PRESENTATION OF SELF-CUSTOMISED TOURISTIC PACKAGES IN

KOSTAS PERAKIS Touristic Operator 70 Venizelou str. – Rethimnon CRETE – Tel: +302821023423 Mob: +306946067834

www.kostasperakis.com Skype: kostasperakis E-mail: [email protected] CHOOSE YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES!

1. The ELAFONISSI Beach (1 day) 2. The MARMARA Beach (1 day) 3. The SAMARIA Gorge (2 days) 4. The Palace (1 day) 5. FRANGOKASTELO & FATA MORGANA beach (1 day) 6. The DAMNONI beach (1 day) 7. The MILIA Village (2 days) 8. The THERISOS Gorge (1 day) 9. The BALOS Lagoon (1 day) 10.The KEDRODASOS Beach (1 day) 11.The Monastery (1 day) 12.The FALASARNA beach (1 day) 13.BOAT-SAFARI (1 or 2 days) 14.The (1 day) 15.The PREVELI Beach (1 day) 1. The ELAFONISSI Beach

ELAFONISSI is in west Crete, 75 kilometers southwest of the city of . The Elafonissi area includes the beach, the islet 200 meters offshore and the shallow lagoon between the two. If you come to Crete on holiday, Elafonissi is a name you are sure to hear. Elafonissi is a tiny island with white sand, separated from the shore by a lagoon no more than one meter deep. Elafonissi means “deer island”, but you won’t see any deer on the island or in the surrounding area. The island is 75 kilometers from Chania and it will take you about an hour and a half to get here.

On the way you will see Chrissoskalitissa (or Chrysoskalitissa) Monastery, visible from afar as it is a dazzling white and built on a great rock. Climb up to pay your respects at this historic monastery and look for the golden step which, according to legend, only the truly devout can see. Elafonissi is 5 kilometers from Chrissoskalitissa. On arriving you will see a large bare expanse used as a car park, a few dusty juniper trees and the wonderful colors of the lagoon. The island is less than 200 meters from the beach and you can easily walk there through the warm, shallow water of the lagoon. On reaching the island you will discover lots of tiny beaches on its south coast. The sand of Elafonissi is white, but in many places it is pinkish due to the thousands of broken seashells it contains. The limpid, blue-green waters will remind you of an exotic paradise. 2. The MARMARA Beach

MARMARA is located between Finikas beach and Agios Pavlos. The name “Marmara” means "marbles" and is named after the soft colorful rocks that cover the area. It is a small pebble beach right at the mouth of Aradena Gorge where access is only possible by the gorge itself, by a boat from or Loutro and by the path that extends from to all nearby coves. On the cliff at the edge of the beach you will find a small cafe-tavern with 3 rooms with no electricity but still a perfect accommodation option for holidaymakers looking for peace and quiet and on the coast a few sun beds and umbrellas. The beach remains a small heaven and at its eastern side you will find a few beautiful caves where you can swim from one to another through a small cave tunnel through azul waters and the natural shading of the rocks. 3. The SAMARIA Gorge

The gorge of SAMARIA is 16km long, starting at an altitude of 1250m and taking you all the way down to the shores of the Libyan sea in . The walk through the National Park of Samaria is 13km but you will have to walk the extra 3km to the beach of Agia Roumeli from the exit of the National Park, making it 16km. The very narrow passage near the end of the gorge is often called the "Iron Gates". None of the former inhabitants of Samaria know why the place suddenly got this name. They were always known by the locals as "Portes" which means "doors" or "gates. The gorge of Samaria is situated in the National park of Samaria, in the White Mountains in West Crete. The park is supervised by the Department of Forestry and the gorge is generally open only from the beginning of May to the end of October. • The path is maintained. • There are wardens along the way who will help you in case of trouble or injury. • There is also a doctor stationed in the abandoned village of Samaria. • There are well-maintained springs on the way so that you do not have to carry much water. • There are toilets in several places and plenty of rubbish bins. • The gorge is open only during the day time. What to take with you on this walk? • A water bottle which you can refill on the way. • Sun cream and a hat, especially for the last part of the walk which has very little shade. • Good shoes. These don't have to be hiking boots but you won't be contributing to your enjoyment by wearing tennis shoes or sandals. • Some food. There is no food available inside the National Park. • A jumper for the early morning: it can be cold at 1200m. • A supply of plasters in case of blisters.

