Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe, and one of the most picturesque gorges in the world making it highly popular to for walkers and hikers from around the world and one of the prime destinations in Europe. Samaria gorge is a unique habitat hosting rare indigenous flora and fauna, featured in travel guides as one of the top sights in Crete for decades. Samaria Gorge is about 16 kilometers long, its width varies from about 150 meters to only 3 meters (in the known “Iron Gates” location), and its height ranges between 300 and 600 meters. The hike starts at Xyloskalo, at an altitude of 1.200 meters. There is a regular bus service to Xyloskalo. The end of the gorge is at the picturesque, coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where there is a regular boat service. Samaria Gorge is closed from October to April for safety reasons.

Agia Irini Gorge is one of the most visited gorges in South Chania and Crete, especially by inexperienced hikers – although the beauty of the gorge makes it an excellent walk for the experienced ones, too. The gorge is not too lengthy (about 7 kilometers), and its trail is in a very good condition. The gorge starts at about 550 m altitude, at Agia Irini village, where there is a regular bus service, and descends towards the coastal village of Sougia. A pleasant surprise for the walkers and hikers is that a good part of the gorge is covered by trees, which provide ample shade. Unlike Samaria Gorge, Agia Irini Gorge is open all year round. However, in autumn and winter you should avoid crossing the gorge during, or after, heavy rain, as the river inside the gorge gets bigger and it may make the hike difficult or even dangerous at times. If you are not sure about the gorge’s accessibility, you can ask the guards of the gorge, or simply a local.

The E4 long distance path that crosses Crete is found at a small distance from Paleochora. The path is kept in excellent condition and is accessible 12 months a year. Generally, there are countless walking paths and trails in the area around Paleochora, from the ones in Paleochora itself and the neighboring coastal village of Sougia, to the ones in the picturesque coastal villages in the Sfakia region, like Hora Sfakion and Loutro. Paleochora and South Chania are among the top destinations for walking and hiking in Europe. In the area you can find breathtaking gorges, picturesque trails, and untouched, unique nature, all in the same location. At Aris Art Hotel, we specialize in alternative tourism. We are available to you, to help you and assist you in any way possible, in order to make your walking and hiking holidays in South Chania as one of the best experiences of your life.

The Greek Orthodox Easter normally (as there are exceptions) takes place a week later than the Easter of the Catholic Christians – most of the times in the first two weeks of April. For the Greeks, Easter is considered the most important religious period and it commemorates the fact that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. After 40 days of fasting, Greeks are ready to break the fast and consume what they have been deprived. Since Easter is such an important holiday, the traditions that accompany it are numerous. During the Great Week, that proceeds Easter Sunday, Greeks attend church every day with a peak mass on Great Friday, and follow the Epitaph around town. On Saturday midnight, the faithful follow the Easter mass and await the holy light holding candles. Firecrackers, fireworks and a big celebration follows! Finally Christ has arisen from the grave. On Easter Sunday everybody celebrates! The locals in Paleochora are feasting all day, preparing the famous Greek grilled lamb or goat on the spit. The way the meat is prepared is impressive – and the result extra tasty – and this traditional way of cooking grilled meat on the spit dates back centuries ago. The Cretan Easter is one of the best reasons to visit Paleochora and South Crete in spring. Feel the experience, socialize with the locals, and keep your camera handy for unique photos.

There are numerous Minoan and ancient archaeological sites of Crete around Paleochora. Crete is, after all, the crossroad of three continents and the birthplace of the Minoan civilization, which flourished in the island from 2600 to 1000 B.C. The Minoans are the key for the research and understanding of the historical evolution of Europe and the adjacent civilizations that prospered around the Mediterranean Sea. In the wider area of Paleochora, you can visit archaeological sites that reveal the island’s cultural heritage and the historical roots of this land through the centuries. Many treasures from the area’s ancient cities, are dated mostly from the Hellenistic period (starting from 400 B.C.) and are exhibited at the Archeological Museum of Chania City.

An Independent ancient city that flourished from the 4th century B.C., until the 9th century A.D. Seaport of Irtakina and Eliros, and a big trade center which issued its own gold coin. In the area of Lissos, mosaics from the hydrotherapy room and the necropolis of the city, are preserved in immaculate condition, as well as a small theater, baths e.t.c.

