White Mountains & Therissos
The tour departs from your hotel with the first stop at the picturesque Lake Agia. This small natural lake is an important wetland in the area, home to a rich variety of aquatic plants, ferns and frogs. At the same time, the lake serves as a sanctuary for many migratory and resident bird species, offering a beautiful and peaceful natural setting for a short stop and some photographs.
Our journey then continues through small traditional villages of the Cretan countryside, surrounded by fertile groves of oranges, avocados and olive trees. The route offers beautiful glimpses of rural life in Crete and makes for a pleasant introduction to the natural landscape of the island.
Our next stop is the impressive Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete. The park spans an area of approximately 200 acres in the Fournes area of Chania and is a unique space of natural beauty and environmental education. Along a beautifully landscaped walking trail, visitors have the opportunity to discover the flora and fauna of Crete up close.
Along the route you will encounter rare species of Cretan native plants, as well as tropical and subtropical varieties from various parts of the world. The walk unfolds across different levels of the hillside, offering impressive views and a particularly enjoyable experience in nature. Our stay at the park lasts approximately 2 hours.
We then head towards the village of Meskla, situated at the foot of the imposing White Mountains. From there we begin our uphill journey towards the mountain villages of the area. After approximately 6–7 kilometres we arrive at one of the most picturesque villages in the hinterland of the Municipality of Platanias, Zourva.
Zourva is a small mountain village with very few permanent residents, yet it attracts many visitors thanks to its rugged natural beauty and the panoramic views it offers. The village is “clinging” to the mountain slopes and from many points within it you can enjoy breathtaking views across the plain and all the way to the coastline of the Chania region.
During the journey there will be several opportunities to stop at selected viewpoints with wonderful vistas, where you can take beautiful photographs. A stop will also be made at a local café for a rest and to take in the scenery of the mountain landscape.
We then continue to the historic village of Theriso. There you can visit the Museum of National Resistance of Theriso, which houses weapons, personal belongings of resistance fighters, newspaper clippings and other significant exhibits related to the history of the Cretan Resistance.
In the village you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional meal at one of the local tavernas, well known for their authentic Cretan cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. Our stay in Theriso lasts approximately 2 hours.
After the visit, we begin the return journey by driving through the impressive Theriso Gorge. During the drive, short stops will be made at selected points for photographs, so that you can take in the unique natural landscape of the gorge before returning to your hotel.
