TASTE

The beaches of Crete Island are just as famous as the island itself, with many frequently making the Top 10 rated beaches worldwide. The region of Heraklion, specifically, is blessed with a long coastline of sandy coves, trendy beach bars, or secluded bays, depending on your preference. 

Sarantari Beach 

Found on the northern part of the peninsula, not far from the charming white chapel of St. Georg Kapelle, Sarantari is one of the best spots to relax and take in the scenery. The beach is known for its crystal clear waters and offers a protected bay that serves families with children well. Make sure to pack appropriate shoes if you want to walk around the cliffs and explore the area. 

Limanakia Chersonisou 

One of the most popular beaches in the area, Limanakia is found south of Sarantari and consists of a group of small bays. Some are organized - others parts not - and you might even find a nudist-friendly spot or two if you look for it. This is a great option for families with children as it is located near the village, with plenty of options for dining and entertainment. 

Gouves Beach 

In a distance of approximately 4 km from the house, in the north coast, you will come across yet another stunning beach, Gouves. Soft sand, shallow waters, and a mix of organized and free space are available here for visitors to enjoy. A great spot to watch the sunset before returning to Anissaras. 

Voulisma

Voulisma beach is a welcoming location in the middle of a large bay east of Agios Nikolaos. It is a wide beach, with soft white sand and turquoise waters, with all the facilities visitors can expect. The shallow waters make this a perfect spot for families with children.

Kolokitha 

Kolokitha beach (which translates to pumpkin) is a busy spot during the summer due to its proximity to Elounda. It has no amenities, just a few tamarisk trees for shade, and it is best to visit before the boat trippers arrive at noon or later during the day. For extra peace, you can go towards Vayu beach, with its bright colored orange sand, which receives far fewer visitors during the day.

Elounda & Spinalogka 

The small town of Elounda has always been a charming spot, however, its popularity soared after it was used as a filming location for the now-famous Greek series "The Island." If you stop for a swim at Schisma Elountas, you'll choose a bustling spot with a great view of the island of Spinalogka in the distance (also known as Leper Island) and plenty of choices for food and drink nearby. During the summer, the island is open to visitors daily, so don't miss learning more about the history and tragic events that took place there.

Knossos Palace 
If you're visiting Crete, you'll want to make sure you don't miss out on Knossos Palace. Only half an hour's drive from Theros Residence, this is one of Greece's most visited and most famous archaeological sites. Knossos was once the center of the Minoan empire and has left behind many beautiful artifacts- and some mysteries too! Tours can be self-guided, or you can arrange for a private guide to learn more about the history and importance of the Minoan civilization. 

Archaeological Museum 
The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is located in downtown Heraklion. In the museum, you will see many artifacts found in the Knossos Palace, including the renowned Minoan snake goddess figure. 

The Caves of Zeus 
Crete is home to not one but two locations fighting over the rights as the birthplace of Zeus. The ruler of Mount Olympus is said to have been born here in secret, trying to escape his father's wrath. According to the legend, Zeus was born in either the Dictaean Cave (43 km south of Malia) or Ideon Antron (78 km southwest) in the foothills of Mount Psiloritis. 

Natural History Museum of Crete 
Located not far from the center of Heraklion, near the waterfront, this is the perfect place for families to learn about the flora and fauna of Crete island and the eastern Mediterranean.
The museum includes various educational exhibits, dioramas, an outdoor botanical garden, and many hands-on activities. Young visitors will love the "Dinosaurs extreme" section, where they can walk among real-life-like exhibits of the fastest, smallest, and largest dinosaurs of the time, plus more.

Μοre local experiences 

Visit Gouves and the sacred cave of Agia Paraskevi 
Only a short 9-minute drive away from your accommodation, you will come across Gouves. This small village might get few visitors, but that is a mistake. Stop by the Cave of Agia Paraskevi, near the homonymous Byzantine Church, where the Greek goddess Artemis was once worshipped. The cave is 170m long, and you can see stalactites and stalagmites. 

The villages of Houdetsi and Venerato 
Only a 40-minute drive south from your hotel in Anissaras, a road trip towards the wine-growing villages of Houdetsi, Metaxochori, and Dafnes will offer a truly authentic glimpse of life on Crete island and the chance to sample various local varieties. Don't miss a visit to the Nikos Kazantzakis museum in the village of Myrtia nearby, where you can learn about the life and work of the "Zorba the Greek" writer and one of the most important Greek literary figures. 

The coastal village of Agios Sostis, located in Laganas Bay and within the National Marine Park, is a very picturesque destination and brings visitors close to a genuinely authentic natural environment. The beautiful fishing village has several tourist facilities, such as taverns and restaurants with traditional cuisine, while several of them have a program with Zakynthian music.

The calm and shallow waters on the beach of Agios Sostis make it an ideal choice for families with small