The most important Doric city of Western Crete. An independent trade-shipping center, that issued its own gold coin and owned cities like Pikilassos, Syia, Lissos. Prospered from the 5th to 4th century B.C. It was finally destroyed from the Saracen pirates in 823 A.D.

Photo from www.cretanbeaches.com

Another area that flourished during the Hellenistic years. At Kadros, ruins from the past, such as the rock sculptured graves, testify the existence of an extensive city. Similar tombs, in the same area, were found in the ancient city of Kandania. Old mines are preserved there, and many ancient worship objects were found. In the area, there are also some old Christian monuments with mosaics.

Gavdos island is the southernmost border of Greece and Europe, at a distance of 36 nautical miles from Paleochora. The trip by boat is 3-4 hours. The first inhabitants of Gavdos Island are dated from the Neolithic period. Gavdos was for centuries a pirates’ lair, and a land of exile later on. Today, the island’s history continues peacefully, counting 50-60 residents.

The island’s landscape is a unique one. The wild flora, the cedars, the pine trees and the cypresses combined with the marvelous beaches of Gavdos, and its remoteness have created an indisputable “paradise on earth”, attracting nature-lovers from all over the world

Raki or Tsikoudia, as it is called in Chania prefecture is the grape distillate that is a commonly consumed as a liqueur across Crete. Around the end of October and beginning of November, the distillation of vine grapes in cauldrons is a very old tradition, and to this day very much alive. Apart from an economic activity that supplements the annual income of households, all of the activity involving the distillation is a social matter, accompanied by festivities, that ties the local communities together. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate if you are fortunate to be invited by a local. It is a unique experience with loads of local flair.

Greece’s Carnival season, known as “Apokries,” is a period which traditionally begins ten weeks before Greek Orthodox Easter and culminates on the weekend before “Clean Monday,” (Ash Monday) the first day of Lent. It lasts 3 weeks and it starts within February. It is time for fancy dress parties, gatherings and generally a good time before the restraints of lent. Paleochora’s carnival festivities are now an institution that involves the entire town. Years ago, a group of women took the initiative of organizing the scattered groups of friends who wanted to celebrate the carnival, and now almost 30 years later, Paleochora’s activities attract visitors from across Crete, Greece and from abroad. The parties, dancing around the maypole, the Grilled Thursday (day dedicated to eating grilled meat) and the Carnival parade that takes place in the town’s central road, for 4 entire hours give a joyous note amidst the quieter, winter months and is definitely worth your visit.

In the surrounding area of Paleochora you can find stunning byzantine churches of the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, which are excellent examples of the ecclesiastical architecture and – above all – of the hagiographical style of their era. Some of these churches’ murals have been painted by the famous painter and hagiographer Ioannis Pagomenos or by students of his school. We can say that these churches are like a true cultural “ark” that preserves the byzantine religious art of the Paleochora area throughout the centuries.

To find the byzantine church of Agia Anna (Saint Anna) in Anissaraki, Kandanos, follow the road from Kandanos to Temenia and the road signs leading to the church. Once you park on location, continue on foot since the church is on a hillside and is not visible from the road. The church is intricately decorated with hagiography murals painted in the 14th or 15th century. Among the hagiographies we find scenes from the childhood of Virgin Mary, depicted with her parents Anna and Joachim, as well as the figures of John the Merciful, John the Chrysostom and Gregory the Nazianzinus. A emblematic and rare hagiography of the church, is the one portraying Saint Anna breastfeeding Virgin Mary.

VIEW MAP

The byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi (Saint Paraskevi) is located about 13 km away from Paleochora, and about 500 meters outside the village of Voutas in Chania, on the road heading to Kalamio and Sklavopoula. It is a small white church, whose one side is characteristically sloping. The church is full of exceptional hagiography murals that were painted during the second half of the 14th century. What makes this church special is that, apart from murals depicting figures of saints and scenes from the life of Christ, there are also extensive murals that portray in detail the punishment, through torture, of the sinners in hell. Next to the church there is a small cemetery.

