CAR RENTAL: PRIMA at Makry Yialos (they bring car to villa or the airport); contact Tonia at prima_mg@otonet.gr   +30 6978444789 or +30 2843052380; www.sunbudget.net;www.cretecars.com

BUS Schedule: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/routes-9

Directions from HER airport:

1. Exit the airport and continue straight, then turn onto the Highway eastward towards Agios Nikolaos.

2. Continue this road for approximately 45 minutes until you reach an intersection for Agios

Nikolaos (straight), Elounda (left turn), Ierapetra (right turn).

3. Unless you want to stop for a break or shopping, turn right towards Ierapetra.

4. After 1-2 km, there will be another intersection. Continue driving on the highway, passing underneath the bridge. Do NOT take the exit to Agios Nikolaos at the second intersection.

5. Continue East for another 20 minutes until you arrive at the Pahia Ammos village. There, at the intersection, turn right towards Ierapetra. You should be turning away from the ocean, heading inland.

6. Continue straight for 15 minutes. You are now crossing the narrowest point of Crete towards Ierapetra.

7. About 3 minutes before you enter the city of Ierapetra, turn left, following the signs to Sitia.

8. Once you reach the ocean again (this time it is the Lybian sea), turn left at the intersection. You will follow this coastal road heading east.

9. Drive for another 15-20 minutes in a scenic route along the sea, until you see the 'Koutsouras' sign. Exit the highway and enter the village.

10. Drive for a kilometer, pass an ECO gas station and, before the pharmacy and bakery/patisserie, turn right towards the sea on a road with pebbles.

11. Once you reach the water (100 m from the road) turn right on the pedestrian walk. It is the second house to the right. There are 'Moonlight Villas' signs on the main road and when you reach the pedestrian road.

HIKING and CANYONING:

1.The Butterfly Gorge (Orino): Canyoneering equipment needed in winter and spring (Length (km): 5.5, Altitude difference (m): 400, Difficulty (0-10): 2, Hiking Hours: 4

Starting from the lush green and full of water springs Orino village, the gorge follows one of the steepest rivers of Crete. The river shapes incredible waterfalls with ponds and especially its last part is amazingly beautiful. The last three waterfalls at Peristerionas position are some of the most beautiful in Crete. Impressive also is the amount of water, very rare at dry East Crete. Even during the summer months there is water flow in the gorge. The vegetation is lush, and the gorge constitutes a green lung of the warm eastern Crete. The river continues to flow down and enters the canyon of Red Butterflies finishing at Koutsouras beach, where you can end the day by a nice swim. It is best to start the hike from Orino village (thus bypassing the wild part of Orino gorge) and end at Koutsouras (close to our villa) after 3-4 hour of walking. At the beginning of the route, there are some small springs and waterfalls, which do not have water during summer months. However, in winter, the hiking in the gorge gets quite difficult. The gorge is named after the red butterflies that fly through the bushes and flowers, forming a truly rare sight.

2.The Gorge of Pefki: Length (km): 4.5, Altitude difference (m): 310, Difficulty (0-10): 1, Hiking Hours: 2); it is part of the E4 European long-distance path

One of the most beautiful small gorges of Crete, with amazing rock formations shaped by the natural forces and lush vegetation. The canyon has a well-shaped path, which follows the riverbed almost in its entire length. The gorge starts from Pefki. Ask the locals to show you the entrance, next to the old water mill of Ilias (1925) and with the views to the elevated Stavromenos Chapel. From there take the easy path along the sides of the canyon and later follow the descending path that leads to the riverbed, in the heart of the gorge. The canyon is full of pine trees (hence the name). Next to the riverbed, the vegetation constitutes mostly from planes and herbs. There are also amazing white rock formations on the sides, unique in Crete, with their height exceeding 100 meters. As you arrive at the southern exit of the gorge, you will find a spring of clean water, where you can cool off. The exit of the canyon is not near the sea but in Pisokaminos area, close to the village of Aspros Potamos, where the road linking the Makrigialos and Pefki passes by. If nobody waits for you by car, you have to walk the remaining 2 km to Makrigialos.

3.Zakros Palace and Gorge (Gorge of the Dead; last section of the European E4 path)

An exceptionally beautiful, accessible gorge, with high walls with big caves. You can enter Zakros Gorge by two entrances:  The first entrance is shortly after the village of Ano Zakros. The second entrance is 4 kilometres from Ano Zakros and is quite a shortcut. The second entrance is at a large open space on the tarmac road leading to Kato Zakros, where there is plenty of room for cars to park. The exit from zakros gorge is at the archaelogical site (the famous Μinoan Palace of Zakros) and beach of kato zakros. Kato Zakros has a wonderful beach for a refreshing swim to wash the dust off, while you can enjoy a delicious meal and a cold beer or glass of local wine in one of the little tavernas.

