο γαμπρός από 30 μέχρι 45 ετών. Τουλάχιστον οκτώ ημέρες πριν έπρεπε να έχουν γίνει τα καλέσματα.
Το Σάββατο το βράδυ προσέρχονταν οι καλεσμένοι με τα δώρα τους (κανίσκια) δηλαδή

ένα κριό ή  ένα πρόβατο ή κρασί στα σπίτια των συμπεθέρων, και ξεκινούσε το φαγοπότι μετά τραγουδούσαν ριζίτικα και έπειτα συνέχιζαν με  λύρα και χορό, μέχρι πρωίας. Στο χορό χόρευαν οι δύο πρώτοι και οι άλλοι του κύκλου περίμεναν την σειρά τους, χόρευαν

μαζί άνδρες και γυναίκες αλλά με σεμνότητα. Συνήθης προσφωνήσεις για το κρασί ήταν:

Eυοίβα, Χαίρεστε, Ολογιές τση συντροφιά σας κ.α.

Την Κυριακή το πρωί πήγαιναν στην εκκλησία και μετά ξανά στο σπίτι για φαί.

Ακολούθως ένοπλοι με την σημαία μπροστά ξεκινούσαν για το σπίτι της νύφης τραγουδώντας.

Έπαιρναν την νύφη από το σπίτι της και κατευθύνονταν προς την εκκλησία, ακολουθούσε το μυστήριο του γάμου

όπου στο τέλος ένας ένας χαιρετούσε το ζευγάρι προηγούνταν οι κοντινοί συγγενείς και ο κουμπάρος και

έδιναν το χάρισμα τους αν δεν είχαν δώσει προηγουμένως κανίσκι.   Όταν η πομπή γυρνούσε στο σπίτι του γαμπρού

δινόταν στη νύφη το μελοκάρυδο και  με μαχαίρα έκαναν ένα σταυρό στο ανώφυλιο της πόρτας.

Το γλέντι συνεχιζόταν ακατάπαυστο* μέχρι και το πρωί της Τετάρτης οπότε

παρουσιαζόταν η νύφη και με το δίσκο της κερνούσε ρακί σημάδι ότι τέλειωσε το γλέντι.

Οι εδικοί του γαμπρού μοίραζαν από ένα γαμοκούλουρο στους καλεσμένους και από δύο στους κουμπάρους και αυτοί έφευγαν για τα σπίτια τους.

Προυκιά, η νύφη μέχρι και τον 19ο αιώνα έπρεπε να κατασκευάσει η ίδια την προίκα της που αποτελούνταν κυρίως από ρουχισμό όπως υφαντά σεντόνια, υφαντές πατανίες.

Ανάμεσα στα προικιά η νύφη ανάλογα με την μπόρεση της οικογένειας της έπαιρνε και ένα αργαλειό ό οποίος αργότερα αντικαταστάθηκε από μια γαζωτική μηχανή.

Προυκολόοι. Ονομάζονταν οι άνδρες που πήγαιναν στο σπίτι της νύφης για να μεταφέρουν με τραγούδια και μπαλωτιές τα προικιά της νύφης στο σπίτι του γαμπρού.
Κλεψιά(Απαγωγή  γυναίκας ). Τους προηγούμενους αιώνες μερικές φορές ο νέος με ή χωρίς την συγκατάθεση της κοπελιάς  την απήγαγε και την παντρευόταν σε αυτή την

περίπτωση η νύφη δεν έπαιρνε τίποτα από την περιουσία που της αναλογούσε. Η απαγωγή σε κάποιες περιπτώσεις μπορούσε να καταλήξει σε φονικό από την μεριά των συγγενών της νύφης αν δεν ήθελαν το γαμπρό.
Δεν πρέπει να ξεχνούμε και τις διακρίσεις μεταξύ των οικογενειών που υπήρχαν τους περασμένους αιώνες  και οι οποίες απεικονίζονται στο θέμα του γάμου από τον Παπαδοπετράκη.

<< Εντεύθεν η μέχρις εσχάτων επικρατούσα ιδέα εν Σφακίοις ότι, ως καταγόμενοι από βασιλικούς Πρήγκιπας ετήρουν αυστηρώς την οικογενειακήν υπεροχήν και ποτέ δεν συνήπτον γάμους με υποδεεστέρας οικογενείας οι Πρόκριτοι, όπερ εθεώρουν ως τον μέγιστον εξευτελισμόν >>.

ΡΙΖΙΤΙΚΟ

 «Παιδιά, κι ειντά ‘ν’ οι μπαλοτές στσί Σφακιανές Μαδάρες,

  Παιδιά, λαγό ζυγώνουνε γή αγρίμι κυνηγούνε,

  Μουδέ λαγό ζυγώνουνε γή αγρίμι κυνηγούνε,

  μόν’ κάνουν γάμο στά Σελλιά καί περιξεφαντώνουν». 

* Κατά διαστήματα οι χωριανοί έπαιρναν τους καλεσμένους για να ξεκουραστούν δυο ώρες μα και  οι καλεσμένοι  πρόσεχαν να μη φύγουν όλοι αλλά σταδιακά για να μη χαλάσει το γλέντι.

5 . Ο ΘΑΝΑΤΟΣ

Ο γνήσιος Σφακιανός θεωρεί τον θάνατο φυσικό επακόλουθο της ζωής γι αυτό και δεν τον φοβάται αντίθετα θα τον ακούσεις να σαρκάζεται τις λέξεις << κλαίω και οδύρομαι όταν εννοήσω τον θάνατο>>. Αντίθετα με τον εαυτό του θλίβεται ιδιαίτερα με το χαμό συγγενικού ή φιλικού προσώπου.

Όταν πέθαινε κάποιος νέος στα Σφακιά οι άντρες που ήταν στενοί συγγενείς του ή φίλοι του δεν έκοβαν τα μαλλιά τους και δεν ξυρίζονταν για μεγάλο χρονικό διάστημα  και έβαζαν ολόμαυρα ρούχα.

Ο πατέρας του νέου συνήθως άφηνε τα  γένια για πάντα.

Στο σπίτι του νεκρού όταν αυτός ήταν νέος όλα βάφονταν μαύρα: καναπελίκια, τραπεζομάντιλα, σεντόνια κ.τ.λ.

Η μάνα ή γυναίκες από το στενό οικογενειακό περιβάλλον μοιρολογούνταν το νεκρό.

Οι γυναίκες που χήρευαν νέες έβαφαν μαύρα ακόμα και τα εσώρουχά τους.

Όταν ο νεκρός ήταν κάποιο σπουδαίο πρόσωπο ή έχαιρε μεγάλης εκτίμησης ή ήταν νέος το πένθος ήταν τοπικό και για μεγάλο διάστημα, συνήθως για ένα χρόνο, δεν μπορούσε να γίνει στο χωριό ούτε γλέντι ούτε άλλη χαρμόσυνη εκδήλωση.

Να σημειωθεί ότι τότε δεν έφτιαχναν φέρετρα για τους νεκρούς.

Η  εκκλησία είχε ένα φορείο που το έλεγαν καδελέτο και με αυτό μετέφεραν τους νεκρούς στο μνήμα όπου τους έβαζαν τυλιγμένους με ένα σεντόνι. Αργότερα κάθε χωριό θα αποκτήσει ένα φέρετρο για κοινή χρήση για όσους δεν είχαν χρήματα να αγοράσουν. Τα ρούχα του πεθαμένου τα έδιναν οι συγγενείς του σε φτωχά σπίτια, σε ξένα χωριά, για να μη τα βλέπουν και στενοχωριούνται.

Το 18ο αιώνα αν σκοτωνόταν ο αραβωνιαστικός μιας κοπελιάς αυτή έκοβε την πλεξούδα της και την έστελνε στο νεκρό για να τον συνοδεύσει. Ακολούθως ο επόμενος γιός έπρεπε να παντρευτεί την κοπελιά.

Link : http://www.e-sfakia.gr

What can you do in Sfakia

Sfakia and  have everything for your holidays, whether you just want to relax and lie on the beach or want to be active, and like to look around

The natural beaches in and around Sfakia are numerous and quiet, and the sea water is the cleanest you can find in Europe. Most beaches are pebbly beaches, but there are also very beautiful sandy beaches, and even sand dunes. It is possible to find your ‘own’ deserted beach just walking along the coast.

In Sfakia we recommend:

• Vrisi Beach : Chora Sfakion village beach (pebbles; rented beds & umbrellas, 70 meters behind Hotel Stavris)

• Ilingas beach : 1,5 km outside Chora Sfakion (pebbles; taverna; 1 part nudism)

• Filaki beach : 2 km outside Chora Sfakion (pebbles, taverna, nudist beach)

• Sweet water beach : 15 minutes boat trip or 1 hour walking along coastal path (pebbles; taverna; camping site; caves; sweet water wells; boat departure: 10.30, return 17.30)

• Marmara beach : near Loutro

• Sfakia gorge beach : between Chora Sfakion and Filaki beach: follow the path along the small gorge just before Vritomartis Hotel (pebbles; very quiet)

• Frangokastello beach : down the castle in Frangokastello (sandy, beds & umbrellas, taverna; sea level knee deep for 100 metres offshore; ideal for kids)

• Studios Stavris Frangokastello : private hotel beach (sandy with some pebbles; directly behind hotel)

If you are interested in shorter walks (1-2 hours), we can recommend the following. Some walks start at your hotel in Chora Sfakion, others can be better accessed by car or bus.

• Chora Sfakion – Sweetwater beach – Loutro: 2 hrs. 15 min: start at Hotel Stavris, Chora Sfakion, walk up to the asphalt road, follow west bound, pass Ilingas tavern, follow the curve. Just before the road starts it’s first sharp curve right up to the mountain, step over the iron protection fence. You see a sign E4, marking the European walking path. It is a path starting from Gibraltar, going through Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece, ending in Crete; it is crossing Crete along its entire length from Elafonisi to Kato Zakros. Follow the rock path down along the coast: this is the beginning of the only ongoing connection between the villages in South West Crete! After 1 hour you reach Sweetwater Beach, which is cliff enclosed: there is a small tavern for drinks. Continue west and you will soon see the picture perfect village of Loutro: a small strip of houses and taverns and hotels around a small harbour. There are no cars here! From here you can take back the ferry to Chora Sfakion, walk back or continue up hill to Anopoli.

Link Maps  :http://g.co/maps/rp43

• Chora Sfakion – Anopoli: 2 hrs.: following the old Venitian road to Anopoli (800 meters uphill): just behind Hotel Stavris, take the steps up to the asphalt road, turn left and after about 30 meters you should see a possibility to step up the rocks to your right. After 10 meters the old Venetian road starts, typically with stone walls. The path winds on the hill and goes back into Ilingas gorge. There is a beautiful small bridge here along the cliff slope. Go to the bottom of the gorge and cross it. Don’t follow the gorge! On the other side a hollow path takes you uphill, meeting the asphalt road to Anopoli just before the village. This is a very quiet route!

Link maps : http://g.co/maps/6zhm

• Anopoli – Loutro: 1 hr.: from Chora Sfakion follow the 12 km. road up hill (800 m) to Anopoli (bus, taxi). When you see the first buildings, turn left at a small square. Follow the path and continue down hill. All the time you have the magnificent overview of the village of Loutro. Walk back to Chora Sfakion along the coastal path or take back the ferry.

