Unmissable Beach House Arvi
Our guide to the local secret gems...
Towns & Villages
Kato Symi
This charming village is known for its natural beauty, historical significance, and its proximity to the enchanting Aphrodite Sanctuary. This ancient sanctuary holds great significance in Greek mythology as it is believed to be dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite.
Elounda
Surrounded by some of Crete’s most luxurious resorts, Elounda has a charming down-to-earth feel.
Fishing boats bob in the little harbour, which is surrounded by attractive shops, bars and tavernas
stretching north along the sandy beach and south along the promenade.
Plaka
Plaka, is a small fishing village just opposite the island of Spinalonga, with nice little tavernas,
restaurants, shops, a long beach and a couple of tiny beaches reached by steps.
Fourni
A picturesque mountain village with one of the best tavernas in the area and a horse riding club
where local trained guides will take you through the ancient paths. Great for breathtaking views
through the olive groves at sunset.
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is a medium-size town with a small-town feel and a wide selection of cafes, bars
and night clubs.
Arvi
Arvi is a small, seaside village overlooking the Libyan Sea. Arvi has a few lovely tavernas serving
fresh fish, tasty local dishes and, of course, abundant Cretan wine and ‘tsikoudia’. To the east of the
beach, you’ll find Arvi Gorge, as well as the homonymous Monastery. A wonderful combination of
marvellous sea, magnificent scenery and a relaxing atmosphere.
Viannos
The small town of Ano Viannos, or simply Viannos, is the capital of the Municipality of Viannos. Set
over a large and fertile plateau, where mainly olives are grown, it is at an altitude of 550m and has
around 1,000 inhabitants.
Keratocampos
A local fishing village with several fish tavernas serving the catch of the day.
Restaurants
Ritrovo, Arvi
A welcoming café and pizzeria by the water.
+30 2895 071383
Seli Taverna, Arvi
Drive up to the mountains for lunch with a stunning view at this hilltop taverna. Friendly service
and classic Greek dishes. They make their own olive oil so you can pick up a bottle to take home,
plus there’s a children’s playpark.
+30 2895 031080
Lukalis Cafe Restaurant, Arvi
A sweet local café, in the centre, with wooden seating under the big old plane tree.
+30 698 388 3894
Taverna Omalos, Kato Symi
Traditional taverna, set within the impressive landscape around Kato Symi.
+30 2895 031472
Taverna Kriti
Having been here since 1975, this family run restaurant is one of the oldest in the village. Service is
friendly, produce is often home grown and it’s reasonably priced. Their signature dish is the fillet of
gavros (small fish), marinated in vinegar with herbs and spices.
+30 2895 051231
Jimmy’s Tavern, Keratokampos
Highly recommended, the last restaurant you meet when you drive through the village.
Ferryman, Elounda
A seaside restaurant, where one can try the best of Cretan cuisine, with unexpected tastes and
combinations.
+30 2841 041230
Kanali, Elounda
As you cross the little bridge from Elounda to get to Kolokitha, this Mediterranean fish restaurant
sits right on the canal. The location and atmosphere are amazing.
+30 2841 042075
Paraiso Beach Hall
Beach bar/restaurant on Sidonia beach.
paraisobeach.gr
Paliri, Plaka
A very good fish restaurant with view of Spinalonga. Very good fish, seafood, even fresh fish tartar
and sashimi on some days. There’s also delicious Italian pasta.
+30 2841 042120 | facebook.com/taverna.p.plaka
Thalassa, Plaka
A seaside restaurant enjoying the gorgeous view of Spinalonga island. Dishes have all sorts of
Mediterranean flavours and the wine is excellent.
+30 2841 042671
Ostria, Plaka
At Plaka beach, it has a beautiful outdoor setting on the sea, overlooking Spinalonga. Very good
fish and local food.
+30 2841 041530 | ostriatavern.gr
Platanos, Fourni
A traditional taverna, serving fantastic Cretan food. It is located under a huge plane tree on a very
beautiful piazza in the centre of the village.
+30 2841 090776 | platanoscrete.gr
Pelagos, Agios Nikolaos
Found in the garden of a beautiful old building, most consider it the best Greek restaurant in the
area – especially good for fresh fish.