You can pass the gorge all year round (no water in summer) except some rainy days in winter on which the gorge is transformed into a river. Zakros Gorge is harder to walk down in winter after heavy rainfall, as the river will be full of water and you’ll have to jump from stone to stone to cross it several times. The rocks can be slippery and unstable. If you’re not particularly good at balancing on rocks in a river, your best bet is either to take your shoes off and wade through each time (very tedious), or to wear special hiking sandals so you can walk through the water without difficulty. The huge vertical walls of the canyon give the visitor a sense of awe. The highlight of the gorge is Castellas, a huge isolated rock on which are visible the ruins of a castle. It is obvious that it was a defending place from the attacks from the sea. From Castellas you have the best view of the whole canyon and it is a must for the visitor to walk all the way to the summit.

The Palace of Zakros is the fourth largest Minoan palace that has been excavated. The region is full with archaeological treasures, and even the name of the gorge of the Deads is taken after the preminoan graves found on its sides (The name “Gorge of the Dead” is from the ancient Minoans, who used the caves in its steep cliffs to bury their dead.). Communication with the Mid East was faster from here during the Minoan Age, thus the Minoans built here the administrative center of Eastern Crete, with an important port. The findings are very rich (sheets of gold, ivory, jewelry, pottery, etc.) and prove the close relationship of the city with the ports of Cyprus, Egypt and the Middle East. The site is visitable, although most findings are kept in museums of Heraklion, Sitia and Agios Nikolaos.

4.Xerocampos Hametoulo gorge: Length (km): 3, Altitude difference (m): 400, Difficulty (0-10): 2, Hiking Hours: 2)

This impressive small gorge of Hametoulo starts from the region of Ziros by an altitute of 6oom, but you can enter by the region of small and traditional village Hametoulo and ends at the beautiful beach south of Xerokambos. At the beach of "Katsounaki", on its beautiful sand dunes grow the famous lilies of the Minoan frescos. There is no marked path and its crossing is a bit difficult, but still accessible.

5.Karoumes gorge: Length (km): 1.5, Altitude difference (m): 100, Difficulty (0-10): 2

A small, easily accessible gorge starts from the village "Hohlakies" which is located between Palekastro village and Pano Zakros, and ends at the beautiful bay with is isolated beach of "Karoumes".

6.Richti gorge: The enchanting gorge and waterfall of Richtis (or Rihtis gorge) can be “discovered” in Eastern Crete by a distance of 32km from Palekastro and 50 from Zakros. It starts from the traditional village “Exo Mouliana”, which is located on the national road between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia and ends at the secluded Richtis beach, just east of the village Kalavros.

7.Kapsa gorge: Length (km): 2.5

Relatively easy to cross, Kapsa goerge stretches from the village of Pervolakia to the Kapsa Monastery near the sea. The path is parallel to the bed of the gorge, though at times it winds onto the slopes giving unique moments of pleasure to those who brave it. The impressive rock formations create a breath-taking landscape and the rare plants that grow in the ravines attract naturalists from all over the world. Meanwhile, the various forms of wildlife live, reproduce and evolve to an admirable variety of natural reserves. In numbers, 7 natural habitats and 14 indigenous plant species can be found in the gorge.

8.Gorge Ha: Length (km): 1, Altitude difference (m): 220, Difficulty (0-10): 8, Hiking Hours: 5

Gorge Ha is considered one of the wildest gorges in Crete, a rare morphological phenomenon of nature, probably caused by tectonic earthquake. It remains a virgin environment, untouched by man, who still finds its formation prohibitive for exploration or development. Canyoners consider it the King of the gorges of Crete. Ha has about 33 rappels, the largest is 35 meters high, therefore any attempt to cross it without technical equipment is impossible. At some points the walls come very close, just a few centimetres, which makes the gorge special. In the last third of the gorge, a waterfall of 215 meters height is poured, which increases the amount of water in the gorge.

