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GOUVES CRETE
Gouves is a sizable region that encompasses some smaller villages, such as the well-known resort community of Kato Gouves (located in lower Gouves) and the traditional village of Pano Gouves (located in upper Gouves), which is nestled into the side of the diminutive Mt. Ederi, which is only a little over 300 meters high but offers breathtaking views.
The name Gouves comes from the word "gouva," which means a hole in the ground.
Typically, when people refer to the hamlet of Gouves, they mean the one by the sea at the bottom or Kato Gouves. The primary audience for Kato Gouves is visitors. The Old National Road, which connects Heraklion and Chersonissos, leads to the settlement. You could alternatively travel along the New National Road and exit at Gouves (indicated with a sign). You will take the old path into the village for the final few miles.
Kato Gouves
The large beach resort Kato Gouves has a variety of hotels and residences. The Gouves main road, which does not seem particularly Greek, is where all the eateries and bars are concentrated. This resort caters to tourists as usual.
Ano Gouves
A charming little village called Ano Gouves is located above Kato Gouves. Translations of Ano Gouves and Kato Gouves are "higher gouves" and "lower gouves," respectively. This quaint village is worth seeing because it has a lovely church and is surrounded by year-round, modest Greek taverns. You may still experience Ano Gouves' typical Greek atmosphere.
Beaches at Gouves
Gouves means "beach life." The sea is sandy and shallow along the entire Gouves coast, making it perfect for family vacations because it is especially safe for kids to enjoy themselves. Umbrellas and sun loungers are on all the flat, sandy beaches. The beach has a lot of little harbours, marinas, and piers that shield swimmers from the chilly north winds.
Gouves is a fantastic location to try out different water sports. Discover the nearby Gournes, Kokkini Hani, and Analipsi to uncover other fantastic beaches.
Family-friendly Kokkini Hani is a well-liked option with all the amenities and services. In addition to having water sports equipment and being family-friendly, Gournes Beach is sandy. Located around 4 kilometres east of Gouves, Analipsi is a family-friendly, well-maintained sandy beach with access to water activities.
Numerous top-notch beaches in Gouves throughout the coastline may accommodate any preference. While some of the rocky locations provide seclusion, the larger, sandy beaches have all the conveniences for swimming, including beach chairs, umbrellas, and calm waters owing to wave-breakers.
While Astir beach is regarded as one of the best in the area, the beach in front of the Marina Hotel is vast and highly crowded.
Every square inch of the sand on the popular beaches close to Gouves' centre is dotted with umbrellas. For five euros daily, chairs and umbrellas are available on the beaches. Visit the municipal beach to the east for more affordable rates of €4.
As you approach the small church, the coast turns rocky or pebbly as you travel west. Beyond that, there are some lovely small sandy beaches.
All the beaches are often fairly crowded unless you get up early and visit before 10 a.m., in which case you will be by yourself. There are no people because Gouves was mostly photographed around 8 a.m.
Also, remember that Gouves' beaches face north, making the sea choppy during the summer northwesterly. Visit the small beach in the harbour west of the marina if you wish to swim in calm water.
Places Τo visit In Gouves
A diving centre and facilities for water sports like water skiing, canoeing, and parachuting are available. The tiny littoral church of Agios Konstantinos and Agia Eleni, which is situated in the spinney with the pines, is another place you can go. The mountain of Ederi should be one of your top destinations. You will observe the large "ears" of the radars, which have been abandoned for many years, in addition to the breathtaking perspective. For this reason, locals refer to it as "the Mountain of Mickey Mouse."
During your tour to Gouves Heraklion, you should pay a visit to the historic towns of Pano Gouves with its tiny chapels, traditional cafés and taverns, and rebuilt traditional buildings, as well as Skotino village with its well-known cave.
Pano Gouves
It is easy to access. Ano Gouves, or Epano Gouves, a traditional village, and Kato Gouves, a well-known coastal resort, are both located in the vast region of Gouves. Epano Gouves is a charming traditional village two kilometres from Kato Gouves and 18 kilometres east of Heraklion. At the height of slightly over 300 meters, the town is situated near Mount Ederi and offers a stunning view. Agriculture and tourism are the two primary industries in the area. Vegetables, vines, and olives are grown on the Kato Gouves plain; as a result, wine and oil are produced there. The village is known for its peaceful and gorgeous ambience, and when combined with its churches and, of course, the warm welcome of the locals, it makes for an incredible vacation spot. The 18th-century churches of Agios Ioannis and Agios Georgios still exist in the area and have significant murals. Traditional cafes can be found in the village's central square, surrounded by enormous eucalyptus and myrtle trees. The village's monument serves as a shining reminder of its history and role in the liberation movement against German occupation in 1940. On the monument, the names of the warriors who died are mentioned. The visitor will get the opportunity to observe historical, traditional homes that have been renovated in the village's winding lanes.
Creta Aquarium
It is impossible to adequately convey the magic of the bottom and the experience of diving into the Mediterranean's sea world, which is both familiar and foreign. A must-see location, particularly if you travel with children.
