* Prices valid for departure from Platanias region

We are on call 24 hours a day and we will be pleased to pick you up from your place and take you to best view villages trip with the minimum of fuss and with possible stops during the trip. The trip ends with the driver returning you at your starting point.

Gonia Monastery Kolymbari

Gonia Monastery Kolymbari

Gonia Monastery is located 1 km from the village of Kolymbari. Today dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin (feast day: August 15), the monastery was originally founded in the 9th century and was originally dedicated to Aghios Georghios. It was rebuilt during the 17th century in a wonderful place, it is surrounded by verdant vegetation and it offers a magnificent view.

The monastery has a fortress form, overlooking the bay in front of it; it was also a centre of resistance during the revolution of 1821.

Gonia Monastery Chania

Gonia Monastery hosts today an important collection of precious post-Byzantine icons, relics, and other rare religious treasures. The Orthodox Academy of Crete is located next to the Gonia Monastery.

Afrata beach and hill

Afrata beach is just one kilometer away from the homonymous village, 3,5 km from Kolymbari. Afrata beach is protected from the wind and has pebbles, umbrellas and trees. The lush landscape of Cape of Rodopos, the tranquil turquoise waters and the beauty of the village will give you the impression of being in paradise.

Afrata beach

The wild beauty of Rodopos Cape, combined with the scenic calmness of the sea and the picturesque village, makes Afrata an ideal choice for quiet holidays. On the beach there is a small canteen from where you can buy water and food. There are some umbrellas and tamarisk trees, offering shade.

Ravdoucha beach and church

Ravdoucha Beach

Ravdoucha is a village on the Rodopos peninsula, about 10 km away from the larger town of Kolimbari. The landscape of the area is magnificent, with steep mountains, wild rocks and olive groves. The area has several small bays with pebbles and beautiful rock formations. Often the sea is affected by the west wind and is quite ideal for snorkeling. There are no umbrellas, but you can find shade under the trees on the beach or next to the rocks.

Ravdoucha taverna

Also in Ravdoucha there are a few, but famous fish taverns and some basic touristic facilities.

Ravdoucha church

On the main road leading from the village Ravdoucha to the beach, we meet the Byzantine church of Agia Marina with spectacular sea views, built in a rock recess. The church bears frescoes that have suffered considerable damage. In the Byzantine church of Agia Marina are fairly well preserved frescoes of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and saints. Of the image of the face of Jesus only half has survived, but Mary and some saints have stood the test of time better.

The church is small, but definitely worth a look.

On the way to the beach you’ll meet St Onoufrios, that is worth taking photos from.

John the Hermit (Marathokefala)

Cave of St. John the Hermit

Just 3 km from Kolymbari, lies the famous historical cave of St. John the Hermit. Inside the cave there is temple of the 15th century and the foundations of old cells that date back in the 17th-18th century.

Spilaio Ai Gianni

The Cave of St John the Hermit looks like an oblong arcade. Its length is about 135 meters and the scientists believe that it is essentially a prehistoric river bed. Near the entrance of the cave of St. John the Hermit there is an underground water collector, while the sides of the arcade are decorated with stalagmites and stalactites.

To the right of the corridor, 15 meters from the entrance, there is a small chamber with a man-made entrance.

According to tradition, John died after his injury with an arrow, as a hunter mistook him for an animal and shot him. The injured saint returned to his cave and breathed his last lying on a rock, now known as “St John’s bed”. This rock is supposed to have healing properties and many people used to break bits off to take away with them.

The church dedicated to the saint is built to the right of the entrance of the cave and celebrates on 7th of October.

If you follow the path for another ten minutes you will come to the sea, in a tiny, deep cove with aquamarine waters. It may once have been used as a harbour and has its own legend.