Photo by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay
Day trips around Chania
From stunning countryside and time-honoured traditions to epic food and charming village life, Chania captures the very soul of Crete. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, explore some of the world’s most wondrous monuments or get immersed in the vibrant local culture, this sun-kissed region is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. Using the Adeste Chania Luxury Villas in Apokoronas as your base, get ready to be wowed and make memories that linger long in the memory. Following last month’s post, here are more handpicked suggestions for the best day trips around Chania, to experience your Cretan sojourn to the fullest.
The best day trips around Chania
Knossos Palace and Heraklion:
You don’t need to stay in Heraklion to discover Crete’s perhaps most famous – and certainly awe-inspiring – attraction! A little over two hours from your Adeste Chania Luxury Villa you’ll find yourselves traipsing around the evocative archaeological site of Knossos – the seat of the legendary King Minos who ruled on this island some 4.000 years ago. Uncover the mysteries of the Minoans – Europe’s first advanced society and earliest maritime power in the Mediterranean – with an organised tour that includes a visit to the remarkable Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Also, make sure to spend a couple of hours in Crete’s administrative capital – this modern, vibrant city can be hardly described as picturesque, but Heraklion’s historical centre is brimming with signs of its glorious Venetian past. The rooftop views of the Venetian Fortress in the old Port are moreover staggering.
Day Trips around Chania By Boat:
One of the most popular – as well as smooth and easy – boat trips from Chania harbour runs 10 km (6 miles) west to Thodorou island – the home of the endangered kri-kri, the Cretan mountain goat. Aside from admiring the famous Chania seaside resorts, like Agia Marina and Platanias from afar, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy snorkelling in crystal-clear blue waters. Many of these organised trips also stop for snorkelling at Lazaretta island, which is closer to Chania. Make sure to consult with our concierge to find the excursion that best suits your style and mood.
Village-hopping in Chania:
When it comes to authenticity, nothing beats a tour of the villages of Apokoronas.
Some are coastal, others mountainous, tucked away in the valleys of the imposing White Mountains, but all capture the essence of this island – the still-going strong customs and traditions, the connection with nature and the refreshing slow and simple living of locals who’ll greet you like an old friend.
Starting from your base at Kokkino Chorio, there are 33 more deliciously quaint villages to explore in this proud Cretan region.
You’ll appreciate the well-preserved traditional neighbourhoods, the impressive churches, the watermills and the old schools, as well as the verdant countryside which has more than a hint of Tuscany about it. You’ll sample homemade delicacies and chat with wise old locals in the villages’ squares – the one in Fres is really gorgeous. Make also sure to stop for some Greek yoghurt with honey under the big planes in Vrisses beside the river, and if you’re a wine lover, wine tasting at Dourakis, in Alikampos is an experience you’ll savour.
If you come at the right time of year, you’ll witness olive groves and vineyards in bloom or bustling with the collective energy of the harvest. You can even visit olive presses still powered by watermills. And how about paying a call to a distillery that creates the local fiery spirit – raki – that fuels the admirable eloquence of the locals? This is a manifestation of their lust for life and they are eager to teach it to you!
Again, our concierge is at hand to help you with itinerary planning and insider advice.
You can also stay tuned to our blog for more tips on how to make the most of your time on our incredible island!
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