Dinosauria
Dinosauria Park was conceptualized in 2013 and first housed in GOURNES K, which is situated within the former American base. A total of 30 different dinosaur species from across the Mesozoic era were present, along with other ancient creatures.
After extensive work to be found in their natural environment and to "revive," the exhibits were moved to their own space in 2014! New species and areas, including the dinosaur general hospital, where young and elderly dinosaur lovers may observe a dinosaur hatch and start their life in the park, have been introduced to the enormous family of dinosaurs. Everyone reverts to childhood in the region designated for creative endeavours, searching the tidal area for as many dinosaurs as possible and engaging in a variety of "dinosaur games" created in space. Visitors have the option of viewing themed movies that have been released in 5D and 7D theatres.
Gouves' Folklore Museum, The "Folklore Museum of Gouves", is situated on Kato Gouves' main commercial strip. It features a sizable collection of authentic artefacts and images that shed light on the activities and occasions that affected the people of Gouves and Crete in the previous century. See the actual relics of our forefathers and learn more about the background of this stunning location.
Mountain Ederi
Drive to Mount Ederi for the breathtaking view. Although the route is paved, it is steep.
Aposelemis gorge
The Aposelemis Gorge, close to Chersonissos, is one of Eastern Crete's most significant gorges. The Aposelemis river, which originates on the Lasithi Plateau and empties into the sea between Analipsis and Kato Gouves in the Municipality of Chersonissos, flows along the bottom of the gorge. One of the few Arabic words remaining in Crete is Aposelemis (Abou Selim). It was most likely the name of an Arab actor who had a role in the area during the Arab occupation. It is a small yet striking gorge set in a lovely setting of unspoiled nature and thick flora. The Aposelemis Gorge begins in the vicinity of Agio Pnevma (Holy Spirit) at Xerokamares on the Chersonissos-Kastelli provincial road. It extends all the way to the height of the settlement of Agriana in the Analipsis region. It measures 4 kilometres in length and travels from south to north. Visitors can view the impressive remnants of the old aqueduct that once brought water to Chersonissos in Xerokamares.
Gournes
After Kokkini Hani and before Gouves in the Municipality of Hersonissos, Gournes is situated 15 kilometres east of Heraklion. It is located 20 meters above sea level on the major route to Agios Nikolaos. The people who live in the Gournes region work primarily in agriculture because it is situated on a sizable fertile plain. Olive oil, wine, raisins, and vegetables are all produced in this area. Small hotels, flats, rooms-for-rent, and contemporary tourist companies abound in the region. There are several locations in the lovely Gournes region where one can go and enjoy the cuisine, coffee, raki, cocktails, or whatever else they want while simultaneously having a good time and fun. There are many little organized sand beaches with pristine seas along the beach's road that lifeguards man.
Kokkini Chani near Heraklion.
A beach resort called Kokkini Chani, a part of the Hersonissos Municipality, is located 14 kilometres east of Heraklion. The main occupations of the locals are tourism and agriculture. Over the past few decades, the tourism industry in this region has expanded quickly. The village's main avenue includes groceries, seasonal stores, cafes, and pubs. One of the most well-known resorts on the island of Crete, Kokkini Chani offers modern, opulent tourist accommodations as well as a variety of different types of lodging options, furnished apartments, and several rooms for rent.
Skoteino cave
At an elevation of 225 meters, the Skoteino cave is situated in the Municipality of Chersonissos, 23 kilometres east of Heraklion and 1 kilometre northwest of the Skoteino hamlet. In terms of speleology and archaeology, the Skoteino cave is among the most significant caves in Crete. The excavation results reveal that the cave was used for worship from 1900 BC to at least the 4th century AD. The remarkable groups of stalactites and stalagmites with animal-like shapes are the product of human influence. Additionally, stalagmites have two or three troughs. As the drip lasts even today, the water descending from the stalactites is concentrated in them. The believers dipped their hands into these troughs and washed them. It served as a purification before they offered their sacrifices. The principal deity to be worshipped in this space was the Crete-worshipping goddess Vritomartis, the fishermen's protector.
The "Altar," which has lesser dimensions (248.525), is the following room. There are hints that sacrifices were performed in this space. There is also a gap in the floor where the worshippers offered the god their offerings (oil, blood, and milk).
Old Hersonissos or Ano Hersonissos
Chersonissos Village is located 2 km south of the Chersonissos Port and 26 km east of Heraklion (Limenas Chersonissou). The view of the Cretan Sea from Chersonissos, a small, charming village constructed in an amphitheatre, is spectacular. In contrast to the hectic and crowded Chersonissos Port, it is a typical village that retains a calm pace of life. Despite being impacted by tourism, the hamlet maintains its traditional character, evident not only in day-to-day life and the pace of its residents but also in the village's architecture. As a result, it is not a site where one can find innumerable taverns, stores, and several hotels.
The village of Chersonissos is home to antique wells, stone ovens, stone-built homes with lovely courtyards full of flowers, and tiny, attractive streets. One takes a stroll through this charming ancient town as they navigate the stone pathways and take in the old settlement with its distinctive specimens of Cretan folk architecture.
