near Chania
Apokoronas
The district of Apokoronas in the north-eastern corner of the Chania prefecture and at the foot of the White Mountains is one of the greenest regions of Crete and contains some interesting sights, such as Lake Kournas, the island’s only freshwater lake, picturesque villages and small beach resorts.
Georgioupolis
Georgioupolis is a small seaside town in Chania Prefecture, approximately 38 km southeast of Chania, in West Crete.
Is set in a green countryside with a large beach stretching about 1.5 km eastwards.
The area around Georgioupolis is Apokoronas, with its picturesque villages and verdant landscape.
kourna Lake
Kournas Lake is the only freshwater lake in Crete., was known as Lake Koressia in antiquity but later took its current name from the Arabic word for lake.
The lake is in a beautiful landscape, lying in a valley among the hills, about 4 km from Georgioupolis in Chania Prefecture (west Crete).Kournas Lake is the ideal place for an afternoon walk or a daytrip nearby.
The landscape is lovely and relaxing, whether you want to go for a walk in the countryside, swim or ride a pedalo on the lake
Rethymnon
Rethymnon is a little smaller than Chania but is also growing quickly into a sprawling, rather ugly urban centre. However its old town and narrow alleys along the water front compete with Chania for the title of “Most beautiful city of Crete”.
There are more Turkish houses and minarets remaining here than in Chania, although most houses are of Venetian origin. Rethymnon also has a long sandy beach which starts practically in the centre of the town and stretches eastward. Needless to say, this beach is lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes and all the other accompanying touristic “symptoms”.
Samaria Gorge
The gorge of Samaria is situated in the National park of Samaria, in the White Mountains in West Crete.
This majestuous gorge is considered one of the great attractions of Crete and many tourists want to visit it.
But you must realise that it is a long (5 to 7 hours) walk on rough terrain so you will need to have a certain degree of fitness and walking experience in order to enjoy it.
Imbros
The walk through the gorge of Imbros is a popular alternative to the Samaria gorge for those who prefer a shorter walk. It is also far less crowded (but by no means empty!).
The gorge of Imbros is also used by individuals and tour organizers as an alternative to the Samaria gorge when this one is closed to the public , generally between October and the beginning of May.
