Platanias Best View Villages Tour
(Prices valid for departure from the Platanias region)
We are available 24/7 to pick you up from your location and offer a comfortable and scenic journey to some of the most picturesque villages and hidden gems of the Platanias area. The tour includes stops at stunning locations, all at your own pace. Your driver will return you safely to your original departure point at the time you choose.
1. Gonia Monastery – A Spiritual Fortress with a View
Located just 1 km from Kolymbari, Gonia Monastery is a stunning example of 17th-century monastic architecture. Built like a fortress and perched above the bay, the monastery is surrounded by lush greenery and offers panoramic sea views.
Originally founded in the 9th century, today it’s dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and played a key role during the Cretan Revolution of 1821.
Inside, you’ll find a valuable collection of post-Byzantine icons, rare relics, and religious treasures. Right next to it is the renowned Orthodox Academy of Crete.
2. Afrata Village & Beach – Where Nature Embraces Tranquility
A short drive from Kolymbari leads to Afrata, a peaceful village surrounded by the wild beauty of Rodopos Cape.
Just 1 km from the village, Afrata Beach offers crystal-clear, calm turquoise waters, pebbles, and natural shade from tamarisk trees.
Ideal for a peaceful swim or a quiet moment by the sea, the beach also has a small canteen for refreshments.
3. Ravdoucha – Rugged Charm & Hidden Wonders
Situated on the Rodopos Peninsula, Ravdoucha is known for its dramatic landscape—steep mountains, wild cliffs, and olive groves.
The secluded pebble beach is a haven for snorkeling and nature lovers. Though there are no umbrellas, you can relax in the shade of trees or rocks.
The village features traditional fish taverns, and along the path to the beach, you’ll pass the Byzantine Church of Agia Marina, built into a rocky niche. Despite some damage, many frescoes of saints and the Virgin Mary remain visible and are worth a visit.
You’ll also encounter the small chapel of St. Onoufrios, perfect for a scenic photo stop.
4. Marathokefala – Cave of St. John the Hermit
Just 3 km from Kolymbari lies the mystical Cave of St. John the Hermit, one of the region’s most revered historical sites.
Inside this 135-meter-long natural cave, you’ll find a 15th-century temple and the remnants of monastic cells dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
The cave’s interior is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, while a natural rock bed, believed to be where the saint passed away, is said to have healing powers.
A church built at the cave’s entrance celebrates the saint every year on October 7th.
A short ten-minute walk from the cave leads to a hidden cove with aquamarine waters, steeped in local legend and perfect for a peaceful break.
Experience the Authentic Beauty of Crete
The Best View Villages Tour is a unique opportunity to connect with Crete’s spiritual, natural, and cultural richness—ideal for travelers who want to explore the island beyond the usual tourist paths. From historic monasteries to hidden beaches, this tour is a feast for the senses.
Let us take you there in comfort and style.