VIEW MAP

The byzantine church of Agios Georgios (Saint George) in the mountain village of Sklavopoula, Chania, is located at the entrance of the village, next to the school. You can get the key of the church, if you ask at the houses behind the school. The church is about 20 km away from Paleochora, and the road to the village is well-paved and has many turns. The church of Agios Georgios in Sklavopoula is one of the oldest in the area, with the first phase of its hagiography painting taking place at the end of the 13th century, and the second phase during the 14th century. Among the holy figures portrayed, we find Virgin Mary, the young Christ, Saint Mandilion, the four sacred Fathers of the Church Gregory, Basil, John the Chrysostom and Cyril, and also Saint George, Saint Theodor and Archangel Michael.

VIEW MAP

The byzantine church of Agios Georgios and Agios Nikolaos in Anidri, Chania, is located in the center of the village, only 5 km away from Paleochora. The exact location of the church, is at the beginning of the road leading to the gorge and the beach of Anidri. According to an inscription found, the hagiography murals of the church of Agios Georgios, which was built first, were made in 1323 AD by the famous painter and hagiographer of the era Ioannis Pagomenos, and they depict Saint George on horseback, scenes from the Saint’s martyrdom, and also Saint Dimitrios, Saint Anastasia the Pharmacolytria and Saint Irene. Right next to the church of Agios Georgios, the church of Agios Nikolaos was built in the 14th century. The two churches were unified with the characteristic bell tower located among them in the early 20th century.

VIEW MAP

The byzantine church of Archangelos Michail is located in the hilly village of Sarakina, Chania, 12 km from Paleochora. The church is on a path on the right side of the road just before entering the village. You can find the key of the church either near the door of the church or in the “kafenio” (traditional cafe) of the village. The small stone-built church of Archangelos Michail features exceptional hagiography murals dating back to 1325 AD, among which a special hagiography portraying St. George on horseback, along with a young man with a pointed cap and cup in hand, which, according to tradition, is the young paphlagonian the Saint saved from captivity and reunited with his parents. The built icon screen is also characteristic, as it is rare among local churches.

VIEW MAP

The byzantine church of Metamorfosis tou Sotiros (Transfiguration of the Savior) is located outside the village of Plemeniana in Chania. You pass Plemeniana and continue on the road to Kandanos, and after crossing the junction with the road to Elafonissi, in the place where you see a large church, you turn left into an olive grove and you see the church at the end of the road. The extra effort of finding it makes up for the fact that it is one of the most impressive churches in the area.
The church has been masterfully restored in recent years, and it is now a real architectural “jewel” of the area. Its interior has been painted by three different hagiographers in the 13th and 14th centuries. Among hagiography murals of exceptional artistic style, we find the Transfiguration, the Baptism, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Birth, the Candlemas and the Last Supper. The church has been built in the place of an Early Christian temple of the 5th or 6th century, and in its masonry we can distinguish pieces from this old temple, including statues. In the courtyard of the church there is a cemetery.

VIEW MAP

The byzantine church of Prophitis Ilias (Prophet Elias) in the Trachiniakos settlement of Kandanos, Chania, is a small church built in the mid-14th century. Although, for the general public, it is one of the lesser-known churches in the region of Chania, it is rich in hagiography murals that were painted centuries ago. Among these excellent hagiographies, we can see the prominent figure of Prophet Elias, which is next to the iconostasis, as well as the figures of Virgin Mary with Jesus, Archangel Michael, Saint Panteleimon (who is depicted holding a medical tool of the era), Saint Paraskevi and Saint Kyriaki. In the courtyard of the church there is a small cemetery.

VIEW MAP

The byzantine church of Panagia Skafidiani (Virgin Mary of Skafidia) is located next to the mountain village of Prodromi, Chania, about 12 km from Paleochora. The small, white church is located on the right side of the road shortly before entering the village, on an elevated position with magnificent views of the surrounding area, which is called “Skafidia”. The exceptional hagiography murals you find inside the church were painted in the mid-14th century by Ioakim, a student of the famous hagiographer of the time Ioannis Pagomenos. The most important hagiographies inside the church depict the Treason (the kiss of Judas), the Assumption of Virgin Mary, and the Baptism of Christ by John. The Saints Constantine and Helen are also portrayed, with Saint Paraskevi beside them.

VIEW MAP