BEACHES
The warm lagoon of Balos on Gramvoussa peninsula is famous for its turquoise,shallow waters, its white-sandy beaches, which in some places turn pink from its millions of broken pillows. It is part of the Natura protection program with rare species of flora and fauna such as the famous caretta-caretta turtle. You can visit the picturesque chapel of Ai-Giannis in Tigani, as well as the cave where many women and children had been slaughtered by the Ottomans, in memory of which there is a memorial to Agioi Pantes and there is a commemorative plaque to remind of this atrocities. A little further north, on the cape of Korykou, we find the ruins of the Roman city of Agnios with a temple dedicated to Apollo, where today is the picturesque chapel of Agios Sostis.
Glyka Nera Beach
Hidden between the Sfakian Mountains, this beach claims a place among the 20 most beautiful in Europe. We meet it 75 km south of Chania and 4 km west of the country of Sfakia. It was named after the freshwater springs that spill over and into the sea. In fact, we will see openings in the pebbles with fresh water. Covey beach, deep blue waters and mountain paths that invite you to follow, create a wonderful scenery. At the base of the cliff, you will meet the ruins of the temple of Agia Paraskevi. The only way to get here is by boat from Chora of Sfakia if you do not want to follow the tedious paths either from Sfakia (30 minutes) or Loutro (60 minutes).
Falasarna Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Greece and awarded as one of the best in Crete and at the same time the top ten in Europe, is 59 km west of Chania and 17 km of Kissamos. The colors of the sea play their own play with the stone and the sun, traveling you to exotic paradises. The main beach of Falassarna is called Pachia Ammos, due to its length, one kilometer long, which receives most of the world and features a beach volley court as well as water sports infrastructure. Nearby is the chapel of Agia Paraskevi, where fresh water springs. The whole area is protected. Do not miss the sunset that is considered to be magical all over the island. Apart from the ruins of the ancient Roman city north of the beach, 6 km south of Kissamos, we find the ruins of Polyrenia, a very ancient city, which used Falassarna as its main port. You can see parts of the Acropolis, houses, tombs and a stone throne dedicated to Neptune.
Beaches of the Holy Apostles
Two picturesque bays next to each other (3 km west of Chania) and between them, on the dividing peninsula, a beautiful grove suitable for walking, to surround the chapel of the Holy Apostles. It has splendid turquoise waters and fine sandy shores. It has tourist facilities and is a favorite destination for cyclists in Chania, as it has a large sidewalk for this purpose.
Elafonissi
In the southernmost point of Crete, 76 km from the city, we reach a dreamed peninsula that gives the impression of an island. The exotic backdrop, reminiscent of Caribbean, is made up of rich sand dunes, white sand with cedar trees and rare white lilies, rich biodiversity and, of course, blue-green waters. Lafonisi has a rich history in the depths of the centuries, from the ancient times when the Greeks built a temple at Apollo's Mousseget, and on the opposite bank, a sanctuary in honor of Ino, daughter of Cadmus. There was a base of pirates, to which it owns it's, Lafonisi, from the spoils hidden by the pirates.
Gavdos
An island, sight itself. A paradise situated on the southernmost tip of Europe, in the embrace of the Libyan Sea, 22 km from Hora Sfakion and 32 km from Paleochora. Incorporated in Natura 2000, it is a migratory bird station and shelter of endangered species, seal and turtle caretta. Nursery of pines, cedars, hooks and hedges that coexist harmoniously with thrombi, thorns and heathers to leave their intoxicating scents in the magic of the virgin nature. Equipped with water mainly, and appropriate dressing, follow its well-traveled paths to Tripiti, Kastri and Agios Panteleimonas. An island inhabited in all periods of history until today. It was the same piece of history when it was used as a place of exile for Communists. Seventeen beautiful churches embellish the corners of the island, from which the Apostle Paul passed. The Lighthouse of Gavdos in Aspas, built 368 meters above sea level, to the west of the island, is another attraction. It was built by a French company, it was rotating and operated with oil and wick, and was visible from up to 42 miles. Other sights include the Roman and early Christian ruins on the hill of Ai-Giannis, the carved tombs in Lavrakas, the excavations at Sarakiniko and the Folk Museum in Vatsiana, and of course the famous Carameles in Tripiti. At the very southern point of Gavdos and Europe at the same time, with sandy beaches to the east and pebbly rocky shores to the west, to the "tip", we meet the beach of Tripiti. Recognizable from the three large natural rocky arches, the Carameles that sink into the deep waters of the Libyan Sea. It is worth visiting, following the route from Korfos and walking 3.5 km through pine-covered paths and panoramic landscapes, to enjoy your bath in its usually calm waters. On the way back, take the second path and go through Vatsiana, taste the hospitality of the good-natured few inhabitants. A visit to the Folklore Museum of the neighboring settlement of Sgoudiana will introduce you to the locals' earlier life and will travel you to an early age, looking for fossil collections that abound on the island.