TRADITIONAL VILLAGES WITHINK 15-20 MINUTES DRIVE

Stavrochori: According to tradition, Stavrochori was built by the residents of Koutsouras years ago when they moved to the mountains to escape pirate invasions. Its name used to be Stravodoksari, probably the name of a Byzantine general or because of a bent bow of a musical instrument. Stavrochori is at the crossroads that link several villages of the Municipality, making it a central point, particularly in the summer, when locals and visitors overflow the village to enjoy a scenic walk in the alleyways and taste the traditional titbits in the coffeehouses/tavernas at the square, under the shadow of the plane tree. In Stavrochori one can visit the picturesque small church of St. Constantinos, which attracts both worshippers and naturalists, because of the lovely waterfall next to it that covers the church with flowers and greenery with its gurgling water. The monastery of Lygia, the church of St. Fanourios and Saint Rafael are a favourite tourist attraction too.

Pefki: Among pine trees and built amphitheatrically on the mountain, Pefki is a village with great history. The caves of Apoloustron and Vreikou, the five-thousand-year-old olive trees and the Minoan ruins indicate that ancient humans made this place their home. Tradition is important to Pefki. The residents keep it alive and make sure the visitors get a chance to experience it themselves with a visit to the Folklore museum, which is housed in the Junior school building. Life goes by smoothly and unhurriedly in this village. Here, visitors can enjoy the traditional Cretan cuisine, relax in the picturesque coffeehouses, admire the traditional architecture and visit the church of Stavromenos, either on pilgrimage or just to admire the breathtaking view of the region.

Orino: is a small village at the highest point of the area surrounded by nature and monuments that date as back as the Minoan era. It is also Dionysios Solomos’s place of origin and that’s why there’s a place there known with the same name. The steep mountainsides, the uniquely beautiful gorge, the traditional houses, the remarkable architecture, the flowered courtyards of the houses and the traditional dishes accompanied by raki that the coffeehouses and the taverns in the village serve, make Orino a magical experience for every visitor. Among the sights are the two chapels of the village with their remarkable frescoes, one at the area Andrianos and the other in the gorge. And at the church of Stavromenos at Afenti, the highest summit of the Prefecture of Lassithi, one can witness a breath-taking sunrise and sunset and enjoy a bird’s eye view to the sea.

Chrysopigi: Also known by the name Roukaka, it was one of the largest Turkish villages during the last years of the Ottoman rule and with a big mosque, Roukaka became the seat of the homonymous Municipality that was comprised of 9 villages. Visitors at Chrisopigi can tour the alleyways and come across picturesque churches, old houses with flowered gardens and abandoned buildings reminiscent of another era. Afterward they can rest at the coffeehouses at the square and sample the traditional cuisine.

Mpemponas: A very small traditional village northwest of Chrisopigi, which is famous for the oldest plane tree of the region and the cave Thergiotrypa, is another favourite tourist destination. During the summer months a lot of visitors stay at the traditional houses and visit its coffeehouses to enjoy the perfect stillness of the scenery and the beauty of nature.

Schinokapsala: A small village, which probably owes its name to the tree ‘schinos’ and ‘kapsala’, the remnants of a burnt ‘schinos’. Built at a point of particular natural beauty, the village attracts nature lovers who wish to explore the flora and fauna of the region and enjoy their walk among the pine trees and spring waters in the forest.

Afios Stefanos: In a small plateau near Makrys Gialos the visitor comes across Agios Stefanos, a village with centuries old history and archaeological finds that date back to the 9th century BC. The village was once called Gras, either in hnour of the hero Gras, Archelaou’s son, as reported by Stravon, or as a possible alteration of a Venetian lord’s surname. There’s a third story to the name though. According to folk tradition, when the villagers were defending their village from the Saracens, an *old lady betrayed the only entrance to the fortress were the defenders were camped, and the Saracens invaded Fortetsa (the fortress) and killed everyone but the old lady.

DAY-TRIPPING-REMOTE ISLAND AT THE END OF EUROPE: For even more exotic swimming destinations, take the little boat that crosses over to Chrysi and Koufonisi, two enchanting islands in the Libyan Sea opposite Ierapetra and Makry Gialos, respectively. The more popular is Chrysi (or Gaidouronisi), with its sand dunes, cedars and fantastic waters. Formerly an informal camping destination, it now has beach umbrellas, sun loungers and food stands. The island’s best-known beach is Belegrina, to the north; there are, however, many other beaches to be explored, including Kataprosopo and Vagges to the east. Koufonisi (or Lefki) is a lower-key destination that does not attract large numbers of visitors. This island features sandy beaches, white rocks and low vegetation; an ancient theater dating to the 2nd century AD and the remnants of a settlement have been discovered here. Daily cruises now from Makrigialos to paradise Island Koufonissi, located about 10 nautical miles southeast of Makrigialos. It’s uninhabited now, but full of ruins that indicate human activity from the Early Minoan times to post-Byzantine years. The island is surrounded by 36 amazing sandy beaches with fine golden sand and crystal turquoise waters, unknown to almost everybody. Some of them, like Asproulas, Hiliaderfia, Faros and Roman Theatre, would easily be ranked among the best on earth. Visit the southernmost ancient stone theatre in Europe, have a refreshing swim or just relax. Both islands are included in the Natura 2000 network of protected areas. For Koufonisi from Makry Yialos (www.cretandailycruises.com), contact info.koufonisi@gmail.com, +30 2843051825

