Points of interest Hersonissos Municipality in Crete Greece

1. Points of Interest
Hersonissos Municipality
in Crete

2. Hersonissos Municipality History and Morphology
• Located in the northeast part of Heraklion county
• After the Kalikratis unification plan, Hersonissos, Gouves, Episkopi and Malia merged into one
Municipality of Hersonissos
• Covers a total area of 271.580 square kms
• Coastline is over 38 kms of sandy beaches and seaside
• Includes 22 sub-municipalities and local
Communities with 52 traditional villages

3. Tourism in Hersonissos Municipality Crete
• Tourism started developing rapidly in the early 70’s
• The first hotel in the area was built in 1973
• The flow of tourism significantly increased during the late 70’s and early 80’s
• Due to the ‘explosion’ of tourism, a transition of development goals took place in the area.
Agricultural production gave its place to tourism provision, with high ongoing development
• The close distance from Heraklion airport, was and remains one of the critical advantages for easy
and fast access for visitors
• Natural Resources: Crystal clear sea and
beautiful beaches, Traditional villages and
Mediterranean climate
• Significant Cultural Heritage

5. What the destination offers

8. What the destination offers
• The most organized tourist destination in Crete
• High-quality hotels
• Conference infrastructures
• Highly developed recreation tourism
• Composes a complete cultural network
• A place blessed by nature – Outdoor Adventure
Experiences such as trekking, paragliding, rock climbing,
water sports, diving, horse riding and biking

9. What the destination offers
• Rich history and cultural heritage, with numerous religious monuments and archaeological
sites
• Great festivities with live Cretan music and traditional cuisine
• Unforgettable holidays due to its climate, location
the fabulous surrounding nature
• Coastal zone of 28 kilometers with Blue Flag awarded beaches
• The unique combination of the sea, the sun
and the mountains

10. Malia
“Located in the north of Crete bordering the Aegean Sea”
Area population: 11,912
Main Towns and Villages in the area
•Malia (Town by the sea)
•Stalis (Town by the sea)
•Mochos (Village in the mountains)
•Krasi (Village in the mountains)

11. Hersonissos
•Ano Hersonissos (Village in the mountains)
•Hersonissos (Town by the sea)
•Anissaras (Village by the sea)
•Koutouloufari (Village in the mountains)
•Piskopiano (Village in the mountains)
•Analipsi (Village by the sea)
•Avdou (Village in the mountains)
•Gonies (Village in the mountains)
•Kera (Village in the mountains)
•Potamies (Village in the mountains)
Area population: 23,825
“Located in the north of Crete bordering the Aegean Sea”
Main Towns and Villages of the area

12. Episkopi
Main Villages of the area
•Episkopi (Village in the mountains)
•Aitania (Village in the mountains)
•Galifa (Village in the mountains)
•Kainourgio Chorio (Village in the mountains)
•Stamnoi (Village in the mountains)
•Skopela (Village in the mountains)
•Sgourokefali (Village in the mountains)
•Chochlakies (Village in the mountains)
“Located in the south of Heraklion Prefecture”
Area population: 2,298

13. Gouves
“Located in the north of Crete bordering the Aegean Sea”
Area population: 6,175
Main Villages of the area and Dia Island
•Dia Island (North of Gouves Village)
•Gouves (Village by the sea)
•Kokkini Chani (Village by the sea)
•Gournes (Village by the sea)
•Karteros (Village by the sea)
•Anopolis (Village in the mountains)
•Charasso (Village in the mountains)
•Koxari (Village in the mountains)
•Elia (Village in the mountains)
•Epano Vatheia (Village in the mountains)
•Kato Vatheia (Village in the mountains)
•Kalo Chorio (Village in the mountains)

14. Top Points of Interest
Municipal Unit of Malia
•Minoan Palace of Malia
•Ancient Plane tree and Fountains of Krasi
Municipal Unit of Hersonissos
•Cave of Agia Foteini
•Panagia Kardiotissa of Kera
•Avdou Village
•Menelaos Parlamas Museum of Piskopiano
•Panagia Gouverniotissa of Potamies
•Lychnostatis Museum
•Gorge of Roza
•Port of Hersonissos
•Koutouloufari Traditional Village
•Water Parks
•Crete Golf Club
•Adventure Tourism
Municipal Unit of Episkopi
•Argirakio Ethnological War Museum
Municipal Unit of Gouves
•Dia Island
•Crete Aquarium
•Cave of Skoteino
•Gorge of Karteros
•Agios Ioannis Theologos Monastery- Anopoli
•Kera Eleousa Monastery
•Eileithia Cave
•Minoan Palace of Nirou Chani
•Archeological Site of Amnisos

