Richtis Gorge

Wanderweg mit Geländer durch die Richtis-Schlucht auf Kreta

The Richtis Gorge: Spontaneous Hiking in Eastern Crete

In September 2025, I spent two days traveling alone in eastern Crete. I had actually planned to visit completely different destinations: Sitia, Vai Beach, and Itanos Beach (which I did end up doing :). The Richtis Gorge wasn’t part of my original plan at all.

I had spent the night in Sitia—at a small, charming hotel—and explored the town a bit. On the second day, I set off again around mid-morning on my way back to Suite Leon in Panormo. I planned to make a stop along the way—either at the beach (Golden Beach in Agios Nikolaos) or at a taverna.

On my way to Agios Nikolaos, I suddenly saw a sign for the Richtis Gorge. And that’s exactly how the best and coolest experiences sometimes happen in Crete: not planned in advance, not organized on a grand scale, but simply taking a spontaneous detour!

As usual, I had my hiking boots and gear in the trunk. These days, when I’m out and about in Crete, I almost always have everything with me. So I drove off, parked, packed my things, and set off.

Brief Information About the Richtis Gorge

Start: Leon Suite

Region: Eastern Crete

Destination: Richtis Gorge

Duration: about 6 hours, including breaks

Difficulty: medium

Children: only if they can walk safely

Admission: Varies depending on the entrance

Highlight: Richtis Waterfall

Best time to visit: spring or fall

A gorge that really surprised me!

The Richtis Gorge turned out to be one of the most beautiful gorges I’ve hiked in Crete so far. Maybe that’s also because it was completely unplanned. “Mentally,” I was actually already on my way back to Panormo—and suddenly I found myself in the middle of one of the greenest and most diverse landscapes in the eastern part of the island.

Unlike many Cretan gorges, Richtis doesn’t seem dry, barren, or rocky. Here, there’s plenty of greenery, shade, water, old trees, narrow paths, rocks, small crossings, and frequent spots where you have to pause for a moment to figure out exactly where the trail continues. That’s exactly what makes this hike so exciting.

The gorge follows the stream down toward the sea. The trail changes constantly: sometimes you walk on dirt, sometimes on rocks, sometimes through dense vegetation, sometimes along the water, or even with the help of a rope guide ;).

The Richtis Waterfall

The most famous highlight of the gorge is the Richtis Waterfall. It’s about 20 meters high and is beautifully nestled among rocks, plants, and trees. Especially in eastern Crete, where you’d often expect rather dry landscapes, it’s already so green 🙂

It’s one of those places where you automatically feel more at peace… You hear the water, feel the humid air, and at first, you just don’t feel like walking any further :).

What I found particularly exciting was seeing little fish in the water there. Details like that make a hike even more special because you realize just how alive this place is! Among the rocks, water, and shade, you keep discovering little things and animals that you wouldn’t expect to see at first glance.

Onward to the Sea and an Unexpected Companion

After the waterfall, we continued toward the end of the gorge; it was supposed to end at the Meet…. There’s something special about the idea of hiking through a green gorge and suddenly finding yourself by the water at the end. You emerge from the shade, from the valley, from this wild natural setting—and finally find yourself by the sea and a freshwater spring.

Down at the beach, I wanted to refill my water bottle and take a break. There, I met a tourist from Germany who was also traveling alone. So my hike, which I’d originally planned to do alone, turned into a joint trip back. It wasn’t exactly quiet, though, because he talked a lot—sometimes maybe even a little too much :). But it had its advantages, too: the walk back felt shorter, we were able to take pictures of each other, and that’s how I ended up with some beautiful photos that I probably wouldn’t have gotten on my own.

Back via Agios Nikolaos to Panormo

After about six hours, I was back at the car. The hike had taken significantly longer than I’d initially thought. But that was actually the best part: I’d taken my time, taken photos, stopped for breaks, and really experienced the gorge. Afterward, I drove on toward Agios Nikolaos. I had actually planned to visit the so-called “Golden Beach of Voulisma,” but by then it had become extremely windy. I did stop briefly at the beach, but then quickly decided on the better option: a taverna right across the street (Panorama Voulisma).

