If you love adventure, unspoiled nature, tranquility, hiking and beaches… then follow paths that will lead to less tourist but equally heavenly destinations!
You will need a car (preferably 4 × 4), a portable car fridge, beach umbrellas, walking or hiking shoes, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, plenty of water and light snacks.
MONASTERY OF SAINT JOHN – Giona
About 6 km from the village of Rodopi and the middle of the way to St. Paul we find the famous monastery of Agios Ioannis Giona.
There is a famous and renowned festival every year on August 29, with a throng around 4000-8000 people, with overnight feast, food and plenty of wine in honor of the Saint.
In front of the church is a mythical tree, where after the miraculous intervention, the leaves come out upside down, ie with the fluff up.
Strange natural phenomenon.
AFRATA BEACH
A picturesque cove with pebbles, situated 3,5 km north of Kolimbari, where you will come across Ellinospilio, an important monument of the Neolithic and Late Minoan period (found bones of humans and animals and rare lithomatiko material).
A small tavern will offer food and water. Diving is a allowed here.
SAINT PAUL
Starting from the Rhodope village about 12 km on a difficult dirt road, we come to the ruined abbey of St. Paul.
However difficult the path, the magic of the landscape is enough to compensate you.
From the monastery with holy paintings and impressions of pirates and Venetians emerges a wonderful, quiet and secluded small bay with crystal clear waters.
An ideal choice for an enjoyable and relaxing bath.
DELIANA GORGE
The gorge of Deliana starts from the village and ends in Mesaflia (village near Paleochora).
Its length is about 3 km, is easily accessible and you get 1 + 1 hours go – come. Ideal time to traverse, is in the spring, where the vegetation is at the peak and the water in the river flows in abundance.
Taverns await the visitors with traditional Cretan food at both Deliana, and in the nearby Panethymo.