Sights & Destinations

Patso Gorge (St. Anthony Gorge)

92 locals recommend

Patso Gorge (or Saint Anthony Gorge) is located 8km southwest of Arkadi Monastery in the lush Amari province. Its waters flow into the impressive Potamon Dam lake. A comfortable path created by the forestry service leads up to a narrow cave with a waterfall. Lower down, the canyon narrows and forms waterfalls requiring extra caution during winter.

Agia Galini

Agia Galini is a popular coastal resort located 61km southeast of Rethymno and 68km southwest of Heraklion. Known for its beaches, harbor, and picturesque cobblestone streets lined with tavernas and shops, it became famous in the 1960s-70s as a favorite destination for hippies.

Matala

198 locals recommend

Matala sits where the fertile Messara plain meets the Asterousia Mountains. It is one of Southern Crete’s iconic destinations, famed for its ancient carved cliff caves, 1970s hippies history, and proximity to the Minoan palace of Phaistos.

Fortezza of Rethymnon

654 locals recommend

The Venetian fortress of Fortezza crowns Paleokastro hill in Rethymno. Constructed between 1573 and 1580 by the Venetians to guard residents against Ottoman raids, the majestic castle overlooks the Cretan Sea.

Rimondi Fountain

21 locals recommend

Rimondi Fountain stands in the heart of Rethymno’s Old Town. Built in 1626 by Venetian governor Alvise Rimondi, it remains one of the finest architectural monuments of the Venetian period.

Lake Kournas

500 locals recommend

Lake Kournas is Crete’s largest natural lake, set in a breathtaking mountain valley 20km west of Rethymno. It forms a vital freshwater ecological sanctuary filled with flora and fauna.

Potamon Dam Reservoir

11 locals recommend

Situated in the lush Amari valley 25km southeast of Rethymno, this 23-million-cubic-meter lake gathers mountain waters from Patso Gorge and surrounding valleys, forming a serene bird sanctuary.

Holy Monastery of Piso Preveli

59 locals recommend

A historic Orthodox monastery perched above the Libyan Sea. It served as a spiritual refuge, an anti-Ottoman resistance hub, and a key WWII evacuation point for Allied forces.

Arkadi Monastery

261 locals recommend

The Sacred Monastery of Arkadi is a globally renowned Cretan monument symbolizing freedom and sacrifice. Each year it attracts visitors and pilgrims from all over the world.

Chora Sfakion

A picturesque coastal village in southern Chania, combining majestic coastal scenery with authentic Cretan tradition and gastronomy.

Argyroupoli Springs

13 locals recommend

A serene green oasis featuring fresh natural spring waterfalls, shaded plane trees, and traditional Cretan tavernas serving fresh river fish.

Agia Roumeli – Loutro – Chora Sfakion Coast

One of the world’s most breathtaking coastal routes, featuring dramatic cliffs, pristine secluded coves, and car-free seaside villages.

Κουρταλιώτικο φαράγγι

40 locals recommend

A sheer canyon of magnificent natural beauty, where roaring winds and natural springs flow down to Preveli Palm Beach.

Mili Gorge

160 locals recommend

A verdant hiking canyon near Rethymno filled with historic ruined watermills, vegetation, and natural freshwater streams.

Chania Old Town

106 locals recommend

A captivating stroll through the historic Old Town of Chania, featuring Venetian harbourfronts, Ottoman monuments, narrow alleys, and local craft boutiques.

Margarites Pottery Village

229 locals recommend

A beautiful traditional Cretan village preserving centuries of ceramic art tradition. Visitors can watch local master potters and buy handmade pottery.