After the long hike, I was really hungry, and I happened to be at just the right tavern for that :). I enjoyed a delicious Greek meal, some peace and quiet, and a moment to reflect on what had turned out to be an unexpectedly intense day of hiking. From there, I finally drove back to Panormo. The drive back took about two more hours. In the evening, after two wonderful days, I arrived back at Suite Leon: Sitia, the beaches to the east, Vai Beach, Itanos Beach, and—as an unplanned highlight—the Richtis Gorge. Looking back, that spontaneous hike was perhaps the best part of the whole trip.

My thoughts on the Richtis Gorge

The Richtis Gorge was one of the most wonderful surprises I’ve had in Crete over the past four years! Lush and varied, adventurous in places, and—with the waterfall and the trail leading all the way down to the sea—truly something special. Precisely because this hike wasn’t planned at all, it has stayed with me as a particularly memorable experience.

From Suite Leon in Panormo, however, the Richtis Gorge is by no means a short trip. If you drive there directly, you should expect the trip to take about three and a half hours. For me, it worked out perfectly since I was already traveling in the eastern part of the island and the gorge was practically on my way back. It’s great as a spontaneous stopover on the way to Sitia, Vai Beach, or Itanos Beach—but if you’re making a special trip from Panormo, I’d recommend combining it with an overnight stay or a longer trip to the east.

July 14, 2026July 15, 2026

Myli Gorge

Blick auf alte Ruinen und Felsen in der Myli-Schlucht

The Myli Gorge near Rethymno

In September 2025, I discovered another beautiful little gorge on Crete: the Myli Gorge, also known as the Valley of the Mills. This time, I wasn’t traveling with my family, but with my friend Sakis, who lives in our village of Panormo and has since become a very good friend.

Sakis let me talk him into going hiking with me :). And the best part about this hike: it was practically right on our doorstep. From Suite Leon in Panormo, it was just under 25 kilometers toward Rethymno. By Cretan standards, that’s really a trip you can take at a leisurely pace in the morning.

No big plan, no long day of hiking, no complicated arrangements. Just set out, enjoy a bit of nature and some good conversation, and see what the trail has in store for us that day.

Brief Information About the Myli Gorge

Start: Suite Leon in Panormo

Travel time: about 25 kilometers toward Rethymno

Destination: Myli Gorge / Valley of the Mills

Duration: about 2.5 hours, including breaks

Difficulty: easy to moderate

Suitable for children: yes, with sturdy shoes

Entry Fee: free

Highlights: Old water mills, a stream, and a tavern surrounded by greenery

Best time: spring, fall, or a morning that isn’t too hot

From Panormo to the Myli Gorge

We set out from Panormo in the morning and arrived at the gorge around 10:00–10:30. The Myli Gorge is located near Rethymno and is significantly smaller and easier to reach than the large, well-known gorges of Crete. But that’s exactly what makes it so charming.

The gorge is more of a hike for people who want to experience Crete away from the beaches: green, quiet, shady, with water, ancient walls, and little surprises along the way!!

We entered the gorge from the valley side. Although it’s actually recommended to start from the upper mountain side and hike downhill, we didn’t follow that advice ;).

The Start: Forest, Stream, and Lots of Greenery

At the start, we walked through a beautiful, shady area with lots of greenery. That was especially pleasant in September, because even though the hottest days of summer are slowly coming to an end, it can still be warm in Crete.

The trail led us through the forest and past a small stream, deeper and deeper into the gorge’s unique atmosphere. The Myli Gorge feels completely different from the Samaria or Imbros Gorges. It’s not as massive, not quite as dramatic, and not as barren—there’s a lot going on here! It’s much greener, smaller, quieter, and somehow more “enchanted.”