Link Maps : http://g.co/maps/hc4a

• Anopoli – Aradena: 1 hr. one way: follow the asphalt road heading north towards the mountains. After 30 minutes you reach the ‘real’ village of Anopoli, continue from the square with the statue of Daskalogiannis to the north. After a sharp curve to the left you see Aradena Gorge, with a Bailey bridge crossing it. This spectacular view you will never forget again in your life. Cross the bridge to have a look at the deserted village of Aradena. You can also take the old ‘road’ to Aradena: a little before the bridge to the right you see the old path down the gorge (1 hr.) and on the other side up again (1 hr.)

Link Maps : http://g.co/maps/qcu5

• Chora Sfakion – Komitades: 45 min or try to car hike: follow the asphalt road from Chora Sfakion to the east. After 35 minutes at the crossroads, go right. You see the church of Agios Giorgos, with very old frescoes. In Komitades you can take a rest at Taverna Giorgos, the first one to the right. If you like, Giorgos can take you up to Imbros by car (drs. 5000), so you can walk the gorge from up to down. Or just fllow the road out of the village and start Imbros gorge from down up (2 hrs.)

Link  maps :http://g.co/maps/u5n7

• Komitades – Frangokastello: 2 hrs.: you pass the small villages of Vraskas, Vouvas, Nomikiana, Agios Giorgos, Patsianos. Just before Patsianos there is a T-form crossroads: to the left you go to Patsianos, to the right to Frangokastello. From Patsianos you can make a loop via Skaloti to Frangokastello ( 1 hr.). In Frangokastello you can visit the Venetian fortress, built in 1371.

Frangokastello

Link maps : http://g.co/maps/5yqv

• Imbros – Komitades: Imbros Gorge: take from Chora Sfakion the bus to Chania at 7 or 11 o’clock and get out at the village of Imbros. Or take a taxi or ask Giorgos from Komitades if he is available (tel. 0825-91005). When you go by car to Imbros to walk the gorge, please realise you have to walk the gorge both ways: down and up again (2 hrs. one way). Imbros gorge is very beautiful and nature is unharmed here. Wait for the 2 very narrow passages and the natural archway at the end! Imbros gorge used to be the only way to reach Chora Sfakion by the ground, before the asphalt road was built in the sixties.

The villages of the Sfakia Region

Agia Roumeli: A small fishing village, 2 km from the end of the Samaria Gorge at the Lybian Sea. The village has some taverns and rent rooms as a transit point for visitors of the Samaria Gorge. There are ferry boat connections to the West, to Sougia and Paleochora, and to the East, to Loutro and Chora Sfakion. Agia Roumeli cannot be reached directly by car.

This is a small, sunwashed resort with very few residents, built next to an exquisite beach with crystal clear waters. Its modern name comes from the church of Aghia Roumeli, which is built on the older, roman temple of Agia Roumilia or Roumina. At the site of the contemporary village it is believed that there was the ancient city Taras, the ruins of which have been dated to the 5th century B.C. As proven by the excavations, the city of Taras was of great economic importance to the area, having its own coins, and as it is proven by the temple of Tarsios Apollo or Artemis, which was located at the exit of the gorge, this was also an important religious center during antiquity. Today, at the site of the ancient temple, you will spot the church of Panagia (the Holy Mother), exhibiting worthwhile mosaics of the 15th century. From Agia Roumeli ,at a walking distance of about an hour, you will find the small byzantine church of Agios Pavlos, of which is said that the Apostle Paul came to teach there.

Agios Giorgos: The people of Agios Giorgos have moved to a new village; see Agios NektariosAgios Ioannis: At the end of the road from Chora Sfakion to Anopoli and Aradena lies the small village of Agios Ioannis, with nowadays less than 10 inhabitants. It has a beautiful church, Agia Panagia, with very old frescoes. Around are several impressively large caves.

Agios Ioannis

Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos

Agios Nektarios:

Small village at the end of the Asfendou Gorge. On many maps it shows only the name of Agios Giorgos. The village is named after the divine Nektarios of Aegina, one of the most widely known of Greek Orthodox Saints.

He was born on October 1st, 1846 in Silyvria, in Asia Minor (now occupied by Turkey). At Holy Baptism he was given the name Anastasios. His parents were simple pious Christians. They brought him up in a manner pleasing to God, and did what their very limited means allowed for his formal education. Having completed elementary school in his hometown, he left for the great city of Constantinople at the age of 14. There, he found employment as a shop assistant and was able to earn a meager living. As well as regularly attending the Divine Liturgy, he also read the Holy Scriptures and Writings of the Holy Fathers of the Church on a daily basis. From his wide reading, the young Anastasios made a collection of wise sayings, which he fervently spread to the customers of his store by writing them on the paper used to wrap their goods. He was selected to teach the lower grades of the orphanage of the All-Holy Sepulchre in Constantinople. This allowed him to continue his studies, for he longed to become a Theologian. In 1866, at the age of 20, Anastasios went to the island of Chios, where he was appointed a teacher. After 7 years, he entered into the local monastery, under the care of the venerable elder Pachomios. After 3 years as a novice Athanasios was tonsured a Monk and given the name Lazarus. A year later, he was ordained a Deacon and received the name Nektarios. Elder Pachomios, and a wealthy local benefactor convinced the young monk to complete his high school studies in Athens. From there Deacon Nektarios went to Alexandria, where he was cared for by the Patriarch of Alexandria, Sophronios. The Patriarch insisted that Nektarios complete his Theological studies, and so in 1885 he graduated from the School of Theology in Athens. The Patriarch of Alexandria ordained Deacon Nektarios to the Priesthood in 1886. His great service to the Church, prolific writings and teachings, energy and zeal led Fr Nektarios to be ordained as the Metropolitan of Pentapolis in Egypt. As a Metropolitan he was greatly admired and loved by his flock for his virtue and purity of life. But this great admiration by the people aroused the envy of certain high officials, who plotted and succeeded in having the Blessed Metropolitan removed from office in 1890 – without a trial or any explanation whatsoever. He returned to Greece to become a monk and Preacher, to the great edification of the people. There the Blessed Metropolitan continued to write his now famous books. In 1894, the divine Nektarios became Director of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School, where he was to remain for 15 years. As an educator, the chief concern of the venerable Hierarch was to incite and guide youth to become good Christians. His fifteen years at Rizarios were also productive for the writing of many more books and teachings. In 1904, our Saint founded a monastery for women in Aegina, the Holy Trinity Convent. Under his guidance the Convent flourished. In 1908, the Blessed Nektarios, at the age of 62, retired from the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School and withdrew to Holy Trinity Convent in Aegina. There, for the rest of his life as a true monk and ascetic. He served as a confessor and spiritual guide to the nuns and even priests from as far as Athens and Piraeus. His Holy and pious life shone forth like a guiding light to all near him. Many would come to him for healing. Saint Nektarios was a great ‘Wonder-worker’ even while alive. On September 20, 1920 one of the nuns took him to the local hospital, in spite of his protest. He was convulsing in pain from a long-standing ailment. He was admitted, and placed into a ward reserved for the poor and unwanted. There he stayed for two months among the sick and dying. At 10:30 in the evening of November 8th, although in the midst of terrible pains, in peace and at prayer he gave up his spirit unto God at the age of 74. As soon as the Saint gave up his Spirit, a nurse came to prepare him for transfer to Aegina for burial. As the nurse removed the Saints sweater, she inadvertently placed it on the next bed, on which a paralytic lay. And O, strange wonder!, the paralytic immediately began to regain his strength and arose from his bed healthy, and glorifying God. Some time after his repose, strangely a beautiful fragrance was emitted by his Holy body, filling the room. Many came to venerate his Holy relics prior to his burial. With amazement, people noted a fragrant fluid that drenched his hair and beard. Even after 5 months, when the nuns of the convent opened the Saints grave to build a marble tomb, they found the Saint intact in every respect and emitted a wonderful and heavenly fragrance. Similarly three years later, the Holy Relics were still whole and radiating the same heavenly fragrance. Many people had regarded Nektarios as a Saint whilst he was still alive, because of his purity of life, his virtues, the nature of his publications, his gift of foreknowledge and the miracles he performed. The recognition of him as a Saint spread rapidly after his repose. God confirmed the Sanctity of Nektarios at his repose and by the miracles attributed to the Saint after his repose. The Orthodox Church proclaimed him as a Saint on April 20, 1961. His Blessed memory is celebrated by the Church on November 9th.

Anopoli: Originally being the summer village of Loutro, the history of Anopoli goes back for many centuries, being one of the 100 cities of the archaeic Crete, having its own currency.

Anopoli lies spread around an upland plain at the foot of the White Mountains, aprox. 650 m above sea level. It is connected by a relatively new asphalt road to Chora Sfakion. The road is being built in the other direction towards Agios Ioannis, passing the Aradena Gorge by a ‘Bayly bridge’. The famous freedom fighter of the revolution against the Turks, Daskalogiannis, was born here. He has a statue on the market square. From there you can follow the mountain path uphill to the Church of Agia Katharini, from where you have an excellent view of the whole southwest coast.

Anopoli has some rent rooms and tavernas and is quite ‘off the beaten path’. Here you can meet several sheppards and enjoy their home made fresh sheep and goat cheese.

Statue of Daskalogiannis, Anopoli.

Aradena: Since the early seventies almost abandoned hamlet, at the edge of the impressive Aradena Gorge. Untill 1986 the village could only be reached by descending to the bottom of the gorge and ascending on the other side. Since than there is a bridge crossing the gorge.

Right on the rim of the gorge is an impressive Byzantine church with a high dome. Inside there are old frescoes and around you can see some traces of ancient Aradin, from whose stones the church is said to be built.

Byzantine church of Aradena

Argoules: The most Eastern village of the Sfakia region.

Askifou: Askifou is built in a small plateau situated between the high mountains of Castro and Fanari and Horefies, at an altitude of 750 meters. It has about 700 inhabitants.It contains some smaller hamlets, like Kares, Amoudari, Goni, Petres, Kosto and Stravohari.

The name Askifou is said to derive from the ancient word Skifos, which means cup, as the circular plain looks like one. It is full of snow in winter and all green in Spring. The inhabitants are occupied with raising live stock, farming (grains, cereals, potatoes, grape), cheese and wine making and producing the Cretan liquor Raki (Sighoudia). There are many wallnut trees in the area, as well as fruit trees and honey flowers. Try the wallnuts, fruits and honey from here, it’s the best you ever had!

There are several tavernas and rent rooms. In the village of Kares is a private War Museum. To the west of the plain, high up on some hills are the ruins of two Turkish castles.

On the way from Kares to Amoudari you can see the grand church dedicated to the two Sfakian saints Manolis and Ioannis. Over the years there have been many war battles in Askifou, since it is the gateway to the south coast. The Turks, the Egyptians and the Germans have fought here against the stubborn inhabitants, many of which lost their lifes. There are several monuments around the plain to remember these events.

Asfendou: A liitle before the village of Imbros to the east a small intersection ascends a concrete road up to the peak of Akones, with the telecommunication installations for connection between Crete and Africa. From here you have a view to the north, where you van see the Cretan Sea and to the south, where you see the Lybian Sea. Before reaching the peak, the road continues to the village of Asfendou, built on a small and evergreen plain, at an altitude of 770 meters, 8 km. from Imbros. It has 40 houses and during summer only a few farmers make their way up here. East of the village, in a small cave, many beautiful frescoes have been discovered. If you continue to the east for 6 km you reach the village of Kallikratis. In Asfendou you can also visit the Falaggari cave, which is very deep and contains a water basin.You can walk down the Asfendou gorge towards Agios Giorgos/ Agios Nektarios, but this is a quit difficult walk. Ask for information locally first! The gorge itself will take you about 90 minutes, from 770 meters to 180 meters, so very steep.

