Stavros

Stavros is a seaside village located at the northeast of Chania, at the Cape of Akrotiri.  One characteristic feature of the area is the very steep camel-shaped mountain rising opposite the harbor of Stavros. The mountain is famous, because of the filmed scenes for the film “Zorba the Greek”, where Anthony Quinn danced the famous Sirtaki Dance in 1964. The two beaches of the area have contributed to the development of the area. A circular bay is formed, fully protected by winds blowing in the region. The lagoon-like bay has marvelous white sand and shallow turquoise waters. The contrast of the wild mountain with the peaceful beach in the foreground makes Stavros a unique place for swimming. As expected, the beach is very well organized and provides all possible services. At the peninsula dividing the two beaches of Stavros, you can see the remains of the ancient quarry, used for extracting limestone for building the Walls of Chania during the Venetian Era (13rd-17th century). In Stavros you shall find many more options rather than accommodation and restaurants, such as mini markets, shops, cafes etc. Moreover, there are bus services from Chania city.

Chania City

One of your days, it’s worth taking the tour in Chania city center. You can also visit the old Venetian town of Chania, with its lively nightlife
during summer and winter time. Inside the walls of the Venetian Fortress, exactly in front of the Old Venetian Harbor’s sea, it faces directly at the impressive Egyptian Chania Lighthouse and the Mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan (Hassan Pascha Mosque/Giali Tzamisi). The Maritime Museum of Crete is located on the western side of the port, whilst reaching the Archaeological Museum takes you less than 5 minutes from the city centre. Other attractions nearby are the Cathedral of Virgin Mary, the Folklore Museum of Chania, the Church of Saint Nikolaos and many more that you will explore through your walk in the beautiful and romantic stone-built alleys, among the architecturally impressive buildings of Chania Old Town. Chania Town is ideal for shopping from the numerous local shops. Discover unique handicrafts from local artists, and impress with your choices. Do not omit a visit to the Agora Marketplace where you can find fresh local products of top quality.

Monastery of Agia Triada

Continuing to the northeast of the Akrotiri Peninsula, you will find the Monastery of Agia Triada or Monastery Tzagarolon, as it is well known, one of the most impressive monasteries you will ever see in Crete. Turks renamed it “Selvili Manastir”, meaning the Monastery with cypresses – probably due to the roadway full with cypresses that leads to the Monastery. It is worth visiting the church and the complex of the Monastery and, also, to see the large woodcuts and images hosted in the museum of the Abbey. The collection is impressive and makes the visitor wonder about the size and value of much older relics completely destroyed by the Turks during the revolution of 1821. In recent years the Monastery of Agia Triada performs systematic biological olive crops and vineyards and produces fine wine, raki, oil, honey, vinegar and olive oil soap.

St John the Hermit

By the church, there is a chapel, dedicated to the founder of the Monastery, Saint John, the Hermit, whose cave is located inside Avlaki Gorge. The path is easy, but the return is tedious for the warm summer days. Prefer to walk the gorge either early morning or late in the afternoon. Approximately 20 minutes from the monastery you will find the famous cave Arkoudospilios. Continue to descend until you will reach the famous Catholic monastery with the church of St John the Hermit. If you continue for 10 more minutes you will arrive in a tiny creek, once was used as a port. The water is turquoise and you could take a refreshing swim before you start to ascend back to Gouverneto Monastery, if not strictly prohibited by the monks.