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Holidays in Messara
Have you chosen to spend in Messara your holidays this summer? Your choice will reward you for sure, as Messara is a really magical place that will make you love at first sight! The plane of Messara is located on the south side of Heraklion Prefecture, in an elongated area of 50km in length and with its width not exceeding 7km. In the south, the valley is protected by the wild Asterousia Mountains, while its western side is bounded by a vast beachfront with sandy beaches. The valley is very fertile and has always been the main granary of Crete. The warm climate combined with the fertile soil, contribute to the cultivation of early vegetables, olive and citrus trees.
This big area of Messara has many beaches, many attractions and so many activities, that hardly will be anyone bored! In order for you to plan your stay in the best way, here they are:
Travel back in time, in Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion!
5 km south of Heraklion stands the famous Minoan palace of Knossos. The most famous “attractions” in Crete, Knossos monuments, were discovered in 1900 by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. They reconstructed them in a way that you can walk in the many rooms of the palace and have a clear picture of the ancient life of the Minoans. You will admire all the numerous finds from the palace in Heraklion Museum: pottery, vessels, figurines, the archive of Linear B tablets, and the original wall-paintings.
You may combine your tour at Knossos, with a visit at the renovated Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. The museum is considered as one of the most important Archaeological Museums in Crete and one of the most popular in Greece! The museum exhibits archaeological finds from all over Crete, covering over 5500 years of the island’s history. A prominent position gain the treasures of Minoan civilization, the entire historical course of which can thus be appreciated. The museum houses the most important collection of Minoan antiquities over the world, that’s why it is considered as the home of Minoan civilization.
Matala Beach In Messara, Crete – The Paradise Of Hippies
Matala beach is located 68km southwest of Heraklion, between the plain of Messara and Asterousia Mountains. It is one of the most popular destinations of Crete and certainly the most famous beach of Heraklion. It has become known from the caves in the rocks and the hippies of the 70s. It is located near Phaistos, the second most important palace of the Minoans.
Matala beach is located at the exit of a small valley, where there is formed a large enclosed bay overlooking the islands “Paksimadia” as the locals call it. In front of the bay there is a wonderful sandy beach 300m length, with fine pebbles and crystal clear deep waters. The waves, due to frequent westerly winds, are very large and impressive. Also on the north side of the beach, there is a large cave, on top of which, some very adventurous visitors dive.
The beach is organized with umbrellas, toilets, showers, lifeguard, first aid, golf beach volley, snack bars, water sports, excursion boats, etc. Often beach volley matches are organized. All around you will find many options for entertainment, food and accommodation. If you are missing wild fun during all day and night, just join “Matala Beach Festival” organized every year on the beach. There are also very nice traditional holiday villas in Matala. Also, a very large part of the beach is covered by trees, where you can find shade. In the evenings, the bars on the beach are crowded.
The most characteristic feature of the area, are the many caves carved in soft white stone thousands of years ago and located in the northwest of the beach. There are also several caves underwater. It is considered as certain that the caves of Matala beach were tombs of Roman and Christian Period. However, many of them have rooms, stairs, beds or windows. This is a fact that proves that the caves were used as accommodation in the prehistoric times.
Lake of Zaros
The highlight of Zaros village is the watermill standing there for more than 400 years. According to the residents, Zaros is a blessed village on the foothills of Psiloritis. Fertile fields and orchards and with an artificial pond, full of trouts, creates a unique setting. Above the lake are reflected the imposing rocks of Psiloritis and is considered one of the natural landmarks of Crete. Starting from the lake, walk the path that leads you to the gorge of Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas) where the waterfalls and green landscape will impress you. The gorge ends to the amazing forest of Rouvas. Under the oaks there are wooden tables and water, ideal place to enjoy a snack and have a rest on your return.
In Zaros-Vorizia area, there is an extensive forest complex of the southern slope of Psiloritis, which extends from the gorge of Agios Nikolaos in the east, up to the canyon Vorizia west. The vegetation of the forest is similar to the forest of Rouvas with the dominating species to be the “trachea pine”. Characterized by astonishing geological formations with magnificent cliffs, creating extensive climbing areas, the Pine Forest of Zaros is one of the most beautiful Crete natural landmarks.
Rouvas Forest
The forest of Rouvas is an important ecosystem of oak forest with national interest. It occupies the inner valley of Psiloritis defined by the peaks “Ampelakia” and “Saddle” at south, “Chalazokefala” at west, “Skinaka” and “Koudouni” in the north and “Gyristi” in the east. The trees of Rouvas forest are very old, the diameter of their trunk, in some cases, exceeds 1 meter and their height can reach 15 meters. Along with the holm oak trees, there are other species typical of Cretan flora such as cypress, pine, plane tree, pear trees and other more. The forest area covers about 30,000 acres. At the lower south central part of the forest, near the north exit of the gorge of Agios Nikolaos is the resting area of St. John and the homonymous chapel.
Faistos
The ruins of the city of Phaistos (or Festos) lie on a hill west of Mires on the way to Tumbaki. The older palace of Phaistos (1900 – 1700 B.C.) was built on embankments of Neolithic and Early Minoan periods (3000 – 2000 B.C.). This old palace, with basic features of Minoan architecture (paved yards, multi-gates, well-kept facades, skylights etc), had been destroyed and rebuilt twice. After another disaster around 1700 B.C. the ruins were leveled and on top of them a newer palace was built whose life lasted approximately up to 1450 B.C. In the western wing a huge chamber is of interest. It concerns a room supported by pillars and a triple pylon towards the central yard for the possible use of worship. In the same wing there are other rooms which are associated with worship.