Asfendou in Winter

Chora Sfakion: Is the capital of the Sfakia district. After the elections of October 1998 all the Sfakian villages now have one major, who resides in Chora Sfakion’s little town hall.In all of Sfakia only 2000 inhabitants remain, with 40.000 living elsewhere in Greece. It is the most sparsely populated area of Greece. About 500 of them live in Chora Sfakion. The village is actually split in 2 parts: the one around the old harbour, with most hotels and restaurants, and the part on the slopes of the east mountain, where most inhabitants have their houses. The small part down the harbour consists of 4 small roads, 1 boulevard with restaurants directly at the harbour, 1 backstreet with rent rooms, a supermarket, a bakery, a butcher and the square with Hotel Stavris, and 2 very small backstreets going up to the asphalt road that passes the village uphill towards Ilingas and Anopoli and on.

The village has a square for the busses, carrying all tourists coming back with the ferries from Samaria Gorge. They pass the village on the outside, so the quiet atmosphere is not destroyed. All ferries start and end at Chora Sfakion. There are regular bus connections to Vrises and Chania, and to Frangokastello and Plakias. On the square there are some tourist shops, a post office and Sfakia Tours rent cars. There is no bank in the village. Credit cards are accepted in 1 shop at the square. Several places change money and Eurocheques and Traveller’ cheques.

Most people in the village are busy serving the tourists, others are fishers and sheppards. The village has a very nice village beach to the west, with other beaches also not far away: Ilingas and Sweet water beach to the west and two beaches more to the east.

The new harbour gives shelter to fishing boats and private boats, also boats from tourists.

The sun shines here all year around, making Sfakia the sunniest as the most southern part of Europe. Since there is hardly any industry, the sea water is the cleanest you can find. The drinking water comes from wells from the mountains, that mix their water with the sea. Food is very fresh and very natural. The people are very friendly and generous. Sounds like paradise, or what?

Frangokastello: It took its name from the Venetian castle built there in 1371. Here you find several tavernas, shops and apartments, like Apartments Stavris. Frangokastello lies in a natural plain boarding the sea, with many olive trees. Just behind the fortress there is a nice sandy beach, with rented beds and umbrellas. There water stays knee deep for about 100 meters, so a nice place for children to play.In 1828 a celebrated battle for independence was fought against the Turks at Frangokastello. Hundreds of Sfakiots led by Hadzi Michali Daliani, a Greek adventurer attempting to spread the War of Independence from the mainland to Crete. Instead of hiding in the mountains, as most rebels did in this area, he stayed in the castle with his soldiers. Unfortunately, they were massacred and their martyrdom became legendary. Locals will claim that to this day, on or around the 17th of May, the ghosts of Daliani and his army march from the castle in the soft light of dawn. They are called ‘drossoulites’, or dew shadows.

Hadzi Michali Daliani

Imbros:

Small village with some tavernas and rent rooms. From here you can start descending the beautiful Imbros Gorge, ending in Komitades (about two hours), or start some mountain biking, towards Akones peak – Asfendou – Kallikratis – Assigonia.

The Imbros Gorge was till late sixties the only way to reach the south coast of Sfakia. It was a natural shelter against invaders, like the Turks and later the Germans. The gorge is as beautiful as the Samaria Gorge, only on a smaller scale. And it is by far more quiet, not having the crowds from there. Many wild trees can be seen, as well as a Venetian reservoir in the middle and a natural archway at the end. The gorge becomes very narrow on two spots, with spectacular views.

Kallikratis: If you continue the road east of Asfendou for 6 km you reach the small village of Kallikratis. It is a mountainous village at the foot of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), lies at an altitude of 750 meters and has only a few inhabitants, who live there from May ’till November. They are farmers and sheppards and are very friendly and helpful. It is a traditional village with many well preserved stone houses. There are some taverns with traditional food and even some rooms to rent. During the Second World War the village was a base of operations for the Greek and British agents fighting against the Nazis. In 1943 the village was burnt and 29 people were executed after battle.As part of the European Hiking Path E4 the Kallikratis gorge starts here, towards Patsianos. It is very beautiful, but not easy to walk. It takes about two-and-a-half hours. The total distance is 4 km, of which the gorge takes 1 km.

Kallikratis Gorge

Kapsodasos:

Komitades: At the end of the Imbros gorge, in a plain bordering the sea, lies the village of Komitades, at an altitude of 200 meters. It has only 75 inhabitants, most of them operating a tavern. All houses are built along the road from Chora Sfakion towards Frangokastello.

The village has some interesting monuments to be visited, such as Venetian ruins and the old monastery/ church/ school/ courthouse Thymianis Panagia. There are also a lot of caves. Its name comes either from the Venetian ‘komites’ (noble men) or from an old family name Komitos.

The area gives a magnificent view over the Lybian Sea, with always the islet of Gavdos on the horizon. The hill slopes are covered with olive trees. In history the village was many times destroyed by Saracene pirates, when it was wealthy from the many merchants who lived here.

Nowadays you find some rooms and apartments to rent. Specially people who like a quiet and traditional Sfakian village should consider this. The food is excellent: try the Sfakian cheese pie and the thyme honey!

One of the 14th century frescoes at Thymianis Panagia

Loutro: West of Chora Sfakion and only reachable by foot or boat lies the whitewashed village of Loutro, around its small harbour. It has a very quiet atmosphere. In the little bay you can swim or rent a small kayak. The beaches are to the east and west of the village and can be reached by foot. There are several tavernas, restaurants and hotels from basic to very luxurious. The ferries connect Loutro either with Chora Sfakion and Agia Roumeli.On top of the little peninsula you find some Roman and Venetian ruins. From Loutro you can walk the coastal footpath or up the hills towards Anopoli and on. Higher in the mountains there are several nests of eagles, which sighting is very spectacular.

Finix: On the west side of the promontory in Loutro stood ancient Finikas (or Phoenix). This was a major town in Roman and Byzantine periods, and a significant port even long after that.Nowadays in Finix there are traces of a Venetian fortress and a Byzantine basilica and some other remains around. Most interesting is a building like a Venetian church, which has sunk entirely below ground level. The roof is still there and the interiors are full of water. Very beautiful mosaics are on the floors, although it is very dangerous and forbidden to enter.

Finix has a rocky beach with half submerged caves and some tavernas and you can rent some rooms.

Patsianos: A small village close to the mountains on the Frangokastello plain. Here ends the walk from Kallikratis, through its gorge. There are some shops and tavernas and you can find rented rooms here and there.

Samaria:

The abandoned village of Samaria lies midway of the famous Samaria Gorge (18 km long). It’s the biggest natural canyon of Euro

pe. Its inhabitants, almost all of the old Byzantine family Viglis, were forced to move when on December 6th 1962 the gorge became a protected area. The village is very isolated and had only access to water in Winter and early Spring. The village is very ancient: still some buildings can be seen, like the church Ossia Maria, which gave name to the gorge and the village. It’s from the early fourtheenth century.

The gorge starts down from the village of Omalos on the Omalos plain at the foot of the granite Mt. Gingilos (2080 m). First you descent a stepped path cut from the rock with wooden handrails, the ‘Xiloskalon’ (wooden stairway). It is 2 km long and the descent is 1000 meters! In the beginning the gorge is very wide and you might see some traces of the river which is flooding here during rain season, which makes hiking the gorge impossible. Therefore, the rain decides when the season for hiking the gorge starts and stops. Usually it’s open from beginning of May ’till end of October.

Through the gorge you will encounter several chapels, like Agios Nikolaos, Ossia Maria and in the end some in the old Agia Roumeli, 2 km before the new settlement at the sea. On your way, the gorge will narrow down ’till you reach the ‘Iron Gates’ (Sidheresportes) where the opening is more than 300 meters high and only 210 cm wide!

Skaloti: Village with less than 100 inhabitants in the plain of Frangkastello, at the foot of the White Mountains.

Islets of Gavdos and Gavdopoula:

Gavdos is an Island in the Lybian Sea, 40 km off the south coast of Crete. The highest point of the island is at 382 m above sea level, on Gavdopoula it is 133 m. The surface of Gavdos is aprox. 27 km2, Gavdopoula 2.75 km2. Sea depth between the two islands is approximately 80-100 m, the depth between Gavdopoula and Crete is of 1100 m. The Lybian Sea reaches a depth of up to 2400 m (measured at a distance 50 km south of Gavdos).

Link text Photo : http://www.sfakia-crete.com/sfakia-crete/villages4.html#1

Crete: how to get there and aroundFlights,

ferries, buses, hire cars and taxi transfers 

By plane

Crete has two international airports, in Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ).

Public bus, Olympic Airways bus and taxi services into the cities are available. Airport facilities include a cafeteria and a duty-free shop.

The airport of Sitia (JSH), which is located to the eastern end of Crete, serves mainly domestic flights during the summer season. It is now further developed in order to serve international charters flights in the area of eastern Crete.

If you like to visit the region of Sfakia, we can recommend the airport of Chania (tel. 28210-63219). It is new and small and much more close to Sfakia than Heraklion. Checking out and checking in is very quickly, since there are not too many planes arriving and going.

Airport Name	IATA Identifier	Distance From City	Travel Time Into City
Chania National Airport	CHQ	14 km	0:35
Heraklion International Airport , N.Kazantzakis	HER	5 km	0:15
Sitia Public Airport	JSH	1,5 km	0:10

From the airport you can take a bus or taxi to the town of Chania. At the bus station just near to the harbour you can take the bus to Chora Sfakion. It’s a 2,5 hours drive. You can also take a taxi directly to Chora Sfakion, less than one-and-a-half hours. Price is about Drs. 14.000 one way for up to 4 people if you order a taxi from Sfakia, taxis at the airport are more expensive. You can make a reservation for a Sfakian taxi here.

From the airport you can take a bus or taxi to the town of Chania. At the bus station just near to the harbour you can take the bus to Chora Sfakion. It’s a 2,5 hours drive. You can also take a taxi directly to Chora Sfakion, less than one-and-a-half hours. Price is about Drs. 14.000 one way for up to 4 people if you order a taxi from Sfakia, taxis at the airport are more expensive. You can make a reservation for a Sfakian taxi here.

By ship/ ferry

Chania has also daily ferry boat connections to Piraeus from the harbour at Souda. The departure from Piraeus is late in the afternoon, arriving at Souda in the morning where local buses take the travellers to the centre of the town in front of the Public Market. Or take ataxi from Chora Sfakion.

• From Piraeus to Chania and vice versa (daily). (12 hours, tel.: 28210/89240, Souda Harbor Police).

• Kastelli (Chania) – Kythera – Antikythera – Monemvasia – Neapolis – Agia Pelagia Gythio – Piraeus and vice versa (once a week, tel.: 28220/22024, Kastelli Harbour Police).

• Piraeus – Rethimno – Piraeus (shipping office: tel.: 28310/29221 Harbour Police: tel.: 28310/22276)

• From Piraeus to Iraklio and vice versa (daily). (12 hours, tel.: 2810/226073, 244934, 244956, Iraklio Harbor Police).

• Iraklio, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia are linked by ship (year round) with the Dodecanese and Cyclades. For information, call the Harbour Police of Iraklio.

• Agios Nikolaos (tel.: 28410/22312) and Sitia (tel.: 28430/22310). Information on all the above ship schedules can also be obtained from the Piraeus Harbour Police, tel.: 210/4172657, 4114785.

