Akrotiri Insights

Wonderguide by

Giorgos Gypakis

Akrotiri Insights

Deep knowledge from a former local newspaper editor

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Where to Stay in Akrotiri

Image - The Garden of Zephyrus
Place
The Garden of Zephyrus
Giorgos:It's not just another "airbnb" accomodation.It's a complete travel experience.
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Where to swim in Akrotiri

Image - Stavros Beach
Place
Stavros Beach
Giorgos:On the central beach of Stavros, in this magnificent little bay in the lap of Cape Akrotiri, was shot in 1964 the award-winning film "Zorbas" by Michalis Kakoyiannis, which made known the modern Greek temperament to the ends of the earth through the music of God , the photo by Walter Lassalley (best black and white Oscar) and the interpretation of Anthony Quinn. On the beach flows a small stream that is a natural wetland. Stavros is a holiday village of Haniotes and the most important tourist attraction in the Akrotiri area. Organized beach, with toilets and changing rooms suitable for families. On the east side of the beach begins a path that leads to the opposite mountain and the cave of Lera, while on the west side of the beach lies the ancient quarry from which the stones used to build the Venetian walls in the old city of Chania were cut. G. Gypakis
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Image - Marathi Beach
Place
Marathi Beach
Giorgos:Marathi is southeast of Akrotiri in the Gulf of Souda, one of the cleanest and most organized beaches in the Chania area. A gentle sea stream refreshes the waters of this small bay, which is very much preferred by families because of its shallow waters, so you will find many people throughout the summer. Marathi is spread over two beaches: one overlooks the bay and is protected by a fishing pier while the other overlooks a small islet that you can reach by swimming if you have the strength. This islet was a pasture for the locals. In Marathi you will find a lifeguard, changing rooms, showers, umbrellas and sun beds, good food and coffee. G. Gypakis
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Image - Seitan limania beach
Place
Seitan limania beach
Giorgos:The Seitan Ports (the devil's ports) on the northeast side of Akrotiri, between Hordaki and Mouzoura, are three ravines where the sea goes deep into the land, but only one of them has sand, creating Stefanos beach, one of the most beautiful beaches of Crete that until a few years ago were known only to its inhabitants. You have to walk through a narrow path through the rocks to get there.
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Image - Kalathas Beach
Place
Kalathas Beach
Giorgos:A sunset to remember!

Where to go in Akrotiri

What to see in Akrotiri

Image - Agia Triada Tzagaroli Monastery
Place
Agia Triada Tzagaroli Monastery
Giorgos:This monastery located on the plain northeast of Akrotiri, surrounded by organic olive groves and vineyards that are now cultivated by monks producing oil and wine, is one of the most important architectural examples of the Cretan Renaissance. It was founded by the Venetian brothers Jagaroli around the end of the 16th century on estates offered by locals. It has played an important role in local history over the years, as it was the spiritual center of the area and supported the revolutionary struggle of 1897. The impressive complex combines elements of Orthodox and Western monastic form. It consists of a four-sided fortress with an impressive cathedral in the center and two small chapels. An ecclesiastical school was established in the area of the monastery in the 19th century and graduated from some of the most important Archbishops of Crete. The monastery houses an ecclesiastical museum. G. Gypakis
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Image - Gouverneto Monastery
Place
Gouverneto Monastery
Giorgos:One of the most important Monasteries of Crete, whose territory belongs to most of the Akrotiri mountain range, an area that has been an ascetic center for many centuries, this is why Akrotiri is often called the "Mount Athos of Crete". Gouvernetou Monastery is located in the northeast corner of Akrotiri in a windswept landscape. It was founded after the 16th century and destroyed by fire before 1765. In 1821 the Turks massacred the monks and plundered the monastery. The temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary is surrounded by a rectangular fortress with 4 square towers in its corners. Awe-inspiring Venetian sculptures adorn the temple and its chapels. To get to Gouverneto you pass IM. Agia Triada, you cross the Porofarango, a verdant path full of typical Akrotiri trees and herbs. From Gouverneto begins the path that leads to the sacred cave of Arkoudiotissa, the Monastery of Ag. Ioannis the Hermit (Katholiko). G. Gypakis.
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Image - Monastery Katholiko
Place
Monastery Katholiko
Giorgos:The path that starts from Gouverneto and continues after the cave of Arkoudiotia, leads to the oldest Christian monastic site and one of the most important Byzantine monuments of Crete. This abandoned Monastery was built in the 16th or 17th century "far from the people and close to God", in a difficult area full of caves that had been inhabited since the 6th-7th century by ascetic monks who lived here in absolute poverty, most importantly Saint John who arrived here from Egypt in the 16th century. In the 17th-18th century it was one of the most important sights of Crete and was at its peak (the name Katholikos refers to the importance of the monastery to the area. Even today, the huge bridge over the gorge leading to the sea and the imposing buildings on the steep cliffs is still awe-inspiring. Dozens of legends accompany the story of the monastery and the surrounding caves. G. Gypakis
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Image - Saint John the Merciful
Place
Saint John the Merciful
Giorgos:Of unique architectural interest, the derelict Monastery of Eleimonos on the way to the airport is shaped like western monasteries with the church attached to the north side rather than the center of the enclosure. It was probably built by Catholics and owned by the great Holy Trinity Monastery of Akrotiri between 1610 and 1637. The ultra-centuries-old Phoenician grows in its courtyard, and in recent years the garden and surrounding area have been shaped. Although it was restored to be a cultural center of the area, only its church operates, while Saint John the Merciful is considered to be Saint Patriarch of Akrotiri. In 1995, during work on the enclosure, a treasure of bronze Venetian coins was found.
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Restaurants in Akrotiri

Suggested restaurants near The Garden of Zephyrus

Image - BOURAKIS RESTAURANT
Place
BOURAKIS RESTAURANT
Giorgos:Cretan Kitchen with extra virgin olive oil
Image - Patrelantonis
Place
Patrelantonis
Giorgos:The best fish tavern
Image - ΤΑ ΓΟΥΡΟΥΝΑΚΙΑ
Place
ΤΑ ΓΟΥΡΟΥΝΑΚΙΑ
Giorgos:Great place for meat lovers
Image - Mitsos
Place
Mitsos
Giorgos:We call it "the temple of meat"!
Image - Taverna Irene
Place
Taverna Irene
Giorgos:Classic taverna of Akrotiri. For traditional greek kitchen.

Wonderguide map

  1. The Garden of Zephyrus
  2. Stavros Beach
  3. Marathi Beach
  4. Seitan limania beach
  5. Kalathas Beach
  6. Agia Triada Tzagaroli Monastery
  7. Gouverneto Monastery
  8. Monastery Katholiko
  9. Saint John the Merciful
  10. BOURAKIS RESTAURANT
  11. Patrelantonis
  12. ΤΑ ΓΟΥΡΟΥΝΑΚΙΑ
  13. Mitsos
  14. Taverna Irene
  15. Psamathi Living &Taste

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