| Gavalohori is in the north-eastern corner of the Chania region of Crete. Located at the foot of the White Mountains, this is the most pleasant region of Crete. Close to Chania international airport and the ferry port at Souda, easily reachable by direct charter flights in the Summer, or by internal flight or ferry from Athens all year round. An excellent base from which to explore the enormous variety of topography, history, both modern and ancient, Crete will always surprise you. |
||
 |
 |
|
| Gavalohori is a working rural village, still retaining its unique personality. Returning to the village from the cosmopolitan coastal resorts you can relax and absorb the ambiance of Cretan life. Many of the lovely old buildings have been restored, and new life has been breathed in to a village with a long history. Explore the old mill workings, ancient wells, tumbled down houses. Three Roman tombs are hidden away in a field by the windy road up to Vamos. If you find them you will be touched by the past - imagine the view as it was, probably not changed too much in 2000 years. The Folk Museum, much easier to find, chronicles the history of the village, and its former way of life. It is interesting as a renovation project, as well as a record of culture and handicrafts. The local Women’s Co-operative are actively reviving traditional handicrafts, examples of which can be bought in their shop in the village square, which doubles as a street cafe. The village centre has three good tavernas, shops, bakery, souvlaki bar and patisserie. Sometimes live music on Summer evenings | ||
Almirida is our nearest beach resort. Once a small fishing village it is now a lively seaside resort with many delightful tavernas. Windsurfers, catamarans & kayaks can be hired by the hour from a French sailing school. The beach is sandy and shelves gently, making it ideal for small children. There are also plenty of other quiet sandy beaches close by. |
||
 |
 |
 |
Chania The second city in Crete, Chania is a modern commercial city with its roots deep in the past. The old town is an archaeological wonderland with architecturally unique buildings reflecting a history of foreign domination; Venetian, Turkish as well as Cretan. There are two harbours which are packed with restaurants and shops. You can take a boat trip, visit the nautical museum, or just wander around the narrow back streets. The Agora market has fish, meat, bakers and fruit stalls. The Saturday street market is the best place to find produce straight from the fields. |
||
 |
 |
|
 |
Cycling - Crete is one of the best places in the Mediterranean for cycling and walking, especially in the cooler months March-May and September-November. The roads in most parts of the island have improved radically in just the last few years and are now mostly good tarmac. Within half an hour or so you can be in the most beautiful & spectacular Cretan countryside, and have it pretty much to yourself. ADVENTURE BIKES Georgioupolis specialise in the hire of good quality mountain bikes and organised tours of this area. |
|
BirdwatchingThe repetitive "beep" of the Scops owl (left) animates the night. |
 |
|
| Walking/Gorges The famous Samaria gorge is just to the south and there are also many less well-travelled gorges such as Imbros Gorge, which runs parallel to Samaria. The Apokoronas area is wonderful for walking & cycling, especially in the Spring & Autumn. We have written out some circular walks and cycling routes from the houses. You only have to drive a little way inland and you will find enormous expanses of beautiful countryside, remote forest & mountain passes, with villages virtually untouched by the 21st century |
||