You can hear water, see old walls among the plants, walk along narrow paths, and keep getting the feeling that this place was once truly alive.

The Valley of the Mills

The name Myli means “mills,” and that’s exactly what this gorge is all about. In the past, there were numerous water mills here, powered by the stream. Today, you can still see many remnants of these old mills—walls, canals, and buildings. Some areas have been restored, while others have been partially reclaimed by nature.

That’s what makes the hike so varied. You’re not just walking through a gorge—you’re walking through a piece of Cretan history! Everywhere you look, you discover little details: old stones, streams, abandoned buildings, overgrown paths, and, time and again, beautiful photo opportunities that we both took advantage of.

The Myli Gorge isn’t the kind of gorge that overwhelms you with its size. Instead, it captivates you quietly… with its atmosphere, shade, water, and the feeling of walking through a forgotten valley.

Cats, a tavern, and a break surrounded by greenery

Of course, it wouldn’t be a real trip to Crete if we hadn’t come across some cats. In the Myli Gorge, we saw several of them, including a particularly beautiful black cat that we even ran into twice. For me, little encounters like these are just part of the experience in Crete and make a hike even more personal.

Toward the end of our tour—at least if you start from the valley side—we came to a small tavern surrounded by greenery. It’s located right along the trail and is beautifully nestled in nature. We found it particularly charming that the food is lowered from the road using a rope winch. The selection wasn’t huge, but it was more than enough: a few simple dishes, a refreshing drink, a beer, maybe a raki, some shade, and the satisfying feeling of having just experienced a truly wonderful morning in Crete.

On the Road with Sakis

It was especially nice for me to go on this hike with Sakis. We’ve known each other since January 2022 from Panormo, and over time, it’s turned into a real friendship—and spending time with him is always a pleasure.

We’ve already shared quite a few experiences together: working on the house, evenings in taverns, conversations in Panormo, and even nights in Rethymno that didn’t end until the early morning hours. It’s exactly people like these who make Crete so special to me.

During the hike, we had wonderful conversations, walked at a leisurely pace, and stopped every now and then. A simple hike suddenly becomes a memory when you have good conversations, laugh, pause, and don’t rush the moment. That’s exactly how a morning in Crete should feel.

Conclusion on the Myli Gorge

The Myli Gorge isn’t a long, strenuous day hike. It’s more of a short nature and history experience near Rethymno. That’s exactly what makes it so worth visiting.

For guests staying at Suite Leon in Panormo, this is an ideal half-day excursion. It’s not far to drive; you’ll quickly find yourself in a completely different landscape and experience a quiet, green, and very unspoiled side of Crete.

If you like old water mills, narrow paths, shady natural surroundings, cats, and a tavern nestled in the countryside, you’ll most likely love the Myli Gorge.

Our tip: Don’t rush. The trail isn’t long, but it’s the little moments that make it special. Stop, look around, take photos, listen to the water, discover the old mills, and stop for a bite to eat at the tavern at the end. That’s exactly what this hike is perfect for.

July 14, 2026July 15, 2026

Imbros Gorge

Leon berührt mit Händen und Füßen die engen Wände der Imbros-Schlucht

Our trip to the Imbros Gorge on Crete

In April 2025, we took a wonderful family trip to the Imbros Gorge. This time, there were just the three of us: my wife Sabrina, our son Leon, and me. We set out early in the morning from our little vacation home, Suite Leon, in Panormo, heading west.

Even the drive there was part of the experience. From Panormo, we first drove west along the main highway. After a while, we turned left toward the south, into the Cretan mountain landscape. The road became quieter and the landscape more unspoiled—and at some point, we stopped for a short break at a small, charming café (Fredo Cappuccino;)). These are exactly the kinds of moments we love most about Crete: You’re out and about, with no set plans, but suddenly you find yourself sitting somewhere surrounded by mountains, coffee, and sunshine—and you realize once again why this island is so special and why we embarked on this adventure four years ago!