What sort of terrain will you encounter? Stones, stones and more stones! The terrain is stony most of the time but it varies. At the beginning the path is paved with uneven stones, then at times it is more like a forest path with some earth. Once you reach the river bed you walk mainly on pebbles (tiring on the sole of the feet).

You also have to cross the river at least a dozen times, sometimes on small wooden bridges but more often by stepping on rocks. These have been placed at strategic intervals but still require some sure-footedness. The only easy path is once you leave the southern end of the National Park: it is flat and there are no stones, no shade either so that the last 3km can be really hot in summertime! How long does it take and how fit do you need to be? A walk of 16km on flat ground should take about 3 hours if you walk at a brisk pace. This is theoretically quite easy in the gorge of Samaria as you are going down most of the time. I have crossed it in 2 hours on days where I was in a hurry. If you do not know the way and if you are not that used to walking on Cretan terrain (even if it is a very good path by Cretan standards) you will need quite a bit longer of walking time. My guess is about 4 hours although some may need a little longer, especially if you take a long time covering the first 2km which are very steep and require a little bit of experience and strong knees to walk at a good pace. Add to this time to rest, to look at the scenery, take photographs and you can count about 6 or 7 hours to cover the entire distance. 4. The KNOSSOS Palace

The archaeological site of KNOSSOS is sited 5 km southeast of the city of Iraklion. There is evidence that this location was inhabited during the neolithic times (6000 B.C.). On the ruins of the neolithic settlement was built the first Minoan palace (1900 B.C.) where the dynasty that King Minos ruled.

It was destroyed in 1700 B.C and a new palace built in its place. The palace covered an area of 22,000sq.m, it was multi-storeyed and had an intricate plan. Due to this fact the Palace is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur. One of the favorite themes for discussion among scholars is the possible causes for the destruction of the Minoan Civilization. Evidence of a violent end through fire and demolition is clear, but the clues to what caused such destruction have been elusive.

Professor Marinatos was the first to suggest in 1939 that the eruption of Thera, along with the associated effects, was the cause for the catastrophe. The theory argues that the earthquakes destroyed the palaces, tsunamis obliterated the fleet and peers of the Minoans, and the volcanic ash of Thera covered the whole island destroying crops and suffocating animals.

Many geologists have argued that the Thera eruption was of a colossal scale, and the effects described by Marinatos were possible. Others have disagreed. Recent data places the bulk of the ash deposits of the volcano to the East caried by the easterly jet streems of the area, with little effect upon the island of Crete. During your visit at Knossos Palace we will provide you a tourist guide who will explain everything about the Minoan civilization in Russian language, and she will be able to answer all your questions… 5. FRANGOKASTELO & FATA MORGANA beach

FRANGOKASTELO is the name of a castle and scattered settlement on the south coast of Crete, about 12 km. east of Chora Sfakion and within the prefecture of Chania. The castle was built by the Venetians in 1371-74 as a garrison to impose order on the rebellious Sfakia region, to deter pirates, and to protect Venetian nobles and their properties. According to local lore, when soldiers and builders arrived on the fertile plain to begin construction of the castle, the local Sfakians, led by six Patsos brothers from the nearby settlement of Patsianos, destroyed every night what the Venetians built during the day. Eventually, the Venetians were forced to bring in additional troops and the Patsos brothers were betrayed, arrested and hanged. On 17 May 1828 a battle was fought at . Hundreds of Sfakiots and Epirotes led by Hatzimichalis Dalianis, a Greek patriot attempting to spread the Greek War of Independence from the mainland to Crete, occupied the castle, but were besieged by the Turks and massacred. However, many of the Turks were then themselves killed by rebel ambushes launched from the local gorges. According to tradition, around the anniversary of the battle each May, shadows of the armed Cretan and Epirote soldiers who lost their lives there seem to march towards the fortress around dawn. These are called Drosoulites, or dew-men, and have been explained as a meteorological phenomenon. After our visit to Frangokastelo Castle, we will visit the Fata Morgana beach with its crystal clear waters! Fata Morgana is a beautiful sandy beach about half mile east from the fort of Frangokastelo. The beach is surrounded by large sand dunes and can be entered via stairs leading down from a nearby parking. At the parking there is also a taverne, where we will enjoy extraordinary traditional Cretan food! 6. The DAMNONI beach