The central yard preserves its pavement which is dated to the Palaeoanactoric Period (1900-1700) B.C.
In the eastern wing only a small section is preserved which includes a room with skylights and purification tanks. In the northern wing lie the “royal suites”. The sacredness and formality of these suites are emphasized by the exterior wall of the central yard which has protrusions and recesses in a symmetrical layout, the nearby central entrance with half pillars, as well as the altar placed on a small flight of stairs which lies in the corner between the north and west wing. A long corridor and interior yards give access to a complex of rooms and to a larger yard with a ceramic furnace in the center.
A “banquet hall” supported by pillars may have existed on a level with a view of the central yard. The rest of the wind is occupied by official apartments. Two rooms with a luxurious construction are discerned (alabaster paving on the walls, floor tiles, decorative wall frescoes) which are surrounded by skylights, balconies and a large peristyle yard. Apart from the palace, housing complexes and a temple of the Archaic period, perhaps of Rhea, have been excavated towards the NE and SW of the area.
Archaeological finds from the palace are exhibited at the Museum of Heraklion, such as the famous disc of Phaistos, the large collection of vases with a variety of decorative colors and many more.
Beachtime!
Are you looking for Messara secret beaches with emerald waters and idyllic scenery, where you can spend really unique moments? Messara, Crete, is a place full of beautiful beaches, some of them really popular and others, not so.
Trafoulas Beach
The gorge Trafoulas in Asterousia Range is formed to the southeast of the village Krotos and empties on the beach of Psili Ammos in South Cretan Sea. Most hikers walk in a small part of it, from the point where they park their car to the beach, while the gorge starts in higher altitude. However, even in this small part the gorge is very impressive, with very narrow walls and imposing rocks. Locals say that the narrow part is called Pidimatou Gorge (Jumping gorge) as one goat can jump from one side to the other.
Agiofarago Beach In Crete – A Small Paradise At The End Of A Gorge
Agiofarago beach in Crete is presented in our current post, following Matala Beach in Crete. Agiofarago beach is located about 80km south of Heraklion city, at the exit of the homonymous gorge. The beach at the exit of the gorge is spectacular, with small pebbles and crystal clear waters, which are usually very calm. West of the beach is formed a beautiful arch, beneath which you can swim. Just above, there are towering vertical cliffs, standing imposingly. Do not be surprised if you see an ascetic praying on the rocks. The beach is ideal for camping, but you have to carry all your things into the canyon. However, there is the ability not to take water with you, but to collect it from the well in front of the chapel, which is just 5 minutes from the beach. Next to the well there is a trough with water. Goats drink water from it. If you have time, fill with water and the goats will run to drink, feeling grateful! Although Agiofarago beach would be appropriate for nudism, it is prohibited, as there are many ascetics here, leading a monastic life here, nudism is prohibited. If you carry your sports shoes, you are encouraged to climb the rocks to the east and go to the top. The view here is fantastic. Just behind, there is a hidden sea lake with brackish water of incredible beauty. It is called Vourvoulitis and communicates underwater with the open sea. If you want to get off the lake, at some point after it is too dangerous. To see exactly where, see the map, which shows a dark area east of the beach.
To get to Agiofarago beach, you either have to cross the gorge with easy hike of about 30-50 ‘, or take a boat from Matala, Agia Galini, or Kali Limenes. We definitely recommend the first, as the path between the vertical cliffs of the gorge is breathtaking. On the way you will see large caves in which ascetics live and the chapel of St. Anthony, with a well outside.
Just opposite the beach, you can see a low cliff, called Papadoplaka. In Papadoplaka there are many potholes with clear sea salt, which is gathered by the locals. So if you come by boat from Kali Limenes, you can collect coarse salt for home.
For an easier access to Agiofarago beach, you could find a nice holiday villas in Matala or even in Pitsidia. Besides, there is no doubt that only one visit will not be enough for you. This heavenly beach will captivate you forever.
and many other Gorgeous Virgin Beaches like:
Kommos
Red Beach
Kaminaki
Martsalo
Last but not least Koudoumas Monastery
The monastery is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary and lies to the west of the Aspes or Martelos headland, hidden in a small sandy bay by the Lybian sea.
The church, partly built inside a cave, has been successfully renovated, and shows some of the original stones used in its construction, as well as what has survived of its mural paintings
Moni (monastery) Koudouma is a unique opportunity to visit a secluded and virgin area of Crete. You can do that either from Kapetaniana or from Sternes village. From Kapetaniana you may walk (or drive if you have a genuine 4×4 car) down to Agios Ioannis (2 hrs). When you get to the village, ask them to show you the way to Agios Ioannis church; it is a church built inside a cave and there are some spectacular wall-paintings
From the village you may follow the path to Koudoumas Monastery (1hr 30 min). Thirty minutes before the monastery there is the cave of Agios Antonios with a church built inside; a torch-light will be useful.
From Koudoumas you may either return the same way or walk up the road (it is the road coming from Sternes) to Mt Kofinas and Kapetaniana (about 4 -5 hrs). This road is much better than the road from Kapetaniana to Agios Ioannis but still in need for a proper vehicle. It is a really scenic route as the road is steeply descending from 1000 m to sea-level, through woods of pine trees.
Another approach to Moni Koudouma is driving from Kapetaniana to Mt Kofinas and then turn the first turn right. If you go this way then you may reach Agios Ioannis by feet. Another great place is Psili Ammos; it is described in the naturism section of the site.
