Hidden Treasures
Discover the Nature of Crete
Crete, in its 4000 years of turbulent past, has always been the crossroads of civilization, culture and history. Join us on this fantastic intoxicated journey through time and history. After riding leisurely up to the outskirts of Vatolakos, discover the mystical art of wine tasting, under the shades of bougainvillea plants, sitting in the old Cretan house and winery of Manousakis family. Do not miss the opportunity to taste – the nectar of gods- some of the island’s finest wines, which won many national and European awards for their quality and taste.
The next stop, on the hill-sides of Varipetro, where it peacefully stands the Greek Orthodox monastery of Metamorphosis, enchants every visitor with the majesty of the stone building and the breathtaking beauty. Join us for this afternoon tour that will unravel its most valuable treasures!
Tickets
- Adult 23.00€
- Child 12.00€
- *Extra fee for the wine tasting €5 (optional)
- Book
DON’T FORGET
- Bottle of water
- Sun cream
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera
- Money
- A dress code is required to enter the monastery. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
Route Itinerary
- We start our first afternoon excursion by train crossing the central coastline towards Gerani village. From there we turn inland from Platanias bridge and head towards Patelari village, crossing the fertile valley watered by Keritis river. To reach our first stop we travel through a hidden ravine, which only the locals know about. Riding along the winding streets that run through the olive and orange groves, we pass from the villages of Gavranou and Koufos and reach the village of Vatolakkos, where we will make our first stop.
- The Manousakis family winery has been active in this area for years. Their organic wines are produced from Mediterranean grape varieties that thrive in the soil and conditions of the region and are cultivated, committed to the sustainable development. During the 25 minutes that we will stay here, we have the opportunity to taste on their terrace 3 representative wines from their rich production and to travel mentally through the wine roads.
- We leave behind this special tasting experience, departing from Vatolakkos and passing through the central villages of Alikianos, Agia and Mylonania, which are located in the verdant valley of oranges and avocados trees. We arrive at the foot of Varipetro and from there begins our ascent towards the monastery of Transfiguration-Metamorphosis in Greek, where we will have the second stop.
- This monastery is inhabited by nuns and stands imposingly on top of a hill, offering an incredible panoramic view of the area. It is surrounded by fruit trees and cavernous chapels. We climb the stone-paved steps that lead us to the main part of the monastery, where one of the nuns will guide us around their space and make us feel part of this peaceful landscape. For their living, the inhabitants of the monastery tirelessly produce their own organic products in their fields and anyone who wishes can contribute by purchasing these selected goods.
- After half an hour, we leave the nocturnal atmosphere of the monastery and stop for fresh orange juice nearby, just before re-entering the main road that will take us back to our starting 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.
Patelari
Patelari is a village near to Platanias in which you will be able to witness characteristic samples of the simple people of Crete, occupied mostly in agricultural works.
Koufos
The district Koufos with almost 149 residents, is located approximately 15 kilometers southwest of Chania. It lies on a huge plateau between acres of orange trees and small streams fed in spring with melting snow from the mountain tops.
Manousakis Winery
The Manousakis family has turned a small vineyard into a thriving winery that proudly welcomes wine lovers. Each bottle of Nostos wines captures the character of this unique island and the aromas of the soil of the White Mountains. Being sensitive to ecosystem balance is central to their philosophy and they are committed to sustainable vineyard development through the use of strict earth-friendly practices. On their tasting terrace, in the area of the village of Vatolakos, they welcome us to enjoy their award-winning wines, which are praised all over the world.
Alikianos
Alikianos is the head village of the Mousouri municipal unit in Chania regional unit, located approximately 12.5 kilometers southwest of Chania. Alikianos is best known outside the island for the fierce fighting which took place there during the 1941 Battle of Crete, during which the 8th Greek Regiment (Provisional) helped cover the retreat of the 10th New Zealand Division, to which it was attached. Nested in the middle of a fertile valley, and covered with orange and lemon trees, the village stands proud, pleasing the eye with its beautiful orchards.
Agia Village
Moni Metamorfoseos
An orthodox monastery inhabited by nuns. It stands peacefully at the top of a hill, offering an unlimited view of the surrounding area, all the way to the sea. It is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus and was completed in 2012. Most of the artistic work in this monastery, such as mosaic floors and wood carvings, were done by the nuns themselves.
Galatas
Historical village built in 961 AD by Byzantine families in the ruins of ancient residences. It’s also the homeland of the famous composer Mikis Theodorakis!
Photo Gallery