Brief Information About the Imbros Gorge

Start: Suite Leon in Panormo

Travel time: about 1.5 hours

Destination: Imbros Village

Length: approx. 8 km

Difficulty: easy to moderate

Suitable for children: yes, with sturdy shoes

Admission: 4 euros per person (free for children 12 and under)

Highlight: Iron Gate

Best time: Spring or early morning in the summer

From Panormo to the Imbros Gorge

The drive from Suite Leon in Panormo to the Imbros Gorge took about an hour and a half. This makes the gorge a great option for a day trip without having to leave extremely early or plan an overnight stay.

Our destination was the small mountain village of Imbros! As soon as we arrived, we saw the sign marking the entrance to the gorge, parked our car, and bought our tickets. Admission was 4 euros per person during our visit. Then, without much preparation, we headed straight into the gorge.

The first part of the hike took us along narrow, rocky paths through a beautiful natural landscape. The weather was wonderful—and surprisingly warm for April. Still, it was very pleasant because the gorge provided plenty of shade, and the trail isn’t as extremely challenging as, for example, the Samaria Gorge.

The Start of the Hike

The first part of the hike took us along narrow, rocky paths through a beautiful natural landscape. The weather was great—and surprisingly warm for April. Still, it was very pleasant because the gorge offers plenty of shade, and the route isn’t as extremely challenging as, for example, the Samaria Gorge, which we’ve hiked twice.

The Imbros Gorge is about eight kilometers long and is considered one of the easier gorge hikes on Crete. It was just right for my son Leon: long enough to really feel like a proper hike, but not so strenuous that it became a burden for him. Leon had a lot of fun, and we took little breaks along the way.

The gorge is constantly changing: at times it’s wider and more open, and at other times it’s narrower, rockier, and more dramatic. That’s exactly what makes this hike so varied.

The “Iron Gate”!

A particular highlight for us was the so-called “Iron Gate.”

At this point, the gorge’s rock walls close in very closely and rise steeply to the left and right.

For Leon, that was the most exciting moment of the hike. He was able to stand right between the gorge walls and stretch out—so that he could touch both sides with his feet and hands. Little things like that stick in your memory, and often much more vividly than the major sights….

For us, it was one of those really wonderful family moments: nature, nice weather, no rush, and a son who was clearly enjoying the hike 🙂

A Cool Alternative to the Samaria Gorge

The Imbros Gorge is often referred to as the “little sister” of the Samaria Gorge. That’s a pretty good description. It’s shorter, easier to organize, and less strenuous. So if you’d like to go on a beautiful gorge hike in Crete but don’t want to plan a very long and physically demanding day in the Samaria Gorge, this is a great alternative.

In our opinion, the Imbros Gorge is highly recommended, especially for families. You’ll still (!) need sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and sure footing—but then the hike is quite manageable. It was already quite warm when we were there in April, so we’d recommend starting in the morning if possible, rather than in the blazing midday sun!

Return and Dinner at the Tavern

We were out and about until the afternoon. After that, we returned to our starting point, which was also the entrance to the gorge. There, we stopped at a nice tavern (right at the entrance to the gorge) and had something to eat. After the hike, the fresh air, and all the new experiences, a meal like that always tastes especially good in Crete, of course!

There wasn’t really anything annoying about this trip. The drive there was full of beautiful views, the hike was pleasant, the weather was wonderful, and we were in a great mood :).

January 26, 2026February 15, 2026

Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge: a race against time in the heart of Crete

Crete is full of surprises, and our trip to the Samaria Gorge last year was definitely one of the most intense moments of our trip. It was a day full of awe for nature, “relaxed” calves and pure relief when we reached the sea after hours. A real adventure on our own, without much tourist company, just with my older brother and my godchild!

