the villages of the south : nature, tradition, hospitality
journey to authentic Crete
The villages in the south of the Heraklion prefecture in Crete are full of natural beauty, traditional architecture and an air of authenticity that combines history with the daily life of the inhabitants. In this area, the sense of tradition and hospitality is strong, while its landscapes combine mountains and sea with countless olive groves, vineyards and old stone churches. Although less touristically developed than other areas of the island, the villages of southern Heraklion offer the authentic Cretan experience, combining tradition, nature and history with the warm hospitality of the inhabitants. Visitors will discover the charm of living close to nature, away from the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle, enjoying the tranquility, authenticity and natural beauty of Crete.
the beach paradise with hippie heritage
Matala
Matala is one of the most famous seaside destinations on Crete. The settlement belongs to the local community of Pitsidia and is located in an area full of tourist shops, hotels, rooms to rent, cafes and taverns. Visitors can enjoy the beach with its crystal clear waters and sandy beach, explore the caves made famous in the 60s by hippies, and wander around the area discovering archaeological finds. Matala is also known for its connection with Greek mythology, as it is said that Zeus and Europa passed here during her abduction. There are also ruins in the area from the Minoan and Roman periods, while the history of Matala includes important events, such as the shipwreck of Menelaus' ships. Matala beach, with a length of 250 meters, has been awarded with the blue flag and is organized with first-class facilities aid, showers and sports facilities. Matala is also a place of cultural events, with the most famous event being the Matala Beach Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the world. The area is also home to a historic olive tree, six centuries old, which is a symbol of life and is decorated with the faces of four deities: Zeus, Poseidon, Dionysus and Hermes, a work by the artist Spyros Stefanakis. The caves, which have historical and cultural value, as well as the natural beauty of the area, make Matala a must-visit destination on Crete.
Cretan natural beauty and authentic local culture
Pitsidia
As the area is full of olive groves, vineyards and verdant landscapes, visitors might have the feeling that time has stopped here. Pitsidia allows its guests to experience the authentic life of the Cretan countryside. The village maintains its traditional architecture with white and stone-built houses spread out in its narrow streets. The residents are hospitable and friendly, preserving their traditions, and visitors can enjoy Cretan hospitality in taverns and cafes offering local specialties and raki. The area around Pitsidia is ideal for walkers and nature lovers, with paths leading to remote spots and impressive landscapes. The area is also home to several interesting historical and cultural monuments, such as traditional churches and ancient ruins. The gastronomy of the area is closely linked to local production. Fresh local products such as olive oil, cheese, fruit and vegetables, honey, raki and wine, are essential ingredients of the Cretan diet and local cuisine. In the summer, the village comes alive with local festivals and fairs, which celebrate the music, dance and gastronomy of Crete. Pitsidia is a peaceful and picturesque village that offers visitors the opportunity to escape the intense rhythms of everyday life and discover authentic Cretan life.
the heart of agricultural Messara and the traditional bazaar
Moires
The small town of Mires is located in the heart of the fertile plain of Messara, an area famous for its rich agricultural production. Moira took its name from the 'moira', i.e. the land shares or allotments granted by the Venetians to the settlers who came from the Peloponnese after the Ottomans occupied the island. The town of Mires is today a modern settlement, which is constantly growing and plays an important role in the local economy. The inhabitants are mainly engaged in agriculture, livestock farming, tourism and trade, taking advantage of the favourable location of the area and its rich agricultural potential. The town of Moires is located in the heart of the fertile plain of Messara, an area famous for its rich agricultural production. Moires took its name from the "moiras", i.e. the shares or divisions of land, which were granted by the Venetians to the settlers who came from the Peloponnese, after the occupation of the island by the Ottomans. The town of Moires is today a modern settlement, which is constantly developing and plays an important role in the local economy. The residents are mainly engaged in agriculture, livestock farming, tourism and trade, taking advantage of the favorable location of the area and its rich agricultural potential. The construction in the town is in many cases incompatible with the traditional architecture. Combine your trip to Moires with a visit to the popular market that takes place every Saturday. The history of this bazaar dates back to the during the Turkish occupation, when residents from the surrounding areas arrived not only to sell or exchange products, animals, utensils and tools, but also to meet acquaintances and friends. This lively bazaar is full of products, local delicacies, and traditional objects. Moires, with the coexistence of modern and traditional elements, is an excellent opportunity to discover the everyday life of Crete. With the coexistence of modern and traditional elements, Mires is an excellent excuse to discover the daily life of Crete.