One of the nicest sandy beaches of Crete, DAMNONI is around 35km to the south of the city of Rethimnon. There are of course facilities like umbrellas, sun beds and sea sports and a couple of taverns for drinks and traditional food. Accommodation is also available. Within walking distance to the east there are two smaller beaches nested in small coves. A little farther is the beach of Shinaria which is very popular with the divers! During our visit to Damnoni beach, we can take this small boat and go to other nearby magic small beaches, inaccessible by car or by foot…! Small boat come and go every 30 minutes, so we can stay there as many time as we want, until we feel hunger…! Then we will visit one of the local restaurants… 7. The MILIA Village

Ecotourism, agrotourism, ecology, and respect to humanity and its needs: simplicity, harmony, clean air, warm hospitality, relaxed atmosphere, home- cooking. This is what you will find in MILIA, a small forgotten corner in Western Crete.

Milia is an authentic 17th century mountain settlement which has been transformed into and eco-friendly tourist complex; it seems to have sprouted from the lands of Crete. A glorious location boasting exceptional rugged beauty in the area of Kissamos. Placed among plane trees, chestnut trees, and mountain tops reaching the skies, the area overwhelms visitors with its unique diversity. In 1982, two energetic, eco-minded locals decided to bring Milia back to life. Using private and EU funds, they reconstructed old houses, reintroduced livestock and replanted terraces. Stream water was piped in, solar electric panels were installed and a smooth road has replaced the bumpy track. We will find 14 beautifully restored stone houses with simple bedrooms and bathrooms, a spacious communal dining room, and a warm welcome from gentle Giorgos, tireless Tassos and their hospitable helpers. If you enjoy the simple, slow pleasures of life – home-grown food, country hikes, stunning views – you will never want to leave…! 8. The THERISOS Gorge

The THERISOS Gorge is the nearest gorge to the city of Chania and the only one which can be crossed by car, since it is crossed by a carriageway leading to the gorge from Chania via the suburb of Perivolia. The main portion of the gorge is 6 km long. Through it also flows, at some parts directly besides the street, abrook which supplies the vegetation with water and cares for a very beautiful background not only in springtime. The gorge, even if visited by car, and the beauty of the village of Theriso, built at the foot of the White Mountains at an altitude of 580 m and only 15 km distant from Chania, will remain unforgettable to the visitor. Theriso, an unspectacular yet beautiful place, the farming village of Theriso. Sitting in one of the two or three taverns during the late afternoon hours when the sun disappears behind the high mountains, the intention to the "end of the world" automatically gets coming up. Here you can experience peacefulness. 9. The BALOS Lagoon

Whoever said that heaven does not exist, simply has not come to BALOS yet! The famous lagoon of BALOS is located about 56km northwest of Chania. It is a shallow sandy beach formed between the Cape of and the smallest Tigani cape . BALOS is certainly the most photographed beach in Crete, and very favorite topic of all tourist souvenirs in Greece. It is by no coincidence that even Prince Charles with Diana had come here with their private yacht several years ago.

BALOS is famous for its turquoise waters, the wild natural beauty and wonderful exotic landscape. In summertime, the beach is flooded daily by tourists who arrive mostly by boat from Kissamos.

The few hours of solitude in such a heavenly place , will remain etched in your memory forever The lagoon of BALOS has white sand and exotic white, vivid blue and turquoise waters. The sea is very shallow and warm, ideal destination for young children. In many places the sand has a lovely pink color, derived from millions of broken shells. Beyond the rocks bordering the lagoon, the water is deeper and colder, ideal for spear fishing! The lagoon and the surrounding area are part of the protection program Natura, with rare species of flora and fauna. In caves nest nesting falcons, cormorants and shags . Also in the region are protected reserve the Mediterranean monk seal and turtle “caretta-caretta”. 10. The KEDRODASOS Beach

KEDRODASOS is an amazing beach located 76km southwest of Chania. The beach is filled with cedar trees (the word “Kedrodasos” means “forest of cedars”) and dunes, similar to the tropical beaches of Lebanon. Small cedars belong to the species “Juniperus oxycedrus” and “Juniperus phoenicea”. If you find yourself on the beach, you should remember that trees are very fragile and require your respect! KEDRODASOS covers a large area of approximately 110 acres and is a beautiful place: it is ideal for camping and is one of the most favorite nudist beaches! The beach has white sand and a few rocks. Fortunately, there are no facilities nearby, making this isolated beach one of the last unspoiled paradises in ! Moreover, since the beach is secluded, you must keep it clean and take the trash with you when you leave… 11. The

