Paliabelos Villas top 10 things to do in Crete
From the shores of its sandy beaches to the tip of its breath taking mountains, the beautiful island of Crete is packed with something for everyone. Paliabelos Villas is perfectly located to explore the island, so here’s our pick of the top 10 things not to miss.
Wander round Rethymnon Old Town
The streets behind the 16th Century Venetian Harbour of Rethymnon are a maze of delights. You’ll discover historical sights at every turn and a plethora of shaded cafes and tavernas from which you can watch the world go by. Rethymnon is approx 10km from Paliabelos Villas.
Visit the Sacred Monastery of Arkadi
Immerse your self in local history with a visit to the most significant landmark of Rethymno. The self-sacrifice of hundreds men, women and children in order not to surrender themselves in the hands of the invaders, is celebrated with great honor every year.
Paddle boat round Lake Kournas
The only natural freshwater lake on Crete, Lake Kournas is a peaceful oasis of calm. Its beautiful clear blue waters are surrounded by lush greenery and the backdrop of the beautiful mountains. The perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, snorkelling – or our favourite, exploring by pedal boat.
Relax on Preveli Beach
This sheltered beach on the south coast is surrounded by a stunning palm forest. And half the fun is getting to it – 470 steps lead you from the parking area to the beach, or the alternative route follows a hiking trail and a wade across a river. The easiest way to visit is to arrive by boat!
Explore Melidoni Cave
The stalactites and stalagmites you can see in Melidoni Cave are simply spectacular. The cave was a place of worship since Minoan Times. There are engravings all over the cave, mentioning names and dates. The human presence was uninterrupted up until 1824, when the resisdents of Melidoni sought refuge in the cave from the invaders. They all died from suffocation in order not to surrender themselves to the invaders. Findngs from the cave can be seein in the Archaological museum of Rethymno.
Enjoy a meal at Klapsinos Taverna
This little family run taverna is perched above the beach at Petres. It offers a warm welcome and the finest homemade Greek cuisine. Perfect for lunch, or a relaxed evening meal watching the sun sink into the sea.
Tap into your inner Twitcher!
The areas of Armenoi and Prasses, close to Paliabelos Villas, are prime for bird spotting. Head to a quiet spot in the mountains and you could well see a plethora of feathered friends, from Woodchat Shrike and Bee Eaters to Peregrine Falcons and Griffon Vultures.
An evening in Georgioupoli
This bustling coastal resort offers a plethora of lovely cafes, tavernas and bars, plus 9km of beautiful beach. You can enjoy a walk out to Agios Nikolaos church too.
Catch your tea with Fisherman Nikos!
Having fished off the coast of Georgioupolis for decades, Fisherman Nikos is a pro at finding the best fishing spots! And don’t worry if you don’t fancy fishing – he runs pleasure cruises too.
Gorgeous Gorges!
Thanks to its mountainous terrain, Crete has a number of stunning gorges to visit. Kourtaliotiko Gorge and Kallikratis Gorge are not far from Paliabelos Villas, and well worth a visit.
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Paliabelos Villas, Kastellos, Rethymno, Crete
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