Akrotiri Chania is the peninsula east of the city of Chania with impressive monasteries, built centuries ago, unique beaches and beautiful locations.
The oldest monastery, Gouvernetou Monastery is located on the northern side of Akrotiri. It dates back to the 16th century and was fortified due to the pirate raids of past centuries. The nature around is beautiful and to get there, you drive through a narrow canyon. After the monastery, another canyon leads you to a magical beach, a narrow fjord, but swimming is not allowed. The route, however, is magical, as a paved path passes by cave temples and ruined monasteries. 5 km south of the Gouvrnetou Monastery, there is the Tzagarolon Monastery, a beautiful Monastery, built during the Venetian period. In these days, the Monastery, although with a remaining small number of monks, is famous for the production of excellent organic wine and olive oil. It can be visited every day from 8 am until sunset and receives a large number of people every year.
Akrotiri is famous for its beautiful beaches. Marathi, on the southern side of the peninsula, is windless and peaceful, with fine sand, and ideal for families with small children. Seitan Limania, a remote beach in the north-eastern part of Akrotiri, is a narrow channel between high rocks, with white sand and pebbles and clear blue waters, completely unknown a decade ago. In the era of Instagram, it is one of the most photographed places on Crete. At the northernmost point of Akrotiri, there is the famous 'Stavros' beach, as the most famous scene of the movie 'Alexis Zorbas' was shot there. It is a sheltered semi-circular lagoon with white sand. The wild mountain landscape and the beautiful beach create a unique contrast. The beach is organized and suitable for families.
On the west side of Akrotiri, there are the beaches of Kalathas, a popular organized beach which, however, is vulnerable to the north winds and big waves are a common phenomenon, the beach of Tersanas, windless and less crowded with crystal clear and cool waters and the beach of Agios Onoufrios, a sheltered bay that functions as an anchorage, and reminds of old times with its small taverns and port.
The most famous attraction of the area is the tombs of Eleftherios Venizelos and his son, Sophocles. Eleftherios Venizelos was one of the most important politicians, prime minister of the Autonomous State of Crete, at the beginning of the 20th century, who achieved the reunification of Crete with mainland Greece. Later he became the Prime Minister of Greece. He was an outstanding diplomat and a visionary leader and he had a decisive influence on the profile of modern Greece. The tombs are located in the eastern suburbs of the city of Chania in a magical location, a quiet park with pine trees, offering one of the most beautiful views in the city and in northwestern Crete. Nearby cafes are very popular and guests can enjoy the sunset with their dessert and coffee.
(More articles about Crete on www.gomega.gr)
