ACTIVITIES

Sightseeing - Excursions - Day Trips - Other activities available nearby

Sightseeing - Excursions

Visit the well known beach of Falassarna (about 45km west of Althea Village, a 45 minute drive). At this beach you will also find windsurfing, and kite surfing. Along the way, visit the 13^th Century Gonia Monastery (just 1km from Kolymbari fishing village).
Visit the lagoon like beach of Elafonisos and stop at the Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa along the way (about a 1 and a half hour drive from Althea Village).
Balos lagoon and Gramvousa islet- a full day trip (take a ferry, available daily, from the port of Kissamos). For further info, have a look at: http://www.gramvousa.com/ (on-line booking is now possible).
Hike the Samaria gorge -This is the well known gorge of Samaria, where thousands of visitors come to Crete and hike this gorge. This is a 15km (mainly downhill) hike - a whole day event. You can do it on your own by use of the local bus service from Chania central bus station or, and this is more convenient for you, by organized tour from Althea Village (ask us while you are staying with us).
Therisso gorge:This is a unique gorge as it is one that you drive through to reach the village of Therisso where there are several tavernas. Continue to explore the traditional villages of Zourva and Meskla - beautifully scenic drive.
The Eleftherios Venizelos tombs:(historical site) are located high above Chania centre and old town (great views) in the direction of Chania airport.
Aptera archaeological site -This small archaeological site (ancient town of the Minoan era) is well worth a visit. From here there are wonderful sea views to the port of Chania (Souda) and the Akrotiri peninsula.
Itzedin Castle: A Turkish castle, built in the 19^th Century. Also known as the Kalami fort.
Lake Kournas -The only freshwater lake in Crete! A good small trip to take with the family to enjoy the wonderful views to the mountains, lake and the sea. Walk around the lake, paddle-boat, feed the ducks and have a snack/lunch at one of several cafes/taverns.
Imbros gorge -A short and easy hike (about 8km) that starts at originates from the last houses of the village and end at Komitades village. A guide is not needed. Once at Komitades village you can take a taxi back to your car (or if you are up to it, hike all the way back).
Visit the centre of Chania as well as the must-see old Venetian harbor and town (about 4km from Althea Village).

Some of the more popular places there are the Naval Museum, the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Museum, the Archaeological museum, the Turkish mosque (which now functions as an arts exhibit hall), the Municipal Art Gallery of Chania, the Jewish Synagogue and Hallidon Street (the most famous street of the old town). For more information, have a look at http://www.chania.gr/en and http://www.xania.net/oldharbor.html (with several photos) and http://www.west-crete.com/

For a helpful map of Chania Centre and the Old Venetian town: http://www.plataniasguide.gr/images/stories/areamaps/hania_townplan.jpg

The nearby coastal village of Platanias is the core centre of tourism, entertainment and night life in Chania. In this coastal village, there are several restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, Go-Karts, children's entertainment venues, mini-golf, trampolines, internet café, mini-markets, supermarkets, pharmacy, ATM, post office, doctor's office, car and bike rental companies, souvenir stores and more.

Within the coastal village of Kato Daratso, you will find; a sandy beach (about 600 meters from Althea Village), supermarkets, mini-markets, bank, ATM, cafes, restaurants, taverns, fast food stores, bakery, beach bars, music bars, petrol stations, a hair dressing salon, yoga centre, taxis, car rental, bike rental, bicycle rental, pharmacy, doctor's office, post office, small shops and more.

Some of the activities available within the village and surrounds are: water sports (such as jet ski, paddle boat, canoe, wind surfing, parasailing, banana boat and boat trips to Thodorou island, cave visits, bird watching, mini-golf and visit small local churches.

The bus station (for busses to Chania centre and prefecture) is on the main coastal road (old National Road) about 150 meters from Althea Village. Tickets can be bought on the bus.

Day Trips
The best way to make the most of your time on Crete is to drive and explore the island. Below are some day trip ideas, which combine several locations making your day eventful and most enjoyable.

Falassarna beach - Elafonisos beach - Monastery of Chrisoskalitissa The two top beaches to visit are Falassarna and Elafonisos. On route you can also visit the Monastery of Chrisoskalitissa. This is a full day trip with approximately an hour and a half drive each way.
Balos lagoon and Gramvousa islet Take a ferry from the nearby port of Kissamos (daily) and spend a day sunbathing and swimming at Balos lagoon and the islet of Gramvousa. Total time on the ferry is 55 minutes. For more information have a look at: http://www.gramvousa.com/
Explore the Akrotiri peninsula: Monastery of Agia Triada - Gouverneto Monastery - Eleftherios Venizelos Graves (historical site) Drive through Chania centre towards the airport. Visit the Monastery of Agia Triada and then the Gouverneto Monastery. On your way back towards Chania stop at the Eleftherios Venizelos Graves - a historical site with wonderful views to the old Venetian harbor of Chania. Also there you will find a choice 3 coffee shops for you to enjoy.
Hora Sfakion - Frangokastello - Plakias - Myrthios - Rethymno. Drive down to Hora Sfakionand either take the ferry to Loutro or Agia Roumeli (see ferry schedules at: http://www.anendyk.gr/pages/en/timetable.php) or continue on from Chora Sfakion for a further 12 kilometers to Frangokastello (see the castle on the beach) and onto the large coastal village of Plakias. From there drive up to the inland village of Myrthios (for a traditional Cretan lunch at any of the taverns with panoramic sea views) and then onto Rethymno. From there you can easily get to the New National Road (heading west to 'Chania') to Kissamos to get back to Althea Village.

Other activities available nearby:

For the below mentioned activities, events and tours, please speak to us at reception. We will happily provide you with more details and make the necessary enquiries and arrangements on your behalf.

Water sports such as jet-ski, surfing, scuba diving, paddle boats, canoe, windsurfing, banana boat and parasailing can be found at nearby beaches.
Activities such as horse riding, hiking and cycling can also be found nearby.
Spend some time at various entertainment venues with go-karts, bowling, children's entertainment venues, parks, and cinemas - all within close distance from Althea Village.
Take a sailing trip with a private skipper. Individually designed routes and duration make this a tailor-made experience.
Naval Week is held annually in July at Souda Bay (the port of Chania) and features exhibitions and events (also tours on a military war ship).
Agricultural August is an event held at the Chania Old Venetian harbor every August. Locals from each village set up kiosks with their local produce. This is a good place to sample and buy Cretan pastries, 'dakos' (the local barley rusks), olive oil, cheese and other dairy products as well as handmade textiles. Several events are held during this festive time and feature Greek and Cretan live music and dancing.
Visit wineries where you can other that viewing the wineries and sampling Cretan wines also participate in wine picking (possible only at certain times of the year. The making of local tsikoudia can also be viewed (usually in September month).
See the sheep shearing (usually April and October months) is a several days event that takes place in nearby small villages.

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