Akrotiri

Akrotiri (the “Cape”) is the name for the peninsula that lies to the north east of the city of Chania. Located here are the tombs of Eleftherios and Sofoklis Venizelos, instrumental in the union of Crete with Greece, the airport of Chania and the port of Souda.

Akrotiri is a place for nature lovers, with interesting walks and hiking paths through unspoilt gorges with amazing diversity and natural beauty.  There are also water sports, children’s playgrounds, and a horse riding centre.
Its dry climate, combined with the sea breeze, forms an ideal environment, not only for people, but also for the farm produce, which is renowned for its high quality and taste.

With picturesque, Blue Flag, sandy beaches of Kalathas, Tersanas and Stavros, made famous in the Anthony Quinn film ‘Zorba the Greek’, centuries-old monasteries and churches, impressive caves of both geological and archaeological interest, and historical monuments, Akrotiri attracts many visitors every year, who enjoy Cretan hospitality and nature at its best. The majority of the area is flat, except for the eastern side, which is rocky with a rugged hill range, pierced by gorges that end in the sea in scenic rocky coves.  In these hills, you will find numerous caves, with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Archaeological findings show that these caves were used as places of worship as well as a refuge from the invasions of pirates.

Other places to visit on Akrotiri include the Agia Triada Monastery with its Venetian facade, Gouvernetou Monastery, where, in 1821, the Turks massacred the monks and burned books and icons, and the Katholiko Monastery, Crete's first monastery, founded by St John the Hermit in the 11th century, set in a narrow ravine spanned by a bridge. In the nearby cave the stalagmite near the entrance is said to be Artemis transformed into a bear.

Stavros is sited at the end of the Akrotiri peninsula looking north. The sandy beaches and beautiful cove has been featured in the film, Zorba the Greek.  This is where Zorbas danced his dance. Stavros is 10 minutes from Chania airport and 20 minutes from Chania.

Tersanas is a small village on the coast of the peninsula which is situated around Tersanas Bay, offering wonderful views over the Bay of Chania.  The beach is ideal for families and has a snack bar, which is open early morning until late evening. It is a peaceful, quiet area and a haven for wild birds and turtles, making it an ideal spot for bird watching or just relaxing and enjoying the views.  Horse riding is also available in Tersanas.