Best Beaches
Arvi Beach
Protected from the winds blowing in the area, this pebbly beach with shallow waters at the section
in front of the village (the sea gets deeper at the eastern part). There’s little in the way of facilities,
but the sea is crystal clear and the beach is generally quiet.
Mirabello Bay
Voulisma, Istro and the whole coast of Mirabello Bay towards the South has unique sandy beaches
(in July and August they do get quite busy however).
Chrysi Island Beaches
The unique island of Chrysi, is reached by travelling by boat from Ierapetra, which takes about 50
minutes. The island has amazing landscapes, white sandy beaches full of shells and crystal clear
waters (in high season it gets quite busy).
Kolokitha Island Beaches
The beaches along Kolokitha island are beautiful with clear turquoise waters (they might get busy
in high season). The beach of Plaka, with large pebbles, offers the unique experience of swim while
admiring the amazing view of Spinalonga island.
Vai Beach
Backed by the only natural palm forest in Europe, this beach was used in a 1970s bounty advert
(complete with artificial coconuts!). Although you have to walk the last 10 minutes to get here,
there are plenty of cafes, sun loungers and attendant crowds once you arrive.
Meakis Beach
Stunning secluded beach – perfect for swimming and water sports if you happen to be nearby…
Do & See
Spinalonga Island
A monument with rich history that spans from antiquity to the Venetians, which then became
a leper colony island and today is a popular archeological site with pending UNESCO World
Heritage status is just opposite Plaka; it is a beautiful day trip that can combine the sightseeing
along with the boat ride and a swim.
Chrysi Island
All the way to the South, a day trip to Chrysi island is an experience one should not miss. It is
protected as an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” and it has the largest naturally formed forest
of Juniperus macrocarpa (a type of Mediterranean Juniper) in Europe - the trees have an average
age of 200 years and height of up to 7 meters (23 feet). Seek out the 13th century chapel of Saint
Nicholas, as wel as the salt pan, an old port, Minoan ruins, a lighthouse and a Roman cemetery.
Thanks to the shallow waters around the island, snorkelling and diving are quite popular and its
bays contain a wide variety of shells.
Areti Monastery
A visit to the 16th century monastery of Areti is worthwhile; it is a great example of ecclesiastical
architecture that has been beautifully restored.
Ancient City of Lato
The ruins of the ancient city of Lato, a beautiful mountainous Minoan town, date from 1,000 years
B.C. They’re the best preserved in the whole of Crete.
Knossos Minoan Palace
Considered to be Europe’s oldest city, Knossos’ is home to the Knossos Minoan Palace, Crete’s
most famous historical attraction. It was once a ceremonial and political hub of Minoan civilisation
and culture; the setting is evocative and impressive, including an immense palace, courtyards,
private apartments, baths, lively frescoes and more. The palace featured over 1,200 rooms and was
first built sometime around 2,000 BC. Be warned, it can get very busy during high season, so come
early before the crowds arrive.
Horse Riding
In the mountain village of Fourni, there is a horse riding club where local trained guides will take
you through the ancient paths to enjoy breathtaking views through the olive groves. Discover
Cretan hospitality and the natural beauty of the Fourni plateau with a great horse trail ride.
Watersports
There is a wide range of options in the area, including water skiing, wake boarding, small boat
snorkelling and fishing cruises, sea kayaking, jet-skiing, SUP boarding and more. There are good
and experienced instructors who can teach you from scratch or help you hone your existing skills.
Scuba Diving
Visitors to Crete have the opportunity to explore its magical underwater world by choosing from a
large number of sub-aqua clubs and dive locations. The diving spot between Agios Nikolaos and
Elounda, on the Nikolos reef, is where divers can see caretta-caretta turtles and nudibranchs (a
species of marine snail). More experienced divers can marvel at “The Wall”, a cliff with a vertical
surface that’s tens of metres deep. At the bottom of the sea off the beach right in front of the ruins
of ancient Itanos, there’s an entire ancient city to discover!
Please call first to check restaurants and museums are open, and check the relevant government guidance before travelling.
No responsibilty can be accepted by Scott Williams for any issues that may arise as a result of the enclosed recommendations and information.