• More detailed information about Greek ferry lines may be found at the following directory: click here!

• Searchable database for all Greek ferries: click here!

• Greekferries.gr : To Greece and Greek islands, all ferry routes and schedules + prices.

• Ferries.gr: the largest Greek ferries database on the Net

• ODP links to Greek ferry information

LOCAL TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

	CHANIA	RETHIMNON	HERAKLION	AG. NIKOLAOS
Area Code	28210	28310	2810	28410
Hospital	27231	27491	231931	22369
National Tourist Organization	26426	27491	228203	22357
Port	89240 (Souda)	22276	226073	22312
Olympic Airlines	27701-3	22257	229191	22034
KTEL (city busses)	93024	22212	283925	22234
KTEL (regional busses)	93052	22212	288544	22234
POLICE	24477	28156	283190	22251

Local bus transport on Crete:

On Crete you can fairly comfortably travel by public bus.

There are no trains in Crete, nor is there a railway system.

Crete offers an extended grid of public bus routes. They are mainly operating to enable villagers to go to the cities in Crete. But they offer a cheap option to tourists as well, although the timetable is not designed to be of special service to tourists. Nevertheless you will often see tourists in the local buses on Crete, sometimes even mainly tourists.

You need to study the grid, the connections, and the timetable to find your way with the bus in Crete. You can buy tickets at major bus stations, at kiosks, or otherwise in the bus itself.

The Greek public bus company is called KTEL, the “Intercity Road Transport Companies in Greece”. It is a cooperative company of local bus companies, established in 1952. Each individual bus is owned by one or more private persons, who themselves are responsible for maintaining and operatining the bus. After taxes its revenues are split amongst the shareholders. The planning of the timetable is done by the cooperation KTEL.

KTEL has many offices all over Greece, and is not a smooth and united organisation.

On Crete public transport by bus is organised by KTEL West-Crete and KTEL East-Crete. They unfortunately have often a dispute. This may result in poor service to its customers, specially in areas where lines of the one connect to the lines of the other, e.g. in Vrisses. You may have to walk from one area to the other, because one company cannot go into a interchange station’s village.

Link text Photo : http://www.sfakia-crete.com

Travelers in the historic area of ​​southern Crete Sfakia Part 1

Προβολή μεγαλύτερου χάρτη

Sfakia

Sfakia call the south-east of Chania and includes the villages of Chora Sfakia Anopoli, St. John, St. Roumeli Asfendou, Bathroom, Patsianos, Skaloti, \ ‘Imbros, Askifou and Frangokastello and is 70 km from Chania.
Whole Sfakia characterized by the natural beauty of a wild mountain landscape which combines with the sea. Sfakia comprise the largest portion of the Mountains White Mountains, the tallest peak Madares Pachnes (2454 meters). Also include the Samaria Gorge, one of the most popular attractions in Crete.Other canyons in Sfakia is the gorge of the industry, Roofing, gorge Elygias, Aradaina the Sfakia, Imbros, Asfendou and Gorge Kallikrates.
For the name Sfakia are 3 explanations:
The first explanation is the name <<Sfax>> which means earth divide, something that fits because it has many deep gorges.
The second version claims that the country was originally called Sfakia Sfikia and corruption became Sfakia and the last version is from a flower named Sfaka means bitter.

History

The ancient cities of Sfakia

Anopoli Sfakia.

Anopolis at Sfakia. The ancient city was built near the village Anopolis at Sfakia. Phoinicousa was its port, at the location of the village Loutro. In this period, there were two cities, Anopolis and Katopolis. Katopolis was known with the name Phoinix. The ancient Anopolis signed the decree of alliance of thirty Cretan cities with Eumenes B’. The city had also its own currency, since it was independent and free. Parts of Pelasgic cyclopic walls are preserved at Riza location. The city flourished especially in the Roman and Byzantine period. However, Pashley had found shells of the Hellenistic period. That means that the area was inhabited even earlier than the Roman period. There also found ruins of cisterns, part of the water supply of the city. During the Venetian dominion, the city was centre of the Cretan members for the national resistance, in western Crete. Therefore, the city was destroyed in 1365 AD. It was rebuilt in the period of Turkish dominion. The habitants of the city worked on sailing.

 Araden (Heraden) .

Aradaina Sfakion. Aradena is located in the western area of the gorge, at Sfakia. The gorge separates the plateau of Aradena with that of Anopolis, in the west of Agia Roumeli and near Agios Ioannis. Stefanos Byzantios confuses Aradena with Anopolis. The ruins of ancient Araden or Heraden are preserved at Passopetra location, near the village Aradena. It was independent city and it was one of the thirty cities of the often-cited decree. The ancient necropolis is at Xenotafi location. Phoinix was the port of Aradena. It is believed that Phoenician colonisers established it and they link the name of the city with the Phoenician word Aruad, which means shelter. In Phoenicia, there was a city with the same name. Aradena was flourishing until the last centuries of Venetian dominion and the first century of the Turkish dominion. Its citizens were working on sailing and trading. In the Revolution of Daskalogiannis against the Turks of the Ottoman Empire, the village was utterly ruined. To Aradaina, we can go via Chora Sfakion and Anopolis. “Araden is city of Crete, which is also called Anopolis, because it is in high location. The citizen from the genitive form of the word, was called Aradenios, like Araphenos, Araphenios”Stef. Byzantios.

Tarra. Agia Roumeli

Agia Roumeli Sfakion. City of western Crete, near Samaria Gorge, at Agia Roumeli location. It is near the sea, on the hill, on the left bank of the stream bank. It was probably established in the Classical period and was very important religious centre. The city flourished in the Greco-Roman period. There was the cult of Apollo Tarraios. There were found parts of his temple. Tarra in frequently cited in the ancient sources.

Although it was small town, Tarra had its own coins. The coins have the head of Cretan wild goat, arrow, and bee. Tarra had monetary union with Elyros, Yrtakina and Lisos. The coins belong to the 3^rd and 2^nd century BC, when Tarra became member of the Republic of Cretans. The city had established colony of the same name at Caucasus. It is also believed that Tarras of South Italy was another colony of the city.

In 1415, Buondelmonti detected in the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, an inscription in Greek that was saying: “Peel your shoes, cover your head and come in.” Similar inscription was found at the Temple of Matala. The custom of entering the temple without shoes is ancient. Apollo, after the murder of Python, went to Tarra, where there were done purgatorial rituals by priest Karmanoras. According to Pausanias, Apollo “in the house of Karmanor, Apollo made love with nymph Akakallidi”. The nymph gave birth to twins, Phylakides, and Philanders. A goat fed them. Therefore, the Elyrians presented to Delphi bronze goat feeding to infants. In Tarra, there were glassworks workshops.

Loukillos was from Tarra. He commented on the Argonautics by Apollonios of Rhodes. Chrysothemis, a lyre player, son of Karmanor, who won at the Pythian festival, was from Tarra as well. Tarra is one of the city that signed decree with Eumenes B’ in 170 BC. Pashley was the first who detected the location of the city. In the area, there was found stone stele with inscribed double axe. It is exhibited at The Archaeological Museum of Chania.

“Tarra is city of Lydia. There is another in Crete, where Apollo Tarraios is worshipped. Loucios, who wrote three books on proverbs, was from Tarra. The feminine of the resident is called Tarraia.” Stef. Byzantios.

Phoinikous

 Loutro Sfakion. Common name of ports. Famous ports of that name are those of Kythera, Crete, Messenia, Pamphelia, Sicily and Libya. The name probably derives from the inhabitation of Phoenician merchants. It was port of Anopolis Sfakion and for this reason, it was called Kato Poli. There are underground vaulted chambers, ruins from all periods, Roman relics, foundations of structures, inscriptions, tombs, walls etc. at Phoinikous, there were purple workshops. The ruins of the Byzantine city are at Loutro gulf, up to Phoinikies location, which preserves the ancient name. Claudius Ptolemy cites Phoinikous city and Phoinix port. Byzantios gives us the following information:“Phoinikous. City of Crete. There is also island towards Lykia. There is also Phoinikous port…the national adjective is Phoinikountios and Phoinikousios, like Selinountios and Selinousios.”

Poikilasos or Poikilasion.

Small seaside town at Voukilasi or Voukoliasi location at Sfakia. More specifically at Trypiti cape, between Sougia and Agia Roumeli. The ancient city was near Trypiti of Sfakia. Poikilasion was not autonomous city. It was part and port of Elyros. In the town there was found inscription that testifies the existence of Temple of Serapes. There were also found hollowed tombs in the rocks and marble pits. Its ruins are of no importance. It was city of the Greek, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic period. Ptolemy calls it Poikilasion in three cities of southern Crete. In the 918 Code of Markian Library, it is called Pecilasio overo Pescalio, among one hundred cities.

Source: Publications Kairatos

Struggles for the Cretan Freedom (A film trilogy from Lefteris

Haronitis)

With the fall of Candia, in September 1669, ending a manifold Venetian occupation of Crete, about sixty four hundred years and begin a Turkish onerous that kept other two hundred twenty-eight years. Until 1897.
The Turkish slavery, as the Cretans do not accept ever, was hard and unbearable because the Turks behaved the Christian population unspeakable cruelty.
The lustration, daily torture, rape of property, moral, economic, religious and social humiliation of the Turks forced the Christians of Crete continued resistance and repeated rebellions.
Each generation almost prepared and had its own revolution trigger yet unquenched love for freedom of the Cretans and the constant vigilance of the rebel of the famous Cretan mountains Hainides.
Throughout the period of Ottoman rule in Crete is the director Lefteris Haronitis a great film trilogy, mixed technique (historical relic under the heading .

Attractions in Sfakia – southwestern Crete – Greece

Samaria Gorge. It is the largest, the most impressive and the most beautiful gorge in whole Europe (the nature reserve extends for 48.500 sq.m.). Hiking begins from Xilaskalo (at an altitude of 1.250m – 43km far from Chania) and lasts for 5-8 hours depending on your pace. You can visit it from May to October. The landscape is wonderful and there are 450 species of flora as well as unique and unusual geological formations.

Imbros Gorge. Small and easy to cross, with imposing rocks up to 300m in some spots where it is only 2m wide. Its entrance is shortly after Imbros village (at and altitude of 780m, 55km far from Chania), and its length is 8km. After two hours walking you reach the exit in Komitades village.

Aradaina Gorge. Beautiful, interesting and ‘adventurous’. Its entrance is from the ruined Aradena village (at an altitude of 520m, 87.5km far from Chania). After 3.5 hours walking you reach Marmara beach. There you can take a boat to Loutro or keep walking to the east for about 3 hours until you reach Sfakia while passing through Likos, Phinikas, Loutro, Glika Nera and Iligas.

Eligia Gorge. Wild, small and impressive. Its entrance is in Agios Ioannis village in Sfakia (780m altitude, 92km from Chania). After hiking for 3.5 hours you reach Agios Pavlos beach, which is full of pine trees, and then you need 1 more hour to the west to reach Agia Roumeli. This covers only the 1 third of the total distance inside the gorge. So if you wish to cross the whole gorge, you need an experienced guide and two days time. (route: Omalos tableland – Kallergis refuge – Melidaou Peak (2.133m altitude) – Potami of the White Mountains – Agios Pavlos). Omalos – Potami: 6 hours. Potami – Agios Pavlos: 6hours.

