Gorges

• Kalathas

• Porofarago

• Agiofarago

• Agios Antonios

• Poro Mavre
   

Caves

• In the Lera /Stavros area, there is an ancient mountain cave in use since the Neolithic Period above Stavros' sandy beach on the northern tip of the Akrotiri Peninsula. Evidence shows that the cave was used as a sanctuary from the end of the Bronze Period through the Greek Periods.

• Arkalospilio is 3km from the Gouvernetou Monastery.

• Aherospilio and Agios Ioannis are near the Katholiko Monastery.

• At Arkoudospilios Cave (Cave of the Bear or The Virgin Mary Arkoudiotissa), close to the  Gouverneto Monastery in Akrotiri, there is stalagmite resembling a bear, a reservoir with "holy water" and a small church dedicated to the Ypapanti that are certainly worth a visit. A local legend says that the Virgin Mary (there is a chapel dedicated to the Virgin inside the cave) turned the bear to stone after she caught it drinking the monks' water. Archaeologists claim that in antiquity the cave was a shrine to Artemis, who was transformed into the shape of a bear.

• Koumarospilio

Beaches

• Kalathas

• Agios Onoufrios

• Tersanas and Maherida

• Stavros

• Marathi
  

The remains of the ancient city of Minoa are visible upon arrival to the beautiful beach of Marathi. Minoa, which once dominated the enterance to the protected Souda Bay, was one of the two harbours of the powerful city-state of Aptera during Grecian times. Excavations have uncovered part of its harbour and some buildings dating from the second century A.D.
 

Important monasteries and churches:

• Holly Trinity - Tzangaroglou
  Established in the 16th century and named after its founders, Jeremiah and Laurentius Giagarolo, two brothers from a noble Venetian family.

• Our Lady of the Angels - Gouverneto
  Built on a small plateau at 260m.   One of the oldest monasteries in Crete (15th century).

• Saint John the Hermit - Katholiko
  Three km from Gouveneto Monastery. Considered to be the oldest monastery in Crete (6th-10th century) and has hermitages like those of Meteora.
  
  These three sites offer extraordinary walking routes for visitors who enjoy wild, captivating views.
   

• Nuns’ Monastery of Agios Ioannis, a
  17th century building near Korakies.

• Agios Ioannis Eleimon Monastery, 17th century

• Cavernous Church of Agios Georgios Apidiotis in the gorge of Mavre, near the village of Pazinos.
   

Distances

• 1.3 km to Tersanas Beach

• 4.0 km to Kalathas Beach

• 3.7 km to Stavros Beach

• 8.6 km to Chania Airport

• 12 km to the centre of Chania and Chania Harbour

• 12 km to Souda Harbour

• 2.6 km to the nearest supermarket in Chorafakia

• 1.3 km to the nearest cafe-restaurant

• 6.7 km to Kounoupidiana, the nearest town

Satellite map - GPS

GPS coordinates: Lat 35.576515 / Lon 24.075251

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Municipality of Akrotiri

Akrotiri, or the Cape, is the common name of the peninsula that lies 10 km to the northeast of the city of Chania and north of Souda Bay. Administratively, it constitutes the Municipality of Akrotiri in the Kydonia District of the Prefecture of Chania.

The official name of the peninsula is Melechas and in ancient times its name was Kyamon.

Known among locals as Chania’s acropolis, it is characterised by a rolling plateau with the exception of a mountain chain along the northern coast called Skloka, where the highest summit is 528 m.

Akrotiri is the perfect spot for being out in nature and taking exciting hikes. Gorgeous mountain ravines lead to beautiful small coves. There are several caves with fascinating rock formations. Archaeological discoveries indicate that in antiquity these caves were places of sacred worship and refuge from pirates.

While parts of the Akrotiri coast are cliffs, there are many beautiful beaches: Stavros, where the movie Zorba was filmed, Kalathas, Tersanas and Marathi. Most of the beaches are well protected by bays and unaffected by the meltemia, or northern summer winds.

Well kept and clean, the beaches have been awarded the European Blue Flag annually. A number of good hotels are located on the stretch from Kalathas to Stavros, though the quiet, peaceful area bears little evidence of traditional tourism.

There are also three small islets close to the coast. The most important islet is Souda, which has a Venetian fortress and a light house.

With countryside known for its fertile land, large olive groves and vineyards, Akrotiri offers an abundance of unique views: the White Mountains, Souda Bay, Apokoronas and more. There is also the sea, the town of Chania, the north coast and the distant peninsulas of Rodopou and Gramvoussa.

The dry climate and sea breeze combine to form an ideal environment not only for residents, but also for the renowned fruits and vegetables produced of high quality and taste.

Some of Akrotiri’s approx. 10,000 inhabitants live in charming, traditional villages while others live in new, attractive small towns such as Profitis Ilias, Kounoupidiana, Korakies, Kalathas and Agios Ounoufrios. Kounoupidiana, home to the Polytechnic University of Crete, serves as the centre of Akrotiri and offers a good selection of shops, restaurants and other services. The road network is good and there is frequent bus service to Chania.

The villages of Akrotiri are: Sternes, Horafakia, Mouzouras, Argoylides, Aroni, Agios Nikolaos, Pazinos (or Paxinos), Anemomyloi, Marathi, Kathiana, Kampani, Stavros, Kalorouma, Hordaki, Rizosklopo, and Agia Zoni.

Akrotiri is only 10-20 minutes by car from Chania and ten minutes from the international airport. With its picturesque Venetian harbour and charming historical town, Chania, seeped in culture, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece.

Akrotiri is also known as the Holy Mountain of Crete due to its many churches and monasteries. Some of the most famous monasteries are: Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) built in the 17th century, and the Gouverneto Monastery from the 16th century. The Monastery of St John the Hermit, dating back to the 6th or 7th century, is considered the first monastery built on Crete and rests in a steep ravine accessible by 385 steps. The Katholicon, or temple, at the monastery is built into the mountainside.

Akrotiri’s amazing diversity is truly Crete at its best!