A leisurely start with obstacles

We had actually planned everything pretty precisely, but as is often the case on vacations, things turn out differently sometimes:). We took things a bit more easygoing that morning, and our departure for the Omalos plateau ended up later than planned.

Unfortunately, my wife Sabrina and my son Leon couldn’t be there due to a minor illness, and my sister also had to miss out because of her young daughter. So the three of us finally set off: My brother, my brother’s daughter and me. We started at the Xyloskalo entrance at around 1 p.m. – a very late start for one of the longest gorges in Europe! (Lessons learned ;))

4.5 hours through a legendary landscape

The descent down the famous stone steps was just the beginning of a four-and-a-half-hour hike through a world of rock and water.

The descent: The trail descends steeply over countless hairpin bends into the heart of the Samaria Gorge. Here you hike through forests of ancient cypress trees, while the peaks of the massif tower majestically over you at over 600 meters high. Every step on the wooden or stone steps offers new, spectacular views into the depths.
Waterways: After the steep passages, we hiked past crystal-clear streams that radiate a wonderful freshness even in summer. The path led us through green valleys and over small wooden bridges, while the scent of pine trees lingered in the air and the massive rock faces rose ever higher.
Pure nature: My godchild was fascinated by the wild scenery and the rare Kri-Kri goats on the slopes. Especially at the “Iron Gate”, where the gorge is only four meters wide, you feel tiny between the vertical rocks and are in awe of the power of nature.

The final spurt: the race against the ferry

As we had only started at the Xyloskalo entrance around midday, the time window became tighter and tighter with every kilometer in the gorge. The pressure on our necks grew with every meter, because we knew that the only ferry in Agia Roumeli leaves the port on time at 5:30 pm. There is no alternative in this remote place in the south of Crete – if you miss the ferry, you’re out of luck – or you can take a room and stay overnight there.

The last two kilometers therefore put us to a real test. To make sure we could still buy our tickets at the ticket office in time, we almost ran the last stretch to the sea, me and my brother’s daughter neck and neck. It was a battle against the clock, but we made it! We reached our destination shortly before half past five, completely out of breath but happy. An absolute precision landing!

However, we have learned one thing from this day: Next time we will probably take a more relaxed approach and stay in a hotel right down in Agia Roumeli for one night. Then we can enjoy the spectacular nature of the gorge without any time pressure and end the day comfortably by the sea instead of constantly looking at the clock. And, another plus, we can still go swimming in the sea.

Reward on the Libyan Sea

On the ferry, all the tension fell away from us. We treated ourselves to a little refreshment on the ferry and enjoyed the view of the coast as the ship took us to Sougia. From there, we came full circle: we took the bus back up the winding road to the parking lot in Omalos, where our car was waiting.

The day ended with a two-hour drive back to Panormos. We were tired, our legs were heavy, but we were full of this incredible experience. A day that we mastered as a family and on our own and will certainly never forget.

Tip for imitators: The Samaria Gorge is also very doable without a tour company, but don’t underestimate the time – especially if you have to catch the only ferry at 5:30 pm – or consider to take a hotel room and return back to your hotel or vacation home the next day.

July 17, 2025January 31, 2026

Excursion to Rethymno

Walking through the charming narrow alleys of Rethymno Old Town, an essential excursion for guests staying at Suite Leon Panormos

Rethymno: A day trip full of charm and lost alleyways

Crete is an island that inspires with its diversity, and sometimes it’s the spontaneous day trips that create the best memories. Last week, my wife Sabrina, our 11-year-old son Leon and I decided to turn our backs on our cozy little house “Suite Leon” in Panormos for a day and head to Rethymno – a decision that we have not regretted for a second, even though we have visited the city many times before. Rethymno simply reveals a special magic to us every time.

We set off from Panormos in our rental car at 8:30 a.m. on the dot, looking forward to a familiar but always new place. The drive along the coast was a pleasure in itself, but Rethymno itself exceeded our expectations once again. And it’s always a highlight, my wife’s favorite place to cruise when we leave Rethymno :).

