A traditional Crete village boasting a fascinating history and beautiful beaches.
Description
Gerani is located 14.5 kms west of Chania Town and the local people call it Pano Gerani in order to distinguish it with the coastal settlement of Kato Gerani located 1 km to the north. In the centre of the village you will find many cafes and restaurants, however it is also ideally located for you to visit the nearby quaint villages of Platanias and Agia Marina by foot. The long sandy beach on the north of the village is of Blue Flag standard and is a popular choice for those wanting to admire the blue sea joining with the blue summer sky.
This traditional village is oozing with history, and dates back centuries with some claims to the town being in the exact location of ancient Kydonia and the temple of Vritomartis. Holidays to Gerani are perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing holiday in a traditional and historic village.
Things To Do
Fun Excursions on Chania Holidays
Make your holidays to Chania extra special by booking one of our wonderful excursions, which have been selected to cater for everyone's interests. Here are some of our most popular excursions:
Spinalonga: This one is for the sailors and sun lovers amongst you. Interested? Then come along with us to the haunting island of Spinalonga, an old Leper Colony!
Chrissi Island: An exceptional day out to a tropical paradise set in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan sea. Sunbathe on the wondrous beaches of unusual coloured sand.
Unknown Crete: Travel through unspoilt villages where donkeys still travel the roads. Visit a local winery to see how the wine is made, with the opportunity to sample and buy.
Cretan Night: If you love food, drink and dancing, then you'll love this night out. As you enter the venue, the Cretan atmosphere takes hold as the evening continues with eating, drinking and merrymaking as only the Greeks know how.
Knossos: If you visit Crete and do not see the ancient palace of Knossos it compares to visiting Egypt and not seeing the pyramids. This is where European civilisation began with the dazzling Minoan people.
Jeep Safari: Travel off the beaten track through traditional mountain villages - your chance to get a taste of the real Greece.
Beach Party: Join your Olympic Reps on your very own sandy beach for an afternoon of partying in the sun! An hour and a half free bar will get you in the mood to join in the games.
For further information and to secure your place on any of the above exciting days and nights out, see your Olympic representative in resort. The best time to book is at the Welcome Get Together on the day after arrival.
Things To See
Samaria Gorges: Crete has the longest gorge in Europe and second in the world to the Grand Canyon. You get to it by a ferry with a stop en route at a village called Lutra, only accessible by boat. The gorge cuts through the White Mountains. Apart from its beauty, the gorge is teeming with wildlife and there are incredible wildflowers during spring.
Knossos Palace: This palace, in a beautiful site just 5 kms southeast of Heraklion, is the most magnificent and evocative of Crete's Minoan sites. Admission is around 6 Euros, 4 Euros students with official ID and people of 65 or over. Apr to mid-Oct, open daily 8am-8pm. Mid-Oct to Mar, open from Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm.
Knossos and Museum: Gain an insight into the history of Crete with this tour of Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Museum.
The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion: Famous for its huge Minoan collection. Opening times: April to mid-October: Tuesday to Sunday 8am-8 pm / Monday 12.30-8 pm. Mid - October to March: closes daily at 5 pm. Around 10 Euros for adults and 6 Euros for students with official ID and people of 65 and over.
Chania Area: Stroll through the streets of the old town with original Venetian buildings and fortifications dating from the 13th century. There is an archaeological and a naval museum, as well as the Historical Archives of Crete. The picturesque Venetian Harbour is well worth to visit.
Spinalonga Island: Made famous as the setting of the film 'who pays the ferryman?' Thousands of visitors come here every year to see the ruins of the Venetian Fortress and Leper colony. Take a boat ride over and enjoy plenty of time to explore the island. It is a great place to enjoy a barbecue of real Greek food and have a swim in the beautiful water before heading back. A very relaxing day out.