10 Places in Crete Only Locals Know
Get Off The Beaten Track in Crete
Discovering places in Crete only locals know can add special touches to your overall experience while visiting Greece’s largest island. There are plenty of lesser-known places in Crete that are mostly favoured by the locals and hold on to their authentic charm – far away from the lively cities and famous archaeological sites, such as Knossos and Phaistos.
At a crossroads between Europe, Africa and Asia, Crete attracts plenty of tourists every year. But from its mountain villages to secluded beaches, Crete still has many hidden secrets. Let us show you through our list, below.
1. The Abandoned Village of Aradaina
Walk around this atmospheric ghost town
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, Aventura, Viagens alternativas
Aradaina (or Aradena) is an abandoned village, located to the west of Anopolis in the Sfakia region. The village was deserted in 1948 when a dispute over the bell of a goat led to a vendetta culminating in the killing of 7 people.
To enter this village, which was built on the side of Aradaina gorge, walk along the long metal bridge that connects the 2 sides of the canyon. Stroll around the narrow paths of this ghost town and marvel at the empty stone houses, with their overgrown yards and ruined wood ovens for an atmospheric, otherworldly experience.
Localização: Aradaina, Crete 730 11, Greece
The Abandoned Village of Aradaina
2. Agiofarago Beach
Hike through the gorge to reach a secluded beach
Ideal para: Econômico, Aventura
Agiofarago is a secluded beach at the end of the namesake gorge, around 80 km south of the city of Heraklion. Getting to the beach is an experience in itself, as it requires an hour’s hike through the gorge.
During your hike, you’ll see colourful rocks, lenders, and wild olive trees, as well as various species of endemic birds. Fill your water bottle from the well in front of St Anthony’s church and move on to the cave of Goumenospilios, where the area’s hermit monks met once a year for an annual body count. Once at the beach, you’ll be rewarded with crystal-clear blue waters and an impressive rock arch formation which you can swim under.
Localização: Sivas, Crete 704 00, Greece
Agiofarago Beach
3. The Agrotouristic Village of Vamos
Experience tradition in this eco-friendly village
Ideal para: Casais, Alimentação, Viagens alternativas
Vamos is a village in the west of Crete, 25 km away from the city of Chania. The village’s local population has formed a collective committed to the promotion of ecotourism, making Vamos a great destination for traditional yet unique tourism. Stay at one of the well-preserved old mansions and take part in one of the many activities on offer in the area: making bread in a wood-fired oven, picking olives or preparing raki, the local pomace brandy.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Vamos in April, you will get the opportunity to taste Cretan snails, a local delicacy, at its annual snail festival. This jasmine-and-bougainvillaea-filled village is also a popular destination with Cretans from cities such as Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion, as it’s the epicentre of many cultural events.
Localização: Vamos, Crete 730 08, Greece
The Agrotouristic Village of Vamos
4. Zacharioudakis Winery
Taste a variety of Cretan wines
Ideal para: Casais, Alimentação
The Zacharioudakis Winery can be found atop Orthi Petra hill, near the village of Plouti in the south part of Crete. With its vineyards planted dramatically on the edge of the cliffs, it’s not only a location of unique natural beauty but also an area of historical interest given its proximity to the archaeological site of Gortyna.
Go to the winery to try some of the best local varieties of reds and whites and enjoy spectacular views of Psiloritis and the Lybian Sea, while taking in the Cretan energy and aromas.
Localização: Plouti, Crete 700 12, Greece
Abre: April to September: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm
Telefone: +30 2892 096226
Zacharioudakis Winery
5. Islet of Gavdos
Travel to this idyllic islet of Greek myth
Ideal para: História, Foto, Viagens alternativas
Gavdos is a triangular islet that constitutes the southernmost point of Europe, being closer to Africa than it is to the Greek capital. The island can be reached by boat from Crete, departing from either the port Paleochora or Sfakia.
While Gavdos goes way back in Greek mythology, as it is said to be the island where Odysseus was held captive by Calypso for 7 years, today it has fewer than 100 permanent residents. However, the islet is a natural jewel, hosting many species of migratory birds and the Caretta-Caretta turtles. Go to the lighthouse, which doubles as a café and museum and visit Tripiti with its signature sculpture of a giant chair.
Localização: Gavdos, 730 01, Greece
Islet of Gavdos
6. The Fishing Village of Loutro
Live peacefully in this quiet village
Ideal para: Casais, História, Foto
The picturesque fishing village of Loutro is about 70 km south of Chania, near Sfakia. It is a tiny, remote village that is accessible only by foot or boat. Given there are no cars and only limited amenities in Loutro, it is the perfect place to escape the stresses of everyday life.
The village has 2 pristine beaches and many walking paths leading to canyons and rocky trails, making it perfect for nature lovers, while the village’s harbour protects it from strong winds and bad weather.
Localização: Loutro, Crete 730 11, Greece
The Fishing Village of Loutro
7. Lefka Ori Mountains
Reach the white tops of Lefka Ori
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, Aventura
The Lefka Ori, or the White Mountains, are a range of mountains located in Western Crete. They are named after the fact that they are almost always white, retaining their snowcaps until the middle of spring. Due to the high altitude, the central and southern part of the range naturally resembles a lunar landscape, rewarding visitors with truly unique and slightly surreal hiking experiences.
The Lefka Ori feature plenty of deep caves and a variety of fauna and flora, making them an ideal destination for nature explorers.
Localização: Lefka Ori Mountain Range, Crete, Greece
Lefka Ori Mountains
8. Kalogeros Beach
Take a boat to get to Kalogeros beach
Ideal para: Casais, Econômico
Kalogeros is an isolated beach near the west end of Agia Roumeli. Located 57 km south of Chania, the beach can only be accessed only by boat but locals will tell you that it is well worth including in your itinerary.
Kalogeros offers an idyllic landscape of turquoise waters and white sand, surrounded by impressive rock formations, such as the one the beach takes its name after which resembles a kalogeros (monk). This beach is somewhere to go to enjoy nature, truly undisturbed.
Localização: Kalogeros, Agia Roumeli, Crete 730 11, Greece
Kalogeros Beach
9. Tromarisa Gorge
Feel like you’re in a fairy tale
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura, Viagens alternativas
Next to the tiny village of Zourva on the island’s White Mountains, you’ll find the Tromarisa gorge. The gorge, which takes its name from local legends about fairies and elves, can be hiked in approximately 3 hours. It’s a popular destination with local islanders when they’re seeking some shade and peace during the summer months.
The gorge boasts massive pine trees and forests of wild pears and figs. Fill your water bottle from Tromarisa spring and immerse yourself in the lush nature.
Localização: Mousoures, Crete 730 05, Greece
Tromarisa Gorge
10. Vreiko Cave
Explore the depths of the island at Vreiko Cave
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura, Viagens alternativas
Vreiko cave can be found near the village of Pefki in southwest Crete. The island of Crete is well-known for its underground wonders and this cave is no exception. Use the steps to go down into the cave, the entrance of which is covered by the bushy foliage of a fig tree growing inside the cave.
Check out the marvellous stalactites and stalagmites and take a dip in the small lake at the back of the cave. Before leaving, stand back near the cave’s entrance and make sure to admire the sunset over the Libyan Sea.
Localização: Makris Gialos, Crete 720 55, Greece
Vreiko Cave
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