Tourist Attractions & Monuments Crete

Hora Sfakion is a small quiet village where activities are limited. However, it is interesting to do some hiking in the vicinity, on the heights, in order to visit many small villages even more picturesque like Anopoli, Livaniana, Aradena, Agia Ioanni, or Imbros. 

The Assumption of Mary (Dormition according to the Oriental tradition) is the orthodox and Catholic religious belief that the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the end of his earthly life, entered directly into the glory of God, soul and body. In the narrow church, we don't see much of it if it's icons and paintings as in many other churches.

The fountain was inaugurated in 1628 by the Venetian governor Francesco Morosini, hence its name, but it is best known as the "Fountain of the Lions", in Greek Liontaria. The water flows through the mouths of four lions, symbols of Venetian power, and the basins are decorated with representations of mythological scenes, carved in marble, where some classical figures such as tritons or nymphs can be found... This fountain was the first to bring water to the city of Heraklion, hence its current historical power. In spite of its appearance today rather banal, one can easily recognize that the work of its construction had to be considerable. The large statue of Poseidon, which occupied the centre of the fountain, was destroyed during the Turkish occupation. The square, where 25 Avgustou Street, the main pedestrian street leading down to the port, opens, is a very important cultural and tourist centre of Heraklion. But don't just look up at the four lions, also look under the fountain through the four hermetically sealed and lighted portholes: there you can see the foundations of the Venetian aqueduct. One of the emblematic places of Heraklion because of its history, the square of the Lions (or E. Venizelou) is not very impressive. However, it can be pleasant to have lunch in one of the taverns in the square where the fountain is located, especially those whose terraces on the first floor will give you a pleasant view of the surrounding animation.

It owes its name to the color of the sand. Less crowded than the beach of Matala, this beach with cliffs is beautiful, especially at sunset. The view over the Bay of Matala and the beach of Kokkinos is superb when you reach the top of the hill which separates them. Possible possible. A French hippie stayed there several years, we still see his sculptures in the caves, in the form of octopus, sirène…

Visitors are not allowed to stay in the gorge at night. Keep the ticket for the exit.

It is the only freshwater lake in all Crete, in which there are an impressive number of eels and, apparently, turtles. It is also possible to bathe in this beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, as well as to rent pedal boats for pleasant walks on its waters.

The walk through the old village of Malia can begin at the central church of Agios Nektarios. It's the biggest church on the main road, so you can't miss it. The interior is decorated with impressive mural paintings by painter Michael Vassilakis.

The fort of Gramvoussa, located on the island of the same name, was built by the Venetians in 1584, to control the passage over the surrounding seas. A strategic place at the entrance of the Cretan waters, it has a long history and has passed through many hands: Venetians, Turks (from 1692), Cretan revolutionaries (1825), pirates succeeded one another. The pirates are said to have amassed a considerable fortune that has yet to be discovered. Amateurs?... On the island lives a rich poultry fauna of about 100 species and the turtle Caretta caretta feeds there.

The Limnoupolis water park will be a fun excursion for the youngest and families, outside the city centre. Located 6 km from Hania, it offers the usual set of slides and giant buoys for a family afternoon. Nice range of thrills in the slides and tunnels. And the prices are right, with discounts for entries after 3pm and for children. Buses leave from Hania Central Station to get there.