15. Minoan Palace of Malia
This Minoan Palace is situated 3 kms east of Malia
town and is the third most significant known Minoan
Palace after Knossos and Faistos. It is known for its
strategic port, nearby and moreover for its
characteristic large central courtyard, the centerpiece
of the complex, the stairwells, the skylights, polythira,
monumental facades and on each side rooms for
specific functions.
Latitude 35.29343,
Longitude 25.4915

16. Ancient Plain tree and Fountains of Krasi
Krasi village is located in the mountains and it is
distanced of about 10 kms from the main town of
Malia. Its square is naturally decorated with three
enormous plane trees; the one in the middle is the
biggest of them all and is considered to be one of the
oldest plane trees in the Mediterranean. Opposite the
majestic trees, two spectacular fountains stand to
impress the visitors, giving a spectacular picture for
everyone.
Latitude35.23439,
Longitude25.46769

17. Cave of Agia Foteini
The Cave of Agia Foteini is located 7 kms south of
Avdou village. According to Christian Orthodox Church
archives, this cave was opened by the Virgin Mary
herself in order for Agia Foteini to have an isolated
retreat, enabling her to devote to God. This cave has a
length of 44 m, width of 1.8- 7.5 m and height of 5.3- 20
m, however the total length of its corridors, reaches a
total expanse of 700 m.
Latitude 35.24169,
Longitude 25.41824

18. Panagia Kardiotissa, Kera
Panagia Kardiotissa of Kera is a historical monastery and
is located in a wooded area 50 kms southeast of
Heraklion, in the village Kera which is named after the
monastery. During WW2 this monastery was used by the
Greek Liberation Army as a starting point. Today it
functions as a nunnery and inside the monastery is a
wealth of frescoes dated back to the 14th century.
Latitude 35.22425,
Longitude 25.46148

19. Avdou Village
Avdou village lies deep in the middle of the Lagada valley, 33 kms
from the city of Heraklion. It is adorned by remarkable historical
monuments of Byzantine art, ancient cultural roots,
archaeological findings and samples of the first civilization of
Europe. The Antonios Xanthoudis museum is operating in the
centre of the village, as well as a number of Byzantine and post-
Byzantine churches such as Agios Konstantinos, whose frescoes
are dated back to the 15th century. An artificial lake lies next to the
village, created after the Aposelemis dam was constructed.
Latitude 35.23167,
Longitude 25.43192

20. Menelaos Parlamas Museum of Piskopiano
Just 1.5 kms away from the town of Hersonissos lays
Piskopiano village, where in a traditional stone building
restored by the Cretan Historical Studies Society, is the
Menelaos Parlamas Museum. The museum houses a
collection of traditional pre-industrial age tools and machinery
related, in particular, to textile weaving and agriculture,
donated by Theano Metaxa. The building itself is the original
olive oil mill of the village. A ‘‘must see’’ collection for visitors.
Latitude 35.30798,
Longitude 25.38487

21. Panagia Gouverniotisa of Potamies
On a hillside above Potamies village, lays the Panagia
Gouverniotisa Monastery, which is dated from the second
half of the 14th century. The monastery is dedicated to the
Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is not functional as far
as holy sacraments and functions, its facilities are
preserved carefully and are accessible for visitors. It is a
majestic and significant Christian monument.
Latitude 35.26023,
Longitude 25.38448

22. Lychnostatis Museum
A Cretan open-air Museum Lychnostatis was
created in order to inform, educate and promote
visitors to Cretan folk cultural heritage through its
outstanding collection of folk tradition and ethnology,
nature, environment, as well as Cretan folk art and
pre-industrial technology.
Latitude 35.3067,
Longitude 25.41117