Sfakiano or Bartholomas gorge. As far as flora is concerned, it’s a very interesting gorge. Its entrance is from Imbros village and it’s 2 hours walking in a rural road of 10km (you can also use a suitable car) till you reach the ruined Kali Lakki village and then you need 2.5 more hours to reach its exit and the road. You do most of the hiking along the dry bottom of the river which is really easy to walk.

Tripiti gorge. Very beautiful and rich in flora and fauna (the Cretan Wild Goat lives here) but one of the most ‘difficult to cross’ gorges in west Crete. You need an experienced guide and 2 days time. You start waking from Omalos tableland, climb mountain Gigilos and 3 hours later you reach Tzazimos’ sheepfold (2.080m altitude). Then it takes you 3 more hours to reach Tripiti beach and if there is not a boat waiting for you, you will need another 3 hours walking to the west until you reach Sougia.

Klados gorge. It is the wildest and the most difficult gorge to cross. You need an experienced guide and 2 days time. You start walking from Omalos tableland, climb mountain Gigilos to its top and then you go down to the west until you reach the marvellous beach of Domata, in the Libyan Sea, after about 8 hours. You need 3 more hours to the east to reach Agia Roumeli.

Iliggas. Full of plants, wonderful and easy to cross. You start walking from Anopolis village in Sfakia (520m altitude, 84km from Chania) and two hours later you reach the Byzantine church of The Holy Cross (this part can also be crossed in a suitable car). From this point you start going down for 3 hours until you reach the beautiful beach of Iliggas, located 2km on the west of Sfakia.

Kapnis gorge. Wild and rough with a great inclination of the ground. Its entrance is 4km on the east of the road from Imbros to Asfendou, at an altitude of 900m. It’s an interesting ‘adventurous’ 3.5-hour hike between the villages of Bouvas and Komitades, 5km far from Sfakia and 8km far from Fragokastelo.

Asfendou gorge. Its starts from Asfendou village (770m altitude, 8km from Imbros, 63km from Chania). It is small, beautiful and rough. After 4 hours of walking you reach Agios Nektarios village, on the main road to Fragokastelo, only 7km far from its magnificent golden beach.

Kalikratis gorge. It’s in the far east of Sfakia municipality. Hiking begins from the mountain village of Kalikratis (750m altitude, 14km from Imbros). The landscape is really impressive for such a small gorge like that, which ends in Kapsodados village (5km from Fragokastelo) after 3.5 hours of walking.

Travel to Gavdos (Greece)

Welcome to Gavdos

Gavdos

The islet of Gavdos, opposite Sfakia, is the southernmost border of Greece and Europe. It is 22 nautical miles from the bath, right in the middle of the Libyan Sea and its size is 27 square kilometers. According to Callimachus, this is the ancient island of Ogygia where, as alleged in Homer’s “Odyssey”, where lived the nymph Calypso.

Other names of Gavdos in the past was “Kafdos” and “Claudius” (Ptolemens and Ierocles), “Klavdia or Kafdi” (the letter), “Gotzo” (the Venetians). During the first Byzantine period, Gavdos was a bishop, as many residents, but during the Venetian domination, the island was abandoned, as pirates sought refuge there. Until the late 18th and early 19th century

Gavdos belonged to Sfakia and was part of the municipality of Sfakia Anopoli. In 1925, it became a separate community, and remained part of the county of Sfakia, until 1950. Then, since the majority of residents had moved in Paleochora, Gavdos became part of Selino. Bibliography mentions the existence of 172 inhabitants in the settlements Castri, Vines, Vatsiana and Metohija, and the existence of settlements before the war, as Drethiana, Xenakis, Galana, Fragliathana.

Geography

The island lies 26 nautical miles (48 kilometers) south of Sfakia and its size is 29 sq km. Residents of the island, according to the census of 2001, just 98. In essence, less than 50 people live on the island. The tourist services on the island are elementary, yet the summer, all the people on the island can exceed the 3,500, most of whom are campers. The port accepts vessels are Karavas, while the capital city is the castle. The settlements of the island are five of the southernmost inhabited village called Vatsiana with a total population of 23 inhabitants

History

Gavdos was inhabited since the Neolithic era. The island has been identified with Ogygia where Calypso kept Odysseus prisoner. Archaeological investigations have documented that the Roman Empire had a presence on the island. The Romans have abused the flora of the island, causing a process aposarthrosis which continues today.
The Apostle Paul passed through the leeward side of the island during the final journey to Rome. After leaving the island, a storm took the ship off course, leading to cross next to Gavdos. This is recorded in Acts 27:16.
Later, at the time of Vyzatinis Empire, the island had about 8000 inhabitants (900 – 1000 AD), with three bishops and an archbishop. At the time of Ottoman domination, which lasted from 1665 until 1895, Gavdos was known as Gotzo. During this period, the population gradually declined to 500 residents in 1882. Reference to Saracens, has survived on the island – a beach called Sarakiniko.

In the 1930 the island was a place of exile for the Communists.More than 250 people were deported to Gavdos, including some leading members of the Communist party as Marco Vafiadis and Mars Velouchiotis. During the Second World War, allied forces flew a few troops in Gavdos, after the victory of the Germans in the Battle of Crete .
The urbanization that occurred in the 60s the rest of Greece, had already begun in the ’50s Gavdos. In this period, the islanders exchanged their land Gavdos with former Turkish land in Crete, which was made available for sharing by the state. During the colonization of Crete, founded a new community, Gafdiotika.

How to get to Gavdos - Transportation in South Crete

With a bus, Car or taxi you will come to Chora Sfakion or Paleochora ports and take the ferry to Gavdos.The entrance to Crete is the three airports, in Chania ( Daskalogiannis ) Heraklion ( Kazantzakis ) and Sitia, and five harbors Chania, Rethymno, Heraklio, Kissamos and Agios Nikolaos.

Ferries to Gavdos south of Crete

How to Come in Gavdos  - Ferries timetable

HORA SFAKION – GAVDOS

01/01/2010 – 31/03/2010	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Hora Sfakion – Gavdos	11.00		09.00
Gavdos – Hora Sfakion	13.30		12.00
01/04/2010 – 30/04/2010	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Hora Sfakion – Gavdos	17.30		17.30		10.30
Gavdos – Hora Sfakion		07.00		07.00	14.30
01/05/2010 – 31/05/2010	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Hora Sfakion – Gavdos	18.00		18.00		10.30
Gavdos – Hora Sfakion		07.00		07.00	14.30

More information in the official website of ANENDYK ferries

The island of Gavdos is 45 kilometers south of Chora Sfakion and can be reached by a small ferry boat (with a very, very noisy engine) from Chora Sfakion, or from Paleochora. Bring earplugs , haha!! Update: in 2011 a new faster and more quiet boat will be going up and down to Gavdos. If you want to know the time table for the ferries from Paleochora, Sougia or chora Sfakion to the island of Gavdos (and back) you can check the website of Selino Travel (Tel.: + 30 28230 42272 email). Usually most of the ferry traffic from Chora Sfakion takes place around the weekends and from Paleochora during the weekdays, but this could of course chang

Gavdos: Tours history and environment

Thus came to light, the famous “Treaty”, which is countersigned between Gortynias and Kafdion and demonstrates the relationship that existed between the then-powerful Gortyn and Gavdos, in the 3rd century BC In free translation of the inscription indicated that the Gortyna grant to residents of Gavdos the right “to live on their island free and independent in their own courts and laws but must follow the Gortyna in war and peace and to pay 1 / 10 of the offspring produced by their land except for the animals, vegetables and annuity ports, and give each year. They must give each year two hundred medimnoi from the fruits of cedar (kedrokoukia) if the crop is good and sixty medimnoi if the harvest is poor, and five thousand choes salt from the total production of the island. The always valuable salt and kedrelaio, which was used for the maintenance of ships and pharmacy, were the main products of Gavdos, while income from the ports were the main source of wealth.

Among the finds on the island are questions the marble pillars and couches and display vines carved in marble found in a cave near the Henry. Legend has it that this cave was to the kingdom of Calypso. In others, the kingdom is placed in sea bass, where there have been many archaeological finds identified, arched, carved tombs and the ancient port. During the Minoan period the island within the jurisdiction of Knossos and findings reveal that at that time the island had great production in figs, grapes and olive oil. Currently there are no island nor olive, nor vineyards only a settlement with the name Vines.

Another important archaeological discovery of Gavdos is a headless female statue, which moved in 1865 to the British Museum, the British engineer and traveler Spratt and probably dates to the 2nd AD century. With the dominance of Roman, Crete and throughout Greece, declined. Reconvene historical Gavdos the 2nd AD century when the Emperor Hadrian to grant in Sparta. During the domination of the seas from the Arabs and pirates, Gavdos, no mention has to appear again until much later, during the Venetian. Then again open sea routes to the Cretan and Libyan Sea and the island once again become a trading post. The raids, however, prevent the permanent habitation, and plans for the Venetian fortifications are not met before.

Gavdos inhabited from prehistoric times and this is proved by archaeological finds. Among the other ruins of an aqueduct and a kiln used for the exploitation of iron ore. Fragments of ore are found today in the paths of the area and believed that during the Roman era, was a major deforestation of Gavdos, where the trees were used as firewood for the furnaces of the iron. Iron was exported from the ancient port of Bass now located three meters below the sea. In the area of St. John, southeast of sea bass, are the remains of the city from the first Byzantine period allegedly numbered 8,000, while the size of Gavdos evidenced by the fact that it had its own bishop.

However, signs of continuous habitation of Gavdos from Neolithic times, but the current environment of enchanting create obligations for those who visit it, as the small community is an example of how – the secluded most of the year-to prosper, to accept indulgence of the many visitors to endure whatever the difficulties of life, closely tied to the nature and the little productive land, the limited crops and livestock. To do it with dignity, but needs continued attention of the state, showing in practice that does not forget the least of Akritoi. Gavdos is one of the most valuable parts of the Greek land we should all embrace it, to protect and support it in any way.

Because of topographical and geo-isolated position of the island in the Mediterranean, established Gavdos institutions specialized technology to do with space, the geo-informatics, marine technologies, etc. There are two permanent GPS satellite stations that monitor with high precision micro-movements of Gavdos. Moreover, in Rousidia have installed systems global satellite positioning, ie calibration of the location by satellite positioning, and to monitor sea levels worldwide. Also in Karavas work station to monitor parameters of the sea, such as tides, wave heights, currents, salinity, speed of winds and currents, etc. Thus, Gavdos is now one of the three calibration stations worldwide geoinformation satellite, but also for global climate change.

Here Gavdos, you can find paradise, the different lifestyles. And you become one with nature, history and modern humans. As for any kind of reserves, significant and numerous. Among other things, the unique landscape that features the natural environment. Sarakiniko Agiannis, bass, Lia, River, Tower, some of the beautiful beaches. Picturesque villages in Kastri, Vatsiana, Vines, Xenakis, and many stone called at the island. Rich finds its historical path, as is the Roman aqueduct, oil presses and wine presses, the ancient port Bass. Cedar, seals, pine trees, turtles, avoratoi, birds, agkistaroi, Shina, thyme, thrimpes, colonies, the salt lake, and the Arolithos Natura2000.

Furthermore, the wild beauty of the island, the beaches and shores of the lilies of the beach and thalassokedra to reach the sea, and clear blue waters of the sea, undersea caves, but the inhabitants katadechtikoi create an environment and conditions to promote alternative lifestyles based on solidarity, respect, and to conduct such where Man and Nature always stand shoulder to shoulder. But, tourists, who really see to respect the place where you spend a few carefree days.

