Southern Comfort
Discover the Nature of Crete
Truly a unique opportunity to discover uncharted “pages of time” in neighboring villages. Travel by train west, through the village of Gerani to reach the historic area of Maleme, home to Crete’s first commercial airport and the landing site where German paratroopers suffered heavy casualties during the Battle of Crete in 1941. Passing by Tavronitis Bridge, enjoy the stunning views of the river banks as the tour continues through the sweet scented valleys of Sirili. In the village of Zounaki, visit the Cretan Brewery and taste the secrets of fresh Cretan beers. The surrounding valley offers views of rare species of flora and fauna, before the train reaches Deres, located at the foot of the White Mountains, which are covered in snow until late spring. The perfect relaxation stop is offered here, combining the genuine hospitality of a local kafeneion among natural water springs and the unparalleled beauty of the landscape.
Tickets
- Adult 22.00€
- Child 11.00€
- *Extra fee for the beer tasting €3 (optional)
- Book
DON’T FORGET
- Bottle of water
- Sun cream
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Camera
- Money
Route Itinerary
- We start our relaxing excursion leaving behind the main coastal road, with the beach hotels and the crowded markets, and reach Maleme village, where our journey actually begins. The history of Maleme is centuries-old and we will get in touch with it immediately, in our first stop.
- For 20 minutes we stop at the German War Cemetery, where the soldiers, who lost their lives during the battles that took place on the island in the 2nd WW, are buried. The tranquility of the landscape and the unobstructed view to the sea set us in the mood for the rest of this excursion.
- We depart from the Cemetery and as we head towards the next stop, through olive and fruit orchards, we meet the Airport of Maleme, with its glorious past, and Sirili, a small traditional village.
- We arrive at the village of Zounaki, where we will stop at the first microbrewery in the prefecture of Chania. We will try fresh beer, enjoying the view in a wonderful space, next to their modern facilities. This tasting experience lasts 25 minutes.
- We depart from Zounaki and through verdant hillsides we reach the village of Deres, for our last stop. In an idyllic landscape with running water, we enjoy the hospitality of the few inhabitants.
- After the 20-minute stop, the train heads back to Zounaki and exits the village by another road, giving us the opportunity to stop for photos at points with a panoramic view, in vineyards and olive groves that thrive in the area.
- The excursion ends by passing through the village of Xamoudochori, before going out again on the main coastal road, which will lead 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.
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.
German Cemetery at Maleme
The German Cemetery at Maleme contains the graves of about 4.500 German paratroopers, most of them young, who lost their lives in the Battle of Crete in May of 1941. The war cemetery is located on a hill, in a very scenic location, serving as a monument reminding the foolishness and devastation of war. A short history of the Battle of Crete is inscribed on the wall of the entrance hall of the cemetery.
Sirili
Small settlement encountered after Vlacheronitissa. A village with a strong authentic local color, away from tourist centers, with magnificent landscapes, and traditional architectural interest. The residents are here mainly growing olives, citrus, vine.
Harma Brewery S.A.
Cretan Brewery S.A. is the first microbrewery in the prefecture of Chania, Crete. The brewery is located in the village of Zounaki and its highly sophisticated industrial facilities occupy 2000m2, surrounded by orange and olive groves. They produce fresh beer using raw materials of excellent quality. Their goal is the production and distribution of excellent, handcrafted beers that exude Crete, its traditions and timeless values through every glass.
Deres
Located in a semi-mountain region, about 25 km from Chania Town, with plenty of sparkling waters, green scenery and remarkable landscapes for touring and resting, is the village of Deres. Here the local population, besides olive cropping, collects chestnuts, produces honey and even manufactures coal in a traditional manner. At the traditional cafeterias you will be able to buy the local products made here.
Xamoudochori
Small, traditional village situated in green rolling hills above Maleme, with idyllic tranquility and panoramic views of the vineyards and olive groves, as well as of the bay of Chania and the cape of Spatha.
Photo Gallery