The character of a city that enchants

Rethymno is different. It is not the spick and span tourist center that you sometimes find. Instead, it welcomes you with a wonderful mix of Venetian elegance and Ottoman heritage, which is reflected in every alley and building. The city has an unmistakable, authentic character & there are plenty of ice cream parlors for Leon:). You can even feel the history in the old stones, hear the lively bustle of the locals and smell the aromas of Cretan cuisine. It’s this familiar, yet always new atmosphere that keeps us coming back here every time we visit Suite Leon

What makes Rethymno so special is its liveliness paired with a pleasant deceleration. It is a city that invites you to stroll around, discover small details and linger in charming cafés, even if my wife doesn’t drink coffee, the freshly squeezed orange juice is also great;). You come across historical elements everywhere, be it an old fountain, an ornate wooden window or a small inner courtyard that invites you to linger.

Getting lost as part of the adventure

And yes, we actually got lost. Not once, but several times, which is typical for us! The small, winding streets of the old town are a labyrinth of cobblestones, colorful stores and small taverns. But this “getting lost” was not a nuisance, but part of the attraction. It led us to hidden places, unexpected views and the feeling of really immersing ourselves in local life. Every time we thought we’d got our bearings, a new alleyway would pop up, luring us in a different direction – and we were only too happy to take it. For Leon in particular, it was a bit of an adventure to explore the next corner, including lots of ice cream! And even after so many visits, there is always something new to discover in Rethymno’s old town.

Historical highlights: Harbor, lighthouse and Fortezza

One of the absolute highlights that we always like to visit is the Venetian harbor with its striking lighthouse. The panorama there is simply breathtaking and invites you to linger. Another must-see for us is the Fortezza, the impressive fortress above the city. From the Kastro there is an incomparable panorama of the city, which is fascinating every time you visit and provides a wonderful overview of Rethymno.

Lunch and afternoon relaxation

After wandering through the alleyways and exploring the historic sites, we were hungry. We found a small, unassuming restaurant that immediately captivated us with its authentic atmosphere and delicious dishes. A simple but irresistible Greek salad, fresh fish, chips for Leon and the obligatory raki – this is what Crete tastes like! Lunch was the perfect time to observe the hustle and bustle of the city from the outside.

The afternoon then belonged to the large public beach in Rethymno. After the many steps through the old town, cooling off in the sea and relaxing in the sun was just what we needed. The beach is extensive and well-maintained, and we enjoyed the opportunity to simply drift along and relax before slowly making our way home.

Farewell and anticipation of a reunion

We set off on our return journey to Panormos at around 5 p.m., filled with the impressions of this wonderful day. And of course we couldn’t miss out on the perfect souvenirs: We took delicious raki and the fantastic Cretan olive oil back home for our families. As always, Rethymno completely won us over with its unique character, charming alleyways and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a city that you don’t just visit once, but want to discover again and again. And although it wasn’t new territory for us, this trip confirmed once again why Rethymno is a real Cretan gem for us that we love to visit again and again.

July 16, 2025January 31, 2026

Tour to the west

The famous pink sands and crystal clear waters of Elafonisi Beach, a breathtaking full-day excursion for guests staying at Suite Leon in Panormos, Crete

Western Crete: A journey to turquoise dreams and Venetian charm

Crete is an island that invites you to dream, and my recent trip to the west definitely made those dreams come true. It was a trip full of unforgettable moments, breathtaking landscapes, wild goats and the sheer joy of exploring.

A morning in pink: Elafonisi at dawn

My adventure started early – very early. At 7 a.m., I set off from Suite Leon in Panormos in a south-westerly direction. The destination: Elafonisi. I had heard so much about the pink beach and I wanted to experience it in its full glory before the crowds arrived. The drive through the awakening landscape was an experience in itself. I stopped off at 2 cafés and enjoyed my Fredo cappuccino.