The Holy Monastery of ARKADI is a historic monastery in Crete. It is located 23 kilometers from the city of and according to tradition it was founded by Emperor Heraklius and rebuilt around the 5th century by the Byzantine Emperor Arcadius, whose name bears his honor. Others say that it was founded by a monk named Arcadius. Ruins of the first monastery are kept today in the northwestern part of the enclosure. In the same area, out of the ARKADI Monastery, on the rim of a canyon, is an octagonal building which houses the bones of its defenders from the year 1866. HISTORY: The Turkish occupation on the island of Crete already counted 250 years when, after continuing uprisings, Cretan revolutionaries began to gather at ARKADI from 3 March 1866 and finally in May numbering 964 souls, 325 men warriors of Crete with their women and children. The Turkish army, consisting of 15.000 regular army and supported by 30 heavy artillery guns, campaigned against the Monastery and started a violent siege. Exhausted and having only a guaranteed captivity as an option, the besieged decided a heroic suicide! They gathered in the gunpowder store and they fired the gunpowder barrels! The outcome was the destruction of the monastery and the death of Greeks and a lot of Turkish invaders. 12. The FALASARNA beach

The beautiful beach of FALASARNA is located 59km west of the city of Chania

This beach is one of the most famous beaches in Greece, which has been awarded in the past as the best beach in Crete and one of the 10 best beaches in Europe.

FALASARNA spans a very wide area and consists essentially of five consecutive beaches, with the two most central being the most favorite. The main beach of FALASARNA is an exotic and wide sandy beach with a length of 1km. This beach receives the most people in the area, but due to its large size always seems empty! There are beach umbrellas and a few bars where you can buy water, coffee, beer and everything else you need. There are also services for water sports and tennis beach volley. The area around FALASARNA is magnificent and has been designated as a protected area Natura. If you have enough time and are looking for something romantic, you can wait for the sunset, which is considered the best in Crete. How could it not be the best, in a majestic landscape and no visual obstacle interposed between the beach and the horizon? If you are lucky during your visit at FALASARNA, you may take part in one of the many beach party organized on the beach…! 13. BOAT-SAFARI

During your visit to Crete, we may arrange a special Boat-Safari, exploring the magnificent unexplored beaches of southern Crete! All of these small beaches can not be approached by car or by foot! The only possible way is by using a boat. We offer the boat and the captain. The only things you must have with you is your good mood, your bikini or beachwear, and your photo camera to shoot the best pictures of your collection! In the next page you can see some of these isolated beaches! ILINGAS beach

GLIKA NERA beach

AGIOS PAVLOS beach 14. The IMBROS Gorge

The IMBROS gorge near Sfakia is located south of Chania. Starting from the small plateau of Imbros village and ends at the village Komitades overlooking the Libyan Sea. The length is approximately 7km and is easy to walk any time of year. The time required is approximately 3 hours. It is a canyon with rock formations, narrow in some passages and wild vegetation with trees literally growing through the stones and rocks! The most beautiful part of the gorge is in the middle of the route where the rocks are so close to each other and the distance separating them is just 2 meters! Remember to keep water with you because in the canyon you will not find water sources such as Samaria. It’s worth visiting the Imbros gorge, since it is one of the most charming and well-known gorges of Crete . The landscape will astonish you! 15. The PREVELI Beach

PREVELI is certainly the most famous beach in southern Crete. In the previous years, this beach was a favorite for hippies! On the banks of the exotic river there is a large colony of palms, which gives the area a sense of the African landscape. The river, forming a large lake 1.5km long before it flows into the sea, has water all year round. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees, and begin to climb up the beautiful canyon . In large swim places formed inside the river, you can make a cool bath. At the exit of the river, there is a sandy beach with pebble bottom and very cool water because of the river. In the eastern part of the beach there is a beautiful rock which reminds you a mast! It is an organized beach with umbrellas, and there are a few restaurants and snack bars. You can also rent a pedal boat on a river ride. This landscape, which is characterized by the finest of Europe seems to be also famous for years! Homo-erectus was here to swim, 130,000 years ago! Archeologists have reported archaeological tools of that distant era, fount inside this gorge!