BEE and HONEY exploration: STICKY TOUR!! Be a Cretan Beekeeper. Call +30 698 850 0190 - If you’ve ever had a dream of being a beekeeper or had a keen interest in bees or simply just enjoy the sweetness of the gold liquid it produces; you can now get a “behind the honey” experience. Our family gives a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and work as beekeeper next to us.

Who are we? We are a family of beekeepers located in Koutsouras. Our story starts back in 1982 when a young mathematician (our father) bought his first hive as a new hobby “a moment is enough”. The hobby had become obsessive! Since then, the bees have increased to hundreds hives in numerous bee yards across Crete, producing many different types of monofloral honeys. Nowadays the legacy continues as the next generation, Yianni & Elena continue the excellence in honey production by implementing fresh ideas. Me as an agronomist and my sister as honey expert, we will create a mind-expanding life experience.

What we will do?

• Learn about the incredible life of our most important pollinator and history of beekeeping.

• Learn how honeybees make this liquid gold: we call honey, how nectar source determines a honey's colour, aroma and flavour and how honey is harvested and extracted from the hive.

 • Work with us and meet the bees in their natural environment. (Yes, that means an opportunity to suit-up in beekeepers’ suit and watch the bees up-close).

• Hold a frame of bees and try to spot the queen with us.

 • Call yourself “Honey Sommelier” by trying all our delicious one-of-a-kind honeys which are perfectly paired off food accompaniments. Learn how to use the different varieties of honey in your delicious cooking. What’s best than a piece of honeycomb with cheese pairings

• Explore local bee foraging area and learn about the different endemic medicinal and nectar plants of Crete.

Location

Our hives are in some truly awesome spots - from rocky cliffs next to the sea, to Olive plantations and even the top of Cretan Mountains. Let us know what you prefer…

WINE TASTING: Toplou (43 km away) is a 15th-century monastery located in the northeastern part of Crete, 10km east of Sitia and on the way to the beach of Vai. It is one of the most significant and historic monasteries in Crete. The monastery owns a great deal of land which produces excellent organic products such as wine, thyme honey, raki and olive oil. There are guided tours in the winemaking area, where you can taste the wines in combination with traditional cheese, olives and rusks with tomato. All the wines for taste are also for sale at the monastery. It is open to the public daily, from 09:00 - 18:00 hour. For more details about the Toplou Monastery, visit our Toplou section on this website.

WATER SPORTS: Makry Yialos (1) contact: Giorgos Xardakis, +30 6937127773, 28430 51254, mar.char@hotmail.gr, website: safewatersports.com

(2) Xtreme water sports Douloumis: Tubes, Jet Ski, Flyboard, Water-ski Wakeboard

+30 6936978097, 28430 51733, info@xtremegreece.gr, website: https://www.xtremegreece.gr/en/business/xtreme-water-sports-douloumis.html

DIVING: Ierapetra diving centre: Explore the South Cretan sea, http://www.ierapetradivingcentre.com/

WIND and Water SURFING: About an hour away drive in Kouremenos you can find the best windsurfing centre in the area: Gone Surfing Crete, http://www.gonesurfing.gr/en/, gonesurfingcrete@gmail.com, . Big sandy beach with all day wind which is amplified by the 'funnel effect', with some of the best wind statistics in the world!!

The Gone Surfing Centre is equipped with both the experience and knowledge to provide quality training and services. Passionate about windsurfing and water sports, the goal is to spread the infectious love for surfing. It doesn't matter if it is your first time uphauling a sail, or if you plan to learn a forward loop, the aim is to make your surfing dreams materialize. The centre has been running for seven years and already is renowned amongst the windsurfing community for excellent teaching methods and services. People choose Gone Surfing not only because of the friendly and inviting environment but also because they offer the best possible equipment. Gone Surfing is also one of the very first stations in the world to give Foil lessons and rentals. They have invested in different foil boards and sails and different foil types, Fanatic, Neilpryde, Slingshot, Starboard, are among the many now available to you.

