Discovering the Authentic South of Crete

Detailed Itinerary

• Spili village

  Spili is a picturesque village the main square of the village boasts a charming stone fountain called Kefalovrisi. It’s adorned with a row of 25 stone-carved lion heads, out of which crystal-clear water flows. Around the fountain, you will find a few lovely shops selling handmade goods, cafes, and traditional taverns serving exquisite Cretan dishes and spirits.

  1 hours

• Kourtaliotis Gorge

  Kourtaliotis Gorge is one of the most stunning natural wonders of Crete, Greece. Spectacular Scenery: The gorge is famous for its towering cliffs, reaching up to 600 meters, and its dramatic, narrow passages. The wild, rocky landscape is carved by the Kourtaliotis River (also known as the Great River). The "Kourtala" Sound: The gorge gets its name from a natural phenomenon the word "kourtala" refers to clapping sounds or "clicks" you can hear as strong winds pass through the caves and holes in the rocks. St. Nicholas Chapel: Along the gorge, there is a small, picturesque chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos), tucked into the cliffs, adding a spiritual atmosphere to the hike. Waterfalls and Wildlife: Inside the gorge, you'll find beautiful waterfalls and a thriving ecosystem. It’s home to birds like the rare Lammergeier vulture

  1 hours

• Preveli Monastery

  There are strong indications that the first core of the Monastery was organized in the area of the Monastery of Saint John the Baptist or Kato Monastiri (the lower monastery), during the II Byzantine period of Crete, around the 10th or the beginning of the 11th century, when many monasteries were established on the south coast of Crete.

  1 hours

• Kalypso Beach

  This isn’t a wide sandy beach — it's a narrow inlet surrounded by dramatic cliffs, creating a natural "swimming pool" carved out of the rock. The sea here is deep, vibrant blue, and wonderfully clear — perfect for snorkeling and diving. Kalypso was once known as a pirate's hideout centuries ago, and you can almost feel the mystery lingering in the air. Today, there’s a small resort above the cove offering easy access, loungers, and even diving excursions for those who want to explore underwater caves and marine life. Kalypso feels intimate and wild at the same time a place for adventure and tranquility alike.

  2 hours

• Damnoni beach

  As we drive along the winding coastal road, you'll see Daimoni Beach unfold before you a long stretch of soft, golden sand embraced by turquoise waters. The sea here is incredibly clear, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Behind us, you might notice the rocky hills it gives Daimoni a natural, protected feeling. It’s a great balance: organised enough for comfort, yet untouched enough to still feel very "Cretan." Daimoni is a bit more developed than some hidden beaches, but it never feels crowded. You'll find a few cosy tavernas along the shore offering fresh seafood and traditional dishes, and there are spots where you can rent a sunbed if you like, or simply lay your towel down closer to the wilder edges of the beach.

  2 hours

• Plakias village

  Plakias stretches along a wide, crescent-shaped bay with clear, shimmering waters and a long sandy beach — one of the largest in southern Crete. Behind the village, dramatic hills rise sharply, dotted with olive groves and old stone houses. The landscape feels open and wild, and the sunsets here are absolutely unforgettable, with the sky blazing in pinks and golds over the sea. The vibe? Relaxed, welcoming, unpretentious. Plakias has a way of slowing you down — encouraging you to savor every moment, every swim, every bite of fresh seafood.

  1 hours