23. Gorge Roza
Gorge of Roza is an uphill route of 2.750 m, with an
elevation difference of 300 m. It is a relatively easy
route with a few difficult spots. The gorge is open from
April till November. The wild beauty of its flora and
fauna will be carved in the memory of every visitor. A
magical and breathtaking view throughout the route
concludes a once in a lifetime experience.
Latitude 35.22592,
Longitude 25.4424

24. Port of Hersonissos
Port of Hersonissos is located in the town of
Hersonissos, a beautiful Mediterranean seaside town
where visitors can also see Dia island. A magical view of
the port can be seen during the night hours highlighted
by lights along its coastline. Visitors also can admire the
Roman remains, built and maintained during the Roman
age. The Roman Theatre, the Sarakino fountain and the
Roman Aqueduct create a spectacular and magnificent
site for every visitor.
Latitude 35.32259,
Longitude 25.39219

25. Koutouloufari traditional village
Koutouloufari village is located right above the town of Hersonissos,
just 1 km away. It is known for its traditional architecture, an
amphitheatrically like village that combined with the cobblestone
paved streets, offers an outstanding feeling for every visitor. Its
traditional taverns serve Cretan traditional dishes, amongst other
cuisines, and provides a quiet and rather romantic atmosphere with
the mountain side view down Hersonissos town and coastline.
Cretan nights with traditional music and dancing will be carved in
the memory of every visitor as a magical experience.
Latitude 35.30595,
Longitude 25.39227

26. Argirakio Ethnological War Museum
Argirakio Ethnological War Museum is located in the
Municipal Unit of Episkopi, and houses an important
WW2 collection of the war spoils of its founder,
Argirakis Michael. Its purpose is to rescue, preserve,
exhibit and display objects of folklore and ethnological
character. Through the exhibitions, visitors can see
military WW2 items as well as documents and
photographs.
Latitude 35.25717,
Longitude 25.23758

27. Dia Island
Dia Island is located 6 miles northeast of Heraklion city.
It is a virgin island and the home of seabirds and
species associated with coastal cliffs. It is one of the
NATURA protected areas, due to its status as a biotope
for endemic plants. Legend has it that Dia Island used
to be a colossal sea creature that came close to Crete
and then at the last moment Zeus turned it into stone
with a powerful thunderbolt, thus creating the island.
Latitude 35.39320,
Longitude 25.06526

28. CretAquarium
Crete Aquarium building complex is located in the
grounds of the former American Base at Gournes, a
village within the Municipal Unit of Gouves. It offers the
visitor a magical and spectacular insight into the
Mediterranean underwater sea life. A vast number of sea
species and organisms, animals and rare plants are
exhibited in 60 tanks with a total amount of 1.700.000
litres of sea water. The Aquarium is home to 2000 sea
animals and 200 different species
Latitude 35.33235,
Longitude 25.28243

29. Cave of Skoteino
The Cave of Skoteino is located in the small village of
Skoteino, in the Municipal Unit of Gouves. Its entrance is
situated at an altitude of 225 m. The cave is 10 m high and
27 m width. It is divided into three areas, the entrance, the
big temple and the altar, and was used for cult worship of
the goddess Artemis during ancient times and later on as a
religion centre for Christians. At the entrance stands the
church of Agia Paraskeui with outstanding frescoes within.
In the cave the majestic sight of stalactites and stalagmites
fulfill an extraordinary picture for every visitor to observe.
Latitude 35.30473,
Longitude 25.29763

30. Gorge of Karteros
Gorge of Karteros also known as Astrakiano Faragi is
located in the Municipal Unit of Gouves and can be
entered by Karteros village on the southeast side. It is a
destination rich in natural beauty full of flora that only
exists in Crete; moreover it is an ideal hiking trail full of
ponds and small waterfalls. It will satisfy even the most
demanding visitor, offering at the end of the route a frugal
structure for visitors to rest.
Latitude 35.26043,
Longitude 25.20853

31. Agios Ioannis Theologos Monastery
Agios Ioannis Theologos Monastery is located in the village
Anopoli in the Municipal Unit of Gouves, just 5 kms from
Kokkini Chani. Although it has experienced the cruelty of the
Turks during the Turkish occupation of Crete, it still stands and
functions not only as a reminder but also as a beacon and
cornerstone of Orthodoxy in the area. It is a beautiful
monument and around it expands a valley at an altitude of 170
m, southeast of Anopoli. Monks and locals treat visitors with
the characteristic hospitality of Cretan people.
Latitude 35.30107,
Longitude 25.26051