When I arrived, it was exactly as I had hoped: the light was soft, the water glowed in countless shades of turquoise and the beach actually shimmered a delicate pink. Incidentally, the pink hue comes from the countless tiny fragments of shells mixed in with the white sand.

The tranquillity in the morning was magical. I spent two wonderful hours exploring the unique lagoon, wading through the ankle-high, warm water and simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. It was the perfect start to the day and a memory I won’t soon forget.

Pure relaxation: Falasarna in the afternoon

After enjoying the beauty of Elafonisi to the full, I moved on to the west coast, more precisely to Falasarna. This vast sandy beach is known for its size, clear water and spectacular sunsets. I arrived at lunchtime and spent a relaxing three hours on the beach. The sea was refreshing, the sand soft and warm – ideal for relaxing and enjoying the Greek sun. The wind was also playing tricks on me, it felt like my parasol flew off 5 times 🙂

In the evening I checked into the Hotel Balos Beach in Falasarna. A cozy place that was perfect for reviewing the day’s experiences and preparing for the next adventures.

The jewel of the west: Balos Lagoon

The next day was dedicated to one of the absolute highlights of Crete: the Balos Lagoon. It was only a stone’s throw from the hotel in Falasarna to the starting point. The journey there and the subsequent descent to the lagoon are an adventure in themselves, but every step is worth it.

As the lagoon spread out beneath me, my breath caught in my throat. The panorama is simply indescribable: a symphony of turquoise, azure blue and emerald green hues, surrounded by wild nature and a small island. It’s like stepping into a postcard. I spent 2 hours splashing in the shallow, warm water, admiring the unique landscape and taking photos that can never capture the true beauty of this place. Also check out the goat photos below this paragraph:). Balos is definitely a must for every visitor to Crete!

The famous sands and crystal clear waters of Balos Beach, a breathtaking full-day excursion for guests staying at Suite Leon in Panormos, Crete

Venetian charm at the end: Chania

Before heading back to Panormos, a visit to Chania was on the agenda, where I have spent time with Leon, Sabrina and my parents-in-law on several occasions. This charming town in the west of Crete is a real gem. The Venetian harbor with its striking lighthouse is simply picturesque and invites you to take long walks. I got lost (in a good way!) in the narrow streets of the old town, discovering hidden squares, small boutiques and cozy tavernas. Chania exudes a very special atmosphere, a mixture of history, culture and lively Greek everyday life. It was the perfect end to a trip full of unforgettable impressions.

The historic Venetian Lighthouse in Chania harbor, a scenic day trip destination for guests staying at Suite Leon in Panormo, Crete

After so many new impressions and experiences, I started my journey home to Suite Leon in Panormos, filled with the beauty and hospitality of western Crete. It was a trip that exceeded my expectations and left me with many wonderful memories.

September 2, 2022January 31, 2026

Vacation Tips on Crete

Aquaworld Aquarium in Hersonissos

The most famous animal here is the “Blind Green Turtle Stephanie” which got rescued from animal right activists in 1997. With an age of one year and has been sent after request to this very Rescue Center in Hersonissou by 2000. Stephanie has been living there ever since, for 21 years now. The Animal is fed by hand every day as of 1999 at 10:30am by its owner. The owner, an old Scottish man, is in fear that after his passing away there will be nobody there to take care of the animal. These turtles can turn 120 years and more.

On the above photo to the right you can see an octopus which unscrewed the glass himself to get the food. We were speechless how intelligent these animals obviously seem to be.

And in the Second Picture John (The Scottish owner) is feeding the blind turtle Stephanie.

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaworld_Aquarium

John at Aquaworld Aquarium feeding Stephanie the blind sea turtle, a heartwarming day trip for guests staying at Suite Leon in Panormo, Crete

The Carves of Matala

We spent the whole Day in our Vacation in October 2021 in Matala with visiting the Caves Of Matala. Afterwards we explored the Village. Matala is also known as the “Hippie Dorf” since there have been a lot of Hippies. these Hippies have also been living in the Craves, in the 60s & also in the 70s. Matala is best reachable by a rental car. The place is located in the South of the Island. The ride was about 40 kilometers from Suite Leon. Our son and we enjoyed the village with all its small local shops, ice cream shops and other locations. It is just great.