Piskopiano
A traditional community called Piskopiano can be found between Chersonissos and Koutouloufari at the base of Mount Charakas. With a panoramic view of the popular beach of Chersonissos, as well as the sea and sky that stretch ahead, Piskopiano is situated in an incredible area.
In Piskopiano, the tradition is revived by the charming, winding alleyways that cut through the old-fashioned neighbourhoods and the lovely stone homes where Cretan simplicity rules. For those seeking calm, relaxed vacations, the area is great. The village's pubs and traditional cafes serve food and beverages.
Koutouloufari
Koutouloufari, which is located close to Chersonissos Port and is 100 meters above sea level on the slope of Mount Pyrgia, is 29 kilometres east of Heraklion.
Since Chersonissos Port is only a short distance away, it is the perfect location for people seeking relaxation while remaining in a serene and picturesque setting adjacent to the stunning beaches of Chersonissos, which provide a variety of fun, sightseeing, and activities.
Knossos
Drive to Knossos Palace in your rental car from Okay Rent a Car. The drive to Knossos takes roughly 30 minutes. Visit the thriving centre of Minoan civilization and explore the labyrinth to learn more about the Minotaur story.
Activities available in Kato Gouves
There are always the same questions to consider when making vacation decisions. Where to go, how to go, what I must visit, which are the top things I must visit, what other things are nearby that can be visited, and finally, what I must do there!
Should I schedule a trip instead of renting a car and driving myself to this location, or should I drive myself there? Which of the options is the most affordable, and which of the options is the most desirable? You are interested in learning everything there is to know about the location you are going to.
You will find a concise travel guide in this section, and we will do our best to answer any of your questions. Only with businesses in the immediate area do we work together with Cretans who are native to the island and familiar with its way of life, history, and geography.
They will never leave your side, whether it be before the trip, while you are on the trip, or after you return home from the vacation.
You are welcome to get in touch with us and ask for any information on Crete that you might be interested in having.
The vehicles come with zero-risk, all-inclusive insurance coverage as standard. They offer free pick-up and drop-off services at the airports in Heraklion and Chania, as well as the ports of Heraklion and Souda and all of the most popular tourist destinations. There are no additional expenditures that were not disclosed and no fees for cancellation. Assistance on the roads throughout the entire island in the event of a breakdown
The cost of an insurance policy was also included in the price of the bus tours. The coaches all have air conditioning, and we will pick you up either at your hotel or at the most convenient meeting place. Tourist guides are available in your language.
You can choose from various activities in Gouves or nearby Watersports, all of which are waiting for you.
- Scuba diving courses
- Go snorkelling
- Waterskiing
- Paragliding
- Paddleboarding for the first time
- Hire a jet ski
- Paddle boat
- Learn how to waterski
- Paraglide.
Waterparks, Anopolis, and Lasithi, can be found here.
The Aposelemis Gorge is a fantastic destination for hikers. The walls of this breathtaking canyon can reach heights of up to 200 meters. With only a 100-meter variation in elevation, this gorge is considered an easy climb despite its length of 6 kilometres. The hike is approximately 2.5 hours long and offers some beautiful views along the way. There is a wide variety of flora and fauna in this habitat, including raptors and waterfowl. Some of the trees found here are plane, oak, and carob trees.
The Cave of Ag. Paraskevi near Skotino is one of the largest caves on the island of Crete. It extends to a depth of 160 meters and is broken up into four distinct layers.
When you go to the ancient town of Pano Gouves, which has an incredible square, you will find a taverna and a traditional kafeneia. At the same time, the winding alleyways will lead you to numerous old houses, some of which have been renovated while others are in ruins.
Taking the drive up to Mount Ederi and taking in the wonderful panorama from there
The beach is sandy, and the water is shallow all along the coast of Gouves, making it an excellent location for family vacations because it is especially risk-free for youngsters to have fun. The beaches are made up of flat sand and are fully developed with sun loungers and umbrellas. Along the coastline, there are a number of different ports, marinas, and piers that offer protection from the wind coming from the north, making it possible to swim without danger.
There are several different types of watersports that can be enjoyed in Gouves.
If you look around, you can find some other great beaches in the nearby towns of Gournes, Kokkini Hani, and Analipsi.
Kokkini Hani Beach is a great option for those looking for a beach that welcomes families and provides complete facilities and services.
The beach at Gouves is sandy, hosts a variety of watersports, and welcomes families with children.
Just four kilometres east of Gouves is the sandy beach of Analipsi, which likewise features a full complement of scheduled activities and is suitable for families.
Gouves with the children
Are you bringing children to Gouves? Then you should give them a fun-filled day at a waterpark. In Anopoli, Crete, there is the Water City Waterpark, while Acqua Plus is located in Lasithi. They are both 10 kilometres from Gouves.
A boat tour is another activity that both kids and adults will like. Visits to the Creta Aquarium, Planetario, and Dinosauria are fantastic ideas, and you don't need to make reservations in advance. You can make a direct reservation at the door. Gouves is only 2 kilometres away. The ideal plan for a lengthy stroll along the beach
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