32. Kera Eleousa Monastery
One of the most important monasteries, in the Municipal
Unit of Gouves, located near Voritsi village just some
minutes away from Gouves village. A fortress type
Monastery with significant archaeological value of its
still standing ruins. Visitors can admire the church, the
monks’ cells and the beautiful yard of the monastery as
well as experiencing warm hospitality each and every
time they visit.
Latitude 35.28636,
Longitude 25.3064

33. Eileithyia cave
Eileithia cave is located 7 kms east of Heraklion city and
about 1 km southeast of Amnisos. According to Greek
Mythology, this was the cave that Hera gave birth to
Eileithia, goddess of childbirth. Inside the cave is a
rectangular room with a big curved worship stone
surrounded by two cylindrical stalagmites, which completes
a full image of where ancient Greeks worshiped Eileithia.
Latitude 35.32661,
Longitude 25.21087

34. Minoan Palace Nirou Chani
Minoan Palace of Nirou is located just minutes away from
Kokkini Chani village in the Municipal Unit of Gouves. It is
known for its almost square two storey villa covering an
area of 1000 square m as well as 40 rooms, built next to
the sea. A large number of ceremonial vessels were found
and it was suggested that it was a centre for making votive
objects for export and possibly housed a major ancient
religious leader. It was built during the 16th century BC.
Latitude 35.3271,
Longitude 25.26061

35. Archeological site of Amnisos
This Minoan settlement is located in between Kokkini Chani
village and Karteros village, on the west side of Paleochora
hill. Nearby the sea was also found a Minoan port, buildings
and an outdoor archaic sanctuary where Zeus was
worshiped. On the eastern side of Paleochora hill, a Minoan
villa is located of 1600 pch with frescoes depicting
blossoming lilies. One of the largest temples of ancient
Crete lies in the form of ruins in the west side, where the
sanctuary of Zeus Thenatas used to be.
Latitude 35.33131,
Longitude 25.20714

36. Water Parks
Hersonissos Municipality has three major water parks,
Star Beach, Water City and Aqua Plus. All of them offer
to the visitor adventurous water games, relaxing water
routes and stations as well as entertaining concerts of
every kind. An enjoyable experience for couples,
families and individual visitors. A variety of food outlets
are situated within the complexes.
Watercity (Latitude 35.31032,
Longitude 25.25119)
Starbeach (Latitude 35.30806,
Longitude 25.40505)
Aquasplash (Latitude 35.28839,
Longitude 25.36641)

37. Adventure Tourism
Hersonissos Municipality offers a wide range for
adventurous visitors such as scuba diving, horse
riding, hiking and paragliding. Diving centres are
on the coastline of the municipality. Horse riding
schools are in or near the main towns or are
situated in the mountains, providing a variety of
venues for horse riding. Get the adrenalin going
with some paragliding or rock climbing events.

38. Crete Golf Club
The only golf course in Crete and one of the
most spectacular in the Mediterranean. It
offers a unique experience to visitors in a total
area of 720 square m. the Crete Golf Club has
a mountain style layout and at the same time it
provides an ideal venue for international
tournaments
Latitude 35.28870,
Longitude 25.35987

39. Places Worth Visiting
Municipal Unit of Malia
•Mochos Square
•Folklore Museum of Mochos
•Parthenagogio in Malia
Municipal Unit of Hersonissos
•Koumarodasos Forest
•Agios Georgios Ancient Quarries
Municipal Unit of Episkopi
•Agios Georgios Toupaki
•Agia Anastasia- Agia Anastasia Gorge (Kainourgio Chorio)
•Grinded- Foskolo Tower (Kainourgio Chorio)
•Metamorphosis Sotiros Church (Stamnoi)
•Boarding School (Episkopi)

40. Mochos Square
Mochos village is located on the south side of Stalis
village just 12 kms up on the mountain side. A traditional
village that preserves its 16th century architecture, with a
warm and significant big square. In the square, various
cafes, taverns and a local supermarket offer traditional
dishes as well as local Cretan drinks. Every 15th of
August the celebration of the Virgin Mary takes place and
a vast number of people feast and dance in her honour.
Latitude 35.26361,
Longitude 25.42283