The beach is fairly long and wide but tends to get very crowded in July and August. Matala is indeed one of the most popular destinations on the island. Keep that in mind to avoid any unexpected frustration.

There are dozens of restaurants, bars, and taverns by the sea. All of them used to be super convenient. In the last years, though, the village has become very popular and more tourists visit each year.

The historic Roman caves in the cliffs of Matala Bay, a unique southern Crete excursion for guests staying at Suite Leon in Panormo

Agios Nikolaos and the “Golden Beach”

This town is located in the east of the Island and also known as “St. Tropez” of Greece/Crete. We approached the City by Car during our Vactation in 2022. The destination is roughly 100 kilometers away from Suite Leon. You do have a lot of opportunities over there, like shopping or enjoying local food. Or you can just enjoy this very clean city, especially at the marina and the port. Many various and diverse possibilities exist to move around.

The Second part of the day we did spend on a wonderful beach near Agios Nikolaos, called the “Golden Beach” Voulisma Beach (aka Golden Beach). This was a wonderful beach with deep blue waters and an absolutely well-kept environment. You have to pay, of course only if you want, for the Beach Chairs and Loungers (10 € per Day). You also have a very nice beach bar with delicious local food.

Exploring the beautiful city of Agios Nikolaos, often called the St. Tropez of Crete, a stunning day trip for guests staying at Suite Leon in Panormo

Plateaus Lassithi of Crete

At an altitude of 850 m, the Lasithi Plateau is the largest mountain plain in Crete. It the only one occupied all year-round. It runs some 11 km east-west and 6 km north-south. Surrounding it are the peaks Selena (1559 m) at the north, Afendi (1588 m) and Louloudaki (1163 m) west, Spathi (2148 m) to the south and Katharo (1564 m) and Varsami (1545 m) to the east. Animal-rearing and agriculture were the main occupations in the past.

Today this Plateaus has also been transformed into a giant garden. Up until a few years ago, irrigation was managed by thousands of small windmills (the most of them are still there). In a way, it was a massive wind-farm, in its traditional form used to pump water, not produce electricity. The presence of human settlements in this area goes back thousands of years. We also did visit the Zeus cave, above Psychro, is where – according to Greek legends – Zeus was raised.

The Drainage Channels

Another attraction we could observe in Juzly 2022 of the plateau have been the linear drainage channels that were opened by the Venetians long time ago to transport water across the plateau. Indeed, when the Venetians conquered Crete, they turned Lassithi into the largest “garden” of Crete, which still supplies Crete with excellent quality potatoes and vegetables. On a walk at any point of the plateau, you will find lines, the. long ditches carrying water

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lasithi_Plateau

Samaria Gorge

The gorge of Samaria is the most famous gorge of Crete and one of the greatest in Europe. It has been declared a National Park since 1962 and more than 300.000 people visit it every year. They admire it’s unique beauty and variety of sceneries. It is home to the endangered species Kri-Kri, a wild goat that can only be found in Crete and almost 450 species of the Cretan flora. 70 of which can only be found in this gorge. The length of the gorge is 16km but hiking from one side of the National Park to the other is 18km and it will take you 6 to 8 hours to cross.

The Samaria National Park has traditionally always opened to the public at the beginning of May. It has often been possible to enter the gorge of Samaria at some point in April. This depends on the weather and the amount of work needed to restore the path after the winter rains.
So the opening dates of the gorge vary. It could open a little before the 1st of May, on the 1st of May or later (if the weather is bad or repair work is late). The gorge of Samaria closes to the public at the end of October.

The complete guide to the gorge of Samaria