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Apokoronas Prefecture is well known for its hospitable inhabitants, its beautiful
traditional villages and the unique nature beauty. It is worth visiting all
of them, since each one has its own particular colour, traditions, folkways
and history.
Stylos, Nio Chorio, Armeni, Kalyves, Plaka, Gavalochori, Kefalas, Vamos, Fres,
Tzitzifes, Pemonia, Paidochori, Exopoli, Kalamitsi, Fylaki, Vrysses, Vafes,
Emprosneros, Argyroupoli, Assi-Gonia, only to name a few.
The nearest beach in Kalyves is
located at a distance of 12 km, while you may also visit the beach of Almyrida (14
km) and Georgioupoli (30
km), all clean and awarded with the blue flags.
You may visit Stylos springs,
walk along rivers Kiliaris, Xydias or Almyros, marvel the biotope of Georgioupoli
and the unique Kourna
Lake found in Crete.
If you prefer the mountain, there are also many trails to follow. From Kares
you will ascend the small stone-built structures of shepherds at location
Gournes.
From Kambi you may start for the Volika refuge
at an altitude of 1450 m where the only is access is by foot, or Psychro Pigadi,
a location with view virtually
to the whole north part of the prefecture. And of course the choices are not
limited here.
The gorge of Diktamos, 10 km long, is spectacular. Inside the other very
near gorge of the area the Ramni-Macheri you will come across the Byzantine
church of Agios Nikolaos as well as of Agios
Mamas. Other Byzantine monuments,
the castle, Panagia
Serviotissa near Stylos, Agios
Ioannis Theologos, the
monastery of Agios
Georgios in Karydi.
It would be an omission not to visit Aptera,
with remains from the ancient, Byzantine and roman eras. The Minoan
Tombs in the same area are also impressive.
In the entire region there are more than 200 caves, the nearest Samonas
cave
located next to our settlement as well as the church
of Agios Samonas.
However, Chania and our Crete are not limited here. Maybe all these are just
a small, good start. Going around the area you will come across hospitable
coffee houses and beautiful taverns with traditional Cretan cuisine.
No matter your choice eventually, the only thing certain is that you will
be delighted with all your senses. We wish its recollection will bring you
back soon to us. |
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Kalives
It is an area with lush vegetation because of the abundant water supply.
The Venetian fortress Apicorno that once existed in the area, gave Apokoronas
its current name.
Kalives is probably one of the two harbors of the ancient city Aptera. The
other harbor was Minoa, in the cove of Marathi, at the other side of the
bay.
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Almirida
A region with big tourist development, a sandy beach and important archaeological
sites. It is worth visiting the blown glass workshop at the nearby village
of Kokkino Chorio.
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Georgioupoli
It lies 39 km from Chania and 20 km from Rethymnon. It is a beautiful tourist
resort at Almiros' river mouth. A significant wetland with rare species
of birds, fishes and amphibians. Georgioupoli has an extensive (10km)
sandy shore with cosmopolitan and isolated beaches.
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Stylos
Fertile village with quality water, which is
been bottled. The region has significant historical monuments and a big
square with age-long trees where you can relax and enjoy the local specialities.
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Lake Kourna
It is one of the two lakes of Crete island. It covers an area of 16 sq
km and has a 25-meter depth. The lake was named after the Arabic word
used for lake.
This picturesque lake is surrounded by dense vegetation. The white sand
makes it ideal for swimming.
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Kares
Just a few kilometres after the village, on the top of the White Mountains,
you will find hundreds of traditional koumous, some of which are still in
use.
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Volikas Refuge
It was built in 1967 at an altitude of 1450 m. and was recently rebuilt.
It will take you at least 2 hours to get there in order to enjoy the magnificent
view.
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Agios Nikolaos, Kyriakoselia
A church of the 11th century, considered by many, the most beautiful in
Crete. It has painted walls, most of them in the shades of blue. It is
typical sample of Byzantine architecture. A second construction has been
recently added at the front part of the church.
The key to enter the church is at Samonas cafe.
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Agios Mamas
Very close to Agios Nikolaos you will find a cave and inside the small church
of Agios Mamas, protector of the herds. On his nameday, people eat boiled
meat, a custom that derives from the sacrifices to the ancient God Panna.
Findings inside the cave show that animals have been sacrificed.
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Byzantine Castle
Right above Agios Mamas are the remains of this Venetian Castle. Inside
the castle walls you will see the remains of Agia Paraskevi Byzantine church.
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Panagia Serviotissa
An impressive church built among orange trees. It is a typical sample of
Byzantine architecture (12th century), while parts of the church's interior
were influenced by the Constantinople church of Agia Sophia. The church
has many arch-shaped windows and Byzantine ornaments.
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Agios Ioannis Stylos
As you enter the village of Stylos, on your right hand, you will see the
Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis (1271 - 80). It has only one space
and a smaller one at the side. |
Agios Georgios
It was reported for the first time in 1600, while later on in 1829 it started
operating as an oil press. The 12 stone arches, which were built into the
older building, comprised this huge oil press. It stopped operating in 1990,
but was refounded recently.
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Ancient Aptera
It is an ancient town of the Minoan Era. During the Hellinistic Era it
was a very powerful city, which participated the cretan wars. The town
had two harbors, the current Marathi, and Kalami, in order to control
Souda Bay.
Aptera remaind powerful until the Roman and the first Byzantine Era, but
it was later on ruined and abandoned. Today, only part of the Cyclopean
walls of the 4th BC are saved, a small stone theater and the Castles of
Itzedin and Palaikastro.
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Minoan Tombs
The tombs found between Stylos and Aptera are very few. They are inside
cultivated fields, but you can find them easily.
A bigger minoan archaeological site might hidden on the hill.
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Samonas Cave
It was discovered accidentally in 1994. It is a 20 meter vertical precipice
with an open space and a lake at the bottom. The whole cave is decorated
with white stalagmites and stalactites.
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Agios Samonas
A church dedicated to Agios Efstathios, Georgios and Samonas. A day before
its nameday (15th of November) a feast with many treat is held . The
church is built on the highest spot, right next to the monument of those
died during the Second World War. The village back then was burnt twice.
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