The island is about 33 square miles, a circumference of 34 kilometers and the highest elevation reaches 386 meters above mean sea level. The geo-morphological characteristics of Gavdos, emphasized the relatively low altitudes, the trapezoid shape, small gradients of soil, its varied coastline and the apparent strong processes of erosion, both on land, and sea. Extensive sand dunes are a feature of the north coast and extending even into the interior, covering part of the hills surrounding the bays are covered by maquis vegetation mainly of cedar, Shinias and ladanies, and brushwood, such as thyme, savory, astoivi .

A particular feature of the weather on the island are strong winds that beat on almost all year long and create problems for navigation, and frequent low fog, known as”Proventzes”the islands of the Mediterranean, which are concealed always leave at once. They bring enough moisture, which appears to maintain the lush vegetation of the island.

Those who had the opportunity to visit Gavdos, if anything, felt contemplative mood to the floods quite often during their stay there. Jovial conversations with residents, observing nature, seeing even the little infrastructure – expansion and improvement of the harbor in Karavas, underground water tanks, drinking water wells, protection and promotion of the Cedar forest-City, etc. – And seeking the role and importance of environmental and cultural heritage of, can not remain indifferent, or among the visitors to the island, either from the retreatants summer. In this here-the unique nature, history, landscape and people – ignore the pessimistic views, but also miserable and obscure pronouncements messages occasionally tighten our souls, although it is fair to ask people and called for better quality of life you island the ends of Greece.

And some of us, together with the few residents consider the isolation of the island issue as problematic even as electricity, water and garbage, and urgent need planning. The state should provide opportunities for current residents to stay at home by giving them an adequate standard of living. Yes to more alternative energy, so more drinking water, so the regeneration of some of the stone Metohija for eco-tourist alternative accommodation, why not an alternative to organized camping, eco-trails and paths through the nature and history.

To another Greek place that has the necessary care, attention and support. Guests of the island, collect fragrances, pictures and fresh air, builders create dreams and visions, because times are tough and will take many of them on your way.

Source S. Frangopoulos

Archaeological finds in Gavdos

Gavdos inhabited since the prehistoric period. They have found the following archaeological finds on the island:
Minoan

The Gulf of sea bass, on the northwestern side of Gavdos, there are ancient tombs dating from the Minoan era, although no structures have been found in the same period.

Roman

Under the settlement Bass was the Roman era, who allegedly was dependent Gortyn of the prefecture Heraklion. Still remain part of the aqueduct and the furnace that was used for the exploitation of iron ore. Shard found in the ore and now trails in the area. Moreover, it is believed that the substantial deforestation of Gavdos dates back to Roman times, when the trees were used as firewood for the production of iron. Iron was exported from the port of Bass currently located three meters below the sea.
Byzantine

In the area of St. John, southeast of sea bass, are the remains of the city from the first Byzantine period. During this period, the city of Saint John had 8,000 inhabitants, while the size of Gavdos evidenced by the fact that it had its own bishop.

Gavdos – Treasures

Forgotten in the south of Crete and bathed in strong sunlight of the Libyan Sea, Gavdos is also the southernmost point of the Greek territory and Europe.

Full of pine and cedar that reach the sea, is ideal for those wanting very quiet and secluded holiday.

With an area of only 74 sq. km. km can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle. Inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC and referred to as the island of Calypso. Many archaeological finds have come to light, the most important one headless female statue of the 2nd AD century, found in 1865 and moved to the British Museum.

The island has experienced the greatest boom during the Byzantine period, when he was one of the bases of the terrible pirate Barbarossa.

Excerpt from National Geographic

Environmental and historical wanderings 

From off from Sfakia and Paleochora, the archipelago of the Libyan, one will find the beautiful island of Gavdos. The island of Calypso and Odysseus, the Minoan domination of Hellenistic and Roman period, the Arabs, the pirates and Barbarossa, the Ottoman, Byzantine era and the current island. In the history of the island got many names, such Ogyges in Homer, or Kafdi Claudius in the Roman domination-in honor of commanding the Commissioner Marco Island Orvylio Claudius and was named the state and St. Paul for 64 m . X. the adventures of. During the Ottoman (1665-1895 AD), was named Gotzo and the Byzantine Emperor Leo VI the Wise (886-912 AD) had called the present name, Gavdos. Archaeological and other findings indicate that the island of Gavdos is inhabited by at least the Neolithic period. Residues Minoan civilization and the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine period have been found on the island.

Written texts for the habitation of Gavdos mentioned by ancient writers Herodotus, Strabo, Ptolemy and Ieroklis. In the area of Agios Ioannis bay and the sea bass, found remains of a large establishment that flourished during the historical period (Hellenistic and Roman periods). Moreover, in 1927 and 1960 found parts Cretan inscription in Doric dialect of the time drawn on a porous stone, respectively in Praetorium Gortyna and in a farmhouse near Messara of Heraklion. Thus came to light, the famous “Treaty”, which synypograftike between Gortynias and Kafdion and demonstrates the relationship that existed between the then-powerful Gortyn and Gavdos, in the 3rd century BC In free translation of the inscription indicated that the Gortyna grant to residents of Gavdos the right to live on their island free and independent in their own courts and laws but must follow the Gortyna in war and peace and to pay 1 / 10 the offspring produced by their land except for the animals, vegetables and annuity ports, and give each year. They must give each year two hundred medimnoi from the fruits of cedar (kedrokoukia) if the crop is good and sixty medimnoi if the harvest is poor, and five thousand choes salt from the total production of the island.

The always valuable salt and kedrelaio, which was used for the maintenance of ships and pharmacy, were the main products of Gavdos, while income from the ports were the main source of wealth. Among the finds on the island are questions the marble pillars and couches and display vines carved in marble found in a cave near the Henry. Legend has it that this cave was to the kingdom of Calypso. In others, the kingdom is placed in sea bass, where there have been many archaeological finds identified, arched, carved tombs and the ancient port. During the Minoan period the island within the jurisdiction of Knossos and findings reveal that at that time the island had great production in figs, grapes and olive oil. Currently there are no island nor olive, nor vineyards only a settlement with the name Vines.

Another important archaeological discovery of Gavdos is a headless female statue, which moved in 1865 to the British Museum, the British engineer and traveler Spratt and probably dates to the 2nd AD century. With the dominance of Roman, Crete and throughout Greece, declined. Reconvene historical Gavdos the 2nd AD century when the emperor granted the Andrianos in Sparta. During the domination of the seas from the Arabs and pirates, Gavdos, no mention has to appear again until much later, during the Venetian. Then again open sea routes to the Cretan and Libyan Sea and the island once again become a trading post. The raids, however, prevent the permanent habitation, and plans for the Venetian fortifications are not met before.

Gavdos inhabited from prehistoric times and this is proved by archaeological finds. Among the other ruins of an aqueduct and a kiln used for the exploitation of iron ore. Fragments of ore are found today in the paths of the area and believed that during the Roman era, was a major deforestation of Gavdos, where the trees were used as firewood for the furnaces of iron,. Iron was exported from the ancient port of Bass now located three meters below the sea. In the area of St. John, southeast of sea bass, are the remains of the city from the first Byzantine period allegedly numbered 8,000, while the size of Gavdos evidenced by the fact that it had its own bishop.

A particular feature of the weather on the island are strong winds that beat on almost all year long and create problems for navigation, and frequent low fog, known as”Proventzes”the islands of the Mediterranean, which are concealed always leave at once. They bring enough moisture, which appears to maintain the lush vegetation of the island. In terms of weather Gavdos belongs to xirothermikes areas with prolonged drought which usually exceed the 100 days a year, while low but is strong and yperetisies variations in the amount of rainfall (130-550 mm). The air temperature is very high almost throughout the year ranging from 13 degrees Celsius during the winter months, while summer is usually above 30 degrees Celsius.

The geo-morphological characteristics of Gavdos, emphasized the relatively low altitudes, the trapezoid shape, small gradients of soil, the almost normal (NW-SE), but varied coastline and the apparent strong processes of erosion, both on land , and at sea. The island is about 33 square miles, a circumference of 34 kilometers and the highest elevation reaches 386 meters above mean sea level. Shallow marine limestone, with layers of marl and evaporites, covering the north of the island, occupying a total area of about 60% of the island, is very limited positions emerge and metamorphic rocks. In the southern part of the island found limestone masses hornstone deep seas, and micro-views flysch sandstones alternating with clay masses. Extensive sand dunes are a feature of the north coast and extending even into the interior, covering part of the hills surrounding the bays are covered by maquis vegetation mainly of cedar, Shinias and ladanies, and brushwood, such as thyme, savory, astoivi .

http://www.gavdos.tuc.gr

Because of topographical and geo-isolated position of the island in the Mediterranean, established Gavdos institutions specialized technologies that have to do with space, the geo-informatics, the sea, not just technology. There are two permanent GPS satellite stations that monitor with high precision micro-movements of Gavdos. Moreover, in Rousidia have installed systems global satellite positioning, ie calibration of the location by satellite positioning, and to monitor sea levels worldwide. Also in Karavas work station to monitor parameters of the sea, such as tides, wave heights, currents, salinity, speed of winds and currents, etc. Thus, Gavdos is now one of the three calibration stations worldwide geoinformation satellite, but also for global climate change.

Those who had the opportunity to visit Gavdos, if anything, felt contemplative mood to the floods quite often during their stay there. Jovial conversations with residents, observing nature, seeing even the little infrastructure – expansion and improvement of the harbor in Karavas, underground water tanks, drinking water wells, protection and promotion of the Kedrodasos-City, etc. – And seeking the role and importance of environmental and cultural heritage of, can not remain indifferent, or among the visitors to the island, either from the retreatants summer.

In this here-the unique nature, history, landscape and people – ignore the pessimistic views, but also miserable and obscure pronouncements messages occasionally tighten our souls, although it is fair to ask people and called for better quality of life you island the ends of Greece. And some of us, together with the few residents consider the isolation of the island issue as problematic even as electricity, water and garbage, and urgent need planning. The state should provide opportunities for current residents to stay at home by giving them an adequate standard of living. Yes to more alternative energy, so more drinking water, so the regeneration of some of the stone Metohija for eco-tourist alternative accommodation, why not an alternative to organized camping, eco-trails and paths through the nature and history.

Here Gavdos, you can find paradise, the different lifestyles. And you become one with nature, history and modern humans. As for any kind of reserves, significant and numerous. Among other things, the unique landscape that features the natural environment. Sarakiniko Agiannis, bass, Lia, River, Tower, some of the beautiful beaches. Picturesque villages in Kastri, Vatsiana, Vines, Xenakis, and many stone called at the island. Rich finds its historical path, as is the Roman aqueduct, oil presses and wine presses, the ancient port Bass. Cedar, seals, pine trees, turtles, avoratoi, birds, agkistaroi, Shina, thyme, thrimpes, colonies, the salt lake, and the Arolithos Natura2000. Programs to protect the Cedar forest in Sarakiniko for Ecotourism Development and camping in the bosom for the protection of dunes, meadows of Posidonia seagrass in the water and the underwater caves surrounding it. Furthermore, the wild beauty of the island, the beaches and shores of the lilies of the beach and thalassokedra to reach the sea, and clear blue waters of the sea, but the inhabitants katadechtikoi environment and create conditions to promote alternative way of life based on solidarity, respect, and to conduct such where Man and Nature always stand shoulder to shoulder. But, tourists, who really see to respect the place where you spend a few carefree days.