EXPLORE A DIFFERENCE BEACH EVERY DAY:

 Maxeridi Beach is secluded and private, always calm when there are waves elsewhere (west of property)

Galini Beach is perfect for windy days (west of property)

Aghia Fotia Beach, with its fine pebbles and sun loungers (west of property)

Kalamokania Beach is a long pebble beach that is quiet and relaxing (east of property)

Makry Yialos Beach is long, sandy and touristy. Great for children and those who prefer easy swimming (east of property)

Diaskari is long, sandy and much less touristy. Nice lounges if you get there early (east of property). If you can spare the time, head as far as Xerokambos, on the south-eastern coast corner of Crete. The road is long and full of curves, but it’s worth it. The wild landscape is alive with the scent of thyme, and there are beaches for every taste – some with small pebbles, some with sand and even one with clay, like a natural spa.

Other attractions within 1h drive:

SITIA (33 Km): a picturesque seaside town, situated on the northeaster side of Crete, a region still unspoiled by mass tourism with Archaeological and Folklore Museums, as well as a Venetian Fortress – Kazarma

The small coastal town of Sitia is pleasant and lively, with hospitable inhabitants who like to interact with one another and their foreign visitors. Just drop in at any of the raki-serving establishments on Eleftheriou Venizelou Street – such as the Oinodeion or Rakodikeion – and you’ll see for yourself. The city’s most beautiful monument is the Kazarma, a Venetian fortress so well-preserved you’d think it was built yesterday. The Archaeological Museum is also noteworthy, as it features the Palaikastro Kouros, a chryselephantine statue dating to the Late Bronze Age (both open Tue-Sun, 08:00-15:00).

Palm forest of Vai (53 Km): One of the largest natural palm forests in Europe (and consequently has been designated a protected area); the trees are of the species Phoenix theophrasti, commonly known as the Cretan date palms. This is a rare species endemic to the Aegean, which flourishes in wet, sandy soil, reaches a height of 15m and can possess more than one trunk. A large sandy beach spreads out in front of the palm forest. Here, you’ll find the Vai Restaurant, which has been certified by the Agronutritional Cooperation of the Region of Crete and awarded their Cretan Cuisine quality label; the restaurant serves fish and other seafood, local raki and organic wines from Toplou Monastery. Just 7km to the south of Vai lies Kouremenos, a 1.5km-long beach with fine sand and tamarisk trees. On account of its prevailing winds, Kouremenos is a magnet for fans of windsurfing, kitesurfing and SUP (you can find out more about lessons and equipment rentals from Gone Surfing Crete).

Kato Zakros is well worth the journey that takes you through the inspiring, eternal landscape of easternmost Crete. At this archaeological site, you’ll get a better understanding of the scope of Minoan influence as you explore a small but intricate palace/town complex (ca. 1900-1450 BC) and pick up on key trans-Cretan characteristics that connect this settlement with the Minoans’ larger socioeconomic network. The site’s own treasures include its architecture and rich artworks – among the latter are a bull’s head with golden horns; a gold-covered libation vessel (rhyton) depicting a mountaintop sanctuary; and luxurious vases of rock crystal and colourful veined marble, some with bold, upward-sweeping handles, all now in the Irakleio Archaeological Museum. The harbour and the presence of imported artefacts indicate that Zakros was a gateway to the eastern Mediterranean. Inland lies the “Valley of the Dead” – Crete’s answer to the Grand Canyon (Open daily 08:00-20:00).

SPINALONGA (a few kilometres past Aghios Nikolaos): One of Crete’s most deeply moving historical monuments, Spinalonga Island is increasingly becoming a focal point of cultural interest and creativity. In antiquity, Spinalonga helped protect Olous (now Elounda) in north western Mirabello Bay, from the open sea. (Olous, a sunken Dorian town at the bay’s southern end, prospered in the 4th/3rd centuries BC as a strategic maritime centre.) Spinalonga’s massive existing castle, skilfully adapted to the landscape, was constructed by the Venetians (16th century). Later a haven for Christian refugees and Chain ides (“fugitive rebels”), the island succumbed to Ottoman rule in 1715, afterwards becoming a thriving port, then an isolated leper colony (1903-1957). Today, Spinalonga is a popular archaeological site with pending UNESCO World Heritage status that has drawn the interest of historians, authors, artists and politicians. Most recently, composer Nikos Xydakis and poet Dionysis Kapsalis collaborated to produce a powerful tribute to Spinalonga (“Apokopos or Spinalonga”), inspired by the 16th-century Veneto-Cretan literary tradition and by the island’s timeless story of struggle, pain, love and death.