Things to see and do Iles grecques

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.

This is actually two white sandy beaches that follow. There you will have an unobstructed view of the nearby islands and windsurfers that give them joy when the wind allows. Starting from the beach, go to Maria Katourna, a Greek who lives near the beach and pass your order for dinner: Bouillabaisse, lobster… If you take the tracks leading from Santa Maria to Ampelas then to Marmara, you will discover a multitude of small little coves all the prettier and still deserted.

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.

Less long (7.5 km), less known and run than the Samaria Gorge, these gorges nevertheless have a definite charm with flourishing vegetation, especially in spring, amazing geological formations and deep caves that were used in history to hide women, children and rebels during the Ottoman occupation. In some shady corners grows the grass of the gods, the famous diktamon. The hike is easy, but once out of the gorge, there is still a 4 km walk on flat ground to Sougia and its beach (without shade).

The visit of this nineteenth century house will give you an idea of the lifestyle of a family of the middle class of Mykonos over the centuries. Traditional furniture, jewelry and costumes, dishes, carpets. We visit the large living room and the two bedrooms for a dive over time. For example, you will find explanations for Mykonian Women's Festival: even the botanist Pitton of Tournefort, King of the Sun King, was impressed by their adornment when he stopped in Mykonos in 1700.

On the hill where the Acropolis was located, you will see the only surviving column of Apollo's Doric temple.