Western Adventure
Discover the Nature of Crete
An afternoon journey that reveals myths of saints and scenic hilltop views. From the beginning enjoy the ride and relax, as the train leaves the crowded areas behind, passing through small villages before touching on the outskirts of the fishing village of Kolymbari. Prepare to feel enchanted as the train turns inland, bound for the village of Marathokefala, where time really seems to stand still with its everyday slow pace of life. The first stop is at the highlight of this area, “The cave and church of Saint John”, which holds an eerie tale! Τhe second stop provides a unique opportunity to witness “Raki” making – the local firewater said to be 40% Vol based! Not forgetting other local natural products: rakomelo, honey, olive oil, all offered in this tour – cheers! At the last stop, reaching Vouves village, get the chance to admire its “Olympic Olive Tree”. It’s recorded as the oldest in the Mediterranean and is the source of olive leaf crowns for recent Olympic Games. A mixture of panoramic views, intriguing highlights and friendly hospitality, all combined to make this an ideal way to start your early evening!
Tickets
- Adult 23.00€
- Child 12.00€
- *Entrance fee for the cave €1 for adults (optional)
- Book
DON’T FORGET
- Bottle of water
- Sun cream
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Light jacket or cardigan
- Camera
- Money
Route Itinerary
- We travel along the coastline towards Gerani village, leaving behind us the central towns of this region. We cross the villages of Maleme, Tavronitis and Rapaniana and arrive at the pebbled beach of Kolymbari, where we will have the first photo stop of this afternoon tour.
- Then the train turns inland, bounding for Marathokefala village. We stop for 20 minutes to visit the attraction of the area, the cave of Agios Ioannis the Hermit and to enjoy the panoramic view of the olive groves spread out in front of us.
- After the first stop, we cross the village of Spilia with the beautiful landscape and we arrive at a small distillery for an interesting demonstration.Tsikoudia (or raki) is an alcoholic drink, symbol of Cretan hospitality, synonymous with company and celebration and intertwined with all aspects of daily life.Here we have the opportunity to witness where it is made,to taste it and buy this genuine local good and more.
- In the last part of the tour, we pass through small villages and reach the village of Vouves. In the next twenty minutes we can admire the oldest olive tree in the Mediterranean and visit the interesting olive museum, which seeks through the exhibits to highlight the important relationship that this tree has with the lives of the inhabitants and the culture of Crete in general. It also offers a perfect location for a refreshment stop at the local cafe. Finally, the train slowly returns to the main coastal road and takes us back to the drop-off points.
Agioi Apostoloi
Seaside area, quite close to the city of Chania. It stands out for its golden beaches with shallow waters and the park that hosts activities for all ages.
Agia Marina
One of the most important tourist resorts. A delightful village situated on the northwest coast of Crete, located 3 km to the west of Chania. Its long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters make this an ideal holiday location for young and old alike.
Platanias Village
Platanias (Greek: Πλατανιάς) is a village and municipality on the Greek island of Crete. It is located about 10 km (6.2 mi) west from the city of Chania and east of Kastelli-Kissamos, on Chania Bay. The seat of the municipality is the village Gerani.[1] Platanias is a popular tourism village with a beach, several hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. Not far from the coast is the island of Agioi Theodoroi.
Gerani
Gerani is a village and a community situated in the municipality of Platanias, Crete, Greece. It has a population of 1,189 (according to the 2011 census) and it covers 6.398 square kilometers (2.470 sq mi). It is 14 kilometers (8.7 mi) from Chania, right next to the sea. The Gerani beach is awarded with the Blue Flag. There plenty of traditional tavernas, car rental companies, supermarkets and hotels in the village.
Maleme
A Late Minoan tholos tomb has been discovered in the vicinity of Maleme. The tholos tomb, located on "Kafkala" hill, was accidentally revealed and then looted at the beginning of the 20th century. During World War II a bomb caused the partial destruction of its roof and the backfill of the chamber.
Kolymvari
A truly unspoilt Cretan coastal village at the base of the Rodopou Peninsula, with a Greek Orthodox Academy and 17th century monastery. A fishing village turned small resort, known for its fish taverns and olive oil.
Kolymvari
A truly unspoilt Cretan coastal village at the base of the Rodopou Peninsula, with a Greek Orthodox Academy and 17th century monastery. A fishing village turned small resort, known for its fish taverns and olive oil.
Marathokefala – Cave of St John the Hermit
Marathokefala village is a picturesque village in Kolymbari area, famous for the Cave of Agios Ioannis Erimitis (St John the Hermit) which took its name from the hermit who dwelled in there and the church of St. John inside the cave.
Tsikoudia Distillery
Tsikoudia or raki is the local "firewater", a transparent alcoholic drink, with an alcohol content of about 40%. During our visit to one of the tsikoudia distilleries in the area, there is a demonstration of how tsikoudia is made.
Spilia
A lovely, quiet village with traditional architecture and lush greenery nestling in the countryside only 4 km from Kolimbari, and 30 km west of Chania Town.
Vouves – Monumental Olive Tree
Picturesque village in the Municipality of Kolymbari that hosts the oldest olive tree in the world and the Olive Tree Museum .The Monumental Olive Tree at Vouves still produces olives today and has an impressive trunk circumference of 12 meters. Close to it, the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves exhibits tools, which were used to cultivate the trees traditionally, before the mechanization of the process.
Polemarchi Village
The village of Polemarchi is 22 km from Chania, it has about 170 inhabitants engaged in agricultural work and a rich tradition in the production of olive oil, wine and tsikoudia.
Maleme
A Late Minoan tholos tomb has been discovered in the vicinity of Maleme. The tholos tomb, located on "Kafkala" hill, was accidentally revealed and then looted at the beginning of the 20th century. During World War II a bomb caused the partial destruction of its roof and the backfill of the chamber.
Photo Gallery