However, signs of continuous habitation of Gavdos from Neolithic times, but the current environment of enchanting create obligations for those who visit it, as the small community is an example of how – the secluded most of the year-to prosper, to accept indulgence of the many visitors to endure whatever the difficulties of life, closely tied to the nature and the little productive land, the limited crops and livestock. To do it with dignity, but needs continued attention of the state, showing in practice that does not forget the least of Akritoi. Gavdos is one of the most valuable parts of the Cretan land and we should all embrace it, to protect and support it in any way. To another Greek place that has the necessary care, attention and support.

Guests of the island, collect fragrances, pictures and fresh air, builders create dreams and visions, because times are tough and will take many of them on your way. More importantly. Gavdos is unique only for that deserves the attention of all. In the turbulent era of mismatches challenges we must be always vigilant to ensure the protection of an appropriate “net” around and over Gavdos.

Dr. Theodore Kousouris, environmentalist, tkouss@gmail.com

Source EcoCrete.Gr

THE BEACHES OF THE ISLAND OF GAVDOS IN GREECE

• Potamos Beach – Gavdos – Potamos is a beautiful beach in the north west part of the island of Gavdos. It is a sandy beach with yellow and nicely colored red sand. Unfortunately for most of the vistors to the island the beach of Potamos can only be reached by boat because it is surrounded by hills and there is no footpath leading to it. Most people that make the walk to Potamos beach end up just seeing the beach from above and cannot find a safe way down, allthough some people do succeed in it.

• Agios Ioannis Beach – Gavdos – The beach of Agios Ioannis is situated in the north of the island of Gavdos, and it was voted as second most beautiful beach of the world by the Travel Channel in 2007. Agios Ioannis (St John’s beach) is situated next to the tiny village with a population of ten, and it is home to several impressively large caves. There are no hotels or pensions or any luxury, only the sea, the sand and a beautiful view of the island of Crete. At the busstop of Agios Ioannis (end of the road) you will find the only tavern in this region of Gavdos: Kapetan Theofilos.

• Pyrgos Beach – Gavdos – The beach of Pyrgos is situated in the north of the island of Gavdos. It can be reached by small boat or by foot after a long and adventurous walk. Pyrgos beach is quiet and isolated and beach with no facilities. You must bring your own water and food.

• Sarakinikos Beach – Gavdos – At a 20 minutes walk distance you will find the most “cultivated” beach of the island (with a taverna or two and a few accommodations that is). The sandy and pretty large beach of Sarakinikos is situated in the north east of the island at a 2km walk north of the harbour over a dirt track.

• Tripiti Beach – Gavdos – The beach of Tripiti is situated in the south of the island of Gavdos and it is famous for its beautiful rockformations. The rocks that are in the sea form arcades. The name of this southern point is Tripiti (“tripa”=hole) and there are three holes-caves (arches) under the rock that runs into the sea. From Korfos, you can walk until this wonderful place, there is no more land to explore at this south part of Gavdos… The footpath is about 3 km (about an hour), there are signs and you cannot lose your way. This is the most southern place in Europe. Standing on a rock in Tripiti is a very large chair that you have to climb on in order to sit on it.

• Korfos Beach – Gavdos – As you walk inland from the harbour Karave and arrive at the crossroads and a couple of houses don’t turn right (to Sarakinikos beach) but turn left (there is a sign) to reach this beach. It’s a beautiful walk along the coastline. At Korfos Bay there are some rooms and family rooms for rent at Georgos and Maria’s Taverna.

THE NATURIST BEACHES OF THE ISLAND OF GAVDOS IN GREECE

The island of Gavdos is a paradise for naturists. Roughly estimated about 80% of the beaches is naturist area. The beach of Agios Ioannis is one of the naturist beaches. You can go there by bus. This bus stops at a taverna / minimarket and from there you should have to do a little walking towards the west (about a quarter of an hour). The beach is about 500 meters long and quite wide. On the beach are trees where you can lie down in the shade. The beach of Lavrakas west of Agios Ioannis is a naturist beach. You can get there if you follow the coast from Agios Ioannis but on some parts of the walk you have to walk through the sea (don’t do this in bed weather) walk or you can climb up the rocks behind Agios Ioannis beach and then follow the paths. The trip takes about 40 minutes from the beach of Agios Ioannis. Lavrakas is not as good as Agios Ioannis. It is a flat beach with trees and in the sea are many rocks, so you have to look out for the best way you can get into the sea. It is a beautiful place to snorkel though

Gavdos WebTV

Link : http://www.livestream.com/gavdos

ACCOMMODATION ON THE ISLAND OF GAVDOS IN GREECE – HOTELS, APARTMENTS AND STUDIOS ON GAVDOS

There are not many hotel rooms or apartments and studios for rent on the island of Gavdos: accommodation is limited. Especially if you plan to visit the island during high season it would be wise to reserve something ahead. Below are a few of the hotels / studios / apartments that are for rent on the island of Gavdos. The first one you can check the prices and the availabilty online and you can directly book if you want to. It is situated at a large sandy beach where we once spend the day in naturist style. The other three you first have to send an e-mail

Sarakiniko Studios Consolas (see pictures above)

Located on the sandy beach of Sarakiniko, Studios Consolas offers rooms with kitchenette facilities and unobstructed views to the Libyan Sea. It includes a traditional tavern and a bakery. Sarakiniko Studios Consolas are simply decorated and feature wooden beamed ceilings. In the kitchenette, guests can find an electric kettle, a refrigerator and a coffee maker. All studios and villas have a furnished balcony or veranda. In the tavern of Consolas, guests can taste traditional Cretan dishes and fresh fish with view to the sea. Buffet breakfast is served in the morning. The hotel offers free transportation to and from Karave harbour, which is located a 5-minute drive away. Free private parking is available on site. You can now directly book the Consolas studios and villas (35 m2 for 4 to 5 people) online. Je reserve including buffet breakfast.

Check availability and prices & book Sarakiniko Studios and villas Consolas - click here

Sarakiniko rooms, villa and restaurant Gavdos

You will find us in the center of the beautiful golden Sarakiniko beach. Our place is perfect for families and people which are looking for a quite place. We offer new and big sea view rooms and stone villas with bathroom, kitchen, balcony and garden. You can order in our Family Restaurant breakfast and traditional Cretan cuisine especially our fresh fish. We also rent bikes and quads

Tel & Fax 00302823041103 
Send an e-mail to Sarakiniko Rooms on Gavdo

Gavdos Princess Apartments in the village of Kastri – Gavdos

Studios and apartements.

Contact Person : Papadakis George / Tel +30 2823041181-2 Fax +30 2823041880 
Send an e-mail to Gavdos Princess Apartments on Gavdos.

Georgo’s and Maria’s Taverna in Korfos Bay – Gavdos

Rooms and family rooms at the beach of Korfos with a view of the sea. You will feel absolute comfortable in our family-managed-tavern. Nice family atmosphere, traditional local Greek food, nature and the great outdoors are waiting you. If you decide to visit Georgo’s and Maria’s fishing -Tavern let us know we will wait for you in Harbor Karave with our taxi-tractor.

Tel Gavdos +30 2823042166-2 Tel Chania +30 2821081678 
Send an e-mail to Georgo’s and Maria’s Rooms on Gavdos.

Experience the beautiful Arcadia Kastanitsa

 

Decorated with dense forests of chestnut, fir trees, but also protected by the mountains of Parnonas the Kastanitsa “steals” hearts with special appearance. Here, all other flow rates, more relaxed, more calm, totally refreshing. And a further reason for this trip to the annual Chestnut Festival, which this year will be held on 30 and 31 October.

If the first impression is crucial to whether I will “win” or not a location, Kastanitsa definitely win the bet. A white stone village with roofs of slate Malevou, carved with skill and enthusiasm of the worthy hands of renowned masters Lagadinou, apagkiazei at an altitude of 900 and is reminiscent of the Aegean island rather than mountainous part.

Looking back at the history of this place, we discover that Kastanitsa is one of the oldest villages of Arkadia – even according to written texts, the oldest village Tsakonia.

Its foundation dates back to the 11th century, when Tsakones villagers chased by the Frankish rulers, sought safety here to create a new home. Over the years, they fought not only with young aspiring conquerors, as were the Turks, and with hardship. For all these reasons led eventually to migration. They managed, however, and there great things, creating strong communities in Bucharest, Istanbul, Izmir and later to America.Never, of course, not forgotten their homeland, which always returned to build their mansions, but also to help develop their homeland.

But why a village between the mountains are draped in white, as if sailing in the Aegean? There is certainly no coincidence, since for centuries one of the main products of the region was the lime that fired in traditional kilns. Previously worked here over 40 lime! Of course, the tradition continues until today, so the houses, courtyards, churches and fence dressed in white.

Another product of the place was a large production of chestnuts, once surrounded by dense chestnut. The harvest and once reached 500 tons. Today, it can not reach to these figures, but the area is famous for its superb chestnut production. Moreover, here we will try many ways (from sweets than food and liquor). And the residents still live Kastanitsa than we give them the forest: chestnut and viokalliergisima who cut trees for Christmas.

SERGIANIZONTAS IN TOWN

The Kastanitsa is a separate traditional settlement. Walking through the cobbled alleys, admire the proud towers with hipped roofs of silver-gray limestone slabs, wooden balconies with columns and small windows with white curtains. Many of them are older than three centuries. And we get lost in the atmosphere of bygone times, the place exudes. As we head towards the hill leading to the square, admiring the green of fir and chestnut sides Parnon (or Malevou). Square Kastanitsa small, but picturesque. The inhabitants of the few, but very hospitable. They make you feel old friend from rather than a traveler.

On the southern edge of the village, on top of a hill, stands the ruined tower Kapsampelis now, the Turkish defense property. Here John Kapsampelis fortified with his comrades to repulse Ibrahim. It was also important site of action of the father of Theodoros Kolokotronis, Konstantinos. Our steps will bring us to the path that leads to this impressive castle. As we climb the last stone steps, a carpet of yellow lilies draws the eye to the earth. Even an inch of land that beauty always finds a way to popping.

The view from the top of the castle is breathtaking. On the one hand, the beautiful Kastanitsa stretches lazily among the forests of chestnuts and firs. On the other hand, the look sneak between deep canyons, to mingle with the sea.

Returning to the village and observe the beautiful restored building of the former elementary school, built in 1879. On the premises of today hosted the Folk Museum site and the end of the year is expected to operate the Center for Environmental Information Kastanitsa, which will manage the Agency Management and Wetland Terms Parnonas Moustos (T / 27550-22021).

Impressive is the Church of the Transfiguration, built in 1780. The famous wooden temple is of Russian design and was a gift of Catherine the Great to Kastanitsioti prominent in Odessa. Around the village there are several churches in this oldest of Saint Panteleimon.

ACTIVITIES AND COURSES

A weekend in Kastanitsa equivalent to rest in cozy stone guesthouse Anthony, walks through the picturesque streets and interesting excursions to nearby villages such as leeks, or Tsintzina Polydroso the Sitaina, Platanos (with waterfalls Bit) , St. Peter’s, cotton, Varvitsa.

We also do walks on forest trails that connect the settlements of the region, as Kastanitsa – Leeks, Kastanitsa – Sitaina – Platanos Kastanitsa – Great Tumulus (1,935 m) or verdant canyons, such as combined, and the Loulouga Zarmpanitsas.