41. Folklore Museum of Mochos
The Folklore Museum of Mochos is in Agios
Georgios square. This two-storey house has
been divided into two thematic entities.
Downstairs is displayed the Cretan traditional
house and on the top floor are presented objects
and tools of traditional occupations.
Latitude 35.26352,
Longitude 25.42267

42. Parthenagogio in Malia
Parthenagogio is the Greek word for a
school for girls, in the early 19th century. It
was built in the early 20th century and during
WW2 German occupants used it as a social
club for their officials. After the Greek
Liberation it was used as a food rations
chamber. Today it is used as a meeting
point for elders, to entertain themselves or
to arrange activities of any kind, basically a
K.A.P.I. building.
Latitude 35.28626,
Longitude 25.45866

43. Koumarodasos Forest
Koumarodasos Forest is a unique mishmash of
various trees, bushes and plants that exist
exclusively in Crete. Some examples are
Charoupia and Prinos trees, Aspalathos and
Astivida bushes and Tsimoulia and
Stamnagkathi plants. Wild rabbits complete a
wild but approachable experience for the
lovers of nature, to enjoy. This is the only forest
that offers a peripheral view of Hersonissos
Municipality area.
Latitude 35.286601,
Longitude 25.405408

44. Agios Georgios - Ancient Quarries
Shortly after the church of Agios Georgios in
Anissaras there is a large quarry with at least two
periods of operation. The digging out begins
superficially and continues underwater up to the
opposite island. Within a thirty metres width of the
seabed there are evident traces of tools, mining
levels, contours of extracted blocks and blocks with
circumferential grooves dating from the Minoan era.
Latitude 35.337184,
Longitude 25386549

45. Agios Georgios Toupaki
A magnificent journey is the Toupaki, a
green hill in Episkopi. Agios Georgios
church is located 2 km east of Episkopi
village and was built in the 15th century. The
church is decorated with impressive
frescoes and a characteristic byzantine
built.
Latitude 35.25756,
Longitude 25.24413

46. Panorama Agia Anastasia-Gorge
The beginning of the gorge is at Kainourgio
Chorio village. The name derives from the church
of Agia Anastasia at its entrance and is situated
among rocks. It is home to a wealth of unique
vegetation and an ideal destination for a trip
through natural Crete.
Latitude 35.284812,
Longitude 25.263195

47. Metamorphosi Sotiros Church(Stamnioi)
Metamorphosis Sotiros Church is located in
Stamnoi village, just 9 km from Kokkini
Chani village, a traditional and picturesque
village with warm hospitality for all visitors.
The church is a typical example of a three-
aisled, cross decorated temple, which is
indeed unique in Crete.
Latitude 35.27038,
Longitude 25.23849

48. Presses- Foscolo Tower (Kainourgio Chorio)
Kainourgio Chorio is a village with a long history considering that
the area was a feud during the Venetian period. Crossing the
paths of the village, visitors will see the Tower of Foskolo which
still stands today in the centre of Kainourgio Chorio. Its
construction dates back before 1600 AC and, although it has
collapsed at the bottom, impressive arches and domes that will
impress any visitor, still exist. To the north of the village are the
Venetian presses which belong to the category of created-lid. They
consist of three large stone-built wine presses, with three ypolinia,
one for each winepress.
Latitude 35.28493,
Longitude 25.25881

49. Boarding School (Episkopi)
The Boarding school of Episkopi is located in
Episkopi village and was the first of its kind in
the Heraklion area. Only the north and south
walls are preserved today and stand as a
reminder of the battle of Episkopi on the 25th
of June 1897.
Latitude 35.25707,
Longitude 25.23756

50. Social Media Marketing
• FaceBook
• Twitter
• FourSquare
• Flickr
• SlideShare
• Pinterest
• YouΤube
• Google+
• 360 Cities
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51. The Power of Legacy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9taja2WLeMU

52. Land of Beaches and Experiences
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IX-jMfugMM

53. The Voice of Repeaters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Chcsh6M8yQ

54. Malia Crete - Where Tourism & Culture Become One
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uS6mBnZj6Yo

55. October 5th 2013
Get Social
Thank you!
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