traditional and by the Ministry of Culture protected village
Sivas
Sivas is a traditional Cretan village in the heart of southern Crete, on the western slopes of the Asterousia mountain range. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore the traces of Minoan history and wander through narrow streets with traditional houses and monuments, which have maintained their authenticity for centuries. Sivas has been classified as a traditional and protected village by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The approximately 400 permanent residents of the village take care of preserving its beauty and cultural heritage. Over time, the charm of the village has attracted more and more visitors, many of whom decide to settle here. In the central square of the village you can enjoy shopping, visit the pottery workshop, have lunch in traditional taverns or simply drink coffee while your children play in the playground. The church of Agios Ioannis is also located in the square and is an important landmark of the village. During the summer, the cultural association of Sivas organizes a multitude of events, the most notable of which is the "Cultural August in Sivas", which celebrates art, history, music and youth. The narrow alleys of Sivas, with their Venetian architecture, offer a beautiful opportunity for walks and explorations, full of history and tradition.
a village with history
Vori
Vori is a historic village in Crete, which has been continuously inhabited since the early Minoan period until today. During the time when Phaistos was the capital of Messara, Vori was under its influence. In the area of the church of Agios Onoufrios, near the entrance to the village, samples of early Minoan pottery have been found, while within the village there are ruins from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. From the beginning of the Venetian rule until the mid-20th century, Vori was the capital of the province of Pyrgiotissa. During the Turkish rule, the village had only three Turkish families, while according to the Turkish census of 1881, no Turkish residents are mentioned in Vori. The Museum of Cretan Ethnology hosts exhibits from the daily life of Cretans throughout history. There are many important churches in the village, such as Agios Ioannis Prodromos and Agia Pelagia in the old quarter, the two-aisled church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary and Constantine & Helen, with a marble column in the enclosure depicting Greece crowning the heroes. In Vori visitors can also find the churches of Christ, Saint Andrew of Jerusalem, Saint George of Kontaras (14th century), Saint Paraskevi, Saint Onoufrios, Saint Fanourios and Panagia Kardiotissa, which belongs to the Holy Monastery of Kaliviani.
a beautiful walk along the picturesque lake
Zaros
Zaros is a picturesque town on the southern side of Psiloritis, at an altitude of 340 meters. The toponym of the village comes from the verb "ρεω" (reo) and means "a lot of water", due to the rich hydrology in the area. In ancient times, an advanced network for the time irrigated ancient Gortyna, with water from the Sterna spring at the north of Zaros. Today, the ruins of the Roman aqueduct are preserved. Zaros is also famous for its trout farming and the table water produced there. Visitors have the opportunity to explore Lake Zaros, one of the most beautiful natural areas of Crete. The lake, located near the settlement, is a calm and picturesque destination for those who wish to enjoy nature and the tranquility of the landscape. Although artificial, the lake has a rich flora and fauna. In addition to the trout that are bred in the lake, various species of birds and other animals that live or visit the lake, such as turtles and ducks, will delight young visitors. The route around the lake is suitable for walking, and is particularly popular. In addition to the natural beauty, the area around Lake Zaros is an excellent choice for relaxation and recreation. Around the lake you will find cafes and taverns, specially designed picnic areas with wooden tables and benches and a playground. In addition to the lake, the visitor can explore the magical forest of Rouvas, accessible via the E4 path that passes through the Agios Nikolaos gorge, and enjoy the stunning view of Messara from the monastery of Vrontisiou. In addition, there is a watermill in the settlement, which has been declared a preserved historical monument. There are three churches in the village, the most important being the church of Agia Kyriaki, which houses an ecclesiastical museum with old objects and icons. To the north, near the gorge of Agios Nikolaos, is the old monastery of Agios Nikolaos, which today operates as a monastery of the Old Calendarists. Every year, a Traditional Cretan Cuisine competition is organized in Zaros, highlighting the local gastronomy.