In active mountaineering clubs for such tours. With a fantastic car to drive through trees brings us to the Tsintzina (Polydroso). Crossing the leafy streets of Parnonas will arrive in the picturesque village of St. Peter and the historic monastery Malevis, in Agiannis, and the Castle of Oria. Remarkable is the old monastery Egkleistouriou (aka Baptist). You will encounter on the way to Prastos. I still visit the post-Byzantine Church of St. Nicholas Kontolinas, built at the beginning of the 16th century. The church is dedicated to St. Panteleimon (originally dedicated to St Nicholas) and has interesting frescoes of 1760.

If you get bored of the mountains and the sea a little wish, we only have to descend to the beach of San Andreas, to discover an old stone bridge and a round tower beside the waves. Nearby is the large wetland must.

The night falls in Kastanitsa we, full of beautiful images from our trips, enjoy good food in the taverns of the square. For tea, coffee and sweets will go to the cafe.

The evening closes in Kastanitsa sweet with good friends and toys next to the fireplace ablaze. Well, would not say in a homemade likeraki chestnut …

The chestnut festival

On 30 and 31 October, as every year, and this year will be in Kastanitsa the Chestnut Festival. The kastanoparagogoi the village in cooperation with the local club organized this wonderful celebration, which gives rise to the numerous visitors to have fun and enjoy the many versions of chestnuts (boiled, roasted, sweet, liquor, food, etc.) . They have the opportunity to learn about growing, harvesting, valuable nutritional value of chestnuts, but also the problems faced by kastanoparagogoi.

HOW TO GO

To get to Kastanitsa will move to our car from Athens as the Astros Village (150 km) will continue to St. Andrew (another 10 km) and from there ascend to the Kastanitsa (about 18 km). Be careful not to overshoot the plate in San Andreas, on our right.Also, before you climb the mountains, we should have filled the tank of the car.

ACCOMMODATION

Hostels Anthony (T / 27550-52.255-6, 6979-003.530, www.sun-mountain-snow.gr).Housed in a restored stone mansion and has 5 rooms, each with its own style, with rustic decor, many amenities and views of the ravine with chestnut trees. Soul of the hostel Dimitris Antoniou, owner, to tell us what we want around the village and excursions. Breakfast is served in the hostel in the living room with large fireplace or room to huge wooden tray with warm slices of bread, jam, honey, meats, cheeses and a variety of aromatic coffee. Prices for a double with breakfast is: for 60 euros a night for two nights or more, 50 euros.

Hostels in nearby villages

Anna (Tree Kinouria T/6976-623.099). New hostel in Platanos, with six comfortable rooms with bathroom, TV, kitchenette, refrigerator and heating. At 50 euros for a double room with breakfast.

Fountas (Saint John Kinouria T/27550-52.022, 6972-021.942). Stone house on the main road, with five comfortable rooms, each with a different style, cozy dining room and coffee, with a large fireplace and friendly owners. At 50 euros for a double room with breakfast.

Boarding (Tsintzina or Polydroso, T/27310-96.276, www.tsintzina.gr). To stone village school converted into a cozy guesthouse. 50-60 euros for a double room with breakfast (EUR 65-80 holidays and public holidays).

Malevos (Saint Peter, T/27920-31.155, 31,375, 6945-377328). Charming two-storey traditional stone houses, with living room, fireplace, kitchen, two bathrooms, TV and comfortable bedroom with balcony. For two or more people. From 70 to 120 euro double room with breakfast, depending on the individuals and nights.

For bookings for your stay, visit our website:
www.booking.com

FOOD

In the village square to enjoy traditional dishes in restaurants:
• The ornament (T / 6979-003.530), cozy and Mrs. Constantina Antoniou greets us with a smile. We will try pork with chestnut and fried potatoes, kastanosalata, mountain greens, chickpeas with chestnuts, braised lamb, boiled Vergados, eggplant stuffed with onions and feta cheese in the oven. For dessert, choose karydokastanopita delicious!
• This (T / 6976-892209), barbecue restaurant, with well-baked and cooked, like chicken with pasta, eggplant with tomatoes and garlic, pork, goat stew, roast chicken, etc.

For coffee and sweets, next door to Cafe Central.

SHOPPING

Sweets, jams, herbs, ouzo, pasta, beans and of course everything has to do with chestnuts, since the location of production. All of this will find the tasteful below Immortality, at the beginning of the uphill road leading to the village. Very well the glossy maroon!

 

 

‘Little Summer’ on the beaches of Pelion ( Greece)

 

http://trans.kathimerini.gr

And then Volos, Pelion go. A unique combination of mountain and sea-or autumn and summer. An ideal place to enjoy both seasons but our latest bathrooms. Just not raining!
TEXT: DINOS KIOUSIS, PHOTOS: GEORGE DEPOLLAS

For Mount Pelion everything and say little. ”Magical” is the word that suits him. So beautiful are the beaches that are numerous and for all tastes. This is because the geomorphology such. The Pelion peninsula and the Aegean Sea is on one side and the bay Pagasitikos other.

Beaches much or less quiet and secluded beaches and cosmopolitan with beach bars, sunbeds and the like. Beaches of fine sand, coarse sand, pebbles or gravel.However, all with crystal clear waters.

I do roughly the separation of the northern beaches of Pelion, ie those below the bulk of the mountain, and those south of Pelion, ie those at the height of the Pelion and down the Aegean Sea or Pagasitikos. Not only for geographical features but also because the whole landscape is different. The mountain is not reflected in the water and the landscape gets Cycladic color, especially to Trikeri.

Now, in early autumn, is perhaps the best season for the Seas of Pelion. Calm, no wind and very warm water.

All beaches mention accessed by paved road, while some want a minimum of walking. And starting from above, from the north.

Horefto: The settlement of Horefton below Zagora. The beach is probably the largest in North Pelion. Has fine and coarse sand on the north side, while the other side you can find pebbles. The mountain directly above and abundant vegetation. In two parts of the beach there are sunbeds, but very limited. If you want to be alone, walk from the northern end and up, where you’ll find other small and beautiful beaches.

Saranda: Located at 3 km further south from the Dance. Countryside golden sand with some fine gravel. Much vegetation and abundant shade. There is a cute little beach bar with sunbeds.

Fun: This is the next beach just before St. John, where we leave the car and walk 2 to 3 minutes. It consists of sand and fine pebbles, some have umbrellas and chairs, but because of the green and has plenty of shade.

St. John: Great and extensive beach front of the village, which is the most famous resorts of Pelion with many visitors, especially during summer months. The beach is coarse sand and pebbles, is not regulated, there is no shade, but in the village and wins every year the Blue Flag

Papa Water: Beautiful sandy beach, where the green reaches the sea. An idyllic place with golden sand and fine pebble will enjoy it too. There are some chairs, beach bar and restaurant.

Damouhari: A small picturesque village that consists of two small creeks. The north is a beautiful harbor and the south is a great beach with wild beauty and has large round white pebbles (pebbles) and crystal clear waters.

Fakistra: Well hidden from the mountains and inaccessible. You need to walk the steep path for about 10 minutes (and then to go)! The “magic” pebble beach, but will compensate you in every way. Just remember to have some water with you, because under other than beauty, there is nothing else!

Mylopotamos: One of the most famous beaches in Pelion, with the particularity to be cut in two by a large rock, but has an opening like a tunnel to pass from one to another. The golden sandy beach with sand and fine pebbles and plenty of shade from the rocks. To get off having a short walk. The only flaw is that it collects a lot of people.

Lambinou: beautiful small beach with sand and pebbles below a few meters from the beautiful and deserted monastery of Lampidonas. There are sun loungers and beach bar.

South Pelion

Beach Fig Tree: The village has two beaches, one large and one small. The big is Pantazi Sandy to the north, with gray sand and little stones. The small Potoki is a beach “captivating” in a very green, and into which a small creek and there is an absolute wilderness.

Watering: The beach is Potistika Xinovryssi seaport. It has fine sand, beach bar and restaurant and plenty of shade. The trump card is that there the north wind cuts later.

Paltsi: The Great Beach Paltsi is the most famous in the region. Plenty of shade from trees Potamia, the trees of the beach and the recesses of the rocks. It is with sand and pebbles occasionally.

Mortia: Large and impressive beach with sand and stone. Shadow will only find the side on the rocks at the right time. There is a tavern.

Small: Beautiful beach in the village, very green (ie shade), fine sand and pebbles, beach bar and restaurants.

THE BEACHES OF PAGASITIC

You will find many beaches on the side of Pagasitikos. They are all fine sand or fine pebbles and clear calm waters are not catching the winds of the Aegean. Around the villages of Milina, of Horton, Pau, of Kalamos of Lefokastro and Afissos s beaches you will see He is not number.

HOW TO GO

To go to Volos from Athens will go with both our car and the bus Magnesia about 320 km and from Volos to Zagora will do another 45 km, if we go down the mountain, or other 70 km, if we choose the coastal route.

ACCOMMODATION

Since ending the season some accommodations may be on closures, it is first arrive at your destination, make them a phone. So, for sure!

Enastron Hostel (Horefto T/24260-23.475, 6932-264.240, www.enastronpilio.gr).Beautiful and spacious rooms, “buried” in the trees, 70 meters from the sea. It is fully equipped. The double priced from 60 euros and breakfast will make your own!

Mansion Gkagianni (Zagora, T/24260-23.391, www.villagayannis.gr). Pelion perfectly restored tower house, with a family atmosphere. The double from 60 million home after breakfast.
Mansion Stamos (Zagora, T/24260-23.880, www.staouhotel.com). Mansion of the donor of Panteion School, restored and superbly decorated. Very friendly service.The double room from € 60 with breakfast.
Hotel Damouchari (Damouchari T/24260-49.840, www.pelion.com.gr / hotel / damouchari). Beautiful and very “hot” small hotel overlooking the picturesque harbor of Damouhari. The double for stays of 7 days from 30 euros after breakfast.
Aktaion (Reed, T/24230-55.710, www.aktaionhotel.com). Newly built, small, beautiful, a majestic setting. Sometime I will do my holidays there! The double room from € 60 with breakfast.
Rose (Platanias T/24230-71.268, www.peliondesroses.gr). Small family run hotel with simple and comfortable rooms, homemade breakfasts and user-friendly service. The double room from € 40 with breakfast and lunch!
Leda (Horton, T/24210-27.931, www.ledahotel.gr). Beautiful facility with rooms, studios and apartments with their own gardens or balconies. The double from 55 million after breakfast.
Mill (Mill Trikeri T/24230-91.192, www.hotelmylos.gr). Beautiful small hotel with excellent service. The double from 60 million after breakfast.

FOOD

• Virtue and Stamoulis (Katigiorgis, T/24230-71.440). Fish getting excellent, right on the beach.
• Chris (Cotta, T/24230-91.094). Fish only thin ‘alos fresh fish and appetizers.
• Meidani (Zagora, T/24260-22.626). Good meat and grilled meats and cooked.
• Peter Dancers in the fine cuisine and fresh fish.
• Aleka (Tsagarada T/24260-49.380). Constant values, which will always find a decent Greek cuisine.
• Karagatsi (Damouchari T/24260-49.840). Very good home cooking from his mother’s owner.
• Plo (Milina, T/24230-65.353). Aesthetically excellent, very good Greek cuisine and courteous service.
• Aktaion (Reed, T/24230-55.710). In the tavern of the same name you will find fine cuisine and enjoy the sea side. As I must say!

* Note: room rates, fares, etc. mentioned in each destination, as existed at the time of writing and publication of the article may have changed.