Palace of Phaistos

The ancient city of Phaistos was the second most important city in Crete, after Knossos. It gained significant fame and power, especially during the second millennium B.C. The Palace of Phaistos stands as one of the most impressive monuments of the Minoan civilization. Positioned strategically above the fertile plain of Messara, it offers a unique experience that combines history, architecture, and natural beauty for visitors. The palace’s architecture is remarkable for its complexity and functionality, creating a touring experience that transports visitors back in time.

Matala

Matala is a small seaside village located on the southern coast of the Heraklion region. Its history is closely tied to the ancient cities of Phaistos and Gortyna, as it served as the port for Phaistos during the Minoan era and later for Gortyna during the Roman period. Today, Matala is best known for its famous beach and the beautiful carved caves that adorn its rocky shoreline. In the 1960s and 1970s, it became a popular destination for hippies, who took refuge in these caves and stayed for several years, until 1970.

Neraidospilios Cave, the Astrakoi Gorge, Fourni Forest, and Archanes

Neraidospilios Cave

In the “Astrakoi Gorge,” north of the Astrakoi Bridge, lies the Neraidospilios Cave. The cave houses one of the springs of the Astrakoi aqueduct, which once supplied part of the water needed for the city of Heraklion in the early 20th century.

The Astrakiano Gorge is one of the largest in the area, with a total route length of about 12.5 kilometers, and the Karteros River flows through its bed. This site includes an old aqueduct, still in use today, that supplies water to Heraklion. Conveniently located, it’s only about 20 kilometers from Heraklion.

Fourni Forest

The Fourni Forest is a lush green hill located next to the village of Kato Archanes, named after the pre-Minoan cemetery found on its southern side. Despite its small size, the forest is dense with pine and cypress trees and offers several trails, ideal for hiking, picnicking, and mountain biking.

Perfect for a Sunday nature getaway, Fourni Forest is only about 17 kilometers from Heraklion. Near the start of the main trail to the northwest, there’s a small stone amphitheater where visitors can enjoy an incredible view of the village of Archanes. During the summer, the amphitheater hosts concerts, plays, and other events.

Archanes

Archanes is a picturesque village in Heraklion, Crete, brimming with charm and historical beauty, ideal for capturing stunning photos. This ancient settlement showcases vibrant mansions, winding alleys, and traditional churches. Archanes is a model village, filled with well-preserved homes painted in bold colors, flourishing terraces, and atmospheric enclosed courtyards that create an enchanting backdrop.

Perfect for visitors who appreciate culture and aesthetics, this village is a treasure trove of traditional Cretan architecture, lush neighborhoods, and inviting pathways that evoke a sense of timeless Cretan charm.

Arkadi Monastery – Ancient Eleutherna Museum – Village of Ancient Eleutherna

The Arkadi Monastery harmoniously blends the stunning natural beauty, rich history, and legends of the area. Located about 23 kilometers southeast of Rethymno on a lush plateau, the monastery is said to have been built around the 5th century. It stands as a symbol of resistance and freedom, particularly for its role in the 1866 Cretan revolt.

The Museum of Ancient Eleutherna, known as Homer in Crete, is the first on-site museum in Crete and showcases findings from thirty years of excavations at the ancient city of Eleutherna. Although compact, it holds treasures akin to those in Olympia, Delphi, and Vergina, providing visitors with a glimpse into the daily life and funerary customs of the Minoan, Classical, and Hellenistic eras.

Anogeia, Zoniana Cave, Wax Museum, Woodcarving Museum

Anogeia is a mountainous town in Rethymno, sitting at an altitude of 830 meters on the Armí ridge of Mount Psiloritis, about 54 kilometers from Rethymno. Its name, meaning “upper land,” reflects its elevated location. This town offers visitors a blend of natural beauty, tradition, and delicious local cuisine. Anogeia is renowned for its rich musical heritage, with the sounds of the lyre and traditional mantinades (Cretan folk couplets) filling its narrow streets, showcasing a long-standing commitment to Cretan music and culture.

This excursion also includes a visit to Zoniana Cave, a geological wonder, and the Wax Museum, where lifelike figures bring Cretan history and folklore to life. These stops offer a unique glimpse into the heritage and natural beauty of Crete.

On the Slopes of Mount Psiloritis: Zoniana Village & the Impressive Sfentoni Cave, nestled just 5 kilometers from Anogeia, in the nearby village of Zoniana, lies one of the region’s most captivating natural wonders: Sfentoni Cave. This cave is among Greece’s largest, covering 3,500 square meters, and it features stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate formations carved by nature. The beauty of Sfentoni can be accessed from Zoniana or the road leading to the Axos settlement.

While in Zoniana, a visit to the Potamianos Wax Museum offers a memorable journey through history. This museum, combined with Zoniana’s charming landscape and the welcoming spirit of its residents, makes for an unforgettable experience in every season.

In Axos, Mylopotamos, just an hour from the cities of Rethymno and Heraklion, over 100 hand-carved wooden sculptures created by artist Georgios Koutantos are displayed in a two-story, newly constructed 300-square-meter space within a natural setting. These sculptures are life-sized, with some larger pieces such as The Eagle and the Serpent, which stretches nearly six meters in length. The wood used in these artworks was collected from all over Crete, mainly from dead or uprooted trees due to natural events.