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Discover Vlatos | Village of Peace and Culture

Your Complete Tour Guide

Tag: Trip

  • Your trip #7: Great Food & Culinary Delights

    Your trip #7: Great Food & Culinary Delights

    Savor the flavors of Crete at these top dining spots, all within easy reach:

    • Milia Restaurant (15-minute drive): Enjoy gourmet dining by chef Vasilis Makrakis, featuring seasonal ingredients in a rustic mountain setting.
    • Gramvousa Restaurant (40-minute drive): Delight in traditional Cretan dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven, offering a true taste of the island.
    • Kapitan Nikolas Fish Taverna (45-minute drive): Feast on fresh seafood by the sea, with dishes that capture the essence of the Mediterranean.
    • Maria Beach Restaurant (30-minute drive): Experience international cuisine with a Cretan twist, perfect for a relaxed beachside meal.
  • Your trip #6: Chania Old Town – Venetian Charm and Modern Delights

    Your trip #6: Chania Old Town – Venetian Charm and Modern Delights

    Spend a day in the vibrant heart of Chania, where history and modernity collide:

    • Chania Old Town (1-hour drive): Wander the narrow, cobblestone streets of this Venetian-era town, filled with boutique shops, charming cafes, and historic landmarks. Don’t miss the old harbor, perfect for a romantic evening stroll.
    • Archaeological Museum of Chania and Venizelos Tomb (1.5-hour drive to Akrotiri): Explore the new Archaeological Museum in Chania, then visit the tomb of Eleftherios Venizelos, Greece’s first modern leader, set on a hill with stunning views of the city.
    • Waves on the Rock in Ravdoucha (on return, 45-minute drive from HERMITAGE): Stop for a seafood dinner at this cliffside restaurant, where the waves crash below and the sunset paints the sky in hues of gold and pink.
  • Your trip #5: Ancient Crete – Step Back in Time

    Your trip #5: Ancient Crete – Step Back in Time

    Uncover the ancient history of Crete with these cultural excursions:

    • Ancient Polyrinia (40-minute drive): Explore the ruins of this ancient acropolis, perched on a hill with commanding views of the sea. Imagine life 3,000 years ago as you wander among Minoan and Roman remnants.
    • Archaeological Museum of Kastelli (30-minute drive): Discover artifacts spanning 6 million years of Cretan history, from prehistoric tools to Roman mosaics, in this fascinating museum. Alternatively, visit the new Archaeological Museum in Chania (1-hour drive) for an even deeper dive into the island’s past.
    • Agios Dikeaos in Elos (1-hour drive via dirt road): For an off-road adventure, take your 4×4 to this high-altitude viewpoint at 1,150 meters. The panoramic vistas of the south, west, and north coasts of Crete are worth the rugged journey.
  • Your trip #4: Destinations by Boat – Islands and Lagoons

    Your trip #4: Destinations by Boat – Islands and Lagoons

    Set sail for two of Crete’s most breathtaking destinations, accessible by boat:

    • Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island (30-minute drive to Kastelli): Rent a private boat or join a group tour from Kastelli to visit the world-famous Balos Lagoon, a turquoise paradise framed by white sands and dramatic cliffs. Continue to Gramvousa Island to explore its historic Venetian fort, offering sweeping views of the coastline.
    • Gavdos Island (45-minute drive to Paleochora): Catch a ferry from Paleochora to Gavdos, the southernmost point of Europe. This pristine, untouched island offers deserted beaches, rugged landscapes, and a sense of stepping back in time. Pack a picnic and plenty of water, as facilities are minimal.
  • Your trip #3: To the Beach at Falasarna – Coastal Beauty and Fresh Seafood

    Your trip #3: To the Beach at Falasarna – Coastal Beauty and Fresh Seafood

    Journey to the western shores of Crete for a day of sun, sea, and shopping:

    • Falasarna Beach (1-hour drive): Take the scenic coastal road through charming villages like Kefali, Keramoti, Kampos, Sfinari, and Platanos to reach the golden sands of Falasarna. This beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.
    • Kapitan Nikolas Taverna (near Falasarna, 45-minute drive from HERMITAGE): Enjoy a seafood feast at this beloved taverna by the old harbor, where the catch of the day is served fresh and flavorful.
    • Shopping in Kissamos (30-minute drive): On your return, stop in Kissamos Town to browse supermarkets, boutique shops, and local markets for souvenirs, snacks, or supplies.
  • Your trip #2: To the Beach at Elafonisi – Pink Sands and Serenity

    Your trip #2: To the Beach at Elafonisi – Pink Sands and Serenity

    Experience one of Crete’s most iconic beaches with a day trip to Elafonisi:

    • Monastery of Chrissoskalitissa (20-minute drive): Start your morning with a visit to this cliffside monastery overlooking the Libyan Sea. The whitewashed walls and panoramic views create a serene atmosphere, steeped in legend.
    • Elafonisi Beach (25-minute drive): Spend your day on the famous pink sands of Elafonisi, where shallow turquoise waters and a shaded cedar forest at nearby Kedrodassos offer the perfect beach escape. Pack a picnic or rent a sunbed to relax in style.
    • Elos Village Tavernas (10-minute drive): On your way back to HERMITAGE, stop in Elos for a late lunch or early dinner at one of the village’s cozy tavernas, where you can try local specialties like dakos (Cretan rusks) and lamb stifado.
  • Your trip #1: Exploring Vlatos and Surroundings – A Taste of Local Life

    Your trip #1: Exploring Vlatos and Surroundings – A Taste of Local Life

    Discover the charm of Vlatos and its surroundings, perfect for a relaxed day of exploration:

    • Hike from HERMITAGE: Start your day with a hike directly from the property, wandering through the 11 picturesque neighborhoods of Vlatos Village. Each corner reveals traditional stone houses, olive groves, and stunning mountain views.
    • Park of Peace (5-minute drive): Embark on a serene hike through this million-square-meter park, filled with majestic trees and panoramic vistas. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
    • Topolia Gorge (5-minute drive): Take a scenic 1-hour hike through this dramatic gorge, crossing the river and marveling at towering limestone cliffs. Afterward, enjoy lunch at one of Topolia’s charming tavernas, where you can savor fresh Cretan dishes.
    • Milia Restaurant (10-minute drive): Indulge in gourmet dining at this award-winning restaurant, led by chef Vasilis Makrakis. Expect innovative dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients in a rustic mountain setting.
    • Taverna of Michalis Iliakis in Mili (5-minute drive): For a taste of authentic Cretan cuisine, dine at this traditional taverna, known for its hearty, home-cooked meals.
    • Folklore Museum and Kafeneon in Vlatos: Immerse yourself in local history with a visit to the Vlatos Folklore Museum (call Martin for access). Afterward, relax at the traditional Kafeneon, a local coffee house where you can sip Greek coffee and chat with villagers.
    • Vlatos Jazz (on-site or nearby): Every Sunday evening, enjoy acoustic music by local and international artists at Vlatos Jazz, paired with delicious local delicacies—a perfect way to end your day.