Places to Visit
Preveli Hills (15 min.)
Preveli Hills starts on the foothills of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge and has beautiful rock formations. These bare mountains are also called 'paximadi', named after the dry (usually brown) rusk bread. Here you can take beautiful walks along old olive groves, meadows and the river. The views are breathtaking.
Preveli beach and palm grove (20 min.)
This beach is best known for the beautiful palm grove that starts from this beach. The emerald green water of the river slowly changes into the aquamarine blue of the sea. You can discover the forest via a footpath and take a refreshing dive in the river along the way. There is a taverna, shower and toilet on the beach. You can reach the beach by boat from Plakias or Damnoni, by car or by bus. The bus runs up and down from Plakias a few times a day in high season.
Shinaria beach (15 min.)
You can reach this beach via the traditional village of Lefkogia. A road with beautiful views leads to a beautiful white sandy beach. The beach is very popular with snorkelers, divers and nature lovers. Along the beach there are freshwater pools and many rock formations. Next to the parking lot a restaurant serves traditional dishes. It is easily accessible by car, motorcycle, scooter or bicycle. But it is also possible to walk, by first taking the bus and getting off in Lefkogia. From here it is 2 kilometers to the beach.
Souda beach (5 min.)
Only 5 minutes from Villa Sea-Esta Crete you can enjoy this mid-size beautiful sandy beach with beach beds, parasols, changing rooms and showers. Along the beach bars and restaurants serve delicious traditional dishes. The beach is easily accessible by car (plenty of parking), motorcycle, scooter, bicycle. Parking is free of charge.
Plakias (10 min.)
Plakias is a former fishing village and is located at the mouth of a stream that flows into the sea from the Kotsifo Gorge. The stream divides the village in two, you can cross via a bridge. Plakias has a long boulevard with cozy restaurants, bars and coffee corners, most have sea views. On the boulevard and side streets you will find shops, supermarkets, bakers, butchers and an organic shop. There is also a doctor's post, a dentist and 2 pharmacies. From the old harbor you can take boat trips to a.o. Preveli, Loutro and Gavdos. The length of Plakias beach is more than 1 kilometer.
Frangokastello (45 min.)
Frangokastello is a small village and best known for the Venetian fort that was built in 1371 as protection against sea pirates. Originally it was named after 'Saint Nikitas' and later it was renamed Frangokastello, which means castle of the Franks. Take swimming clothes along, because next to the fort is a beautiful long beach with crystal clear water. Across the fort there are a few restaurants that serve traditional dishes.
Aradena Gorge (60 min.)
Aradena Gorge is one of the many amazing gorges on Crete and relatively close to the villa. For the extremely sportive people bungee jumping from the bridge is possible during high season (depth 138 meters). Just walking through and around the gorge is of course an experience to never forget as well.
Gavdos (70 min.)
Gavdos is Europe's most southern island. It is visible from Villa Sea-Esta Crete (40 km distance) and one of the sunniest places in Europe. The island is administratively connected to Crete. In the southeastern corner of the island there is a beautiful natural arch, called 'Trypiti', on which a sculpture of a chair is placed. This chair represents the landmark of the most southern point of Europe. In the high season boat trips can be booked from Chora Sfakion to Gavdos. From the harbor of Gavdos to the southeastern corner of the island (where the chair is located) is about 8 kilometers.
Rethymno (35 min.)
Rethymno, located in the north of Crete, offers many interesting and beautiful places to visit such as the 'old town' and the 'Fortezza of Rethymno', which is one of the best-preserved castles of Crete that was built by the Venetians in the 16th century. It is open for visiting during high season. The appealing old town is characterized by narrow alleys with bars, restaurants and shops. The boulevard is amazing for walking and enjoying the beautiful views of the beach and the sea.
Lake Kournas (60 min.)
The beautiful Lake Kournas, in Chania, is the only lake with fresh water in Crete. It has a magnificent location, just 4 kilometers away from Georgioupoli Chania. It is a rather small lake, known from antiquity with the name 'Korisia'. Lake Kournas is a remarkable destination for an afternoon walk or a day trip. The relaxing and beautiful landscape is ideal for nature lovers.
Things to Do
Walking - Hiking
The surroundings of Villa Sea-Esta Crete offer multiple beautiful off-road routes for walking and hiking. Walking tours easily can be arranged and booked in Plakias.
Mountain biking - Cycling
The area is extremely suitable for mountain biking. In Plakias (only a few kilometers from Sellia) mountain bikes can be rented.
Swimming
Many amazing and astonishing beaches from small to large are within reach from the villa (just a few kilometers). See above 'Places to Visit'.
Fishing
Fishing is very popular in Greece and possible at every beach or rock near the sea. For professional hobbyists a fishing excursion on a private boat can be arranged and booked. Contact information is available at the villa.
Diving - Snorkeling
In Plakias there is an excellent Dutch diving school (www.dive2gether.com). This diving school offers among others day- and night diving at the most beautiful beaches in the south of Crete.
