Villa Nari

Villa Nari is located in the peaceful resort of Koutsounari, east of Ierapetra and south of Agios Nikolaos. Koutsounari boasts a beautiful beach with coarse sand, calm turquoise waters and some excellent tavernas, restaurants and bars. The sandy cove of Psaropoula and Kakkos Bay at the eastern part of the beach is best for families. There are lots of sun loungers, umbrellas, showers and a good selection of watersports. Visitors enjoy diving from the large rocks on both sides of the beach. There are some restaurants in front of hotels along the beach. Near Kakkos Bay there are some Roman fish tanks but you should remember to wear shoes as the rocks can be sharp.
 
A popular excursion from Villa Nari is to the Gorge of Milonas and its waterfalls. This is located east of Ierapetra and north of the village of Ferma. It can be a little tricky to find but it is worth it. The path is quite easy to walk although there are some more difficult sections. The waterfall forms a small pool which is perfect for taking a dip on a hot day.
 
North of the villa is the very buzzy town of Agios Nikolaos. It is pretty, modern and lively, sitting around Lake Voulismeni which is surrounded by cafes and tavernas. It is a romantic lakeside location, perfect for an evening stroll, cocktails and a meal. There is a ferry port with ferries to and from Rhodes and Karpathos via Sitia. Nearby, you can visit Kitroplateia Beach, take a day tour of Spinalonga Island, go snorkelling or diving or visit the Cretan Olive Oil Farm.
 
Ierapetra is a lovely location in the south of Lasithi with fine beaches, a ruined Venetian fort, a wide esplanade, folk museums and delightful seafront fish tavernas. You can leave from Ierapetra for the remote and uninhabited golden sands of Chrissi Island, another superb excursion. Chrissi Island is low-lying and only roughly 7km by 2km. It boasts many coves and may be visited from spring to autumn.
 
Makrigialos Beach is a stunning beach 23km east of Ierapetra. It is also the name of the Minoan ancient site located just west of the village. There is also a wonderful beach at Analipsi, formed around a wide bay with fine golden sand and pebbles. There are numerous covers and tiny beaches to explore such as Diaskari and Ammoundi beaches. The whole area is busy with agriculture. Olives trees grow on the hillsides and there are delicious vegetables growing in greenhouses dotted all around. The Pefki Gorge provides excellent hiking and the inland villages of Agios Stefanos, Pefki and Aori are lovely on the back roads. The E4 European Walking Path crosses through Pefki Gorge. You can start the Pefki Gorge walk in the north at the village of Pefki which means pine and walk 4.5km downhill and south ending in Aspros Potamos, 2km north of Makrigialos.

Read more about Heraklion

On the northern coast, the thriving city of Heraklion is the perfect destination for visitors wishing to learn all about Crete’s incredible history whilst soaking up the hospitality and vibrancy of the island’s impressive capital.

Heraklion is also a wonderful gateway to the charming coastal village of Agia Pelagia, the popular resorts of Hersonissos and Kato Gouves, the nightlife of Malia as well as the stunning landscapes of the Psiloritis Natural Park.

The city’s heritage dates back thousands of years, as can be seen just south of Heraklion at the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palace of Knossos, once the centre of Minoan civilisation. Keen historians should also visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and Historical Museum of Crete.

Meanwhile, back in Heraklion’s old town, admire stunning views as you stroll along the Venetian fortifications dating back to the time when the island was under Venetian rule, then look out for beautiful architecture from the Ottoman Empire.

Shopping in Heraklion is a delight. Pick up Cretan delicacies at the bustling Central Market, then explore the heart of the old town with narrow lanes and grand squares, coming across little shops, boutiques and historic churches as well as cafes, restaurants and bars. In the height of the summer, embrace the city’s wonderful ambience with café terraces, outdoor theatre and bars and clubs near the waterfront.

Enjoy the hearty cuisine of Heraklion where traditional dishes are prepared using locally sourced ingredients such as dakos salad made with Cretan tomatoes, feta and olive oil or slow-cooked stamnagathi with wild greens from the island. Grilled octopus, Cretan fish soup and other seafood specialities are served with pride in tavernas and restaurants across the region.  

Head to the family-friendly shores of Ammoudara beach with its blue-flag, sun-beds and beachside bars, also a popular spot for kite-boarding. A little further west is the picturesque fishing village of Agia Pelagia with another gorgeous beach, turquoise coloured water and tavernas overlooking the sea.

Venturing east instead, the popular tourist resorts of Hersonissos and Kato Gouves offer long sandy shores, summer sun-beds and a wealth of watersports as well as waterparks, boat trips, cafes, restaurants and bars. Nor forgetting the nightlife and beaches of Malia as well as the Minoan Palace of Malia, not far from the idyllic Potamos Beach.